(.) Chapter 295

The core interests of the British Empire in China can be summed up in two words: stability. (Souduwo) put it in the world, probably this policy is working. As a forerunner, the British Empire had colonies all over the world, and as the world's largest power today, the British government sought the continuation of this world hegemony.

A chaotic China, not in the interests of the British Empire. In the huge China, the eight-nation coalition army in the year of Gengzi has not been able to complete the possibility of partition and colonization, let alone now. The contradictions in China at this stage are not problems that can be resolved by the British Empire simply by the threat of force. It's not that the British Empire doesn't have this ability, it's that it hasn't gotten to that point.

China's internal contradictions, as long as they do not harm the interests of the British Empire, may take drastic actions. It is true that Zhu Erdian and Yuan Shikai are good friends, but they cannot advocate the issue of intervening in China by force because of this.

Then, what can be done is to continue to support Yuan Shikai's rule. To put it another way, Britain is still the strongest in the world, but it has begun to decline. In Europe, challenged by Germany, in China in the Far East, allies Japan and Russia have greater ambitions, and Germany and the United States, two emerging countries, also have their own interests.

There are too many external forces that bind the British Empire, and the British Empire can only play a balanced role as a left-right player, not in the heyday of the Victorian era, fighting whoever it wants, and there are still a lot of benefits in the account.

Since it is difficult to achieve greater benefits by force, a step of détente is needed between China's two most powerful forces in the current situation. Thereupon. The Americans, out of consideration of their own interests, played such a role.

Mr. Douglas, a special adviser on Far Eastern affairs and an expert on China issues appointed by the US government, played a role in facilitating this. In a report to Congress, Douglas stressed that Fang Jianxiong, the most powerful warlord in China today, has a strong sense of vigilance and even antipathy to the Anglo-Japanese alliance. The United States wants to pursue the interests of China to the greatest extent. It can be demonstrated by playing a greater role in Chinese affairs.

Mr. Fisher, a well-known financier, has a close personal relationship with Fang Jianxiong and can play a role as a medium. Today marks the sixteenth birthday of Fisher's new home and his daughter, Alice. So a cocktail party was held and all parties were invited to attend. How to say it. This is a good opportunity at a time when all parties need an excuse to sit down and have a good talk.

"Your Excellency, General. It was found that Japan, an extremely ally of the promised empire, was mobilizing a fleet. I have addressed the Minister Mr. Raines and hope that Your Excellency will take this issue with caution. The U.S. consul's tone was tactful, and he also brought a handwritten letter from Raines and presented it with both hands.

Without waiting for Fang Dashuai to stretch out his hand, Yin Nuxia on the side had already taken it, handed it to Dashuai with both hands, opened it and took a look, the content had no handle to grasp. Approximate meaning. The envoys of the four countries have a bottom line, and they hope that Fang Dashuai will not touch it, which is not in line with the interests of the great powers in China.

It's stressful! This is the reality in China!

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When the lights were first on, Mr. Fisher, a financier, was busy in front of his mansion in the British Concession.

This time, the reception. The people invited are all people with heads and faces, and the consuls of various countries are very face-saving, and the cooperation between the delegation and Swire & Co. in Chapter 295 is very good. When Fang Dashuai sent troops to Chongqing, Swire Steamship Company also borrowed a lot of business. Zhu Erdian believes that Jensen is more suitable to appear in this position, and Jian yì adjusts.

Takahashi's situation is a bit different, as he was previously a professor at the University of Tokyo and an expert on Chinese culture and history. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that a scholar who has studied China is more suitable to appear in the current position, because according to the survey, Fang Jianxiong is still a very traditional Chinese in his bones. (Note: This character is fictional.) ）

Fang Jianxiong's appearance immediately became the focus of attention. Especially the scene where the two consuls appeared at the same time to greet them.

