Of course, Japan does not do anything about China's request. Japan believed that they should be compensated for their resolute dispatch of troops to Manchuria in order to resist Russia's aggression against China, and that they had made great sacrifices to preserve China's territory. Originally, the Russo-Japanese War was the starting point of their mainland policy, but due to the seizure of power by the Mengshan Army, Japan's follow-up actions were all stillborn. A Shandong War hit the Japanese army and the Japanese economy at the same time, completely reversing the strategic situation between China and Japan. Japan painfully admits that because China has a well-equipped and well-trained army, Japan's mainland policy may never be implemented. Japan only controlled a small area near Lushun, and Japan could not do anything at all 30 miles away from the railway from Lushun to Shenyang (i.e., the South Manchurian Railway), and Japan could not do anything about it when China mined a large number of minerals from South Manchuria, and formed a new iron and steel group.

The Japanese Empire had conceived of taking advantage of the fact that the main forces of the Chinese Army were "trapped" in Russia. However, calmly considering the military comparison between the two countries, China's Northern Military Region has always deployed a heavy military group in Shenyang, and under the condition that the links inside and outside the customs are unimpeded (the two railways from Tianjin to Shenyang and Zhangjiakou to Shenyang are all in China's hands), Japan will not be able to win even if it mobilizes all its land forces), and a full-scale war against China will inevitably be sanctioned by the United States and Britain, and the Japanese economy will not allow it.

Now that China wants to take the opportunity to get back Japan's only achievement of the Russo-Japanese War, Japan will certainly not do it.

Britain was even more reluctant to return Hong Kong, an important free port. And, George. Lloyd's has become wary of China. During China's rapid rise, including the four years of the European War, Britain was the most hostile to China among the Entente powers. Every effort made by Long Qian to reclaim rights and interests since the founding of the People's Republic of China was seen by Britain as harming the interests of the British Empire. China's actions in Russia had already caused alarm in the British Empire. In George. Lloyd's view shows that China has shown its minions, and the national consciousness of the Chinese is awakening. They hated a country that had hurt them, and the British Empire was undoubtedly one of them. China's brazen dispatch of troops to Tibet, in spite of heavy casualties (not due to war damage but due to bad weather), to severely crack down on pro-British people in Tibetan political and religious groups, and to build the Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways regardless of the cost, posed a real threat to India, the core of the British Empire's interests in the Far East. It is enough that China has achieved its current status and results at only such a small price! Now it's time to take back Hong Kong. That is absolutely unacceptable. So, George. Lloyd's did not hesitate to reject Tang Shaoyi's request, believing that Hong Kong was a matter of core interests of the British Empire, and its status and status quo could not be changed.

France also voted against. They were concerned about China's southward advance, which already had a powerful army – Long Qian had told reporters that he was in favor of national self-determination in Indochina. A Vietnamese named Ho Chi Minh lived in Paris and visited Wilson and Long Qian to hope that China and the United States would oppose French colonial rule over their homeland.

Only White Russia supported China. In contrast to the Brazzaville Russia (which the journalists dubbed Red Russia), the Kolchak government was called White Russia by the journalists. In addition to hoping to continue to gain China's military support, Kolchak also feared that China would covet its territory in the Far East. Long Qian's idea of reckoning with history is becoming more and more evident, and the millions of square kilometers of land seized by Russia in various forms did indeed belong to China in history. If China's strategic center of gravity shifts southward, and this creates a conflict with Britain and France, which is what White Russia is very willing to see.

Long Qian, of course, attended the meeting on the China issue. Outraged by the refusal of Japan, Britain, and France, Long stood up in defiance of diplomatic etiquette and loudly refuted the three countries, threatening that China would take necessary action if China's demands could not be met.

The irascible Clemenceau asked Long Qian rhetorically. "What do you mean by necessary action?"

Long Qian replied coldly, "I won't sue you." I have no right to sue you. Mr. Clemenceau. I came to Paris with the hope of the 500 million Chinese people for peace and justice, but someone gave my people a complete disappointment. Some countries still regard today's China as the Manchus, which is ridiculous and pitiful. China is an independent country and a country with democracy and rule of law. It's up to my people to decide. I understand my people, and I understand exactly how things like concessions hurt them. I believe that the Chinese people will make the right choice. But I can tell you that China is not the China of 10 years ago, and I ask you to fully understand this. ”

Wilson hurried to play the round. He adjourned the meeting. This was immediately endorsed by the leaders of the seven countries present.

