In the study, Wang Chenhao shook hands cordially with Dou Nale, and then took a seat with the host and host.

"I heard that your government has authorized Lord Wang to fully handle this matter?"

Dou Nale made it straight to the point and immediately identified his purpose.

"That's right!" Wang Chenhao nodded.

Dounale suddenly fell down and said, "Your country attacked our merchant ship for no reason, sunk one, and seized four other ships. This is a serious violation of the diplomatic agreement between China and Britain, and your country will bear all responsibility."

Wang Chenhao could understand Dou Nale's tough attitude, but he did not think that this was Dou Nale's original intention. So he explained: "I can give the British government a loyal hope and guarantee to our government: we will investigate this matter. Once it is proved that the actions of the Qing Empire's naval officers were breach of contract, the Qing government will do its best to give all due compensation."

Dou Nale snorted coldly and said, "You can start an investigation yourself, you can only protect yourself!" Wang Chenhao smiled and said, "I remember that during the Battle of Toyoshima a few years ago, your country's Gaosheng was sunk by the Japanese navy. At that time, your government ordered your country's Maritime Arbitration Commission in Shanghai to make a referee in favor of Japan. I will also hand this matter over to the Shanghai Maritime Arbitration Commission for Ruling." When the Gaosheng incident happened that year, the United Kingdom was also extremely angry and even called

He started a war against Japan or intervened in the Korean War, but with Japan's successive military victory, Britain considered "not to be troubled and offend the strong" and started from the general policy of using Japan to boycott Russia, and was unwilling to cause conflicts for a small merchant ship, so he gradually stopped insisting on compensation and apology. Later, the British maritime arbitration in Shanghai also made a verdict in favor of Japan, believing that the Japanese warship had the right to sink the high-rise ship, so Britain and Japan reached an understanding.

Now, Wang Chenhao has brought up the old story again, but the situation is exactly the opposite. Back then, Britain won over Japan and supported Japan to fight against the Qing Empire, and now the Qing and Britain have become paramilitary alliances to fight against Russia. In this case, the Qing and Japan war broke out again, and the same incident occurred. One British merchant ship was sunk, and this time the protagonist became the Qing Empire, which made the British government suddenly fall into an embarrassing situation.

Dou Nale's expression was complicated, and Wang Chenhao's words made him a little difficult to answer.

Wang Chenhao continued: "The fleet of Guigu Royal Nahuang Company carries Japanese soldiers to the Ryukyu Islands, which has violated your country's policy of pledging to be neutral in the Japanese and Ryukyu dispute.

Your country's ships entered the Ryukyu territorial waters. In order to maintain the integrity of the territorial waters of Ryukyu, our navy soldiers sent troops to intercept and inspect the ships of any country. The captain of your country's ships,

After being persuaded by our navy soldiers, the foreign officers realized that they were wrong to do so, so they were willing to hand over the ship. Originally, this matter had been resolved, but later the Japanese army on the ship suddenly armed and held your crew members hostage and forced them to shoot at our navy. So our navy had to fight back in self-defense. At the same time, at the request of your crew members, our navy used force to rescue your crew members on the ship. Therefore, based on the above reasons, I think we were purely misunderstandings. The fault was not on both sides, but on the Japanese side." Wang Chenhao's statement pushed the Qing Empire's navy's attack on the British side to the Japanese side, thereby avoiding a head-on diplomatic conflict with Britain. Dou Nale's bottom line could not affect the overall strategic cooperation between China and Britain. Wang Chenhao's explanation undoubtedly gave both sides a step forward.

Dou Nale smiled and said, "Since Lord Wang handed this matter over to our arbitration, it is enough to show the sincerity of your government. I will clearly convey the words Wang had just said to the Shanghai Arbitration Commission, and I believe they will make a reasonable ruling!" Dou Nale's words were clear and emphasized, which clearly means that he agreed with Wang Chenhao's suggestion to transfer this matter to Japan, thereby downplaying the diplomatic collision between the Qing and the UK and not affecting the overall situation of the two countries.

