On the surface, although Prussia had deep contact with Yuan Weiting during the training at the small station, after the republic, its relationship with Yuan Zhengfu did not deepen, but became increasingly estranged. The advisers around Yuan Weiting www.biquge.info changed from Prussians to Fusang and Yankees.

Sir Bassen, who once served as the chief teacher, has also left the capital and transferred to the Shandong Lecture Hall as a lecturer. It is precisely because of this father's all-round protection that Zhao Guanhou failed to win Hannah's blood in two years.

Diplomatically, Yuan Weiting was more inclined to the Albians, and he had a deep friendship with Zhao Guanhou and Zhu Erdian. Zhu Erdian exerted his strength in the legation to win the support of various countries for Yuan Weiting. HSBC's borrowing is also an important pillar of the Kyoho government's maintenance to this day.

Judging from the above signs, it seems that the friendly cooperation between Prussia and Yuan Weiting continued until the abdication of the Jin State came to an end. But under the surface of the water, the undercurrent is surging, and the friendship established since the era of the small station, how can it be broken by saying that it can be broken?

The generals of Beiyang either studied in Prussia or were trained by Prussian teachers, and they had a deep relationship with each other. During the Yankee Civil War, Yuan Zhengfu strictly maintained neutrality on the surface, but in fact, the Lu army entered the Yankee as a mercenary to fight against Albiang, and Yuan Zhengfu pretended to be deaf and dumb on the surface, but secretly helped and supported. Its tendency is not to be asked.

As far as Yuan Weiting is concerned, only by continuing the diplomatic strategy of the pre-Jin era, implementing a diplomatic strategy of equidistance and multiple fulcrums with other countries, and dancing on a tightrope, can he not suffer losses. However, the follow-up changes caused by the Shaanxi War broke Yuan Weiting's wishful thinking.

Prussian intelligence officers, after witnessing the battlefield situation and Zhao Guanhou's position, secretly decided to change horses, which Yuan Weiting did not expect. In the context of the current economic weakness of Taixi, Prussia is still willing to lend large sums of money, because it values Zhao Guanhou's influence and talent, and decides to support him as China's second Yuan Weiting.

As for Yuan Weiting himself, he didn't realize that he had become an outcast in the eyes of Prussia. The core part of Prussia's help in Shandong was carried out in secret, and Yuan Weiting did not know about it. It's just that the superficial help has made Yuan Dawei pay attention to it and be excited.

"When you mentioned Shandong's finances just now, I noticed that, indeed, all provinces are now poor. Shandong's business has to rely on export, and if the overseas market cannot be opened, of course life will be difficult. Prussian loans can solve the immediate need, but we also need to take into account the long-term dimension. ”

"President, Shandong's days are indeed tighter than in the past, but they are not as tight as they are rumored outside. Although the overseas market is not good, the domestic market in China is not without a small supplement. Besides, there is always a way to maintain it, and if this foreign debt is not borrowed, Shandong will not be unable to open the pot. The real reason is not in this money, but in a statement, in the current situation, we want to be alone, I am afraid it will be difficult. ”

Yuan Weiting nodded and said: "I also read the newspaper that the crown prince of the Habsburg Kingdom was assassinated, and the country will inevitably declare war on the Serbian state." The two countries are clearly strong and weak, and there is nothing to analyze about the war. However, behind the Cypriots, there are also strong reinforcements, and the previous Yankee Civil War has long been suspicious of each other. This time, if the people behind each other go to the end of the fight, everyone will tear their faces, and the entire Taixi will be caught in the fire. ”

"That's right, Tessie's business, we can't say that it has nothing to do with it. It's not good for us to be alone when it's fierce over there, I'm afraid we always have to show an attitude. Whoever you support and who you oppose must be made clear. We borrowed this debt, and Prussia knew that we were our own people and would not use our brains. Otherwise, he will inevitably relegate us to the helpers of the Albions and regard our country as an enemy, and at that time we will have to contend with Prussia. Although their military strength in China is limited and their commerce is not too developed, they are after all a powerful country in Taixi, and it is not wise to be their enemy. Not to mention anything else, just talking about weapons, as soon as Tessie fights, it is not easy for us to buy arms. ”

"Now it's hard for us to buy arms. I talked to foreigners several times, but I couldn't get to it. There are only two countries that are interested in doing business with us, one is Fuso, and the other is Prussia. ”

Yuan Weiting didn't hide the news, in fact, he couldn't hide it. Shandong currently has three divisions and two brigades. Since two of the divisions are subordinate to the War Department, the War Department is responsible for allocating salaries and ordnance, and the rest are responsible for themselves. But since the end of the Shaanxi War, in two years, Shandong has obtained Thai and Western guns and cannons, which is only enough to arm a regiment, if it is not for Zhao Guanhou himself to have a way, the Lu army still has to use old guns and old artillery, and then use Shandong Arsenal to produce its own weapons.

