Chapter 329 Believe me, you will see a wonderful performance!
When the British's huge fleet appeared at the mouth of the Pearl River, countless merchant ships and fishing boats hurriedly dodged from these really frightening strong ships. At that time, a small ground patrol fleet happened to pass by, and the British flagship Lion only fired a few shots. The bow and mast were inserted with the Qing Dynasty Dragon Flag. A small fleet of two large ships and five medium-sized boats fled to the mouth of the Pearl River at an almost desperate speed, and even made the British have no time to pose. The fleet has disappeared out of the sight of the British fleet in embarrassment.
This made Brigadier General Gerrard of the British Navy, who ordered the shelling, speechless and couldn't help sigh: "It seems that the distinguished ambassador, Mr. Macartney, is indeed right. I swear to God that this is the first time I have seen such a navy."
"I believe you will see it often from now on, in the name of God." Beside him, the fleet commander, Major General Ford, showed a sarcastic smile on his face. Well, don't pay attention to these small miscellaneous fish. Guangzhou is our destination. Pass my order, sail to speed up, and tell our navy not to affect our plan to attack Guangzhou because of those little loach.
"Yes, Your Excellency."
"What, dear Liang, I don't think you seem to be very optimistic about our trip. Do you think we will be defeated by your compatriots? Major General Ford turned his head and saw Liang Sanhuai standing upstairs with his student Xiaosdangdong to look at the scenery. From time to time, he introduced Liang Sanhuai around him to Ambassador Macawani. He was not even surprised by the British Navy's behavior, which made Ford feel a little unhappy, although he felt that Liang Sanhuai was a very Chinese people are worth making friends with, but his attitude makes Major General Ford feel that he is underestiming the pride of the British navy.
Regarding Major General Ford's question, Liang Sanhuai just smiled and shrugged his shoulders very Westernizedly: "Dear General, I don't mean to offend you and the pride of the British Imperial Navy. However, there are exceptions to everything. Although I know very well that the navy of this empire can't even be called a navy, but if they go down Are you determined to stick to it? You know, when our powerful fleet appeared here, it was doomed that our actions could no longer be concealed.
"Such a powerful fleet, if the other party has a little brain, it is clear that they will not be the opponents of the British Imperial Navy fleet, so they will definitely not be able to defend it." Liang Sanhuai's analysis made Macartney nod in agreement.
However, Major General Ford laughed: "Do you mean that our British fleet can't break through each other's defenses?"
--------------------
"Hehe, General, don't you think your question is too sharp?" Liang Sanhuai laughed, but looked at Major General Ford without showing weakness. I'm just an interpreter for you, not an excellent soldier. Please pay attention to this, Your Excellency.
"Yes, if the other party adopts the tactics of tortoise defense, it will really be a headache. You know, what we need is a victory that shocks the empire, and a smooth victory can achieve the effect." Macartney stood up and said his opinion.
"You're right, Your Excellency, please rest assured that this will be left to our excellent naval and army soldiers of the British Empire to complete your wishes." Although Major General Ford was a little arrogant, he was not stupid, otherwise he would not have become an excellent rear admiral. Therefore, his answer was very rutled and pulled the army in by the way.
Henry, a colonel of the British Imperial Army next to, nodded slightly: "I am happy to be the first British [***] officer to board this empire as an officer of the occupation army."
"Of course, that's your duty and your honor. Let's look forward to the performance of the best soldiers in the British Empire." Si Dangdong clapped his hands with a happy face. He is very optimistic about the future of this war. It can be said that he is a full supremacy of the interests of the British Empire. At the same time, he is also a fanatical militant. If he had not been sent to the East with the trust of his superiors at the beginning, it is very likely that he would have become an excellent British emperor.
"A bunch of self-righteous stupid birds with their tails up to the sky." Liang Sanhuai sneered in his heart.
"Dear Liang, I know we are attacking your motherland, which is a pity. You know, we are trying to revive this empire and accept our Western civilization and communication, not to occupy her. Macartney appreciates Liang Sanhuai's erudite news very much. He is very clear about the domestic political outlook of the Qing Dynasty. During his visit to the Qing Dynasty, he gave him a very helpful interpreter. He even felt that his intelligence was enough to become an excellent politician. Unfortunately, the damn system of this country and Liang Sanhuai If you offend a big shot in China, you can only stay away from your hometown.
