The reason why the Chinese Empire advocated the construction of the Suez Canal was to strengthen the Empire's influence in Europe. However, distance has always been a major factor limiting the influence of the empire on Europe. If the Kingdom of Spain were attacked, it might take up to three months for Imperial reinforcements to arrive. But at that time, the Kingdom of Spain may not have lasted three months at all.

Duke of Valencia and Jose. Morality. Salamanca's face was not very good. After all, if you face the siege of Britain and France, with the strength of the Kingdom of Spain, I am afraid it will be difficult to hold out for three months. At that time, Spain will be in the midst of war. No one wants the war to be waged on their own soil.

"Your Excellency Lin Zihao, three months is too long, if the war starts, can the Empire's reinforcements arrive in advance?" Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, José. Morality. Salamanca asked.

"I can't give you an exact answer on the exact time. However, when I return home, I will ask His Majesty to order the military to study this specifically. As the most important ally of the Empire, the Kingdom of Spain will inevitably come to the rescue of the Kingdom of Spain as soon as war really breaks out. Please rest assured! Lin Zihao said.

Duke of Valencia and Jose. Morality. Salamanca nodded. They also knew that if the Kingdom of Spain were defeated, it would not do the Chinese Empire the slightest benefit. At that time, the influence of the Chinese Empire on Europe will be weakened to the freezing point. Although the Chinese Empire was strong, it had to cross the ocean. If it affects Europe, it will be very difficult.

"Your Excellency, Duke, if you are worried that the army of the Kingdom of Spain will not be able to withstand the attack of the enemy. I do have a mention. Lin Zihao said with a smile.

"Your Excellency, please speak." The Duke of Valencia asked.

"If the Kingdom of Spain does not object, then the Empire can lease the army and naval bases of the Kingdom of Spain and garrison troops in the Kingdom of Spain! In this way, once war broke out, the Imperial army could help the Kingdom of Spain resist foreign enemies as soon as possible, and prepare for the arrival of Imperial reinforcements. Gain more time. Lin Zihao said.

Duke of Valencia and Jose. Morality. Salamanca's face suddenly changed dramatically. Now, the Kingdom of Spain is the face of the empire. is the Empire's staunchest ally. However, the Spaniards also hoped that one day they would be able to restore the glory of the Spanish Empire. If the Chinese Empire had stationed troops in the Kingdom of Spain, then the Kingdom of Spain would probably never have been able to rely on the influence of the Chinese Empire. So. As long as it's not someone who really wants to be a puppet all the time. They would not be willing to garrison the Chinese Empire in the Kingdom of Spain.

"I'm sorry, Your Excellency Lin Zihao. This is not a question that we can answer, and we need to report it to Her Majesty. Said the Duke of Valencia. However, from his own point of view, he would not agree to allow the Chinese Empire to garrison troops in the Kingdom of Spain.

"Your Excellency, this is just a mention of the Empire. If the Kingdom of Spain finds it difficult, it is because I have not mentioned it. The empire had absolutely no intention of controlling the Kingdom of Spain. I hope that the relationship between our two countries. This will not be affected. Lin Zihao said.

"Of course, Your Excellency Lin Zihao. I can understand what you mean, and your mention is also for the benefit of all of us. Said the Duke of Valencia.

"Well, that's good. Your Excellency the Duke, the Empire wants the Kingdom of Spain to strengthen its armaments. Both the army and the navy need to be strengthened. In this way, even if war broke out, the Kingdom of Spain would have the strength to resist the enemy's army. Even if you can't defeat a strong enemy, you can hold out until the day the Imperial reinforcements arrive. The Empire could provide the Kingdom of Spain with all the armament of the army and navy. Among them are the Imperial Navy's latest 'Eastern Zhou-class' warships. The Imperial Navy's 'Eastern Zhou-class' warships are more powerful than the British Navy's latest 'Nelson-class' warships. Lin Zihao continued.

"'Eastern Zhou-class' battleships?" The Duke of Valencia's eyes lit up. The British Royal Navy's grand parade gave the Kingdom of Spain a great shock. In particular, the British Navy's 'Nelson-class' warships posed a great threat to the Spanish Navy. If the 'Eastern Zhou-class' warships could be purchased from the Empire, the British Navy would pose much less threat to the Spanish Navy.

"Your Excellency Lin Zihao, I don't know what the price of the 'Eastern Zhou-class' battleship is?" The Duke of Valencia asked. Although the Kingdom of Spain is very keen to buy the 'Eastern Zhou-class' warship. However, it also needs to be at the right price.

