Travel through the Qing Dynasty and become emperor

A few months ago, in a villa on the outskirts of London, he and two senior officials of the Royal Navy had just had a two-hour long talk with Mr. William White, an epoch-making British naval warship designer.

The first half of the conversation was White's endless complaints to the British Treasury, because his ship completely subverted the existing battleship theory, and carried out revolutionary innovations in armament, power, protection, etc. These changes seemed It is so crazy. If it succeeds, it can indeed create a new ocean era, but at the same time, its reliability is also difficult to evaluate. In this case, investing a huge amount of money in it is undoubtedly a huge gamble. The Ministry of Finance, it is normal for them to have difficulty making this determination.

When Churchill handed the Ministry of Finance shipbuilding approval plan to White with a smile, White was so excited that he almost went crazy.

"If it weren't for the fact that Germany was so desperate, the British Ministry of Finance might never pass the design blueprint of the dreadnought. Now the arms race between the two countries has reached a fever pitch, and Germany's development momentum is obviously higher than that of the United Kingdom. Don't go too high Technology, Britain can’t suppress Germany. Of course, both the government and the Admiralty hope that Mr. White’s design will be unique and pragmatic at the same time. It is not enough to remove a few secondary guns from the original design of the warship and add a few main guns. Well, if it is built according to this requirement, it will not be considered a dreadnought at all, it can only be regarded as a variant of the Victoria class, and it is still a very failed one." Churchill said very humorously.

Of course, White saw the intention of Churchill and others. They didn't want to squander the government's huge funds, so he wanted to come up with his best design concept, so that these people in front of him and the politicians who criticized him would be completely convinced. .

"The Dreadnought is unparalleled. Simply removing a few secondary guns and adding a few main guns is not feasible in the theory of early ships. Why do you say that? Because ordinary Victoria-class warships are not capable of carrying more main guns. The large-caliber main gun is very heavy, and once it enters a naval battle, the rotation and firing of the main gun will bring great pressure to the ship. Victoria-class warships can only withstand up to four main guns firing at the same time. If there are more, I'm afraid I didn't hit the opponent's ship, but my own ship sank first because of the recoil, so even if 4 main guns are deployed, no more than 10 can participate in the battle."

White licked Tim's dry lips and continued: "If you want to add artillery, you must improve the performance of the entire ship so that it has a greater carrying capacity. For this reason, I have proposed four improvement plans.

First, use a steam turbine engine to provide power.This kind of engine can heat the water to obtain the kinetic energy of water vapor, and then convert it into a turbine to rotate to drive the machine.The turbo steam engine has greatly improved thermal efficiency, is closer to the ideal reversible process in thermodynamics, and can provide greater power, which is more advanced than the reciprocating steam engine.

Second, widen the hull and provide thicker armor, so that the stability of the deck can be guaranteed when the artillery is attacking.The hull of traditional ships is narrower, which is to reduce water resistance, improve agility, and obtain faster sailing speeds.But the Intrepid does not need this. In naval battles, it can completely suppress enemy ships with super powerful firepower, and there is almost no need to worry about being counterattacked. This is a design idea that focuses on offense and defense.

Third, improve the watertight cabin and use the flow of stored water to control the stability of the ship.The watertight cabin is generally below the waterline, and the cabin is divided into compartments that are not connected to each other by bulkheads. In this way, if a cabin is damaged or leaks, it will not affect other cabins, which greatly improves the safety of the entire ship. .But I came up with a crazy method, which is to specially design a pilot cabin, which can open the gate to put seawater into the bottom cabin, and then guide the seawater to the correct cabin area by controlling the gates of other cabin areas. .

Fourth, we also need to carry out a comprehensive transformation of the artillery. I call this the "full heavy artillery" concept, using 10 305-inch caliber main guns of the same model and consistent ballistic performance. Five dual-mounted main turrets are arranged on the centerline of the hull. In addition to the gunners' direct control, they can also use the unified firepower system in the bridge for macro control.This design has a special advantage: due to the completely consistent ballistic performance, once any main gun successfully attacks and obtains the correct attack data, other artillery can immediately follow suit, and can cause terrible damage to the enemy in a short time. After finishing this long speech, White looked at Churchill proudly.

"Mr. White, your design is very wonderful. Technology needs to be driven by imagination, but I hope this design is not just theoretically feasible." An accompanying officer raised his concerns.

