1908 Far East Madman Chapter 177 Banquet (II)

Of course, the German technicians were invited because of the Sino-German "friendship". But the other side is for security reasons. I leave the technical department of the arsenal under my control. Let's be honest. This is digging a pit and burying it by itself. Compared with. Or German technicians are more reliable. Few of them were able to read Chinese characters. Moreover, there are now many unemployed German technicians and military personnel in the German Concession. They have to work. The last time Colf met with the commander-in-chief in Huangzhou, he had a hug for his counterpart.

Of course. Zhao Bei will not expose Korf's mind to his face. And his attention was drawn to a foreigner who was coming out of the arch of the garden. The foreigner looked to be in his fifties. The dress is peculiar. Didn't wear a tuxedo. Instead, he wore a military uniform like him. It's just older.

"Welcome Commander-in-Chief. Don't you have a dance partner with you? My name is Hannagan. That's what I proposed. Should have greeted you at the door. But because I heard that you are wearing a military uniform. I don't change my outfit on the fly. So it's late. Missing. Also hope for the commander-in-chief Haihan. ”

The man in military uniform walked up to the commander-in-chief. A standard German upright. He bowed slightly to Zhao Bei. A Chinese dialect mixed with a Shandong Zhili accent.

"Your Excellency is the same Mr. Hannagan who fought in the Sino-Japanese War?" Zhao Bei looked at the other party carefully.

"It's despicable. Soldiers have a common language! That's right. At the time of the Beiyang Naval Division. My military rank was colonel at the beginning. You can call me "Colonel Hannagan". "The foreigners were a little excited.

"The battle of Dadonggou. Your Admiral's Admiral, Lord Ding, is standing beside me. And me. As an Army officer. I was fortunate enough to participate in the first steam engine steel hull in the history of mankind - the decisive battle of the fleet! The scenes of the war still remain in my memory. The roar of large-caliber naval guns echoed in my ears all the time. It's like it happened yesterday. If the commander-in-chief wants to hear about the war that year. I can tell you more about it. "The topic of Your Excellency's kindness may become the theme of the dinner. Let's talk about it. Why did the Beiyang Fleet lose so badly. ”

Zhao Bei smiled, head. Although he was already familiar with the Sino-Japanese War. But listen to the stories of those who witnessed the war. It doesn't seem to hurt either. I can't say that I can still discover some historical truth. "Off the topic. We can explore it slowly. And I have some photos from that time. It can be taken out and shared with the commander-in-chief. Let me now begin by introducing a few German friends to the Commander-in-Chief. ”

Under Hannagan's introduction, the commander-in-chief spoke to more than a dozen German businessmen and their female companions. Those Chinese businessmen and compradors also took advantage of this good opportunity to get acquainted with this "king of Hubei".

There are no big names in these oceans, including Hannagan. But there were a few of them. These have an interest in the German Krupp arms group Erhard. And those two heavy industry groups have a strong influence on German politics. Zhao Bei believes that as long as these people are convinced that the Republican Army is a good investment target, it may not be long. He was able to really hug the thighs of the German zhèngfǔ.

"Sir. The dinner is ready. It's time for a feast. The housekeeper walked behind Liu Renxiang. whispered.

"Governor. Do you want to feast now? As Colonel Hannagan intended. It's a German feast. ”

Seeing Liu Renxiang smiling at Mimi's appearance. The Commander-in-Chief also smiled and bowed his head.

"It is a great honor for you to have dinner with you today. Everyone was very polite just now. Also very enthusiastic, I think. You may have a lot more to say. But now. Let me first taste the German meal of Liu's Mansion. After you have eaten and drunk. Let's take a closer look at China's future industrial and commercial prospects. ”

…… Hankow over there. Commander-in-Chief of the Republican Army with Germany. The country's business people drink and talk happily. Běijīng thousands of miles away. Yuan Shikai, the provisional president of the Republic of China, couldn't get down to a sumptuous dinner table.

The dinner was held at the Liuguo Hotel in Dongjiaomin Lane. It was the British, French, and Russian ministers who made the east. He was accompanied by envoys from 11 countries in China. The name of the banquet for Yuan Shikai is to congratulate the selection of the mansion. and Yuan Shikai moved the president's line from Tianjin back to Běijīng.

Authentic French cuisine prepared by French chefs. The French table wine of the road. Trendy French music. Even the waiter who serves the food is dressed in a classical French court dress. This is the case. Let the guests immerse themselves in the fantasy of "the bright" Paris. Even the stereotypical Germans have some intoxicated expressions.

But as the guest of honor at this banquet. Yuan Shikai did not smile. Looking at the silver glittering tableware on the European-style long table, I was in a daze.

Shikai has no appetite. The secondary reason was that the feast was not in his mouth, and the main reason was the small one before the banquet began.

Takes place between the British and Russian ministers. The Russian minister complained about British discrimination against the weaker peoples of the Balkans. The British minister retorted. Accusing Russia of reaching too far.