"Your Excellency Duke, the 'Eastern Zhou-class' battleship has strong combat power, but the cost is not cheap. Because the Kingdom of Spain is the most loyal ally of the Empire, the Empire is willing to provide the Kingdom of Spain with 'Eastern Zhou-class' warships for seven million dollars. At the current rate of the Imperial Shipyards, it will be possible to deliver in a maximum of two years! Lin Zihao said. In fact, the Imperial Navy's 'Eastern Zhou-class' warships cost only three million Chinese dollars. The cost of the 'Qin-class' battleship was only 6 million Chinese dollars. Sold for seven million Chinese dollars, the profit has more than doubled. Otherwise, why is it said that the arms trade is one of the most profitable?

"Seven million dollars? Your Excellency Lin Zihao, this price is too high, it is a full two million yuan more expensive than the 'Western Zhou-class' battleship. The Duke of Valencia frowned.

"Your Excellency Duke, although it is two million Chinese dollars more expensive, it is definitely worth the money." The combat power of the 'Eastern Zhou-class' battleships is more than a little stronger than that of the 'Western Zhou-class' battleships. The main guns alone have changed from the two twin 210 mm guns of the 'Western Zhou class' battleship to three twin 210 mm guns. In addition, both the armor and the tonnage are much larger. Lin Zihao frothed at the mouth and praised the 'Eastern Zhou-class' battleship.

"Your Excellency Lin Zihao, I admit that the 'Eastern Zhou-class' battleship is indeed a battleship with excellent performance. However, the Kingdom of Spain did not have the financial resources to do so. In addition to expanding the navy, we also need to expand the army. So, financial resources are very limited. If only the empire could be cheaper, so good! Said the Duke of Valencia. The arms trade between countries is no different from the trade between merchants, and it is also subject to bargaining. Although, the financial resources of the Kingdom of Spain have become much looser. However, a warship can easily cost millions of Chinese dollars, and the price is too expensive. If you can reduce it a little, it will also save a lot for the Kingdom of Spain.

Lin Zihao hesitated for a moment, and then said, "That's it, Your Excellency Duke." For the sake of our relations, the Empire can sell the 'Eastern Zhou-class' warships to your country for six million Chinese dollars. This is already the lowest price, and it is impossible for the empire to give in again! ”

"Alright, Your Excellency Lin Zihao, I will report to Her Majesty the Queen. The exact amount to be purchased will only be determined after consultation between Her Majesty the Queen and the Minister of the Navy. Said the Duke of Valencia.

Lin Zihao nodded, the price at which the 'Eastern Zhou-class' battleship was sold to the Kingdom of Spain was already twice the cost, which was a hundred percent profit! Even if the Spaniards only bought two or three ships, it would be a good profit for the Empire.

After the meeting, Imperial Foreign Minister Lin Zihao and Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain Fang Minghong returned to the embassy to wait for news. The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, the Duke of Valencia, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, José. Morality. Salamanca rushed to the palace to report the meeting to Queen Isabella II. At this time, in addition to Queen Isabella II and the royal husband Francisco I, the Minister of War of the Kingdom of Spain, Simon I. The Duke of Maria and the Lord of the Admiralty, Duke Aguilera, have been waiting here for a long time. They were also very concerned about the outcome of this meeting.

"Your Majesty, this time His Excellency Lin Zihao, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Chinese Empire, has come to visit, mainly in the hope that the Kingdom of Spain will be able to strengthen its armaments against the British and the French who have betrayed the Covenant." Said the Duke of Valencia.

"It takes a lot of money to have more. Is it possible that the Chinese are willing to give us this money? Before Queen Isabella II could speak, the princess, Francisco I, clamoured.

Queen Isabella II frowned and asked, "What else did His Excellency Lin Zihao say?" ”

"According to Chinese speculation, if war breaks out, the Kingdom of Spain will most likely be the first target of Britain and France. Even if the Chinese Empire were to reinforce us in time, it would take almost three months. So, until reinforcements arrive, we need to defend ourselves against the British and French. The Duke of Valencia said with a heavy face.

With the strength of the Kingdom of Spain, he alone resisted the attacks of Britain and France for more than three months. This is a daunting task for the Kingdom of Spain! Those present were all important ministers of the Kingdom of Spain, and they knew that with the strength of the Kingdom of Spain, this would be very difficult.

"Your Majesty, the Chinese are simply uneasy and kind, they want to let the Kingdom of Spain consume the strength of Britain and France, and then they can sit and reap the benefits. The Kingdom of Spain is originally a Western country, we can no longer continue to get closer to the Chinese, we need to adjust our foreign policy and actively move closer to the West. Otherwise, the Kingdom of Spain would become a thorn in the side of Britain and France. When the time comes, if the two countries attack the Kingdom of Spain, it will be our end! Francisco I, the king, said with a worried expression. It was as if the Kingdom of Spain continued to ally with the Chinese Empire and would be destroyed. (To be continued......)

PS: The second update arrives, asking for subscriptions, monthly passes and recommended tickets!