"The Dreadnought-class battleship I designed is unique in the world. I can guarantee that no warship can survive for more than 10 minutes in front of it." White's tone was aggressive, and his blue eyes flickered with madness. shine.Perhaps White didn't know that his amazing design provided the blueprint for a super maritime weapon in later generations, and this weapon is the aircraft carrier.

Soaring Front: The First World War 2 Chapter [-] A War Without Gunsmoke (Modified)

Guan Xuqing was in a very good mood these past few days. After returning to Luan from Hangzhou, he heard that Concubine De was pregnant for more than three months, so he went to Yonghe Palace more recently. "I heard that people of mixed race are very smart. If you give me a prince who combines Chinese and Western styles, I will definitely reward you well. Haha..."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Concubine De snuggled into the Emperor's embrace, with indescribable expressions on her face.

"My lord, Li Hongzhang, Sheng Xuanhuai, and Yan Shiming are already waiting in the study." Wang Shang came to report.

"I'll be there soon." Guan Xuqing kissed Concubine De on the face, and said, "I have business to do, so I'll come to see you in the evening." Concubine De nodded and helped the emperor tidy up his clothes, her eyes filled with deep tears love.

Guan Xuqing came to the upper study room and said to Li Hongzhang: "How are you preparing for the trip to the United States?"

"It's all ready. I don't know when I should leave. I'm here to ask the emperor for orders." In front of the emperor, Li Hongzhang was always so respectful.

"The sooner the better, let's set off tomorrow. This time I'm going to the United States, I don't want you to have fun. I want to learn the most advanced financial management experience from others, and have extensive contacts with people in the economic circles. It is of great benefit. Remember, the future economy is a war without gunpowder, and whoever wins will dominate the world." Guan Xuqing urged.

"Follow the instructions of the emperor."

The news of the Chinese delegation's visit to the United States quickly spread across the ocean. Well-known media such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the San Francisco Express all published the news on the front page. Statement: "The great Emperor Guangxu of the Chinese Empire sent a good envoy to the United States. The population of the empire under his rule was larger than that of the monarchs of all Europe, and their industrialization began in this country. After progressing and demonstrating their strength in wars many times, the prospect of this country is fascinating, and I am afraid that in this year, the name of the Qing Dynasty will be included in the list of the top four powers in the world."

The U.S. Navy, which had just returned triumphantly from the Caribbean Sea, lined up a welcome queue with almost the highest courtesy. The USS Miami, the USS Texas, and the USS Soyuz, including the USS New York where the commander of the Federal Fleet, General Gangs, lined up at the pier in New York Harbor. Upon the arrival of the cruise ship St. Louis chartered by His Excellency Li Hongzhang, Prime Minister of the Qing Empire, the U.S. Navy fired a [-]-gun welcome salute to pay respect to Li Hongzhang to the head of government.On the pier, Chinese immigrants welcomed the head of government from the motherland in the most traditional way. Various dragon dances and lion dance teams danced on the street. The entire New York Harbor was in a commotion. New York Harbor was packed.After landing, many Chinese immigrants could not help but shed tears of excitement. After publicity in the press, they were moved by Li Hongzhang's tough stance on the political and economic status of Chinese immigrants. What could be more exciting for people than such support?

Among the welcoming crowd in New York.There was one person in particular that attracted Li Hongzhang's attention. He knew that with the help of this person, his mission would be completed extremely smoothly.The man's name was Morgan.His private motorboat is in the front row of the welcome queue. At the bow, the banker is waving his top hat enthusiastically, matching the colorful streamers on his boat and fluttering in the wind, just to express his sincerest welcome.

The wealth and strength of the United States are undoubtedly displayed in New York. Under the 20-story building by the pier, more than 200 cavalrymen of the Sixth Cavalry Brigade wore blue uniforms with braids, and yellow feathers on their hats fluttered in the wind. The mighty and majestic lined up to welcome Li Hongzhang to land.He got into a sedan chair, was carried off the ship by four sailors, boarded the carriage prepared by the Americans, and the newly appointed Assistant Secretary of State Lewis sat with him. All this expressed the grand welcome of the American officials to Li Hongzhang.

