Chapter 107: Ordering a Battleship

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The consuls of several countries were stunned by Wang Xiao, they never expected Wang Xiao to answer this way. Could it be that Wang Xiao wants to go to war with the great powers? Or, Wang Xiao's self-confidence is extremely inflated, thinking that he can compete with other countries with the power of western Sichuan?

The German consul Lucas was also surprised by Wang Xiao, and did not expect Wang Xiao to make such a strong statement. Although the current western Sichuan is strong, if it competes with other countries, it will definitely not end well. The foundation of western Sichuan is strict and unstable, and the great powers can completely crush western Sichuan with their strong strength.

"Your Excellency, are you serious?" Zhu Erdian asked with a stern face. Britain did not want to start a war with Sichuanxi, but only wanted to contain the development of Sichuanxi. However, if Kawanishi continues to be obsessed, there is no way to do it. The British Empire would never allow an enemy to grow up that threatened its security.

The French consul Pierre and the Russian consul Sergei also waited quietly for Wang Xiao, waiting for his answer.

"Your Excellency, Consul. I'm very serious. This war was originally a matter between western Sichuan and the Manchu Qing Dynasty, and it had nothing to do with other countries. I can promise that even after the Manchu Dynasty, the interests of other countries in China will not be harmed. I only hope that all countries can remain neutral in this war! Wang Xiao said. He still hopes to be able to work hard, if the powers remain neutral, then Kawanishi will definitely be able to defeat the powers this time. Although, he also knew that the probability was very low. But he still wanted to give it a try.

Zhu Erdian shook his head, and then said, "Your Excellency, the Patrol Envoy." Although I myself have a good friendship with Kawanishi, I still have to regret to tell you. My Government has taken the decision to restore peace to China as soon as possible. Of course, this war was provoked by the Qing state. The Qing Kingdom must pay the price, there is no doubt about this! His meaning is also very clear, that is, Western Sichuan can get enough benefits from this battle, but the Manchus still have to save zài.

Wang Xiao was silent, from the confrontation just now, he had already tested the bottom line of various countries.

"Guys, give me some time to think about it! I'll do my best to get back to you. Wang Xiao said. Although he was very reluctant to compromise. But there's no way around it. When Western Sichuan was still unable to compete with the foreign powers, he had to suppress his ambitions.

"Very well, then we will wait for your reply from the Patrol Envoy. In addition, I would like to remind Your Excellency the Patrol Ambassador. The war is ongoing. As a result, the foreign trade of western Sichuan has been interrupted. Kawanishi's goods are now in short supply in Europe. If the war doesn't end, then I'm afraid that Kawanishi will have to lose the entire European market! Zhu Erdian finally said.

A trace of anger flashed in Wang Xiao's eyes. Zhu Erdian is **naked and threatening him! The development of western Sichuan is inseparable from overseas trade. Europe and the United States are the main trade partners of western Sichuan. If the trade lane is blocked. The economy of western Sichuan will be affected by Yan zhòng.

"Thank you Your Excellency Consul for the reminder, I think the war will end soon!" Wang Xiao said with a smile. Although, his fists were clenched into fists, and his knuckles were a little white from overexertion. But there was still not the slightest expression on his face.

"That's good! The tour makes you believe. We, the British Empire, are very happy to maintain good and close relations with western Sichuan. I'll go first, and I'll wait for your reply. But. Hopefully it won't be too long! Zhu Erdian said with great satisfaction. He believed that Kawanishi would definitely compromise. Even if Kawanishi has an army that rivals Germany, Kawanishi is destined to be the same as Germany, and will only be trapped on the mainland forever, and the whole world is the British Empire!

Next, the French consul Pierre, the Russian consul Sergei, and the American consul Shylock all left one after another. This time, they got what they wanted, and when they came, Kawanishi would soon compromise. Although, the Qing State will inevitably pay a heavy price. But so what? As long as the war can be ended and the interests of all countries are not harmed, then it is enough. As for the arrogant Qing people and their emperor and the old monster queen mother, to hell with them!

The German consul Lucas did not leave, but stayed.

"I'm sorry, my friend. You know, we in Germany are, after all, Western countries, and we can't get out of the Western world. Therefore, I can't help you much in this matter! German Consul Lucas said.

"I know, my friend. I can understand! Wang Xiao's stern face squeezed out a difficult smile.

"Well, my friend, is there anything I can help with?" Lucas asked.

"I need a battleship. Powerful battleship. My friend, I officially order naval warships from your country! Wang Xiao's eyes shone with a determined look. The army is strong and can only be defended. In the same way, the navy must be strong. Three years later, it's time for a big change. Kawanishi had to have its own navy.

