In order not to benefit from being fished, the tsarist government did not want to provoke a war against Britain at this time. Britain, as the epicenter of the storm, not to mention.

It's okay to run to the land and start a war with a great power, when has Britain ever been so brave?

Even if you really want to fight, it is to pull a bunch of cannon fodder allies to rush up, and it is impossible to do it alone.

The tsarist government was afraid of the strength of Britain, and the government of London was even more afraid of the strength of the woolly bear. The most important thing is to start a war with the Russians, there is not much benefit in winning, and if you lose, you may lose India.

Having personally experienced the power of the Afghan guerrillas, the British government no longer remembers the Afghan region.

It's a pity that these guys are also bullying the weak and afraid of the hard, and they are a top trick when dealing with the British and Indian colonial forces; Faced with unreasonable woolly bears, the Afghan guerrillas did not have an amazing record.

It is not surprising that Afghanistan, despite its strong people, has poor resources and limited land suitable for agricultural production, which can support a limited population.

Because of the war, the local population was even smaller. The tsarist government has deployed more than 200,000 Russian troops in Afghanistan, and the ratio of local military and civilian troops has reached 1:10.

A Russian soldier looks at ten Afghan people, even if he wants to, he can't make trouble! In any case, the combat effectiveness of the gray cattle is still much stronger than that of the Indian colonial army.

If it weren't for the fact that the British troops stationed in Afghanistan were the main force, not the Anglo-Indian Army, they would not have been bullied so badly by the guerrillas.

After all, international public opinion in recent years has only focused on Europe, and all countries have tacitly pretended not to see what is happening in their overseas colonies.

Of course, this is just a thought. Britain has less than 200,000 troops in its army, so how can it send more than 200,000 troops to Afghanistan?

Although the army is a little cheaper than the navy, it still can't change the fact that the army is a gold-swallowing beast.

With the exception of the Russians, in peacetime, even the major European army countries only have five or six hundred thousand standing troops.

Sending more than 200,000 troops to one area at a time would put pressure on even the Vienna government, let alone the British government.

It was precisely because of this inability that the British government abandoned the cumbersome majority of Afghanistan and made a temporary compromise with the Russians after the situation in Europe changed dramatically.

Without these problems, the British government would grit its teeth and hold on. With the financial resources of Britain and the manpower of India, it must be the Russians who will be dragged down first.

War is a continuation of politics, and politics is a continuation of interests. The British and Russian governments both believe that the outbreak of war now is not in their own interests, and that war will naturally not be fought.

Sowing discord will only worsen the relationship between Britain and Russia, and will not really influence the decision-making of the two governments. Even the HRE was very influential in the tsarist government, but not to the point of making decisions for them.

……

The first wave of international strategic planning, personally organized and implemented, went bankrupt, and Frederick was not discouraged, except for a slight disappointment.

Provoking a war between Britain and Russia was originally a small probability event.

Even nine years earlier, when the Vienna government had begun preparations to help the Russians build the Central Asian Railway, it had only worsened Anglo-Russian relations and slightly increased the chances of success.

Even in order not to expose his intentions too obviously, after the opening of the main line, the technicians of the Austrian Railways were evacuated as soon as possible.

However, it still didn't work. It was a conspiracy in itself, and no amount of concealment could change the fact that the Viennese government wanted to provoke an Anglo-Russian war.

In this context, failure is normal. This is just the beginning, and it can only be regarded as a test at best.

Just because the Anglo-Russian war doesn't break out now doesn't mean it won't break out in the future. The seeds of war have been planted and are now waiting to take root.

……

In July, through the blue sky, the sun shone on the earth like a big fireball, evaporating the clouds, and the sky appeared exceptionally high.

The port of Trieste under the scorching sun is particularly lively today. The guards, who didn't know where they came from, surrounded the dock.

None of this affected the local people's hearts to see the excitement, as if it was already commonplace, but it only stunned the first-time merchants.

Looking at the increasing number of soldiers on the street, Du Chengen, who was afraid of trouble, decisively led people to answer the hotel, for fear of causing a monstrous disaster.

There is no way, the international environment in these years is quite unfriendly to Chinese businessmen, and they have to be cautious.

Without the support of the state, it has caught up with the era of the worst racial discrimination. To engage in overseas trade is to risk your life.

The emergence of Lan Phuong Autonomous Province has only slightly changed the situation, and has not really reversed the situation.

There is no way, the rights have always been earned by themselves. As a country with a legal system, since it has accepted Lanfang Autonomous Province, it is natural to recognize Lanfang's household registration.

