With the beginning of the actions of the British, the original Franco-Austrian diplomatic secret war has been taken over by the British. It's not that I look down on the French, it's mainly that the French government's diplomacy is really not very good.

Of course, this is also directly related to the high hatred value of the Bonaparte dynasty in Europe. Napoleon III did ease relations with everyone for a while, but unfortunately with the annexation of Italy by France, this relaxed international environment was gone.

In a sense, Napoleon III was also pitting his son. The annexation of Italy has made itself, but it has left a huge hole that cannot be filled.

No way, it's not the Middle Ages anymore. European nationalism has risen, but it can be eaten but not digested, and it is full of hatred.

Especially for many small countries, in order to ensure their own security, they have to unite to exclude the French, in order to deter other European powers, lest everyone follow suit.

This is the main reason why the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not been able to achieve results. It's not that the grass on the wall is strong-willed, it's that people have politically decided not to stand with France.

Small countries can't pull together, let alone big ones. There is only one hegemon, everyone is a competitor, and even if it is an alliance, it is only temporary.

Especially in the context of the long-standing alliance between Russia and Austria, only Britain has been left for the French Foreign Ministry to play.

Originally, surrounded by enemies, coupled with a pit teammate, it was only natural for France to surpass the Russians and become the number one "villain" on the European continent.

Professional matters should be left to professionals. Although reluctant to admit it, Napoleon IV knew very well that playing diplomatic Anglo-Austrian was the king, and as silver-level players, there was really no need for them to go up and hold back.

……

The Anglo-Austrian diplomatic game began, and the European continent once again staged a change of situation, and the Japanese government, which was busy attacking the Philippines, did not know that it had just walked through the ghost gate.

If it weren't for Spain's failure to take a stand, the British felt that they still had value, and now the Royal Navy was telling them what it meant to be socially sinister.

Colonization is not only about strength, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal and other countries can keep their overseas colonies, so they naturally have their own ways of survival.

If you look at it purely from the point of view of strength, the colonies of the world have been divided up by Britain, France and Austria, where will it be the turn of a small country like the Netherlands and Portugal to mix.

The big hooligans didn't do it, not because there was no oil and water in these lands. In fact, the Philippines, Cuba, Indonesia and other regions in recent years are all rich places, and they have not been robbed because of politics.

As a member of a vested interest group, the big hooligans also have to play by the rules of the game. If you act recklessly, you will inevitably be attacked by the rules.

So the challengers are generally emerging powers. Those who are barefoot are not afraid of wearing shoes, they are not in the system, and they are naturally not afraid of the backlash of rules.

Of course, challengers are also risky, if you don't choose the right time, you won't be shot to death as soon as you emerge.

The risks involved were ignored by Admiral Ito, and at the moment he was still immersed in the joy of the successful sneak attack on Luzon.

Relying on a surprise attack + internal and external cooperation, the Japanese not only successfully completed the landing, but also captured the three Spanish warships that stayed in the harbor.

Despite the fact that these sail warships are behind the times, have withdrawn from the mainstream of the navy, and two of them were wounded in last night's battle, Ito is not disgusted at all.

Don't look at the three big hooligans of Britain, France and Austria who eliminated sail warships, and even passed the era of ironclad ships and entered the pre-dreadnought era, but the navies of most countries in the world are still dominated by sail warships.

The Japanese Navy was no exception, and with the exception of a few ironclad ships purchased from the British to prop up the façade, most of the warships were sail warships.

For no other reason, just one word - "poor". The cost of building an ironclad ship is enough to build several sail warships of the same tonnage.

As for the more advanced former dreadnoughts, not to mention. With the military expenses of the Japanese Navy, they can't afford to play at all.

If you look at the Japanese government's fiscal revenue, you can see that the fiscal revenue of 80 million yen does not seem to be low, but in fact it is just like that, and it is more than 16 million when converted into Aegis, and only more than 8 million when converted into pounds.

(Note: 1 yen is about 0.75 grams of gold, and the value of the Aegis and Japanese yen is about 4.88:1)

A former dreadnought costs millions of pounds, and it is estimated that it will double if exported, and the messy renewal fee will be even more if you join it. No matter how aggressive the Japanese government is, it will not be able to use one-third of its financial revenue to buy a boat.

After a successful landing, the work of the navy is basically completed, and then it is only necessary to keep an eye on the remaining Spanish navy and ensure that the sea route is unblocked.

The decisive battle at sea did not exist, and in the battle for the surprise attack on Luzon, the Philippine fleet of the Spaniards had already lost a third of its warships.

This made the Philippine fleet, which was already at a disadvantage, even worse, let alone a decisive battle with the Japanese army, because of the speed, they could even choke on the task of breaking diplomatic relations.

At the headquarters of the Japanese southbound fleet, a middle-aged officer reported in a helpless tone: "Your Excellency, Commander, we have already sent someone to inspect the captured Spanish battleship, and the damage is not too serious, and it can be repaired in Luzon."

