William 61 Evac never imagined that he could get such a high-standard reception: ten miles outside Beijing, a color gate was set up to greet him, and the emperor even came to greet him outside the city gate, all the way to the Wenhua Hall in the palace.

This was even more surprising to William 61 Evac, who had also heard that the Qing Dynasty received foreign envoys, usually in the Ziguang Pavilion in Xiyuan (Zhongnanhai), and never entered the palace. And whether it is three bows and nine bows, or bowing, is really troublesome in terms of etiquette. Unexpectedly, the little emperor greeted him in person, and the two entered the Forbidden City hand in hand, not only solemn and thoughtful, but also all etiquette problems were solved, and they couldn't help but have a good impression of the little emperor.

Ding Yuntong entertained each other with a sumptuous banquet, and the two had a pleasant conversation during the banquet. What shocked Evac was that this little emperor's unusual familiarity with the United States, whether it was history or reality, completely subverted his original view of "the ancient monarch of the Orient who was isolated from the world", and the questions he asked were extremely sharp:

"Your country has been a nation that has championed democracy, freedom and equality. The Declaration of Independence clearly states that all men are created equal, that everyone has an inalienable right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that government must be formed with the consent of the people and should exist for the happiness of the people and the protection of their rights.

Although I am the king of a country, I also know the general trend of shijie, the mighty, those who go along with it prosper, and those who go against it die. After all, one day, China will become a free and democratic country, a civilized and prosperous country, just like your country. In particular, the first president of your country, Mr. George 61 Washington, retired with great success, and did not cherish the position of power, which is really less than a thousand years, and no one can match him. ”

Speaking of this, Ding Yuntong's words changed, "It's just that I don't know something." As far as I know, your government is studying the so-called Chinese Exclusion Act, which is contrary to the liberal immigration policy previously agreed between China and the United States, and especially the founding principles of democracy, freedom, and equality in the Republic of America. It is not only immoral but also illegal for Chinese workers to perform all kinds of heavy work in the United States, but they are not entitled to public resources such as libraries and hospitals, and even suffer personal injuries. Your country had emancipated the black slaves in a civil war, but now it has begun to discriminate against the Chinese. With the wisdom and wisdom of your government, how could Weishenme correct one mistake and then make another mistake that would be the same? ”

Ding Yuntong's sharp question made Evac speechless for a while, and even Rong Hong, who was acting as a translator next to him, was both surprised and excited.

Discrimination against Chinese people does exist and is intensifying, and the Chinese Exclusion Act is indeed being enacted. This is mainly due to the racist consciousness of American society, and the government's acquiescence in smearing Chinese people in order to shirk the problem of white unemployment. Of course, how can these reasons be embarrassed to be put on the table? Moreover, a discriminatory bill against a particular race is itself unconstitutional.

Evac had to reluctantly argue: "These things are done by local state governments, and as the central government of the United States, it is difficult for the law to interfere in the internal affairs of local governments." Of course, we will seriously investigate all matters that infringe on the personal and property safety of the Chinese, which is not in line with the spirit of the rule of law in our country, and at the same time, I assure His Honorable Emperor Bixia that these tragedies are extremely rare cases, and Chinese exclusion is by no means the official position of the US government now. ”

Ding Yuntong nodded: "This is the most haode, Sino-US friendship and cooperation, in line with the common interests of both sides." I believe that this is also the common position of both sides. As I would like to introduce to Mr. Secretary of State, the reason why I express this attitude to your country, and not to other countries, is to represent my country's trust in your country and my belief that your country is sincere in helping to build your own country. ”

"If your country is willing to follow the shijie trend and become an advanced country, the United States of America will undoubtedly do everything in its power to help you," Evac said. ”

The atmosphere of the talks between the two sides was very friendly.

Ding Yuntong believes that historically, the United States does not have much ambition for China's territorial sovereignty, and its methods are not too crude compared to other powers. The main reason is that the United States is currently lacking in strength, and the competition for China is long overdue. As long as you show goodwill to the United States, you will definitely get a response from Haode.

What's more, in addition to the open door, he also has a big killer. That is, to learn from the previous national government Song Ziwen, and the Roosevelt government of the United States signed a large loan contract for cotton and wheat, and also to give the current U.S. government a cotton and wheat loan plan. The so-called cotton and wheat loan is a loan from the United States to China, and China must use this loan to buy American cotton and wheat.

