The snow flutters, and the breath turns into ice.

The mist from the sea enveloped Tianjin City, even if the sun was high, it did not dissipate. The majestic Dagukou Fortress in the distance was vaguely visible, but the old Tianjin people were always helpless in the face of the mountains of bluestone. The "Xin Chou Treaty" in the year of Gengzi disarmed the fortress that guarded the gateway of the capital, and the giant cannons piled up with snowflakes and silver in the Qing Dynasty were dismantled. The army was gone, officials were gone, concessions were everywhere, and foreign soldiers were rampant. If Yuan Shikai had not provided a military force with no guns to maintain it, he might have lost Tianjin now.

Therefore, Tianjin people have special feelings for the Beiyang. In addition, after the Manchu Qing Dynasty abdicated, a large number of Manchu Qinggui fled to the Tianjin Concession, and the Republic of China established its capital in Nanjing, and Tianjin became the largest commercial city in the north. As the Japanese forces withdrew from the mainland, the National Defense Forces participated in the European War, the Russian Concession was then completely abolished, the United States also abolished the Tianjin Concession and withdrew the troops stationed here. The only one who is still supporting the people is the British.

Tianjin power plant is British-funded, Dagu shipyard is British-funded, and even the docks have special words for British business.

But this privilege is already in danger. As January 1 approaches, the British Empire feels increasingly invisible pressure. Under Yang Qiu's comprehensive market exchange diplomatic offensive, France, Bicycle, Netherlands, Portugal and other countries, which are in urgent need of funds for reconstruction, have agreed to issue a joint communiqué to cancel the unequal treaty against China that is useless to them. In addition, the United States actively participates and tries to take advantage of the opportunity that Europe has not yet returned to deepen its economic and trade relations with China, so the British Empire and Japan, which also occupy Taiwan, were isolated suddenly.

When Yang Qiu arrived, the Haizi Ship that caused trouble was already dragged by the guards to the former Dosheng Bank special dock. The citizens and the troublemakers who rushed to the front line even surrounded the dock. After the military and police separated the guns, they barely asked the reporters to go in and take photos first. The cargo hold still looked like they were when the fire was exchanged. Even the personal belongings dropped by the Japanese sailors were not cleaned up. A large number of documents brought from Russia, packaging boxes with Russian words, and Russian standard guns and ammunition all showed their relationship with the former strong neighbors in the north. Nobuda Ori stood on the ship with handcuffs and a dozen arrested Japanese sailors, dejected and depressed. After confessing and writing confessions under special interrogation methods, the last psychological defense line was destroyed. Not to mention the public trial, they had no courage to be loyal to the emperor.

"This is the little Japanese who fought with the navy a few days ago? Why did he lose his energy and spirit back then?"

"What a fool! I don't look at who I met. Commander Yang can also provoke him?"

"Yes! These little Japanese just don't have a good memory. They were just dealt with a miserable situation a few years ago, but they dared to come back. I heard that Marshal Cai, Marshal Yue and Mr. Feng from Beiyang, all of them are here this time. I think this is going to fight again."

"Hey, I'm going to say that life is much better now, but fighting every now and then isn't a big deal."

"Are we going to fight? This time, Japan is causing trouble! I heard that the navy died hundreds of times. Even the two large warships bought a few years ago were broken."

"What? The warship I came here last time was broken? I'll fuck him the eighth generation ancestor of the Japanese Emperor."

Whispers gradually evolved into yelling and scolding. After the real evidence that triggered the conflict was publicly displayed, patriotic public opinion was once again aroused enthusiasm. With the help of the reporters, the whole country immediately formed a consistent caliber, and the Japanese navy and government must be punished to seek justice and win dignity!

Rui Enshi and Hangel, who also arrived here, also saw this heartfelt hatred. This made the two both happy and worried. What was happy was that the British-Japanese alliance was facing tremendous pressure, and the United States had long hated this alliance but could not do anything about it. Now China jumped out and was naturally happy. What was worried was whether China would use this conflict to strengthen its strength? Compared with Japan, which has a small territory, China has much more powerful power. Will it threaten the US's Pacific benefits in the future

What about the benefits? Of course, this worry is still too far away at the moment. Yang Qiu does not have the ability to compete with the United States for the ocean. No matter how hard he works, it is difficult to shorten the time factor immediately. Not to mention the strong American industrial capabilities, there is still a big gap compared to Japan, which can build Nagato-class battleships. At least from the current various signs, China has only just had the ability to build 305mm naval guns, while Europe and the United States are already developing towards 406mm.

