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As for the armed forces, they have completely become a tool of the government under the pull of a large amount of money, under the call of the general interests of the nation, with the replenishment of fresh blood, and with the constant deployment of personnel. Not to mention the division commander or army commander, even if he is the commander of a military region, it is a whimsical thing to want to divide one side now. There was no salary, no ammunition, no food, and the political ideology that the government constantly instilled in the soldiers.

Yuan Shikai shook his head, putting aside the messy thoughts in his heart, the one who knows the times is Junjie, and now this is the case, the old people of Beiyang are splitting and dividing, and it is difficult to unify the will as a group. Besides, he has been found to be suffering from serious kidney disease, and because his son's plot of mutiny was discovered, he voluntarily resigned from the important post of defense minister and only served as a senior adviser to the president, so what do you care about so many things?

The car stopped in front of the door, and Yuan Shikai saw the car parked in front of the door at a glance, and the car had a diplomatic license plate, which was no stranger to him.

Yuan Shikai slowly walked to the door of the living room, and Zhu Erdian had already walked out with a smile on his face, of course, this journey was enough for Yuan Shikai to turn his brain and think about how to deal with this old British friend.

Cold noise and nonsense are very necessary for this kind of occasion, Yuan Shikai never asked Zhu Erdian's intentions, and only regarded this as a courtesy exchange between friends, and Zhu Erdian also smiled and chatted with him. After drinking a cup of tea, Zhu Erdian turned the topic to the international situation.

"What is the assessment of the current and future situation of your country's research group on the current and future situation?" As an old friend, can you reveal a thing or two. Zhu Erdian's tone was solemn, so that Yuan Shikai couldn't help but glance at him.

"What kind of judgment is not all hypothetical now, Mr. Minister, why bother with this?" Yuan Shikai said with a smile.

Zhu Erdian smiled faintly and said: "After your country's Secretary of State returned from illness, he presided over the establishment of the International Situation Research Group, which is widely speculated by the outside world to play a guiding role in China's foreign policy. Moreover, there has been a lot of public opinion recently, and my Government is deeply concerned about this. ”

The so-called change in public opinion in Zhu Erdian's mouth is indeed done by the Chinese government in advance, and its intention is to inform the people that the future European war will be negative for China to stay out of it. There are many opportunities to prepare for this unprecedented world change.

Yuan Shikai nodded, silent and did not speak for the time being, the opinions of the research team were not unified about the changes in the international situation, and he was hesitating whether he should tell Zhu Erdian about this.

"According to China's current status, if a European war breaks out, it is not feasible to join which side and which side to oppose, so it is better to strictly abide by neutrality and slowly accumulate strength." Zhu Erdian continued: "It is also a very cheap thing to wait until the end of the European competition and then choose to take refuge with the winning side. ”

"What if there is a war in China?" Yuan Shikai asked.

Zhu Erdian smiled and said: "During the Russo-Japanese War, the Qing Dynasty government adopted an outsider neutral approach, which I think is worth learning from. ”

Yuan Shikai pursed the corners of his mouth and said, "Mr. Minister, it is not appropriate to say this outside. Having said that, Yuan Shikai's thoughts are basically the same as Zhu Erdian's.

"Of course." "Because we are old friends, I told you frankly. At present, your country is getting too close to Germany, which is a matter with very serious consequences, and I hope that your government will consider it carefully. ”

"Germany has given China a lot of support and assistance." Yuan Shikai explained: "Mr. Minister is not too sensitive to the normal exchanges between the two countries. ”

Zhu Erdian shook his head and said: "Secretary Chen is very shrewd, but he wants to change hands between the winners and losers, and take advantage of the opportunity of a possible European war to obtain the greatest benefits, which is tantamount to playing with fire." The contrast in strength between the Entente and the Central Powers is clear to the eye. Another action that your country can take is to side with the Entente, so that it can win real rights and interests after the war, otherwise it is not China's rights and interests. ”

Is this an invitation? Yuan Shikai stared at Zhu Erdian's face, he was still very optimistic about the Entente led by Britain. Although he was careful not to mention which side he should support in the discussion of the research group, he greatly praised the Allies for their absolute sea supremacy, believing that the Allies were powerless at least against Britain.

"What are the real rights, specifically?" Yuan Shikai said with a smile: "Mr. Minister and Secretary Chen have also dealt with each other a few times, what kind of person he is, hehe, we all know it." Now that the debate is fierce, Mr. Minister had better have a showdown as soon as possible! ”

Zhu Erdian's temptation was answered more satisfactorily, and the debate was fierce, that is, the diplomatic direction of the Chinese government had not yet been finalized, and Britain or the Entente still had a chance.

As for co-opting China into the war, Britain did not expect Chinese troops to fight in Europe, but China's resources and labor could be used. Moreover, China is a weak country, and its demands must not be high, and it will not endanger British interests in the Far East.

This was different from Japan, and Britain was afraid that Japanese power would dominate the Far East, so there were still great differences and hesitations on the question of whether or not to invite Japan into the war. However, in order to clear the German navy and army in the Far East, it was necessary to rely on the strength of the Japanese navy. Of course, if China can do that, that's the best thing.

