Chapter 222 "Gift"

The royal palace is a symbol of royal power and a clear proof of rule. There is a long history in the palace, and there is a brilliant civilization in the palace. In 1703, the Duke of Buckingham built a palace in a mulberry garden, which was named Buckingham Palace. More than 20 years later, George III bought it, and the palace began its complex and legendary experience. It was once an imperial memorial hall, an art exhibition hall, an office and a treasury, and it was not officially used as a royal palace until 1837.

Buckingham Palace is not only a witness to the glorious history of Britain, but also a manifestation of the spirit. Here, there have been countless loyal ministers and generals for the British Empire, and countless ambitious people who have worked hard to conquer the world. A palace protected by loyal souls will only last for a long time in history, which is also an important reason why Buckingham Palace has been regarded as a spiritual pillar by the British so far. In the era of the rapid development of capitalism, the fact that a representative of a monarchy can stand in it comes from an ideology and people's nostalgia for glory.

Spiritual faith makes Britain. Britain is not a country that has become a world power by relying on its land and wealth of things. When people mention the empire, they recall more of the revolutionary spirit and tenacious cohesion of this traditional country. It does not have a long national boundary worth boasting, nor does it have rich resources that make people salivate, but it has a number of firsts that shock the world.

The first country to carry out the bourgeois revolution and the first country to start the industrial revolution. More than 20 years ago, Britain created nearly half of the world's industrial products. The British Three Islands are like a cannibal flower with a beautiful appearance but a heart like a snake and a scorpion. Under the seemingly bright appearance, there is a huge ambition.

Britain's lack of wealth makes it insecure. Only continuous expansion can make up for the spiritual emptiness. As a result, more and more British people have become predatory machines, and they have become crazy and mutilated thieves at sea. They greedily searched for land for themselves, divided 1/4 of the world's land into their territory, and became the only "imperial empire" in the world.

The meek sea of the Atlantic Ocean gives the British a typical European gentlemanly demeanor; the turbulent waves swept by the hurricane also created the British's brave fighting spirit. It is the perfect combination of the two that has made Britain lead the whole world, including civilization, for a century!

After the victory of the "Boolean War", Britain will face serious economic problems. Any country can see that the country in the "Boolean War" is enough to scare any country. The weak and ambitious country under the strong appearance began to try to challenge this "weak empire".

An empire may decline temporarily or permanently, but the influence of this country will not fade in an instant. The trauma brought to Britain by the Boer War is being quickly repaired. At this time, Britain is still standing at the top of the world, showing the glory of the empire to the world.

Whether it is a symbol or a pillar, Buckingham Palace is the heart of the Empire. Even more than 200 years after the king lost power, he still affects the whole UK and even the whole world, and is still the focus of attention.

Today, once again, a royal ball held at Buckingham Palace. A royal ball was originally more attractive and eye-catching than an ordinary ball, but this ball attracted the attention of the whole Western world from the time it was held, not because the participants were British. Political elites, nobles and economic giants, including the Prime Minister, are not dazzling jewelry for ladies.

But because this dance is a dance held by the British royal family for a lady visiting Buckingham Palace, people can be keenly aware of the fundamental change of Britain's Eastern policy.

The ballroom is held in the royal dance hall. This dance hall is between the largest rooms in the palace. It was built for Queen Victoria 54 years ago. The hall is decorated in white and gold. There is a giant crystal chandelier hanging under the semi-circular ceiling, and the top of the surrounding walls is painted with the scene of the Rose War.

At this time, the dance has begun for dozens of minutes, and the gentlemen have begun to invite their dance partners to dance to the music, and as the main guest of the dance - Ji Li? Chen, wearing a Chinese-style Confucian skirt, elegantly chatted with politicians casually.

Many ladies looked at her with a little jealous look in their eyes. Now the whole of London and Europe know that Ji Li in front of her? Chen is likely to become the "queen of the Chinese Empire" in the future. In recent days, she has been a VIP of the Platinum Khan Palace. At this time, she is not only the richest woman in Europe, but also the most powerful woman in China in the future.

You should know that a month ago, when she first returned to the UK, the London press reported her arrival with "a rebellious wife returned to the UK to seek protection", but now the London newspaper uses words of praise for her, which seems to have forgotten the original sarcasm. Maybe China is a declining and ignorant country, but As British, they are also excited that the queen of this empire is British.

