Constantinople, the audience hall of Caesar's Palace. The atmosphere is surprisingly solemn. For the first time since the Sino-Russian war 11 years ago, a Chinese official at the ministerial level visited Russia and was received by the Tsar himself. No matter how you look at it, the whole world feels that this represents a comprehensive relaxation of Sino-Russian relations. Although the official propaganda apparatus of the Eastern Roman-Russian Empire repeatedly emphasized Russia's great responsibility to defend against the "Yellow Peril" invasion of the West, to defend Europe, and to restore the former prosperity of the Eastern Roman Empire.

But everyone knows that the Ming Empire does not want to become a European country, they now want a rich and sparsely populated land in the south! And how the eastern borders of the Eastern Roman Empire expanded, that is, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia and the Arabian Peninsula near the Mediterranean. In China, you can't hit it with eight strokes. In this case, what is the dead knot between China and Russia that cannot be untied?

Alexander II sat there, carefully and even curiously looking at the envoy of the Ming Empire in front of him, the secretary of the Ministry of Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs. Russian Foreign Minister Gorchakov personally greeted him on the docks in Constantinople and arranged for some citizens of Constantinople to welcome him in the streets. Alexander II also gave him a brief welcoming ceremony in front of Caesar's Palace. The minister of the Eastern Empire was dressed in a red tweed official uniform with oriental characteristics, with a black hat, and a reserved and somewhat cold attitude. Alexander II did not care, and warmly welcomed Zeng Guofan into the luxurious and extravagant Caesar's palace. However, the tsar also knew that Zeng Guofan was not an important role in the Ming court. If there is to be a real show of a comprehensive easing of relations between the two countries, it is at least necessary to facilitate a visit to Constantinople by Zuo Zongtang or Crown Prince Zhu Guoxiong.

After the good Russian coffee is delivered. But there was only a strong aroma on the small coffee table next to everyone, and no one had the heart to take a sip. Everyone was looking at each other, wondering how two countries that not so long ago had considered each other mortal enemies could find a high-sounding reason for détente. In the end, it was Alexander II who broke the silence: "Mr. Shangshu has worked hard all the way, I believe you have brought all the goodwill and friendship of the Ming Empire...... On behalf of the entire Eastern Roman-Russian Empire, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to you. ”

"Goodwill and friendship?" The people present only smiled bitterly when they heard these two words, His Majesty the Tsar actually said nonsense with his eyes open like this, this cheeky is really too thick-skinned, right? Zeng Guofan listened to the speech of the Tsar translated by Zeng Jize, the son of the Ming Consul General in Constantinople, and nodded with a smile. Leaning forward slightly: "Your Majesty the Emperor." In fact, our emperor has always had a good impression of the Russian state and nation...... He himself deeply regretted the previous war between the two countries. Now, our emperor believes that the military demarcation line between China and Russia in Central Asia and Siberia can fully reflect the legitimate interests of the yellow peoples of East Asia and the white peoples of Europe. The Ming Empire was not a Mongol empire and would not expand too far westward. And also willing to respect the living space of the white race. What we need. It's just a wild place that whites can't adapt to or that they use to exile criminals. This is also the natural right of the East Asian yellow people, who account for more than 40% of the world's total population! ”

Zeng Guofan lived in Russia for a long time, and although he was a prisoner, he was still given preferential treatment. I have a lot of contact with the Russian upper class, so I also know the temperament of some Russians. They don't like to talk around the bush, just say what you want! If you can do it, you can be friends, and if you can't, you will see you on the battlefield! So today he simply said something as soon as they met.

Alexander II smiled slightly. He didn't think Zeng Guofan's words were so impolite, the Ming Empire was one of the three major powers, and it represented 600 million East Asian yellow peoples. Of course, he has the right to demand more living space - as long as this living space is not taken from Russia, then His Majesty the Tsar does not intend to let Russia be cannon fodder for the country that once rejected him (he wanted to get Queen Victoria in his hands when he was young).

