In the first battle of Standton in South Africa, 40,000 German troops ended up annihilated by fighting more and less, at this time listening to Yi Zhicontent said that the German army's combat strength is also world-class, Mu Mo's heart is somewhat unnatural, he knows very well that the reason why the country took the opportunity of this military exchange to stuff the army into it, is to obtain the land weapons of the Qing State, especially long-range land guns and heavy machine guns.

Of course, he was even happier with Yi Zhifen's attitude of welcoming military exchanges, which confirmed the domestic speculation that the Qing State really wanted to use Germany to destroy the pattern of Europe and provoke war in Europe, otherwise it would be impossible for the other side to agree to carry out army military exchanges.

After a few polite words, he changed his words and said in a tactful tone: "Your Highness should know that our country has only recently come out of the shadow of the economic crisis, and it has to pay a huge amount of war reparations and spend a huge amount .......of money to buy war spoils from your country, and the funds are very tight. ”

Speaking of this, a sneer appeared on his face, "Can my country directly order a batch of torpedoes, submarines and new mines from your country?" ”

Listening to the translation, Yi Zhixiang suddenly lost the faint smile that had been hanging on his face, with Germany's industrial manufacturing strength, once he obtained torpedoes, submarines and anchor mines, he could imitate them in a very short time, when he was an idiot?

"Yes." He said in a somewhat cold tone: "If your country is short of money, our country can consider selling a batch of torpedoes and submarines to your country, but the navies of all countries in the world are generally interested in our torpedoes, submarines and anchor mines.

As soon as we learn that we are selling to your country, we will inevitably ask for a purchase, such as the United States, Russia, and some countries in South America, with which we have always had a very close relationship. ”

This is tantamount to saying that the Qing Dynasty will sell a large number of torpedoes and submarines to countries around the world, Mu Mo sighed lightly, "China's navy not only started late, but also has a small scale, if it cannot have a certain advantage, it will not be able to compete with the two major naval powers of Britain and France." China also hopes to be able to purchase patents for torpedoes, submarines, and anchor mines, but it is unable to draw a large amount of money ....... ”

The other party clearly wanted to bargain, but Yi Zhishu naturally didn't accept this, so he slowly lit a cigar as if he hadn't heard it, turned his head and instructed Chen Mengzhu: "Open the window for ventilation." ”

After being silent for a while, Mu Mo knew that he would not speak, afraid that the other party would not take the initiative to speak, and might even interrupt this secret agent in advance, so he simply picked it out and said: "Because of financial reasons, my country hopes to be able to purchase the patented technology of torpedo submarines at a slightly lower price." ”

Knocking on the soot, Yi Zhizhi said slowly: "The reason why China sells torpedoes and other patents is also because of the shortage of funds, as we all know, a serious drought broke out in the north of our country, as of this year, the drought has lasted for five years, although the drought has eased this year, but still needs a huge amount of money to recover." ”

Listening to the translator, Mu Mo knew that there was no need to waste his tongue, so he directly offered the price, "Twenty million pounds." ”

"I said that there is no need to talk about it if you don't have money." Yi Zhixin did not budge at all.

Mu Mo smiled bitterly and said: "Your Highness should know that there is no fundamental conflict of interest between our country and your country, and if these patents are transferred to our country, your country will still be able to maintain a strong naval advantage for several years, and at present, only our country can do this." ”

Yi Zhizu shook his head slowly, "Bechuana alone is worth more than twenty million pounds. ”

How can the two be confused? Besides, it is uncertain whether Bechuana has a large diamond mine, but Mu Mo secretly slandered himself but it was inconvenient to say it clearly, so he had to increase the price, "Twenty-five million, this is the limit." ”

"It seems that your country is not sincere." Yi Zhishu said and stood up, "There's no need to continue talking. ”

Seeing this, Mu Mo was a little anxious, and hurriedly said, "Fifty million!" Seeing the other party, he sat down slowly, and he continued: "Fifty million, including the war reparations, in addition, two hundred torpedoes, ten submarines, and two thousand anchor mines are needed." This is the bottom line given domestically. ”

Yi Zhizhi stared at him uncertainly for a long time before he spoke: "Okay, deal!" ”

Seeing that he agreed, Mu Mo did not feel relaxed, and instead said: "Those sixty warships, can you issue treasury bonds in your country?" ”

"Yes." Yi Zhizhi said with certainty: "However, if it is a treasury bond, the price may be more expensive, fifteen million." ”

