Travel through the Qing Dynasty and become emperor

After talking about this matter, Guan Xuqing breathed a sigh of relief, sat back on his throne, and said to Liu Buchan: "How is the construction of the aircraft carrier going?"

Liu Buchan took a few steps forward and said respectfully: "My Majesty, the progress is very smooth. The British and the Germans fought fiercely in the European battlefield. It seems that they are also competing with each other in this shipbuilding project. The level of shipbuilding is superior to the opponent. Armstrong Shipyard brought all the core technical experts in the UK to China, and invested huge sums of money to establish a Sino-British joint shipyard in Quanzhou, which is responsible for building the firepower and power systems of aircraft carriers. The Germans also Not to show weakness, Voltron Shipyard and Hamburg Shipyard simply transported domestic large-scale special-purpose machinery to Weihai, and established a forging factory for high-quality steel plates there. Now it seems that these shipyards are no longer just for the empire. When the reward comes, it gradually smells like fire."

Everyone who said something couldn't help but smile, and the tense atmosphere just now eased down immediately.

Guan Xuqing nodded in satisfaction: "This is the benefit of global bidding. If the order for the whole ship was given to them at the beginning, then not only would they not be under pressure, but they would find various reasons to bargain with us. If the contract is all It has been signed, if they dare to tear it up casually, or if the parts they manufacture fail to meet our requirements, they will have to pay huge liquidated damages, and those shrewd businessmen will of course have to redouble their efforts."

"Emperor Shengming."

At around four o'clock in the morning that night, on the cliff on the left side of the 193 highland in the Marne River Basin, the bitter north wind was blowing hard!

Guo Songling led fifty engineering special forces to climb up the cliff quietly and dig a hole on a vertical plane close to 90 degrees.

Guo Songling looked at his watch anxiously. More than 5 hours had passed, but it was hard to imagine the difficulty of working hard under such harsh conditions.

At this time, an engineer said in a low voice: "Report to the sir, all the holes have been drilled."

Guo Songling was startled suddenly, and said in a dry voice, "Immediately...fill...the explosives!" Only then did he realize that his face had been frozen and it was difficult for him to speak.

After 5 minutes, the explosives were filled and placed. "Withdraw!" Guo Songling ordered in a low voice.

These people hammered the wire rope back to the ground and ran all the way to the designated place.Guo Songling reported to Zhang Zuolin by radio: "Everything is ready, request instructions!"

Zhang Zuolin's deep voice soon came from inside: "Explode immediately!"

"Yes!" Guo Songling looked at the cliff, and suddenly pressed the blasting air pressure lever. A few seconds later, there was a loud explosion at the other end of the long rope leading to the cliff. Scatter and fly!

Zhang Zuolin saw the flames lit by the explosion and the tremors of the ground at the Epina headquarters. He slapped his thigh happily, and then ordered Zou Zuohua to immediately launch an artillery attack on the forward positions of the British and French coalition forces.

Boom, boom, boom...

The heavy shelling lasted about half an hour in total.At five o'clock in the morning, the imperial cavalry launched the world's first blitzkrieg.

Under the cover of layers of artillery fire, more than 200 landship-class tanks gathered from all directions, and lined up in a neat queue to advance towards the Marne River Basin.Behind these tanks is a mobile team composed of 3 motorcycles.The fifty airships of the two airship formations took the lead in reaching the front of the enemy's position and carried out carpet bombing.The infantry of the three reorganized divisions of the [-]rd Imperial Cavalry Army advanced towards the Aina River area layer by layer. Their task was to consolidate the area occupied by the armored forces after the armored forces broke through the opponent's defensive positions.

The third division under the command of Zhang Zongchang was responsible for the first assault. First, it had to lay a wedge five kilometers long and three kilometers wide against the defense line of the British and French troops in the area between the Aine River and the Marne River.To the west of Sossons, cross the Asni River, and then advance towards the Kang Sai, aiming at the Aisi River.

Under the command of Liao Zhong, the Second Infantry Division first broke through the defense line of the French border and advanced straight to the small town of Rogent.

The No.20 Infantry Division was under the command of Tang Yulin, and their task was to occupy the Great Morin River Basin, and then cross the Great Morin River and advance directly to Paris.

The No.20 Third Infantry Division, directly under the Imperial Iron Cavalry, followed the third division as the main attack.

