Thinking of this, Shi Shipiao felt bored. After looking at the bow of the ship for a while, he turned around and returned to his command cabin, staring at the large European map on the wall. Portugal and Spain bordered, but the two countries belonged to different camps. Portugal was not only an anti-French alliance, but also signed an offensive and defensive alliance treaty with Britain.

Portugal will never give up its interests in Europe for the sake of trade in the Far East. That is to say, once Portugal learns the purpose of the South China Sea Fleet, it will definitely turn its back on others. If Spain deliberately leaks the news of the arrival of the South China Sea Fleet to Portugal, the South China Sea Fleet is likely to be in a desperate situation and be surrounded by enemies...

The only hope is France, because the Spanish War on the throne is actually a game between Britain and France. As long as France is at a disadvantage, France will accept the powerful aid of the South China Fleet without hesitation. After all, there is no conflict of interest between the Qing Dynasty and France, and there has not been any evil before. There is still a great possibility of an alliance. However, if France is at an advantage, it is difficult to say.

Will Spain deliberately leak the news that the South China Fleet came to Europe? Shi Shipiao couldn't help but frown slightly. What are the benefits and harms of revealing their situation?

Fu Anding also followed into the command cabin. Seeing Shi Shipiao staring at the map and pondering, he hesitated for a while before speaking: "Master, Portugal and Britain, the Netherlands are allies. Since the Portuguese know that we are here, Britain, and the Netherlands will soon know this news. Should we continue to stay here and wait for the reply?"

After hearing this, Shi Shipiao turned around and asked, "What do you think? Tell me it."

"There is a sign that we have a deep grudge against Spain and should not place our hopes entirely in the hands of the Spanish. Perhaps France welcomes us more." Fu Anding said loudly: "The fleet's firearms and ammunition are currently not available, and one point is less than one point. We cannot afford to consume a large-scale naval battle. We should not engage in large-scale naval battles before we get supplies. The sign that we should take the initiative to go to the port of France in the Bay of Biscay and take the initiative to contact France."

"Will France definitely form an alliance with us?" Shi Shipiao asked staring at him.

"As long as Louis XIV is not confused, he will never refuse to form an alliance with me, the Qing Dynasty." Fu Anding said confidently: "France and the Qing Dynasty have always been friendly, and now they are at a disadvantage. He has no reason to refuse such a strong support."

After hearing this, Shi Shipiao's face darkened and said with a solemn expression: "You are self-righteous. The situation in Europe is changing at any time. There are many examples of defeating the more with the few and defeating the strong with the weak. The news we know is at least a year ago. Who knows what is happening now? Hearing is not enough to rely on, and the way of generals is the most taboo to be rash. Now that the Nanyang Fleet is alone, if you are not careful, you will fall into a desperate situation. How can you make such arbitrary and make arbitrary assertion?"

Fu Anding's face turned red with a blush, and he hurriedly stood at attention and said, "The commander will remember it in his heart."

"Prince Yong is here." The guards outside the door reported loudly.

When he heard Yinzhen arrived, Shi Shipiao was slightly stunned, and quickly tidied up his military uniform and went out to meet him. When he went out, he saw Yinzhen and Wu Sidao coming quickly. He hurriedly walked forward and saluted him. He said, "I have met Prince Yong."

Yinzhen nodded and said, "General Shi does not need to be polite."

Several people entered the house and sat down, and Yinzhen asked, "I heard that the warships coming were from Portugal?"

"Prince Hui Yong is a small fleet in Portugal. It is not a question of attack. It should be here to find out what we are." Shi Shipiao bowed and said, "The General has ordered to stop them from getting close. However, Portugal has had contact with the Grand Denver, and the General believes that he can take this opportunity to find out the changes in the war situation in Europe from the Portuguese."

Wu Sidao interrupted at this time, "General Shi, since Portugal is coming to find out the news, why not let them in and let them see what they wanted?"

Let them see what it means? Shi Shipiao glanced at Wu Sidao. He had heard of this somewhat lame master for a long time. He knew that Yinzhen relied heavily on him. After pondering for a moment, he said: "The Portuguese rented land in Macau and knew very well about the combat power of our Qing Navy. If we let them understand the scale of the Nanyang Fleet, wouldn't our strength be fully exposed?"

"The South China Sea Fleet's expedition to Europe and hides its strength can certainly achieve unexpected results, but Spain's attitude is unclear and France is not clear about our strength. Should we adapt appropriately." Wu Sidao said happily: "Let Spain find out about our reality and reality. First, it can show its sincerity to find out their intentions, and second, it will also help to inquire about the current situation in Europe from them.

Furthermore, it is not a bad thing for the Nanyang Fleet to fight a war first in Europe. Only by making a strong fight and then forming an alliance with France can we be highly valued and have enough capital to ask for more benefits."

Fu Anding was scolded by Shi Shipiao for this incident and said: "Mr. Wu, we don't know the situation in Europe now. If France has the advantage and after the battle with Britain, the Netherlands and Portugal, France will sit on the mountain and watch the tiger fight and are unwilling to form an alliance with us. Wouldn't the South China Fleet be surrounded by enemies?"

Wu Sidao smiled slightly and said relaxedly: "The Nanyang Fleet Expedition to Europe

, It is related to the century-old strategy of the Qing Dynasty. We cannot retreat without fighting. The two generals also have some understanding of the history of Europe. For the past hundred years, European countries have been conquering wars and harmony between the countries. The ones they are planning to dominate.

The Qing Dynasty is thousands of miles away and it is impossible to dominate Europe. For France, it is the best strong aid. Even if France has the advantage now, it cannot be an absolute advantage. As long as he has the ambition to dominate Europe, there is no reason not to form an alliance with us."

After hearing this, Shi Shipiao couldn't help but secretly praise Wu Sidao for seeing thoroughly. No matter whether France wins or loses, there is no reason to give up the Qing Dynasty as a strong support. After a while, he said, "Mr. Wu's insights are incisive, but I do not agree to let go of the battle before forming an alliance with France.

The United Kingdom is known as the most powerful maritime power in Europe, and it is not a false reputation, but a reputation that has won by defeating the Dutch and France's maritime fleets through countless naval battles. Whether it is the size of the fleet or the actual combat experience, it is better than us. Although we have great advantages in firearms, we are not sure of winning.

If you let go of the battle, if the loss is too great, it will be more than worth the loss. Not to mention being an alliance with France and India, Spain may even take the opportunity to retaliate and take the blame. I would rather return without success than take this risk."
Chapter completed!