Master Yuan, start!

What is "a gunshot in Sarajevo, which brought about World War I"?

But in the Balkan War that broke out in 1912-1913, there were millions of gunshots, but there was no full-scale fighting between France and Russia or Russia and Austria.

In 1913, when Bulgaria was beaten by Serbia, it asked Vienna for help. Wasn’t this a godsend opportunity for the Austro-Hungarian Empire?

The fact is that the outbreak of World War I was indeed inevitable, but its outbreak in 1914 was accidental, and its development into a war involving tens of millions of people and lasting for more than four years was also accidental.

As for Britain, Britain was really forced to get involved.

If we have to list them in order, Yuan Xiangcheng believes that:

In the original time and space, for Britain, there were conflicts between Britain and Russia, Britain and Germany, and Britain and France.

For Germany, there are conflicts between Germany and France, Germany and Russia, and Germany and Britain.

In this time and space, Britain and France are at odds in Indochina, and for Britain, there are conflicts between Britain and Russia, Britain and France, and Britain and Germany.

As for Germany, it is still the same as in the original time and space.

In this case, the situation is very clear. The conflicts between Britain and Germany are at the lowest level.

Chapter 515 Meeting with the Emperor and Making a Plan

The carriage rolled over the damp cobblestone road in Westminster. Yuan Xiangcheng could smell the salty water vapor coming from the Thames through the window.

5874245 Novels

On the way to meet the Queen, the British Prime Minister rode in the same carriage with Yuan Shikai.

Although the "car" had been invented in Britain at that time, this early car was nothing more than a steam engine or internal combustion engine installed on the back of a horse-drawn carriage. It could neither run steadily nor travel far.

On the contrary, a well-trained horse, if given enough feed, can run steadily and reliably all day long on a smooth road.

After all, horses are creatures that are designed to move.

Inside the carriage, Yuan Xiangcheng stared out the window in a daze, not knowing what he was thinking.

The Marquis of Salisbury beside him leaned slightly to the other side of the carriage, sinking deeply into the camel-colored cashmere seat.

The old man's palm with bulging veins stroked the head of his ivory cane. Through the drifting rain outside the car window, he saw the bronze lion in London's Trafalgar Square blurred into a gray shadow by the rain and fog, just like the glory of the British Empire at this moment.

Last night, the prime minister, who is nearly 70 years old, stayed awake all night after receiving news of the joint military exercises between France and Russia.

"Yuan, the Army Department is preparing to recruit another 10 troops and send them to South Africa," the Prime Minister suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse after the cabinet debate in Westminster Palace.

He tugged at the stiff collar beside his neck, as if the white linen was tightening the empire's throat. "Unless the reserves are mobilized or more colonial legions are sent to fill the trenches."

He paused, looking deeply at the London streets passing by outside the window, his tone low but with a hint of helplessness: "But as you said, Yuan, no taxation without representation is the prevailing principle within the British Empire.

If we over-consume the resources of our overseas colonies, which are predominantly white, we will undoubtedly be gambling with the future of the British Empire and our descendants will bear the cost.

Instead of this, it is better for me, the Prime Minister, to step forward. At least, I am still qualified to represent the current British Empire and do something."

Yuan Xiangcheng raised his eyebrows upon hearing this, a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he asked tentatively: "Prime Minister, do you mean... that the previous loan conditions have been agreed to?"

The Marquis of Salisbury turned his head and met Yuan Xiangcheng's eyes. His expression was cold and firm: "Laborers can't be exchanged for those loans. You, must send troops!

If troops are sent, the British Empire is willing to provide 2 million pounds!"

"1000 million?" Yuan Xiangcheng sounded a little surprised.

"Yes, the upfront loan is only 1000 million, not the 2000 million you mentioned before."

The remaining 3000 million depends on whether your yellow soldiers can survive the rainy season in the Orange River!" At this point, the Marquis of Salisbury paused, and suddenly his momentum was choked.

Yuan Xiangcheng tapped lightly on the windowsill. The Gothic spires of the Parliament Building in the distance were piercing the morning mist. He noticed that the elderly Prime Minister in front of him replaced the "Eastern Legion" in the previous negotiations with "yellow soldiers". This might be the last arrogance of the British Empire.