In just two hours, Zhang Zongchang's Third Division had made countless gaps in the northern defense line of the British and French troops, and their fronts were directed at Montion and Maux, the important towns in eastern France.

This large-scale blitzkrieg completely confused the British and French allied forces. They had never seen such surprising weapons and equipment and new tactics, so that the progress of the imperial cavalry in various places was very rapid.Except for Liao Zhong's 200nd Infantry Division, which encountered tenacious resistance from the French in the GIA fortification area, most of the troops broke through the multi-line defense system built by Britain and France on the first day of the war.The airship formation also defeated the airship cluster from the hinterland of France within three hours of the war, and firmly controlled the battlefield air supremacy of the Marne River.During the air strike on the Marne Airship Base at [-]:[-] in the morning, a total of more than [-] Chinese airships took turns.Dozens of airships deployed on the two airship bases here were blown up on the ground before they could take off. What's worse, the number of these airships already accounted for more than one-third of the total number of French large airships.

At this time, Paris, the capital of France, was already in chaos.Chinese airships flew over this ancient city in twos and threes, dropping bombs from time to time. Although no serious damage was caused, the whole city was thrown into panic.The French Army High Command was even more chaotic. Everyone was busy shouting and screaming. The constant reminder of the transmitter and scolding mixed with the sound of bomb explosions made the place extremely chaotic.

Soaring Heads: World War I 3Chapter 16 The New Year of the Empire

At this time, in the underground conference room of the French Army Supreme Command, the highest commanders of the French army were all present, and they kept in touch with the troops who had not lost contact by radio.

"Your Excellency! Our situation is very dangerous now. In the north, the enemy's armored forces have broken through our defense line. According to the current situation, their target is Kang Sai. In addition, there are also a group of powerful tanks in the Great Morin River area. It is estimated that the retreat of the Biluo Army may be cut off by the opponent at any time. In the Maoks area, the enemy's attack encountered trouble due to our tenacious blocking. However, another division of the opponent has already broken through our GIA. The defense system has drilled through the gap between our two armies. The 4th Army will face the attack of the four infantry divisions of the other side... At present, no troops can be mobilized, and we are located on the flank of Montion The logistics supply road is about to be captured by the enemy's mountain troops. The situation in the entire Marne battlefield is very unfavorable to our army..." General Joffre, Chief of Staff of the French Army, pointed at the map with a pointer and said slowly. It seemed quite helpless.

"Your Excellency the Marshal!" At this time, the senior councilor of the Ministry of War, Romy, said: "Looking at the current situation, the enemy's attack intention is very clear. They don't just want to help the Germans regain the line of defense lost in the first Battle of the Marne. , but want to fully occupy Paris, the capital of our country, so I suggest that we should immediately abandon the lost defense line and withdraw the troops in the rear position to the east of Paris. After all, in order to keep our capital, even some sacrifices are necessary At this point, Romy glanced at Xia Fei with pleading eyes.

"No!" British consultant Martin Totman immediately retorted: "If there is no such adjustment before the war, there is still a chance for such adjustments, but now the pressure on Paris is obviously much greater than that of the Marne River. The main army group will only give the opponent a chance, and what will be lost is not just a capital, but the whole of France."

"You two gentlemen, what you said is reasonable, but now what I want to know is, how can we resist the enemy's attack, and even turn defeat into victory." Xiafei said angrily.

Both Romy and Martin lowered their heads, not knowing whether they were thinking or there was nothing they could do about it.

Xiafei sighed heavily, and said to himself: "It seems that we all thought wrong at the beginning. We can't deal with Germany alone. Now we have another powerful enemy out of thin air. China will always be a powerful enemy." A country that shocked the world."

Just after the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, the New Year's atmosphere in Beijing became more and more intense, and Guan Xuqing became even busier. There were too many old customs left in the palace. Although he had removed some of them, the remaining ones were still extremely cumbersome.The imperial cavalry has just launched an offensive on the Marne River, and the daily battle reports are like a steady stream of snowflakes. Chinese and foreign journalists are jammed in front of the foreign affairs department every day, and they must ask His Majesty the Emperor to give a speech on the war, and summon all places to Beijing to report. An honest official, reviewing the papers, gave Guan Xuqing a headache.But the etiquette system preserved in the palace had to be followed, otherwise those veterans of the Qing school would chatter endlessly in the emperor's ears about "benevolence, justice, propriety, wisdom and faith" every day, which would be annoying to death.

