Chapter 239 Princess Victoria Escort Fleet
Chapter 239 Princess Victoria Frigate
After my feedback on my itinerary, based on the actual needs of both sides and after several reciprocations, it was finally confirmed that the cemetery of the Heroes was prematurely advanced to the first day. This change fully demonstrated the importance of William II's capital this time - this behavior is equivalent to Germany's formal confirmation of China's position in previous wars, and China's enemy is Germany's enemy. The Chinese sacrificed soldiers in the war against Japan and Russia are also the target of the German monarch's memorial. This is a very touching act.
The arrival of the German Emperor caused a wave of craze in Beijing. It has to be said that William is a charismatic king. Like all powerful leaders, he has extraordinary incitement, eloquence, speech skills, and of course, his deliberate power.
As the supreme king of the most powerful or sub-strong country in Europe, he is qualified and obliged to fully express the external character of the country and the nation in himself. Although he was much more solemn when attending public occasions with me, when summoning Germans in China, he improvised to throw away the guards of ceremonies on the streets of Beijing, and spoke a few words, and gave impromptu speeches to people when visiting universities, factories, barracks and other facilities to drive the audience's emotions... and so on. It can be said that anyone who has seen him in Beijing is attracted by his slightly aggressive style.
Several universities in the capital immediately held a heated discussion, with a clear direction. One is why this European monarch was so energetic. The answer is self-evident. It is the support of the country's strong strength behind him. Our country is waiting for this generation to work hard - "chasing the footsteps of Germany". This is a banner posted by the Imperial Army University Officers Association at a discussion meeting. After Xu Shichang went to Germany, he was still very concerned about the cradle of the future army commander of the Empire, which he still had the title of vice president. Sometimes military theory readings sent back from Germany, the latest German army trends and other printed objects quickly triggered a German fever in this school where young officers gathered. The visit of His Majesty William II of the German Empire also ignited the most vigorous fire for them, and both sides each gained different content.
Chasing is necessary, but how to catch up is a strategic and gradual problem. After intercepting the daily trend report, I gradually realized the trend that appeared in the army. A young and young officer class has begun to appear and is growing year by year. In the future, the middle and lower-level commanders of these academic schools will inevitably have huge voices and power in the army. They are now shouting the slogan of catching up with Germany, which is inevitable. The admiration of the German army and the envy of national strength are psychological changes that they can hardly restrain. Then, their emotional fluctuations must be guided. Because their call has already represented the strong demand of the military for the industry. In the current situation, this demand can still be considered benign, because industry also needs to develop like the army.
But what level will the Army's appetite reach? Will industry always satisfy the Army's huge appetite? These issues are worth considering, otherwise militarism is not far from my country.
Of course, the primary focus of work is still on William's itinerary to visit China. These issues are not just the vigorous ambitions of the young army, but also the Imperial University, the Beijing Normal University, and even the military camps and factories. With William's visit and his slightly exaggerated praise of China, the young people in these places have developed a heroic spirit that is as arrogant as a tiger.
This craze must be guided, otherwise I must pay for these impulsive young people.
Before this craze appeared, I vaguely felt that William was driving me to the Knife Mountain. Half a day before going to the National Yingling Garden of the Summer Palace in the afternoon, his adjutant applied to my officials to add content to visiting schools and other facilities in the morning. When I reported to me, I agreed without much thought.
Who knew that he had visited three universities and two military camps in the capital in the morning like a whirlwind. In his speech, he exaggeratedly praised China's great history and powerful martial arts, and clearly showed that he was very dissatisfied with the dissatisfaction of the British in dominating China at will. He also used the Sino-Japanese War and the Sino-Russian War as examples to illustrate that under the situation and the superiority, it was the British interference that caused the army to stop conquering and the interests of the empire were damaged. As a solid friend of the Chinese, the German people and the 800,000 German troops were both ashamed and angry.
His speech immediately received a warm response, and this was the reason why I felt a little uneasy.