"Yuan, I hope you understand that this is the maximum amount the parliament can approve for now. If it's more, I'm afraid even I won't be able to convince them."

After saying this, he seemed unwilling to give Yuan Xiangcheng too much time to think, and then added: "In exchange, you need to send a large number of troops, at least 10!

And every one of these soldiers must have participated in at least one of your country's civil wars, and be a veteran who has seen blood." At this point, the Marquis of Salisbury suddenly lowered his voice, as if saying something that outsiders couldn't hear. His Adam's apple rolled twice, and he whispered softly:

"Military pay will be half of that of British soldiers; weapons, ammunition, food, and medicine will be provided by the British Empire. Let your soldiers land in South Africa as soon as possible, the sooner the better. Time is everything!"

Yuan Xiangcheng nodded after hearing this, without showing any disappointment on his face. In fact, he had never thought that he could get all the financial support at once.

The original plan was for 4000 million pounds to be spent over five years, and only 5 million was needed in the early stages.

The British are willing to pay 1000 million, which is not bad.

1000 million pounds, according to the current international exchange rate, is approximately equal to 5000 million taels of silver.

With this money, we can at least expand the higher education system in several resource-rich cities and major coastal cities, introduce or upgrade a large number of light and heavy industries such as cotton spinning, metallurgy, chemical industry, shipbuilding, transportation, mining, etc., and even establish a systematic military industry.

As for the deeper inland areas, it is better to complete the land reform first to ensure that agricultural production goes smoothly before considering other things.

But Yuan Xiangcheng immediately thought of something, and he leaned forward slightly, looked directly into the eyes of the Marquis of Salisbury, and said slowly: "No problem, Prime Minister.

However, I have a few small requests."

"Oh?" The Marquis of Salisbury frowned slightly, his voice slightly tired, but he still maintained the restraint that is unique to the British: "Go ahead."

"First, after our soldiers land, we need to form a joint command with the British army. Any actions involving our army must be reported to our command."

The Marquis of Salisbury was silent for a moment, and finally nodded heavily: "Okay, whatever you say!"

Although this request was a bit abrupt, he understood that given the current situation in Europe, Britain urgently needed external support to hold on.

If this money can make the British Empire more confident in the Franco-Russian alliance, it will be worth it.

After all, this yellow-skinned army is indeed powerful. They once defeated the French and Russian expeditionary forces, even those European armies that were not in their prime. This is enough to illustrate the problem.

Moreover, this 1000 million pounds is not a donation, but a loan that needs to be repaid.

Thinking of this, the Marquis of Salisbury looked up and continued to meet Yuan Xiangcheng's gaze.

"Secondly, the Eastern Legion will only participate in frontal combat and will not clean up the battlefield in the rear!" Yuan Xiangcheng's voice was calm and powerful, and every word revealed his unquestionable determination.

“Good, even better!”

The Marquis of Salisbury raised his eyebrows. He didn't expect Yuan Shikai to be willing to take on such a tough challenge. At this time, he didn't know that the most difficult thing in South Africa was not the frontal combat, but the endless harassment behind enemy lines.

But no matter what, in his opinion, the cost of using 10 yellow people is still much less than paying 10 white people.

... 2

The two people in the car reached a simple consensus, and at this time, the carriage slowly stopped in front of Buckingham Palace.

The palace was shrouded in morning mist, and the golden sunlight shone through the clouds onto the white stone pillars, adding a touch of solemnity and sacredness to this magnificent building.

Chapter 516: The audience is followed by a commotion

The inertia of the carriage's sudden stop caused the elderly Prime Minister to lean on a thick blanket. Twelve cavalry guards dismounted at the same time, and the clanging of armor and swords tore through the rain.

The attendant had been waiting for a long time. When he saw the two get off the car, he immediately stepped forward and led them into the palace.

A long red carpet was spread out on the marble floor. Guards in gorgeous uniforms stood on both sides, holding shining spears with solemn expressions. The air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood, and even breathing seemed to become cautious.

After passing through several heavy oak doors, they finally arrived at the audience hall.