The two of them were tacitly aware of each other and smiled.

But Dou Nale came to visit Wang Chenhao not just for this matter.

"Your country started a war with Japan. According to the principle of neutrality outside the country's government, a number of warships built by your country in our country may be restricted from leaving the customs. Of course, with our good relationship, a number of warships built by Japan in our country are also restricted from leaving the customs."

Wang Chenhao frowned and said, "This is your country's right. Since the Japanese warship cannot come out of seclusion, it will not be a threat to us."

Wang Chenhao felt that the warships of the Qing and Japanese countries were detained, which did not affect the balance of power at the Qing and Japanese seas, so he didn't care.

However, Dou Nale's sudden words made Wang Chenhao fall into a passive situation.

"But unfortunately, I'll tell you that just the day before Japan declared war on China, the Japanese ambassador to London suddenly ended the sea trial of the Fuji and Hachishima ships early and completed the customs procedures." "Damn it, little Japanese!"

Wang Chenhao suddenly gritted his teeth. The Japanese man obviously calculated everything, ended the sea trial in advance and completed the procedures for exiting the war. In this way, after the declaration of war, the Qing Empire warships would be detained in Britain and could not exit the war, and the two Japanese battleships would be able to return to China to participate in the war within three months.

Although the only two battleships in Japan returned to China to participate in the war, although it could not change the absolute gap between the naval forces of the Qing Dynasty and Japan, all the naval combat ships of the Qing Empire did not have the ability to sink them. Instead, the powerful combat power of the Fuji and Yashima ships would pose a huge threat to the Qing Empire's navy.

When Dou Nahle saw Wang Chenhao's expression, he knew that the return of these two Japanese ships would bring uncertain factors and unpredictable consequences to the battle situation between the Qing and Japan.

"We regret this and really hope to help your country!"

When Wang Chenhao heard Dou Nale's tone, he knew that the British government was willing to let it go, but there was no sufficient reason or benefit for them, and it was impossible.

Wang Chenhao then said, "I wonder if the Minister has discovered a problem?"

Dou Nale shook his head, not sure why.

Wang Chenhao continued: "All countries have expressed their neutrality outside the country, but the Russians have not expressed their opinions. If I was not wrong, the Russians might be contacting the Japanese and Russian alliance to conduct secret consultations on the Japan-Russia alliance." "What happened?" Dou Nale was surprised, but his expression was quite calm.

Wang Chenhao immediately judged that the British side had already noticed this matter, and suddenly felt relieved. He continued: "If Japan and Russia unite, we will definitely not be their opponents. If we lose this war, Russia and Japan will inevitably divide China. At that time, your country's core interests in China will inevitably be affected."

Dou Nale smiled slightly and said, "That's the result we don't want to see."

Wang Chenhao said with a sigh: "So, I hope your country can release our two battleships. If we don't have these two battleships to help, we will not be the opponent of the navies of Russia and Japan, because they will have three battleships. You know, only battleships can sink the battleships. We don't have one, and we will lose if we fight."

Dou Nale knew that Wang Chenhao was trying to convince him, but he did not reach the bottom line of Dou Nale's willingness to help, so he just smiled faintly and said, "I can understand your feelings. The cooperation reached by Lord Wang with the Third Minister of Maritime Affairs in London has made the Sino-UK relations closer. I remember that Lord Wang also planned to buy second-hand warships from Britain to deal with the threat of the Russian Far East Navy. Although no agreement was reached in the end, the British Empire was very willing to help in this regard. If there was another opportunity for cooperation, we would be happy to cooperate." Wang Chenhao smiled bitterly. It turned out that the British were still worried about not purchasing second-hand warships from them last time. This time, the old thing was brought up again, and he also grabbed Wang Chenhao's weakness.

"If your country is willing to let it go, I think we can negotiate on this."

Dou Nale smiled and said, "If it is released, the two Dengyun-class battleships, as one of the world's strongest battleships, will be enough to deal with the three battleships of Japan and Russia. I'm afraid it will be a bamboo basket to get water again!"

