The movement to reclaim roads and mines was booming throughout the country, and for the first time, the great powers found that the Chinese, who had always groveled before them, seemed to have straightened their backs and hardened their attitudes.

In the British Concession in Tianjin, as a symbol of the British victory in the invasion of China, the hall on the second floor of the Gordon Hall of the Municipal Building in the Concession Area was decorated with lights, crowded with people, and there was a noisy and joyful atmosphere.

Ministers, consuls, counselors from various countries, as well as businessmen from various countries in China gathered together to celebrate De Xuanlin's 55th birthday.

This De Xuanlin is the most influential on the ground in Tianjin, except for Li Hongzhang and Wang Chenhao. The eldest son-in-law was the German businessman Hannagan, who he recommended to Li Hongzhang as an engineer at the Lushun Naval Base and helped Wang Chenhao train the military adviser of the Beiyang Army, the second son-in-law, the American Lac, was the manager of the Meifeng Bank, the third son-in-law Baul was the Austro-Hungarian consul in Tianjin, the fourth son-in-law, the British Nathan, was the British Consul General in Guangzhou, and the fifth son-in-law, William, was the military attache of the British Embassy in China.

Due to his family's prominence, his family became the social center of Tianjin for an entire generation, and had an extraordinary influence on the Qing Empire.

This time, in addition to giving De Xuanlin a birthday celebration, the consuls of various countries wanted to take the opportunity of celebrating De Xuanlin's birthday to inquire with each other about the views of various countries on the large-scale movement of recovering railway mining rights that broke out in the Qing Empire throughout the country.

For the great powers of various countries, although they have suffered some losses this time, they are far from being able to compare with the tremendous benefits and benefits of their rise in China, and they are not yet to the point of breaking their muscles and bones.

The countries took the initiative to hand over some of the railways and mining rights, just to give an explanation to the Qing government and balance the people's anger.

However, with the upsurge of the road and mine movement, the great powers thought that they could settle the situation by making some concessions, but they did not think that it would become more and more intense, and if it continued like this, it would inevitably affect the core interests of the great powers in China.

The Russian political axe has always wanted to provoke the relations between the great powers of various countries and the Qing political axe, and now that this opportunity has been encountered, the Russian minister to China, Cuman, naturally has to instigate it.

Cuman suggested that the political axes of various countries should unite and form an intervention group to put pressure on the prime minister of the Qing government, Yamen, and demand that the Qing government axe fulfill the treaties signed with other countries and protect the rights and interests of all countries in China.

Cuman's approach appears to be for the good of all countries, but in fact it is a plan to isolate the Qing government. Since the Qing-Russian War, the Russian political axe has launched a series of diplomatic activities, with the aim of isolating the Qing political axe in the international community and creating an opportunity and excuse for Russia to invade China in an all-out military manner.

The ministers were now shocked and worried by the movement to reclaim the mines, and did not think of the purpose behind the Russians, so they all agreed with Cuman's proposal.

"Lord Wang Chenhao, Minister of the Navy of the Qing Empire, has arrived!"

At a time when everyone was talking, Wang Chenhao, as the host of Tianjin, naturally had to come to celebrate De Xuanlin's birthday.

The three words Wang Chenhao have long been popular all over the world and have become a household name all over the world, especially in the ears of the envoys and military attaches of these countries in China, the three words Wang Chenhao have vaguely become the signboard of the Qing Empire.

De Xuanlin and Hannagan hurriedly came to greet them, had a polite exchange with Wang Chenhao, and then introduced them to everyone.

The introduction is just a cutscene, in fact, everyone doesn't know Wang Chenhao, and they have all dealt with each other.

"I really didn't expect that Lord Wang could also come, I am so happy."

"Mr. De Xuanlin is polite, you have made too many contributions to our dynasty, and your son-in-law Hannagan is a good friend of mine, you have to come over to congratulate me both in public and private life."

As he spoke, Wang Chenhao took out a bunch of keys, handed them to De Xuanlin, and said with a smile: "It's a little meaning, it's not a tribute." ”

"What is this?"

De Xuanlin showed questions, Wang Chenhao turned around and pointed out the window, only to see a brand-new Ford car parked in the yard.

Everyone immediately exclaimed, and some of the ladies had already screamed.

"Lord Wang, this gift is too heavy! Is this -- this is for me? ”

"Exactly!"