It's just that the ship is a bit old, and the latest one was commissioned in 1875, and it will be decommissioned in a few years.

I don't know what the Spaniards thought, one of the warships was designed without considering the steam engine, or it was added later, which is very incongruous. ”

The decline of an empire is not without cause, and it is common for bureaucracy and corruption to prevail, and Spain is no exception.

There must be a rationale for existence. The seemingly unreasonable and strange design actually contains officialdom behind it.

Of course, these questions were not something that the fledgling Japanese naval officers in Japan could understand. They are fighting for the rise of Japan with all their passion, and they have not yet had time to fall.

Admiral Ito nodded thoughtfully: "Don't dwell on these small issues, if the Spanish government is not corrupt, we will have nothing to do."

It doesn't matter how old the ship is, the elimination of the sail battleship has become a foregone conclusion, and it is enough to make do with it for a few years.

The Philippine archipelago is not small, and it is not so easy for the Spaniards to hide from us. In the next battle, we need more warships.

I have already sent people to inform the country, and they will send officers and men to receive them as soon as possible, so as to strive to form a combat strength at an early date. ”

Frankly, the southbound fleet should not stop at Luzon now, and the best option is to pursue and defeat the Spanish Philippine fleet in one fell swoop.

But there is no way, there is always a benefit to the success of the landing. The Army is making a windfall, and the Navy can't just watch.

The Japanese army and navy were not harmonious, and if the navy did not participate, the Spanish accumulation in the Philippines for hundreds of years would have all fallen into the hands of the army.

I ate it, and I didn't spit it out. Even if the lawsuit is brought to the Meiji Emperor, don't expect the army to back down.

The family background is too thin, and the eyelids are so shallow. Compared with these tangible interests, it is not so important to take advantage of victory to pursue and destroy the remnants of the enemy.

……

As Hongmen's base camp on Luzon, the Chen Mansion is already crowded with people at the moment. Many people rushed over with their families, and from time to time there were children's cries, which made Chen Tao, who was the leader, more upset, and couldn't vent.

It was already a mess outside, and after the Japanese army drove out the Spaniards, they began to carry out unscrupulous looting, and everyone had to come over to report to the group to keep warm.

Gangs also need to be supported, and these people are the foundation of Hongmen in Luzon. It's not the younger brother, it's the younger brother's family, or it's the clan that is related to the family.

Glancing at the chaotic scene, Chen Taoyue sighed. There was no way, it happened so suddenly, there was no time to react at all.

Unlike the previous anti-Chinese movement, there were signs in advance, and these well-informed guys were all masters who were ready to run away in advance.

Now not only did I not have time to prepare, but I also received a large group of people, and I had to worry about the Japanese army suddenly coming to the door.

"Master, the weapons are ready, do you think you want to send them first?"

The housekeeper's voice pulled Chen Taoyue's thoughts back. Nowadays, unlike in the past, with the Chinese base camp in Lan Phuong Province, it is much easier for everyone to engage in arms.

As long as someone paid for it, Austrian arms dealers dared to sell it. If it weren't for the reaction of the Spaniards, the artillery would have been able to get it.

Originally, these weapons were intended to be used against the indigenous people in the future, and although the anti-China movement was planned by the colonial government, the executors who pushed it out were still indigenous people. When it was almost done, they jumped out to pick peaches.

The times are developing, and the colonial government also has to consider the influence of public opinion. Besides, they always go into battle shirtless and scare all the sheep away, how can they shear sheep and eat mutton?

Chen Taoyue's leading position was also killed all the way, and since he had a weapon, he was naturally not prepared to sit still.

"Send it down first, and then send someone to contact Mr. Honorino, now we need his help."

It is not impossible to come forward to coordinate with the Japanese in person, relying on Hongmen's connections in Nanyang, Chen Taoyue has also made friends with many Japanese, these people may not be able to be the master of the Japanese army, but they can still do it.

If the Japanese want to seize the Philippines, they naturally need the cooperation of the local snakes. It was not enough to rely on the strength of the Japanese in the local area, Hongmen had no reason to refuse if he was willing to rely on the Japanese, and the problem now was that he was unwilling to get involved with the Japanese.

Like most Nanyang Chinese in this era, Chen Taoyue also had a phobia of the West. Despite the fact that the Japanese had gained the upper hand, he was more optimistic about the Spaniards.

There is no doubt that if the Spaniards won the war, they would definitely carry out a purge of those who defected to the Japanese, and Chen Taoyue did not want to stick to this kind of thing.

In this context, it is natural that people who are not afraid of trouble can only help deal with it. As Austria's foreign minister in the Philippines, Honorino was one of those who was not afraid of trouble.

Since the establishment of Lanfang Autonomous Province, he has encountered similar things many times a year, and for the sake of Aegis's face, Mr. Honorino has always refused to come.