Oh my god, you are not stupid.

Wang Chenhao cursed in his heart, still smiling, and said, "Then you may as well give me some advice?"

Dou Nale smiled slightly and said, "The British Empire Navy is the most powerful existence in the world, with hundreds of warships and dozens of main battleships. If Lord Wang is interested, we can sell it to you at a discounted price.

Wang Chenhao thought in his heart that it would be a pity that Dou Nale would not be a salesman. He never forgot to earn foreign exchange for the British Empire. He was so loyal.

"In our current situation, we need two or three battleships to supplement. I wonder if your country can provide it?" "No problem! There is absolutely no problem!" Dou Nale immediately became happy and quickly promoted the British retired battleship to Wang Chenhao.

In 1897, Britain built a large-scale battleship of the Magnificent Class, namely the British local version of the Chinese Dengyun Class battleship. The first batch started construction of nine ships to replace the d-ravaged class of the Royal Navy: d-D-Daughtless Class), i

(Unforcing Class), a Jazz White Giant Class…) and other old-style turret armored ships that started construction in the 1970s and 1980s were fully equipped with all-steel battleships.

Of course, Dou Nale promoted these old-fashioned turret armored ships to Wang Chenhao, but Wang Chenhao immediately curled his lips and rejected these rags.

Dou Nale smiled and knew that such outdated battleships would definitely not be able to get Wang Chenhao's eyes, so he immediately promoted other battleships.

"Since Lord Wang doesn't like these battleships, I have to recommend something else to you. What about the other battleships you, Collingwood, and Rodney, Ii?

These two warships are equipped with 6 343mm main guns and 2 412mm main guns, with strong firepower. They are still serving in the Royal Navy Indian Ocean Fleet, closest to China, as long as you nod, they can drive over immediately."

The two ships Collingwood i and R Rodney ii are both British Admiral-class battleships. They were built around 1887, with ten years of age and are at the age of retirement.

It can be said that it was the first real Lu-cannon battleship in Britain. The basic ship layout became the standard for most main battleships until the 1906 Dreadnought. The overall layout is the same as the "Rabbit", with a main gun position installed along the center line in front and behind. There is a large superstructure in the middle, with sub-cannons and light guns arranged, which determined the basic layout of the battleship for the first time. The displacement during design was limited to 10,000t, so it was within. Inadequate protection and Lu-cannon layout were its fatal weaknesses.

Wang Chenhao shook his head and said, "In terms of firepower alone, the 343mm and 412mm main guns are powerful, but the diameter is short and the power is limited. Once the Lutian turret is hit by the enemy's rapid-fire gun fire, it will be wiped out. Don't!" Dou Nale smiled and said, "Lord Wang is an expert, but it doesn't matter. If we don't like this one, we still have it." Then, Dou Nale came up with another plan and introduced several Nile-class battleships to Wang Chenhao.

"This is the heaviest battleship of the Royal Navy, using 4,320 tons of protective armored steel plates, and no battleship can sink her."

As the heaviest first-class battleship of the British Navy, the Nile-class battleship has a armor on its side of the armour of 508 mm. As Dounale said, no battleship can sink it, because there are no 508 mm caliber naval guns at all.

At the same time, the Nile-class battleship was equipped with four 343 mm dual main guns and six 119 mm secondary guns and ten 47 mm rapid-fire guns. There are two battleships in this class, both of which were built and put into service in the Mediterranean Fleet in 1891. The only drawback is that this class is an excessive product of the all-steel battleship, the King of the Lord.

“This one is OK, what price?”

"The unit price is 1.8 million British list! You can buy another one together to offer discounts." "You can consider the 1 million British list!" Dou Nale bargained with Wang Chenhao for a long time, and finally Dou Nale took out his bottom line and took out two British lists.

But Wang Chenhao obviously would not buy it. He can build two more Dengyun-class battleships on the three million British list. There is no need to buy the Nile class. Besides, the Nile class is outdated and has to be retired and dismantled after five or six years of service. Of course, it is not worth buying a pile of scrap iron on the three million British list.