Perhaps this is also one of the reasons why the British royal family held this dance, but the British upper class, who are familiar with the inside story, know that the dance is, to some extent, a demonstration by the royal family to the cabinet.

On the issue of dealing with China, Edward VII, who was regarded as "lazy and frivolous people" by the outside world, was unexpectedly enthusiastic. At the institation of the left and right nobles and palace bureaucrats, Edward VII was more inclined to immediately recognize Nanjing.

In the view of the cynical Edward VII, he also used this attitude towards Arthur? Balfour's "civilian cabinet" demonstration. Who let Arthur? Did Balfour break the tradition that the leaders of the Conservative Party were held by the aristocracy?

But compared with the royal enthusiasm, Arthur? The cabinet headed by Prime Minister Balfour is very conservative. They prefer to use the recognition of Nanjing to obtain more rights and interests in China, even including the handling of the Tibetan province. Now Britain is invading the Tibetan province and is marching towards Lhasa.

On the issue of Tibet, China's Nanjing regime showed unexpected toughness, and even the ruler in Nanjing vowed to "never recognize any country's occupation of Tibet, and also did not recognize any agreement signed between the local power of Tibet and the British!", and warned Britain that Britain was trying to wage a war.

If it hadn't been for Nanjing not yet controlling Sichuan, perhaps the British army that occupied Jiangzi eleven days ago would have faced a light recovery army into Tibet when marching on Lhasa. For Nanjing's toughness, London, especially Arthur? Balfour did not doubt what they would eventually take.

The conflict of interests makes London very ambiguous in the recognition of the Nanjing regime. On the one hand, politicians in Downing Street knew that Nanjing could not be changed to replace Yanjing, while on the other hand, they were unwilling to wage a fruitless war in Tibet.

As the protagonist of the dance, Ji Li did not dance, so that no one invited the pregnant wife, and Ji Li was more willing to communicate with London's political elites and ambassadors at this dance. After all, the reason why she came to London from Singapore was to win the recognition of the European powers for Nanjing.

"...I think Germany will, and should also master the trident in the hands of Nephen!"

When Ji Li said this sentence, her pretty face was full of smiles. The smile in front of her, known as "the most beautiful lady in London's upper class", only made Feng? The German ambassador to the United Kingdom, who was over 60 years old, trembled. I can't help agreeing with those jealous words of the ladies.

"What an injustice God is, conjuging wealth, power and the most important appearance of women in one person!"

"After all, the trident in the hands of Nephen does not stipulate that it should only be controlled by one country, does it?"

At this moment, Arthur? Balfour came over with a glass of wine.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Chen, just before attending the dance, I got a telegram from the embassy in the Qing Dynasty. The capital has been conquered by the restoration army. The emperor of the Qing Dynasty committed suicide, and the empress dowager became a prisoner!"

Arthur? Balfour said, raising his glass to congratulate him.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Chen! Your husband has won this war!"

Feng? After congratulating, Bosberg turned around and left. Before leaving, he did not forget to look back at the future queen.

"Sir, I think I can at least prove that Your Majesty is wise on the issue of China!"

Ji Li's joke, just let Arthur? Balfour shrugged his shoulders helplessly.

"Although my relationship with Your Majesty is very fragile, this is not a hindrance. On some issues, I have a common view with Your Majesty!"

As a politician, Arthur? Balfour naturally doesn't mind what politicians should say, just like dealing with the Nanjing regime. The army of the Nanjing regime acted so quickly that when Britain failed to reach any treaty or agreement with the Qing Dynasty, the Qing State had already perished, which may be the only regrettable thing.

"But the same opinion is sometimes limited by interests! I hope Mrs. Chen can understand!"

"Of course, sir, I think many times, we will make some mistakes, but any mistakes can be made up for them. What do you think?"

"Does this error include Tibet?"

When asked rhetorically, Ji Li still had a smile on her face, and now she has learned how to deal with these politicians.

"This..."

Arthur? Balfour was stunned at first and then said again.

"I think this question can be discussed later. What do you think?"