The United States sympathizes with China. But he is unwilling to turn his face with Britain and France, especially Britain. After the adjournment, Wilson called Long Qian, and the two communicated in English for half an hour. Then Wilson went to England, France and other countries to mediate.

Long Qian didn't have many cards in his hand. Of course, he would not forcibly reclaim the concession, let alone be powerless to retake Lushun or plot against Annam and India. As a matter of fact, since the founding of the People's Republic of China, especially since 1914, many rights and interests have been withdrawn, the two major indemnities against Japan have long ceased to be paid, the final payment of Gengzi has also been ended, and the extraterritoriality, which is deeply hated by the Chinese people, especially the intellectual circles, has also been abolished. Several cities have had concessions in zài, and the situation has changed a lot. Staying there is just a scar in the bottom of my heart, but I can always warn the people of the country and remember the national shame.

Now is not the time to go to war, but the best time to immerse oneself in building up and building up national strength. Although the country is big, it is bound to die in war, and there is still a big gap between China's comprehensive national strength and that of others, especially the gap between the people's situation and the construction of internal affairs. However, after another 20 years, the country's strength, especially its armament strength, will reach the expected height, especially after the new generation born after the founding of the People's Republic of China grows up, and Britain and France will obediently return what does not belong to them without waiting for China to speak out.

Of course, you have to take the opportunity to make an offer, why not? There aren't many cards, but they're not none. The Expeditionary Force is! Tang Shaoyi and Gu Weijun have already seen the clues, the Western powers are afraid that the Bolsheviks are better than Germany! Especially when Germany has already been defeated and surrendered! Who is fighting the Bolsheviks now? Only China!

Sure enough, two days after the adjournment, US President Wilson first came up with a conciliatory plan for China's demands, which had apparently been communicated with Japan, Britain, France, and other countries. To Long Qian's surprise, the Japanese representative did not attend.

1. The Hong Kong and Lushun issues involve a wide range of issues, and there are no conditions for resolving them for the time being. But a declaration can be signed. That is, it is clear that Hong Kong and Arthur are China's inherent territory, and the sovereignty issue should be resolved first.

2. Taiwan, Penghu and Ryukyu have already belonged to Japan, which is a history that has been formed and cannot be changed.

3. Tibet is China's inherent territory, and the British Empire fully respects China's sovereignty over Tibet. The demarcation of the border involving disputed areas between China and India and other countries is ripe. Redefined in the spirit of justice and fairness. The status quo should be maintained in the current situation.

4. The concessions of various countries in China may be returned to China within three years. The two sides will handle the remaining issues such as property in accordance with the principle of friendly consultation.

5. All discriminatory policies against China shall be abolished for no longer than the end of 1920. China should enact corresponding laws and regulations to protect foreign-funded enterprises in China and enjoy the same treatment.

The above five points are the conciliatory ideas that President Wilson has come up with.

Japan's refusal to make any concessions was already expected by Long Qian, and it was not surprising that Britain would not give up Hong Kong, and it was already a big concession that Britain, France, and other countries could return the concession within three years. As for the Tibet issue, Britain can ...... it with this attitude But Long Qian could not be satisfied, especially with Japan.

"First of all. I thank Mr. Wilson. Thank you for the work you have done over the past two days for peace in East Asia. I would like to associate myself with Mr. Wilson's five points, the last three points. I am equally grateful for the goodwill shown by the pledge to return the concessions within three years. The first point is that I agree in principle with the Hong Kong issue. It should be stated, however, that Britain should create conditions for the early return of Hong Kong and should not leave time to resolve it. On the second point, I strongly disagree. Long Qian waited for Wilson to finish reading his manuscript. Be the first to speak, "History can't be changed if it's formed?" Joke! Doubled the history of Europe. Far from it, is Poland a long time gone? Poland can be restored, why can't the Treaty of Shimonoseki be changed? Taiwan, Penghu and Ryukyu have been Chinese territories since ancient times. What was the rationality of Japan's use of war in 1894 to force China to cede Taiwan and other islands? If might can prevail over justice, what are we doing in Paris? Gentlemen, the security of the world is in your hands. Is the so-called axiomatic justice an empty phrase? In view of the absence of the representative of Japan and the fact that the matter does not involve States, I will not dwell on it. But I believe that the Chinese people have the ability and determination to recover their inherent territory. ”

Long Qian's words implicitly contained a threat to Japan, but the heads of the five countries attending the meeting all pretended not to understand. Maybe we think that China is incapable of smashing the Japanese navy, or maybe we are looking forward to a war between China and Japan, so what does it matter to us? The United States, including the United States, is happy to see that China and Japan are at odds with each other.