But this recognition was limited to the Holy Roman Empire's own recognition. Internationally, the recognition is still not high.

Or even if it is recognized, it is difficult to pull the tiger skin of the Holy Roman Empire, in the final analysis, it is the Chinese businessmen who have encountered problems, and the first choice is to calm the people.

On the one hand, it is difficult to transmit information these days, and it is very difficult to prove one's nationality; On the other hand, they have been bullied for many years, so that Chinese businessmen do not want to deal with government officials.

If something goes wrong, he doesn't seek help from the embassy at the first time, but instead finds a way to solve it himself, which naturally can't deter the jackals.

Against this backdrop, more and more Chinese merchants engaged in overseas trade chose to engage in trade within the Holy Roman Empire, or with Asian countries.

Anyway, the internal market of the Holy Roman Empire is large enough, and everyone is familiar with the Asian region, it is enough to eat by themselves.

One of them is Du Chengen, who was originally only active in the South Seas and East Asia, and this is the first time he has shipped tea directly to Europe.

Despite the opening of new trade routes, Du Chengen's cautious nature has not changed. I'd rather earn less than cause trouble for myself.

After transporting the goods to the port of Trieste, they traded directly with local tea merchants, and had no intention of penetrating the European market.

Seeing that the number of soldiers outside had increased, Du Chengen, who was cautious, was naturally reluctant to stay.

"Owner, there are so many people watching the excitement outside, why are you in such a hurry to leave?"

Glaring at the young sailor, Du Chengen reprimanded: "Ah Fu, how many times have I told you, the most taboo thing when you go out is to be curious.

Now there are so many soldiers on the streets, who knows what will happen next. In case you get involved and are shot by someone else, you can't even cry. ”

Listening to Du Chengen's words, the guide on the side was unhappy, and his country was described as a place of chaos.

However, for the sake of the employer, Lauker still restrained his emotions and reminded slightly: "Du, you are too worried."

This is the Holy Roman Empire, and as a country governed by the rule of law, our army will not shoot at civilians.

Unless you break through the military blockade, or approach with weapons, the most you can do is warn to leave.

It's okay just to watch the excitement. If I'm not mistaken, the port was closed today because of the launch of another large warship.

This is also one of the great features of Trieste, and if you want to see it, I can take you to the observation deck, bring binoculars and see the warship launched. ”

As one of the shipbuilding centers of the Holy Roman Empire, Trieste was visited almost every once in a while with warships launched, although not always the docks were closed.

Generally speaking, such a big movement will only happen when a large warship is launched and there are big people in the country who are present.

The details of it, the good-faced Laucor naturally won't tell. Right now, he wants to take his employers over and pretend to be forced once.

Realizing that he had lost his words, the old and spicy Du Chengen immediately remedied: "I'm sorry, Mr. Laucor. But we were really tired today and now we just want to go back and rest.

Today's work is over, and you can move freely for the rest of the day, as long as you come by half past nine tomorrow.

If possible, it would be better to take a few photos of the warship being launched, so that we can also see it. ”

Hearing today's "work is over", Laucor's dissatisfaction was swept away, and he immediately promised: "Don't worry, I know Trieste best, and I can definitely take the best pictures." ”

After speaking, without waiting for Du Chengen and the others to say goodbye, Lauker disappeared in a puff of smoke. Obviously, watching the excitement is far more interesting than working.

Back at the hotel, Du Chengen and the others happened to meet the boss with a camera and was about to go out-James.

The old man warmly invited: "Du, it's just the right time for you to come back." You know, there is a super battleship to be launched today, which is said to be an epoch-making warship.

I have to admit that you are so lucky to have caught up with this historical moment. Now follow me and witness history! ”

If you are an ordinary person, it is very likely that you will be fooled. But Du Chengen knew that this innkeeper, who was similar to Grande, would only be so enthusiastic when facing Aegis.

He immediately refused, "I'm sorry, Mr. James. We have been busy all morning today and are now very tired, and we have no honor to witness history with you. ”

was refused, James did not continue to entangle, but sighed: "That's a pity, just need 5 Aegis, we can buy a good position and witness a scene in history." ”

After listening to James's exclamation, Du Chengen finally understood why the previous guide and the innkeeper in front of him invited him.

Don't look at James to say it easily, just "5 Aegis", in fact, this figure is already a month's income for low-level workers.

Even if he is engaged in international trade, Du Chengen runs a ship, and after deducting all the costs, it is difficult to obtain a profit of more than 1,000 Aegis.

