In Jiang Shunlun's small dining room, Xu Yifan, who finally met tonight, lived up to everyone's expectations, and those Britons, sat down as guests and hosts. A few cups of steaming fragrant coffee have been brought up by Chen De.

Xu Yifan was originally the master who was used to drinking coffee, and he couldn't afford this condition in North Korea, so when he returned to Liangjiang, Goshha, who was guarding by his side, first learned the craft of grinding, brewing, and filtering. Xu Yifan didn't spend his own money on coffee beans - he didn't have any money now. They are all the best coffee beans that Li Xuan brought from Nanyang, and they are changed every season, and her eldest lady does not drink Chen's. Xu Yifan is not only in charge of his fiancée now, but even his only hobby is rubbing his daughter-in-law with peace of mind.

As soon as Waters K. Salisbury and Xu Yifan met, they marveled at each other's youth. Waters is in his early thirties and is the prime minister's special envoy, but Xu Yifan is relieved when he thinks about his surname, the Salisbury family is originally a hawkish political family in England, and it is also known for its wariness and hatred of Russia.

Although the expansion of the British Empire had come to an end at the end of the nineteenth century, every empire in history would bounce back vigorously on the tail of this expansion. Perhaps it is because the people of insight in these great empires in history know that the life of an empire lies in expansion, and only in the process of expansion and conquest can it maintain its vitality. As soon as this pace stopped, the vast empire went downhill in that direction - and so did the British Empire. Their power had long since been exhausted, and the tiny three islands controlled the most extensive territory in human history, and although it may not be as large as the Mongol steppe empire in absolute size, the rule of the British Empire was absolutely effective.

The vitality of the empire has been exhausted, and generations of the best talents have long since passed down with the immortal name in the annals of the Anglo-Saxon nation. The United States is rising, Germany is rising, France is recovering, and Russia is still rampage in Asia with a huge habitual surname. In fact, the British Empire has already felt a little powerless in its pockets, and this empire really understands that people know where the crisis is, so when the sunset of this empire is coming, it is doubling its crazy display of strength. In this era, England had Cehir. A crazy colonizer like Rhodes, who never appeared even in the heyday of Victoria, this figure who longed to plant the British flag on the moon not only colonized the entire Rhodesia almost personally, but also established the far-reaching Rhodes Scholarship, just to influence generations of American elites to reunite this rich and powerful former colony in the British Commonwealth!

At sea, Britain squandered centuries of wealth to suppress not only the navies of Europe, but the whole world. An unprecedented two-strong standard has been set. (Not absolutely, another new empire in the broad sense of the same Anglo-Saxon, the Rome of our time, the navy of the United States of America exceeds the naval power of the rest of the world combined, but how do you look at it now, how do you think that this new Rome is a bit of the shadow of the British Empire at the end of the nineteenth century, history has always been repeated and repeated - Oscar press) The British ruling circles also put Salisbury in the prime minister position again, and formed a government for the third time. This decidedly hawkish politician had already suppressed Ireland's demand for reading power by the time he formed his second government, occupying Burma, Kenya, Uganda. And one of the purposes of the British Empire to reintroduce this prime minister is against Russia!

If Xu Yifan, a former angry young man who has a lot of history, is not mistaken, this Salisbury Prime Minister is famous because he forced Tsarist Russia to revise the Treaty of San Stefano when he was British Foreign Secretary, and shattered Russia's dream of entering the heart of the island in the Middle East from Turkey. He was awarded the Order of the Garter. This prime minister is the most vigilant and unfriendly figure towards Russia in the truest sense of the word!

In this crazy era at the end of the nineteenth century, the British Empire was overdrawn like a glorious return, not only maintaining its absolute position in Europe, suppressing its colonies all over the world, coping with the challenges of the two emerging powers, the United States and Germany, but also fighting the most fierce competition with the behemoth of Russia in the vast land of Asia!

The Anglo-Saxon Empire is nothing more great than this.

It was also in the hands of the Prime Minister Salisbury that the British Treaty of Alliance was signed. In order to deal with Russia, Britain did not hesitate to abandon the glorious isolation policy that had been maintained for hundreds of years.