So after checking the situation at the dock, the two of them immediately went to the Tianjin Hotel where Yang Qiu was staying.

After arriving at the hotel, before they saw Yang Qiu, they saw the French Ambassador to China Kant and Sa Zhenbing laughing and walked out, looking very intimate. This surprised the two of them. Didn’t the head of the Chinese Navy beggar and was dying about the loss of the two main battleships? Could it be that... Hanger and Rui Enshi looked at each other and thought of something... Battleship!

What is China lacking now? It must be the main battleship! Although China and Japan each have two main battleships damaged, compared with Japan, which has four battlecruisers, the gap between China and China in the navy is too big. The Japanese Navy alone is leading 6-2, and the lead in January will reach 10-4. What's worse is that with the Nagato class about to be launched, Japan will have 6 main battleships, while China only has 2 low-efficiency joint force classes. Therefore, the Chinese government officially inquired from various countries the next day after the Yellow Sea conflict to buy 4 to 6 main battleships.

But...Renshi didn't understand the navy very much and asked, "Her Hengel, are there any battleships in France available for sale?"

Hanger shook his head. France lost 40% of its warships in World War I, and it was not enough that there were no main battleships to be sold. But if it was to say that the rebuilding cycle was too long. According to the Chinese Navy's mood at this time, it would definitely be the first to complete products instead of new ones. The only ones in the world who have the ability to sell finished battleships were the United States and Britain. No matter how much the United Kingdom said, it is still an ally of Japan, and Japan's failure is not in the interests of the United Kingdom. It is impossible to buy from Britain. So in addition to checking the situation, the two of them also hope to take the opportunity to take over this big business.

"Is it the Normandy class?" Hanger suddenly remembered four unfinished battleships that were launched in 1918. With the experience of the Anhai class last time, he had already learned some knowledge of naval shipbuilding. Generally speaking, the launching indicates that except for ship guns, distance measurement and other outfits, the rest of the structures, including armor, power, etc., are basically completed, with an overall completion rate of about 70%. What France currently lacks is funds rather than technology. At least 20 340mm naval guns used by the ship were actually made. Because the land pressure was too high before, it could be misappropriated and installed. If France acted at full speed, it would not rule out that the two ships were completed and delivered within half a year.

With suspicion, the two walked into the hotel. In fact, Hanger guessed that Kant was here to sell four Normandy-class battleships. Anyway, France had no funds to complete, so she always wanted to find a sucker to sell them. After all, it would be embarrassing to lose money when demolishing them. So Kant came this time with great hope, and even promised that as long as the Chinese government paid cash, it could guarantee that two ships could be provided within half a year and all four ships would be completed within a year. Moreover, the French government was happy to see China and Japan fight, and it would be best to drag Britain into the water. It would also waste China in the north. It would be best to fight the Second Boer War, which would not only relieve the pressure of French East India, but also France could dominate Europe from now on.

When the two met Yang Qiu in the small living room, he happened to send British Ambassador to China Bernard away. After a while, Hangel found that he seemed very tired. He cared with kindness: "Your Excellency Vice President. You should take a proper rest and care about your body."

Yang Qiu nodded gratefully. The troops' mobilization over the past few days, the arrangements for follow-up matters, Nanjing communication, etc. did make him a little tired. After asking Kuang Xukun to make coffee for the two, he said: "Thank you, Mr. Hangel. Are you having something to ask me for? Did you also come to persuade me to compromise with Japan?"

Three years ago, Reenshi definitely answered yes. But now the situation is completely different. The United States is extremely disappointed with old Europe, especially Wilson's defeat at the Paris Peace Conference. The United States, which borrowed 10 billion yuan and sent 4 million yuan, did not even get the benefits of root hair. So the country is now excited. In addition, veterans are inappropriate aftermath, and riots are almost everywhere. At this time, Britain actually sold four battle cruisers to Japan. It is conceivable that the United States, which dreams of dominating the Pacific Ocean. It is said that President Wilson's stroke has something to do with this deal.