The carriage passed the bustling Broadway, and everyone cheered. The brokers of the New York Stock Exchange also gathered to cheer enthusiastically. The highest standard of welcome regulations was hung on the roof of the exchange, and four flags were flying in the air.There are many high-rise buildings on both sides of the road, mutual benefit insurance company, post office building, etc., every floor is full of people, and the people of New York also welcome him as a distinguished guest.Maybe it was because they heard about the opportunity to make a fortune, people in New York did not seem to pay too much attention to Li Hongzhang's speech before his visit as they did in California.

The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York is where the U.S. government's welcome state banquet is held. The state banquet is hosted by Secretary of State Dulles, and senior government officials, business celebrities, bankers, and financial experts are all present.The accompanying ten shopkeepers of the Shanxi bank were looking around like idiots, which aroused the ridicule of Stephen, the executive director of the New York Stock Exchange. He said to the oil tycoon Rockefeller beside him: "Why did the wise Chinese emperor send this A few bad old men, it looks like they all look like old scholars in Chinese private schools. Haha..."

"Mr. Stephen, I want to remind you that these ten Chinese hold one-fifth of the wealth of the ancient country. Any one of them can buy the entire New York City if he wants!" Rockefeller said solemnly Said.

"Really?" Stephen no longer dared to underestimate these people, but instead wanted to find an opportunity to get close to them.

At the welcome banquet, Li Hongzhang expressed his admiration for the financial industry and economic system of the United States, and showed great interest in stocks. President McKinley even explained to him with great interest that this kind of stock is very beneficial to economic development. The system comes, all kinds of others.For example, industries such as education, mining, private telecommunications, iron and steel, railways, etc., Li Hongzhang has shown a certain interest.Especially the mining industry, which is extremely important in China today.From Li Hongzhang's description, Americans gradually saw a China with booming business opportunities and money to be made there.Where there is friendship, this is the real pursuit of interest flow.

Americans who are chasing interests are naturally more sensitive to this aspect. For example, Morgan, the banker who paid a donation to attend the dinner, said on the spot that his consortium is willing to subscribe for 500 million US dollars in the national bonds of the Qing Empire, and other rich people are also interested in investing in China. Express interest.

Sheng Xuanhuai was very busy. A welcome banquet allowed the Imperial Investment Bank to reach more than a dozen important cooperation intentions. The construction of the Houston Industrial City, the mining of California, the United States, the development of Atlantic oil, the operation plan of the Orleans Railway, etc., are all worthy of consideration. It is called a large-scale project of the United States' foreign economic cooperation.

Sheng Xuanhuai remembered what the emperor said to himself before leaving: "I will give you 2000 million silver, and you have to find a way to invest this money in infrastructure projects in the United States. Now let's scatter the fry and wait until the net is collected. It will definitely fill your cabin. There is also a more important layer. These projects are the economic lifeblood of Americans. They are in urgent need of external financial support. It can cause an earthquake in the White House. This is a war without gunpowder."

This chapter is modified to

Soaring Heads: World War I Chapter 2 Financial Empire

Of course, Americans have always been more sensitive in terms of commercial interests. While they welcome the Chinese delegation, they are cautious about the Chinese actively subscribing for US bonds.

Li Hongzhang's visit will last for [-] days. During these [-] days, the delegation he led gave Guan Xuqing a perfect answer.Although there is the support of national strength, the outstanding demeanor and prestige of Li Hongzhang's old statesman are also attributable to him.

The banking and mining industries in the United States intend to enter China. Li Hongzhang also met many people in this field, such as Mr. Morgan and others. Due to traditional factors in China, it is difficult for foreign companies to do business if they do not have a senior official background in North Korea. Well done, now take this opportunity to leave a good impression on Li Hongzhang or establish a good personal relationship in the United States, which is very important to these capitalists. Many valuable experiences, one of which is very important: only the organic combination of money, labor and land can generate wealth.

The Chinese delegation's trip to the United States exceeded the mission. Li Hongzhang brought his delegation back with honor. Guan Xuqing followed Li Hongzhang and others' trip to the United States through newspapers every day. He was impressed by the extraordinary welcome given by the Americans. I already knew it in my heart.There is no direct conflict of interests between China and the United States, and military conflicts are even more out of the question. The Americans have no reason to be enemies instead of friends with such a powerful rising country.Again, no one naturally likes to fight unless you violate his interests.

