A Dream of Jinling Chapter 376 The Determined One (Thirteen)

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On the afternoon of November 23, 1889, John? Farrell was dressed in a well-fitting black suit, which made him look thin and elegant. Walking around him were all high-ranking officials and dignitaries in such costumes, as well as their wives and children, as well as those servants and attendants. Only the white robes embroidered with gold trim worn by the bishops and clergy added some other color to the burial environment.

And there wasn't anyone in the crowd who was against John? Farrell cast a harassy or accusatory look, which made John, who was originally a little worried in his heart? Farrell was relieved. He walked slowly to the bishop and the clergy who were reciting at the king's coffin, lit a small candle with a scent, and inserted it into the wooden shelf that was already filled with many of them.

Candles and electric lights, John? Farrell saw the old king lying in the coffin with gray hair and a solemn expression, as if death had not taken away the majesty of this man. Which makes John? Deep down, Farrell couldn't help but feel the urge to laugh.

As Secretary of State for Commerce and Industry, John? Farrell did not watch the king's last breath at his sickbed. When he learned that King Louis I was critically ill, he immediately rushed from the Chinese embassy to the palace, where he saw the body of His Majesty the king, who had not long been sick.

Probably because he hadn't washed his hair and bathed for several days, he saw that King Louis I's hair was disheveled, and his hair looked quite dirty. His cloudy eyes were not closed, his mouth was still half open, and there were traces of dry saliva at the corners of his mouth and face. Later, according to the chamberlain, His Majesty King Louis I, who was already seriously ill, "blocked the British ** ship outside the port of Lisbon. When everyone was nervous and at a loss, the British ** ship carried out a demonstrative shelling, and as a result, rumors spread in the palace that the British "wanted to wash Lisbon in blood and capture Louis alive", and then His Majesty the King died with a whimper. This was on November 22, 1889.

At this point, John? Farrell saw a British ambassador dressed in black appear at the door, more than John? Earlier, or a little later, Farel's eyes fell on the British ambassador. And 90% of these glances are not good-intentioned. Almost ignoring such gazes, the British ambassador walked towards Carlos, the son of His Majesty Louis I, in the mourning hall. The young "would-be king" in his thirties was stunned for a moment, and only shook hands with the British ambassador when he stood in front of him and stretched out his hand.

Because of the distance, John? Farrell did not hear exactly what the British ambassador was saying. Judging from the interaction between the two, it should be ordinary polite language. John? Farrell wanted to lean over and listen, but he didn't want to. He was an important promoter, if not the mastermind, and irreconcilable with the position of the British.

As soon as the polite speech ended, John? Farrell saw the British ambassador say something to the prospective king very seriously, and this time the prospective king's face changed greatly. That's not anger, it's nervousness. After saying this, the British ambassador shook hands with the Portuguese king-to-be again, and then Shi Shiran left the meeting.

Several people leaned in on the prospective king, John? Farrell didn't. When the King spoke with the British ambassador, the Foreign Secretary was nearby, and all he had to do was ask the Foreign Secretary for a moment. At this moment, everyone's eyes looked at the door again. John? Farrell hurriedly turned his head over, and then saw the Chinese ambassador, also dressed in a black dress, calmly walking in from the gate. The British ambassador happened to walk to the door at this time, and after the two met, they didn't even say hello, so they went their separate ways. The Chinese ambassador was led by an attendant to the prospective king of Portugal. When the two shook hands, including John? Farrell and other ministers leaned in, wanting to know what the Chinese ambassador was going to say as soon as possible.

"Your Excellency, we are also shocked to learn of the death of your father. So come here to express my condolences to you, and to the condolences of His Majesty King Louis I. "The Chinese ambassador was very polite along the way, and the straight to the point was a courtesy condolence.

Would-be King Carlos also maintained due etiquette, leading the Chinese ambassador to see the remains of Louis I and recounting the official Portuguese account of the death. Probably just some called by the Lord.

John? Of course, Farrell was helpless about this, at least in the opinion of the court, although King Louis I was not in good health, but he did not die immediately, and his death was largely due to the fear of the British. But what's the use of looking at things that way? The British did not restrain in the slightest because their military actions had "scared to death" the king of Portugal, and the British fleet not only did not retreat, but also fired empty shells from naval guns outside Lisbon in order to "express condolences to the deceased King Louis I". The sound of the cannon was earth-shattering and frightened the citizens of Lisbon. This is the British way, this is the decision of the first naval power in Europe.

I have to say, John? Farrell, though annoyed, admired the determination of the British. If it weren't for the British's decisiveness and the use of thunderous and forceful means to temporarily hold back the Portuguese movements, these actions would probably have gone much further now. Whether or not to scare a Portuguese king to death was not at all a matter for the British.

After listening to the words of the Portuguese prospective King Carlos, who was "called by the Lord", the Chinese ambassador did not show the slightest expression of surprise, but the meaning of sincere comfort. Which makes John? Farrell was really upset in his heart. This king has disappointed him so much, it is one thing to collude with China, but His Majesty the prospective king must also mention the question of Mozambique! Even if Mozambique is to be bought, can Portugal seriously discuss this with China and look for opportunities for Portugal to benefit from the discussion? However, His Majesty the King is like a puppet, and does nothing except perform court etiquette and the sorrow of the Son of Man. Is this what a good king should do?

