With the start of the British's action, the Fao's diplomatic war had been taken over by the British. It was not that they looked down on the French, but the Government of France's diplomacy was really not good.
Of course, this was also directly related to the Bonaparte Dynasty's high hatred in Europe. Napoleon Iii did ease relations with everyone for a while, but with the annexation of the Regions of Italy by France, this relaxed international environment was gone forever.
In a sense, Napoleon Iii was also setting his son up. The annexation of the Regions of Italy made him, but left a huge pit that could not be filled.
It could not be helped, it was no longer the Middle Ages. European nationalism had risen, but it could not be digested, and it was full of hatred.
Especially for many small countries, in order to ensure their own safety, they had to unite to exclude the French to deter other European powers, lest everyone followed suit.
This was the main reason why the French Foreign Ministry could not achieve results. It was not that the fence-sitters were determined, but they had decided not to stand with France politically.
Small countries could not be won over, let alone big countries. There was only one hegemon, and everyone was a competitor. Even if there was an alliance, it was only temporary.
Especially in the context of Russia and Austria being united for a long time, the French Foreign Ministry was only left with Britannia.
Originally surrounded by enemies, coupled with a bad teammate, it was only natural that France surpassed Russia to become the number one "villain" in Europe.
Professional matters should be left to the professionals. Although not willing to admit it, Napoleon Iv was still very clear that diplomacy was the king. As silver players, they really did not need to be a burden.
…
The diplomatic game between Britain and Austria began, and the situation in Europe changed again. The Government of Japan was busy attacking the Philippines, and did not know that they had just walked through the gates of hell.
If it was not for the fact that Spain did not take a stand, the British felt that they still had value. Now, the Royal Navy would tell them what was called society's sinister.
Colonization was not only about strength. Countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal could maintain their overseas colonies, and naturally, they had their own way of survival.
In terms of strength alone, all the colonies in the world had been divided up by the United Kingdom, the Fao, and the United Kingdom. How could a small country like the Netherlands and Portugal have the chance to participate?
The hooligans did not make a move on the land, not because there was no profit to be made from it. In fact, the Philippines, Cuba, Indonesia, and other places were all rich and prosperous. The only reason they were not robbed was because of politics.
As a member of a vested interest group, the Great Gangster also had to abide by the rules of the game. If he acted recklessly, he would definitely suffer the backlash of the rules.
Therefore, the challengers were usually emerging powers. Those who had nothing to lose were not afraid of those who had shoes. They were not part of the system in the first place, so they were naturally not afraid of the backlash of the rules.
Of course, the challengers also had their risks. If they didn't choose the right time, they might be killed the moment they appeared.
General Ito Yuheng couldn't care less about the risks involved. He was still immersed in the joy of successfully attacking Luzon Island.
Relying on a surprise attack and internal and external coordination, the Japanese not only successfully completed the landing, but also captured three Spanish warships docked at the port.
Although these sailing warships had fallen behind the times and had been withdrawn from the mainstream of the navy, and two of them were even injured in the battle last night, Ito Yuheng didn't mind them at all.
Although the three hooligans, the Fao, and the United Kingdom had eliminated sailing warships and had even passed the era of ironclad warships and entered the era of pre-dreadnoughts, most of the navies in the world still mainly used sailing warships.
Naturally, the Japanese Navy was no exception. Other than a few ironclad warships that they bought from the United Kingdom to keep up appearances, most of their warships were sailing warships.
There was no other reason other than one word — "poor." The cost of building an ironclad warship was equivalent to the cost of building several sailing warships of the same tonnage.
As for the more advanced pre-dreadnoughts, there was no need to talk about them. With the military budget of the Japanese Navy, they simply couldn't afford it.
Just by looking at the Japanese government's fiscal revenue, one would know that 80 million Japanese Yen's fiscal revenue might not seem low, but in reality, it was nothing much. If converted into God's Shield, it was only about 16 million. If converted into pounds, it was only about 8 million.
(Note: 1 yen is about 0.75 grams of gold, and the value of God's Shield to Japanese yen is about 1: 4.88)
The cost of a pre-dreadnought was as high as a million pounds, and if it was exported, it was estimated that it would double. After joining, the messy renewal fees would be even more. No matter how militaristic the Government of Japan was, it was impossible for them to spend one-third of their revenue to buy a ship.
With the successful landing, the navy's work was basically completed. Next, they only needed to keep an eye on the remaining Spanish Navy and ensure that the sea route was smooth.
There was no such thing as a decisive battle at sea. In the battle of the sneak attack on Luzon, the Spanish Philippine Fleet had already lost one-third of their warships.
This made the Philippine Fleet, which was already at a disadvantage, even worse. Not to mention a decisive battle with the Japanese Army, because of their speed, they couldn't even complete the task of breaking the blockade.
In the command center of the Japanese Southern Fleet, a middle-aged officer reported in a helpless tone, "Your Excellency Commander, we have sent someone to inspect the captured Spanish warships. The damage is not too serious, and they can be repaired in Luzon.
