Helplessness, really helplessness.

In his previous life, Yan Shao had never been able to figure out why the French did not directly repair the defense line to the sea, but actually exposed such a large loophole.

But after coming to this world and experiencing many things, Yan Shao understood the hardships of the French.

In fact, the French also want to build the defense line to the sea, so that in addition to the Italian direction, other directions are absolutely foolproof, and after considering the combat effectiveness of the Italian army, unless the Germans attack through the Italian-French border, it is almost impossible to threaten the security of France itself—————— as a defensive line that France spent a lot of money to build, even if the Germans use the blitzkrieg, if they want to break through, I am afraid they will need to pay considerable casualties, but only the loss of the front line, France simply could not have surrendered so quickly.

Unfortunately, for the Maginot Line, the French faced both financial and political difficulties.

Funds aside, how much money would be needed to build a line of defense from the border between France and Switzerland to the seashore is something that can be imagined on even your knees, not to mention that this is not a simple fortification, let alone a complex project.

As for the political difficulties, both the Netherlands and Belgium were allies of France and Great Britain, and both countries had guaranteed the security of the Netherlands, Belgium and, of course, Luxembourg.

The problem lies precisely in this, it is precisely because Britain and France have promised to guarantee the security of these countries that they will always stand in the same camp as Britain and France. But. If one day your home is threatened, and the person who guarantees the safety of your home is loudly assuring you, while trying to find a way to fence your home with a wall—————— you think? Would you still trust the person who promised you?

The same is true of the French, who have secured the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries, what do you think they would think if they built a line of defense behind their backs that only protected themselves?

While shouting that he will definitely die for you, he only cares about himself, believing that no matter who changes, he will not trust Britain and France, so...

Perhaps financial difficulties are nothing. Political difficulties are the most fatal, and this is the case in France, in order to stabilize and win over the Netherlands and Belgium. France could only build its defense line to the border, not to the seaside that had been planned in advance.

Of course, the French obviously did not expect that Germany would directly attack the Netherlands and Belgium. It was a big surprise to them. And it eventually led to the fact that not long after the war began, France had to choose to surrender to Germany...

Naturally, even if they continued to resist, given the difference in strength between France and Germany at that time, I am afraid that they would not be able to resist for much time. After all, the courage of the French has been exhausted by the tragedy of the First World War, and too much money has been invested in the defense line, which has delayed the construction of France's national defense...

Pity...

If the French had built their defensive line to the sea, they might not have been so badly defeated. At least for a while, however. But they didn't do it, purely because of economic and political difficulties, double difficulties...

——————————————————————————

Although the child was wrinkled when he was born, like a little old man, this was his own child after all, and it was his first child, so it took several days for Yan Shao to accompany Elaine's mother and daughter...

On the other hand, the congratulatory telegrams sent by Britain, France, the United States, Italy, and other countries also caused a small sensation in China.

Soon after the news of Elaino's first child broke, the British king and the French prime minister sent congratulatory telegrams, and this was only because the Chinese leader had given birth to a child.

If it is in the later life, this is easier to understand, after all, although the era is a little chaotic, but at least most of the world is still relatively stable, and in the same way, the relationship between countries, except for a few exceptions, even if they are unhappy with each other in private, there is always a surface etiquette.

Even...

In later generations, even if there is only a slightly larger car accident, the heads of more than N countries may send telegrams to the past, which shows the problem.

But in this world, although diplomatic etiquette is indeed very important, if you don't have enough strength, I believe that the other party will not have so much effort and energy to pay attention to you.

Therefore, when the news was made public, the domestic people suddenly burst into jubilation, and believed that this was a proof of China's international status and China's national strength.

It cannot be said that this statement is wrong, because if it were not for the fact that China's national strength has improved a lot, I believe that Britain and France and other countries would not be in the mood to care about such a thing as the head of a semi-colonial country in a remote area having a child. But for this kind of thing, Yan Shaozhi didn't care much about it.

Because unlike those politicians who seem relatively naïve in this era, Yan Shao knows very well that this world is a world of the jungle, a world of the jungle, a world that only believes in strength, those foreigners will send telegrams to congratulate, just because China's strength is strong, it does not mean that they really have a good impression of China—————— of course, it is also because they are now allies with China, and they use themselves in many places, that's all...

