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In the history of the World Civilization Exhibition, historians are accustomed to refer to the heyday of a certain power as the "Golden Age", and analyze some of the characteristics of the country's vigorous exhibition from a concentrated perspective.

Spain and Portugal in the 16th century, the Netherlands in the early to mid-17th century, France after the death of the Sun King Louis XIV in the late 17th century, Empress Catherine's Russia in the second half of the 18th century, and England under Queen Victoria in the 19th century. The golden age of European powers such as these is a testament to the rise of Europe's modern powers and the power to drive regional and global change.

However, the consequential theory of large historical episodes is still not enough to analyze the real context of the rise of the country in detail, so some historians have put forward the novel historical term "Silver Age" to define the indispensable opportunities and rising periods experienced before the rise of great powers.

The first half of the 17th century must have been the golden age of the new maritime power of the Netherlands, but historians also refer to this period as the silver age of England and France. In their efforts to replace the traditional colonial empires of Spain and Portugal, both England and France were extremely successful, and they carried out a number of fruitful reforms, and their influence in the world opened up overseas has spread even into the 21st century.

……

Tuesday, January 1, 1641.

The grand military parade marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is in full swing on the Parliament Square in Manchester City, the sound of gun salutes wafting over Manchester Bay is like thunder, military music is sonorous on the Parliament Square, and countless cheers and colorful flags fill the streets. North America's largest city with a population of 120,000 is celebrating the largest celebration of the city since her birth.

On the far other side of the Atlantic, no one can stop that all-out war in the Western world. Sweden, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and the German Confederation were slaughtered in Western Europe, and the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand II died in anxiety; The war in Western Europe ignited more dry wood, and the old European enemies of Russia and Poland once again began a bloody war over a few palm-sized territories; The Mediterranean and the Balkans did not subside, and the Republic of Venice and the revival Ottoman Empire entered a state of death.

Today, Europe is in ruins, exhausted by the belligerents. Even though sporadic peace talks began in 1641, no one was willing to retreat. In order to seek military and financial support, the pace of foreign diplomats running around the Chinese and American foreign ministries has also reached a new peak. Many American diplomats in China have received invitations to participate in the celebration today, but on such an important day, the Spanish minister to Manchester City, Baron Diego, was in an extremely heavy mood, and he just locked himself in the legation to write a letter.

The hustle and bustle of the Sino-American celebrations penetrated the entire building, making the Spanish diplomats sitting in front of the windows a little impetuous.

“…… The expansion of the Americans in North America has become unstoppable, and they take it for granted that the Yiqiē here is a preference for them by God or other gods, in a sense an extremely dangerous heretical belief. In a country with a population about the size of the Kingdom of Denmark. The magnates have already eaten too much in the European wars, and have enjoyed all the glory and wealth, which makes people have to be jealous......"

“…… Even though their merchant ships were working day and night to bring us the supplies we needed for the war, it was infuriating that their parliamentarians cared nothing about any of the battles they were born in Europe at this time, and all they wanted was a steady stream of contract orders and the transfer of bonds after the victory or defeat of a major battle. Their newspapers' dispute over how many free diapers should be given to the more than 30,000 babies born each year is more concerned with the Kingdom of Spain......"

“…… The Americans were still reluctant to make the final choice when it came to the rebellion born in Portugal. On the contrary, the delivery of the warships built for us was delayed on the grounds of strict neutrality. It is clear that they are more inclined to the position of the 'bastard of Bragança'...... It was only on the French question that the Americans showed great interest, and they seemed to have more ideas about the French colony of Quebec. It is necessary for me to remind you. Dear Your Majesty, this is probably our only point of entry. ”

After writing a long letter, Diego leaned back on the bench wearily. Diego had to convey this letter to the King of Spain in the traditional way. By the time the letter was received at the Royal Palace of Madrid, perhaps months later, Diego did not dare to send such matters of national importance through the telegram from the Guò Hua Mei Post Office.

It's obvious. Europe as a whole lags far behind China and the United States in terms of intelligence transmission, day-to-day communication and response capabilities, which is currently second only to the United States and the United States in terms of arms export restrictions, and all the diplomats in Manchester City, including Diego, are helpless.

"Lord Baron, the celebration reception is about to begin, and perhaps we should be the first to get there." A deputy came from the side and saluted his minister.