"Welcome, Your Excellency. Your arrival is the honor of our family. In Chinese terms, it shines! Fisher spoke half English and half Chinese, Fang Jianxiong, dressed in traditional casual clothes, smiled and shook hands: "It is my honor to receive your invitation." By the way, your Chinese is improving very quickly. ”

Jensen, the consul of the British Empire, smiled naturally when he faced Fang Jianxiong, how can you say this? In the past few years in Wuhu, this buddy has enough benefits in his pocket. Facing Fang Dashuai, who could bring benefits and achievements to himself, Jensen naturally showed a friendly expression, stepped forward and stretched out his hand: "Your Excellency, I have to say that your changes are amazing. ”

"Hehe, Jensen, my old friend. When you come to Wuhan to work, why don't you give a word in advance, so that I can pick up the wind and wash the dust for you? Fang Jianxiong speaks Chinese, and Jensen, who has been in China for many years, can naturally understand it. He replied with a smile: "You are still as polite as ever." ”

The Japanese consul Takahashi is a stranger, but it does not prevent him from bowing in Chinese, which is more proficient: "The Japanese consul in Hankou, Takahashi Jinji, has seen His Excellency the General." I have heard the name for a long time, like thunder. When I saw it today, I realized that it was worthy of the name and worthy of being a young man in today's China. ”

Fang Jianxiong was still very surprised, the official words spoken by this Japanese were a little more slippery than himself. Fang Dashuai has a little Wuhu accent, and the Wuhu accent is a bit of a Nanjing dialect, which is still a little far from the official dialect.

"Mr. Takahashi has won the award, and I have always valued my friendship with Japan. In addition, I have had many contacts with Mr. Nobujun Aoki and Mr. Nobu Ishinaka in your country. The success of China's revolution could not have been achieved without the support of Japanese friends. Here, I must reiterate that the Government of the United Autonomous Region is willing to strengthen economic, political, and military cooperation with the Japanese Empire. ”

Fang Jianxiong's words seemed to be kind words, but in fact, when he heard other people's ears, it meant something else entirely. What does Aoki Xuanchun do, private contact, these are a series of things that can be deduced. Of course, Takahashi also understood that this was not clean, but from another point of view, Fang Jianxiong's statement in public was itself a signal.

One of the most important aspects of Japan's interests in China is resources. Daye's iron ore and the iron ore in Northeast China are all focused. The fact that the Japanese government can make a move to change the consul is itself a signal. Daye's iron ore was under the rule of Fang Dashuai. Not to mention, the section from Chongqing to Wuhu in the Yangtze River basin is now all Fang Jianxiong's sphere of influence. This area is the traditional sphere of influence of the British Empire, and the Japanese also have important interests here, so the replacement of the two consuls is not worth the surprise.

The appearance of today's main guests immediately attracted the attention of most of them. As the actual controller of this territory, Fang Jianxiong's treatment was not low, whether it was the consul or the businessmen of various countries, they all stepped forward to greet him.

Fang Jianxiong smiled calmly and nodded, this kind of drinking party was indeed not too stressful for him. All the way forward, the music in front of her suddenly stopped, and Alice, who stood up behind the piano, was surprised, carrying her skirt in both hands, and stepped forward quickly.

As the "main character" of the day, this move was somewhat rude to the other guests, but most of the guests had heard a story from the girl's mother. It's no surprise that this is not surprising.

Westerners in this era did not have a good sense of the East, especially those with strong malice. For example, when the young Russian Morojifu saw the girl walking quickly to greet Fang Dashuai, he said to a guest beside him a little sourly: "That damn warlord, I heard that he is an out-and-out barbarian. I wondered why I invited him. ”

This sentence triggered a low burst of laughter. It is clear that in the eyes of many foreigners, the Chinese are no different from the barbarians.

"Thank you for coming!" Alice stood three steps away and bowed. Fang Jianxiong nodded with a smile, stepped forward and kissed her outstretched hand and said, "It's such an honor to be here for your birthday party." ”

"Can I invite you to play a song with me?" A sixteen-year-old girl, with a pair of eyes full of affection, can be seen by a fool. The emotional tendencies of this stunningly beautiful girl are enough to drive some people who have admired her for a long time crazy. For example, the previous Morochov is said to be a small Russian nobleman. He came to China with his uncle and ran a tea brick factory in Hankou, where he met Alice for the first time. Then he ran to Fisher's house every day, but Alice didn't pay any attention to him except after the first polite meeting. (Your support is my biggest motivation.) )