"That's it! How about I order two Dengyun-class battleships to your naval shipyard?" "That's fine!" "But you have to let Dengyun and Payun out of seclusion!"

"This may be difficult!" Dou Nale explained: "If you buy our warship, you can entrust a third-party agency to handle it, and we can also explain it. But if we directly let the two ships Dengyun and Tayun go out of seclusion, we may have to bear great international public pressure." Wang Chenhao said: "You just lack an excuse! If this is the case, the Qing government owes me hundreds of millions of silver. I will force the Qing Empire to mortgage the two ships Dengyun and Tayun to me as debt repayment. The two ships will be my Si people's property and have nothing to do with the Qing government. You can let it go, right?" Dou Na was stunned for a moment, but he didn't expect that Wang Chenhao would have this trick.

"This is indeed an excuse, just one"

"Don't just do it! For the overall strategic cooperation between China and the UK, I think your government will agree."

Seeing that Wang Chenhao had made the biggest concessions, Dou Nale's additional two Dengyun-class battleships were ordered to the UK, which was already profitable for the UK. For the sake of the overall situation, Dou Nale could not propose more harsh conditions. Since the two sides had a reasonable compromise, Dou Nale no longer insisted.

So Dou Nale said goodbye and went back to ask the British Foreign Office for instructions.

Wang Chenhao sent Dou Nale away, then came to the living room to meet with the US minister Tian Bei and the new minister Charles.

Wang Chenhao is already very familiar with Tian Bei and has been handed over many times. The new minister Charles is a U.S. Navy colonel. As the U.S. Navy began to enter the era of external expansion, Charles could not avoid hawkish ideas.

"I'm sorry, I'm stubborn, and I've neglected you two." Wang Chenhao first greeted him politely when he came in. Tian Bei and Charles stood up and returned the greeting. Wang Chenhao signaled them to sit down and asked, "What are you drinking? Tea or Ers happy, "Mr. Wang actually has minced coffee here? That's really great." Tian Bei said, "I'd better follow the customs!" Wang Chenhao smiled and signaled that Shi had poured Charles a cup of minced coffee, and gave Tian Bei a cup of tea, and he himself had a cup of tea.

The three of them respected each other and took a sip.

Tian Bei introduced Charles to Wang Chenhao, and then got to the point. Since Tian Bei still has three days of office, the handling of the US Pacific Mail Ship is still under the leadership of Tian Bei.

Tian Bei immediately asked, "Mr. Wang must have reached an agreement with British Minister Mr. Dou Nale?" Wang Chenhao did not deny it, and immediately nodded, and told him and Dou Nale about the handling of this matter. At the same time, he also explained Wang Chenhao's personal position and finally said, "I regret that your country's fleet was attacked. I have reached a preliminary consensus with British Minister Mr. Dou Nale on this matter. There are many misunderstandings in this incident, and both of us have agreed to hand over the matter.

The British Maritime Arbitration Commission in Shanghai handled it. Since this matter also involves your country, I also suggest that your country agree with our handling method. Of course, this requires your country's consent." Tian Bei knew that Wang Chenhao deliberately separated the United Kingdom and the United States, but did not want Britain and the United States to put more pressure on him together. At the same time, Tian Bei looked at Wang Chenhao's expression and knew that Wang Chenhao had obtained Dou Nale's understanding. If Tian Bei made more stringent demands at this time, he might not get any results.

Tian Bei smiled and said, "We are asking for the same results as Britain."

Tian Bei didn't know what Wang Chenhao and Dou Nale had traded, but what was certain was that Wang Chenhao must have given the British a benefit. Therefore, he had to say vaguely and only demanded the same benefits as Britain.

Wang Chenhao smiled and said, "Mr. Minister, your request will be met. The Lou has already handed over this matter to the British Maritime Arbitration Commission. I believe that the British will definitely go to the British, so the final arbitration result will definitely satisfy all of us."
Chapter completed!