Keeping China and Japan in check with each other, so that they both need the support of the British Empire, is Zhu Erdian's wishful thinking. Whether it's Japan or China, Britain doesn't want their power to expand too quickly.

"Thank you, old friend." Zhu Erdian got up to say goodbye and shook hands with Yuan Shikai to say goodbye.

…………

Chen Wenqiang now has a feeling of being a charlatan, well, he shouldn't belittle himself so much, he is called a liar in society, and in the field of world diplomacy, it has to be called vertical and horizontal and flexible diplomacy. After deceiving the Germans, the British sent it to the door again, and you said that if you don't deceive, you are really sorry for your conscience.

Zhu Erdian had an impeccable smile on his face, but his heart ached. He saw China very clearly, although he appeared to be submissive to the foreign powers, and did not overturn the unequal treaties signed by the Manchu government in exchange for a relatively stable environment for development.

But this is only the surface, and the Chinese government has been holding back its strength in its bones, working hard and accumulating strength. The purpose, of course, doesn't have to be thought about to know.

Sometimes, Zhu Erdian had to feel that the new Chinese government had caught up with a good time, and the tension of the international situation, the shadow of the European war, and the contradictions between the great powers made China break free from a certain space for development under the oppression of the great powers that had to relax somewhat.

Of course, the new Chinese government's flexible and pragmatic foreign policy has also contributed to it. Taking advantage of the contradictions between the great powers, using interests as bait, and treating them differently, they have attracted the United States and Germany, which can be regarded as having backers and support. Now, it even has the value of being used, and it has become the target of the two major military blocs.

"The British Empire's relations with China have always been friendly, and in spite of the changing international situation, my government still hopes that this friendly relationship between the two countries will continue." Zhu Erdian decided to throw out a small bait first, testing Chen Wenqiang's attitude and the appetite of the Chinese government, "My country intends to temporarily postpone the payment of your country's Gengzi indemnity, and the period is tentatively set at three years." This is a sign of good faith and a way to promote British influence in your country, to develop trade between China and the UK, and to enhance the intimate relationship between the two countries. ”

It's just a slow payment, Chen Wenqiang pursed his lips with some disdain, this action was obvious, and of course it fell in Zhu Erdian's eyes.

"Thank you for your government's kind gesture." Chen Wenqiang said nonchalantly: "Maintaining close relations between China and Britain is also something that our government is very willing to see. ”

Zhu Erdian paused, decided to increase the chips, and listed the conditions, such a little bit of squeezing toothpaste like lobbying, it seems that it is really difficult to arouse Chen Wenqiang's interest.

"The British Empire is very pleased with the construction achievements made by your country in the past few years, and has decided to increase financial assistance to your country."

Chen Wenqiang blinked his eyes and said lightly: "Mr. Minister, isn't it tiring to talk like this?" We are also talking about financial assistance with Germany, and we are just comparing the two aspects to see which one is more favorable. ”

Zhu Erdian couldn't help but put away his smile, Chen Wenqiang's statement of completely ignoring diplomatic etiquette made him very angry, he groaned for a while, and said patiently: "Mr. Secretary of State, some countries' money is not so easy to get, the British Empire is for the good of your country, unlike some countries, they want to use your country and drag your country into the abyss of war." ”

"A loan is a loan, and a war is a war." Chen Wenqiang said disapprovingly: "The Chinese government will put national interests first in everything and make appropriate choices and actions at the right time." Mr. Minister, let us return to the economic question, how is your country going to assist us, how much is it, and what are the conditions attached? ”

"As long as your country does not join the Allied bloc, the British Empire is prepared to provide a low-interest loan of ten million pounds, with a repayment period of ten years." Zhu Erdian said.

"Ten million, that's too little." Chen Wenqiang frowned and stretched out a slap, "At least 50 million, our government can remain neutral in a possible European war in the future, but Britain must also guarantee that any country in the Entente group will not undermine our neutrality." In the event of such a regrettable event, the agreement will naturally terminate and our country will respond as it deserves. ”

Zhu Erdian pondered for a moment and said, "Such a large amount, and the British Empire has to make some kind of commitment, this is not something that my authority can decide. ”

"I can understand that." Chen Wenqiang slowed down his tone and said: "Actually, the conditions in my country are very reasonable, the Russo-Japanese War during the Manchu Qing Dynasty, Mr. Minister still remembers, right?" We just hope that this kind of thing that hurts our sovereignty and hurts our national feelings will not happen. I hope your country understands. ”

"It's not easy to maintain a neutral stance." Zhu Erdian reminded pointedly: "The neutral countries must prevent the belligerents from using their territory for the purpose of waging war, and Qingdao—"

"Please rest assured, Mr. Minister, that our government has a plan to deal with it." Chen Wenqiang pursed his lips and said with a sneer: "Mr. Minister only said Qingdao, so what are Dalian and Lushun?" What do you say about the armed forces in other concessions? ”

"Dalian and Lushun belonged to Japan, and Japan was not a member of the Entente." Zhu Erdian was a little weak, but he continued with a stubborn head: "I am assured, Mr. Secretary, that the British Empire has absolutely no desire to fight on your land, but I am deeply concerned about the actual conduct of some nations to fight on the territory or ports of your country. ”

The bandit logic only allows you to maintain the military occupation of the concession land, but Germany is not allowed to do the same thing, wanting to wage war on Chinese soil, and China is also required to bear this trumped-up charge of undermining neutrality. What the is your reason to think that China is still a decadent and declining Manchu era?

