Chapter 238 William II's gift list

The German Emperor's fleet was under the flagship of Brandenburg. More than 20 warships flew side by side with the flags of Germany and China slowly arrived at Tianjin Port under the escort of the Royal Navy Pacific Fleet of the Qing Empire. Due to the importance of the guest status, my special train of course arrived in Tianjin one day in advance to wait. The accompanying officials and the guards of the Royal Guards were filled with a full train.

When the German Emperor's ship Brandenburg approached the port, twenty-one salutes roared, and ribbons and fireworks set off at the same time. The entire German Far East Officer Training Corps, as well as a regiment of 101 town led by Feng Guozhang, deputy commander of the First Army of the Royal Army, lined up neat infantry queues on the shore, and a selected cavalry guard of 360 people also stood in the gentle sea breeze.

I was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, leading the officers behind me to the dock, waiting for the passage on the rack with my hands behind my back, and waved to the distance with William II, whom I saw on the ship.

As the officials of the Ministry of Rites chanted: "The emperor boarded the barbarian ship and comforted the German vassal kings--", I climbed the deck of the Brandenburg in a silence. But I was thinking in my heart that this set of ceremonial wars of the Ministry of Rites should be revised back.

On the deck, William II also strode forward, stretched out his hand, shaking it tightly with me, and before I could speak, William opened with a burst of laughter and expressed his joy: "The weather is so good, I like it very much. I am very happy to see you again."

I watched the high-nose German Emperor translator translate his words into Chinese, and I thought of the hilarious tribute just now, responding to William: "Welcome. If you like, stay here for a few more days. Recently, I often think of you, Your Majesty."

As he said that, he let go of his hand and poked out and made a gesture of asking for help.

"Is it because of the British?" William took a vigorous step and walked forward with great momentum. He said meaningfully, obviously he knew everything about the international situation in the recent past.

I also returned with a tacit smile. I led the way first and went to the shore to review the guard of honor.

As Feng Guozhang pulled out his command knife and raised it over his chest, all the cavalry controlled the horse under his crotch and raised his head and hooves, and raised his sword in his hand. As the infantry guard skillfully took out a gun-holding ceremony for the German rifle, Feng Guozhang issued an order: "Salute!"

All the soldiers who visited the audience shouted in unison: "I wish the emperor a lifetime! Welcome Your Majesty to visit China!"

The German model teaching group also welcomed their emperor with almost the same gun-carrying ceremony. From their fiery eyes, it can be seen that the German emperor's prestige and weight in their minds.

On the long-standing viewing platform, William and I sat down to watch the honorary performance and the small military parade. At the same time, we continued to talk about Britain.

"As you know, the British want me to make a choice, either English or Germany. I often feel that Britain and your country have a relative friendship? How could it be so distant?" I deliberately used such stupid questions to start the topic.

"Relative?" William's beard raised slightly, revealing a hint of fatigue: "Your Majesty, you have seen it. They don't seem to want my country to move forward in many aspects. Germany did not have the will to fight with them, but things often go against their wishes." As he said, his body was upright, his exhausted state was closed, and his eyes were deep and he looked at the Chinese and German infantry troop moving in the field with a smile. Only then did I notice that the soldiers were saluting us and waved his hands. At this time, William's voice sounded again: "Just like these soldiers who have already formed friendship, can anyone separate them?"

After saying that, I looked at me meaningfully, and while reciting his words, I agreed, "I feel very rude to the British request. I have not answered them yet, nor am I going to answer them. Do they think this land is also under the rule of the Queen?"

The German Emperor smiled and watched the performance intently. At this time, it was the inspection of the war product queue of the Krupp factory in Tianjin. The German Emperor became interested and looked at the mighty cannons and applauded.

But I thought about it on the side. It seemed that the German Emperor was not very worried about me that I would abandon him and join the British camp. If I said he was not worried at all, I would definitely not believe it. But it seemed that he had a way to deal with it, or to convince me. What was he relying on?

With Germany's war ability and industrial strength? Or is it a huge benefit that I cannot refuse this visit to China? As for the former, although the German Emperor was arrogant and confident beyond imagination, he did not forget the great strength and global status of Britain. But I don't believe in the latter. From industrial strength to naval and army, they have given many benefits. I am far from being a person who has never seen the world. What other benefits can he have surpassed the British?