The sudden surge in domestic isolation has forced the US government to deal with the consequences of interference with the outside world. As a diplomat, Rui Enshi, of course, cannot violate the will of the country, so he said: "We are not here to be lobbyists. Of course, the US government does not want to see war, and it is even more unwilling to be broken in the Far East peace, but we can understand your and your citizens' mood at the moment. We just hope that you can try your best to restrain yourself. War is not the only way to resolve disputes after all. As a politician, you should be very clear."

These few words are beautiful. Even Yan Xishan, who had just walked to the door, admired Rui Enshi's eloquence, quietly pulled Kuang Xukun and asked, "What's wrong today? Why does Americans sound like they are helping us?"

Yan Xishan is in charge of Beijing and Tianjin. In recent years, he has been named "the general manager of Beijing and Tianjin", and some have even included him on the list of the next Nanjing government. However, compared with other newcomers, his international view and overall view are still a little worse, which also limits him to step closer. Kuang Xukun, because he followed Yang Qiu, had an extraordinary vision, and quietly told everything that happened in the United States during this period. Hearing that a large riot of veterans occurred in the United States, President Wilson suffered a stroke, and the government dispatched troops to suppress him, Yan Xishan was shocked.

Yang Qiu in the living room knew these things and asked: "I will seriously consider the opinions of the two and President Wilson. Please bring me my sincere blessings to him, hoping that he can recover soon. The world needs a peace fighter like him."

"Thank you." After thanking Hangel, he said: "Your Excellency Vice President, in fact, I am here today and I hope to discuss the cooperation intentions of the Irkutsk oilfield project with you."

Yang Qiu frowned quietly. Since the discovery of the Irkutsk oilfield, the government has established the Northwest Oil Company to develop and utilize it. Unexpectedly, the Americans rushed to their doorstep as soon as the company began to be established. And at this time, what is the purpose of proposing an oilfield project that is completely inextricable? After thinking about it, he asked tentatively: "We are indeed looking for manufacturers to purchase equipment, and we also hope to get assistance from capable international companies, but this matter will need to be decided after January 1. And do you think I am interested in this matter now? Maybe you should go to the Ministry of Commerce to ask."

"No, no."

Hangel shook his finger with coffee. He knew what Yang Qiu would mean after January 1, because at that time the Chinese government would definitely forcibly end all unequal treaties unilaterally. Irkutsk was originally cut off by Russia in the Treaty of Nebchu, and after it was declared invalid, it became Chinese territory. Since the United States has recognized that all treaties have been invalidated, it naturally must recognize that China has recovered the territory of the northwest.

He narrowed his eyes and looked at Rui Enshi, and suddenly smiled mysteriously and changed his name: "Dear Yang, you need to purchase at least $40 million in mining and refining equipment to develop such a large oil field. The United States is currently the country with the most perfect oil industry in the world. We are not only very willing to sell these equipment to you, but also willing to help you build large refineries. And we think... such a large contract will definitely come with some other projects.

For example...sell several battleships!"

Yang Qiu immediately understood the United States' mind. Whether it was the former French ambassador Kant, or the current Hangel and Ruienshi, selling battleships was actually just a side benefit. Even if you could buy them, they would definitely be some masters, or something like the Normandy-class unspeakable. Their real meaning was very obvious. In the most common words, it was to say: "Brother, take action... and pull the British Empire into the water, we will encourage you." This is a political hint!

The United States has no gains after the Peace Conference in Paris. It has long hated Britain to the core. Otherwise, it would not have supported Germany and supported Germany to reduce compensation, and even supported the poor party. Everything is to break up the British-Japanese alliance to expand into the Pacific. France hopes that it is best for someone to dominate Europe, and it is best if someone can kill Britain. At this time, the British-Japanese alliance has a big rift, and Japan is also charged with collusion with the poor party. Even if it were Yang Qiu himself, he would probably have rushed over and bite it.

So it doesn't matter whether the battleship is going to be, but he is very willing to be the one who has stood up. He picked up the coffee, made a celebrating gesture and smiled: "So should we have a drink to celebrate the collapse of a nasty alliance?"

.(To be continued)
Chapter completed!