Such enthusiasm cannot be eliminated, but it absolutely requires control of degree. Otherwise, the country will be ignited by this burning fire.
In the afternoon, he entered the cemetery of the Heroes. The German Emperor was solemn and respectful to the Western etiquette, and presented a wreath and observed three minutes of silence to the monument engraved with the list of Heroes. The translators introduced the etiquette to the officials who watched the ceremony and the reporters of the newspaper, and translated the words that the German Emperor said with a sad and angry expression.
"Although the Chinese Empire and the German Empire are far away from the ocean and thousands of miles away, nothing can separate the deep friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of China and Germany and the monarchs of the two countries. The two countries have the same status on their respective continents, yearn for each other, and each has the courage and ambition to move forward. However, for various reasons, neither the Chinese Empire nor the German Empire can freely control the affairs of their respective continents, which is not in line with the order that the world should have. The world is now in 1899, next year, next year, the year of the new and old, and we will join hands to enter the new century. In the new century, there should be a new order, in the new order.
I, the Emperor of the German Empire, solemnly declared to the world the important clause in my world policy to the world———” William paused and paused tone, and to me who was standing aside and frightened by his speech, and the subjects of China and Germany firmly held their right hands, smashed them heavily in the air, and continued: "Every continent should have their own dominant. In America, Germany supports the dominance of the United States of America, and in Asia, it is natural that it is also sincere. The German Empire supports the Chinese Empire!" Perhaps because the United States gave up competing with him for the Samoan Islands, he unexpectedly pointed the name of the United States.
It was polite, and amid the applause that I led, I smiled meaningfully at him, with a little bitterness.
Since all the translations of the Chinese Empire have been adopted in the translation of foreign countries, he directly called them. More importantly, he has completely praised me to the point where he cannot retreat. His declaration on the world order is completely in line with my arrogant mentality of the unparalleled Celestial Kingdoms who have been vigorous by the strong national strength. Germany's declaration of China's domination of Asia was unhappy, although they did not know that there was a huge part of Asia in the hands of the British Empire. The British Empire stood opposite to Germany...
William talked about America and Asia, but forgot about Europe. His meaning was self-evident and he did not say it clearly, but everyone - as the news spreads, everyone in the world will know this important message.
Misunderstandings will follow—if I have no more action, everyone will think that China and Germany have reached a dangerous alliance: their own rights to dominate the property of their continent. The stupid William II forgot that even his allies in Europe would be displeased.
He is too aggressive.
As I visited this time, I was almost irresistible, and I could not limit his words and deeds here. This would inevitably lead to the breakdown of the already threatened Sino-British alliance. I must make some compromise with the UK, and immediately!
Of course, I will not owe anything in terms of etiquette. After William's speech, my subsequent speech did not accept William's words at all. Instead, I emphasized the national task of advancing martial arts and progress, as well as the established path of the current industrialization of the country. Finally, I reiterated my gratitude to the whole country for Germany's help in industry, and ordered relevant people across the country to comprehensively develop industry on this basis and lead all personnel to pay tribute to the list of heroes again.
On the way back, we had time to reconcile our thoughts. Over the past period of time, I have indeed been involved in the competition between two major military and political groups. Germany seems to be a little anxious, but Britain is still in a state of leisure and confident under the decline. It seems a bit unfair. It is time to ask them some problems.
Now he ordered people to summon the British Minister Jansmut, who was appointed this year, and before the state banquet, he made up his mind to put pressure on the British.
Germany also needs to be sincere. After all, I must come down with their help. The comprehensive start and development of industry is what I urgently need. This is why William II did not worry about not getting on his boat. However, we must also clarify to him that the best time to punish the British immediately. Both sides will leave some time for each other, which is a long-term rather than radical attitude.
Both the British and Germans are not fuel-efficient lamps.
The Minister, Mr. Jansmut, was obviously very nervous. Although his manner was still very elegant and calm, his anxious eyes and depressed mental state betrayed the fact that he could not sleep for the recent situation.
