How to send more than 27,000 men and 3,000 military horses to the other side of the ocean is a problem, and a huge fleet is needed.

To form such a fleet, of course, it is only possible to charter merchant ships from various countries, and if there are not enough passenger ships, it is also possible to fill the number with cargo ships. According to the general practice, a passenger ship carrying 2,000 passengers, if used to carry troops, can carry as many as 4,000 soldiers, because the military does not have as selective requirements for space and comfort as passengers.

Among the several ports of Shanghai, the most Western merchant ships were naturally British ships, followed by French ships, so logically speaking, this fleet of troop carriers should be dominated by British and French ships. As for the rent, of course, it is up to the Americans to pay for it.

However, when the news of Pu Anchen's permission was transmitted back to Shanghai, an unexpected thing happened.

The British consul Ali Guo and the French consul Ai Tang immediately made an official appointment to meet with Shanghai Daoyangfang.

"Yang Daotai, we regret that we have to inform you that all merchant ships flying the British and French flags will not be allowed to accept contracts to transport your volunteers to the United States."

“weishenme？” Yang Fang protested loudly, "As far as I know, the British government and the French government have a strict neutral attitude towards the war in the United States. ”

"I can only say that what we just said represents the position of our government." Ali Guo shrugged his shoulders.

In fact, Aliko's remarks reflect the awkward position of the British and French governments in dealing with the American Civil War -- on the surface, they remain neutral, but emotionally and diplomatically. It's all about hoping that the South will win. Let's go on the American continent. Two Americas appeared.

However, the embarrassment was that U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, who had already issued the "Abolition Proclamation" by this time, immediately separated the North from the South and occupied the moral high ground. And among the great powers of the West, whether it is the "bourgeoisie", or the "working class", or even the government itself. Without exception, they were opposed to the slave policy, so the British and French governments could neither declare their support for the South, nor did they dare to have actual support for the South, which was extremely embarrassing.

But in the name of neutrality, it is possible to prohibit the country's merchant ships from transporting "Chinese volunteers" and cause a little trouble for the Yankees.

In fact, in Shanghai, there are many merchant ships of small countries that also fly the British and French flags. Eli wanted to come, as long as these ships refused to be rented to Xuan Jun. Then it became almost impossible for Xuan Jun to find enough ships in Shanghai to form a fleet.

Oddly enough. This Yang Daotai did not continue to fight.

"Oh, I see." Yang Fang's attitude calmed down, nodded and said, "I think I can understand." At the same time, I hope that this incident will not hinder the deep friendship between us. ”

Can you understand? Ah Liguo and Aitang couldn't help but be suspicious, looking at each other, I don't know what kind of medicine is sold in this old fox's gourd.

The day after Guan Zhuofan returned to Shanghai, he invited Ali Guo to dinner. On the afternoon of the day after the military meeting, Ali Guo came to the banquet of the Qincha as promised.

I guess I have to talk about the ship, Ali Guo thought. For Guan Zhuofan, Ali Guo felt that everyone had gotten along well in Shanghai in the past two years, and after he started to do foreign affairs, he had a better impression of him. With such a hot figure in the officialdom, Ali Guo naturally did not want to affect their exchanges and even the future interests of the British Empire because of this incident.

With such an idea, as soon as they met, Ali Guo had to explain it first.

"Marquis Guan, in order not to cause any misunderstanding, I think I need to clarify this matter with you about the merchant ship......"

"Hey-" Guan Zhuofan waved his hand nonchalantly and said in the same tone as Yang Fang, "Mr. Ali Guo, you don't have to say it again, I can completely understand!" ”

Ali Guo was stunned, this is too easy to speak. This Marquis Guan, the official is getting bigger and bigger, and his temper is getting smaller and smaller, which is really different from when he was the county magistrate of Shanghai.

Now that this slightly embarrassing topic has been discarded, the atmosphere is much more comfortable. While spreading out the napkin with great interest, preparing to enjoy this delicious dinner in Lord Guan's mansion, Ah Liguo asked, "Then Marquis Guan invited me here today to ......"

"I'll tell you the truth, I want to ask you what good ships your country has built recently."

As soon as he heard this, Ali Guodeng's eyes lit up, and he put down the fork in his hand.

