Master Yuan, start!

From Vietnam to Luzon, from Luzon to Taiwan, from Taiwan to North Korea, and finally from North Korea to Ussuri Autonomous Region.

If we draw a circle, the area is larger than any dynasty in Chinese history, and all this was achieved in just a few years, under the roar of huge ships and cannons.

There is knowledge brought by later generations, luck, and of course countless blood.

It is the first time in the world that such a situation can be established with such a vast land and a population of hundreds of millions.

It was strange that even Yuan Shikai himself felt a little worried: such a large territory had not yet been stabilized and was still in constant war.

It is very similar to the short-lived Alexander Empire in history, which is like playing with fire.

Yes, playing with fire!

Many times when he thought about it, Yuan Shikai couldn't help but feel scared. Although Xu Shichang, Duan Qirui, Feng Guozhang, Ming Ye and others were trustworthy, who knew about the others?

There are now at least 100,000 members of the Red Confucian Society across the country. In Guangdong alone, after the decisive victory over Li Hongzhang, people who wanted to join the Red Confucian Society lined up for three days and three nights.

Apart from this, how many officials across the country are just doing their job, how many are just sitting there doing nothing, or how many of them are truly loyal to themselves?

What they really recognize is victory or their own ideas?

There was no Internet or satellite phones now, and it was not the later era where one could quickly circle the earth several times by plane. Even if one took the fastest steamship, it would take at least three days to travel from Tianjin to Guangzhou.

As early as when Korea was training troops, Yuan Shikai realized this problem, so he proposed to set up a telegraph office earlier than in the original time and space to communicate between the north and the south.

But a telegram is just a telegram after all. It can only record what has happened, but it cannot actually change anything.

Therefore, in order to rule such a large territory, in addition to continuing to cover the telegraph and ensuring that the telegraph reaches every prefecture, a strong and large-scale army is also needed!

Expanding the military is a must!

Yuan Shikai was well aware that defeating the French did not mean he could rest on his laurels.

The magnificent 20th century was about to arrive. For a country with a population of 4 million, having less than 100 million professional soldiers was a crime against all citizens.

9 In fact, this problem has troubled him for a long time. As early as after defeating Li Hongzhang, the issue of military expansion has been lingering in his mind for a long time. Not to mention him, even Xu Shichang and Duan Qirui had private conversations with him about this matter.

4 Although they didn't say it out loud, they were actually anxious in their hearts. It was just put on hold because they didn't speak up. But now this issue can no longer be put on hold!

The weapon of criticism cannot defeat the criticism of weapons.

Therefore, under his instructions, the National Revolutionary Army took advantage of the momentum of the war against France and recruited new soldiers on a large scale, with the total number reaching more than 50.

However, the massive expansion of the military in a short period of time did not lead to the imagined all-out war with the French.

20. Under the current situation, deploying a maximum of troops in Indochina is already the limit.

For the remaining 30 people, we are responsible not only for their training, but also for their food, drink, defecation and daily wages.

How can we reduce some of the burden on the new government?

Yuan Shikai placed his hopes on the British.

According to the British themselves, they have sent more than 10 troops to the South African region, which seems to be a lot, but compared with the nearly 50 troops in the original time and space limit, it is far from enough.

Compared with the British lobster soldiers who earn 5 pounds a month, the Chinese soldiers who only need less than 5 taels of silver are undoubtedly more cost-effective.

"But...how can we make the British realize this?" Yuan Xiangcheng narrowed his eyes and began to think.

It is not impossible to take the initiative to propose it, but the British may not accept it calmly. After all, the British are afraid of chaos if hundreds of thousands of foreign troops enter South Africa.

Only contrast can highlight the bravery of Chinese soldiers.

Thinking of this, Yuan Xiangcheng came up with a plan in his mind.

At this moment, footsteps were heard from outside the courtyard. Xu Shichang, Duan Qirui, Tang Shaoyi and others came together, making the already stuffy courtyard even more crowded.

Before he could ask, Xu Shichang took a half step forward at the signal of the crowd and said with a smile:

“Instructor General, Paul Dume, Governor-General of Indochina, has arrived, bringing with him the latest telegram from the Paris government.

It seems they can’t fight any further.”

Chapter 475: The End of Indochina Volume

"Paul Dumay" Yuan Xiangcheng repeated the name in his mouth. He did not expect that France would send the Governor-General of Indochina this time.

He started out as a consul, then a minister, and now he has become the highest-ranking official in France in the Far East, the Governor-General of Indochina.

It seems that they have really reached a dead end.

After discussing some details with everyone, Yuan Xiangcheng tidied up his appearance, changed into formal clothes, and then hurried out.

In the hall, Paul Dumei had no interest in even looking at the oriental-style living room furnishings all around him.

He came from Saigon to Guangzhou with only one purpose, which was to win a new group for France in Indochina.

Yes, France is about to surrender.

Although Paul Toume had a vague sense of unease halfway through the war, he originally believed that the French army would at least hold out for a while longer.

Because they still have tens of thousands of ground forces in Indochina, and a supporting fleet is on the way. As long as the navy sails in the South China Sea for one day, China cannot say that it has truly defeated Indochina.

But what was unexpected was that the despicable Chinese actually joined forces with Germany and ambushed the French support fleet that came from afar.