It's just that the warships are a little old. The latest one was commissioned in 1875, and it will be retired in a few years.
I don't know what the Spanish are thinking. One of the warships did not even consider the steam engine when it was designed, and it was added later. It's very incongruous. "
The decline of an empire was not without reason. Usually, there were common problems with the prevalence of bureaucracy and serious corruption, and Spain was naturally no exception.
There must be a reason for its existence. The seemingly unreasonable and strange design actually contained great knowledge of officialdom.
Of course, these problems were not something that Japan's Navy officers could understand. They were full of passion to fight for the rise of Japan, and they had not had time to fall.
Admiral Ito Yuki nodded thoughtfully, "Don't worry about these small problems. If the Spanish government is not corrupt, we will have nothing to do with it.
It doesn't matter if the warships are old. It is a foregone conclusion that sail warships will be eliminated, and it will be enough to make do with it for a few years.
The Philippine Islands are not small. If the Spanish want to play hide and seek with us, it will not be easy to find them. In the next battle, we will need more warships.
Immediately send people to repair the damaged warships. I have already sent someone to inform Japan. They will send soldiers to take over as soon as possible and strive to form a combat force as soon as possible. "
Frankly speaking, the southern fleet should not stay in Luzon Island. The best choice was to pursue and destroy the Philippine Fleet in one fell swoop.
But there was no other way. If they succeeded in landing, they would have to reap some benefits. The Army was making a fortune, and the Navy could not just sit back and watch.
The Japanese Army and Navy were not harmonious. If the Navy did not participate, the Spanish's hundreds of years of accumulation in the Philippines would all fall into the hands of the Army.
Once this thing was swallowed, there was no way to spit it out. Even if the lawsuit was brought to Emperor Meiji, the Army should not be expected to give in.
Their wealth was too small, and their eyesight was too shallow. Compared to these benefits that were within reach, it was not so important to pursue and destroy the remaining enemy.
…
As the headquarters of the Hong Sect in Luzon Island, the Chen Residence was now full of people. Many people came with their families. From time to time, the sound of children crying could be heard. Chen Taoyue, as the leader of the group, was upset, but he could not vent his anger.
It was a mess outside. After the Japanese Army drove away the Spanish, they began to loot unscrupulously. Everyone had no choice but to come and join the group.
Gangs also needed support, and the people gathered here were the foundation of the Hong Sect in Luzon Island. If it was not an underling, it was a family member of an underling, or a relative.
Looking at the chaotic scene, Chen Taoyue sighed. There was no other way. Things happened too suddenly, and there was no time to react.
This was different from the previous anti-Chinese movement. There were signs of it happening beforehand, and these well-informed people were all prepared to run away in advance.
Not only did they not have time to prepare, but they also received a large group of people. They had to worry about the Japanese Army suddenly coming to their door.
"Master, the weapons are ready. Do you want to distribute them first?"
The voice of the butler pulled Chen Taoyue's thoughts back. Today was different from the past. With the Chinese headquarters in Lanfang province, it was much easier for everyone to get firearms.
As long as someone paid for it, the Austrian arms dealers dared to sell. If it were not for the fear of the Spanish reaction, they could even get artillery.
Originally, these weapons were to be used against the indigenous people in the future. Although the anti-Chinese movement was planned by the colonial government, the executors were still the indigenous people. When it was almost done, they would jump out to pick the peaches.
Times were changing, and the colonial government also had to consider the impact of public opinion. Moreover, if they always went into battle bare-chested, all the sheep would be scared away. How could they shear the sheep and eat the mutton?
Chen Taoyue also fought his way to the position of the leader. Since he had weapons, he was naturally not going to wait for death.
"Distribute them first, and then send someone to contact Mr. Honorino. We need his help now."
It was not impossible to personally coordinate with the Japanese. With the Hong Sect's contacts in Southeast Asia, Chen Taoyue had also made friends with many Japanese. These people might not be able to call the shots of the Japanese Army, but they could still act as a middleman.
If the Japanese wanted to take over the Philippines, they naturally needed the cooperation of the local tyrants. The local power of the Japanese was not enough. If the Hong Sect was willing to go over, the Japanese had no reason to refuse. The problem now was that he did not want to have anything to do with the Japanese.
Like most Southeast Asian Chinese in this era, Chen Taoyue also had Westerophobia. Although the Japanese Army had the upper hand, he was still more optimistic about the Spanish.
There was no doubt that if the Spanish won the war, they would definitely carry out a big purge of those who defected to the Japanese. Chen Taoyue did not want to be involved in this.
In this context, naturally, he could only let people who were not afraid of trouble help deal with it. As the foreign affairs officer of Austria in the Philippines, Honorino was one of the people who was not afraid of trouble.
Since the establishment of Lanfang Autonomous Province, he had encountered similar situations many times every year. For the sake of the Shield, Mr. Honorino had never refused anyone.
