The impact of Xu Erjue's return was of earthquake magnitude.
As the empire expands, so does the desire for knowledge of the entire world.
In addition to China, the Chinese are very concerned about Europe, another center in the world.
After all, after entering the ocean, the Chinese discovered to their surprise that they could see Europeans wherever they went.
In other words, this earth will almost soon be occupied by Europeans.
Fortunately, the establishment of the empire was timely and changed the political ideology that had been pursued for thousands of years. Otherwise, the Chinese would not have a foothold in the huge ocean.
Now that we understand the power of Europe, we naturally need to find ways to understand the situation in Europe so that we can formulate corresponding policies.
What is interesting is that, as a place that is as prosperous as China, Europe itself is the region that China knows the least about.
In this era, only Europeans continued to invade other regions, but few people were able to enter Europe.
This asymmetry, on the contrary, creates the mystery of Europe.
Therefore, the empire's missions to Europe had an important mission.
Now, finally someone is back.
Europa is also about to unveil its veil to China.
Zuo Menggeng attached great importance to this matter, and together with the important officials of the Central Committee and the General Headquarters, he personally welcomed Xu Erjue in the palace.
In the five years they have been together, Xu Erjue has transformed from a good young man who once had a beautiful tree in the wind, to a mature, steady, shrewd and wise middle-aged man.
"After we arrived at Europa, we found that although many places there were dilapidated, dirty and filthy, there was a vitality of its own. In time, Europa will surely rise above the rest of the world."
Xu Erjue said something beyond everyone's expectations as soon as he came up.
Of course he is a high-ranking member of the empire.
Because we are at a high level, we see things from a different perspective.
Whenever such people go to a place, they are different from ordinary people who pay attention to scenery, customs, and novelties. The first thing they can feel is... momentum.
There are many places with unique scenery.
The same is true everywhere in the world with different customs.
Even if there is something novel, it is just eye-catching.
However, a society composed of people will form a trend that cannot be seen or touched, but can be clearly felt.
This trend is a concrete manifestation of the development status of a society.
People of later generations actually feel this most clearly.
In the initial stage of reform and opening up, people who came to the coast from the mainland did not need to endure the baptism for a long time. They could feel the wave of vitality as soon as they got off the train.
This is momentum.
It was precisely because Xu Erjue felt this trend that he was worried and at the same time very happy.
"Thanks to China, we turned around in time and caught up from behind. Otherwise, we will definitely suffer big losses in the future."
Five years ago, the imperial mission finally arrived in Europe after a long voyage.
In Europe, both the Netherlands and Portugal are looking forward to the arrival of the Chinese mission.
The Portuguese royal family even issued an invitation, hoping that the imperial envoy would go to Lisbon first.
However, after discussion, Liao Zhongjian, Xu Erjue and Kong Zhiguang decided to abide by the agreement and go to the Netherlands first.
This sequence is not only an important diplomatic etiquette, but also full of profound meaning.
Anthony van Diemen, who was accompanying him, thought that the imperial mission would go to Portugal on the way, but he didn't feel much about it. But when I learned that the mission would go directly to Rotterdam, I was really overjoyed.
In today's era, China does not have much influence on Europe in the political and military fields. But there is no doubt that in the minds of Europeans, China is a giant.
Now this behemoth abides by etiquette and keeps its promises, and the Dutch immediately feel the supreme glory.
Even the Portuguese who were rejected did not feel embarrassed. Instead, they believed that China takes diplomatic exchanges seriously and does not act arbitrarily as a great power, so it is more trustworthy.
King Joao IV of Portugal even wrote a letter himself and sent it to Liao Zhongjian by speedboat.
In the letter, King Joao IV expressed his great appreciation for Liao Zhongjian and others, and sincerely invited the imperial mission to visit Lisbon after completing its work in the Netherlands.
Of course, Liao Zhongjian did not dare to neglect this invitation, but agreed on the spot.
Anthony van Diemen also sent his cronies back to the Netherlands to inform King William II of the incident.
Soon, the news spread throughout the Netherlands, making all Dutch people excited.
Today, the Netherlands is still working hard to resist Spanish colonial rule. Although there are many allies in Europe, not many recognize the national unity of the Netherlands.
The distant eastern power treated it so seriously, which quickly greatly improved the morale of the Dutch people.
The top leaders of the Netherlands took action and prepared the most grand welcome ceremony in Rotterdam.
At the same time, news of the arrival of the Chinese mission spread rapidly throughout Europe as if it had wings.
All European countries, as long as there were people in the Netherlands, rushed to the port of Rotterdam, intending to see it with their own eyes.
This day is enough to be deeply remembered by history.
The sky was clear, the sun was shining brightly, and the Atlantic Ocean had a rare calm wave.
William II, his queen, ministers and lords gathered at the port and looked eagerly at the sea.
Finally, a black spot suddenly popped up on the sea level. After a while, the number of black spots quickly increased and they were heading this way.
The Dutch warships in the port dispatched one after another to meet them.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the two sides met at the outer sea and completed preliminary communication.
Immediately afterwards, a Dutch warship sailed back quickly, and Anthony van Diemen was also on it.
"Your Highness, I have lived up to your expectations. The Chinese mission is coming soon."
At this time, in the eyes of William II, Anthony van Diemen had never been so lovable.
"Thank you for your hard work. Your achievements in Batavia have been widely praised in the country, and now you have contributed to this diplomatic situation of great significance. Your contribution will be remembered by every Dutch person."
Anthony Van Diemen's face was radiant, and he knew that there were no less benefits to his love.
Next, under the guidance of the Dutch Navy, the imperial mission fleet began to dock slowly at the port.
But during this process, both the Dutch on the shore and the Dutch navy leading them all focused their attention on the imperial warships.
Although Galen ships have emerged in Europe, they are still in their initial stages, and Europeans are still exploring.
But the Galen battleship of the Imperial Navy is not only in its complete form, but has also undergone further transformations, which is very different from the sailing ships of this era.
Seeing the more majestic and graceful battleship approaching slowly, everyone couldn't help but marvel.
In the eyes of politicians, they are full of yearning for China in the distance.
The eyes of the merchants were full of enthusiasm for these sailing ships.
The navigator's eyes were filled with enthusiasm.
The soldier's eyes were solemn and eager.
With just one appearance and just its warships, the empire left a deep mark on the minds of Europeans.