This can be regarded as a legitimate extraneous bargain, and it is permissible for the Vienna government to negotiate with a broker for the sake of not harming Austria's interests.

In fact, he did not harm the interests of Austria either. This kind of foreign minister sounds very awesome, but in fact the power is very small, and it is not at all that Austria is represented, and it is the ministers or ambassadors of various places who really have the right to represent.

On the one hand, the establishment of foreign affairs officers is for the convenience of business and the resolution of some commercial disputes; On the other hand, it is because the cost of setting up a diplomatic mission is too high, and the political impact must also be considered.

Running to other people's colonies to set up embassies is obviously unreasonable, and the status of the two sides is completely unequal.

Said Cao Cao, Cao Cao arrived. Before the butler could act, a burly white man walked in.

"Don't bother Chen, I'll be here as soon as I get the news, it's enough for friends!"

The person who came was Honorino, for this self-cooked guy, Chen Tao was originally not interested, but now he suddenly found that this guy was also very cute.

Although I know that the people who came only for Aegis, if I can stand up to help in a crisis, then most of my friends are reliable.

"Of course, you're the best friend. Now I need your help to send the Japanese, as long as the Japanese army does not enter Chinatown to rob, I am willing to pay them no more than 200,000 Aegis in compensation. ”

At the moment of crisis, Chen Taoyue couldn't take care of money. Moreover, the money was not paid by him alone, but was shared by everyone.

Everyone knew that if there was no bleeding at this time, after the Japanese army rushed in, it would be empty of people and money.

Hearing this number, Honorino only sighed: "I can't see that you are so rich!" ”

After a pause, he added, "Chen, are you sure you want to pay this money?" Do you know that if the Spaniards win the war, it will cause you a lot of trouble in the future. ”

Everyone's expressions were gloomy, this money was almost the limit that everyone could bear, and if it wasn't a last resort, no one would want to spend money to buy peace.

The trouble is twofold, one is that it has the potential to trigger the greed of the Japanese; The other is to reach out to the Spaniards after they have returned.

Chen Taoyue asked rhetorically: "Mr. Honorino, if you don't pay for it, do you have any way to avoid the Japanese army from robbing it?" ”

Honorino waved his hand and said, "No! But if you're willing to pay, I've got a solution.

Anyway, it's all about spending money to buy peace, and instead of giving it to the Japanese, it's better to forget it for us. The price is 350,000 Aegis, and I will settle the troubles on both sides of the Japanese and the Spaniards. ”

Looking at the all-encompassing Honorino, Chen Taoyue frowned, this was too full of words. If a promise made by some big man in Austria is about the same, a foreign minister may not have such a big face.

As if sensing something from everyone's gaze, Honorino continued: "Don't worry, this money is not what I want, I don't have such a big appetite yet.

The money is for the Government of Vienna, and if you are willing to pay it, I authorize you to fly the flag of the Holy Roman Empire on behalf of the Government of Vienna.

And come forward to communicate with the Japanese and prove that you are citizens of the Empire. I have been in Japan, and I know what kind of goods the Japanese government is, and they dare not challenge the empire.

Even if these guys don't follow the rules and enter Chinatown to rob, the future empire will double the claim against them for you.

Of course, this citizenship is only temporary. When the crisis is over, it will disappear with it.

In order to show sincerity, we can sign the contract first, and then pay after the matter is over, anyway, everyone is friends, and I am not afraid that you will pay the bills. ”

In order to be promoted, Honorino also fought hard. Although it is easy for foreign officials to get oil and water, it is difficult for them to make political achievements. What's even more troublesome is that there are political achievements, and they can't be seen in China.

If you want to go further, you must have the merit to prove your ability to the country.

A mere few hundred thousand Aegis is naturally nothing to the Vienna government, but if you get this money for the empire without much effort, it will be enough to prove Honorino's ability.

Perhaps it was the post-payment that touched people's hearts, and the original skeptical gaze was gone, and an old man asked in a deep voice: "Mr. Honorino, if we want to obtain permanent citizenship, what price do we have to pay?" ”

The more I experience, the more I know the value of safety. It is not that no one has ever obtained the nationality of other European countries, but the problem is that the effectiveness of the skin color is greatly reduced.

It's okay to say that small problems can be opened with money, but when they encounter such big trouble now, no one will stand up for them at all.

In contrast, Austria is much better, at least in the South Seas, where everyone is protected regardless of skin color.

Honorino shook his head: "It's not a matter of money, the key to getting Austrian citizenship depends on the degree of contribution, what are the specific requirements, you can go to the colonial government for consultation."

Anyway, it's very difficult, and I personally recommend that you go to Lan Phong Autonomous Province. Compared to other places in the South Seas, it is more suitable for you to survive. ”

Hearing this explanation, many people sighed. Everyone knows the situation in Lanfang Autonomous Province, if it weren't for the fact that the plantations and mines could not be moved, everyone would have moved their families a long time ago.

……