"Ten million!" Mu Mo said directly: "These warships are meaningless to your country. ”

"But for your country, it means a lot." Yi Zhizu said slowly: "With these warships, plus torpedoes and submarines, your country's navy has become the strongest navy in Europe, enough to crush Britain and France." Of course, if you pay cash, you can reduce the price appropriately. ”

The so-called issuance of treasury bonds in the Qing State is just a temptation, Mu Mo thought about it, and then said: "A total of 60 million pounds, we will pay half of the gold, and the other half will be issued in your country...... treasury bonds." ”

Yi Zhishu shook his head slowly, "The total amount should be sixty-five million, and my country's funds are already tight, and I can't swallow so much, at most, I can only issue 10 million pounds of government bonds, with an annual interest rate of 12 percent, and a five-year term." ”

The two sides bargained, and finally set the total amount at 62 million, and Yuan Qi undertook the issuance of 20 million government bonds by Germany, with a five-year maturity and an annual interest rate of 8/1000.

After some more details, the two sides signed a draft agreement.

After sending Mu Mo out of the door, Yi Zhizhi stood on the steps outside the door with a cigar in his mouth and did not move for a long time, he was more satisfied with this deal, I believe that Germany is more satisfied, according to the original trajectory, the First World War will not break out until more than 30 years later, and now Germany with the help of the Qing Dynasty, allied with Russia, and lifted the threat from the north, and the naval strength has skyrocketed, I don't know if it is possible to break out in advance.

Of course, the outbreak of a large-scale war in Europe ahead of schedule was undoubtedly a great thing for the Qing Dynasty, which not only allowed the Qing Dynasty to have enough time to bury its head in development, but also gave the Qing Dynasty the opportunity to make a lot of war profits.

More importantly, if it really dragged on until thirty years later, he would definitely not see it, and for him, he would prefer the outbreak of war in Europe earlier.

Hermitage, St. Petersburg, Russia.

A four-wheeled carriage slowly drove into the arched iron gate on the left side of the Winter Palace, and in the carriage sat Prime Minister Gorchakov, who had just returned to Petersburg from Berlin. At the Berlin Conference last year, Russia was brutally suppressed by the major European powers because of the Russo-Turkish war, and in less than a year, the attitudes of European countries changed 180 degrees.

In the office, the Russian Emperor, in his early sixties, slightly bald, with a thick mustache, sat quietly behind his desk to review documents, since his accession to the throne in 1855, he has implemented a series of reforms in the military, social, judicial, administrative and other fields, the most notable is the reform of serfdom, which laid a solid foundation for the revival of Russia.

"Tuk tuk" A soft knock sounded on the door, and he raised his head and whispered, "Come in." ”

"Your Majesty, Your Excellency Prime Minister is here."

With the report, Gorchakov walked slowly into the room, saluted respectfully, His Excellency Alexander II sat up straight, and said kindly: "Is the trip to Berlin going well?" He asked as he made a gesture to sit down.

"Back to Your Majesty, it's going very well." After taking his seat, Gorchakov continued: "In addition, the British minister in Berlin paid a visit and warmly invited His Majesty to visit London. ”

"I have received a call from the Prime Minister of England." Alexander II showed a smile on his face, "The invasion of the Transvaal by the five European countries in a vain attempt to seize the Transvaal gold mines seems to have angered the Qing people, and the Qing State should be trying to use Germany to disturb Europe this time, and our country has now become the object of German and English co-optation." ”

Gorchakov said: "My Majesty should take the time to go to London and see what price England offers." ”

Alexander II said disapprovingly: "It's nothing more than the Balkans and the Ottomans, nothing new." ”

"Isn't Your Majesty tempted?"

"In the event of a war between Britain and Germany, will the Balkans and the Ottomans still be able to escape from our hands?" Alexander II asked rhetorically, and continued: "Since the Qing state intends to encourage Germany to change the pattern of Europe, we might as well let Germany make up its mind." ”

"Your Majesty." Gorchakov hurriedly flattered, he knew very well that Alexander II was worried that his visit to London would cause concern in Germany, so that he was so restrained that he did not dare to let go with Britain and France.