There is no way, with the development of the times, the era of profiteering in maritime trade is slowly disappearing. In particular, the emergence of large cargo ships has greatly squeezed the profits of the industry.

Du Chengen gave up the familiar Asian route and took the risk to come to Europe to do trade, but in fact he was forced out by the cruel market competition.

In addition to doing trade, Du Chengen's more important purpose in Trieste this time is to purchase a 10,000-ton cargo ship.

As a businessman, Du Chengen has never lacked vision. With the continuous development of the economy, the demand for freight capacity in maritime trade is also increasing.

However, this demand is for large cargo ships with large capacity and low unit operating costs, rather than their own small and medium-sized merchant ships that are about to be eliminated by the times.

If you don't want to be squeezed to death by your peers, you can only keep up with the trend of the times and purchase more advanced merchant ships in order to occupy a favorable position in the market competition.

As for witnessing history, it's better to let others do it, and he, a little person, should not join in the fun.

Deep down, Du Chengen was actually a little surprised. He never dreamed that the Holy Roman Empire would turn the launching of warships into a business.

It can only be said that there are more solutions than difficulties, and despite being the world's largest economy, the budget of the HRE Navy is still insufficient.

In order to raise military spending, the Admiralty also took great pains. Selling tickets for the view is just one of them.

A position is 5 Aegis, and if you sell 10,000 slots, it is 50,000 Aegis. Over time, even for the Navy, it is not a small number.

There are many that I dare not guarantee, the annual ticket income, it is not a big problem to build another warship.

As for the issue of secrecy, if you hold a telescope a few miles away, you can find out the secrets contained in the warship, and the HRE Navy does not need to be confused.

……

With the salute fired, Franz, who rarely appeared in public, appeared on the slipway.

After all, the world's first dreadnought was launched. It is a great temptation for any military enthusiast, and Franz is no exception.

How can the history of one's own creation be absent?

What's more, if you don't make a little more noise, how can you put enough pressure on the British.

The emperor's presence at the scene was itself a political statement. A discerning person knew at a glance that in the coming days, the Vienna government was going to vigorously develop the navy.

Admiral Castagni: "Your Majesty, everything is ready, do you want to start?" ”

Franz smiled and said, "You go and host, I won't go up." ”

Witnessing history is witnessing history, and getting on the boat to experience the launching ceremony in person is still too harsh for a seasick emperor.

Even if you want to satisfy your curiosity, you can still wait for the supporting facilities to be completed and experience it on the go.

Hearing that the emperor did not get on the boat, Castagni breathed a sigh of relief. Riding on a warship that has just completed its main construction and has no interior decoration is not a comfortable experience.

If something happens to Emperor Mai in the first year, it will be the end of the calf. No matter how healthy Franz was, he was almost 70 years old.

In this era when a cold can kill people, no one dares to let the emperor experience the shock during the launching of the warship.

With an order from the emperor, the launching ceremony began. As the valve was opened, the sea continued to pour into the dock and hit the hull of the ship, making a rough sound.

The hearts of all the staff members were raised, for fear that if there was an accident in the hull at the last moment, it would be an international joke.

Franz the Great, who seemed to know nothing, asked with great interest: "Frederick, what have you decided on the name of this warship?" ”

The name of the first dreadnought was also debated within the Vienna government. The original plan was to be named after the emperor, but Franz decisively rejected it.

There is no other reason than the fear that one day the warship will be sunk in a naval battle. As the saying goes, the older you get, the more afraid you are of death, and Franz is no exception.

In addition to this long-awaited name, the rest of the candidate list is varied, and no less than fifty are submitted to Franz alone.

If you pick too much, it will inevitably be easy to be dazzled. At the moment, Franz was also facing a difficult choice, not knowing which one was the most suitable.

No matter how it is delayed, the warship has now begun to be launched, and today it is necessary to choose a name to come out and announce it to the outside world.

Franz was named wasted, and Frederick was no better, so he blurted out directly: "Why don't you call it the Holy Roman Empire?" ”

Hearing this result, Franz rolled his eyes and said: "Directly named after the empire, then it might as well be called the Roman number!" At least it's shorter, so it's easier for everyone to call it every day. ”

"Short" and "convenient to call" also became the final criteria for naming, rather than considering political significance. It is estimated that no one dares to believe it.

But since the emperor has spoken, everyone is too lazy to object. The "Roma" is actually not bad, although it is not from a political point of view, but the outside world does not know it!

As long as the propaganda department has a little in-depth interpretation, it will be able to make up a lot of reasons and meanings, and it will definitely not fall into clichés.

……