Alexander II was indeed an ironclad supporter of Central Asian independence, standing on the position of Russia, Central Asian independence is not only conducive to Russia's expansion into Central Asia, but also equivalent to the establishment of a buffer zone between Qing and Russia, at least Russia does not have to worry about the threat from the Qing state.

In recent years, the Qing State has ushered in a stage of rapid development in finance, economy, industry, science and technology, and military industry, and its economic strength and military strength have grown rapidly, and the Qing Dynasty's expansion ambitions are not inferior to Russia's.

In fact, with the rapid growth of the Qing state's national strength over the years, he was very worried, because the Qing state continued to expand westward, and Russia would inevitably become one of the targets of the Qing state's expansion.

In just thirty or forty years, Russia lost Central Asia, and sold Alaska and Siberia half to the Qing State, which is no longer the Qing State of decades ago, and has developed into an existence that Russia needs to look up to, and has really extended its hand to Europe.

How could such a strong, fast-growing, and ambitious neighbor not be vigilant all the time?

In addition, there is another reason, it is difficult for him to say, after all, the territory of Central Asia was lost in his hands, although the Qing State was annexed by taking advantage of Russia's defeat in the Crimean War, this account should be strictly said to be counted on his Lao Tzu's head, but after all, it was through his hands, and now that there is an opportunity, he naturally does not want to let it go.

Of course, what really made him up to the point was the attitude of the British, or it should be said that it was the general trend, and it was not only Britain that supported the independence of Central Asia, but almost all the European envoys stationed in Petersburg conveyed the attitudes and positions of various countries -- they supported the independence of Central Asia, and even the United States and Germany, which had close relations with the Qing Dynasty, tactfully expressed their support for the independence of Central Asia.

It can be said that in the matter of Central Asian independence, the Qing State has become the target of everyone! What reason does Russia have not to go with the general trend? What's more, at this juncture, the Qing State actually got involved in the South American war and declared war on Chile, completely unaware of the seriousness of the situation in the northwest.

In this situation, if he can't make up his mind, he can't forgive himself.

Prime Minister's Residence, 10 Downing Street, Westminster Borough, London, England.

Foreign Secretary Salisbury hurriedly walked into the spacious Prime Minister's office, "Your Excellency, Petersburg has called the Russian Emperor to agree to support the independence of Central Asia, and said that if necessary, a large-scale military intervention can be carried out. ”

Alexander II finally relented! Disraeli secretly breathed a sigh of relief, if Russia did not support it, then all the efforts made by Britain would be in vain!

Taking the telegram and looking at it, Disraeli felt a sense of relief, as long as he started to do any difficult thing, he would find that it was not as difficult as he imagined.

Supporting Central Asian independence, which originally seemed extremely difficult, has now become possible under his repeated planning!

Under the influence of the Eastern threat theory, most European countries, including the Ottomans, actively favored the independence of Central Asia, and the Persian Emperor Nasser Dingsha, who had a close relationship with it, took a resolute stance and resolutely supported the independence of Central Asia at all costs.

Everything is moving in the ideal direction!

"Replying to the telegram, the envoy stationed in Russia immediately discussed the relevant details with Russia, and one point that needs to be emphasized is that it is necessary to connect the railways and cable telegraphs in Central Asia as soon as possible, and a large number of material transfers and troop transportation must rely on railways."

Salisbury said: "There is no news of the envoy sent to Central Asia, and our country is not very clear about the situation in Central Asia at present. ”

"The heads of the two major forces in Central Asia, Feng Renxuan and Zhu Shanhai, have not all called back, and they urgently need the support of European countries, mainly China and Russia, and hope that we can provide a large amount of arms in a timely manner."

Disraeli leaned back slightly as he spoke, "The stakes are high, and caution should be deserved, but time waits for no one, we must make all preparations as soon as possible, otherwise we may miss the opportunity." ”

This is not unreasonable, Salisbury nodded slightly, for the British Empire, this opportunity is indeed too rare, and it is fleeting, once it is missed, the Qing State will inevitably take strict precautions against Central Asia.

The independence of Central Asia not only removed the threat from northwestern India, but also gave the empire the opportunity to expand into Central Asia.

These two points are not the most important, the important thing is that the independence of Central Asia can pose a huge threat to the Qing state, and the Qing country will inevitably be distracted from vigorously developing the army, so that the development of the navy will inevitably slow down, otherwise, according to the current development momentum of the Qing navy, it will be enough to completely dominate the sea in less than ten years.

Compared with this, the sabotage of the Eurasian railway, the destruction of Qing-Russian relations, the containment of Russia's rise, and so on are insignificant.

After a slight groan, he said: "Supporting Central Asian independence, especially sending troops to intervene in the armed force, I am afraid that some members of the upper and lower houses will oppose it, do you want to let out some rumors first?" ”

"Nope." Disraeli said simply: "I can't leak the slightest rumor now!" After a pause, he continued: "There is no need to worry, it is related to the safety of India, the safety of the vast overseas colonies, and the glory of the empire for two hundred years, and most parliamentarians will support it." ”

As he spoke, he quickly wrote a reply, thought about it, and then stopped writing: "The Chilean side must also be stabilized, and the Qing State cannot be allowed to get out of South America as soon as possible." ”

Port of Valparaiso, Chile, South America.

Valparaiso Bay, a large area of black pressure warships, troop carriers, cargo ships, merchant ships are moored in an orderly manner on the sea, the forefront is the Qing fleet hanging the golden dragon flag, the flagship 'Xuanyuan' ship in the center on the deck, Zai Zhao looked at the beautiful scenery and very characteristic Valparaiso Port, quite a pity.

Valparaiso Port is surrounded by mountains on three sides, one side faces the sea, the port is open, it can be described as a natural harbor, the port is surrounded by green mountains, the sea water is blue, the buildings are all built by the mountains, the houses are built by the sea, and the terraced style is in a row, which is unique.

Guo Zhongmu paced slowly with a cigar in his mouth and said, "This is one of the most beautiful ports in South America, Valparaiso is in Spanish, which means Valley of Paradise."

Originally a small indigenous fishing village, the Spaniards discovered it and began to build a port, which grew rapidly with the discovery of silver in Peru and the rise of the gold rush in the western United States.

Paradise Valley, this name is not bad, and the scenery is indeed beautiful and beautiful, but it is better to order the cannon to be fired, the time is not early. ”