The Spring Festival in the Qing palace is usually counted from the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, but the real Chinese New Year starts from "inviting the gods" on New Year's Eve to "sending off the gods" on the fifth day of the lunar new year.On the sixth day of the lunar new year, the emperor will go to court, the business will be open for business, and the prince will go to class and study.

On New Year's Eve, the festive atmosphere began to climax, and Guan Xuqing's troubles became more and more serious.The first is to meet God.On New Year's Eve, Guan Xuqing was woken up by Wang Shang at about four o'clock in the morning, and then, amidst the sound of firecrackers, he went to the East and West Buddhist Halls of the Hall of Mental Cultivation and more than ten other places in the palace to burn incense and salute. Everywhere, sesame straws were sprinkled on them, and they creaked when they stepped on them. While walking, Wang Shang said: "This is called stepping on the year. It not only takes the auspiciousness of backgammon, but also implies the meaning of saying goodbye to the old year. I wish the emperor a prosperous future." Carried, the great cause is prosperous."

Guan Xuqing was a little bit dumbfounded, thinking that stepping on straws would last forever, what a joke, these poor things will be scrapped one day sooner or later.

When it was time for breakfast, Guan Xuqing came to the dining room after washing up. At this time, Empress Jingfen, Lan Fei, De Fei, Zhen Fei, Jin Fei, and the concubine Mao Zi from Japan were already waiting here, and everyone paid their respects together. Your Majesty, naturally gave another word of blessing.Guan Xuqing waved his hand: "Get up, everyone, and eat with me."

I saw dozens of dishes, big and small, on the table, all colorful and unattractive. Wang Shang reported the names of the dishes with a sharp voice, and read out the names of 21 dishes in one breath, "Yellow Rice Yipin , one product of bird’s nest hanging furnace duck, one product of hanging furnace meat, wild Italian hot pot, one product of bird’s nest and hibiscus duck hot pot, one product of Wannianqing wine stewed duck hot pot, one product of Eight Immortals bowl of bird’s nest apple and fat chicken, one product of blue and white jade bowl with soup duck, one product of green A white jade bowl of Ersi Kesen deer tail sauce, a golden bowl of crushed pheasant, a golden bowl of steamed duck and a plate of deer tail, a golden plate of steamed fat duck, a golden plate of sheep with black fork, and a golden plate of roasted venison , a piece of roasted wild pork on a gold plate, a piece of deer tail on a gold plate, a piece of steamed buns rolled with bamboo knots in an enamel plate, a piece of sweet potato in an enamel plate, a piece of rice cake in an enamel plate, and a piece of small dishes in an enamel sunflower box."

Guan Xuqing has been tossed all morning, and now he is so hungry that he is staring at Wang Shang with a frown, wondering if this kid didn't sleep last night, and he just recited the names of these dishes. The meal is already over.When Wang Shang finished reporting the name of the dish, he said lightly: "I'm here to eat, not to show off. Let's forget about the big day today. After changing to the imperial dining room, all New Year's Eve breakfasts will be inspected. At most, it can't exceed ...six. Got it?"

"But... Your Majesty..." Wang Shang was about to persuade him, but when he took a peek at the Emperor's face, his face had already darkened, he swallowed the following words abruptly, and said "cha" in a low voice.

After breakfast, Guan Xuqing drank some tea and had a chat with the concubines, and then, accompanied by Wang Shang, went to the Temple of Mental Cultivation and Heaven and Earth again, to burn incense and salute.Then go to Tianyimen, Qin'an Hall, Qianqiu Pavilion, Doutan in the Royal Garden, Tianqiong Hall on the east side of the East Sixth Palace, Miaolianhua Room in Jianfu Palace Garden, Ninghui Hall, Guangsheng Building, Qianqing Palace East In front of the sages in Lu, in front of the King of Medicine, in front of the west case, north case, Zao Jun, and Dongnuange Buddha of Kunning Palace, in front of Chengqian Palace, Yuqing Palace, Dongnuan Pavilion of Qianqing Palace, etc., burn incense and salute.After finishing this, Guan Xuqing saw sweat on his tired forehead, and waved to Wang Shang: "Go back to the palace first, I'm tired, I need to rest for a while."