I sincerely expressed my difficulties to him and the enthusiasm that the German Emperor could not refuse. When Mr. Jansmut expressed his understanding, I also assured him of China's position that if an armed conflict occurred between Britain and Germany during the validity period of the Sino-British Friendship Cooperation Treaty, China will abide by its commitment to stand on the UK's position.
The British seemed very satisfied, but Jansmut said he would give me another answer after consultation with the country. His estimate was that Parliament might ask for a supplementary treaty with me to guarantee the interests of the British Empire. I had almost no need to consider it and gave a positive answer.
Jansmut left with satisfaction.
Just as I was giving a breath to make a big plan, the German Emperor took another move to please my country and subjects. At the state banquet the next day, William II, who was slightly drunk, stood up and announced enthusiastically, "Everyone!"
After successfully attracting the sight of everyone, including the middle and senior political and military officials of the two huge empires of Asia and Europe, William held up the wine glass with his strong right hand, signaled to me, smiled, and announced an extremely important news in the silent Ganqing Palace with his strong voice: "Here, on this night when the two empires have made friendship, I am honored to announce a useful decision to enhance the people and the royal family of the two countries, that is, my pride, the princess of Germany, Princess Victoria Louis, will enter into a marriage contract with the wise and handsome second son of the royal family of your country, Aisin Gioro Puying, after she became an adult. This will be the convergence of the blood pride of the East and West royal families, and will also be..."
After getting on the sword mountain, this guy's mouth and personality, whether he intentionally or spontaneously, has achieved his goal - at least in the eyes of the Germans, I am about to set foot on their ship soon. In any case, once China and Germany have entered into a royal engagement, and the Germans will marry the royal blood from Asia, this contains speculative political significance.
What would the British think? After I made a promise, William II announced such a message. However, I didn't have much time to think. Seeing my ministers were obviously shocked by him, I breathed a sigh of relief. Because of this kind of performance, I could prove to the British that I had no idea before this.
"In order to ensure the safety of Princess Victoria and to reflect Germany's willingness to enter into a marriage contract, we will set up a new fleet of appropriate scale. Gentlemen, please be sure that every warship in this fleet is brand new, and the moment of the marriage is established, it is the best time for the wedding." Speaking of this, William proudly raised his glass and drank the rest of the wine.
After drinking the wine in the glass, I fell back to Sumeru throne and looked at the officials of the two sides looking at each other. Obviously, most of the German officials were unaware of it. This guy seemed to have drunk too much again. However, judging from the idea of the princess frigate he proposed, I can definitely be sure that this matter must have been planned by the German General Staff. Otherwise, just a marriage between a royal family, why should a separate fleet be established? There are so many marriages between European royal families, so where are there so many specialized frigates?
What are they seeking? They are still unable to break through the British Navy's blockade in the local area. What is the intention of placing such a fleet in the Far East? Should they really be provoked from Asia and joined the local area? What kind of naval combat plan is the German staff planning?
Time does not allow me to consider it more. I have to say a few words about the "temporary motion" of the German Emperor. While expressing my gratitude, I also added a few words of tactful words such as China's ability to ensure the safety of the princess. The German Emperor's smile became even more intense.
At the subsequent special-licensed reporter Q&A meeting, the Times reporter bluntly asked William II the question I was most concerned about: "Your Majesty, does the series of recent movements that your country has shown and the extraordinary friendship with the Qing Empire, an ally of the British Empire, mean that your country is seeking to challenge the interests of the British Empire in the world? If so, I hope your Majesty will never forget that it is you and you bring disaster to the earth."
As the highest-level official of the Times in China, Mi Ji was obviously angry. Although his Chinese friends repeatedly expressed China's helplessness to him in private. To a certain extent, he was willing to believe these things, but the recent signs of breaking up Sino-UK relations and the calls to teach China have made him feel uneasy. As a British man with deep feelings for China, he did not want unhappiness between these two great countries in any case. At this time, William II's actions were adding fuel to the things he was worried about.