"So, is it understandable that Mr. Long's request has been resolved? Could a memorandum be formed on this? Secretary Lansing asked.

"You're right." Long Qian nodded.

"That's great." Wilson breathed a sigh of relief, "And one last problem, and that's Russia." Personally, I believe that for the sake of world peace, we should increase our assistance to Great Russia so that it has the ability to completely solve the Russian problem. In this regard, I would like to invite your comments. ”

"I think we all have a responsibility to Russia from the standpoint of the free world...... "Clemenceau, who is bald and has two white beards, said, standing up.

"I completely agree with Mr. Prime Minister. This responsibility should be shouldered by us, including Japan. "George with a beard. Lloyd's immediately agreed.

"Mr. Long, what do you think?" Wilson turned his head and asked Long Qian, who was sitting on his left hand.

"My army is fighting against Red Russia."

"Yes, we are fully aware of the important role played by the Chinese Expeditionary Force in Russia." George. Prime Minister Lloyd stepped up his voice, "The Entente will pay the Chinese Expeditionary Force $10 million a month for this!" If I am not mistaken, what Mr. Wilson means is that several of us, who shoulder the heavy responsibility of the world, should share our obligations to Russia. ”

Gu Weijun and Tang Shaoyi, who were sitting behind Long Qian, glanced at each other, and it was obvious that in the two days that the meeting was adjourned behind closed doors, the content of private communication between the Western powers was by no means limited to China's sovereignty, and they reached an agreement in more areas.

"Kolchak leaned in, he didn't want us to stay in Russia anymore." Wang Mingyuan handed Long Qian a note.

"Yes, I fully agree with what Mr. Prime Minister just said. That money shouldn't have been paid. This is China's obligation. Clemenceau exclaimed.

Long Qian didn't say anything. He was noticing Kolchak's expression. True, Kolchak preferred the West to intervene in the Russian civil war. He is not stupid and fully understands the purpose of China helping him. Well, if you think that Britain, France, the United States, or Japan can help you destroy the Bolsheviks. Let's lean in...... If you think that your strength is enough against Red Russia, then we will withdraw our troops.

"What do you think, Mr. President?" George. Lloyd asked Long Qian.

"China has fulfilled its obligations to the cause of the Entente. At the beginning, China sent troops into Russia to help Russia fight against Germany, not for Russia's civil war. After a series of battles last year, Great Russia has the strength to defeat the Red regime," Long Qian said slowly. "Let me tell you the truth, China is very poor, and I can't compare with you. The Chinese expeditionary force will gradually withdraw from Russia. We used to say that we help Great Russia for the sake of justice and justice, without seeking any additional benefits. ”

Kolchak sneered in his heart, not seeking profit? You have emptied Ukraine, evacuated Kazan, and in the area you control, a large number of planes have been shipped back to China. You have your eyes on Vladivostok, on the coast, on Central Asia! You are all for yourselves, not at all for saving Russia! He did want the Chinese to withdraw and the West to take over. But in the current situation, he is really not sure that Red Russia will be completely defeated on the battlefield, so what needs to be said, it must be said. "I am deeply grateful to our Chinese allies for their help in us. Russia will always remember China's friendship. With the current war situation still deadlocked, it seems that the Chinese Expeditionary Force should not withdraw immediately......"

"It's a technical issue. Isn't it? Long Qian unceremoniously interrupted Kolchak, "It is up to my Minister of Defense to agree on the details with your generals in detail." He had been the commander of the expeditionary force for a long time, and knew better the situation in your country than most of our gentlemen here. ”

"The advice of His Excellency the President is very good. Russia's assistance should also be determined after being studied by specific departments. I mention yì, let's take a group photo for the sake of what we have achieved. It was a moment to remember. Wilson decided to close the topic.

In addition to Japan, the heads of state of the six countries sat in a half-circle on easy chairs at will, with Italian Prime Minister Orlando on the far left with a solemn face, followed by French Prime Minister Clemenceau, and British Prime Minister Georges. Lloyd's. U.S. President Wilson, Chinese President Long Qian, and Russian Prime Minister Kolchak. The photo was published on the front pages of major French newspapers the next day, marking the conclusion of the world-renowned Paris Conference.

This concludes the main agenda of the Paris Peace Conference. There is still a lot of drafting of documents, which is a heavy and complicated work, but it is not a matter for the leaders to worry about.