This was also a legal extra income. Being a middleman to help others or simply accepting commissions to negotiate on behalf of others was allowed by the Government of Vienna as long as it did not harm Austria's interests.
In fact, he did not harm Austria's interests. This kind of foreign affairs officer sounded very powerful, but in fact, he had very little power and could not represent Austria at all. The real representatives were the ministers or ambassadors.
The establishment of foreign affairs officers was for business convenience and to solve some business disputes; on the other hand, it was because the cost of setting up a diplomatic embassy was too high and political impact had to be considered.
It was obviously unreasonable to set up an embassy in a colony. The status of the two parties was completely unequal.
Speak of the devil. Before the butler could take action, a burly white man walked in.
"Don't bother, Chen. I came as soon as I received the news. You're a good friend!"
The man was Honorino. Chen Taoyue originally did not like this guy who was too familiar with others, but now he suddenly found this guy to be very cute.
Although he knew that this person was only here for the Shield, to be able to stand up to help in a crisis meant that most friends were reliable.
"Of course, you're my best friend. Now I need you to help me get rid of the Japanese. As long as the Japanese Army does not enter Chinatown to rob, I am willing to pay them no more than 200,000 BND as compensation. "
At this critical juncture, Chen Taoyue could not care less about money. Moreover, he was not the only one paying. Everyone would share the money.
Everyone knew that if they didn't bleed at this time, when the Japanese army rushed in, they would lose everything.
Hearing this number, Honorino could only sigh. "I didn't know that you guys were so rich!"
After a pause, he added, "Chen, are you sure you want to pay? You know, if you give money to the Japanese and the Spanish win the war, it will bring you a lot of trouble in the future. "
Everyone looked sad. This amount of money was almost the limit of what they could afford. If they had no other choice, no one was willing to spend money to buy peace.
The trouble was two-fold. One was that it might trigger the greed of the Japanese, and the other was that the Spanish would come back and reach out to them.
Chen Taoyue asked in return, "Mr. Honorino, if you don't pay, do you have any way to prevent the Japanese Army from robbing us?"
Honorino waved his hand. "No! However, if you're willing to pay, I have an idea.
We're buying peace anyway. Instead of giving it to the Japanese, it's better to give it to us. A fixed price of 350,000 Divine Shields. I'll take care of the troubles of both the Japanese and the Spanish. "
Looking at Honorino, who had taken care of everything, Chen Taoyue frowned. He was too full of himself. If it was a promise made by a big shot in Austria, it would be more like it. A foreign affairs officer probably did not have that much influence.
As if sensing something from everyone's gaze, Honorino continued, "Don't worry, I don't want this money. I don't have that big of an appetite.
This money is for the Government of Vienna. As long as you're willing to pay, I'll authorize you to fly the flag of the Holy Roman Empire on behalf of the Government of Vienna.
You can also communicate with the Japanese to prove that you're citizens of the Empire. I've been in Japan and I know what kind of people the Government of Japan is. They don't dare to challenge the Empire.
Even if these guys break the rules and enter Chinatown to rob, the Empire will double the compensation for you in the future.
Of course, this citizenship was only temporary. After the crisis is over, it will disappear.
In order to show our sincerity, we can sign a contract first and pay after everything is over. Anyway, we're all friends. I'm not afraid that you'll go back on your word. "
For the sake of promotion, Honorino was going all out. Although it was easy to make money as a foreign affairs officer, it was difficult to make political achievements. What was more troublesome was that even if he made political achievements, it would not be seen in the Empire.
If he wanted to go further, he would have to make a contribution and prove his ability to the Empire.
A few hundred thousand Divine Shields was nothing to the Government of Vienna, but if he could get the money for the Empire without any effort, it would be enough to prove Honorino's ability.
Perhaps the latter payment had moved the hearts of the people. The original doubtful gazes were no longer there. An old man asked in a deep voice, "Mr. Honorino, if we want to get permanent citizenship, how much do we have to pay?"
The more one experienced, the more one knew the value of safety. It was not that none of the people present had obtained the citizenship of other European countries, but the problem was that the effect would be greatly reduced when one looked at their skin color.
If it was a small problem, they could use money to clear the way. However, when they encountered a big problem like this, no one would stand up for them.
In contrast, Austria was much better. At least in the Nanyang region, everyone was treated the same. Regardless of the skin color, they would be protected after obtaining citizenship.
Honorino shook his head. "It's not a matter of money. If you want to get Austrian citizenship, the key is to look at contribution. You can consult the colonial government about the specific requirements.
Anyway, it's very difficult. I personally suggest that you go to Lanfang Autonomous Province. Compared to other places in Nanyang, it's more suitable for your survival. "
Hearing this explanation, many people sighed. Everyone knew about the situation in Lanfang Autonomous Province. If it weren't for the fact that the plantation and mines couldn't be moved, everyone would have moved there with their families.
…
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