Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin.

The gray-headed German Emperor William I was half lying on a beautifully decorated soft couch for a nap. He was over 80 years old and was less and less energy. He would take a break from time to time tomorrow. The sound of gentle footsteps sounded, and a gentle report sounded, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister, please see you."

William opened his eyes and sat up slowly. After changing clothes under the waiter's attendant, he slowly said, "Let him come in."

The 40,000 German troops were almost wiped out in Standerton. The two had differences on whether to continue to increase their troops to South Africa. William did not agree to continue to increase troops. After all, the purpose of capturing Johannesburg has been achieved. If Yuan Qi cannot be defeated in one fell swoop after capturing Johannesburg, he will face crazy revenge from the Qing Dynasty.

The Battle of Standerton had proved the combat power of the Qing army. Given that Germany itself did not have a strong navy, it would not only cause heavy blows from the Qing army, but also be subject to British and French. Compared with the Qing countries far in the east, British and French were the major concerns of Germany.

If he could obtain 40% of the shares of the Transvaal gold mine at a very small cost, he would not object. No country would be unwilling to have millions of ounces of gold earnings a year, but if the war continues or continues to expand, he would rather not.

However, Bismarck tried his best to continue to increase his troops. The four countries jointly sent troops to South Africa, but Germany suffered heavy losses. If it ceased, it would cause a heavy blow to Germany's prestige and would seriously affect Germany's expansion in Africa and the Ottomans. More importantly, Germany could not let go of the Transvaal gold mine easily.

If Germany wants to rise rapidly, it must have a strong economy as a backing. The continuous large amount of gold income is the biggest driving force to stimulate the rapid economic development. For Germany, which implements the gold standard, gold is currency!

What gave William a headache was that the prime minister Bismarck, who was highly valued and valued by him, was a typical tough guy. He threatened him with his resignation every time. Two years ago, the two had a disagreement due to the "cultural movement", and the other party wrote multiple resignations in one breath. In the end, he personally wrote Bismarck's resignation instructions to "never agree" and this matter was left unresolved.

"Your Majesty--." Bismarck slowly stepped into the hall and bowed to the salute and said slowly: "A call from South Africa, the coalition fleet broke out in Durban and the main fleet of the Qing Dynasty..." As he said that, he submitted a telegram.

The telegram was sent by Frederick Carl, who reported in detail about the battle of Durban and begged to increase troops in South Africa. After reading the telegram, William did not say a word for a long time. After a long time, he said: "The Qing Dynasty could not easily give up the Transvaal gold mine."

"Your Majesty." Bismarck said calmly: "Since we can compete with the Qing naval fleet, we can firmly control the Transvaal gold mine! In addition, we can also drag England into the water!"

Dragging England into the water? William glanced at him, "The Qing Dynasty can directly threaten India's safety, how could England easily break up with the Qing Dynasty?"

Bismarck said in a deep voice: "Once we increase our troops to South Africa on a large scale, even if Britain and Geely are willing to break up with the Qing Dynasty, the Qing Dynasty will not tolerate it!"

It is naturally a good thing to be able to drag British into the water. If the Qing Dynasty greatly consumes British British naval strength, it would be a good thing for Germany. William pondered for a moment before saying, "Prepare to see how Qing Dynasty reacted..."

The Qing Dynasty's reaction was beyond William and Bismarck's expectations. A few days later, news came from the United States that the Qing Dynasty openly declared war on Germany, France, Austria and Italy!

Germany, France and Austria are the four major military powers in Europe. The Qing Dynasty actually declared war on the four countries at the same time. Not only did the entire Europe cause a sensation, but the whole world caused a sensation! Countries around the world once again turned their attention to South Africa. The reason is very simple. The reason why the Qing Dynasty declared war on the four countries was clearly stated.

Just one day later, news came from the United States again, and the Qing Dynasty declared war on Britain and Geely! At the same time, the news came also, the Qing Dynasty had sent troops from Bangladesh to British India!

At the same time, the world declared war on the five major military powers in Europe! The whole world was filled with excitement. All newspapers around the world rushed to report on the war situation in South Africa. Johannesburg was captured by the French-Australia coalition, and 40,000 German troops were almost wiped out in Standerton. Durban defeated the main fleet of the Qing Dynasty. These battle reports became the focus of all newspaper reports.

Charlottenburg Palace.

"Your Majesty should be relieved now, right?" Bismarck looked at William with a smile. "The Qing Dynasty has sent troops from Bangladesh, and England has no choice."

William said slowly: "Where did the Qing Dynasty get the confidence when it openly declared war on the five countries?"

"Navy!" Bismarck said in a deep voice: "The battlefield is in South Africa, and it is the navy, not the army, who decides the victory or defeat. If the expected one is good, the Qing navy hides its strength when the battle in Durban. Of course, this is just a guess."

William said: "Will English be so suspicious?"

"With the pride of the British, even if they have suspicions, they can only start a war." Bismarck said: "The Qing Dynasty sent troops from Bangladesh to force England to start a war, and England was not allowed to hide behind them anymore."

"I underestimated the courage of the Qing Dynasty!" William said softly, pondering for a moment, and then said: "Since we are an open declaration of war, how many more troops are appropriate?"

"Hundreds of thousands!" Bismarck said without hesitation.

Hundred thousand? William hesitated for a moment. The combat power of the Qing army was no worse than that of the German army. It can even be said that it was still above the German army. It had lost more than 30,000 people in Standerton. Now that we have added another 100,000 troops, it would be fine to be able to take the Transvaal gold mine. If we can't take it, it would be a big loss!

Bismarck knew his thoughts very well and said slowly: "According to the previous agreement, our country occupies 40% of the Transvaal Gold Mine, and our country has increased its troops by 100,000. The other three countries will also increase their troops accordingly. The larger the scale of the war, the more naval forces the British will dispatch!"

After pondering for a while, William said, "Let's see what English is reacting first. English declares war, and we will declare war!"

"No." Bismarck said simply: "Declare war first, England will inevitably declare war! In the battle of Standerton, our army suffered heavy losses, so we must be the first to respond!"

William nodded and said slowly, "Then declare war."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty." Bismarck said: "The Austro-Hungarian Empire, Italy has made a statement to advance and retreat with our country."

On the day Germany declared war on the Qing Dynasty, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Italy responded immediately and declared war on the Qing Dynasty one after another!

The next day, France declared war on the Qing Dynasty.

On the third day, Queen Victoria of England also officially declared war on the Qing Dynasty!
Chapter completed!