At this moment, China said in a very clear voice: "Your Excellency, we in China think that it is wrong for the British fleet to block Lisbon at this time, and it is not just for the British fleet to threaten Portugal. If the Portuguese side makes a request to us, we in China are willing to consider upholding justice. ”

This is said in Chinese, so the translator as well as John? Farrell was stunned. When the interpreter translated this passage into Portuguese, the Portuguese upper echelons were shocked when the prospective king Carlos and the surrounding ministers clearly heard what the Chinese ambassador had announced.

John? Farrell lowered his head, knowing that if he continued to look up, others would be able to see the happy expression on his face clearly. In John? Before Farrell received the news of the king's ascension, he went to the Chinese embassy to discuss the matter. China is willing to confront Britain, John? Farrell was immediately able to continue his disruptive action by the British. That is, send troops into Brazil and unite with the farmers who lost their slaves to deal with the Brazilian army and the republicans.

These opportunities don't last forever, and if they don't get the job done in the short term, the resentment that the farmers are boiling over at this time will eventually subside. Military officials involved in the event generally believed that the Portuguese would not have been able to win without the support of Brazilian insiders.

Hold your mouth with your hand to cover your smile. John? Farrell prayed in his heart, "Say yes quickly!" Say yes! Say yes! ”

One hour after the Chinese ambassador made his statement, a wireless telegram was sent out of the telegraph room of the British Embassy. A few minutes later, the telegram was received by the British Foreign Office's telegrapher, and in the shortest possible time it was delivered to the British Foreign Office, and then to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister immediately summoned the Minister of the Navy.

"Your Excellency, can the Chinese fleet really cross such a distance?" The British Prime Minister is very unacceptable to this.

"Hmm...... It's possible. The Minister of the Navy did not want to brag, and after saying this, he continued: "Your Excellency, as long as Portugal is really willing to provide port support for China, the Chinese Navy can drive from Madagascar to Portugal and to Lisbon. It was even possible to set out from Lisbon to attack Brazil with the help of the Portuguese. ”

"We will never allow such a thing to happen, we will never allow Portugal to become China's military port in Europe!" The Cabinet Ministers made their decision right away.

"Do you want us to shell Lisbon?" The Admiralty Minister immediately put forward a plan for the Navy, and as long as Lisbon was shelled, the Portuguese upper echelons would probably be in chaos.

The cabinet minister waved his hand, "That would probably make Lisbon desperate to make a plea to China." You ordered the fleet to continue to maintain pressure on Lisbon, and I will contact the Spaniards now. ”

The Minister of the Admiralty admired the strategy of the Cabinet Minister, and the Spaniards hated China after being driven out of the South China Sea by China. Historically, the grudge between Spain and Portugal has been very deep, and now the choice of the Spaniards will probably not be friendly to Portugal, which is likely to collude with China to lure the wolf into the house.

It was at this point that John? Farrell also asked from the Portuguese Foreign Secretary what the British had said to the Portuguese King Carlos, "I will visit you tomorrow and hope to have your official reply to our British demands when I visit you." ”

John? Farrell was very unhappy in his heart, this is the **naked persecution. But John? Farrell saw that the foreign secretary who had said this had a look of indifference at all. John? Farrell understood the thoughts of these high-ranking officials, who had no interest in changing Portugal. The so-called "unjust debtor", the British scared the king to death, and this is the responsibility of Britain. As for the request of the British, it depends on whether the heir is willing to accept it, and if the heir refuses to accept it, he probably will not be able to sit on the throne of the Kingdom of Portugal. In such matters, the ministers have no responsibility.

This cabinet is really not good! John? Farrell thought indignantly. These guys are either stuck in the old ways and completely unthinking about the future. Either they are cowardly and use Portugal's weakness as an excuse not to make any effort or breakthrough. Portugal may be small, but Portugal has been truly brilliant! At the time when the Portuguese navigators opened up the world, the British were still playing in the mud in the British Isles.

John? Farrell couldn't bear it any longer, he went straight to the prospective king, and said to Carlos, who showed a puzzled expression, "Your Majesty, are you free now?" ”

"Farrell, I just want to be quiet now, and I don't want to talk about anything." King Carlos, the would-be did not hesitate to reject John? Farrell's request to talk.

John? Farrell did not hesitate, he shouted loudly at Carlos: "Your Majesty, it is precisely because the British fleet is blocking the gate of Lisbon that we need to cooperate with the Chinese immediately." Do you really think that the British will leave if they don't achieve their goal? No, the British would definitely not do such a thing. They must force Your Excellency to accede to the demands of the British, and they will not withdraw until you have fulfilled your promise. Are you really willing to accept such a fate? ”

The voice was so loud that not only King Carlos, the would-be could hear it, but also the high-ranking officials and ministers in the hall. None of these people thought of John? Farrell actually chose to break the game directly, shouting out his thoughts so clearly. This meant that the would-be King Carlos had to respond positively.