It is precisely because of this that the Prime Minister's envoy with the surname Salisbury will rush to Shanghai so quickly to negotiate with him Xu Yifan, and it is precisely because of this that Xu Yifan is so convinced that this envoy will deign to answer the call and come to Jiang Shun to negotiate with him!

In Xu Yifan's mind, the world situation at the end of the nineteenth century was churning endlessly, and in the entire Qing Dynasty, he could not exaggerate to say that no one could surpass his insight in this area. This is true even in the whole world, unless there is another unfortunate child who happens to be familiar with history and is as thunderbolted and played through as he is.

Salisbury, the little British white face, is here, which shows that his grasp of the overall situation is not wrong. But I don't know, what price does the British want to use him?

He Xu Yifan sold 10 million taels of red ministers with his innocent body in Nanyang, and the British devil's plate was small, and he really didn't like it.

Zhang Peilun was sitting next to Xu Yifan, looking at Xu Yifan's expression and becoming a little strange again, knowing that this handsome man didn't know where to go. Anyway, it's always hurtful. He sighed in his heart, and he was also a little depressed, after Ma Jiang, he sent to Xinjiang Province, and he was arrogant, and he had already washed it clean. Li Hongzhang took him in, he lived a prosperous life in Beiyang, and the atmosphere there was opened, and he had a lot of time to read a lot of books to understand the world. Xu Yifan came to Shanghai this time, he thought that his calculations had been exhausted, and he was contemptuous, and he could be called loyal. Even after saving some benefits to the British, he took the initiative to take on the bad reputation for Xu Yifan.

Anyway, he Zhang Peilun has seen everything, and he will go home to study behind closed doors.

But at this time, he found out that Xu Yifan's knowledge was really several times higher than him, and the British really came to the door, and the prime minister's envoy was sitting in Jiang Shunlun's cramped dining room!

Zhang Peilun, who faintly prides himself on being Xu Yifan's mastermind, is now full of frustration in his heart, although Xu Yifan asked him to accompany him on such an important occasion, but he didn't say a word. Just immersed in your own mind.

In the last days, or when luck is at the extreme, there is always a natural hero. Over the years, this land has encountered great changes that have never been seen in history for 3,000 years. There was both an ethnic regime like the Manchus and an extremely powerful enemy in all respects that the Western powers had never seen before. The vitality of China collapsed, and the Chinese people lost confidence in their own civilization for the first time, and looked for a way out in a daze. It is precisely because of this that there will be a very different hero like Xu Yifan?

But looking at the way he always held back a bad smile, he didn't look like a hero............ There's a joke about two Englishmen sitting across from each other for a day without talking. Because they did not introduce anyone they knew, English gentlemen would never take the initiative to speak up. Although the three Britons rushed over by night, the current posture is a bit similar to this joke. This kind of situation, He Bo has been doing diplomacy for decades, but he has never encountered it.

The three Brits were just drinking coffee there, not entirely for the sake of reserve. But I really didn't know how to speak for a while. Xu Yifan's letter immediately touched the crux of Waters' trip, the Qing Empire and Yuben in East Asia both lost their strength after a war, and the empire's layout in Asia against Russia was empty at once. Whitehall was frantically looking for measures to make up for this situation, and the rise of Xu Yifan, a native warlord from the Far East, naturally came into their sight. It just so happened that Xu Yifan sought contact through He Bo, so he had the lightning speed of Waters.

Even though Waters was so eager, to be honest, neither he nor He Bo was too concerned about Xu Yifan. thought that in such a situation, he could only beg for the favor of the British Empire. But tonight's Xu Yifan's style, especially the letter, made them no longer despise Xu Yifan. If you can have such an in-depth understanding of the world situation and be so familiar with the British Empire's Asian layout policy, then this person is definitely a first-class person on the land of East Asia!

His practical ability has been proven by his actions, with a lone army defeated most of the army, how can it not be said that he is incompetent, and with such insight and vision, the weight of Xu Yifan, who is too young and completely Western-style in his demeanor, can't he still weigh it? In China for a long time, He Bo, who is familiar with the inside of the Qing Dynasty, can even assert that in the entire Yanjing City, no one can be the opponent of this Xu Yifan, in front of this vigorous young man, no matter how tall the walls of Yanjing City are, it is just a kick under his riding boots, and he Xu Yifan has a great possibility to control the future fate of this empire!