Guan Xuqing was worried about Sheng Xuanhuai and Yan Shiming who had just returned to China, and immediately started preparing for the currency reform. This was his first step on the road of imperial financial reform. His short-term plan was to realize large-scale circulation of banknotes within this year, and eventually replace them with banknotes. Traditional silver dollars and copper plates.But there is no doubt that the resistance to this kind of reform is huge, and it is difficult for Chinese people to accept banknotes with traditional concepts.

Holding a hundred-dollar bill with Franklin's face in his hand, Guan Xuqing said lightly: "Compared with resistance, the benefits of banknotes are much greater. I have decided that the Imperial Bank will issue banknotes on a large scale at the end of the year to replace Silver dollars and copper plates currently in circulation in the market."

"The currency system of the Americans, as well as the new business methods of banks, the issuance of loans, the absorption of deposits, the circulation of finance, and even stocks are completely different from those currently practiced in China. It may be difficult to operate." Sheng Xuanhuai said cautiously.

"People's things are all there, and anyone can see them. The key is how to digest and absorb them. The current domestic silver standard policy can no longer adapt to the development of the times, so it must be eliminated. Banknotes cannot be achieved overnight. The month can gradually put banknotes into the market and gradually increase the circulation, and the common people also need to have a process of acceptance. The Imperial Savings Bank can not only focus on the spare money in the hands of the common people, but also consider absorbing private capital. For example, we can let the veterans of the Shanxi Bank and Huizhou merchants headed by Hu Xueyan buy shares in the Imperial Bank, so that our capital will suddenly inflate?" It seems that Guan Xuqing has already thought deeply about this issue. .

It's really a word to wake up the dreamer. If Sheng Xuanhuai was still confused by the funding problem, now Guan Xuqing's words opened his mind.But immediately another question arose: "These businessmen are all chasing profits, will they agree to take shares?"

"They put their money in the country's bank and just enjoy dividends every year. If they are not willing to do such a good thing, then they are not shrewd businessmen."

"Your majesty is wise, I will handle this matter immediately." Sheng Xuanhuai's face showed rare excitement, and he felt that the time for him to display his ambition had finally come.

"Xingsun (Sheng Xuanhuai's word), let me ask you, what is the most profitable and riskiest thing in the world?"

Sheng Xuanhuai thought for a while, shook his head and said, "I'm stupid, I don't know what the emperor is referring to."

"War. War is also a kind of investment. War requires a large amount of money to be invested. Just like doing business, if you win the war, you can earn back several times from your opponent. This is the highest return, the greatest risk, and the highest return. The fastest way to invest. So I want you to pass a series of financial reforms to raise a large amount of war expenses for the country. The current war is not fought for military strength, but for money, you know?"

"My subject understands. What does the emperor mean to hit the stick?" After saying this, Sheng Xuanhuai found a trace of displeasure flashing across the emperor's face. He shouldn't ask more about such important national matters.

"Once the war breaks out in the future, I will ask Far East Co., Ltd. to invest 500 million yuan in insurance for the war, and I will take a big gamble with the European and American powers." Guan Xuqing clenched the dollar bills in his hands.

"Xingsun, now you hold the Imperial Savings Bank and the Imperial Investment Bank for me. You want to sharpen these two banks into the two fists of the imperial economy, and be ready to overthrow the economic order of our enemies at any time."

"twitter."

Zhao Bingjun, who had just been appointed as the director of the Military Intelligence Bureau of the Imperial General Staff, suddenly appeared in front of Guan Xuqing, which made the emperor a little surprised and angry. "Have you finished your espionage training?" Guan Xuqing's dissatisfaction with Zhao Bingjun was in his words.

"The training tasks of the three phases have been completed, and the servants rushed back to Beijing without being summoned. They really have to report important military information to the emperor." Zhao Bingjun secretly glanced at the emperor with a pair of fox eyes.

"It's not enough to send a telegram if there is any serious matter. You, the bureau chief, must come back and report in person."

"The spies of the European Department of Military Intelligence have recently received reliable information that the British will soon take action in the Strait of Malacca. It is said that the British aim to occupy the entire Southeast Asia and completely block the Chinese navy within the Yellow Sea. .” Zhao Bingjun looked at the emperor with concern.

"I have known for a long time that the British will strike there, and I am about to take Malacca from them. A few years ago, our fleet was able to defeat this maritime overlord. I believe this history will repeat itself." Guan Xuqing was confident. Full say.

"Yes, with the emperor's wise command, the British fleet will definitely end in failure. But..."