On June 6, 1702, the "Winter Solstice" anchored here on the Port of Valletta, the island of Malta.

Although it is just an escort gunboat, it is still powerful enough on the small neutral island of Malta. No matter it is the enemy's shore defense artillery, the decades-old grandpa artillery or ships from other countries cannot compete with it.

Of course, the people of the East Coast did not want to occupy the Island of Malta, at least they did not have this idea at the moment. The Knights who controlled the Island of Malta adhered to a neutral attitude and treated ships from all sides equally (except Turkey). They should replenish supplies and do business. As long as they pay a small entry fee, no one cares about what you do.

After the "Winter Solstice" left the port of Ajaccio, it headed straight for the North African coast. Sheng Dehong would question Tunisia and Tripoli to strengthen contact with local warlords. The docking on Malta Island was just to buy some ship materials to repair ships.

Interestingly, they encountered a merchant ship from France in the Port of Valletta. The ship set out from the Adriatic Sea and was preparing to return to Marseille. In addition to a large amount of cargo from the Balkans, there was also an envoy on the ship, namely the former Spanish Ambassador to Vienna Bishop Lerida.

Because the two countries declared war with each other, Bishop Lerida no longer served as ambassador for more than a month, but he did not return to China immediately. Instead, he secretly went to Northern Italy and visited some old friends. After learning that the Principality of Milan and other places would not return to Spain's arms, he could only sigh and leave sadly, return to Spain via Malta Island. Unexpectedly, he met Sheng Dehong, the plenipotentiary envoy of the East Coast to Europe, in Port Valletta.

Sheng Dehong arrived one day earlier than the bishop, and was staying at a friend of the Knights Order in the hospital. Bishop Lerida immediately rushed to ask for a meeting, and Sheng Dehong agreed.

"His Excellency Bishop, Spain has obtained a wise monarch, which is gratifying." Sitting in the back garden of a friend's house, Sheng Dehong said to Lerida, wearing a priest's robe, with a smile.

I don't know if it was too sensitive or what, Bishop Lerida felt that Sheng Dehong's words were sarcastic and sarcastic. He suddenly remembered the joke that was widely circulated in Madrid: In a war, the ministers reported to King Carlos II that Mons was occupied by the French army. Carlos II was puzzled at first, and then under the reminder of the attendant, he realized that Mons was a city in the South Netherlands under his rule, which made a speechless. Before the attendant reminded him, he even thought Mons was an English city, and made a big joke.

Of course, Carlos II made many jokes, and many were circulated in the courts of various countries, some of which were true, and some were rumors. The reason was that the British and the Dutch especially liked to ridicule the Spanish royal family they could not stand, and they were willing to spread rumors. On the contrary, the French, who also hated a lot of Spain, did not like to spread rumors. Although Louis XIV was aggressive, he still disdained to use despicable means to satisfy himself.

"Yes, His Majesty Philip V is very smart and good at uniting the majority, and he is very suitable for Spain," replied Bishop Lerida.

His words were also meaningful, because Philip V was very decent so far, which made most people very satisfied, which may be closely related to his grandfather's teachings. Louis XIV wrote many notes for him before the Duke of Anjou had gone to Madrid to ascend the throne. The notes were written in a hurry, very casual manner, and involved many topics, but they had to be said to be all golden and good words.

"Love the Spaniards, but don't favor those who like flattery. Refer to those who dare to offend your dignity for the sake of national interests and make you feel unhappy, and those who dare to take such a big risk are your true friends."

"When others talk about state affairs, please listen carefully. Start by listening more, but do not make any decisions. When your knowledge is richer, remember that things should be decided by you. But no matter how rich your experience is, be sure to listen to all the opinions and reasons stated by the Privy Council before making a decision."

"Thank you to the late king and all those who claim your succession to the throne. Trust your great trust in Cardinaleo, and thank you, because he has worked hard to manage the country for you. Give full trust to the Marquis of Argu (Amusement to France to Madrid) who is a good man, capable and upright, and will put yourself in your shoes and give you useful advice."

"Let all Frenchmen in Spain be more law-abiding and more harsh on them. Treat your own servants well (all brought by France), but do not indulge them, and do not trust them too much. If you are disobedient, dismiss them immediately and never support them against or hurt the Spanish."