Therefore, in Yan Shao's view, instead of being happy with this kind of thing, it is better to talk about something more practical.

Having said that, Yan Shao's heart was still more or less happy...

——————————————————————————

Yan Shao took a lot of time out to spend with his wife and daughter, and handed over some other things that were not very important to the people below, which is not abnormal in the eyes of Duan Qirui and others, after all, is it normal for people, not to mention that the United States has declared war on Germany at the moment, so there is no need to worry too much, but...

When the time dragged on for a long time, it was like this for more than half a month. Duan Qirui and the others looked a little worried.

There is no way, who calls the current situation in China special, many things can't be done without Yan Shao's nod. This is not only because of Yan Shao's prestige, but also because he controls the entire Chinese economy—————— which may seem exaggerated, but at least 90% of the time is probably accurate.

On the one hand, the Rainstone Group, including Rainstone Bank, is the world's largest business empire, although it is due to trade barriers and other relationships. The speed of development abroad is not very large, but at home, it occupies a hegemonic position. Especially after Yan Shao borrowed a lot of money from the government, the government now repays hundreds of millions of yuan to the bank every year.

There is also the Bank of China, albeit in its capacity as a central bank, and the right to be able to make money. So that the bank itself can compete with the rain stone bank. But here's the problem...

At the beginning, in order to make the work of the bank more smooth, or the construction of the bank more smoothly, the Ministry of Finance had transferred a lot of people from the Yushi Bank to the Bank of China, and now the scale of the Bank of China is developing more and more.

And these people. There is no doubt that he obeys Yan Shao's orders, and he usually counts it. But if there is Yan Shao's order—————— it is not surprising, is there a good floor under the big tree, even a three-year-old child knows this, and in today's China, I am afraid there is no bigger tree than Yan Shao, plus Yan Shao's reputation in the country is extremely high, it has become a normal thing for people in the bank to want to find Yan Shao's big tree...

——————————————————————————

Just when the outside world thought that Yan Shao was concentrating on accompanying his wife and daughter, after a considerable period of sailing, Cai Yi, Wu Peifu and others finally returned to China from Europe.

Although the highway between Tianjin and Beijing has already been opened at this time——————, considering that Tianjin is a port city, and the transportation capacity of the highway is obviously not as good as the railway, the railway traffic between Tianjin and Beijing is very developed.

They simply returned to their accommodation in Beijing for one night's rest, and the next day they were invited to the presidential palace...

Cai Ye and they are not surprised that they will be called over by Yan Shao, after all, they are also coming back from Europe anyway, and Yan Shao always wants to meet them, but Yan Shao is in such a hurry, which makes them seem a little strange.

Of course, although there are many people who came back from Europe this time, the only ones who really received the invitation were Cai Ye and Wu Peifu, that's all...

In the car, although they were curious that Yan Shao was in such a hurry to call them over, they still held back this mood and followed the car to the presidential palace.

Although Cai Ye and Wu Peifu also belonged to the kind of people who could often come to Yan Shao's side in the past, when they arrived at the Presidential Palace, looking at the magnificent buildings in the distance, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu's hearts were still a little shocked, just like when they saw them for the first time, but then, they saw Yan Shao, who had been waiting for a long time, in front of the steps of the Presidential Palace.

And then, Yan Shao's actions surprised them even more.

No, to be exact, it surprised everyone present...

Just when the car carrying the two of them had just stopped, Yan Shao actually took two steps forward and personally helped Cai Ye and Wu Peifu open the car door.

This scene surprised the officials who had been waiting in front of the steps for a long time, and even moved Cai Ye and Wu Peifu in the car in panic at the same time.

"President, how does this make..."Hurriedly got out of the car, although Cai Ye and Wu Peifu have commanded countless battles in Europe, and even the former has been called a famous general by Europeans, but they still feel a little panicked in the face of Yan Shao's behavior.

However, facing the appearance of the two, Yan Shao smiled heartily. "The two of you have played a prestige for us China in Europe, and let the European powers see how powerful I am, I just opened the door for you, how can I not do it..."