Recently, Arthur? Balfour keeps getting a message from the Shanghai Consulate that as a new regime that promises to revitalize the nation, they will never make any concessions on the issue of Tibet like the Qing Dynasty, but for Tibet, Tangning Street still has the intention of Tangning Street.

The dance still continues. As the most important guest of the dance, Ji Li has not entered the dance floor from beginning to end. On the one hand, it is because of physical inconvenience, but on the other hand, she also has her own concerns. Although she is far away in London, she also knows everything staged in China. Naturally, she should try her best to avoid causing the national newspaper. Accusations.

When Ji Li avoided the invitation of others, Sun Baoqi, a former minister of the Qing Dynasty in the United Kingdom, looked at the wife who said that he might be a "mother of the world" from time to time. A week ago, he specially visited his wife at Stirling Manor. The reason for this was that he understood that the lady was not in China. There is widespread support, and he doesn't mind being a supporter of his wife.

Sun Baoqi, who is good at speculation, has always been good at this kind of speculation. As for his son and daughter's family who are now in prison, what is more important than keeping his glory and wealth? Obviously not.

"Hmm!"

Seeing his wife talking to British dignitaries and ambassadors from time to time, Sun Baoqi beat the drum and wondered whether she should remind her again to pay attention to her prestige. Now this lady is his backer, and this mountain can't fall down anyway.

"We must keep this backer!"

When Sun Baoqi was thinking about it, the dance was coming to an end. Looking at the smile on his wife's face from afar, Sun Baoqi knew that his wife might have gained a lot today.

At four o'clock in the afternoon every day, the maid brought tea into the study: Dajiling black tea, sandwich and a plate of dessert.

In Ji Li personally for John? Arbuthnot? After Mr. and Mrs. Fisher poured a cup of black tea, Ji Li made a invitation according to Han Li. Looking at Ji Li's elegance between her fingers, Mrs. Fisher looked at Ji Li with envy in her eyes, but today was obviously not a conversation between the ladies.

"Gili, congratulations!"

When he congratulated, Fisher's face was full of joy. In his opinion, his efforts have won an ally for Britain. Both the future Chinese head of state or the head of state's wife are his friends. The most important thing is that there is no doubt about their good impression of Britain, especially Ji Li in front of her. She is British. The Chinese, an Englishman loyal to Britain, is also the first lady of the future.

"Now both Germany and France are about to be in the forefront of Britain. John, I really doubt that the political wisdom of Great Britain has been exhausted by the advent of the 20th century?"

Ji Li, who tasted Dajiling black tea, put on a graceful look, so that she would say it in front of Fisher.

"At least, it is certain that Downing Street is not as wise as twenty years ago. Over the years, Downing Street's short-sightedness has not only led to the difficulties of British diplomacy, but also plunged the navy into crisis!"

Fisher nodded and agreed.

"After nearly a hundred years of stability and unchallengeful complacency, now the whole UK should be able to hear the thunder faintly from the distance!"

Although he is the commander-in-chief of Portsmouth, now that the whole of London has spread, he is likely to become the first sea minister of the British navy by the end of the year, and what Feischer needs to do when he comes to know that he will be the first sea minister.

"John, my husband, entrust me to express his gratitude to you! Whether the UK can recognize Nanjing immediately or not, your efforts have proved the friendship between us!"

Ji Li thanked Fisher. In the past month, Fisher, the commander-in-chief of Portsmouth, was probably the most enthusiastic senior official in Britain to recognize Nanjing. Although he did not influence the decision of Downing Street, at least he proved with his own actions that he had made a promise at the beginning, and time would prove him. Friendship.

"I'm sorry, I didn't help you!"

Fisher had a little apology on his face. He was sorry that he could not promote London's recognition of the Nanjing regime. Thinking about it, Fisher said again.

"If you want, I can promote your country to send naval students to Britain!"

When making this suggestion, Fisher's words were extremely confident. As the Second Minister of the Navy, he had been in charge of naval education. Naturally, he had enough influence to "suck" some foreign students who were not diplomatic to the naval school. Of course, this premise was that they must be willing.

"Please tell your husband that he wants to build a navy that can protect himself. It is not enough to build a naval school to train officers. It is very necessary to send international students, Ji Li."

Fisher said seriously that a month ago, he had used his position to help Chen Moran hire 56 professors from the Royal Dartmouth Naval Academy to teach in China.