Thinking back to his words just now, it seemed to have a little smell. "Is there anyone who can separate these soldiers who have already formed friendship?"

Yes, this is exactly the problem I forced myself not to think about at the beginning. The German and British camps will start sooner or later. But my army is pro-Germany and the navy is still good, because Lang Weili is "incompetent" for Britain, and the navy's pro-British ideas are not too serious. It is an indisputable fact that young officials at the grassroots level are pro-British, and this is an indisputable fact, and it is also a problem I will face in the future.

There are definitely not a few pro-German sects in the army. Not to mention that the army generally purchases German weapons, and airships that have made great military achievements were also inventions by the Germans.

Thinking of this, a thought suddenly made me sweat. Didn’t Zaifeng come back from Germany? Is there the support of His Majesty William behind his intentions?

There is no evidence or trace of the trace. This is just a possibility, but even this possibility is enough for me to be afraid. Maybe Zaifeng is seeking support from Germans in China and the Germans agree, or maybe the Germans come to him...

After returning to Beijing, it seemed that it was necessary to ask Zaifeng again. His inquiry record did not show that he had support from a foreign background. If it weren't for my mistake in guessing, it was because this kid had concealed the facts. Just for this one, he would be a little light on his ban.

It is not advisable to think too much before you. After retracting your thoughts, you said to William: "These are the results of Sino-German friendship. I am honored to be able to review with Your Majesty."

"I am completely consistent with your honor. It is a complete regret to think that our two countries are the number one power on their respective continents, but they are unable to control the world order. And I am here to seek an opportunity to make up for this regret." William looked into my eyes and said firmly.

I smiled without saying a word, and said after a while: "Your Majesty knows that many people in my civil service system like Britain very much. It is a lie to say that I have not been upset about the ultimatums of the British recently."

"Hahahaha--" William laughed several times and said, "Your Majesty, you are too modest. If someone in your country dares to oppose you, it is all those people who are tired of this world. Last year's Beijing Winter made the whole world see your majesty clearly. Alas--" He suddenly sighed and continued to shake his head and said, "You know, sometimes I also envy your majesty."

"Where are there—" I became even more suspicious and greeted him: "I am under a lot of pressure on this issue."

"Is that?" William's face improved again and he leaned closer to me and said, "Your Majesty is too careful. In fact, the British are under greater pressure. There is one thing I must tell you that the British sent envoys to Berlin to notify my government that the British Empire is willing to negotiate with our country on the ownership of the Samoan Islands. The Baghdad Railway will also start construction this year. The British Empire, the Empire of the Sun, has dominated the world for hundreds of years, and it should be replaced." His eyes showed a complex look of pride and contempt, and he added: "When they are old, the Boers can easily teach them a lesson."

I looked at him and knew that he was analyzing the pros and cons of Britain and Germany to me. As his side, he certainly chose the acne of the British. In addition, the British did lose people in southern Africa, so he gave him some topics of discussion.

If you really want to talk about the pros and cons of Britain and Germany, it depends on his fleet that would not be able to travel to Asia without the permission of the British. It would be enough to add the heaviest weight to the British side of the scale. After all, it is a naval era.

If you really want to join Germany, the prospects are really worrying. Not to mention the long geographical distance, just the navy, China and Germany are not half as powerful as the UK. No matter how strong the army is, can it sweep across the Eurasian continent?

If I show that I want to join the Allies, it is just around the corner for Britain and France to jointly arm Russia, and Turkey has gradually shown its disinterest from the British. After weighing the trade-offs, Britain will definitely let Turkey go to Russia. Europe will be fighting around Germany, and my long coastline will also become a vulnerable weakness. As long as the British give Japan a little decent help, the crazy Japanese with a belief in revenge will become my biggest drag in Asia.

It is his reason for the British to force me to show off at this opportunity. Maybe he feels that the timing is no longer allowed to delay. He thinks that I am already strong enough. If I continue to be strong, there will be a danger of losing control, so he can't wait any longer. If I wait any longer, it will become more and more unexpected.

It seems that the German Emperor chose to visit China at this time. After all, my country, the easternmost end of Eurasia, has become the target of these two groups competing for the win over. However, the British group no longer allows me to go both ends, and Germany seems to be unable to see this meaning.