Everyone's eyes turned to the prospective king Carlos, and Carlos smiled bitterly, and then said in a loud voice: "Mr. Farrell, because of your words and deeds, I now remove you from the post of Minister of the Interior. ”

John? Farrell was not too surprised when he heard this, he didn't have any illusions about Carlos in the first place. Now these people in the Portuguese royal family really don't have the grace of their ancestors. Now that he has been relieved of his duties, John? Farrell saluted Carlos, then turned and left the hall. Leave in the midst of all those who are stunned, surprised, joyful, and uneasy.

Because of the anger in the heart, John? Farrell directly instructed the driver to drive home by himself, and he chose to walk. At this time, the streets of Lisbon were empty, and from morning, every few hours, the ships of the British fleet opened fire. The rumbling sound of artillery frightened the residents of Lisbon from leaving their homes, and the crowded narrow streets of Binsuri became surprisingly wide.

However, at the intersection of the streets, a large group of people unexpectedly gathered. The one on the high ground shouted to the crowd around him: "If the king is not destroyed, Portugal will not prosper!" ”

When this voice came out, some people in the crowd of onlookers applauded. John? Farrell knew it was a group of republicans who had risen over the years, as Portugal continued to decline. The republicans blamed the king for their sins, believing that the monarchy was at the root of Portugal's decline. John? Farrell is completely unacceptable to this. So in terms of repression and the fight against the republicans, John? Farrell never relents.

However, after being deposed as Minister of Commerce and Industry by the weak and incompetent king, John? Farrell found that "if the king is not destroyed, Portugal will not prosper!" The slogan actually gave him a sense of resonance. Because you're in a bad mood, John? Farrell simply stood on the periphery of the speakers, listening to what the one in the middle was promoting. Even if it's an unpleasant statement, but John? Farrell was in a very bad mood at this time, so listening to these unpleasant words might help to recover mentally.

The brother in the middle first expressed his total rejection of the monarchy, and then began to count the sins of the kings. What betrays the interests of the country, loses power and humiliates the country. In the end, the spokesman said excitedly that only by abolishing the monarchy and implementing a republic can Portugal's fate be saved and Portugal put on a smooth path.

This old propaganda, John? Farrell didn't care at all. In fact, he was very skeptical, if it was a republic, would he be able to solve such a situation? When Portugal was a kingdom, it could certainly maintain slavery in the name of the king and suppress the republicans. Although John? Farrell argues that the purpose of such action is not a struggle of political ideas, but a simple struggle of interests. But if there is a king who survives, he can unite the old school and maintain a basic plate.

If it was before, John? Farrell would have thought it was a no-brainer. And now he suddenly had a thought, in John? Farrell's vision of the king and monarchy is like a garbage heap, a sewage tank. What kind of evil deeds, what kind of unreasonable things, can be fought with the words of the king. Monarchy just John? Farrell believed that the most convenient system for maintaining rule and realizing ambitions was the most convenient system. What if the republic could openly support John at this time? If Farrell annexed Brazil and maintained slavery, probably John? Farrell will immediately and sincerely run to support the republic.

Thinking of these, John? Farrell couldn't help but smile self-deprecatingly. But there is only self-deprecation and no self-blame in this smile, John? Farrell has no reproach for his own morality, as long as Portugal can stand as a great power in the world, and not exist as a ravaged weakling, John? Farrell didn't care that his hands were covered in blood.

"Your Excellency over there in black, do you support the Republic?" The speaker standing in the center is facing John? Farrell shouted.

John? Farrell didn't know exactly how he had caught the speaker's attention, and he looked left and right, but didn't see the police on the street. It seems that under the threat of the British fleet, the police did not dare to come out either. Or they were relocated to other places.

Since there are no cops, John? Farrell suddenly had the urge to privately criticize the republicans from his own position, never before so openly as he did now. So he was eager to see if he could convince the republicans.

Step into the crowd, John? Farrell realized that the guy who was speaking was stepping on a broken stool. He told the fellow to come down and stood up himself, "Fellow Portuguese, I just listened to the sins of this monarchy. I don't want to say that the monarchy is good, but I just want to give a few other examples, the two most powerful countries in the world right now, the United Kingdom and China, are both monarchies. They also have emperors, parliaments, councillors, and elections. We in Portugal are no different compared to these two countries. So why are these two countries so strong, while we in Portugal have fallen to such a point? Of course, we can use the monarchy as a reason, as an excuse. But I don't think it's that simple. ”

Did the speaker listen to John? Farrell's words, feeling the taste of royalists, immediately shouted: "Do you think that the monarch of Portugal is not as good as the monarch of England and China?" ”

"The monarch is not a good or a bad being, the monarch's duty is to serve the country and make it better. There is little need to discuss the good and evil of their own. Whether it was the emperor of England or the emperor of China, they killed a lot of people. It is said that the current emperor of China killed 100 million people in China in order to seize power. However, no one in China thinks that he is a heinous murderer, but that he is a great man who saved China. Why is that? Because the emperors of China and Britain are pushing the productive forces of China and Britain! The fundamental driving force for social development is productivity! "John? Farrell spoke loudly.