His slightly impolite and angry words also represent the perception of William II by most British people. Although this slightly arrogant German monarch was the first grandson of their respected Queen Victoria, the British who had been supporting their response in recent years under the aggressive German offensive have accumulated too much dissatisfaction.
William II's answer was not in conflict with his character. He was aggressive and raised his beard. Under the background of the Forbidden City and the lights, there seemed to be some shadow on his face. His right hand waved unconsciously in the air and said with a cold smile: "It is true that Germany is implementing a new world policy. As for whether to fight Britain or something that is not faster, it depends entirely on your country. Germany has the right to exercise its own power, and this power has no power to deprive it. Sir, I hope you can be satisfied with this answer. In addition, I will visit the British Empire next year. In any case, I have no disrespect for Britain. I have never imagined going to war with the British Empire."
Mi Ji recorded his words. When he looked up and wanted to ask the next question, the right to ask the question had been handed over to a German reporter. The German reporter asked about the question of how industrial aid was implemented, and whether such a move would be opposed by parliament and business owners, etc. William's answer was that parliament would fully support his decision. As for business owners, he would pass a series of new laws, such as tax exemption and tax rebate, to encourage the industry to transplant to the East. In key and key projects, the government and the royal family would convince business owners. State-controlled enterprises are even less problematic.
The next question is my turn, and I am still a German journalist. The question is very sharp. The general idea is what Germany can gain in the face of Germany's unreserved friendship and help, and China will thank Germany as much as its country.
I couldn't help but smile, looked at William, and said, "There is an old saying in the Chinese that you should repay the favor of a drop of water. Looking back on the development of the Qing Dynasty, it is inseparable from the help of the British Empire and the German Empire. These are facts that the people of the world and the 500 million Chinese people are obvious to all. My country is currently facing the most critical moment of industrialization. At such a timely timely delivery, the German Empire extends a hand of help. This timely help is particularly touching. I hereby solemnly promise that any country that has provided help in the process of our Qing Dynasty will reap the friendship of 500 million Chinese people. Where can we still reap such heavy fruits?"
Amid the applause and laughter, the reporter of the China Times asked William and me about the meaning of the next day's itinerary. Of course, this was instructed by me and the people from the Ministry of Education. Under the gaze of the public, the China Times reporter Huang Pingfu asked the pre-arranged question nervously: "His Majesty the Emperor, Your Highness, according to the itinerary, tomorrow will be a memorial to the old battlefield of the British and French coalition forces. May I ask your Majesty, is this arrangement of any political meaning?"
I finally breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at the area where British journalists gathered intentionally or unintentionally. Sure enough, all of them showed nervous expressions, smiled secretly, and said, "There is no such intention. It was just that when the British Empire was formulated and formed, I did not consider the feelings of the British Empire. However, if I think about it carefully, this will indeed cause trouble to Britain, France, two countries that also have friendly relations with our Qing Dynasty. Although from public to private, I should not remember the unpleasantness of the past. Moreover, this time I went to see it, I just hope to reflect that the country has become stronger in recent years and cannot forget the meaning of the weak history of the past. In short, this has nothing to do with Britain and France. Since you have proposed it here, I will sever it is here. This itinerary will be cancelled tomorrow."
The British journalists could hear cheers faintly, but William II beside him looked a little unhappy.
I laughed in my heart, you old boy has caused me enough trouble if you don’t say hello, so I’ll give you one.
Even though he thought so, he nodded to William politely and smiled, "What do you think?"
Of course William nodded in agreement.
I hope that such a move, coupled with the guarantee in the afternoon, can slow down the British. Fortunately, they also have the Boer War to make them feel a headache. The German Emperor has already spent a lot of money all over the world, and he must have made considerable arrangements with the Boer people. And the Middle East...
Thinking of this, I suddenly remembered his princess frigate that was built this year. Will the home port of Kuwait in the future? Then the target is the British Indian Ocean Fleet?
It seems that Xu Shichang and the European Bureau of the Military Intelligence Department have to put some effort into it. The British and Germans seem to be increasingly confused recently.
Chapter completed!