Seeing Wang Chenhao nodding, De Xuanlin's face was suddenly full of surprise. For those of them stationed in China, the feeling of the car is like that of the Qing Empire officials to the yellow coat and flower feather, a symbol of status and status. But there are no car repair shops or gas stations in China, so no one will travel thousands of miles to bring a car here. Now Wang Chenhao gave De Xuanlin a car, although it was only 1,000 US dollars, but it made De Xuanlin more happy than others directly sending gold and silver cash.

De Xuanlin really wanted to go out for a test car immediately, but was preempted by his five daughters, so he had to take care of his identity and temporarily give up the idea of going out to have a good time.

At this moment, a waiter approached, dragging several wine glasses on a plate, each carrying a different drink.

De Xuanlin took a glass of champagne, Wang Chenhao took a glass of wine, the two clinked glasses and took a sip each, and then talked with a smile.

The Russian minister Kuman suddenly walked over, his eyes swept towards Wang Chenhao, and he was so cold that it seemed to be piercing into his bones.

Russia's defeat in the Qing-Russian War was basically caused by the Wang Chenhao in front of him, so Cuman hated Wang Chenhao in his heart, and when he saw Wang Chenhao, Cuman couldn't help but be furious.

"Your Excellency, what does your government think if you do not keep your promises, sign a contract with our countries but blatantly violate them, and instruct your people to rise up and make trouble?"

When everyone saw Cuman, they immediately questioned Wang Chenhao, and they all wanted to hear the attitude of the empire, the largest real power faction.

Wang Chenhao smiled faintly and said: "I think Your Excellency Kuman should have asked the wrong person, this question should be more appropriate to ask the Prime Minister's Yamen, I am just a martial artist, I don't express any opinion on this!" ”

Wang Chenhao refused to answer, and everyone was immediately disappointed, but Cuman did not intend to let Wang Chenhao go, and then asked.

"How can it be that it has nothing to do with you? If you hadn't taken the lead in protesting against the Luján Railway loan contract, how could you have triggered this nationwide movement to repossess the road mines? ”

Wang Chenhao pretended to be suddenly enlightened and said, "I remembered! The borrower behind the Luján railway should be your country, right? ”

"Of course, not only in Russia, but also in France."

Wang Chenhao deliberately did not mention France, but Cuman knew Wang Chenhao's tricks, and he took the initiative to bring France in.

When the French minister Henry saw that Cuman had mentioned France, he had no choice but to reconcile: "That's right! In fact, the Belgian banking syndicate was entrusted by Russia and France to the Belgian state as a third party! ”

Wang Chenhao pretended to know just now, and said, "So that's the case! Mr. Henry, I know that you French people have money, and if you France directly financed the construction of the Luján Railway, I would not object to that. But Mr. Cuman, do you Russians still have the money to build the Luján Railway? As far as I know, Russia is now in a recession, and it is still carrying out financial reforms, and you yourself already owe hundreds of millions of francs to France, but you want to give us loans, isn't this a trick? ”

Wang Chenhao's words immediately surprised everyone, and they didn't know what kind of medicine Wang Chenhao was selling in his gourd.

"What do you mean by a pit man?"

Cuman was immediately displeased.

Wang Chenhao ignored Cuman, turned to Henry and said, "If it is your country's sole proprietorship loan to us, then I absolutely welcome it and support it immediately." I can trust that your country has money, and if your country is a sole proprietor to help our country build the Luján Railway, then I welcome it with both hands. ”

"Really? Thank you so much for your trust! ”

Henry saw that Wang Chenhao trusted him and France very much, and expressed his support for France's investment in the Luhan Railway, and his face suddenly became very good.

In fact, how did he know that this was just a means for Wang Chenhao to drive a wedge between Russia and France. In fact, no railroad would be wholly owned by any of the great powers. Even if the Qing government agreed, the other powers would not agree. Therefore, Wang Chenhao said that he supported France's wholly-owned investment in the Luhan Railway, which was purely good, and the purpose was to stabilize Henry first, so that he would not wear a pair of pants with Cuman to deal with Wang Chenhao.

Wang Chenhao saw Henry's happy face and knew that Henry believed it, so he turned to Cuman and said, "I trust France, but I don't trust you Russia." Our two countries have just fought a war, and you will be so kind to help us build the Luján Railway? You must know that the Luhan Railway is related to the strategic security of China's Central China and North China, and if you are allowed to repair it, won't it expose China's national security? ”

Cuman was stunned for a moment, and Henry realized that the feeling was that the Qing Empire was guarding against the Russians, so he rejected them, and his heart suddenly no longer blamed Wang Chenhao for making trouble, but blamed the French political axe for not being with the Russians.

