Naturally, the ambassadors to China have a much deeper understanding of the great changes in the People's Republic of China than the decision-makers who have never set foot in China. That's how the UK is. Gray, who was overwhelmed by the European war, was furious after receiving Zhu Erdian's report, thinking when it would be China's turn to speak? Still want to take the opportunity to blackmail the British Empire? Don't even think about interest-free loans, the British Empire is facing an unprecedented crisis, there are too many places to spend money, where can you provide interest-free loans to China? Not to mention 30 million pounds, 30,000 pounds will not be taken out. Guaranteeing that Japan will not attack Qingdao is even more of a joke! The destruction of the home port of the German East Asian Fleet was a matter of concern for the security of the British Empire's Eastern Front, and it was in the interests of the British Empire to send troops to Qingdao if the British Empire troops could not be dispatched. The revocation of tariff autonomy means the economic loss of the British Empire, Gray is not familiar with the economy, and he does not care, but this involves the dignity of the great powers, of course, it cannot be promised, but this is not the main thing, as the foreign minister, he cares more about the ban of extraterritoriality, which will mean that there is no difference between the high-ranking whites and the lowly yellow-skinned monkeys, which is absolutely unacceptable! Gray immediately dictated a call back, "This is a battle of the civilized world, and no one else needs to participate. The current diplomatic status of China must be continued and not changed. ”

Proud Gray didn't budge.

After receiving the telegram from China, Zhu Dian immediately consulted with his French and Russian counterparts, and Kosovetz immediately became anxious, because he had already received a telegram from Foreign Minister Sasonov that he would never allow the Chinese to throw themselves into the hostile camp.

Compared with the Japanese, who were secretive, and the British, who had always been arrogant, Russia had a deeper understanding of the rapid development of China's military power. Lieutenant General Artemyev, who had already become commander of the Far Eastern Army, after the transfer of 9 active infantry divisions and 3 cavalry divisions from the Far East from the Russian General Staff. A report on the comparison of military forces in the Far East was presented to the Chief of the General Staff, which objectively and calmly analyzed the balance of military forces between Russia and Japan and China in the Far East, arguing that Russia was already at an absolute disadvantage, and that the long Trans-Siberian railway line was in an unprecedented dangerous state, and that if the Chinese joined the camp of the Allies and did not worry about the safety of Vladivostok, but if an attack on Kulen and Irkutsk was launched, we would be very passive.

Lieutenant General Artemiev carefully listed the number, equipment, and training level of the Chinese troops deployed on the line from North Manchuria to Outer Mongolia, and believed that although the other side lacked the ability to attack strong fortresses, it had the ability to attack in the field. The danger of cutting off the Trans-Siberian Railway is preserved. Not to be underestimated.

Therefore, Kosowitz was very worried that if he refused all of Long Qian's asking price, China would fall into the German-Austrian camp.

Kant received similar orders as the British, although France had the upper hand in the initial engagement. But the French were demoralized after receiving reports that Russian troops had entered East Prussia. I firmly believe that I will win in the end. Will snow the shame of the Franco-Prussian war. Therefore, he sneered at China's attempt to threaten China with neutrality, and instructed Kant not to make any concessions.

Jurdian and Kant must carry out the instructions of the country. Before officially replying to China. Russia's allies must be informed first. Britain and France never thought that Russia was so important, and it was inconceivable that Russia would be without Russia in this great war that would determine the fate of Europe and the world. In response to Kosowitz's concerns, Jurdian and Kant worked patiently to ensure that China would never attack Russia under the high pressure of Britain and France. Not to mention Japan, Jurdian informed Kosovetz of Japan's diplomatic decision, think of the most powerful countries in the Far East, Britain, France, Russia and now add Japan! Even if China's strength doubles again, will it dare to join Germany and Austria to start a war against the top four?