"Well, get the gifts ready, today is a good opportunity, I need to talk to their Speaker alone." Diego stood in front of the wardrobe mirror, and the servant sorted out his coat and fake clothes, with a helpless smile on his face.

……

From 1638 to 1639, the Spanish navies lost two naval battles with France and the Netherlands, and the main naval force was trapped in Dunkirk for a time. Even with the powerful Iberian 2oo battleships purchased from Huamei in the early stage, their opponents also had "similar" warships and weapons, and the historical disastrous naval battle of the Downs anchorage, although it did not appear in place, was only replaced by Dunkirksheng. The main force of the Spanish navy, which was built at a huge cost, lost more than half of it in the Battle of Dunkirk, and it was no longer able to parry the combined Franco-Dutch navy like wolves.

Not only that, but Monaco, which had been under Spanish control, was infiltrated by France and declared its secession from Spain in 164o. In order to suppress Monaco's disobedience, the main force of the Spanish Sixth Army, which had been fighting fiercely on the French front, had to divide its troops, and as a result, it was hit hard by the famous French generals Prince Condé and Tyrrenne on the outskirts of Paris, and it lost the strategic initiative in the French theater of operations and was forced to switch to the strategic defense stage.

This is not the end, but to make matters worse, Portugal, which was born in 1641 and had been hampered by Spain for many years, finally found an opportunity. In April, the Portuguese aristocratic alliance in Lisbon suddenly led an army to take control of the local Spanish officials and garrisons. He embraced João IV, Duke of Bragança, into the royal palace in Lisbon and declared his restoration. The Kingdom of Portugal declared its independence from the Kingdom of Spain, nearly half a year later than in history.

Although the "betrayal" of Portugal was extremely angry, the military force was no longer able to support the battle on several fronts. In addition to all kinds of intimidation, the Spanish royal family in Madrid had to watch as the Portuguese army continued to drive away the Spanish garrison in the territory. So far, at least, there have been only a few skirmishes on the border.

João IV, the former Duke of Bragança, was wearing the crown symbolizing the restoration of the Kingdom of Portugal when he suddenly remembered the scene of a meeting with a few strange magnates on the outskirts of Lisbon twenty years ago.

In a small estate, a Chinese councillor named Su Zining secretly met with his father, setting the key tone for the revival of the Kingdom of Portugal. He was also given a beautiful pocket watch as a gift. Today, twenty years later, luxury goods have become commonplace throughout the Kingdom of Portugal.

Although Huamei has not publicly recognized the independent status of the Kingdom of Portugal, entrusted by João IV, Baron Lopez of Portugal, who has been in love with Yang Wenwen for a long time, as the first Portuguese diplomat in China and the United States, worked hard for the Kingdom of Portugal to stand firm, and even had to pay a long-awaited return gift for the pocket watch.

Unlike the Spanish minister Diego, who was running around and begging, Lopez could at least have some direct contact with the Chinese and American foreign ministries of foreign affairs. After more than a month of careful preparation, Lopez finally took advantage of the "coincidental opportunity" provided by Yang Wenwen to sit down with Su Zining, a Chinese senator and deputy secretary general of the National Security Council.

……

The talks took place in a luxury box on the top floor of the Grand Hotel in the southern part of Manchester City. There were no meeting minutes, no rigid paperwork exchanges, and it looked like friends who had been estranged for many years reuniting.

The night sky outside the window is a dazzling ceremonial flower blooming, far across the East River. You can also vaguely see the large slipway of the Beiyang Shipbuilding Group in red. The large merchant ship "Atlantic Queen", which will be launched tomorrow, is proudly standing proudly under the lights as if it is about to be crowned.

“…… His Excellency, His Majesty the King would like to see more definitive support and do his best to bring the last two ships back to Lisbon. You know. The Spanish Navy could recall their Caribbean fleet at any time. Lopez glanced at Yang Wenwen, the lady who accompanied the banquet, and repeated the request that had been said for months in a very tangled manner.

"Neutrality is the consistent position of our Government, and we are willing to resolve the conflict between Portugal and Spain. But only if it is. Any arms export that could potentially aggravate the situation in the Iberian Peninsula must be approached with caution. In other words, Congress also postponed the delivery of the warships ordered by Spain, also taking into account the feelings of the Portuguese friends. ”

Looking at the fat and melancholy Portuguese aristocrat in front of him, Su Zining maintained a polite smile as much as possible, but an attitude of staying out of the matter was extremely clear.