"Your Majesty, this is just the beginning, and the next step is to start writing."

Guan Xuqing pointed to Wang Shang's nose and wanted to say something, but finally sighed: "Okay, lead the way." The monarchs and ministers returned to the East Pavilion of the Hall of Mental Cultivation one after the other.At this time, the palace people had already set up a "Jin Ou Yonggu" cup on the table at the bright window, poured Tusu wine into it, and lit a pair of jade candles beside it.Guan Xuqing took the fire medium from Wang Shang, lit the pair of jade candles himself, placed them on a red lacquer carved cloud dragon plate, and covered it with a bronze auspicious stove.

"The emperor's auspicious star is shining!" Wang Shang's sudden voice made Guan Xuqing tremble with the pen in his hand, and he almost didn't let go, thinking that this Wang Shang...

He took the pen and smoked it on the auspicious stove, dipped it in some red ink, wrote the eight characters "Sanyang Qitai, Vientiane Renewal", and then put the pen back to its original place.Turning around, he asked Wang Shang, "What's next?"

"Report to the emperor, it's time to accept the congratulations from all the officials." Wang Shang replied.

"I remember quite clearly. Lead the way."

"twitter."

At this time, in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the cumbersome ceremony had already been prepared, and Chen Fa, the guard of Luanyi, drove Luan to book in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Gate of Supreme Harmony, and the Gate of Meridian.Chen Zhonghe and Shao Le of the Department of Harmony of the Music Department are located under the east and west eaves of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and Danbi Dale is located under the east and west eaves of the north side of the Taihe Gate.There is a division that sets up table cases in the south of the east couplet in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and a brush and inkstone case in the south of the west couplet in the hall.

Prince Su and other princes are all standing on Danbi, and the rest of the officials are in Danchi. There is a copper-grade mountain in Danchi, arranged according to the nine ranks, 18 rows from east to west, and there are censors and ceremonies next to them. The official is responsible for identifying the position of the officials.

Guan Xuqing strode up to Danxi and sat on the throne with a majestic look.At this time, Wang Shang who was standing next to him shouted loudly: "OK...congratulations...gift!"

I saw a row of princes and ministers, under the guidance of the officials of the Ministry of Rites, came to the foot of their own ranks and stood respectfully waiting to worship.Time is not long, only to hear the officials of the Qin Tianjian shout: "The auspicious time has come!" "Dangdangdang" three times, the bell and drum at the Meridian Gate rang together, and at the same time all kinds of musical instruments in the hall were played together, which was very pleasant to the ears.After a while, the music stopped, and the master of ceremonies blew his whip three times from the steps.

Only then did the princes and ministers go down the steps one by one according to their ranks to congratulate the emperor, kneel down three times and kowtow nine times. Guan Xuqing found it troublesome to watch, but he still had to keep his majesty on his face.The ministers and foreign envoys all knelt down and worshiped, and more than two hours had passed.

"Give me tea." Guan Xuqing waved his hand slowly, and the palace people filed in and placed a cup of tea in front of each of the ministers.

Everyone took a symbolic sip, then crawled back to the ground and shouted: "Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"

In the evening, Guan Xuqing gave a banquet in the Baohe Hall as usual, mainly entertaining princes from Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang and other places who came from foreign domains.But it is still the same old way. After Guan Xuqing arrives at the palace, he performs rituals such as Yan Li, playing music, serving tea, entering nobles, serving wine, serving food, music and dancing, acrobatics, a hundred operas, and giving thanks after the banquet.After finishing, the empress and her family members went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to say goodbye to the emperor. Since there is no empress dowager, there is no need to salute the empress dowager.The family members went to the Queen's Palace to say goodbye to the Queen.

After all these things were done, it was time to light up the lamps.For a while, the lights inside and outside the palace were brightly lit, Guan Xuqing said to Wang Shang wearily: "I'm too tired, I went back to the palace to rest."

"Your Majesty..." Before Wang Shang could finish speaking, Guan Xuqing suddenly turned around, two cold lights shot out from his eyes, he gritted his teeth and said, "Haven't you tormented me enough, what else are you going to do?"

Wang Shang was so frightened that he shuddered, and fell to his knees with a plop, "Your Majesty... this servant deserves to die, this servant... deserves to die." He slapped himself as he spoke.