Therefore, the most important thing for me at the moment is to make a compromise with Britain, and to strive for the understanding of the German Emperor. And for myself, I cannot let the world war be advanced, and the situation in front of me is quite clear. If one side wins me, it seems that it will immediately have the strength to destroy the other party's group. The British deployed troops in Africa, which means that they are not ready yet, but the German Emperor's ambitiousness has been revealed, and they have begun to challenge Britain's global hegemony. God knows whether the British have made up their minds in the global crisis in the past six months.

I was about to make a small bet, and the British immediately came up with a stud. In this big bet, they really taught me a lesson. Everything is based on strength. He can afford it, but I can't afford it.

While thinking, after inspecting the Tianjin Krupp Factory, Naval Martial Preparation School, Tianjin Fusheng Ordnance Company and other important facilities with the German Emperor, boarded my special train and returned to Beijing.

His carriage is next door to me. Sometimes he would come over to discuss with me. He would go back and forth with words of struggle. I always spoke with rigorous words and looked embarrassed. Sometimes it could be seen from his confident smile that he still had his trump card and did not show it out.

When he arrived in Beijing, he arranged for him to live in Prince Gong's mansion. Zaiying was an acquaintance and had just returned from overseas and had no problems with Emperor De. After receiving diligently, the staff of both sides also agreed on the itinerary for the emperors to see.

After William's consent and consultation with China, the itinerary for William was the first day of the state banquet and press reception. The content of the relationship between the two countries was decided by me. The next day, I went to the Yingling Cemetery in the Summer Palace to lay a wreath, and visited the British and French Allied Forces War Site in the Summer Palace in the afternoon. In the evening, Emperor De of the Qianqing Palace invited Chinese officials who had lived and worked in Germany, officials and business representatives in Huade. On the third day, he inspected the Gyeonggi Garrison, covering the First Army Camp of Fengtai, the Second Army Camp of Xishan, and the main camps and towns of the Third Army stationed in the city.

The specific itinerary is selected by China. William has a private gift to give to these soldiers. On the fourth day, he will visit some industrial facilities in Beijing, which will be selected by China. On the fifth day, he will attend the signing ceremony of the important memorandum of cooperation between the two sides. During these days, the follow-up government officials and military officials will discuss the cooperation projects of both sides with my government agencies and sign a series of cooperation agreements. After the symbolic signing ceremony of the emperors of the two countries, the contract will officially take effect. On the sixth day, the German emperor will leave Beijing and go to Tianjin, where he will set off and return home.

When I looked at these arrangements, the Germans did have their capital and also meant to strengthen the pro-German sentiment in the army system. I still need to read the contents of his government and industrial and commercial cooperation, so I found someone to come up with the German cooperation content table. At a glance, I knew that the Germans had really invested in this time. The Navy reiterated the plan to build warships in Tirpitz at the same time, but the number of battleships dropped to twenty-four. And to match it, the production line of Krupp Steel will also be officially moved to China to avoid the cost of long-distance transportation from Europe and the risk of British interference. However, this article involves infringing on the commercial interests of the British Harvey Port and conflicts with the Sino-British contract that year. How to resolve it in the future is still a problem.

In terms of industry and commerce, banking, construction, railway engineering, mineral mining, oil mining, petroleum industry, iron making, steel smelting, machine tools and other modern industries have transplant cooperation plans. As long as I nod, a more complete industrial system can be almost completed. It is almost equivalent to the later Soviets' industrial aid to China. Of course, this is just a laying point, but this is enough. As long as it is a bit, with the intelligence of the Chinese, the surface is not a problem at all.

But the same is true, these are all in conflict with the terms of the Sino-British comprehensive cooperation treaty. Of course, the British only outlined a big framework for me back then, but there were very few real measures, which was equivalent to writing a favorable contract in advance. If they didn't come by themselves, they could use priority clauses to interfere with it. The British were always on guard against me.

There is an opportunity before us. As long as the Germans are made public, if the British do not come, it means that they will automatically give up the priority clause, and they are facing the danger of losing my friendship.

Nowadays, China, Germany and Britain seem to be fighting wits and strength, and using war as the last bottom line to play a game. At present, it seems that the Germans have a little sincerity.