Chen Wenqiang's heart was churning with anger, but his face pretended to be indifferent, and said: "On the Qingdao issue, our government has its own opinions, and it will definitely fulfill its responsibilities as a neutral country. I need to remind you, Mr. Minister, that belligerents must not invade neutral territory, and that the neutrality of the neutral State is not affected by its resistance to aggression. If this leads to a drastic change in our foreign policy, your country will also bear the corresponding responsibility. ”

What does that mean? Zhu Erdian blinked and glanced at the secretary next to him, who was quickly taking notes. What is the Chinese government worried about, why has it repeatedly asked the British Empire government to promise the Entente not to undermine China's neutrality. You know, in the Far East, the Entente did not have much military power, so which country could have carried out such a dangerous move?

Go back and think about it, old fellow, and you'll see what I'm talking about. It should also be understood that inviting Japan to the war will be a very troublesome matter, so be cautious, at least summon Japanese dogs later.

In the early winter of 1913, the middle "sea" had been frozen with a thin layer of ice, covered with a layer of bright light on the gray and green, and some withered lotus stems and short reeds were frozen in the ice.

Although tanks, airplanes, and penicillin were all very much needed by Germany, Qingdao, a stronghold in the Far East, Germany still did not want to return it to China so casually. In this regard, the Chinese government also expects that it will not be so easy for them to spit out the meat that they eat in their mouths.

"Tank prototypes and drawings can be sent to your country free of charge, but the aircraft shooting technology and penicillin must be decided after the Qingdao issue is resolved." Chen Wenqiang said to Fa Jinhan: "Of course, we can make some preparations in advance. ”

Falkingham agreed to return Qingdao to China, because the Far East stronghold did not have much military significance from a strategic point of view. Although the Jiaozhou Bay Fleet was not large, it could still strengthen the already inferior German Navy to some extent after returning home.

He was very excited about the power of the coordinated operations of land, Tan, and air forces that several senior staff officers had seen in northwest China, and if they obtained these weapons, they would undoubtedly give Germany a great advantage in the war against France and Russia, and could even optimize the existing military plan in order to achieve greater results.

If the Entente bloc could be defeated in the war, a small Qingdao would be nothing, and Germany would be able to acquire a larger and larger colony. Think of Annam in France, Nanyang in England, what a coveted and rich land and resources. So, it's worth paying some price for the sake of victory. However, politicians in Germany only care about their immediate interests and are entangled in the Qingdao issue.

"Mr. Secretary, I sincerely hope that the Qingdao issue can be resolved smoothly, and I will work hard to achieve it when I return home." Falkingham said apologetically: "What do you mean by preparing in advance? Will this help my Government to make concessions? ”

"Our Government has decided to sign a secret agreement with your country to declare war on Russia for a period of not more than six months, provided that Great Britain remains neutral." Chen Wenqiang said very sincerely: "In addition, from now on, we will supply 3,000 finished penicillin products to your country every month. As you are aware, the production of this drug is limited, and even for our country, it is in short supply. Also, we can allow people from your country to study in pharmaceutical factories. Of course, the personal freedom of these people will be restricted until the Qingdao issue is resolved. ”

"Your country's sincerity is touching." Falkingham did not expect that China would still make such a promise under such circumstances, and he was not a politician after all, but a soldier, so he felt a little ashamed.

Chen Wenqiang said with a smile: "In order to cope with the changes, the Chinese government has decided to build a number of coastal fortifications and hold a large-scale military exercise from May to June next year, which may involve the garrison of Shandong, I hope your country can understand." ”

"A full range of exercises on land, sea and air?" Fakingham cautiously asked: "There are also coastal fortifications, this is not aimed at Qingdao, right?" ”

"Here are the drawings of coastal fortifications, which you can easily see are aimed at a possible threat from the sea, against a hypothetical enemy landing." Chen Wenqiang calmly handed a document to Fa Kinghan and said: "The location of the exercise is not in Shandong, so your country really doesn't need to worry too much. ”

Fa Jinhan carefully looked at the drawings of the fortifications, and judging from the distribution and direction, he could be sure that these fortifications were indeed as Chen Wenqiang said, not only did not pose a threat to Qingdao, but could prevent the enemy's roundabout attack on Qingdao on the flank. In addition, the location of the exercise was in Hebei Province, which was more like a test of the army's ability to defend the capital.

At this point, Falkingham was completely relieved. The Chinese Government not only showed Germany its determination to join in good faith, but also secretly informed Britain of its co-optation, believing that this would prompt the German Government to make appropriate concessions on the Qingdao issue. (To be continued.) )