On August 12, just as the Germans were storming the fortress of Liège in the hope of opening the way to the west, Zhu Erdian went to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs again, but Tang Shaoyi went to the Government Council for a meeting, and he was received by Shi Zhaoji, director of the European Department. Zhu Erdian, who had received clear instructions from China, put on a straight face and formally handed over a memorandum to Shi Zhaoji, claiming that all the rights and interests of the British Empire and his allies in China were sacrosanct, and that even the slightest concession would be an insult to the British Empire.

The note was quickly sent to Haiyantang.

On August 14, Gu Weijun, a 24-year-old assistant foreign minister, met with Zhu Erdian and informed him of the Chinese government's decision to be neutral.

"Mr. Ambassador, at this time, Mr. President, is presenting the Government's foreign policy decision to the Parliamentarians in Parliament, and I must state that this decision is not the result of the British Government and its allies' brutal rejection of our Government's demand to respond to its rights, but out of respect for peace." Gu Weijun spoke fluent English to Zhu Erdian that behind the politeness was a mature indifference beyond his years, "The president deeply regrets the decision of your government. He conveys to you his two words, it is better to give charcoal in the snow than to put the icing on the cake. Feng Shui rotates, thirty years to the east of the river, thirty years to the west of the river. ”

Of course, Zhu Erdian understood the meaning behind these two sentences. He smiled, "I think your government's decision to be neutral is correct, and the British Empire will respect your neutrality and hope that your country will abide by it." ”

“…… That's what I ask of them. But they did not hesitate to refuse this reasonable request, and there was no room for accommodation. In their eyes, China will always be a last-class country, and it should always accept the domination and exploitation of the so-called civilized world, and the white race will always rule the world! What's the solution? People are strong. Long Qian gave a speech to the members of both houses, "However, the Republic of China is not a Manchu government!" The Chinese people have awakened and we have found the road to national rejuvenation, and I believe that as long as we unite the 450 million compatriots across the country, gather for 10 years, and struggle for 10 years, we will definitely smash the shackles imposed on the Chinese people by all the great powers! Revive the glory of your ancestors! The neutrality of the Chinese government is not because it is afraid of anyone, but for the well-being of the Chinese people. However, whoever dares to undermine China's neutrality is China's enemy! We will fight to the end to defend the dignity of the nation! ”

On the afternoon of August 14, Long Qian personally met with the German ambassador to China, Xin Ci, and informed the ambassador, who was eagerly awaiting China's accession to the Central Powers, of the Chinese government's decision to neutrality. Xin Ci was disappointed. As for the danger that Qingdao will be attacked by Japan, which Long Qian pointed out next. Sheintz was not surprised, Germany had already expected this to happen. But when Long Qian asked China to peacefully take over the defense of Qingdao to prevent Japanese stupidity, Xin Ci finally broke out, "This is blackmail!" Naked blackmail! What you Chinese say will be revenge! The German defenders will fight bloody to the point and will not give in! ”

"No, dear Mr. Ambassador. This is not revenge! "The cooperation between Germany and our country is mutually beneficial, and while we have received help from your country, we have also given your country what it wants!" The friendship between the two countries cannot erase history, and the occupation of Qingdao by Germany is a shame for the Chinese people. If Wilhelmshaven is forcibly occupied by the British. What will be the mood of the German people? Moreover, the outbreak of this war has nothing to do with China, and now China is at risk of war. Qingdao residents are not only German soldiers and expatriates, they account for only a few tenths! More are Chinese citizens! The government must think about their safety. Mr. Xinci. Personally, for me. I want Germany to win. But you have to know. A fortress without reinforcements will eventually be breached! There are no exceptions. If the German government had been wise, it would have chosen the plan I proposed, and there is no need for the diaspora. If you want to return to China, the Chinese government will be responsible for sending them back to China, and if you do not want to return to China, you can choose a place to be properly resettled in Jinan, Nanjing and other cities. In the case of the German defenders, all personal belongings can be retained, and officers can keep their guns, which will be returned to your country in installments under our responsibility. They are all good military men, doomed to ruin here, but back in Germany they will play the role that your country wants. ”

