In an inconspicuous alley in the center of Hamburg near the north bank of the Elbe River, in the attic of an old three-story building, a crazy middle-aged man was holding a half bottle of whiskey and scribbling on paper.
There was only a wooden bed and a table in the triangular attic. There were manuscript papers written all over the floor, on the sheets, and on the table. Thick English books were also mixed with stacks of black and white photos. They were dirty. Xixi's clothes were scattered all over the floor.
This is a bachelor's apartment. It is impossible for a man to be tidy and orderly without a woman to take care of him. It is already very rare if there are no rats in the small attic.
"Hamburg is a free city in Germany, but the Prussian government has exerted pressure to increase trade taxes by 15%. This is a challenge to the free city... No, no, no, this kind of news is not interesting at all. The people of Hamburg have long chosen Prussia Kingdom, they won’t have any complaints..."
"The new army training camp has added 30,000 troops in two months, and the training intensity has doubled... No, although this news is interesting, the photos are too ugly, and it cannot be published at all... …”
The man wearing highly myopic glasses kept muttering, writing rapidly with the pen in his hand, and from time to time he had to match it with his photo. When he was excited, he raised his hand and took a sip of whiskey, as if there was nothing without fine wine. Literary talent is the same.
This is a freelance writer active in Europe. His job is to travel around to find the best news to provide to the mainstream media in Europe at that time, such as The Times in the UK, Le Figaro in France, and even the Baltimore in the United States. The Sun opened its doors to his submissions.
Because of his seniority, the requirements are stricter. One piece of news was rejected in his muttering. He is looking for the most explosive news, the kind that can take his status to a higher level. breaking news.
The notebook with a lambskin cover recorded the latest information he got from the streets. After flipping through it, he finally found a piece of information that was very attractive to readers.
"A very strange rumor began to circulate among the citizens of Hamburg. It is said that a group of oriental-faced troops were seen appearing in the Hamburg recruit camp, and they also brought countless silver coins... Now the Hamburg recruit camp has reached the highest level. Alert level, no one is allowed to approach the core area..."
"Yes, really good. The Prussian new army camp, the mysterious army in the East, and even countless silver coins. Every keyword can arouse the curiosity of the European people. This is top-notch news. It’s a pity that there are no photos…”
Just as he was muttering to himself, a voice suddenly came from behind him, "The photo thing is easy to handle. You can take it when you turn around..."
The man with glasses was so frightened that he almost fell off his chair. When he looked back, he saw his old acquaintance Jonas standing at the door with two Asians in suits.
"Oh God, Jonas, this surprises me so much. Didn't you go to the far east? When did you come back, these two?"
Jonas smiled and hugged his old friend, "Let me introduce you to these two guests from China. One is General Xiao Hexin and the other is General Sima Yun. They are Chinese, but their current military ranks were awarded by the Ryukyu Kingdom. This... this sloppy gentleman with a pen-stained face is my good friend, the freelance writer Leo!"
"Oh, God! Are they really Chinese? The rumors are actually true. Are these Chinese brought by you, Jonas?" Leo quickly wiped his hands on the hem of his clothes and shook hands with the two of them enthusiastically. , completely ignoring that the ink rubbed against the back of Sima Yun's hand.
After a few simple greetings, Jonas stated the purpose of their visit, "Leo, what I am revealing to you below are the core secrets of the Kingdom of Prussia. I hope you remember your nation and do not publish these things." , because that is harmful to the country..."
Leo had never seen his old friend so serious before, and nodded quickly, "I am a freelance writer, but I am a Prussian first, and I will not harm my mother country..."
Before Jonas could speak, Xiao Hexin began to describe his plan in broken German mixed with a little English. Unexpectedly, Xiao Hexin's language talent was really good and he could express it very clearly.
"We came from the far East to escort a war loan lent by the Prime Minister of Ryukyu to Prussia, a total of 1.35 million silver coins..." Xiao Hexin slowly explained the ins and outs of their coming to Hamburg. Leo was excited by the end. He raised his head and drank the last of the whiskey, slamming the table with excitement.
"China, it's actually China! That magical ancient Eastern country, that civilized country that can be traced back to ancient Greece and ancient Egypt, actually took the initiative to establish diplomatic relations with Prussia? This is a courtesy that even the British and French people cannot get. This is That country’s first diplomatic attempt…Okay, you’ve moved me, now tell me what are you looking for me for?”
Sima Yun took over, "We want to hire you for the whole process. Yes, you heard me right. As long as our army is in Germany for one day, you will be our full-time reporter..."
"We need to record our lives, training and even wars throughout the process. We hope you can eat and live with us and go deep into our lives to understand us. We need your cameras even more. Your pen and ink can make Europe realize that we Chinese The true appearance of..."