At this time, the original means of coercion and temptation, and even the intention to accept the loyalty of this Far Eastern warlord with a cold attitude, were completely frustrated. And they haven't figured out what kind of attitude they should use to deal with Xu Yifan at this time!

Thinking of this, Hober couldn't help but look at Barnard with hatred, and then at Waters.

Barnard's bastard is that he is the consul of Shanghai, so he naturally has the responsibility of gathering information on changes in the southeastern provinces of the Qing Empire. As for a character like Xu Yifan, he only had a few understated and vague reports, and he didn't know that they were hastily smeared after that drinking party. Such a person is no longer suitable to stay in such an important position.

The resentment against Waters, however, lies in the fact that the man surnamed Salisbury is full of thoughts about dealing with Russia as well as Russia. When this Waterster envoy saw Xu Yifan's letter on the word Russia, he couldn't hold his breath and dragged them to the top of this Jiang Shun wheel!

In Asia, there are so many other important things besides dealing with Russia. In the eyes of the young envoy, these diplomats serving the Far East seem to be busy with trivial things, and they are doing really big things. With such a huge land and a population far larger than that of Russia, during these decades of colonial diplomacy, He Bo also deeply understood what kind of perseverance and ability was hidden in the depths of these tens of thousands of seemingly insensitive and ignorant people. His diplomatic career has been to divide the country, cultivating the fear and admiration of the country's elite for the white man's heart, and even sometimes violating the principles of diplomacy to express some degree of support for the alien regime of the Qing Empire............ Once the power of this country, this nation, bursts out, perhaps it will be the beginning of the end of white domination of this world!

He has always hidden this worry in his heart and dare not say it to anyone. Because the result must be ridiculed. Will these Chinese, with their braids, squinted eyes, and hundreds of years behind the times, become the great enemies of the civilized world?

Two thousand years ago, the country had a splendid civilization and built a huge empire, and this bloodline has continued to this day! Isn't there really a day of resurgence?

Although he met Xu Yifan for the first time, He Bo, a China expert, clearly felt it. The eyes of this young Chinese man, who has already wielded considerable strength and power, are clear and clear. His waist will not be softened in front of these white people. This was unprecedented, and in his diplomatic career, no matter how intelligent and capable the elite of the Qing Dynasty was. In front of their foreigners, they can even behave unreasonably and high-minded - such as Li Hongzhang and Li Zhongtang, who have stepped down, but deep behind their appearance, they are still greatly afraid and look up to their white people! There is also the deepest inferiority!

But in Xu Yifan, he strongly felt that this young warlord did not have a trace of fear or flattery towards them white, and looked at them completely equally. No pride, no inferiority. Such a character should not appear in the land of the Qing Dynasty in this era............ He Bo naturally didn't know that behind the mentality of Xu Yifan that he felt, what was condensed was the blood, tears and struggle of several generations of a whole nation spanning a hundred years! And this blood, tears and struggle will continue in Xu Yifan's time and space............ Jiang Shunlun's dining room was silent, but everyone's thoughts were flipping, the coffee had been drunk for so long, and everyone's cup was still half full, you must know that Chen De was brewing Italian espresso. Xu Yifan was guessing the thoughts of several British devils, Zhang Peilun was depressed, Waters was thinking about how much power Xu Yifan had to become the help of the British Empire in Asia, and He Bo was just sighing at Xu Yifan's bearing, but Consul Barnard's thoughts drifted to the new social season in Shanghai in the spring............ I don't know how long it took, but I heard Xu Yifan put down the small coffee cup in his hand and said with a smile: "Everyone, no matter how good the coffee tastes, the mouth has to be used to talk!" I already know the purpose of Mr. Special Envoy's visit. It is nothing more than to maintain the balance of the situation in the Far East -- if I say it here, I can quickly calm the current chaotic situation on the East Asian continent, and counter the possibility of Russia's southward movement in Manchuria, and even contain the flanks of the Russians in the provinces of Xinjiang and Central Asia, so that they cannot cross Central Asia to peek into India, the jewel in the crown of the British Empire. What kind of sincerity will you use to repay my efforts? ”

