The story has come to an end here. The current chaos in Europe is just like what Xiao Letian said in his story. All of Europe is preparing for war. Within a few months, the two major military powers will surely launch a war involving more than 20,000 soldiers. Fight.
Is this a story? No, this is just Xiao Letian's psychological warfare against Ai Liguo.
"Dear Minister, why do you look so ugly? Is the salty sea breeze making you uncomfortable? Or does this bottle of red wine not suit your taste? I also have some chilled rum, or I can open a bottle for you. Celebratory champagne?”
Xiao Letian's ridicule made Ai Liguo even more embarrassed. As a diplomat, it was the most shameful thing to be abused with intelligence. The dignified overseas minister of the British Empire did not know the current situation in Europe, and he had to let the ministers of other countries inform.
There is no greater insult than this.
"This happened a few days ago? Was the submarine cable fault your fault?" Ai Liguo asked in a lowered voice.
"Oh, my Mr. Ambassador, this is just a story. You don't take it seriously."
"That's enough! I already know what you want to express. Let's get straight to the point. What do you want? Place it on the table happily. That way I can drink a few more glasses of wine."
"It's great! The Minister is so happy to speak, so I won't beat around the bush." Xiao Letian refilled a glass of wine for Ai Liguo. "I know your plan. Don't worry, our intelligence officers are not that capable of directly infiltrating your embassy." Go inside, everything is just my guess based on the deployment of your British team!"
"Actually, it's not difficult as long as you understand the entanglements of interests between major powers, understand the core interests of Britain overseas, and guess your next move!"
"There is no moral restraint between you and me. We are each our own masters, and each strives for the interests of his own nation. It is normal to do dirty tricks and harmful tricks. There are no moral gentlemen in diplomacy. Things like morality are all Leave it to your own nation.”
"So you and I should have a drink. We are both smart people. Let's say some smart things from now on!"
Ai Liguo picked up his wine glass and sighed, "Yes, they are all smart people, why beat around the bush? Mr. Xiang really surprised me. I really don't understand, who did you study under in diplomatic work? Which university did you graduate from?" Which mentor did you follow in college?"
Ai Liguo's question is actually a question for many politicians. The better Xiao Letian is, the more interested people are in his inheritance. You must know that people's knowledge system is destined to be inherited. There are many methods that can be understood by oneself without a teacher. It's just impossible.
Xiao Letian smiled bitterly and shook his head, thinking to himself, "Can I tell you that I live in an era of information explosion and the high wall of knowledge has been completely demolished?"
In the era of network sharing, as long as you have patience and methods, you can find any knowledge you want to learn, it just depends on whether you have learned it or not.
In that wonderful era, the walls of knowledge were broken down, and massive amounts of information were shared for free. People without higher education could also acquire a lot of obscure knowledge through self-study. This kind of beauty was beyond the imagination of ancient people.
In human society in the 19th century, knowledge still existed in libraries, in the minds of university professors and private scholars, and in the private inheritance of countless large families. Not to mention that the literacy rate of ordinary people was not very high, even if they were educated. It is also difficult for middle-class families to have access to some obscure knowledge.
For example, in the development of diplomats, basically every diplomat is required to have a strong accumulation of historical knowledge. He must be familiar with the history of various countries in order to understand how to conduct diplomatic activities.
And history is always hidden. Many secret historical events are hidden in piles of old papers, and ordinary people cannot easily see them.
To give a simple example, certain tribal chiefs in the Middle East appear to be very close neighbors and harmonious friends. Do you think they are real allies?
But in the secret historical data, you find that these two tribes once had bloody assassination conflicts, and even had doctrinal disputes within the same sect.
As a diplomat, can his diplomatic skills be the same if he knows the secret historical data and if he does not know the historical data?
Including the Ames telegram incident that Xiao Letian just talked about. How could Xiao Letian tell the story about Bismarck's unauthorized modification of the King's telegram? In fact, only five people know the truth of the matter at the moment.
Xiao Letian shook his head, "Mr. Minister, mystery is a good thing. I hope you will turn your attention back to the negotiating table!"
"Now the European war is probably unavoidable. The newly appointed Prime Minister Benjamin will definitely devote all his energy to Europe, and even the naval warships of various colonies will be transferred to the country to prepare for accidents."
"Two million soldiers of the Army are strangled together. No matter what the outcome is, it will profoundly rewrite the history of Europe. At this critical juncture, do you want to add variables to the homeland? Do you still want to cause trouble?"
"What good will it do to Britain to go to war with me? Even if Britain is strong, is it mentally prepared to deal with two wars at the same time? Even if you can easily defeat the Chinese, is this watermelon or sesame?"
"The outcome of the European war is uncertain. Where should Britain place its bet now? France or Prussia? Don't expect you to mediate neutrality. If you do, you will not be a maritime power."
"If you bet on Prussia, I'm afraid you will have to be more polite to me. I believe the minister is aware of the conflict of interests between me and Prussia."
"What if we, the UK, bet our money on France?" Ai Liguo said rudely.
Xiao Letian curled up his lips and smiled coldly, "You will bet your money on France? Hahaha, this is really the funniest joke I have ever heard."
When Xiao Letian and Ai Liguo had a secret meeting, in distant London, the candlelight was bright at night in Buckingham Palace, exquisite pastries and fruits were placed on the coffee table, and Queen Victoria was sipping a cup of black tea.
Sitting in front of the Queen was Prime Minister Benjamin, who had just taken office. Holding a glass of sherry, the Prime Minister sat upright and reported to the Queen the current situation in Europe. The focus of everything was the current Franco-Publican crisis.
"Your Majesty, I have now issued an order to the colonial navies in Africa and the Atlantic. Within two months, forty warships of various types will return to our homeland. By then, the entire European Atlantic coastline will be blocked by us."
"Okay, I believe in the combat effectiveness of the Royal Navy." The Queen put down her black tea cup and looked at Benjamin with a calm look. "Dear Prime Minister, I just want to know what you think of the situation in Asia?"
"Are you really going to launch a weakening war against Xiao Letian in East Asia? Are you really willing to turn against Prussia for Xiao Letian?"