Of course, there are also a large number of reporters holding up their cameras, pointing their lenses here, and almost every time they take an extra step, more than a dozen flashes will come on. Equally. These uncrowned kings also had a very excited look on their faces, and it was obvious that this was definitely big news for them.

In the face of such a position. Cai Ye and Wu Peifu were naturally panicked. After all, no matter how majestic they were on the battlefield, they had never seen such a scene.

However, for Yan Shao, this is nothing...

Although with his current status, it seems that there is no longer a need to act as a 'corporal of Lixian', and he can learn from those places in ancient times after making a fortune, even if he didn't kill the old brother like Zhu Yuanzhang, it seems that there is no need to be polite to the old brother. Of course, there is no need to bow to those so-called sages.

This is just like Liu Bei in history, before occupying Jingzhou and Yizhou, Liu Bei has always been civilized with benevolence and righteousness and 'corporal courtesy'. For example, when facing Zhuge Liang, for example, when facing other people, but after he won Jingzhou, he faced a more ugly one. People like Pang Tong are more or less some...

Liu Bei occupies Jingzhou. Leading Jingzhou Mu, Pang Tong tried to guard the Leiyang County Order as an engaged person. During his tenure, he ignored county affairs and was dismissed. Eastern Wu Lusu wrote a letter to Liu Bei, telling Liu Bei that Pang Tong was not a talent for a hundred miles. Zhuge Liang also told Liu Bei about Pang Tong.

There is no way, who called Liu Bei at that time already had considerable power, so naturally there was no need to be like when he was 'wandering' everywhere in the past, and when he met a so-called great sage, he had to put on a posture of a corporal of Lixian to attract people.

In fact. The so-called corporal Lixian and benevolence are almost Liu Bei's only weapons.

If you don't have that. With his status as an 'imperial uncle' alone, I'm afraid not many people will pay attention to him...

——————————————————————————

Yan Shao is more powerful than Liu Bei in history, after all, he only occupied Jingzhou at that time, and now the so-called Jingzhou is just a province under his rule, and it is not the largest province.

For Yan Shao, it seemed unnecessary to assume the posture of Corporal Lixian.

But...

Now and the past is also different, in ancient times, the traffic is not convenient, many things even a few years may not be able to spread out, so even if you do something good, the same can only be famous in the township, few can be passed out, even if it is spread out, the same may not be the same as the truth.

However, in this era, due to the development of telegraph, fax and other technologies, coupled with the progress of photographic technology, although the speed of news transmission is far worse than that of later generations, it is not a little bit better than that of the past dynasties—————— and the speed of transmission of horses is still too far behind the speed of radio transmission.

Yan Shao is now putting on this posture of a corporal of courtesy, and it is easy to spread it through the reporters outside, and further improve his prestige and status, of course, he can also put on a cold posture, but even if this will not affect his rights and status, I am afraid it will also cause some criticism, after all, no matter what, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu are both famous generals in the world, and they are meritorious ministers, Yan Shao is somewhat chilling when he does this, even Cai Ye and Wu Peifu themselves are afraid that there will be some pimples in their hearts...

But Yan Shao put on such a posture now, even if they won't be grateful, at least they won't have any disgust...

And didn't you see, when Yan Shao was putting on a show there, the reporters outside showed excited expressions on their faces one by one.

Anyway, it doesn't cost money, it's just a show, so why not.

At least Yan Shao will not feel humiliated because he feels that he has bent his waist, as long as it is good for him, the most important thing is that he feels that treating Cai Ye and Wu Peifu with this kind of etiquette is not a humiliating thing in itself...

——————————————————————————

Watching Yan Shao put on a show there, some people naturally felt very excited, of course, some people saw that Yan Shao was putting on a show, but obviously they wouldn't say anything, after all, this kind of thing is really hard to blame, and with Yan Shao's status in China today, it's not something that can be blamed if you want to...

On the other hand, Yan Shao took Cai Ye and Wu Peifu in his arms, and came to the lobby along with others, and said a series of high-sounding words to reporters, and praised the soldiers who were still fighting in Europe...