Fortresses without reinforcements were doomed to be overcome...... Xin Ci calmed down, "Mr. President, I will report your opinion to the country." ”

After Xin Ci returned to the embassy, he immediately sent a secret telegram to Major General Strauss, the commander of the Qingdao garrison, relaying the latest news. Major General Strauss finally understood the purpose of the Chinese army's unprecedented large-scale exercise in Shandong, and the extraordinary insight and forgetfulness of the Chinese made him frustrated and angry. But soon doubts arose, the "Fortress of Peace" exercise began in late June, when the assassination in Sarajevo had not yet taken place, how could the Chinese foresee the dramatic change in the situation in Europe? It doesn't make sense in any way. However, following the Laizhou exercise at the beginning of the year, the Chinese once again gathered heavy troops in Shandong, which is obviously unreasonable. What's going on here?

As a soldier who has served in the Qingdao base for more than 10 years, from the commander of the Marine Battalion to the first quartermaster and the chief of staff and commander, General Strauss has been dealing with the Mengshan Army for more than 10 years, and is well aware of the strength of the National Defense Force, which is composed of the Mengshan Army as the backbone. The worst thing is that the Chinese also understand the strength of the German army in Qingdao. Senior generals of the Central Military District of the Chinese Army, Commander General Feng Guozhu, and Major General Qu Hongxiang, commander of the 6th Division, visited the defense of Qingdao Fortress many times, who would have thought that the Chinese would become enemies of Germany? Peacefully took over the Qingdao base in response to the Japanese attack, guaranteed the safety of German officers and soldiers, and sent all German officers and soldiers back to China...... What's the difference between this and surrender? To hell with the despicable Chinese!

Although General Strauss was angry, he had to face up to the threat, because the Chinese already knew everything about the defense of Qingdao! Damn it! Who would have thought of such a step?

In order to protect the security of the Far East Fleet and the port of Qingdao, Germany planned and built a large-scale military defense project -- Qingdao Fortress, which set up many forts, fortresses, barracks and ancillary facilities, and became a famous coastal defense fortress in the Far East.

The Germans built a six-kilometer-long infantry fortress fortification along the foothills of the Taiping Mountains and the middle and lower reaches of the Haibo River in the east of the city, starting from Xiaozhan Mountain in Fushan Bay in the south and reaching the mouth of the Haibo River in Jiaozhou Bay in the north. The Germans built five fortress groups along the defensive line on the heights of Xiaozhan Mountain, Xiaozhan Mountain North, Central, Taitung Town, and Coast (that is, the No. 1, No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5 batteries are called by the people). Armed with 4 280mm, 2 240mm, 4 210mm, 7 150mm and 4 105mm guns. In addition, there were several 88mm guns and old 120mm guns of the Manchu army.

These forts consist of one large fort and two to four small and medium-sized forts, each connected by an underground passage. Around the main fort there were nine to thirteen smaller wartime forts for garrisoning, stockpiling provisions, ammunition, and operational command and bunkers. The infantry defensive line is condescending, well-designed, easy to defend and difficult to attack. It was planned to excavate a trench about 5 meters deep and 6 meters wide on the outside of the fort line, and a barbed wire fence was erected at the bottom of the trench and around the fort. It connects the north and south waterfronts all the way. A long line of infantry bunkers and artillery and machine-gun bunkers (bunkers) will be built along the trenches on both sides of the trenches, equipped with light artillery, machine guns, rifles and other weapons, which will form a fortified defensive line of up to 6 kilometers. In addition, the Germans also planned to build a perimeter guard line on the line of Fushan-Gushan-Loushan.

This defense plan was not aimed at the Chinese, first because of the weakness of the Chinese, and later because of friendly relations with the Chinese Defense Forces. The defense plan is actually aimed at other military powers, such as Japan, Russia, or the United Kingdom. When the Qingdao fortress was surrounded by armed forces that landed from other places, the fortress could still hold out for half a year or more. However, the defense against the land was not completed in the later period, for example, the trench and power grid construction plan on the Xiaozhan Mountain line was put on hold, of course, due to the establishment of New China. The Germans regarded the Chinese army as a friendly army. Never thinking too much about the Chinese defense forces going to war, and believing that the defense forces were strong enough to deter the aggression of other countries, this part of the project was slowed down (in fact canceled).