"Yes, you guessed it right. This is a journey for us Chinese to clear our name. We will try our best to participate in the European war as mercenaries. We will make the whole of Europe look at us with admiration. We will tear apart the lies of Britain and France. …We Chinese are not sheep, we are a group of real warriors!”
Now Leo finally understood that they wanted to hire him as a mouthpiece and start a public opinion war in the media across Europe. The Chinese wanted to reshape the country's image.
"Oh, my God, you guys let me have a drink of wine to calm down my panic!" Leo took out another bottle of wine from under the bed, and this time he didn't forget to give a glass to the guest.
"Oh my god, this is no longer news. This is already a long topic. The mysterious Eastern army is fighting in Europe. The title alone can attract the attention of all the Western world. This is my dream!"
"But you have to know that this kind of project is very time-consuming and requires a lot of photographic equipment. I don't know if your funds can..."
Before he finished speaking, Jonas spoke up, "You don't have to consider the issue of funds. Prime Minister Bismarck has secretly established a foundation with a principal of 1.35 million silver coins. The funds will be withdrawn directly from here. Just say how much you want." Monthly salary."
Leo touched his nose a little embarrassed, "As a professional writer, my monthly income is at least 12 thalers... Oh, don't believe it, I have worked for The Times for three years. A senior person, I am not a wild person..."
Xiao Hexin smiled and nodded and said, "I don't know how much Mexican Eagle Ocean can be exchanged for 12 Talers, but I can give you double the commission. What do you think of a monthly salary of 30 Mexican Eagle Ocean? And all expenses are reimbursed."
With a bang, everyone heard the sound of Leo swallowing. He usually earned ten thalers of silver coins a month, but what he got today was not double, but a full three times the high salary.
"I've done it. I've done this task. From today on, you will get the best pens in Europe and the best journalism brains. I can even mold you into gods! Okay, let me give it to my old friend Write a few letters, I want them to be ready, leave me the biggest page, I want to become the number one copywriter in Europe!”
Leo went crazy. He ignored the surprised looks of his customers, opened his pen and started writing a letter. He wanted to occupy the news page for the entire topic, and he wanted to use all his connections to gain momentum for these Chinese people.
In the mid-19th century, although human society already had news media, they were only newspapers with a small circulation, far from the power of the media in the era of the information explosion in later generations. People during this period were completely unaware of the power of public opinion warfare. The so-called truth and justice were actually written by those in the media.
Xiao Letian will not forget this powerful force. Propaganda war and public opinion war are actually more important in his heart than battleships and cannons. Now Xiao Letian has boarded an Italian merchant ship docked at the port of Seychelles and is setting sail towards the famous French port of Marseille.
"Long Ye, when we get to Marseille, we can take a boat north along the Rhone and Saône rivers, pass Lyon and Dijon, and then take a carriage all the way north until we enter the territory of the German Federation and we will be safe..."
Mr. Long said with a grimace, "If only it were so easy. You also said that France and Prussia are not going to deal with each other. Will they agree if we go to France? Now we are getting closer and closer to the home of the great powers. I don't think so. Ah, I keep jumping and jumping, I always feel like something is going to happen..."
Xiao Letian patted Mr. Long on the shoulder and said openly, "It doesn't matter, what is my identity? I am now the prime minister of Ryukyu Kingdom. I am protected by the public laws of all countries. I have diplomatic immunity. Even if I enter without notice, In the heart of Europe, they have to be polite to me..."
"What's more, I already contacted the German intelligence officer at the port in Marseille yesterday. When we get to Marseille, there will be a Prussian intelligence officer to respond. Don't worry..."
While the two were chatting, Wing King Shi Dakai walked out of the cabin and said angrily, "Since ancient times, a gentleman has never stood under a dangerous wall. You are the prime minister of the Ryukyu Kingdom and the backbone of our brothers. This Europe is Can you come just as you say? You are irresponsible..."
Xiao Letian stuck out his tongue and quickly persuaded him, "I know, I know everything the prince said, but if you think about it carefully, since Europe is a dragon's pool and a tiger's den, then I have to come over personally and let Xiao Hexin and the others deal with me." I’m really a little worried…”
"The current situation at home and in Ryukyu is at a delicate balance. All parties have fought three or four times last year. No one has completely won, and no one has completely lost. Now everyone is taking a breath and saving up. As for my strength, even if I leave for a year and a half, there won’t be any problem.”
"My lord, the world has really changed. Without external assistance, we can no longer do it on our own. Not only are we lagging behind the entire era, but more importantly, as long as our national destiny begins to move upward, those great powers will They will definitely try their best to restrict us, or even directly suppress us. Can you tell us how we can do it without a few strong allies?"
Xiao Letian looked at the blue sky on the bow of the ship and said faintly, "For such a big thing as a strategic alliance, I can't do it without personally taking part..."
