The sun never sets in America

Chapter 280 Black Sea Storm: Russia and Turkey declare war

The Black Sea is an international sea area that looks very small, but is actually very important.

At first, the Black Sea was jointly controlled by multiple surrounding forces. Later, after the rise of the Ottoman Empire, it gradually expanded its power to the Ukrainian plains.

For more than a hundred years, the Ottomans controlled the Black Sea trade and wealth.

Until the rise of the Russian Empire.

Through the previous eight Russo-Turkish wars, Russia basically established a foothold in Ukraine and the Black Sea, and compressed the power of the Ottoman Empire into the Caucasus. Russia even had a foot in the Balkans, which was considered a forbidden area by the Ottomans.

This war was even more humiliating to the Ottomans than the previous Russo-Turkish wars. After all, they could still use the marginal zone to convince themselves. But since the Russian navy entered the Black Sea and intervened in the Balkans, the situation has changed dramatically.

As for the Eighth Russo-Turkish War, Russia has always been dissatisfied. Nothing about the Transcaucasus or entering the Balkans can satisfy the appetite of the Roman faction. For them, they can reach Asia Minor and Istanbul in one go. , is their real goal.

For this reason, Russia was preparing for the Ninth Russo-Turkish War for many years to come. The rise of the Han Dynasty only aggravated the situation.

No matter how many people ridicule Tsarist Russia's finances and Tsarist Russia's gray cattle, Tsarist Russia's foundation is there, which really makes him fully armed. The polar bear is indeed not a boast.

This was also the basis for the cooperation between the Ottomans and Han, and also the basis and ballast of the Han-Austria Treaty.

Han needs Ottoman to hold back Tsarist Russia, so that he can easily obtain benefits in North America and the Far East, and cut a piece of meat from the butt of this polar bear.

…………

A certain river section in the middle of the Black Sea...

A patrol ship flying the Ottoman flag is patrolling upwards with billowing black smoke. If you look closely, you will find that this patrol ship is very similar to a Han Dynasty 300-ton steam patrol ship called Swordfish. No, It's just one type.

This kind of patrol ship is quite fast due to its small tonnage and sufficient power of the steam engine. It usually takes more than three hours to complete the patrol.

Of course, these lazy Ottoman officers usually patrol for two hours at most and call it a day.

After all, everyone only has so little money a month, why do they work so hard? ?

If you do a good job, Sultan won't raise your salary, just like your boss won't look at your hard work and give you a promotion or raise. At most, he will pat you on the shoulder and express his sincerity:

"Work hard and I will find you a sister-in-law next year!!"

The same was true for today's patrol boats. Just as they were about to turn around and go back, a merchant ship flying the Russian Eagle flag suddenly appeared in front of them.

As usual, they were supposed to conduct an interrogation, and when they issued a search warning to the Russian ships ahead, they didn't know whether the Russians on the other side had drunk too much vodka, so they passed by and ignored them.

On the patrol boat, the major wearing a black Ottoman leather hat seemed to be greatly insulted and immediately announced:

"Warn them, stop, if they don't stop, we will shoot!!"

After finishing speaking, he also looked at the two 55mm cannons on the bow. This kind of cannon is light and suitable for modification on a maneuverable patrol ship. He looked at the two cannons and then looked at the heavy merchant ship in front. , the major seemed to have unlimited "confidence".

When the Russian merchant ship on the opposite side heard the search, it seemed to be frightened and began to change lanes and plan to escape.

This move completely angered the major, who was not very good-tempered. He pulled out the Han-made Falcon revolver officer's standard pistol and pulled the "trigger" against the blue sky.

boom! !

As soon as the gunshot rang out, the major shouted with a ferocious face:

"fire!!"

Swipe...

Two 55mm artillery shells were stuffed into the bomb bay, followed by a "lead" being pulled. With a "swish" sound, two 55mm artillery shells representing the Ottoman Empire were fired. around the hull.

Missed! !

A look of embarrassment flashed across the major's face, and then he issued an order:

"Speed ​​up and get closer, keep firing."

Two more cannonballs exploded, this time much better. One of them hit the port chord of the merchant ship. Before the merchant ship could react, several more cannonballs exploded. Miraculously, it hit the deck and exploded. Several holes.

Seeing this, the major looked happy, and then continued to give the order, "Boom!" !