In a word, Xu Yifan is really too lazy to be patient with these British gentlemen. Anyway, the arrival of this young minister is just to examine his Xu Yifan's strength and understand Xu Yifan's requirements............ Since this is the case, why bother to talk so much nonsense, these people who are just messengers still bring down the drama meat at once, the trip to Shanghai, these British people are willing to listen to his Xu Yifan's voice, it is an excellent result. Overthrowing the Manchus, he did not need the help of the British Empire.

His bottom line is that when he feels more and more strongly that there will be a fist chaos in Yanjing City five years in advance, these white devils must believe that he, Xu Yifan, can clean up the situation and not let the scene of the Eight-Nation Alliance be staged!

United Britain and Russia, that is a matter of the future. He brought up the reason for Russia, but he just let Britain know that no matter what happens in East Asia, you can only rely on me to clean it up! Whether it's the revolution of the regime, the chaos in the Northland, or the big gamble of you British in Asia!

To make your voice known is to let these white devils know. He is confident enough to deal with such a behemoth as Russia in Lianying, are those things in Yanjing City still in his eyes Xu Yifan?

The British, by any point of view, have no other choice!

Although his words are all about the expansion of Russia in Asia that this Waters is concerned about, there are so many twists and turns hidden behind it, but they are meaningful. He Bo is fluent in Chinese, but he listened silently, the meaning behind Xu Yifan, he who deeply understands the current situation in the Qing Dynasty, can hear most of it.

Barnard stammered and translated to Waters, Waters' eyes sharpened, and the young envoy finally raised his chin coldly and reservedly: "Power is never something that can be shown by words, but by facts. It is true that the Empire is very concerned about the stability of the situation in Asia, and Your Excellency has shown a certain degree of understanding of the current situation in Asia, but for the Empire, it needs to be carefully evaluated............"

Xu Yifan laughed, and the foreign devil was trapped.

"Your Excellency is an envoy?"

"An observer sent by the Empire............ There is no commission, no formal authority, in other words, I don't have any authority to make decisions. ”

"Since there is no official name, it will be easy to do............" Xu Yifan's eyes rolled around. The foreign devil slid and said that it was a special envoy, but in fact, the actual mission was indeed a special envoy, and he could reach the sky. But it will never assume any official name, such an identity, much freer. The real behind-the-scenes deals, which can be easily passed through them to the heart of the British Empire.

"Since it is necessary to make a prudent assessment, I can't see anything in Shanghai, I am here, with the greatest sincerity, I invite Mr. Salisbury to be a guest in Jiangning for a few days, and the closest observation may be able to get the closest conclusion to the facts. Jiangning's scenery is actually quite impressive............"

When Uncle He heard this, he almost couldn't bear it, and the surname stood up suddenly! This Xu Yifan, the first time he dealt with them, he moved so much thought. First of all, they pinched the most critical and most worrying lifeblood of Britain in East Asia, and a letter came, which disrupted their whole plan, Xu Yifan knew their hole cards deeply, and their original overall idea had to be rearranged. At least start negotiations with Xu Yifan with a more equal attitude.

The extent of equality depends entirely on Xu Yifan's strength. This is how the world is.

In this way, his request to invite Waters to Jiangning to observe nearby was simply too natural, and Waters must have been happy to accept.

But a figure who could get the word all the way to Whitehall appeared in Jiangning, even if Waters was careful not to show any inclinations. But Xu Yifan can influence Whitehall's judgment of the situation in East Asia through him, in a completely reasonable way, with his will, and his performance! And a person surnamed Salisbury, even if he does not have an official name, appears in Jiangning City, then what will be the perception of the entire Qing Empire on the two major forces in the north and south?

