The atmosphere became slightly awkward. Xiao Letian himself sneaked into the Capitol building, and was quietly brought in by the royal attendants through the side door. The main reason was that he was afraid that the proud members of Congress would question him.
After all, it would be a bit embarrassing for foreign leaders to see this scene with their own eyes. If you enter through the main entrance in a swaggering way, you are likely to be protested by many members of Congress.
However, Xiao Letian has reached some kind of unexplainable tacit understanding with the British royal family. As an indirect promoter of this impeachment case... at least Edward and the others believe that Xiao Letian is an indirect promoter and not a direct promoter as Benjamin said. , conspirators.
In any case, Xiao Letian had a hand in it, so he had the right to listen in. This was also a basis for in-depth cooperation in the future, to win people's trust.
In the King's Lounge, Xiao Letian was leisurely admiring oil paintings, sculptures and various displays. Of course, there were also some Chinese treasures. The origin of these antiques was self-evident.
But at this moment, the door was suddenly pushed open. When he turned around and saw Xiao Letian, he was stunned. Unexpectedly, Zai Chun also came to the Capitol. Are the British so generous today? No more embarrassing things?
Embarrassing, the atmosphere was really awkward. Since the mission arrived in England, Zai Chun and Xiao Letian have drifted apart. The separation between master and disciple has become irreversible.
Especially when Xiao Letian learned that secret military aid negotiations were going on between Benjamin and Zai Chun, the entire Chinese senior officials were extremely angry, and some even shouted slogans of white-eyed wolf.
What is most unacceptable to the Chinese people is the railway construction project from Beijing to Shanghai.
In this era, basically all enlightened nations have realized the importance of railways. In this era, railways are not only an economic artery, they are even a lifeline that can change geopolitics.
Take China’s most familiar northern neighbors, Tsarist Russia, the Soviet Union, and Russia. Before the completion of the Trans-Siberian Railway, their seemingly huge territories were actually very unstable.
Especially the sparsely populated Siberian region, which is basically an area beyond the control of the tsar. If there is no railway, then it is certain that as long as there is a huge revolutionary change, this land will definitely be lost and will definitely be eroded by nearby countries.
Such as Mongolia, China, and even Japan. With this railway, this huge country in the north can firmly stabilize the distant territory of this empire no matter how many revolutions occur.
This is what happened with the Middle East Railway incident. Some people tried to take advantage of the historical opportunity of the disintegration of Tsarist Russia and the establishment of the Soviet Union to take back ownership of the railway. However, they never expected that railways are completely the lifeline of a country and nation. The Soviet Union basically used all its forces in Siberia, including Central Asia. , fought that short war, and finally took control of the railway.
To put it more clearly, railways are the extension of a nation and civilization. Wherever railways are built, the power of that country can reach them.
Zaichun dared to use such an important inland artery to negotiate with the British? This is something that the entire Chinese race cannot tolerate. Although Xiao Letian understands the principle of people living under low eaves, when he thinks that the British forces may take this opportunity to enter the interior of the Qing Dynasty, he can't help but feel the fire in his heart. The prosperity is rising.
Xiao Letian was angry, and Zai Chun was also furious, especially when Man Shun exposed King Yi's secret, and the crime of hiding Changmao was pinned on Xiao Letian's head.
Chang Mao is the life and death enemy of the entire Manchu Qing clique. This is the most clear-cut anti-Qing force since the founding of the Qing Dynasty, and it has also successfully established the country. The fear and resentment of Chang Mao within the entire Manchu Qing Dynasty can be said to be It is too numerous to write down.
Xiao Letian actually secretly hid a long-haired thieves like Yi Wang. This is exactly what he wanted to do to rebel. That is to say, the Manchu Qing Dynasty cannot deal with Xiao Letian now. If Zai Chun had enough strength, he would have fought with him long ago. Woke up.
On the surface, they are still master and disciple, but they have already broken up in their hearts. When these two people meet together, the situation will be as embarrassing as possible.
After all, Zai Chun had learned from experience. After a brief moment of daze, he immediately changed to a respectful smile, walked a few steps quickly, bowed and saluted, the bend of his waist was a full ninety degrees.
"Disciple, please pay your respects to the master! How is the master always?"
"Hmm...Okay, very good, you are interested...sit down!"
Prince Edward was such a shrewd person. When he saw something was wrong in the atmosphere, he quickly smiled and said, "Please take a break for lunch. I'll go serve His Majesty. Farewell!" After that, he turned around and left.
Without the mediation of the middleman, the atmosphere in the room became even more awkward. The two of them sat in front of a table of simple and exquisite lunch, eating without any flavor.
Zai Chun spread the butter and jam evenly on the slices of bread, then respectfully handed it to Xiao Letian, "Master, please use..."
"Okay... this bacon tastes pretty good, you can try it..." Xiao Letian pushed the bacon in front of him with his backhand, and the master and apprentice became so polite.
Zai Chun's back was sweating, and his mind was desperately calculating the pros and cons. He could never fall out with his master until now. After all, the new Yulin army staying in Fujian had not yet reached Gyeonggi, and his army had not yet arrived in Gyeonggi. Now I am still receiving military pay from the Chinese.
And without the absolute support of Britain, the most powerful naval force on the East Asian sea is the Chinese. If they break up with their master now, then their own power will never be able to borrow half of the sea in the future, and even the troop transport ships will be very weak. Difficult to pass.
Zai Chun's heart skipped a beat when he thought of this, and the smile on his face immediately turned respectful. "Master... the disciple also has his own difficulties... about the railway..."
Xiao Letian raised his hand fiercely, "You are the emperor of the Qing Dynasty. You have the right to make the decision on railway matters. There is no need to be embarrassed or embarrassed!"
Zai Chun had never heard his master speak so openly and coldly. He suddenly stood up and knelt on the ground. "Master... the disciple really has his own reasons. The disciple really has no choice but to do so..."
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu..." Zai Chun took two steps on his knees and actually hugged Xiao Letian's legs and began to cry. Fortunately, everyone in the room had been cleared out. If the British saw this, they might not be able to tell the truth. What's the gossip?
"Master! Disciple, I have no choice. I really have no choice! I will take charge in less than three years, but I don't even have a decent army. What can I do? I have no choice... …”
"There are 30,000 to 40,000 new troops stationed in Xishan. You know very well that they are not under my control... The booklet of the Ministry of War of the Qing Dynasty states that the Qing Dynasty has millions of elite soldiers, but can they all be used? Even if they can be used, who can listen to me... …”
"I know Master will stand behind me, but with all due respect... Master, your army is too weak. It's really at a critical moment... It's not enough, it's really not enough!"
Note: Chapter 2 will be later, probably in the afternoon!
