"The head of state... I would like to ask, how should we deal with Emperor Tongzhi?" A deep voice sounded from the corner of the crowd. Everyone turned around and saw that it was the captain of the Zhiyuan who spoke.
Xiang Ying took a step forward and stood at the conference table and said calmly, "Benjamin really wants to take advantage of the chaos. He is so anxious to release the news in order to stabilize his already collapsed position..."
"We don't have to be afraid...but we should also be worried. After all, Benjamin and Emperor Tongzhi have already had negotiations on railway construction. Although there is no physical agreement yet, who can guarantee that there won't be one in the future?"
"I want to remind everyone that Emperor Tongzhi's ultimate goal is to get military assistance from the United Kingdom. He is destined to betray China's interests. I am sure that the railway will be built by the United Kingdom in the end..."
"It's just a matter of time and whether the conditions are favorable! With the power we have created and the pressure we put on Benjamin, Zaichun has increased his price tag a lot..."
"I just want to ask, Zai Chun has really betrayed the country, what should we do?"
Xiang Ying's question resonated with everyone. Luo Huo was the first to nod and said, "Yes, the head of state has always said that the railway will be the lifeblood of the country in the future. A railway can even change the structure of geopolitics..."
"We are so anxious to attack the Far East because we are actually afraid of the completion of the Siberian Railway! So if the railway from Beijing to Shanghai becomes a British industry, let alone making money, the troop transport capacity of this railway will It will allow the British army to run rampant in our interior..."
"We can't just think about defeating Benjamin, we also have to take back the right to build the railway!"
Everyone immediately exploded, "That's right! If we can understand the benefits of building railways, then the British, our ancestors who built railways, can understand it even more!"
"Even if Benjamin steps down, Gladstone may inherit part of Benjamin's foreign policy. They are all the same. It is impossible for Gladstone to become a gentleman!"
"We have to be on guard! Head of state, we must put pressure on Emperor Tongzhi and not let him sign any agreement with Britain!"
Xiao Letian's expression also became serious. Listening to the discussions of the people around him and looking at the worried faces in front of him, he also fell into deep thought.
Turning to look at Sima Yun, Xiao Letian suddenly asked, "Stop pretending to be serious, you have to speak when you need to!"
Sima Yun licked his dry lips, "I'm afraid what I say may not satisfy everyone...Okay, let me tell you my opinion!"
"The Chinese nation in the future must be an increasingly open nation. This is what the head of state has been tirelessly pursuing, so no one can ever think of going back to the old path of seclusion!"
"So how should we open up? Is it just about opening up ports and terminals to do business with foreigners? I think exchanges between countries will not be that simple in the future..."
"Take this railway as an example. Let's not talk about how to suppress the opposition within the Manchu and Qing Dynasties. Even if the Manchu and Qing Dynasties agree to the railway construction plan, can we Chinese really get it all?"
"Let's not talk about the astronomical amount of specific investment. Even if we, the Chinese, have the money to build this railway on our own, how much diplomatic pressure will we encounter?"
"If you don't share a little of such a big cake, aren't you waiting for the military intervention of the foreign devils? Therefore, in the future, this railway is likely to be built in the form of a joint-stock company!"
"No one can live alone, so we can only invest together and benefit together. What we are pursuing is just control of the railway and the number of shares!"
"Xiang Ying... let me remind you!" Sima Yun's tone became stern. "This is no longer a world where you can eat alone. Whether you like it or not, Britain is so powerful now and has the ability to bully others. We You can only adapt first and then slowly seek changes!”
Xiang Ying was not annoyed after hearing the scolding. He smiled and nodded, "Yes, thank you general for your teaching. I just raised my questions and had no intention of interfering with the head of state's decision..."
After finishing speaking, Xiang Ying took a step back and hid in the corner. Next to him were other young officers who were only qualified to attend but had no right to speak.
Xiao Letian glanced at Xiang Ying meaningfully, "Okay, let's put the matter about Zai Chun aside for now. The day after tomorrow is the big day for Gladstone to impeach Benjamin. Let's give him full support to solve this difficulty..."
The meeting continued late at night, but Xiao Letian felt a faint sense of uneasiness.
At one o'clock in the night, the meeting finally ended, and each department began its own actions. Soon the secret telegram to King Yi flew out along the spider-like telegraph lines in the UK.
The Irish Sea, near the southern coast of the Isle of Man, is a busy sea where cargo ships of all sizes spread out their sails.
Today is a good day. The heavy fog that has lasted for three days has all dissipated. The morning sun shines on the sea with sparkling waves. Seabirds are chirping in the sky, and the sound of whistles is endless.
On a busy shipping lane, a small Clavell cargo ship was sailing towards the Irish port of Dublin under full sail.
The Clavell cargo ship is already a very old model in Europe. Many of these ships that were popular in the 15th century have a history of two to three hundred years. Fortunately, the wooden-hulled sailboats have a long life. The iron-hulled cargo ships may have rusted through long ago. .
The Clavell sailboat is a very important model in the history of European shipbuilding. It is the original version of the famous Clark model. The Clark sailboat that conquered the ocean was based on it.
But the long-lasting glory only belongs to history. In the 19th century, this kind of sailing ship had completely retreated to the second line. Except for running some short-distance routes along the coast, they can no longer be seen on the deep blue ocean.
The Randy is an old Clavell sailing cargo ship that is more than 200 years old. Although this cargo ship is still very well maintained, it cannot undertake the extremely risky ocean transportation work and can only sail in the British Isles. Just a short-distance transportation trip.
Ireland's wool, silk thread, whiskey, pigs, cattle, sheep, and other agricultural and sideline products were shipped to Liverpool, and England's woolen cloth, cotton cloth, and industrial products were shipped to Ireland one by one.
In the Irish Sea and St. George's Strait, there are countless cargo ships doing this kind of short-distance transportation business. The Randy is never the most eye-catching one. Except for the tax collection ship that is interested in it, the rest of the navy The patrol warships treated him as if they were air.
But just such an ordinary cargo ship hid a big shark that made the entire Qing Dynasty fearful.