"Yes, yes," he said busily, "there are many, many more!" ”

*

*

The shipbuilding industry, if not the most competitive industry in human history, is at least the most competitive industry on Shijie at this time. The powerful countries have been tireless in their efforts in all aspects such as hull structure, shell configuration, mechanical equipment and warship artillery, and the pursuit of the market has never stopped.

In this field, the United Kingdom is currently making a name for itself. Hundreds of large and small shipyards, as well as the existence of the Royal Naval Design Association, make the level of shipbuilding in the United Kingdom still ahead of Shijie.

"Our newest launch, the Warrior, is a truly fully armored ironclad ship! On the main deck alone, there were eight 110-pound Armstrong breech cannons and 30 68-pound guns. There are also dozens of naval guns on the upper deck, ranging from six pounds to one hundred and ten pounds, with invincible firepower and a speed of fifteen knots, which is much more powerful than the French Glory! Ali Guo frothed at the mouth like a treasure, "Billgan, a full-turret battleship!" Turret, Off Marquis, Turret ......"

He was afraid that Guan Zhuofan would not understand, so he gestured with his hands exaggeratedly, and said for half an hour.

Of course, there is another reason for such hard work. He had already heard about the "Sino-foreign Investment Promotion Bureau", not to mention that he had faintly heard that the Qing Dynasty was interested in introducing a large shipyard in Shanghai.

If there is only one, then should we give it to the British, or to the French? As the consul of the British Empire in Shanghai, this was my duty.

"Marquis Guan, whether you are interested in buying or something else, you will definitely be able to find the most haode target in the UK." After Ali Guo finished speaking, he hesitated for a moment, and added, "It's just that there may be a small obstacle......

"Huh?" Guan Zhuofan looked at him with a smile.

"When Li Tai returned to China, he reported to our government that the Qing Dynasty had not kept its word and detained the two warships in the Aspen fleet that were supposed to be returned."

"Oh, this." Guan Zhuofan said indifferently, "This is the matter that I agreed with Li Taitai to haode, as long as the battle is over, I will take these two boats and return them to him." ”

"And ......?"

"Well, now the battle is over." Guan Zhuofan said with a smile, "I was about to ask Ding Ruchang to go to Europe, return the two ships to your country first, and then go to France to inspect the situation of the shipyard." ”

"Uh-uh...... Why go to France? Ali Guo hurriedly said, "Our British shipyard, Shijie first, I guarantee that General Ding will receive the warmest welcome." ”

"Really?" Guan Zhuofan straightened his face, "Mr. Aleeko, Ding Ruchang didn't go alone, he had to bring one or two hundred attachés, and even the two Captain Edward were his assistants. ”

It seems that the rumors are true! Ah Liguo thought to himself, there will be 200 people when he goes, so there must be a reason for it.

"I vouch for my honor." He said solemnly.

Speaking of which, Guan Zhuofan's goal has been achieved. Sending Ding Ruchang to go overseas to study and inspect the "propeller" ship had already been told to King Gong when he was in Beijing, and as for the two ships of Jintai Baiyue, the mission was accomplished, and it was not a pity to send them back now.

After eating this meal, I feel comfortable, think about it, I have been busy for the past two days, and today I should go back to the room to hug Qingqing and enjoy the joy of fish and water.

Who walked into the backyard, under the bright moonlight, saw a delicate and delicate figure, who was flipping heels, dressed in the wind, and very neat.

"Wan'er, what are you...... Which one to play? Guan Zhuofan was dazzled, surprised, and amused.

"Sir!" Wan'er retracted her momentum, turned her body over, and stood in front of him prettyly, breathing a sigh of relief, and smiled embarrassedly, "This is my family's kung fu, I ...... I picked it up and practiced. ”

Guan Zhuofan looked at her with a smile, and saw that she had changed her clothes again, but what she was wearing today was a Western riding suit. A tight tunic and breeches cut from tweed, paired with a pair of delicate calfskin boots, a crimson complexion, and a heaving chest.

Guan Zhuofan didn't dare to stare at her anymore, looked away, and said with a smile while walking in haha: "Haha, how come haode has practiced kung fu again, is it possible that you still have to run and untie the horse?" ”

"Not really." Wan'er's voice behind him was crisp and exquisite, "Practice now, and you won't get dizzy when you take the boat." ”

*

(I'm going to have a short business trip this Thursday and come back on Saturday, and I can only guarantee one change in those two or three days, so I'll apologize to everyone first.) ）

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