After passing the Suez Canal, the United Fleet officially entered the Mediterranean. It can also be said that the Suez Canal is the gateway from Asia to Europe.
No matter how many pictures and photos Zaichun had seen about Europe before, or how many books about traveling to the West he had read, nothing would be as shocking as seeing this prosperous and fertile land in person.
Europe, after the double baptism of the Age of Discovery and the Industrial Revolution, and nearly 300 years of countercurrent accumulation of global wealth, has completely surpassed Asia in all aspects and has officially become the world's wealth center.
The little emperor stood on the bow of the Zhiyuan, looking at the white sails on the entire blue sea, often in a daze hour after hour.
How can we not be shocked? This is exactly like the paradise described by Tao Yuanming. There is a constant flow of merchant ships and fishing boats on the main waterway carrying precious goods from all over the world to those super metropolises.
Wonderful music sounded on the noble's private yacht, and the dance party lasted all night long, surrounded by the aroma of food and wine.
On the dotted islands, Zai Chun could see clusters of colorful buildings, churches with loud bells, and countless factories and workshops.
Yes, there was also a gap between the rich and the poor in Europe at this time, and the poor people also lacked access to education and had to work hard every day, but it is undeniable that the lower-class people in Europe can still survive.
This was a state that the Qing Dynasty could not even imagine. At least the people at the bottom would not starve to death and could enjoy certain medical care and education. Even the poorest people could eat at least 60% full every day without starving to death. Tragic conditions all over the land.
If it were in the Qing Dynasty, I am afraid that such a scene would only have happened during the heyday of Kangxi and Qianlong.
Entering the Mediterranean, Britain's powerful national power became even more prominent. The combined fleet did not need to purchase any food at all. There were planned supply ships waiting for His Majesty the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty and the heads of state of the Chinese nation at the predetermined channel every day.
Boat after boat of fresh ingredients and seasonal fruits, as well as the latest newspapers and magazines from European countries, all flew over like snow flakes.
At this moment, Europe has been completely shocked by Zai Chun's arrival. Except for newspapers in France and Tsarist Russia, almost all countries now have a series of reports on the East on their front pages.
"The latest news is that the ship of His Majesty the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty has sailed past Sicily. The Republic of Greece pays tribute to His Majesty the Emperor and His Excellency the Head of State. Long live His Majesty the Emperor..."
"The Ottoman Turkish Empire submitted its credentials to Emperor Tongzhi. The friendly Sultan expressed his respect for His Majesty the Emperor and the head of state, and hoped that the Emperor would have the honor to visit Istanbul..."
"Breaking news, thousands of people protested on the streets of Paris. Shouting citizens protested against the provocative behavior of the Chinese fleet in the Suez Canal, and urged the government to take immediate punitive action..."
"According to the London reporter station, the overall renovation of London, UK, to welcome His Majesty the Emperor and the Head of State of the Qing Dynasty will be officially completed in two days... It will start from the Tower Bridge in London and continue to St. Paul's Cathedral, King's College, and St. Martin's University. Cathedrals, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey... and even Buckingham Palace will be the main welcoming venues!”
On the bow of the Zhiyuan, Zai Chun looked excitedly at the beautiful scenery of the Mediterranean Sea. Next to him, Er Mao was reading to him the headlines of newspapers from various countries brought in by supply ships.
The young Majesty was so excited that his whole body was shaking. His dream finally came true. He became the first emperor in Chinese history to visit Europe.
Maybe those stale Confucian scholars in the country will say that they have harmed the national integrity and that the heavenly country should not go to other countries for pilgrimage, but how do they know what this world is like!
They don't know, but I, Zai Chun, know. I have seen with my own eyes the wealth and strength of Europe. This is not a lie. When I saw the poor people who have solved the problem of food and clothing, I know that everything the master said is right.
Boom boom boom... A hollow sound of artillery suddenly came from the distance, but no one felt scared. This sound was too familiar to Zai Chun. This was the sound of a naval salute. It seemed that another country had sent a warship to greet him.
At two o'clock on the starboard side, three steam-sailed dual-powered warships flying Austrian flags were approaching the Zhiyuan. The escorting British warships had already identified each other and found that they were indeed Austrian warships, so they were released immediately.
The fleet opened an opening, and the three battleships soon ran parallel to the Zhiyuan.
"Reporting to your majesty, Count Joseph of Austria has brought a personal letter from His Majesty Franz... and sent a set of full-body plate armor with the emblem of the Habsburg dynasty as a gift..."
"Austria? The Habsburg Dynasty? Convey greetings to His Majesty Franz to me, and look forward to meeting His Majesty in Vienna... A pair of cloisonné vases as a return gift from the Qing Dynasty!"
In fact, according to diplomatic convention, the Count came to visit Emperor Tongzhi on behalf of Emperor Franz, and should be given a banquet anyway. However, the United Fleet was in a hurry and had no time to conduct such a diplomatic meeting. The urgent matter could only be expressed verbally. gratitude. .
Of course the Austrian side knew about Emperor Tongzhi's itinerary and would not blame the young emperor for his rudeness. After the two sides exchanged letters and state gifts, the Austrian fleet began to part ways with the combined fleet.
Even the powerful Austria sent warships to pay a visit, not to mention the small countries along the Mediterranean coast. Even noble families in some places sent envoys to bring gifts to pay a visit to Emperor Tongzhi.
This is an honor that the little emperor has never enjoyed in his life. Although he is an emperor in the Forbidden City, he is actually a slave to the rules. His mother and uncles can control him, and even the old eunuch can give him benefits in the name of the ancestral family law. Attend class.
"Today I know how good the emperor is! This is the glory that a king should enjoy!"
"Calm down, Your Majesty, please calm down!" Da Sixi beside him was specifically responsible for Zai Chun's etiquette issues. When he saw that the little emperor was a little distracted, he immediately reminded him.
"Long live my Lord, the head of state has said that we have just arrived in the Mediterranean... the welcome ceremony in the future will be 10,000 times grander than now! You must hold on! You must maintain your momentum and not lose the face of the Qing Dynasty!"
"Shut up! You little bitch knows nothing! Do you dare to teach me a lesson?" Zai Chun stared at him as he spoke.
At this moment, Xiao Letian's voice came from behind him, "Da Sixi is right, you have to calm down the situation. When you get to London, your carriage will be ahead of me. There will be no one around you who can remind you that when you Are you prepared to lose your composure when you see hundreds of thousands of people lined up to welcome you?"
The master's stern scolding made Zai Chun stick out his tongue, "Yes... the master's lesson is right!"
Xiao Letian said to Da Sixi, "Starting from today, we must strictly train Zai Chun's etiquette. The dignified emperor of the Qing Dynasty cannot make people feel rough. He must show his calm, wise and steady side... "
"Remember, don't giggle, smile... If you don't know how to do it, don't laugh! You have to hold your own!"