In addition to economic reasons, restrictions on arms sales to China are also an important reason. Fearing that China's military development is too fast, countries have begun to consciously restrict arms exports to China.

It is becoming more and more difficult to jointly procure weapons, and if you have money, you may not be able to buy things, and you have to bear the extortion of high prices. One of the conditions for Prussia to lobby Yuan Weiting this time was that Shandong could only get 70% of the weapons and ammunition agreed in the treaty, and the remaining 30% would be directly transported to Jinmen and handed over to Yuan Weiting for his own distribution. In addition, Yuan Weiting will be sold arms enough to arm four divisions at a very low price.

In addition, a total of more than 300 trillion yuan of loans will be given to Yuan Weiting, and the Gonghe Zhengfu only needs to repay the principal, and the interest will be paid by the Shandong side.

These two conditions alone are enough to impress Yuan Weiting, but what really makes the final decision is the third point: "The Prussian government supports China in choosing a political system suitable for its own country according to its own wishes." Regardless of the form of government, Prussia would regard it as a friend. ”

Yuan Weiting, of course, knew what a powerful influence Prussia would bring once it was on his side. A Tessie power, unconditionally supporting itself, then the big things they are planning ...... Perhaps, it will become less difficult.

Of course, Prussia also had its own needs for such a large amount of money. Once Tessie goes to war, the impact may not be the victory or defeat of one country, but the pattern of the whole world. This treasure bet is right, you can share the meat and drink the soup, if the bet is empty...... Even if it's going to be bankrupt.

Even if we don't talk about the attitudes of other countries, just talking about the terms of the treaty is actually no different from mortgaging Shandong. Once the treaty is concluded, I will definitely have to bear tremendous pressure in public opinion. Even if Shandong makes this peace treaty by itself, it will come out to endorse it, and it will still be a situation where the cart hits the wall.

Therefore, there are actually only two roads in front of Yuan Weiting, either agree to this peace treaty and accept Prussia's kindness, or completely refuse, and the situation of the two is tantamount to completely tearing the skin. In the future, not only will Prussia not be its helper, but it may become an enemy country. What he can rely on is the strength of the Albiang and Fuso factions.

Zhao Guanhou said: "President, the matter of arms cannot be counted as all factors. Even if we can't buy foreign equipment, we can do it. It is our neighbor who is considered by the lowly office. ”

"Fuso?"

"Exactly. The current situation of Tessie, the influence that the Albians can exert in our country, is already very weak. Relying on them to restrain the Fuso people is no longer as reliable as it used to be. Moreover, once the Fuso people negotiate with the Albians, we are likely to be used as bargaining chips and thrown out. ”

Zhao Guanhou made no secret of the fact that "Fusang people have coveted Shandong for a long time, and it is not the first time that they have made small moves in Shandong." It is probable that the Albians, in order to obtain the union of Fuso, will enter into terms with them against me. At that point, we may have to face the pressure of this powerful country alone. Suppose we conclude a treaty with Prussia, and Shandong actually becomes the sphere of Prussia's interests, then when others want to move us again, Prussia will be the first to come out and speak. Although its power in the east may not be able to restrain Fuso, it is always a bargaining chip. With this chip in hand, we have room to maneuver when we negotiate terms with Fuso and Albiong, at least, so that they can have some scruples. ”

Yuan Weiting pondered for a moment, "What you said is not unreasonable. But now is not the era of the former gold, what we have to consider is public opinion and public opinion. After all, it is a republic now, and the parliamentarians will definitely speak. This condition is too harsh. The mortgage is all known mineral deposits in Shandong, as well as railways and canals. In other words, as far as Shandong is concerned, the sovereignty of the republic has suffered greatly, and all of a sudden, it seems as if Shandong has become a foreigner. Whether they can say yes or not, you have to think clearly. ”

Zhao Guanhou sighed, "They are the people, and what they have to worry about is their own lives. If your life is not satisfactory, you have to scold your mother, and if you see something that doesn't go your way, you can also scold it first. The president, but he can't live as freely as they do. You are the head of a country, and you have to think about the overall interests. With our current strength, we will definitely suffer a loss against the Fuso people. What can be relied on is actually only four words, to raze and raze. ”

On the surface, Shandong became a vassal of Prussia, as if all resources were in Prussian hands. But in fact, Prussia also carried a heavy burden as a result. In order to safeguard their own interests in Shandong, they must first guarantee the authority of the president; second, it is necessary to ensure that Shandong is under its own control; Third, you must invest capital to develop Shandong, otherwise, these benefits are only written on paper and nothing will be gained. ”

In the end, Zhao Guanhou's words turned around again.

