At this moment, from Zaichun's perspective, the fleet formation on the opposite side was not a rectangle, but an irregular diamond shape, with the southernmost tip facing the Zhiyuan, and then layers of battleships extended backwards.
All the warships are anchored on the sea, and as the waves sway slowly, it is said that the ships will not remain still even if they are anchored on the sea, but the current British warships have truly demonstrated what it means to be unyielding. move.
This does not mean that the battleship is motionless, but that the entire formation is as stable as a mountain, without the slightest confusion.
Facing the sharp corner of the rhombus, you can easily see the Royal Fleet's phalanx from here. Whether horizontally, vertically or diagonally, it is a straight straight line, with exact precision.
"What a serious fleet... just like a machine!" Emperor Tongzhi couldn't help but sigh.
Even Xiao Letian was shocked. Of course he knew how skilled it was to put up such an array of warships in this era, and how high-quality these naval officers and soldiers were.
The tonnage of sail battleships, even wooden-hulled battleships covered with iron armor, cannot be compared with that of pure steel battleships of later generations. Precisely because of its light weight, it cannot hold down waves. It is not easy to maintain a straight formation in moving waves. .
The Duke of Newcastle smiled proudly, "I'm really sorry. This is just a fleet review organized in a hurry. According to our plan, after His Majesty rests in London for three days, the Queen will accompany His Majesty to Portsmouth Military Port again." …”
"At that time, there will be an even grander naval review waiting for His Majesty's inspection!"
"More grand..." Zai Chun's eyes were a little dull. He really couldn't imagine how grander it could be. Everything in front of him had temporarily lost his ability to think.
At this moment, the battleship Victory, which was parallel to the Zhiyuan, suddenly began to send semaphore signals to the military formations ahead. Soon loud orders began to be transmitted, and roars were heard everywhere on the sea.
"The Deer Hunter... paid tribute to His Majesty the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty and the heads of state of the Chinese nation, and fired a 21-gun salute..."
"Holy Angel, Iceberg, Anglesey, Devonshire... Salute His Majesty the Emperor! Fire a salute..."
One after another, the warships lit their medicine packs, and the sea was suddenly filled with smoke, boom, boom... the sound of the salute was deafening.
Almost all the battleships sent greeting flags. Cai Bixia of the Zhiyuan was in charge of communications. Her voice was almost hoarse from shouting, and the names of the battleships spread to everyone's ears.
Until finally, a signal was sent from the direction of the lighthouse on the Isle of Wight: "Portsmouth Military Port...welcome His Majesty the Emperor and His Excellency the Head of State...fire a salute..."
Boom, boom, boom... the louder sound was deafening, and the roadbed and shore defense forts began to spray gunpowder smoke. At this moment, the God of War became the vanguard of the welcome ceremony.
Such a scene has ignited the enthusiasm of all the Chinese soldiers present. Xiao Letian and others stood at attention and saluted, "Everyone! Stand at attention! Salute!"
With a snap, everyone raised their hands and raised their eyebrows, and the leather boots hit the deck with a heavy sound.
At this moment, even Lian Zai Chun couldn't hold it any longer. He also raised his hands and performed a new military salute that he had practiced countless times in the Ryukyu military camp. Unfortunately, he was not wearing a military uniform at the moment but a five-clawed golden dragon robe. This military salute was really a bit... nondescript.
Da Sixi wanted to step forward to remind the young emperor, but when he saw Emperor Tongzhi's expression of gnashing teeth, he did not dare to speak and could only retreat in a dignified manner.
The Duke of Newcastle saw all this, and the little emperor's subconscious actions moved him with a hint of understanding.
It seems that this young emperor has a pro-military tendency in his heart. This should be a good breakthrough. I must note it down later.
The Duke is actually a pawn for the entire British diplomatic campaign. His mission is to be the first to contact Zai Chun and carefully observe the breach.
The queen gave him many tasks. First of all, he had to gain the trust and friendship of the little emperor, or at least establish a relationship that was not annoying.
To be honest, the British royal family is not sure. After all, there were two wars between Britain and the Qing Dynasty, in which Zai Chun's father died in their hands in disguise. If the Emperor Tongzhi refused to cooperate with resentment, then all efforts would be in vain. There is no point anymore.
Secondly, it is to show the power of Britain to Emperor Tongzhi. Whether it is industry or military, these are the shining points that Britain can best use. It must use its strength to conquer the heart of the little emperor.
The strong flex their muscles, and the weak choose to follow. This is a matter of course.
Third, the Duke of Newcastle still has to find ways to alienate the relationship between Zaichun and Xiao Letian. The future reform process of the Qing Dynasty must be jointly led by the British and the Manchus. Who do the Chinese count? Just a dispensable thing.
Recalling Benjamin's numerous warnings before departure, the Duke was still very satisfied with the current progress. He even felt that Benjamin was a little too worried.
Isn't the little emperor very enlightened? There is not so much hatred for Britain in his heart. The most important thing is that he understands European diplomatic etiquette.
This is very important. Britain is afraid that Zaichun, like his father and grandfather, including those stubborn ancestors, will carry with him a lot of medieval traditions and a lot of outdated and outdated ideas.
If it were Emperor Tongzhi like that, Britain might not be able to cooperate at all, so it would have to give up Zaichun and choose other spokesmen from the Manchu royal family.
In fact, Guizi Liuyi is quite good. The minister in Beijing has recommended him to London more than once.
The Duke of Newcastle had been looking at Zai Chun meaningfully, with a gleam in his eyes. Xiao Letian could see clearly from the side and secretly screamed that something was wrong.
Thinking of this, Xiao Letian coughed softly, "Ahem... Your Excellency, Duke, I just heard that you have arranged His Majesty's visit schedule? There will be a ship review in Portsmouth in three days. Mode?"
"Can you let me take a look at this schedule? Otherwise, I'm afraid there will be a conflict between us in terms of schedule..."
The Duke smiled and nodded. "Yes, of course I have to give you a copy of the schedule. Of course, diplomatic activities must be coordinated and communicated with each other... Secretary! Give a copy of our schedule to the head of state..."
The clerk who had been accompanying the Duke took out a thick document from his purse and handed it over respectfully. Wang Ju stood next to the head of state and took the plan first.
"This is the preliminary visit arrangement we made based on the time period you telegraphed in advance... If you have any objections, we can adjust it at any time..." the secretary said with a smile.
Wang Ju nodded and started to look at the Chinese and English bilingual timetable without looking at it. He was shocked when he saw it, and the anger in his heart rose up.
"Führer! You...see for yourself!"