"Mr. Chancellor, how can I believe what you are saying now?" The Russian Tsar asked with a smile.

Zeng Guofan smiled faintly and said, "Russia has a population of more than 60 million, and it is known as a fighting nation in Europe. If the Ming Dynasty wanted to conquer such bitter cold places as Western Siberia and Northwest Kazakhstan, the Russian race would inevitably fight to the death. I am afraid that it will be difficult to win after decades of fierce battles without sending millions of troops. I think that with one-tenth of my strength, I will be able to take such warm and rich places as Nanyang and Australia. Isn't this kind of hard work now being done by the Eastern Roman-Russian Empire? From a certain point of view, our two countries have some common interests. ”

The Tsar listened quietly to the interpreter's words, and nodded his head incessantly, as if agreeing with this view. Compared to Eastern Siberia, Western Siberia is the barrier that protects Russia's European hinterland. And the proximity to the Ural Mountains has been developed for many years, and the number of immigrants alone is in the millions! Of course, the land that Russia must defend. If the Ming army invades, they will face the most stubborn resistance of the Russian nation! Moreover, I am afraid that no one in the whole of Europe wants the Ming Empire to defeat Russia and become a member of the European family, right? At that time, Britain, France, and Germany will stand behind Russia, pay for guns, and even send troops directly! The Ming Empire will be the enemy of the entire white civilization of Europe.

But the invasion of the South Seas and Australia are completely different things. The former was originally the territory of the yellow race, and the Europeans went there just to make money. But few Europeans will really settle in the dead hot South Seas for long. As for Australia, it was simply the place where the British exiled prisoners, and if gold had not been found, the whites there would not know if there were a million? Moreover, does Australia have a relationship with France, Germany, Russia? That's just the overseas property of the British...... Even if the Ming Empire occupied it, the European countries other than Britain would at most express their angry feelings and show solidarity with the British Empire. Most likely there will be people who fall into the ground, anyway, no one will go to war with the Chinese for the sake of British Australia.

When the translator translated the last two sentences of Zeng Guofan's words into Russian, the Russian Tsar's face suddenly became a little complicated. Some surprises, some doubts. In the end, he frowned and asked, "Mr. Shangshu, I think you know what our Eastern Roman-Russian Empire's territorial claims are in the Near East, right?" Isn't the Turkish Empire a loyal ally of yours? Are you going to abandon this little friend? ”

"No, no. The Ming will not abandon the Turkish Empire. Zeng Guofan immediately shook his head and said, "I, Emperor Ming, believe that the position of the Turkish Sultan as the world leader of the True God Sect must be guaranteed. Once Baghdad is threatened, the Ming will not hesitate to stand up and fight side by side with the Turkish Empire! ”

"Only Baghdad?" The Tsar asked rhetorically, somewhat surprised.

Zeng Guofan nodded affirmatively. This policy was sent by telegram to the Consulate General in Constantinople by the Ming Cabinet Office, and was told to him by Zeng Jize himself on the way to Caesar's Palace. Zeng Guofan knew that this must be Zhu Jishi's intention, because the foreign policy of the Ming cabinet was actually decided by Emperor Zhu. Zuo Zongtang and Luo Zenan are quite qualified in managing internal affairs, but they are always a little unsure in foreign affairs...... In fact, Zeng Guofan himself didn't know what Zhu Jishi meant to the Turkish Empire? Is it to abandon the Turks step by step? Otherwise, what was the point of existence of the Turkish Empire, which had lost Asia Minor, Transcaucasia and the Mediterranean coast? Turkey has really reached that point, and what is left?

The tsar was also very confused, but he did not ask any further, but changed the conversation and mentioned Zhu Guoxiong, the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty: "Mr. Shangshu, in order to further show the world the friendship between China and Russia, can I invite His Royal Highness the Ming Crown Prince to visit Constantinople?" In addition, I hope that a comprehensive settlement of the Ming-Russia Treaty can be signed with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. (To be continued.) )