"You don't have to be like this, distinguished ambassador. Although I love my motherland, I hate this damn ruling class. I don't mind your use of force to wake them up." Liang Sanhuai's words can be said to come from the heart without a trace of hypocrisy.
This makes Macartney very satisfied. In the West, it is not uncommon for civilians or nobles who are dissatisfied with the domestic ruling class or political program, which is also one of the sources of chaos in Europe. Therefore, he does not think that Liang Sanhuai needs to deceive him.
"But, dear Liang, I don't think you told the truth." Macartney knows the key to conversation very well.
"Oh, why do you say that? Did I hide something from you? Is it my life, or my past background? Liang Sanhuai didn't even blink his eyelids.
"No, no, no, that's not what I'm referring to. I mean, you don't seem to be optimistic about Major General Ford's actions this time. Can you tell me why? Don't deny it, dear Liang, I trust my eyes and intuition very much. This is the potential of a diplomat." Macartney walked on the deck with Liang Sanhuai with his hands on his arms, watching the army soldiers on board the warship pointing to the coast. These soldiers felt very fresh about the scenery around him, which was completely different from the West and India.
"I didn't expect it, but you still saw it. Dear ambassador, your sharp eyes really point to people's hearts." Liang Sanhuai seemed to be very emotional. Indeed, I'm not optimistic about some of them. There are many reasons for this. I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain for a while.
"It doesn't matter. I believe this battle will not end soon. After all, if the other party keeps it." Macartney laughed and patted the side of the boat, and Xiao Sidangdong just quietly listened to the conversation between the two people. The smart child had proved his intelligence on the way to the mission, so Macartney and Liang Sanhuai had no intention of avoiding Xiao Sidangdong.
--------------------
"Humen, there is Humen in front of us. Through here, our fleet can directly reach the city of Guangzhou." Shi Dangdong pointed to the front and shouted excitedly.
"What is that?! Pass the order to slow down the warship and stop moving forward. At this time, Major General Ford, who carefully observed the coastline and reefs ahead with a monocular, suddenly gave a stunned order, but the excellent British navy still carried out the order in the shortest time.
"What's the matter, Your Excellency?" Si Dangdong said with some dissatisfaction, "This place is very close to Guangzhou. Are you going to stop the fleet here and wait for those Qing people to surrender?"
"Mr. Donton, I am the supreme commander of this fleet. Please pay attention to your words. Of course, if you insist on moving forward, I will not obstruct it, but I hope you are ready to accept the shelling." Major General Ford said to Sdangdong with a serious face, and handed the monoculars in his hand to Sdangdong, which seemed to be a little embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, Mr. General, it seems that I have surpassed. Tut, do these Qing people really want to rely on these forts to attack us?"
"However, such a sparse fort is really not a big threat to our fleet, but I don't want to waste our precious warships in such a place." Major General Ford carefully observed the forts that appeared in the telescope's sight, and used his old eyes to measure the strength of firepower needed to destroy the forts that blocked their way forward.
At this time, Macartney and Liang Sanhuai also noticed the abnormality here. After Magartney hurriedly said goodbye to Liang Sanhuai, he rushed over. Liang Pengfei looked at the British men pointing at the Humen turret in front of him on the rear of the warship, and there was an inexplicable smile at the corners of his mouth.
"Okay, dear little Sidang, it's time for us to go down." Liang Sanhuai patted Xiao Sidangdong, who was tightly climbing the side of the boat, on the shoulder and said.
"But teacher, I want to see the scene of our British Empire's warships opening fire. I saw one in China last time. It was really spectacular." Xiao Si Dangdong blinked pitifully at Liang Sanhuai.
"This... Then you have to get your father's permission, so I can stay with you on the deck. However, today's course still can't be pulled down. Liang Sanhuai's role as a teacher seems to be in place.
"Of course, thank you, teacher. I'm telling my father." Xiao Si Dangdong jumped up excitedly and ran to the stern building of the warship. Soon, Liang Sanhuai saw Si Dangdong bow down and listen to what his son said. After patted Xiao Si Dangdong on the shoulder, he nodded to himself with a smile.
After a cheer, Xiao Si Dangdong ran over again: "Teacher, my father agreed."
"Okay, I already know. Come on, let's find a more open-sighted position." Liang Sanhuai showed a meaningful smile at the corners of his mouth and led Xiao Si to the front deck of the warship. Believe me, you will see a wonderful performance.
(to be continued)