On February 11, 1919, Long Qian left Gu Weijun and his work team behind, and took Wang Mingyuan, Tang Shaoyi and others from Marseille to board the cruise ship back to China.

Except for Long Qian, no one realizes the inconvenience of going to Europe and the United States nowadays, and it is normal to travel from China to France by sea for 20 days. For these big people who shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the day, the days on a luxury cruise ship are pure vacation. For Long Qian's safety, Gu Xiaolin, the accompanying chief of staff and director of the Central Security Bureau, chartered all the cabins on the top floor, and unexpectedly, Long Qian did not criticize Gu Xiaolin's self-assertion.

Wang Mingyuan's cabin was next to Long Qian, he saw that Long Qian's expression was depressed, as if he was unhappy, most of the time he chatted with his old boss, and the topic was the Paris Peace Conference, except for the length of the various units of the expeditionary force, "Commander, do you think we didn't get what we deserved?" ”

Long Qian asked Wang Mingyuan rhetorically, "The war is basically over, who do you think is the winner?" ”

"Of course we count as one. And then there's the United States. ”

"You're right. At least that's how it looks now. European royal families were dealt a heavy blow, and on the whole, the war was a great victory of democracy over feudalism, and Germany became a republic. Europe will reflect deeply that we have gained something, but they do not see us as equal partners......"

"Just do it again, with you at the helm, we won't lose...... I think it's enough to comfort the Chinese people. No one in China would think of recovering Hong Kong and Taiwan just yet, and all the concessions within three years, and the country must be in a carnival......"

"It's not worth the carnival right now. However, the expeditionary force should return to China in a more solemn manner, and the officers and men should be given enough honor. Whether it is South Manchuria, Taiwan or Hong Kong, it will be taken back, and it will be done in our generation. It is useless to pray for others, and in the end you have to rely on force to speak. But now I'm going to focus on the internal affairs wholeheartedly. When the expeditionary force returns to China and the army is downsized, you, the minister of defense, should consider it as a whole and report to me as much as possible after consulting with the General Staff Headquarters. The general requirement is to reduce military spending by two-thirds, and that is what I demand. Long Qian said to Wang Mingyuan.

"The troops will save a lot of money when they return home...... But compressing two-thirds is a bit ruthless, right? Wang Mingyuan muttered, "Moreover, the return of all the expeditionary forces will inevitably lead to an imbalance in the comparison of the military forces of the two Russians." Leave a part behind, but you can't dominate the battle......"

"All back! Can't you see that they came to an agreement behind our backs? Kolchak was wary of us, and Britain and France did not want to see us dominate Russian affairs, so they would withdraw it. The essence of Russia is not in Europe, not in Asia, and it is not bad for us that the Cloth Party has the upper hand or United Russia, so that they are always staring at China! Long Qian said coldly, "It is a fact that military spending accounts for a large proportion, and I can't blame others for accusing me of being reckless." It is impossible to keep the capitation fee down without compressing the army. The object of this compression is the army, not the navy and air force! What do you want so many army divisions for? Leave a few fully trained troops to deal with emergencies, and the rest of the troops, keep the establishment, and leave a shelf. ”

"I really want to kill Japan here, take North Korea back by the way, and use North Korea to make a deal with Japan, maybe they are willing to exchange Taiwan and Peng for North Korea? I think the European powers have suffered a great loss of vitality after this war, and it is impossible for them to interfere with us. The return of the expeditionary force is a rare opportunity, and it is a pity not to. Wang Mingyuan was very sorry that he couldn't kill him with a false way.

"No, now is not the time. Do not be disturbed by some radical forces in the domestic army, but still act according to the predetermined plan. I always say that the Shandong Campaign was fought well, but the good thing is that that the battle basically put Japan on the defensive. The threat of Gyeonggi is no longer there, and it is not a big deal to keep the little place in Lushun. There is a chance that the next battle will be the time for us to completely settle with Japan. Keeping Japan now is the capital for us to win US aid, and as you can see, without US economic and technological assistance, our industrialization process would be much more difficult. Disarmament is a very offensive matter, and it must be done by me, not for the next one. The construction of military academies is not compressed, weapons development is not compressed, and reserve forces are not compressed, and the money saved is used for economic construction. It is necessary to educate the senior generals to understand this truth, and the Ministry of Defense must do a good job in propaganda work, and it must also do a good job in appraising meritorious service and promoting ranks, vigorously publicize and commend the meritorious achievements of the expeditionary force, and select a few typical examples to educate the people and inspire the people. ”

"Yes, I will do as you have told." (To be continued......)