"Don't have any contact with Carlos II's vassal except for essential contact and contact. Think of a good way to drive her out of Madrid, but not let him leave your country. No matter where she is, monitor her everything, strictly prohibit her from participating in state affairs, and be highly alert to those who often contact her."

"Don't be disgusted or ridiculed when you see something strange about the Spanish. Every country has its own customs and habits, and you will soon become familiar with the strangest things you see."

"Try not to give your favor and trust to those who wish to get these with money, and give them generously but more moderately. Do not accept gifts from others, unless they are worthless things. If you have to accept them, you can't owe him a favor in a few days with gifts worth more."

"Always remember that you are a Frenchman to be proud of. After you can completely ensure that your children inherit your throne and govern Spain on behalf of our family, you will go and inspect your kingdom. Especially Naples, Sicily, Catalonia and Aragon, see the local situation and be clear in your heart."

Now it seems that Philip V remembered his grandfather's words firmly, with modest behavior, intelligent and humbleness, and very generous people. It almost made the Spaniards, who had endured the stupid king for more than 30 years, burst into tears. It was considered a normal king! Moreover, this king completely regarded himself as a Spaniard, and even threw several French officials (Philip V's entourage) who were drunk and troubled in Madrid into prison, which made people applaud.

Now, the whole of Spain is cheering for the new king. The news of independence in Milan, Parma, Mantua and other places is considered to have been suppressed and drowned in these festive atmospheres. Bishop Lerida was also delighted by Philip V. France is the most powerful country in the continent, and it is really good for Spain to form an alliance with it. As for the opposition from Austria, the Netherlands and England, he did not take it seriously, because he had heard that the Ottomans were about to launch an offensive on the Eastern Front to fight for Transylvania, Hungary and other places. Faced with the enemy's "jihad", it is hard to say that the Austrians would not be restrained. This gave Spain and France an excellent opportunity to lay a chance to win in one battle!

"I wonder what advice does the Bishop have when you see me?" Sheng Dehong asked directly without going around the circle.

"Sir, why should we support the Northern Italian Federation?" Bishop Lerida sat upright and asked seriously: "If your country needs land or allies, Spain may be a better choice."

"Haha. The Italian people have the right to decide their own destiny. Whether it is Milan or Savoy, it is best to leave the matter to them to resolve it themselves. Any interference from external forces is not desirable. I can only say so much, Your Excellency the Bishop." Sheng Dehong did not express his true thoughts, but said perfunctorily.

Actually, this is normal. You can't just say it straightforwardly that we see that everyone here is rubbish, and we have to defeat you all, so that we can establish and dominate a new global order, right? This is too arrogant and will make diplomatic work on the East Coast much more passive.

"No! Italians should obey their monarchs, not decide their own destiny. God did not authorize them to do so." Bishop Lerida still said seriously. "The monarchs in Milan, Parma and other places are His Majesty Philip V. They are independent and joining an unknown federation, who completely betray the king's interests. They will be punished. Envoy Sheng, I only hope that your country will not participate in such matters, otherwise they will completely lose the friendship between Paris and Madrid."

Sheng Dehong smiled and said, "The East Coast Republic of China has always cherished friendship with all countries, whether it is Spain or Northern Italy. We advocate freedom of trade and national self-determination. Northern Italians have the right to decide their own destiny. This is what I said, I hope that His Excellency the Bishop can understand."

There is no need to continue here. Obviously, the Kingdom of Spain does not want to give up its own interests in Italy. At present, it is already very dissatisfied with independence just by Milan and other places, not to mention that the Northern Italian coalition forces will go south to attack Sardinia, Sicily and Naples in the future. Wouldn't that take their lives? In this matter, the East Coast is completely unable to meet Spain's demands. On the contrary, they will support the Italians in a war of national unity. The interests of both sides are completely different, and there is indeed no need to continue to discuss them.

On June 9, the "Winter Solstice" guard gunboat left the Port of Valletta and headed for Tunisia. As the situation on the European continent became increasingly tense, these North African warlords were also ready to make some benefits. They patted their chests one by one to ensure that they would safeguard the commercial interests of the East Coast people and not harm the East Coast and their allies, so they might as well do business with them. Anyway, it is a rag, and if you don't need it in the future, you can throw it away.
Chapter completed!