This plan is beneficial and harmless to the United States, and it absolutely cannot be refused. For China, the cost of building the main railway artery has been settled. And the benefits to China's diplomatic environment will slowly become apparent.

The next day, Zeng Jize, Minister of Military Aircraft and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held formal talks with US Secretary of State Evac on behalf of the Chinese side. In the face of Zeng Jize's large loan of cotton and wheat, Evac's first feeling was that this matter was of great significance, beyond his purview, and must be reported to China. So in the days that followed, the Chinese side could only wait for the continuous telegram exchange between Evac and China.

Ding Yuntong was very indifferent in his heart, he knew that this thing would definitely be done, because it would be of great benefit to both parties.

First of all, for the United States, after the end of the Civil War, the domestic production capacity of the United States increased significantly, and a large number of cotton and wheat products were backlogged, and there was an urgent need to dump them in foreign markets.

At the same time, through this loan contract, the United States can expand its capital exports to China, and its cotton and wheat products can also squeeze the market share of other powers in China. As a result, U.S. economic influence over China will increase rapidly.

On the other hand, for China, there are four major benefits.

First. Through the loan contract, the United States high-quality cotton can be obtained to support China's national textile industry at a higher price.

Second. When cotton and wheat are put into the market, the government can freely manipulate the time, place and method of delivery, and it will not affect other foreign products and will not do much harm to local agricultural products.

Third. As a result, China will receive the necessary funds for the construction of the railway.

Fourth. Such a large contract often takes years to execute. This will allow China and the United States to have common interests for a period of time, bring the two countries closer to each other, and the United States will be the most diplomatic mediator in the future, whether it is a war against France or Japan.

This matter is mutually beneficial, and the benefits can be seen and felt. Unlike an open door, at least other countries have to respond and agree.

As Ding Yuntong expected, a week later, Evac informed the Chinese side that the U.S. government agreed in principle to China's loan proposal.

After nearly half a month of repeated discussions, the two sides finally reached an agreement on the details of the contract.

On November 11, 1878, it was a very auspicious day (at least Ding Yuntong thought so), Xiyuan Ziguang Pavilion, under Ding Yuntong's smiling gaze, China and the United States officially signed the "Sino-US Friendship, Trade and Loan Agreement", referred to as the "Sino-US Agreement", the agreement has seven paragraphs:

First. The United States and China affirmed that the previously agreed right of the two peoples to travel, travel, trade, or reside freely remains valid.

Second. The people of the two countries can continue to enter each other's government schools and receive preferential treatment; Both parties may set up schools in each other.

Third. Expats of both countries shall not be discriminated against on the basis of differences in religious beliefs or living practices. In China, local officials should protect American missionaries and avoid harassment.

Fourth. China's benevolence, grace, and benefits to other countries and their businessmen and people are shared by the U.S. government and the people.

Fifth. Officials and people in the United States can hire Chinese compradors, servants, craftsmen, sailors, and water pilots, and they can recruit Chinese to teach the language and help them write and ink, and local officials and people are not allowed to obstruct or frame them in the slightest.

Sixth. China and the United States jointly advocate an open-door policy, and the rights and interests of all countries in China should respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and on this basis, the interests should be equalized and fair competition should be achieved.

Seventh. The U.S. will provide China with a $70 million loan, which will be used to buy U.S. cotton and wheat instead of paying cash. Four-fifths of them are used to buy U.S. cotton, and one-fifth are used to buy U.S. wheat. The contract designation is secured by Chinese customs revenues. From the date of the agreement, the Chinese government will be able to use the loan according to the agreed usage method, but it can only transfer orders for U.S. cotton and wheat. From the time of shipment, 10% of the goods will be repaid from the loan, and another 15% will be paid within 90 days, and the balance will be repaid in installments over 5 years with an interest of 5%.

After the signing, at the celebration reception, Evac specially paid tribute to Ding Yuntong and said: "My noble emperor Bixia, I came with doubts, but you let me return full of friendship between the two countries. I see in you extraordinary wisdom and trust that your great empire will regain its rightful place. With all due respect, the signing of this agreement is much more important than winning a war. ”

Ding Yuntong smiled and thanked him, he knew in his heart that this treaty still had some flavor of inequality. But he understands that although China has signed a bunch of unequal treaties before, unequal treaties are also treaties and have the same legal force. It is necessary to follow Japan's example and gradually revise the treaty with the West, and as long as the country is strong, it will naturally come to fruition if the treaty is renewed.