Guan Zhuofan made a realistic surprised expression: "Sir, why do you say this?" ”

"Well, Your Highness," Ali Guo hesitated, "and I must apologize before I elaborate on my opinion: I may be contrary to diplomatic politeness in the ordinary sense of the word to the United States Government when I say this. Well, that's why I'm asking you for an unofficial meeting. ”

Guan Zhuofan frowned slightly.

This expression made Ah Liguo feel a little weak, but after a slight pause, he still said with an unchanged face: "However, I uphold the sincere position of wholeheartedly planning for Chinese friends, and I can't help but say a word a spade. ”

Guan Zhuofan nodded and said, "Sir, I know your sincerity and friendship very well. ”

I said in my heart, "Sample, I also know that your "sincerity and friendship" include: forcing Haidao to expand the British Concession from 830 acres to 2,820 acres; Also, make every effort to achieve the "permanent legalization of the opium trade".

Ah Liguo breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. In that case, in front of my friends, it is difficult for me to hide any of my opinions. ”

After a pause, he said: "I think that for China, the 'EXPO' is a great project of epoch-making significance, which will greatly change the Chinese...... Concept to promote China's modernization -- Your Royal Highness, this is really a wise decision! Well, a project of such importance requires the highest level of design, construction, operation and maintenance – I have heard that the 'AsiaWorld-Expo' will be a permanent facility. ”

Guan Zhuofan's heart moved: Although the "sincerity and friendship" of the British are negotiable, their vision is truly first-class! Ali Guo's understanding of this "expo" -- "has epoch-making significance" and "will greatly change the concept of the Chinese people and promote China's modernization drive." It's really to the point!

China's side. Except for yourself. Those who can have this understanding can be counted on about one hand.

I was sighing with emotion, but I heard Ali Guo say: "I regret it -- but I can't avoid it: our American friends are not the most advanced and industrially powerful countries in the world. Therefore, I seriously doubt that they have enough capacity to undertake and operate this project. At least. I'm sure they won't be able to maximize the benefits of this great project. ”

Guan Zhuofan smiled and said: "'The most advanced country in the world and the most powerful industrial capacity' - well, naturally it is England. ”

Ali Guo's eyes lit up: "Your Royal Highness, thank you for your fair words. However, in this regard, the British Empire can be undoubted. ”

After a pause, he then said with burning eyes: "In this case, Your Royal Highness, who should be chosen to be in charge of the project of the 'EXPO'." Isn't it clear? ”

This sentence was aggressive, Guan Zhuofan "leaned" in his heart: Do you think Lao Tzu will be so "smooth"? Dream on!

He sighed. "Sir, I admit you have a point—but there is an old Chinese saying, which you must have heard, 'first come, first come,' said. If, before the Americans, you and China had already negotiated this project, how much better? ”

Ali Guo was a little anxious: "Your Royal Highness, could it be that this project, China and the United States, has already been ...... Officially signed? ”

"Not really," Mr. Kwan said, "but an agreement of intent has been reached." ”

"It's just an agreement of intent," Ali Guo breathed a sigh of relief, "That's all ......

After a pause, the word "overthrow" cannot be said in any case, otherwise, this talk will fall on the Chinese, and some things will not be very reasonable in the future.

Ah Liguo saw the slight surprise on Guan Zhuofan's face, thinking that His Royal Highness had guessed what the word he swallowed was, and couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed. He quickly turned his mind around and decided to turn over the first hole card: "I think we should find a plan that satisfies China, Britain, and the United States -- Your Royal Highness, I will build China's 'Expo' project, which will be jointly undertaken by Britain and the United States." ”

His Royal Highness the Prince's face once again showed a look of surprise.

Ali Guo continued: "You can rest assured, Your Royal Highness, this will not harm the interests of the United States! Let me make an analogy, the 'Expo' project is like a piece of bread, and with the participation of the British Empire, this piece of cake will be even bigger - far bigger than the Americans can undertake alone! In this way, although it is co-branded with the British, the part of this cake that the Americans have in their hands is more than if they were alone! I believe that our American friends will be able to figure this out. ”

After a pause, he accentuated his tone: "For China, it is needless to say, this cake will be several times larger - China will be the biggest beneficiary of the UK's entry into the 'EXPO' project!" ”

Okay, that's a big deal.

However, it also makes sense.

Guan Zhuofan was silent.

Seeing that Guan Zhuofan seemed to have moved, Ali Guo hurriedly continued to increase: "Your Royal Highness, with your profound knowledge, you must know that it was Prince Albert, the royal husband, who presided over the project of the 1851 London 'International Industrial Exposition'. Prince Albert has always had good feelings for China; Prince Albert has even more respect for you. If Britain were to participate in the 'expo' project in China, Prince Albert promised that he would continue to be in charge of the project and would therefore visit China. ”

After a pause, he said, "Prince Albert said that he is very much looking forward to meeting you. Your Royal Highness, you must agree that this will be of great help to the promotion of friendly exchanges between our two countries. ”

Wang Fu? Hey, that's kind of interesting. However, I am not very interested in the prince himself, but I am quite interested in a certain princess born to him and Her Majesty the Queen.

However, Guan Zhuofan still sighed and said, "Sir, what you said is right, and I am also very much looking forward to meeting Prince Albert." However, even if the UK-US cooperation in the 'EXPO' project, China is still in default with the United States. If this reputation for untrustworthiness spreads—alas! ”

Alekgo was so frustrated that he opened his mouth, not knowing what to say for a moment.

Both fell silent.

After a while, it was Ali Guo who broke the silence: "Your Royal Highness, if you can accept my proposal in the project of the 'Expo', then-"

After a pause, he finally turned over the second hole card: "The envoys of Britain, France, Russia, and the Netherlands met with the Qing Emperor, and the etiquette is that Her Majesty the Queen is willing to respect the opinions of the Chinese government." ”

Okay, sample, you've finally jumped out on your own.

The envoys of Britain, France, Russia, and the Netherlands, who asked to meet the Qing Emperor, were stuck on the "etiquette" as always. However, this dispute over "etiquette" is not whether or not to kneel and bow -- kneeling and bowing "hinders the national body and is not feasible." This is clearly stated in the "Treaty of Tianjin," and there is nothing to fight about.

This time, what everyone is fighting for is the ministers of the Taixi countries, to meet the emperor of the Qing Dynasty, is it to kneel on one knee? Or do you bow down?

*(To be continued......) R1292