After thinking about it, I basically agreed to the itinerary and added one myself, removing the barracks project of inspecting the First Army and the Second Army and changing it to participating in government talks.

After returning the itinerary, Zhang Zhidong, who was urgently recalled to Beijing, was also summoned to the palace by me. Faced with a luxurious gift list like William II, Zhang Zhidong's heart was fully moved. He looked at the long form intoxicatedly, as if saliva was almost flowing out.

"What do you think of Mr. Xiangyan?" I was thinking in my heart, but I still wanted to hear his opinion.

"The emperor is wise!" Zhang Zhidong knelt down, his hand holding the form trembled, and said excitedly: "A great joy, a great joy! If this matter is extended for ten years, no! Fifteen years!"

Indeed, accepting this gift means that there will be less detours in industry for ten to fifteen years. Although I came from later generations, I could not give any great benefits and forward-looking opinions on the industrial progress of this era, especially the macro plan. In real work, I still need the help of these capable ministers and foreigners. Just as the new China in later generations had the help of the Soviet Union and completed decades of historical tasks almost overnight, I also urgently needed this kind of rapid help.

However, while accepting this help, the door to mutual trust with the British Empire was closed. After all, the British had the excuse of priority.

Thinking of it, he sighed and said, "Don't I know this? Just---", and said, "Honor Xiangyan, get up and talk, Duke Xiangyan, you are the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister, don't you know that the British are forcing me to show up recently, whether to follow their own or the Germans?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty—" Zhang Zhidong stood up and said, "Why is the British who are worried about the British?"

I nodded. Zhang Zhidong's face obviously relaxed, and he sighed: "Since the emperor is so worried, why not tell the Germans clearly? I think that since the Germans are sure to give this gift, there will be a way to let the emperor accept it. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a waste of the German emperor?"

I suddenly realized that the authorities were really confused. The reason is so simple, but I actually asked Zhang Zhidong to remind me. Hao Ran smiled and said, "Your Xiangyan Gong is so good at seeing you, I am almost confused. Let's do this, go and see the Emperor of De and tell me, you dominate the development of the country, and say that this is the right way."

"The emperor has heavy state affairs, and his thoughts are a little confused. Unexpectedly, I can't say anything good." Zhang Zhidong said modestly: "Since the emperor has given me instructions, I will go to Prince Gong's Mansion tonight."

"Well—" I thought for a while and asked him, "Kid Xiangyan, as you expect, what are the ways for the Germans to do?"

"Your Majesty forgot the foreigner named Jin?" Zhang Zhidong smiled and said, "The Germans are afraid they will hear it. Even if there is no such method, they will understand us and let us guarantee the British first. I think they don't want to show off with the British now, right?"

Oh? I really found that my thinking was a little confused. After all, I was still tired of my later experiences. I was worried that Britain and Germany would go too far. In fact, Britain was not ready, and Germany was ready again? And judging from the help of the Germans, the Germans still felt that my strength was not strong enough. Otherwise, they would not have had to give me such great help.

It can be seen from this point that the German General Staff must have incorporated my country into their group. Based on actual needs, there should be a stronger country in the Far East standing by Germany, thereby attracting some of the British attention in the Far East and giving Germany the opportunity to make great achievements in Europe.

People of this era are really no less knowledge than me. To put it bluntly, I have no other strengths except for hundreds of years of experience than them. But this strength, which is not very good compared to foreigners, is a huge upside down compared to some people in China. This shows the importance of broadening our horizons and opening up the country.

Like Zhang Zhidong, wouldn’t it show a superb vision far beyond the Zhang Zhidong that I remember?

The times are progressing, and everyone is also progressing. The world has long deviated from its original track. In the future, I must try my best to rely on my original historical knowledge as little as possible.

Thinking of this, my mood, which had been a little heavy for several days because of the British ultimatum, suddenly improved.

I have to make a deal for Germany. No matter what, the British have no excuse to accuse me. After all, they should know that they used the treaty first, and I continued to talk with him on the basis of acknowledging these terms. In addition, they should also understand how difficult it is for a country that seeks progress to be self-controlled in the face of such help.

As for the guarantee they want, I will give him it. The world war cannot be fought. Neither the British nor the Germans are ready. Even if they are ready, there is still a suitable excuse.
Chapter completed!