Later, he was also a French duke

Conciliation. This calmed down the argument.

Shi Kai inquired about his subordinates. Only then did we understand that the cause of the incident between the two ministers' envoys was the "Bosnian crisis" that had just ended. Britain does not support Russia's hardline position in the Balkan conflict. This led to the annexation of two small Slavic states in the Balkans by Austria-Hungary. This was a big blow to the self-esteem of the Russians. And affected the international image of Russia. Several other small countries in the Balkans also have a strong opinion of Russia. As a result, the country can hardly step down. After the crisis is over. Tsar Nicholas II of Russia immediately ordered an increase in military spending. As you can imagine. If there is another Balkan crisis. Russia will certainly take a tougher stance.

But now. The Russians were really annoyed. For the softening of the British zhèngfǔ position towards Germany. The Russians have a lot of opinions.

Both Britain and Russia were part of the Entente. Why does it happen? Why didn't Britain support Russia? Could it be that Britain has begun to make peace with Germany again? Shikai hesitated. He remembered again the olive branches that Germany and the United States had thrown at him some time ago. But he knew it, too. It is not for nothing that the country and Germany threw out olive branches. They want railroad loan rights. They want to take control of several main railway lines in China.

Shouldn't we get closer to the country - Yuan Kai has been thinking about this question. This is the root cause of his unpleasant appetite.

Shikai's hesitation is unreasonable. Just now, his foreign secretary, Lu Xiang, gave him a brief briefing on the recent situation in Europe. Although the two major military blocs in Europe have been formally established. But since the Bosnian crisis has subsided, the overall situation in Europe is stabilizing. Britain refused to support Russia in provoking the Balkan fire. It also refused to support Russia's position on the Black Sea issue. This moderate attitude towards Germany pleased the Germans. The German emperor even wanted to sign a treaty with England. so that Britain would be able to maintain a neutral position while Germany was fighting a country on the European continent. Although this proposal, which was clearly directed against France, was rejected by the British Foreign Secretary, Sir Edward Grey. The news was even stabbed to the press, but an indisputable appearance was. Britain does not seem to be very hostile to Germany at the moment, and the two countries may not be able to come together.

But it's just a façade.

The international situation is uncertain, and today's enemies may sit down for dinner tomorrow. Pointing at those weak countries at the table, picking the fat and picking the thin. Sacrifice the sacrifice of small and weak nations in exchange for their temporary peace

For example, Britain reconciled with Germany. It is not necessarily impossible to get the support of both countries at the same time. That's it. Yuan Shikai doesn't have to worry about being challenged by powerful factions from the south.

But will Britain and Germany really give up their disgust?

"Gentlemen."

The British minister, Jurdian, stood up and tapped the gold-encrusted goblet in his hand with a silver spoon. Then raise the cup. looked at Shikai who was in the guest of honor. He smiled and said, "Let's raise a glass together." Congratulations to His Excellency the President, Dingdu běijīng. as the national capital of a country. Běijīng is hundreds of years old. I believe. President Yuan Da will surely bring new luster to this ancient oriental city. ”

The orchestra played the court music of the ceremony at the right time, and the envoys of various countries in China raised their glasses to pay tribute to Yuan Shikai.

Shi Kai stood up and saluted. He said: "This time, it is thanks to the support of the ministers and gentlemen that the dispute over the relocation of the capital has been settled. Yuan must be conscientious. Make a modest contribution to the friendship between China and the ocean. Even if he loses the election. Yuan is still your friend. ”

In fact, on the issue of moving the capital. President Yuan should really be grateful to Commander-in-Chief Zhao. Proposal for the League and the Restoration Society to move their capital to Fuzhou and Hangzhou. The positions of the Commander-in-Chief and the Grand President are the same. They were strongly opposed to moving the capital to the southern coast. Although the strategic focus is completely different. But in the end, he still made a "common hatred" on this issue. It was the support of the commander-in-chief. The president won one. After the country is formalized. The commander-in-chief sent another telegram to the president. It is hoped that the president will appoint Tao Chengzhang, the leader of the Liberation Society, as the "Southeast Road Administration". He is in charge of railway construction in the southeastern provinces.

The commander-in-chief's small abacus hits jīng. On the one hand, this newspaper is trying to curry favor with the comrades of the Liberation Society. On the other hand, it is also a continuation of the last "Southwest Road Governor" plan. The difference is. Last time, the commander-in-chief wanted to sit in this position himself. And this time he is seeking this position for Tao Chengzhang. A southwest. A southeast. The direction is not the same. But the purpose is exactly the same. They all wanted to put part of the railway power in the hands of the Southern Revolutionary Party. Increase your bargaining chips with the Great Powers.

This request is too "excessive". President Yuan is unlikely to say yes. But if you don't give some benefits. The "presidential system" cannot be enshrined in the Constitution. It's a dilemma.

It can also be seen from this. President Yuan is not only bothered by diplomacy. This inside gave him even more headaches. This is also one of the reasons for his appetite.