Wang Chenhao continued: "Besides, you Russia are now relying on borrowing money from France, but you want to borrow money from us? Isn't that a joke? Even if we want to borrow money, can we borrow it from France? Right, Mr. Henry? ”

Henry looked at Wang Chenhao and then at Cuman, and suddenly didn't know how to answer.

Cuman gritted his teeth, knowing that Henry had fallen for Wang Chenhao, and was stunned by Wang Chenhao. But he couldn't find a reason for the explanation, so he had to quickly change the subject.

"Even if you have a reason, but because of your leadership in protesting, not only we Russia have suffered heavy losses, but also all countries have suffered a lot of losses, so you have to give an explanation, right?"

Wang Chenhao secretly scolded this old fox in his heart, and he planned to pull everyone else in if he said it alone.

Sure enough, Cuman's words resonated with the ministers and consuls of other countries, and they all waited for Wang Chenhao's explanation.

Wang Chenhao's eyes rolled, and he quickly thought about it and explained: "Mr. Kuman, you are provoking. The whole thing started because of you, Russia, who is still thinking of invading our country because of its military build-up and war. You Russia have no money and still want to invest in the Luhan Railway, isn't this a clear plan to delay the completion of the Luhan Railway? As long as the Luhan Railway cannot be built, the materials of the Central Plains will not be able to be transported to the north, which will be extremely beneficial to your Russian invasion of the north of our country. This is your real purpose, in order to thwart this conspiracy of yours, our country has to take precautions and take back the right to undertake the Luján Railway, just to prevent you from controlling our strategic communication line, and at the same time we ourselves have already built this communication line. It can be said that the cause of everything is because you, Russia, are undead in their hearts towards our country. Ministers, consuls and gentlemen, if you want to blame them, you should blame the Russians, you are all implicated by the Russians. ”

Although Wang Chenhao's remarks were a bit far-fetched, the ministers and consuls of various countries also felt that there was some truth in them, and they also knew that the Russians were undead in their intentions against China, so there was a reason why Wang Chenhao took the lead in opposing the Luhan Railway loan contract.

"You are baseless slander! You are responsible for your words! ”

Cuman was so angry, he was calm Since the last negotiation with Wang Chenhao, whenever he saw Wang Chenhao, he always seemed unable to control his mood.

Wang Chenhao replied confidently: "Of course I can be responsible!" If I'm wrong, I'd rather write my king upside down. ”

The word king is written backwards or is still king.

These ministers and consuls in China are basically China experts, and they obviously understand, and they immediately burst out laughing.

Cuman was furious, but eventually held back. However, he didn't want to see Wang Chenhao again, so he brushed his sleeves and left.

Wang Chenhao didn't want to stay longer, and hurriedly said goodbye to De Xuanlin on the grounds that he was busy with official business.

After Wang Chenhao and Cuman left, the ministers and consuls of various countries got together again to study what Wang Chenhao had just said.

The British minister, Dou Nale, was always vigilant against the Russians' every move, which was also the result of the long-term Anglo-Russian contradictions.

Although the movement to reclaim the road mines has also damaged some of Britain's interests in China, it is not enough to hurt Britain's overall interests in China. At this time, Dou Nale's main focus was still on dealing with the Russians, and as long as it upset the Russians, it was correct and in line with the British strategy.

At this time, seeing that Wang Chenhao was half angry with Cuman, Dou Nale was very happy. At the same time, from the conversation just now, Dou Nale clearly felt Wang Chenhao's attitude towards Russia. As the pillar of the Qing Emperor's affairs, Wang Chenhao's attitude represents the attitude of the Qing Emperor's [***] side, since Wang Chenhao is ready to fight Russia again, this is of course what the British political axe is happy to see.

Although Dou Nale was dissatisfied with this road and mine movement, the British political axe had already telegraphed to him, as long as the Qing political axe continued to maintain a hostile attitude towards Russia, then even if the Qing Empire did something that harmed the interests of the British Empire, as long as it did not hurt the bones and bones and affected the core interests of Britain in China, then the British political axe asked Dou Nale to deal with it in a low-key manner and avoid damaging the Qing-British relationship as much as possible.