But against the threat from the sea, the fortifications of the Germans in Qingdao were strong. The German Admiralty during the planning of the Qingdao Fortress. In addition to the expansion of the original Qing army's fort facilities. Outside the installation of new artillery. A number of permanent large-scale fortifications and other fortifications were planned and constructed. After more than ten years of three-phase planning and construction, by 1914, Qingdao Fortress had been basically completed. On the front line of Qianhai. Five coastal defense forts, including Tuandao Fort, Taixi Town (Xiling) Fort, Qingdao (Yamen) Fort, Bismarck South Fort, and Huiquanjiao Fort, were built; On the main hills in the urban area, Bismarck North Battery, Ildis North Battery, Ildis East Battery, and Taitung Town Battery were built (no artillery was installed), but in addition to the above-mentioned permanent coastal defense batteries, a number of batteries planned to be built by the German army: more than 30 temporary batteries planned to be installed with small and medium-caliber artillery in Moltke Hill (Water Storage Mountain), Taitung Town, and Mount Ildis (Taiping Mountain) facing the sea on the land front facing the fortress were not built or were not completely built.

In this way, Qingdao Fortress has the characteristics of heavy sea and light land. Now the problem is here.

Europe erupted in a very sudden way. The General Staff has sent secret telegrams to the Qingdao base several times to strengthen its vigilance, who is on alert? Of course, it was the Japanese who had an alliance with the British, and only Japan in the Far East had enough naval power to attack Tsingtao. If China were on the side of Germany, the Germans were confident that they would hold Qingdao. Therefore, Xin Ci was ordered to strengthen ties with the Chinese government and strive for China to join the Allies, and some preferential treatment for China was proposed to the country after consultation with Xin Ci, but China rejected Germany's lucrative conditions and adopted neutrality. If China does not resist the Japanese attack, Qingdao is in danger.

Of course, there is another possibility. That is, the Chinese seized Qingdao before the Japanese. Four divisions of the Chinese National Defense Forces participating in the "Peace Fortress" exercise are still in Shandong, and the main force of the 6th Division has already advanced eastward and is approaching Qingdao, which is an extremely dangerous signal. The eastward advance of this main division, which has three infantry brigades and all special forces and more than 200 artillery pieces of various types, can be regarded as strengthening coastal defenses or preparing to storm fortresses. When Admiral Tirpitz visited Qingdao, he said that if all the fortifications were completed, it would be enough to resist the attack of one army. But the strength of the 6th Division of the Chinese Army surpassed that of a German army. The actual strength of the 6th Division exceeded 45,000 men, which is equivalent to 3 German infantry divisions!

Strauss first counted his forces. In terms of troops, the strength of the German troops in Qingdao was at its peak. There is currently a Marine battalion of 1,300 men, and an infantry regiment of 3,600 men, which has been gradually strengthened since 1910 and is fully manned (military exercises with the Chinese are mainly carried out with this complete infantry regiment). After the outbreak of the war, three German infantry companies stationed in the Tianjin Concession and a reinforced infantry platoon guarding the Beijing embassy withdrew by land to Qingdao with the tacit consent of the Chinese Wehrmacht, increasing the number of defenders at the Qingdao base to 6,000 men.

Major General Strauss pondered the fortification plan and said it was too late to begin perfecting the land fortifications anyway. Xin Ci's words were right, even if the fortifications of those fortresses were all completed, the fall of the fortress was certain if the reinforcements were cut off. The fortifications of Qingdao Fortress were not necessarily stronger than those of Lushun, and the strength of the troops was much weaker than that of the Russian defenders, and the hope of holding Qingdao for victory in the war was extremely slim. (To be continued......)