It can be seen that Yuan Shikai is a little excited. "Your Excellency the President doesn't have to worry about the presidential election at all. As far as I know. Your country this time

It is voted by an "election committee" composed of representatives of the provinces. A veteran politician who is heavy. No one is more suitable for the position of president than Lord Yuan. Currently except for a few provinces. The real power in most provinces is held by the constitutionalists of your country. I believe. We must not want to see those who have been hiding in foreign countries to control the revolution as presidents. They don't need a politician with a lot of talk. It's a real person. ”

Yuan Shikai smiled bitterly: "I'm afraid, I'm afraid that when the time comes, someone will be rude and rude, if some careerists in the south want to seize the presidency by force." For the future of the country. Blessings to the people. I'm only virtuous. ”

"Your Excellency the President need not worry. After the Qizhou Incident. The British are determined to strengthen their support for the center of your country. Now two British warships have arrived in Hong Kong. In a few days, you will be able to get to Tianjin. At that time. Your country's zhèngfǔ army will have the most advanced weapons in the world. There is this army here. I am confident that the central power of your country will never be weakened by careerists. ”

Zhu Erdian said confidently. Then the conversation changed.

"Still. Advanced weapons alone are not enough. Modern warfare is about logistics and the speed of advance. If the construction of the Guangdong-Hankou Railway, the Jinpu Railway, and the Sichuan-Han Railway can be completed as soon as possible, your country's zhèngfǔ army can be transferred to either side in the shortest possible time, and it will be advanced from north to south. Enough to deter all rebel forces. ”

Zhu Erdian said it and said it very well. Yuan Shikai heard it. The envoys of various countries also heard it.

German Minister Lake put down his glass. glanced at Yuan Shikai. He said: "Mr. British Minister sees that the railway is the most urgently needed in your country at present, as the country with the most advanced road construction technology in Europe. Germany is ready to cooperate with your country in the construction of railways. If the big president does not object. Germany is willing to join the national banking group. Loans and technical support for railway construction. ”

All the people at the table turned their eyes to Zhu Erdian. and the French Minister Rìben seated beside him. Can Germany join the international banking syndicate? The key is not in Yuan Shikai, but in England and France, and even the attitude of Rì Ben is also very important.

Jurdian sat down gracefully. Turning his head to look at Yuan Shikai, he asked with a smile: "The German minister is very enthusiastic. I am also curious to know whether His Excellency the President will agree to Germany's membership in the International Bank Syndicate. Jointly provide loans to you with the United Kingdom, France and Russia? ”

Look at Jurdian's smile. Look at the red eyes of the Russian minister. and the calm face of the French minister. Yuan Shi hesitated for a moment. Slowly squeezed out a few words from between his teeth: "This matter is very important. I'll have a good discussion with the cabinet members. Moreover. and the military side sent a telegram. Refusal to recognize unilateral foreign borrowings. So. I am not alone in this matter. At the very least, inform the Constituent Assembly. ”

"The current communist army is in the hands of a madman. It is very detrimental to the diplomatic relations between China and the United Kingdom and China. Personally, I think. Your Excellency the President should dismiss that madman as soon as possible. Minister Rì said very seriously.

"Mr. Minister. Pay attention to your words. The affairs of the Republican Army are China's internal affairs. It seems that it is not your turn to dictate. Now we are talking about international issues. And not China's internal affairs. ”

It was the Austro-Hungarian minister who spoke. He sat next to the German minister. On the other side of the German minister sat the Italian minister. Both of them looked at Minister Rìmoto with contempt.

"Minister Rì is a proposal made in his personal capacity." Zhu Dian said coldly.

"But Mr. Minister Rì represents the Empire. And. Your Excellency also represents the British Empire. Diplomacy is no small matter. As a diplomat. We should all be mindful of what we say and do at all times. The German minister interjected.

Hear these words. Then look at the Allied ministers sitting on either side of the long table. and those diplomats of "no state" and "neutral countries" in China with different demeanors. Yuan Shikai felt that the Lingtai was clear. A question that I couldn't understand suddenly became clear.

The Bosnian crisis was resolved peacefully. It's not the British who are peace-loving. It was that Britain was not yet ready militarily against Germany. The reason why Germany sought a rapprochement with Great Britain. It's the same reason. Both countries are gearing up. Like boxers in the boxing ring preparing for a fight. Before the official start of the competition. The necessary restraint is indispensable. Because the one who exposes his full strength first is likely to expose his own points to the opponent first. Boxers always try first when they fight. When you see the weakness of your opponent. will use deadly punches. Knock your opponent out quickly.

The contradictions between the Entente and the Central Powers were all-encompassing. Almost unattainable. The leading role is played by Britain and Germany. It is very dangerous to play a balance between these two countries.

Either stand with the UK. Or with Germany. Yuan Shikai had no more options.

Which country should we stand firmly with? Should the right to lend railway loans to the state?

Shikai fell into deep thought.