"Hmm!"

After a little meditation, Ji Li said thank you.

"Thank you, John. I think I can't make a decision until I talk to my husband, but I think he will be very willing to accept your proposal."

"Of course! This is what it should be!"

Ji Li's acceptance made Fisher feel more comfortable. Since they met, Ji Li and her husband in front of them have been expressing their friendship with their generosity, but he himself has not been able to give such generosity in return. Out of the navy, maybe his influence is very limited, but in the navy, he is confident enough to give them any help they need.

"John, don't you have another gift for them?"

Mrs. Fisher suddenly interrupted a sentence, and her expression seemed a little mysterious. In fact, the couple came to visit Ji Li today just to give her another gift.

"Gift?"

Ji Li was surprised to think of the small gifts they brought when they came. Are there any other gifts?

"I'm afraid this gift is not acceptable to ordinary people..."

Fisher paused for a moment and saw that Ji Li's face was full of curiosity, so he continued to talk.

"I have always been committed to eliminating the Royal Navy's miser-like garbage dump, and last month, for various reasons, two new warships were added to the Royal Navy's garbage dump!"

When Fisher spoke, he showed a rather helpless look.

"At the end of last year, the situation in the Far East had developed to a very tense level. The war was imminent. It was said that Russia and Russia actively sought to purchase ships in order to expand their strength. At that time, the two warships built by the British Elsviks and the Vickers Shipyard for the Chilean Navy had terminated their contracts due to the easing of the situation in South America. Looking for a buyer, Russia immediately sent a delegation to Britain to negotiate after hearing the news. When the Russian representative arrived in the United Kingdom on the fast European land and water transport system, the mail ship on which the delegation had just left Yokohama. In order to avoid the two warships being bought by the Russians, the navy hurriedly bought the two warships!"

Seeing Ji Li's puzzled appearance, Fisher continued to explain.

"This is out of the need of the Anglo-Japanese Alliance Treaty. It was bought by Downing Street, but these two warships are not British. The two battleships do not meet British standards in many aspects, and even ammunition does not meet British standards. In order to maintain these two warships that have just been in service a month ago, the navy I have to buy non-standard ammunition at a high price!"

In Fisher's eyes, not to mention that the two "South American" warships ordered by Chile are far from meeting the needs of the British navy. Naturally, in his mind, these two almost brand-new warships, which have not been in service for less than a month, are naturally included in the "sand-style stack" of the Royal Navy.

"I have persuaded the Admiralty to sell the two warships, Agile and Triumph, but except for Russia and Japan, which are at war, no country is interested in these two warships, so the navy is considering reducing the price of these two warships! In order to find a buyer.

As he spoke, Fisher's eyebrows flashed a little strange. When the two warships "Agile" and "Triumph" entered his fleet, he began to attack the two "non-British" warships. It was the rude attacks and accusations that made the Admiralty Department agree to sell them, but the only regret was Yes, after excluding these two countries, almost no country is interested in them.

"Ji Li, after the Qing navy uprising, the Chinese navy only had five poor cruisers as capital ships, and they were all old ships a few years ago. The Chinese navy needs warships. The five cruisers are far from being able to maintain China's coastal defense needs. Russia has hundreds of thousands of tons of warships, and Japan also has more than 100,000 tons of warships. Even if China has no plan to expand its navy in recent years, it still needs a small number of capital ships to maintain the country's coastal defense!"

In fact, from the beginning, the reason why Fisher slammed these two armies was that he hoped to sell these two brand-new warships to China. If Russia and Japan were excluded, no country in the world would buy these two warships. Considering the future, Germany's expansion sentiment has forced Britain to consider the future of Russia.

If the Chinese are willing to buy these two warships, the British navy can throw away these two "new but not in line with British standards" warships and get an additional fund for the construction of new warships, which is exactly what Fisher wants, although he has not yet As the Minister of the Navy, but it does not prevent him from starting to think about the need to reform the navy after he became the Minister of the Navy, eliminating those "sand-like garbage dumps". Adding new warships is one of the focuses of the reform.

"But, Downing Street... We don't have diplomatic relations with Britain now!"

"The psychology of the British is naturally inclined to rebellion - as long as it is a foreign rebellion!"

(to be continued)