In addition, Yuan Shikai also quickly captured the southern part of Guangxi occupied by the French army.

Yes, Paul Toume still stubbornly believes that the victory of the Beiyang Fleet was the credit of the Germans.

The navy was completely lost, Tonkin was occupied, and Cochinchina faced abdication from the Germans.

France has lost two of the three important cities in Indochina.

Hanoi counts as one, Hue counts as half, and Saigon counts as half.

Because the latter two cities faced the threat of the German Navy and the Beiyang Navy respectively.

Indochina was exhausted from fighting on two fronts and could no longer hold on. This unexpected situation made him a little panicked, so he ignored the Germans' persuasion to surrender and sneaked out of Saigon without stopping and headed for Guangzhou.

Just to prevent France from surrendering to the Germans again.

However, on the way here, he heard an even more surprising piece of news: Yuan Shikai was actually cooperating with the Americans to deal with the Spaniards in the Philippines.

As a result, the original idea of ​​ceding the Philippines to satisfy Yuan Shikai became a luxury.

After all, it was impossible for France to fight another round of battles with the Americans to retake the Philippines.

And at the diplomatic table, it is absolutely impossible to make the Americans give up the Philippines by using words.

Britain, Germany, the United States and Spain were unable to help France, and it was the first time that France felt so isolated in the Far East.

That feeling is just like the anti-French alliance on the European continent.

Everyone is against me, everyone hates me.

On the contrary, Yuan Shikai became the central figure of the "Anti-French Alliance" in East Asia.

Not only did they cling to the British, they also hooked up with the Americans.

Oh my God, the Chinese Exclusion Act enacted by the Americans ten years ago was a blatant discrimination against these yellow people.

Why would a president who has always instilled the concepts of equality and freedom in his citizens cooperate with a country that discriminates against Chinese people?

What kind of agreement was signed between them?

Will it affect France's interests in other parts of the world?

Will the American fleet appear in Indochina ports in the future?

These questions made him unable to sit still, so as soon as he arrived in Guangzhou, he immediately ran to see Yuan Shikai, hoping to find out the inside story.

"Dear Mr. Paul Toume, I was surprised that you would come to this foreign land in person." Yuan Xiangcheng laughed, walked into the living room, and looked at the French Governor-General of Indochina.

Paul Dumei was also a little surprised when he saw Yuan Xiangcheng for the first time. Although he had already known that this Far Eastern president was very special, he was still a little surprised when he saw the real person.

He really couldn't understand what could have allowed such a short and sturdy yellow man to gain the loyalty of so many people.

Could it be that it is destined that the dwarf will save the country?

"Your Excellency, President, I, Paul Dumay, on behalf of the French Republic, express my warmest greetings to you." Paul Dumay went straight to the point, because he knew there was no time for drama, so he simply said:

"At the same time, I'm here this time to resolve the misunderstandings between us. The unpleasant disputes that have occurred between our countries before are entirely due to our government's failure to recognize the special circumstances of East Asia."

"An unpleasant dispute!" Yuan Xiangcheng curled his lips. As the colonial governor of an old capitalist country, he was very good at making excuses.

However, since they wanted to seek peace, Yuan Xiangcheng didn't mind having a good talk with them about the bargaining chips.

"Mr. Paul Dume, you came here specifically to explain this issue to me?" Yuan Xiangcheng said after inviting Paul Dume to sit down.

"I think, if that's the case, then you don't have to come in person. Just send the previous consul, oh no, Mr. Fang Suya, who is now the minister, to come.

If you want to get back your country's captured soldiers, I'm sorry, I can't do anything for you because these people were rescued by German warships and I have no authority to deal with them.

However, if you want to salvage the sunken French warship, I can send a ship to help."

"Are you here to get them back?"

"I want your head!"

Paul Dume cursed inwardly. He didn't expect Yuan Shikai's words to be so sharp. This was obviously a reminder to him not to be too naive. France had lost all resistance in the Far East.

All I can do now is admit defeat honestly.

But now was not the time to be angry. Paul Dumay could only suppress his anger and said, "Your Excellency the President, I have another reason to come here. We in the French government want to know how far you will go in conquering Indochina.

Or, in other words, how much interest can France still retain in Indochina?

"Don't worry, Your Excellency. In fact, I have already considered this issue."

"Have you considered it?! 5 Qipi Jiaoliu Group:"

Before Paul Dumei could come out of his confusion, Yuan Xiangcheng had already picked up a glass of cool sour plum juice, took a sip, and said calmly:

“Yes, after the French surrender, I will not lose any of your country’s property in Indochina.

On the contrary, I will send someone to inventory the information and protect these properties. If the French merchants are willing to return to Indochina, they can also be sent back.

In addition, I have already discussed with the United Kingdom that we will work together to develop the port of Saigon and make it the only trading port in the Cochinchina area, allowing your country's products and personnel to smoothly enter and exit the future Indochina."

Capture Saigon?

If it weren't for his good education and habits, Paul Dumei almost wanted to splash the sour plum juice on Yuan Xiangcheng's face.

Teaching Liu Group 9667+910[?25*

Without Saigon, it was only a matter of time before France lost its rule over all of Indochina.

This is absolutely impossible!