Is cession OK? This sounds like an understatement, but it is an undisguised threat! Although Susa's face was as usual, this ability was a chuckle, and it was obvious that the other party was showing that his attitude towards the port of Maputo was inevitable!

Soon, he calmed down, Portugal was small and weak and difficult to compete with the Qing State, but England would never tolerate the Qing State extending its hand to South Africa, and the Qing State made enemies everywhere in Europe, England, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany, and even Tsarist Russia and the Qing State had disagreements.

He believed that the European countries led by England would definitely not tolerate Yuan Qi's hand in South Africa or even Africa, thinking of this, he said neither humbly nor arrogantly: "I'm sorry, Your Highness, I can't do anything about this. ”

Glancing at him, Yi Zhizhi said without hurrying; "Maputo is now only nominally part of your country, but in fact it is under the control of the Ngoni people of Mozambique, or more precisely under the control of the Gaza Federation, not only Maputo, but the whole south of the Zambezi River all the way to the port of Maputo.

In addition, in the central part of Mozambique, the Shona people in the Manica Plateau are also rioting frequently, if our country intervenes in a big way at this time, what will happen? In other words, what will happen if our country actively supports the Ngoni and Shona people? ”

Listening to the other party's understanding of the situation in Mozambique in such detail, Susha's face turned a little pale, if the Qing State vigorously supported the rebellion in Mozambique, the consequences would be unimaginable, and Portugal would even be in danger of losing Mozambique!

"Our country does not mind the elimination of the Gaza Federation and the occupation of land south of the Zambezi River." Yi Zhizhi continued: "In view of the long-term friendly and cooperative relations between your two countries, we respect your country's nominal rule over Mozambique.

If you agree to sell the land south of the Zambezi River, we can assist you in putting an end to the rebellion of the Shona and guarantee your rule north of the Zambezi River, and even in expanding into Zimbabwe or Tanzania. ”

Listening to these words, Susha couldn't help but be very moved, if this is the case, it is not a bad thing for Portugal, not only to sell the land south of the Zambezi River for a good price, but also to get the help of the Qing State to suppress the rebellion of the Shona people, and expand to the west and north.

If he did not agree, Portugal would not only be at odds with the Qing State, but might even lose the whole of Mozambique, but if he really wanted to sell the land south of the Zambezi River to the Qing State, this would be tantamount to allowing the Qing State to gain a firm foothold in South Africa, and this move might offend the British.

After a moment of silence, he spoke: "Your Highness, the British will not agree to our country selling the land south of the Zambezi River to your country...... ”

Zhao Liewen, who had been silent, spoke: "Your country is afraid of the British, aren't you afraid of my Qing Empire?" Signing a secret contract has created a fait accompli, and the British will not send troops to conquer your country? However, our country will inevitably send troops to conquer Mozambique.

At that time, your country will inevitably be caught between the two great empires of the East and the West, and if it really comes to that point, our country will not hesitate to take back Macao and cut off trade with your country! ”

Yi Zhishu continued: "In addition, I would like to inform your country that the main fleet of our Nanyang Navy has set sail from Groba to Mozambique, and I hope that Your Excellency can report to His Majesty the Emperor of your country as soon as possible." ”

Hearing that the main fleet of the Nanyang Navy had already left for Mozambique, Sussadeng became anxious, knowing that there was no room for discussion in this matter, he hurriedly stood up and said: "Your Highness, I must report this matter to His Majesty the King as soon as possible. ”

Looking at the back of Su Sha leaving in a hurry, Zhao Liewen chuckled and said: "The big shopkeeper is calculating, I don't know how the King of Portugal will choose?" ”

"Iss I has no choice." Yi Zhi said confidently: "Portugal can't bear to cut off trade with our country, can't bear to lose Mozambique, and doesn't dare to get involved in the war between the two empires of the East and the West, Qing and Britain, and staying out of the matter is the wisest choice for Portugal." ”

After a slight sigh, Zhao Liewen said: "Since you have a firm foothold in Mozambique, why not take advantage of the trend to expand and annex Orange and the Transvaal." ”

"The gold mines of the Transvaal cannot be concealed, and if we really annex Orange and the Transvaal, we will inevitably have a fierce war with the British in South Africa, and we will not be able to do it." Yi Zhishu shook his head slowly, "Supporting the Boers behind the scenes and letting the Boers fight against the British is the best policy." ”

He knew better than anyone that African colonies could not be preserved, so why bother to expand in Africa thanklessly? Moreover, in the following decades, the European powers would set off a wave of carving up Africa, and there was no need for the Qing Dynasty to mix it up.

As for the Transvaal gold mines, annexation is the best policy, and supporting Boer independence is the best policy, so that the Transvaal gold mines can be monopolized for a long time.

Four days later, Susha received a telegram from the country agreeing to sell the land south of the Zambezi River for three million to five million silver dollars. Seeing this price, he couldn't help but secretly slander in his heart, how big is this place, and he actually offered three or five million silver dollars? The reason why Qing Guo proposed to buy it was just to save a little dignity for Portugal.

To Susha's surprise, Yi Zhizu readily agreed to buy the territory south of the Zambezi River to Maputo for three million silver dollars, and the two sides immediately signed the contract that had been drawn up long ago, and of course, the official entry into force of the peace treaty had to be signed by the Qing Emperor Qixiang and the Portuguese King Isse I.

The peace treaty was sent to Jingshi, and Prince Gong was keenly aware that it was definitely not so simple for Yuan Qi to buy land in Africa, so he immediately sent someone to summon Wu Changqing, the assistant minister, and when he entered the room to greet him, he handed the peace treaty over, and said: "What is the purpose of King Zhennan buying this territory from the Portuguese?" ”

After reading the peace treaty, Wu Changqing said slowly: "I don't know what happened in the future, why don't you call the big country to ask?" ”

"Just ask." "South Africa is the ....... sphere of influence of the British. ”

Soon, Wu Changqing turned back and said: "Zhennan Wangdao, this matter will be kept secret first, and the truth will be told after a month, and the peace treaty must be signed as soon as possible." ”

Is this something that even they have to hide? Yi felt aggrieved for a while, he didn't know what Yi Zhi's intention was, the northwest expansion was over, and the idea of fighting South Africa, was England really muddy? What's more, even the clay people are still angry, and if they really want to meet the English soldiers, I am afraid that it will have a great impact on the implementation of the constitution.

Seeing that he was silent, Wu Changqing said softly: "The prince doesn't need to worry, the king of Zhennan is not a person who has no self-knowledge, and this move must have a deep meaning." ”

This is also true, if you have an understanding of the situation in the West, no one can be as satisfied as him, so why worry about it, Yi bowed his head slightly and said: "Send it to the palace." ”

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