When the magnificent palace came into view, the Minister of the Palace in a scarlet black uniform held up a gilded list and chanted in Latin: "Consul of the Eastern Republic, Yuan"

Waiters in black tailcoats filed out and formed a human wall on both sides of the Persian carpet. Queen Victoria sat on the Indian malachite throne.

The 81-year-old monarch was wrapped in the late Prince Albert's favorite dark green silk dress. A gold necklace on her chest was adorned with a dazzling diamond tribute from a South African company, while on the wooden shelf behind her were placed court porcelain from the East.

However, when Yuan Xiangcheng performed the modified bow, which was neither a kowtow nor a handshake, he noticed that the queen's left knuckles were covered with rheumatic nodules.

Queen Victoria sat on it, flanked by several of her close advisors, including Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain.

When Yuan Xiangcheng and the Marquis of Salisbury walked into the hall, everyone turned their eyes to them.

In her later years, Queen Victoria rarely received foreign guests in person. Perhaps she did not want her unconcealable aging to be known to the world.

Therefore, when Yuan Xiangcheng came to London this time, he did not expect to meet him at first.

However, now that he had seen her, he did not hesitate much and immediately greeted her in fluent English:

“Your Majesty

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me

IEast I am the leader of the new republic from the East"

Queen Victoria nodded slightly, her voice soft but full of dignity: "You are the first yellow person to enter Buckingham Palace in a formal audience."

During the Victorian era, the "Chinese style" was popular in Britain. The Queen herself collected a large number of Chinese porcelain and silk, which were also displayed everywhere in Windsor Castle.

Moreover, she is also a loyal fan of the Sherlock Holmes series. After the author Conan Doyle stopped writing and announced that Sherlock Holmes would go to Tibet, China, she became interested in the mysterious Eastern culture again.

Of course, her interest is more of a curiosity of a superior towards a subordinate, a curiosity brought by exotic styles, and she does not have any special feelings towards a country composed of Chinese culture.

Therefore, when she saw Yuan Xiangcheng dressed in formal attire, the curiosity in her eyes disappeared and she began to focus on today's business.

"I heard that you want to help the British Empire solve the South African problem?"

"It's not a solution, it's just a slight sharing of pressure." Yuan Xiangcheng smiled slightly and looked up at the Queen. "I firmly believe that our cooperation will bring new opportunities to both countries."

Yuan Shikai's words were very explicit and straightforward, and the officials present were all known for their implicit speech. After all, they were also British officials and civil servants in a broad sense.

"That's great." Not seeing what she wanted, the queen immediately stood up, seemingly unwilling to stay any longer.

However, she did not forget her business. She looked at the aide-de-camp and said, "John, arrange for this gentleman to receive a medal representing British friendship."

medal?

The Queen's attitude says it all.

At this moment, the entire audience hall was silent, and everyone held their breath, as if they had a premonition that history was being quietly rewritten.

...

After leaving Buckingham Palace, Yuan Xiangcheng bid farewell to the Marquis of Salisbury and got into the carriage with Tang Shaoyi who was waiting outside.

The air was hazy, but London was already bright, the orange-yellow sunlight illuminating the foggy streets.

The carriage was a little dim, with only the occasional light coming in from the window shining on the two people's faces, outlining their different expressions.

Yuan Xiangcheng sat back on the cushions, legs crossed, eyes slightly closed, then opened them, looked across at Tang Shaoyi with a sharp gaze, and said in a low but firm voice: "Comrade Shaochuan, send a telegram to Tianjin and ask Duan Qirui and Wang Shizhen to convene a meeting of the Central Committee of the Socialist Revolutionary Military Commission to convey my opinions."

He paused for a moment, his voice becoming clearer and more powerful: "Select 10 elite soldiers and prepare to board ships to be transported to South Africa under the escort of British warships."

Tang Shaoyi nodded seriously, took out a notebook from his pocket and quickly wrote it down without saying much.

However, just as Tang Shaoyi closed his notebook, Yuan Xiangcheng suddenly seemed to remember something, slapped his forehead, and chuckled: "Oh, there's one more thing!"