Naturally, these were relatively official activities, and when such activities were over, Yan Shao brought Cai Yi, Wu Peifu, Jiang Baili, Feng Guozhang and other important members of the national government to a conference room inside the presidential palace.

Usually Yan Shao would only bring people in when he was talking about some extremely important secrets. And it is obvious that he also has many important things to discuss with Cai Ye and them here today. Very important thing...

"Songpo, Ziyu..." found a place and sat down. Looking at Cai Ye and Wu Peifu, Yan Shao smiled heartily. "Come, sit..."

Nodding, the two quickly found a place to sit down at the table, and looked at Yan Shao, of course, it was impossible for others to stand next to them at this time. Jiang Baili and some others also found a place to sit down.

And after everyone was seated, Yan Shao looked at Cai Ye and Wu Peifu and said. "Songpo, Ziyu. This trip to Europe has been really hard for you, and besides, you must be very strange why I am going to call you back from Europe..."

"........." did not answer Yan Shao's question, and Cai Ye and Wu Peifu were just silent. But their expressions showed their mood at the moment. Truly. They are really strange why Yan Shaofei wants to call them back from Europe, and the merit is high? They are not very worried about this, in fact, whether it is Cai Yi or Wu Peifu, they have some contacts in China, and they can also get some news, and it is very clear that there is no such thing at all.

Let alone...

It's just that after a few victories in Europe, even if you get some glory, where can you talk about what kind of merit can be achieved? What's more, they also have some connection with Yan Shao, and they know very well that Yan Shao himself may not be a generous person. But at least I won't be wary of them because of this.

And...

As one of the most outstanding generals in China in this era, whether it is Cai Ye or Wu Peifu, they can still perceive some things more or less. Therefore, for the reason why Yan Shao will call them back, he can be more or less prepared in his heart, at least...

They were already vaguely aware of some...

On the other side, Yan Shao did not beat around the bush, but said very straightforwardly.

"The reason I called you back from Europe is simple, just for one thing, Russia..."

Saying that, Yan Shao nodded to the side, and soon someone pounced in front of Yan Shao and the others with a huge map, this area is the map of Eurasia...

On the top of the map, many things are clearly marked, and these are all information that the secret service has worked so hard to get back from Russia.

However, looking at the map, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu did not immediately raise the questions in their hearts, but looked at Yan Shao quietly, because they knew very well that it would not take long for Yan Shao to answer their questions, and sure enough, Yan Shao soon answered their doubts...

"As I am sure you know, there has been great change in Russia, the Romanov dynasty that had ruled there for hundreds of years has fallen, and they are now replaced by a provisional government that cannot even control the situation in Russia..."

"Since many years ago, Russia has been encroaching on our territory, and the former Qing government in the past was cowardly and incompetent, and could not resist Russia at all, let alone refuse Russia, so it could only retreat step by step, and lose the country and humiliate power step by step..."

"Not to mention the earliest "Treaty of Nebuchu", just talking about the treaties of the previous years, the Qing government actually demarcated the entire Outer Xing'an Mountains, how big is this piece of land? Even if there is nothing but trees and snow on this land, this is still not a reason for the Qing government to sell them to the Russians..."

"So I have always hoped to be able to regain all the lost land, including the Outer Khingan Mountains, but the original Tsarist Russian government has always been an obstacle, although our strength has improved a lot over the years, but the strength of the Russians is still very strong, coupled with the opening of the Trans-Siberian Railway, even if we want to recapture it, it is still a very difficult thing, God, first the outbreak of the European War, Russia suffered heavy losses, if this is the case, even if we really do the Outer Khingan Mountains, I believe the Russians have no ability to stop. This was followed by the outbreak of the February Revolution, and with the occurrence of the February Revolution, the Russian government collapsed completely, and the present Provisional Government was not able to control the situation in Russia at all, and ................ believed that it would not be long before there would be greater changes in Russia, and at that time, of course, it would be the time for us to regain the Trans-Khingan Mountains and all the lost land in the past, and even we could set our goals even bigger, so that the Russians could also taste the feeling of losing their land..."