The artillery fire lasted intermittently for more than ten minutes. The main reason why it lasted so long was because the Russians did not know what kind of gunpowder they had eaten. They had to surrender and even pulled out several artillery pieces from the merchant ships to fight back. .

Fortunately, merchant ships are not warships after all. Coupled with size limitations, they are simply not enough to look at in front of the agile and fierce Swordfish patrol boat.

The final result was also exaggerated, and it ended with a boarding battle.

When he saw the Russian sailors holding rifles and "resisting" them, a sentence suddenly popped into the major's mind:

"That's all for one month, why are you trying to kill yourself!!"

After solving 90% of the "thorns", the major immediately realized something was wrong when he saw the Russian crew members who were pressed to the ground and still "greeting" them in Russian.

Someone was immediately sent to search the cabin. When he opened the wooden box marked "honey" and looked at the brand-new Sukov rifles, the major's expression changed. He had no time to continue the inspection and directly declared a navigation defense.

When a speeding boat appears on the sea, followed by a tattered, stumbling, smoke-filled merchant ship behind it, the entire history will turn around at this moment.

The curtain of an era rang out with the major's "gunshot"! !

The two time and spaces seem to have overlapped at this moment, but the results may be different.

.............................................

St. Petersburg…

This is a city close to Europe and is currently the only capital of the Russian Empire. From a legal point of view, it is also the only legal capital.

If you ask where the most Western place in Russia is, any Russian will recommend St. Petersburg.

There are concerts here similar to those in Paris, as well as the latest and most seasonal clothing in Europe. Even the prices are obviously higher than in Moscow.

When the Han minister Yu Qingyan came to St. Petersburg, it was the year before last. At that time, in accordance with diplomatic practice, he submitted a New Year's letter of credence to the Russian Empire, and then in accordance with etiquette, he received some rewards from the Tsar.

Most of them are Russian animal skins, music boxes and other Russian specialties.

Regarding Russia, Yu Qingyan has always maintained a calm and fair attitude. He is not like some arrogant people in the country who have obvious contempt for Russia, some small European countries, or declining countries, and do not know where the "arrogance" comes from. ".

In the eyes of the "arrogance maniacs" in the country, apart from the United Kingdom and France, there is no country they can look up to.

Even in the eyes of those radicals, "carving up" the world is not even something that needs to be considered, but an inevitable thing.

They will list a lot of data and so-called strategies, and finally convince you that "conquering the world" is unstoppable! !

For a sober person like Yu Qingyan, let alone conquering the world, in his opinion, it is not easy to conquer the Americas, and he also has to make trouble outside.

Of course, he would not say such words out loud. After all, the "Imperialists" have the upper hand now, so it is better to avoid the spotlight for the time being.

Regarding the Russian Empire, Yu Qingyan made a conclusion:

"Tsarist Russia is a wild bear in northern Europe and Asia. Its power has reached the Americas. It is like a snake in the throat. There will definitely be a battle in the future!!"

This sentence was said in the middle of last year, and Yu Qingyan, who is still at work and dealing with conflicts between Han businessmen and Russian police, would never have imagined that the war he mentioned would come so quickly and violently.

.........

The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg is a palace where tsars have lived for generations. It is mid-April. After the cold winter, the climate in Eastern Europe is gradually warming up.

Plus the sun is shining brightly today.

So the Tsar's family is preparing to go out to hunt.

The majestic procession was accompanied by a group of servants and escorts, showing the "grace" of the Tsar.

boom……

A wild deer fell to the ground at the sound, causing a burst of cheers all around, and everyone shouted "Long live the Tsar".

On the horseback, Nikolai was carrying a gun and posing, and frequently showed what he thought was a "friendly" smile to his "supporters". Just when he was enjoying the fight, a piece of news came that made Nicholas completely lose his "smile"! !

Just six hours ago, a Russian merchant ship was detained by the Ottomans, and many people died in the process. (The inefficiency of Tsarist Russia’s administration)

Osman has not given any valid explanation so far, only stating that contraband was found on the ship.

And demand an explanation from Russia! !

When the news came, not only Nicholas himself was angry, but also the Russian aristocrats who claimed to be "noble".

In the conference hall of the Winter Palace, "start a war", "teach the Ottomans a lesson", "damn the Ottoman dwarfs", "take back Constantinople" and other emotional abuses were constantly heard, as well as the true purpose hidden behind them.

That is to use this conflict to fight the ninth Russo-Turkish War and completely allow Russia to fulfill its century-old wish to become Rome.

