Immediately, the Zhenhai, Jinghai and Lingbo whistles sounded, and the huge hull slowly turned sideways and lined up. The dense black holes were all aimed at the British ships in the distance, just like a hedgehog that was accumulating force. As long as they were slightly angered, thousands of thorns immediately fired.

"It seems that the Chinese really can fire!" The first mate reminded Captain Hawke with a nervous look on his face.

"I don't believe that the Chinese can only bluff." An officer who looked like a staff officer snorted coldly, looking disdainful.

Captain Hawke looked at the Chinese ship in the distance and was hesitant. However, the British Empire Navy, which was freely entering and leaving in Neijiang, China, encountered a real threatening obstacle for the first time today.

Hawke slowly raised his hand, and the first mate suddenly grabbed his wrist and shouted: "Sir Captain, you don't have the power to provoke a war with the Chinese! Do you think about the consequences?"

Hawke's eyelids twitched a few times.

The first mate shouted again: "And, do you want our soldiers to die in vain? The Chinese have long-range turret support, and we are not their opponents."

Hawke hesitated and finally sat back on the chair dejectedly, "Switch the rudder and return to the flight."

At this time, Ye Zhao was sitting opposite to Guangzhou Consul Jackson in the Flower Hall of Prince Su's Mansion, and Jackson's face was extremely serious.

Last night, the Guangdong Navy seized a Jardine Merchant ship near Hong Kong Island and escorted it back to Guangzhou with the merchant ship. Mr. Melo, the Grand Ban of the Jardine Merchant in Hong Kong, was furious and went to find the Governor Bao Ling. It happened that there were two gunboats on the Far East Fleet in Hong Kong Island. Bao Ling and Melo seek help from the navy, and the two gunboats immediately rushed to Guangzhou.

Jackson said sincerely: "Your Excellency Prince, you know that in my eyes, you have always been a very respected friend, Guangzhou and the region you ruled, and a trading partner of our British Empire very respected."

Ye Zhao nodded slightly, but unfortunately this is just Jackson's personal opinion. If China becomes a respected trading partner in the eyes of the European countries, then it can truly have an equal relationship with the West.

Jackson said again: "But your act of seizing merchant ships by force on Hong Kong Island will seriously damage your image and the bilateral relations I have worked hard to maintain. Now the two gunboats of the Far East Fleet have arrived in Guangzhou. I hope that the Prince can resolve the matter peacefully before things worsen."

Ye Zhao said solemnly: "Mr. Jackson, I don't say politely. I have always thanked you for your efforts. I also regard you as a good friend. I hope that when you retire one day, we can avoid talking about politics and welcome you to settle in Guangzhou."

Jackson nodded and said sincerely: "I also hope that one day, I hope our friendship will not be affected by the relationship between the two countries."

"No, no!" Ye Zhao said with a smile: "We Chinese have clear distinction between public and private affairs. No matter how difficult you keep me, it will not damage our friendship."

Jackson was a little embarrassed, and Ye Zhao laughed: "Just kidding, Tom, I think of you, so I just quit the Guangzhou Consul and become my diplomat."

Jackson smiled and said, "Thank you for your love, but I know you're just kidding."

Ye Zhao smiled and said, "About the seizure of Jardine Merchant Ship, I have three points. First, the merchant ship was intercepted outside the waters of Hong Kong Island; second, since your country remains neutral, the trafficking of arms to the Southern Dynasties is a smuggling act. In the waters of China, the Guangdong Navy has the power to intercept smuggling ships; third, I fully respect your country's rule over Hong Kong Island, including the waters designated by Hong Kong Island, and I also hope that your country will also respect my Guangzhou government. I will not allow any military ships from any country to enter in the estuary of the Pearl River in Lingdingyang. If someone insists on doing it alone, it is equivalent to declaring war on me. And I will never be afraid of war."

Jackson was silent. His Excellency the Prince was indeed a visionary leader. But under his leadership, with the strength of China, the actions of the British Empire's navy in the Chinese Sea will inevitably be bound, but he did not expect that this day would arrive early. Although it was only a small sea area at the mouth of the Pearl River in the Lingdingyang, the signal was extremely strong. I don't know what kind of reaction it would cause when it reached the country.

"Prince, are you really not afraid of war?" Jackson stared at Ye Zhao and asked.

Ye Zhao smiled, "I'm afraid, not afraid, what do you think? If you just fear war, you can't avoid war. If you want to avoid war, you must not be afraid of war. Who is not afraid of war? Especially me, you don't know about this Guangzhou. My regime will soon encounter unprecedented difficulties. But what are the benefits of doing this? The Chinese will be even more xenophobic. Even if you help Beijing win in the end, I believe that the Beijing regime will never trade with your country in an open-minded manner.

And I think your country does not have the ability to help the Beijing regime defeat us. Intervening in China's war will only put your country in a war swamp. I heard that the African continent has vast resources, your country is preparing to compete with Portugal and France for dominance on the African continent. The Baltic Sea is also eyeing the Rakshasa Kingdom, which was reborn in the ashes, is eyeing it. The Far East has never occupied much important position in your country's political territory. I hope to become a trading partner with your country and a solid ally in the Far East. Similarly, I also hope to gain the respect of your country."

Jackson nodded silently.

Ye Zhao said again: "I hope your government understands my situation, and I hope your businessmen can understand my position." Ye Zhao thought about it and said: "Mr. Consul, let's do this. In order to avoid the same misunderstanding in the future, the Mr. Consul can sign a treaty with me. For the merchants who smuggled arms, once my Guangdong Navy is seized, I can send the smugglers out of the country, but the goods must be confiscated. This is my bottom line."

Jackson thought for a while and said, "Your Excellency Prince, you also know that I want to listen to many people's opinions."
Chapter completed!