After listening to Yan Shao's words, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu didn't say anything, but their faces were full of shock. Although they had some premonitions in their hearts before coming back, when they really heard Yan Shao's words, they were still a little shocked after all.

Soon, though. Wu Peifu was the first to recover, instead of being shocked, his face was full of excitement, Wu Peifu was originally a person who was not afraid of heaven and earth, but also a lively person. It will go down in history in the future! How could he miss this kind of thing, as for Cai Yi, there was a hint of worry on his face.

Then he looked at Jiang Baili and the others. After making sure that they had already known the news, Cai Yi looked at Yan Shao and said softly. "But President, this matter ............... The Russians are now our allies after all, and the British and French seem to have a little bit of concern for us. If we do it to Russia now......... Even if the Russians are no longer likely to play a role. I'm afraid that Britain and France will also have some resistance..."

What Cai said is the truth, Britain and France were already a little wary of China—————— this is normal, after all, Britain has a large number of colonies and interests in the Far East, France also has an Indochina, and there is also a United States, which is also vigilant that a new Japan will appear. It is impossible for them not to worry, because the rise of no country in history has represented the suffering of the countries around it.

At present, there are only two countries left in China's neighborhood, Japan and Thailand. The rest are the colonies of Russia, Britain, France and other countries.

In this way, the goal that Yan Shao will choose to do seems to be very limited.

Even when he was in Europe, Cai Ye was warmly received by Britain and France, but Cai Ye could still clearly feel that these people were wary and jealous of themselves, and if Yan Shao really decided to do something against Russia, the probability that they would admit it would be almost less than 100%.

And this is undoubtedly the most troublesome thing, and the reason is very simple.

At present, China has hundreds of thousands of troops in Europe, and these financial pressures on China are not very great—————— yes, it is indeed very expensive to fight a war, but who calls this not a war in China, plus the Entente will provide China with almost 20 million pounds of funds every year as military expenses, and because Asia is too far away from Europe, logistics can not keep up with the relationship at all, the Entente also helped bear the ammunition consumption of the expeditionary force in Europe, and the French even opened an arsenal in their homeland, The 6.8mm cartridge used in the production of the Mauser 1904 rifle and the 8mm cartridge used in the Madsen and Maxim machine guns.

Without the consumption of this aspect, coupled with the fact that grenades and other countries use the same thing, although the scale of China's military expansion is much larger than before, the pressure is not very great.

Especially after the collapse of Russia, in order to prevent similar things from happening in China, the Entente countries have taken on many problems—————— anyway, there is a new landlord like the United States, they are not very worried, so China's financial pressure is not very great.

At least, not as big as Anglo-French ...

In the final analysis, war is very expensive after all, the 20 million pounds provided by the Entente is indeed very helpful, at least the annual military salary problem of the soldiers is solved, the ammunition problem is responsible for Britain and France, it is not a very difficult thing, in addition to other food and other problems, China is so far away from Europe, the Entente obviously cannot let China pull it from Asia by itself, so it can only help China to be responsible for it.

However, the pension of military personnel and so on is definitely not a small amount, plus other miscellaneous items, such as equipment procurement costs, etc., in fact, this is also a large expenditure.

However, if China had attacked Russia without a more suitable reason, it is difficult to imagine that Britain and France would be willing to continue to bear the costs of the Chinese war.

After all, it can be said that China is fighting for the interests of the Entente at the moment, but in the fight against Russia, it may be difficult for them to imagine which of them are related to the interests of the Entente.

If this solution cannot be properly solved, I am afraid that when China makes a move against Russia, it will be the time when the Entente will cut off supplies to China, and at that time, a large number of troops will be consumed, and it is very likely that it will bring a great burden to China's finances, a very big burden...

"Don't worry, I've found a solution."

Seeing Cai Ye and Wu Peifu's worried looks, Yan Shao smiled and said softly.

"I found a very good reason for the Entente to sit back and watch us attack Russia. So they're definitely not going to interfere. It's not even for nothing that they're backing us..."

"What's the solution?" Hearing Yan Shao's words, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu asked in disbelief.

And Yan Shao didn't sell it. It's a very direct opening. "Total..."