Based on this bottom line, Dou Nale has to choose to help Wang Chenhao speak at this moment.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is the Russians who should have suffered heavy losses this time. Their two big gold mines in Heilongjiang and Mongolia have been recovered, and I don't think the Russian political axe will rest on its laurels. Everyone also knows that the Qing political axe and Russia have just ended a war, Russia has lost, and the Chinese naturally want to attack Russia. But that's none of our business. ”

"Why doesn't it have anything to do with us? We also lost some railway construction rights, and some coal and iron mines were recovered! ”

Ministers and consuls from various countries asked puzzled questions, questioning Dou Nale's words.

"Everyone, listen to me."

Dou Nale waved everyone to be quiet.

"In fact, everyone knows that the construction of railways has not been officially approved by the political axes of various countries, and every railway is related to the relationship between our countries, and it is not so easy to repair. The Qing political axe will be taken back, and it will not cause us any damage to our interests, and it will not be too late to make a request to the Qing political axe after the political axe of our countries has reached an agreement, so why bother to confront the Chinese people at this critical juncture? That's certainly not a wise move. ”

"Even if we give up the railway, what will happen to our coal mines and iron mines? Will the Qing Zheng axe be forcibly withdrawn? ”

The people no longer cared about the railway, but once again raised their biggest concerns on the issue of coal mines and iron mines.

"Listen to me!"

De Xuanlin, who had been watching from the sidelines, saw that Dou Nale was determined to maintain the Qing political axe, so he spoke out to help.

"Everyone, in fact, we should thank Qing Zhengaxe for redeeming our coal mines and iron mines!"

"What?"

Everyone immediately looked at De Xuanlin in surprise, if it weren't for De Xuanlin's high esteem, they estimated that they would have exploded beans as soon as possible.

I only heard De Xuanlin continue: "Didn't you notice Wang Chenhao's industrial base in Tianjin? ”

U.S. Minister Tian Bei asked, "You mean the Beijing-Tianjin-Tang Industrial Base?" It is indeed enormous, encompassing almost all the industries necessary for an industrial country. ”

Everyone nodded, and De Xuanlin said: "If you don't say anything else, let's talk about Wang Chenhao's Zhili Iron and Steel Company!" You must know that the technical team of this steel company is the technical team of the world's first steel company, Carnegie Steel Company of the United States, and with Wang Chenhao's financial resources, this Zhili Iron and Steel Company will soon become as strong as Carnegie Steel Company after having this technical team. After the strong Zhili Iron and Steel Company, it will monopolize China's steel production and manufacturing, and our steel will not be able to compete with it in China. More importantly, Qian'an and Kailuan areas contain huge iron ore and coal mines, and with the strength of the Zhili Iron and Steel Company, the iron ore and coal resources in these two places will meet the needs of all parts of China, and at that time, the iron ore and coal mines opened by your countries in China will not be able to compete, and you will lose money. Instead of waiting until bankruptcy, it is better to sell a Qing political axe or the Chinese people at a good price now. Do you think I'm right? ”

The German Minister Shen Ke immediately nodded and said, "What Mr. De Xuanlin said is very true, why didn't we think of this link?" ”

Dou Nale cast an appreciative look at De Xuanlin, and then said, "Everyone, maybe you think that you have enough influence over the local officials. You will think that your iron ore and coal can continue to be sold to them for use, but I want to remind you that Wang Chenhao's power is very strong, as a local force, you think that the local officials will listen to you outsiders or listen to him Wang Chenhao. ”

Tian Bei immediately said: "Needless to say, of course they have to give Wang Chenhao face!" ”

Dou Nale nodded and said, "So, instead of going bankrupt in the future, it is better to take advantage of the opportunity to talk about the Qing Zheng axe now and sell it at a good price." It not only appeases the Qing government and the Chinese people, but also preserves our interests. Moreover, with my understanding of the Qing Zheng Axe, if we express our goodwill this time, the Qing Zheng Axe will be grateful to us, and we will be better to talk about whatever we ask in the future. ”

De Xuanlin added: "We should actually adjust our mentality towards China! Now the Qing Empire is no longer vulnerable, they have won the war against Russia, they have a strong navy and army, this persimmon is no longer so easy to pinch, so we must change our strategy. Qing Zheng Axe is always good-looking, and we only need to cater to them, and we can get greater benefits than treating them hard. ”

Everyone nodded their heads, agreeing with De Xuanlin and Dou Nale's views.

(To be continued)