However, this does not mean that you have to sign it. After all, there were many Tessie powers, and Prussia was one of them. We can try to negotiate with other countries, shop around, see whose terms are more favorable, and then we decide who to join with. After all, this treasure may be betting on the future of the entire republic, and no one can make a decision except for the president. ”

There are electric lights in the room, and the president's room naturally does not have a shortage of electricity. But at this time, Yuan Weiting's face, under the electric light, seemed to be covered with a layer of fog, and he couldn't see clearly. What he was thinking about, and what he was considering, no one knew. After a long time, Yuan Weiting did not say anything about it, but threw out a seemingly inconsequential question.

"Do you know how wide and deep the Taihe Hall is?"

Although Zhao Guanhou has the habit of being a killer in his previous life, when he arrives at a place, he is used to remembering the layout of this room, as well as the passage of entry and retreat, and he is also extremely sensitive to the sense of space and the location of items. But he obviously couldn't answer this question, otherwise he would be suspected of ill intentions, so he only shook his head.

"Then let me tell you, the base of the Taihe Hall is two zhang high, eleven wings wide and five feet deep. When I first stood outside the Taihe Palace, it was many years ago. His gaze was far-reaching, as if he was caught in the memory of the past.

"That was the first time I watched the ceremony, first by the minister of the Ministry of Rites, teaching the ceremony, and then, I went outside the Taihe Palace, waiting to enter the palace. At that time, my official position was very small, and I couldn't mention the shift in the hundred officials, looking at the majestic Taihe Hall from afar, do you know what I was thinking? These words, which have been buried in my heart for many years, can be said to you today. When I first saw the Taihe Palace, I was thinking, fame and fortune, a very good minister, but it was all a joke. What is the construction of the tooth to open the house, living in the eight? Compared to here, the ants are not as good. Qin Shi Huang traveled to Huiji, crossed Zhejiang, and Liang was both from his homeland. He said: He can take his place. My thoughts are in harmony with the overlord. ”

"The president is a dragon and a phoenix, and what he thinks is different from others. When he saw the majestic Taihe Palace, he only thought that compared to this, he was just a feather in the sky, and any official position was a passing glance. Only the wife and children, gold, silver and satin, are the things in the hand. You have to hold on tightly and don't let them run. ”

Yuan Weiting showed a smile on his face, "It's not bad to think like this, individuals have their own fate, and it's not wrong for you to think like this." It's just that many times, when you get to that point, even if you don't want to, the people below will push you away. You don't want to live like that, I'm afraid you won't be able to. ”

"This also has to divide people, in the past few years, I have been thinking, fighting, bullets and bullets, in case there is a mistake. The wife is young, the child is young, and who will support her. It is better to retreat bravely from the rapids, disarm and return to the field, and seek a peaceful life. If you can take a spare job in Beijing and get a salary, you can take a break and unload your burden. ”

"That's not right, now, it's not time to rest." Yuan Weiting's expression became serious again.

"The situation in Tessie is tense, maybe when, there will be a big battle to be fought, and at this time, no one can rest. We all have to work hard and exert all our strength to deal with the situation in the future. You're right, Fuso, a bad neighbor, is always thinking about our territory. Now we are not strong enough to compete with Fuso. But a few years ago, what qualifications did Fuso have to compete with us? We have a lot of people and talents, as long as we work together, everyone's strength will be concentrated. After ten years of hard work, Fusang may not even have the courage to face China squarely. At this time, you are employing people, how can you think about retreating? Even if you wanted to, I wouldn't say yes! ”

Yuan Weiting said this vigorously, showing great excitement. "At the beginning, Sun Dixiang said that I was the second Washington in the world, and then I asked Goodnow, Washington, this person, it is not interesting. Although he has a famous title, he can't actually control the troops, and in the end, it is not so much that he has succeeded in retiring, but that he will not be able to retreat. Such a person is useless in the current situation. I will do and will not be Washington, only Napoleon. The emperor of Capet is the king of a strong country. Since the Shaanxi War, the attitude of the provinces towards Zhongyang has been much stronger than in the past, but what they have done is not enough. For example, Qi Ying, Zhang Zongyao, two years, have not been arrested, what does this mean? It shows that the local government still disobeys Zhong Yang's order! We have been working together for four years to achieve this situation, this is not right, you say, should it be changed? ”

Zhao Guanhou suddenly got up, knocked on his heels, and stood up and saluted, "He is a martial artist, he doesn't know integrity, and he only looks forward to the head of the president." If you say it should be changed, you should change it, and if you say it shouldn't be changed, you shouldn't change it, in short, the president is always right! ”

Yuan Weiting's face showed no joy or anger, and he asked in a calm tone, "What if I'm going to be wrong?" ”

"The humble office only recognizes the president, not others, the words of the president are the holy decree, and he will never make mistakes!" (To be continued.) )