"But, my friend. There is no port in western Sichuan. Even if the battleship is built, there will be no port to moor! Lucas asked, confused. Kawanishi intended to develop the navy, and he was until that. At present, there are hundreds of naval students in Germany, and more than 1,000 in total. However, the lack of access to the sea in western Sichuan is a hard wound that restricts the development of the navy in western Sichuan.

"Not now, it will be soon." Wang Xiao said firmly.

Lucas's eyes lit up, he knew that Wang Xiao must have been completely sure, otherwise he wouldn't have brought it up like this.

"Well, my friend. What battleship are you going to order? The Dingyuan-class ironclad ship built for the Qing Dynasty by China's Volkeng Shipyard is now the most powerful warship in Asia. Would you like to order two too, we can build them for you at the best price! Lucas said with a smile on his face. Although they are said to be friends, they still have to put profit first when talking about business.

"Lucas, don't fool me with those old-fashioned Zhengyuan-class ironclad ships." Wang Xiao said disdainfully.

This made Lucas very depressed, the Dingyuan-class ironclad ship had only been in service for 5 years, and now it is still a cutting-edge battleship, how can it be regarded as an old-fashioned battleship?

"Well, my friend. What kind of battleship do you want? Or do we need to design a separate one for Kawanishi? Lucas asked.

"I want 'Brandenburg.'" Wang Xiao said.

'What?' Brandenburg class'? No, it's absolutely not going to work! Lucas's head shook like a rattle.

After the German Emperor Wilhelm II succeeded to the throne, he attended the enthronement ceremony of Queen Victoria of England, and the British grand ship parade greatly shocked Wilhelm II, and from then on, Wilhelm II was determined to develop the navy. The 'Brandenburg-class' battleships were the first battleships built by Germany. In this era, definitely one of the most formidable battleships.

Between 9 and 902, the Imperial German Navy built a total of 20 battleships, including four of the first "Brandenburg"-class battleships: the Elector, the Brandenburg, the Wiesenburg, and the Wools. Construction of the Brandenburg-class battleships began in 90 and was completed in 90. In other words, now the German Navy itself has not yet entered service, Wang Xiao wants, how is that possible.

"My friend, there are so many shipyards in Germany, such as the Volken shipyard and the Hamburg shipyard. Instead of leaving so many slipways vacant, it is better to build warships for me. Of course, in terms of price, I need an absolute good price. In addition, I need to carry out a modification of the 'Brandenburg-class' battleship. The main gun consists of three twin 05 mm guns and six 05 mm rapid-fire guns; millimeter rapid-fire guns; 2 7-mm machine guns; 6 x 450 mm water torpedo tubes. In addition, the superstructure must be reduced and the armor of the deck, turret and superstructure must be thickened! Wang Xiao said. In his memory, there was this German battleship of the 'Brandenburg class', and he also knew some of the flaws of this battleship, therefore, he proposed some changes.

"No, my friend, if these requirements are to be met, the displacement of the battleship will be twelve thousand tons. This time the speed of the battleship was reduced to a maximum of knots! Lucas shook his head. The "Brandenburg-class" battleships built by Germany themselves have a displacement of about 10,000 tons, a speed of 6 knots, and a cruising range of 4,500 nautical miles and 0 knots.

"So, I need to equip my ships with more power. Equip my ship with two three-stage expansion reciprocating steam engines, so that the main engine power will reach 12,000 horsepower. The speed should be able to increase to more than 6 knots, right? Wang Xiao said with a smile.

"Well, you can be satisfied. However, if calculated in this way, the cost is not low. At least 25 million marks each! Lucas offered.

"No! It's too expensive. Fifteen million marks each, I ordered two. In addition, 4 cruisers and 0 destroyers will be ordered. If we can, we can sign up right away! Wang Xiao said.

Lucas's eyes widened, and Wang Xiao cut forty percent of the price at once. However, he knew that even if it was 10 million marks, the German shipyards would still make money. Together with those cruisers and destroyers, as well as other supporting battleships, the total amount will amount to more than forty million marks. This will be a huge cake for the German shipbuilding industry. However, Lucas obviously didn't want to agree like that.

"If Germany doesn't agree, then I'll order the 'monarchy' as it should be." Wang Xiao said.

Lucas jumped up suddenly: "The British 'monarchy' is nothing more than a paper tiger, and they won't sell it to you." Well, at the price of fifteen million marks, we took the order! ”

ps: The first update has arrived, and today is still the third watch! ……)