But Waters will definitely go, because Xu Yifan promised to deal with Russia! Russia, Russia, damn Russia. That's the only term in the eyes of the Salisbury family! He was not unaware of the importance of eliminating Russia's ambitions for expansion in Asia and turning their attention back to Europe for the British Empire to balance Europe. But he is almost paranoid that this Xu Yifan may be even more dangerous than Russia!

Looking at Xu Yifan's pretended to be a serious sincere smile, He Bo couldn't wait to throw the coffee cup in his hand in his face.

Waters considered it in a nonchalant gesture that was most standard of an English gentleman, and shrugged his shoulders: "Why not?" But I have only one request, that as soon as I hear anything about the name Salisbury appearing in the city of Jiangning, I can only regret my farewell and issue a formal statement indicating that the British Empire has no contact with Your Excellency. I would also like to make it clear to Your Excellency that the center of gravity of the Empire's diplomacy in the Qing Dynasty remains unchanged in Yanjing City. I would like to convey to you that after returning to Yenching from Shanghai, Minister Ho Bo will issue an official statement in the name of the British Empire, saying that the Empire does not want any chaos in East Asia, and that the Empire believes that the Qing Empire, which has a history of friendship and cooperation with the civilized world, has the ability to stabilize the chaos in post-war Asia............

His gaze turned to Uncle He, Uncle He's heart jumped, he also knew this statement! Waters, who looks young and careless, keeps this secret until now!

If you think about it, you can see that since Waters said this, he will soon be able to get the official instructions from Whitehall. During his trip to China, Whitehall must have given him secret authorization to do a few things he could. This statement is now being made only because negotiations have become an option in the current situation.

The core is still balance, prudent balance differentiation, and continue to maintain some kind of balance between Xu Yifan and the Qing court. Before the final result is out, get the most out of the empire! Since the Victorian era, the British Empire's family tradition of dominating the world with just three small islands has not been lost!

He Bo relaxed, leaned comfortably on the chair, nodded at Xu Yifan and Waters, and turned his eyes away with a smile.

Have you been in China for too long, and you have forgotten the strength of the empire, and how good the people of the empire are!

Xu Yifan just sneered in his heart, these British devils are very difficult to deal with. Britain's ruling class probably belongs to the most politically intelligent group of people in the white world.

But it doesn't matter.

Originally, his plan was to integrate the forces of the south, and then obtain the acquiescence of the great powers to a certain extent, so that the Praetorian Guard army would go north and usurp it with dignity. Anyway, the Qing Dynasty is already a terminal illness in the last days, and it is impossible for Tan Sitong or anyone to do it well. According to his original plan, negotiations with Britain were still very important to some extent. At the very least, it is necessary not to hinder his major move north.

But now, the shadow of the fist chaos has been layered over Yanjing City, and he can't let that tragedy happen again! The whole point of negotiating with Britain is to show the great powers that no matter what happens to China, he Xu Yifan can clean it up, and there is no need for you to send troops across the ocean! Even for the sake of the face of the so-called white civilized world, the British did not have enough troops, and even pulled Russia in, and did not hesitate to spend so much energy and financial resources five years later to support and fight Russia back.

It was enough for Waters to be such a channel for his voice to be expressed. This is also what he took advantage of Britain's jealousy of Russia to lure this kid into the bait. United Britain to resist Russia, after he really takes control of the national power, are you still afraid that you will not have to talk with Britain?

The situation in the Northland can no longer be troubled with them. His last bit of incense for Tan Sitong had been completely lost in Jiang Shunlun's thinking about Jiang Yue's reading for a few hours. The change he led was full of flaws and holes. When he returns to Jiangning, he is going to start making Tan Sitong's change a joke! Let him fail as soon as possible! No matter what means are used! Let the last struggle of the Qing Dynasty be shattered, and let Xu Yifan become the last person to clean up the situation!

As for Tan Sitong's fate - the road was chosen by himself, so there is no need to complain.

That's all he wants for this negotiation. The determination has been made and the goal has been achieved. The end of this road is at hand, what else does he have to do with these British devils?

He stood up and smiled at the three British devils: "The night is cold and the river is cold, and today is a good meeting, and the interest is not shallow." After dawn, let's go south to the south and north to the north, and look at where the wind and waves change! ”

(To be continued)