"The Russian Communist Party?" After hearing Yan Shao's words, after glancing at each other, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu looked at Yan Shao. For organizations like the Russian Communist Party, how hostile is the Entente, the two of them have been in Europe for so long, and they still know each other more or less.

In fact, in the face of such organizations, as long as they are still capitalist. Or there is an element of capitalism, whether it is a constitutional monarchy, a cabinet system or a presidential system, his attitude is the same. After all, the purpose of such organizations is simple: to wipe out the so-called capitalism, in other words, they are all objects that need to be eliminated.

That's it alone. It is enough for them to stand in opposition to such an organization as the Russian Communist Party. And it's a relationship that never ends.

It is also true that, except for World War II, when the Allies cooperated with the Soviet Union in order to fight Germany, other countries have always stood against the Soviet Union...

At the same time, looking at Cai Ye and Wu Peifu, Yan Shao also briefly introduced.

"In fact, long before the February Revolution took place. I have already sent people to Russia to help them with something related to the revolution. The February Revolution took place thanks to the Special Affairs Bureau, and now I have given them an order to find a way to support the Russian Communist Party to come to power, and as long as the Russian Communist Party comes to power, given the antagonism between positions and classes, both the Entente and the Central Powers will believe that they will have a great ill will feel towards them, and in this way, it will be a natural thing for us to take action against Russia..."

"Support the Russian Communist Party?"

Hearing Yan Shao's words, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu both had surprised expressions.

Obviously, although they had expected that Yan Shao might make a move on Russia, they didn't expect that he would have any connection with the Russian Communist Party, no way, who called Yan Shao is now the largest capitalist in the country, from a certain point of view, he may even be the largest capitalist in the world, such a figure will actually cooperate with the Russian Communist Party, this is somewhat ............... It was somewhat incomprehensible, and Yan Shao also felt a little helpless about this, but he still explained.

"No way, it's hard to find other targets, only the Russian Communist Party has some legitimacy, and as long as the Russian Communist Party comes to power, we have a reason to do it, the reason why I supported Russia to build the so-called Trans-Siberian Railway is not to support Russia, but to make it more convenient for us to start in the future, as long as we have this railway, we can march to Russia very easily, not only can we smoothly recover the lost land including the Outer Khingan Mountains, and it is even possible to get back some interest..."

Hearing Yan Shao's words, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu nodded slightly in agreement.

If it is another target, I am afraid that as soon as China makes a move, Britain, France, the United States and other countries have already stopped it, after all, they cannot tolerate the rise of a powerful China in the Far East, and they will definitely create some obstacles.

But if it is the Russian Communist Party, at that time, I am afraid that not to mention Britain, France, the United States and other countries, even the allies will have to follow suit, after all, the Russian Communist Party is a threat to anyone, at least in this era...

——————————————————————————

"That's why you're going to let us come back from Europe?"

"That's right." Yan Shao nodded. "This operation is very important, so I need a general with enough experience to command this operation, and you are the most experienced general in the country at present, and it is also the best choice for me at the moment..."

"And the reason why I haven't sent Baili to Europe yet, is so that he can stay here for a few more days, and then discuss with you a brilliant plan to draw it out..."

If it was something else, it would be okay, but this time it was to recover the lost ground, so Cai Ye and Wu Peifu immediately raised their spirits and hurriedly said. "Yes!"

Then Cai Ye and Wu Peifu and Jiang Baili and others made an analysis of the map, in fact, the so-called analysis had already begun, after all, Jiang Baili and they couldn't wait for them for so long with nothing to do, so Cai Ye and they could only make some additions in the details.

A few hours later, these high-level officials left the presidential palace one after another, but when Cai Ye and the others were about to leave, Yan Shao kept them and led them in the conference room just now.

There, Cai Ye and Wu Peifu were surprised to find that although there were many fewer people in the conference room than just now, Jiang Baili and the others did not leave, but changed a map on the wall and waited for them quietly.

At the same time, Yan Shao looked at Cai Ye and Wu Peifu, and then asked softly.

"Do you say that it is possible for us to take this opportunity to seize all of Siberia..." (To be continued......)