"There's a telegram from Shanghai." Alexander II took out a telegram from his desk and handed it over, "I hope that the Eurasian Railway will be connected within two years, and I estimate that, according to the judgment of the Qing Kingdom, war may break out in two years." ”

The telegram was sent by Yi Zhicontent, saying two things, one was to open the Eurasian railway as soon as possible, and the other was to remind Alexander II to strengthen security measures.

In fact, Alexander II attached great importance to transportation, at the beginning of his reign, Russia had only one railway line from St. Petersburg to Moscow, and the national railway mileage was only more than 900 kilometers, and now the national railway mileage has reached more than 20,000 kilometers.

After reading the telegram, Gorchakov pondered: "If the Eurasian Railway in our country is accelerated, it is expected that the entire line will be opened to traffic within a year and a half." ”

"Then reply to Shanghai. It will be opened to traffic within a year and a half. Alexander II said slowly: "In recent years, the Qing Dynasty has not only expanded rapidly, but also developed rapidly, and the development of industry, especially the military industry, is far above that of our country.

The number of students sent to China by the Qing Dynasty has been on a steady upward trend in recent years, which shows that the Qing Dynasty attaches more and more importance to our country, and once this railway is opened, it will not only be conducive to promoting commercial and trade exchanges between the two countries, but also conducive to close cooperation between the two countries in many fields such as politics, military and culture.

Now the Qing State is no longer comparable to 40 years ago, and the two South African wars have established the status of the Qing State as a military power in the world, and this German reaction is enough to show that the Qing State has the ability to intervene in the situation in Europe.

Once this railway is opened, our country will have a greater say in Europe! It must be guaranteed to be completed and opened to traffic within a year and a half! ”

"The old minister obeys." Gorchakov bowed slightly, then he straightened up and said: "Yi Zhishu reminded His Majesty in the telegram to strengthen security measures, this is very unorthodox and contrary to etiquette, and please pay attention to it." ”

Since Alexander II ascended the throne, because of his determination to reform, it has caused a lot of negative effects, and he has been frequently assassinated.

He is no stranger to Yi Zhicontent, the person in charge of the Qing Empire, who is not only extremely far-sighted, but also has an incredible ability to foresee, and the rapid rise of the Qing State is, in his opinion, to grasp the several large-scale wars and economic crises in the past thirty or forty years.

It seems that it is indeed necessary to pay enough attention to the uncharacteristic reminder of the other party, in fact, in recent years, the assassination activities surrounding him have become more and more rampant.

Shanghai, Zhennan Wangfu, Changle Book House.

Zhao Liewen walked into the room quickly with a telegram, "Big shopkeeper, La Paz is calling, Chile has sent troops to occupy the port of Antofagasta." ”

The port of Antofagasta is the largest port in Bolivarian and an important trading port in South America, through which the mining companies in which Yuanqi has invested are transshipment.

Yi Zhizu frowned, "Is it because of Atakama?" ”

"Yes." Zhao Liewen nodded and said, "Bolivarian President Daza said that Chile, with the support of the British, wants to annex Atacama. ”

Atacama is located on the border between Chile, Peru and Bolivar, and the recent discovery of rich guano and saltpeter deposits in its central and northern parts has led to a three-way rivalry, as have Yuanqi's mining companies in Peru and Bolivar.

Putting down the telegram, Yi Zhizhi said in a sullen voice: "England still has the leisure to support Chile to provoke contradictions in South America?" Can the British know about the mining companies that Yuanqi has invested in Peru and Bolivar? ”

Zhao Liewen said tentatively: "The meaning of the big treasurer is that Bolívar wants to take advantage of my country's victory in South Africa to compete for Atacama and deliberately provoke trouble?" ”

"It's not impossible." Yi Zhishu nodded slowly.

"The majority of the people who invest in Chile in mining such as saltpeter and copper, as well as in railways, are Europeans, and most of them are British." Zhao Liewen said slowly: "It's better to sit back and wait for the situation to get bigger, and then support Peru and Bolivar." ”

Yi Zhizhi lit a cigarette and didn't say anything, Chile is in the hands of local native whites, and has always been close to European and American whites, plus Yuanqi is a latecomer, and his investment in Chile has always been quite suppressed, if a war breaks out between the three countries, it is indeed a rare opportunity, not only for Yuanqi's investment in the three countries, but also for selling arms, but also to make a lot of money.

After a slight groan, he said: "Good idea, let's strictly abide by neutrality, and sell arms, if it is not Bolivar and Peru are really muddy and can't support the wall, then come forward to mediate or send troops to intervene." ”