"Lord Lopez, even my husband's COSCO Investment Bank has provided a lot of loans to Portuguese friends over the years, and I think this is also the long-term enthusiastic support of the Chinese and American people for the revival of Portugal, right? If Congress or the Cabinet were to be openly involved in the dispute between Portugal and Spain, it would be a great loss to my family. She has already entered middle age, but Yang Wenwen's mature and elegant ladylike demeanor is still there.

Yang Wenwen's meaning is very clear, COSCO International Trade Group also has a lot of investment interests in Spain's Cuban colony, if Huamei and Spain openly have disagreements, disputes or even conflicts on the Portuguese issue, then Yang Wenwen's family, as a businessman, will definitely have some losses.

At this point, anyone can hear the extraneous voice—it's time to repay the beauty.

In the past 20 years, Huamei's care for Portugal has been unbelievable enough, Portugal only provided immigration ships in the previous period, and enjoyed huge follow-up benefits.

"This, dear lady...... Perhaps His Majesty the King and Portugal could consider providing some compensation for your family's efforts. A slight sweat appeared on Lopez's forehead.

"Mr. Lopez, I will convey Portugal's views to the two speakers of Congress, and I believe that with their wisdom, a proper solution to the crisis will be found." After glancing at Yang Wenwen, Su Zining politely got up and said goodbye.

Su Zining left, and the atmosphere at the party scene gradually relaxed.

"You know, whether it's Brazil, West Africa, East Africa, India, Portugal has done a lot to strengthen our friendship." Su Zining left, and Lopez reluctantly sat back in his position and began to pour bitter water on Yang Wenwen.

"Of course, I remember it vividly! But none of our Portuguese friends have helped us for free. On the contrary, my husband's fleet alone sent at least $50,000 worth of arms aid to Brazil. The damn Ministry of Defense actually allowed our merchant ships to provide free shipping services several times! ”

Yang Wenwen's public spitting on her own government has made Lopez even more embarrassed, isn't this a clear irony that Portugal has been a country that has been desperate for the past two decades to ask for benefits from China? Yang Wenwen is not right at all, the return that Portugal has received is not at the same level as the price Huamei has paid for so many years.

"However, in line with my friendship with Master Lopez for more than 20 years, I can personally secretly give a small Jianyì." Yang Wenwen suddenly lowered her voice and covered her face with a fan, "You may not know, Congress is discussing the establishment of the Atlantic International Trade Bill Settlement Center with the Netherlands. If it was in Amsterdam, it would certainly not meet the requirements of Congress, and if it was in Manchester City, I believe that any Dutch banker would not agree. ”

"Thank God, I'm honored! I believe that both Lisbon and Porto will be prepared for this and give the greatest security guarantee! Lopez was clearly guilty of having made another mistake, naively believing that Huamei wanted to set up the Atlantic International Trade Bill Clearing Center in Portugal.

"No, no, no, you probably misunderstood...... I mean, at least geographically, it has to be fair to both sides, and it has to be within the control of the Chinese government. Yang Wenwen fanned the little fan and smiled meaningfully.

"What do you mean, ma'am?" Lopez's heart jumped inexplicably, as if he remembered that Swenbo bought Fernando from Portugal many years ago. The matter of Denoronia.

"The island of Terceira in Yar, Angra de Grajori. If it were to become a Huamei Concession completely, it would be the most perfect result! Oh, look, that ceremonial flower is so beautiful! After Yang Wenwen finished speaking, she picked up the wine and deliberately pretended to enjoy the night view outside the window.

"My God, do you want to rent the whole island of Terceira? You know, it's almost impossible......" Lopez's face was bitter, knowing that the last thing he wanted was coming.

"But the hard work we have done for the island of Terceira and Sangra Sangra has been indelible, and the Kingdom of Portugal has been the biggest beneficiary of it, along with Brazil, West Africa, East Africa, India and the Far East. Even because of our efforts, any hostility against Portugal could not get close to Lisbon. In case you didn't know, my husband had received word that the Spanish Navy had been trying to dock in our ports in the Indian Ocean for supplies, and they were probably looking for a more suitable route to the colonies in the Far East. And we kept refusing because it was an agreement we made with our Portuguese friends. Of course, this is just my personal irresponsible advice and leakage that you can ignore! Please also keep today's meeting confidential! ”

As if feeling insulted, Yang Wenwen got up angrily to say goodbye, making Lopez, who had just been frightened, even more stunned. (To be continued......)