Nicholas, who was sitting on the main seat, looked coldly at these nobles who usually "bragged" and now "called for war". A trace of disgust flashed in his eyes, and then disappeared, as if nothing happened.

After the "noise" stopped, Nicholas spoke:

"What's the explanation from Osman?"

"In other words, how do they plan to solve it??"

This is what Nicholas cares about most. Although he is reckless, it does not mean that he is a fool. The situation in Europe has become increasingly chaotic in recent years, first with the return of Napoleon's empire and other disturbances.

Nicholas smelled the smoke of war.

Foreign Minister Maritov stood up and replied: "Your Majesty, Istanbul did not give us any reply, but only warned us not to interfere with the Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire..."

After hearing this, there was a sound of "curses" all around, giving people a feeling of passionate anger.

Nicholas frowned, and he probably guessed the reason.

It's nothing more than another group of damn radicals who want to cause trouble and start a war in Asia Minor.

"Damn, these bastards!!"

In his heart, he was insulting those guys who don't know how to be humble. On the surface, Nicholas still wanted to maintain the majesty of a monarch, pretending to be "surprised", as if he was really angry at Osman's rude behavior.

At this time, Maritov continued: "It seems that Osman is not going to give us an explanation at the moment. Your Majesty, if we don't make any reaction, there will be big problems!!"

Of course Nikolai understood what the "problem" was, which was Russia's external and internal contradictions.

This time the Russian Empire compromised, will there be a next time? And once it compromises, what kind of example will it set for opponents at home and abroad, or what will they "do" something.

These are all things that Nicholas had to consider. The territory of the Russian Empire expanded too fast, and many places did not digest it. They only used the coercion of the Cossacks and the Tsar to maintain their rule.

Once this powerful filter collapsed, he couldn't imagine what would happen.

Perhaps a small compromise will bring Russia into countless "fires of war."

Thinking of this, Nicholas couldn't help but broke out in a "cold sweat". He drank some black tea before calming down, and finally said:

"Maritov."

"His Majesty……"

Maritov stood up, bent over, and turned to his Majesty the Tsar, their "father."

"Tell the Ottomans that without a valid explanation we will meet on the battlefield."

Nicholas' tone was a little low.

"Your Majesty, what is a valid explanation??" Maritov continued to bend down and asked the tsar in a "submissive" tone.

Nicholas raised his eyebrows, and then said:

"The Ottomans must allow Russia the right to protect the Near East, all Orthodox, and indeed all Christians, and even the right to judge, if necessary, in our hands."

"And then there's the Black Sea, we need at least half the rights that the Russian Empire deserves."

Listening to the Tsar's "teachings", Maritov, no matter what he thought in his heart, still showed a "listening" attitude on the surface and said:

"Your Majesty, I will convey your will to those Ottoman pagans!!"

Maritov bent down at the end, said something, and finally left the Winter Palace "quickly" in front of everyone, leaving only those ministers and nobles who were still "calculating".

In the Winter Palace, things related to the Ottomans were still going on, and from time to time you could hear "sending troops", "war", "how many thousands", etc.

Interspersed with "questions" from Nicholas himself.

The wheels of war in Russia were slowly turning on, and in Istanbul, it was already late at night when the St. Petersburg telegram passed through European countries and arrived at Ottoman.

When night falls, the whole of Istanbul lights up. Oil lamps imported from China illuminate the entire city with the help of street lamps and shop lamps.

When the sea breeze blows through Istanbul, a city "blessed" by God, the city's real vitality has just begun.

On the streets, people were coming and going. A circus from the Middle East, with its "amorous" Arab girls and tall Arabian horses, performed familiar shows.

In this city, you can see Turks, Arabs, Armenians and other Ottoman-affiliated territories, and you can even see Chinese, British, and French people dining in a restaurant.

Turkish desserts are notoriously greasy, but they are very popular locally.

After all, in this era, "greasy" is a precious "ingredient".

While the people of Istanbul were enjoying the "colorful" nightlife, an urgent meeting was taking place in the Ottoman palace.

"The Russians sent a notice. They asked us to hand over the protection rights of Orthodox Christians and even Christians in the Near East. They even asked us to divide the Black Sea equally with us!!"

Abdul Meguid, who is getting older, said the most angry words in the most "calm" tone. At this moment, his heart felt like a volcano about to "erupt".

Either it explodes or it extinguishes itself.

The surrounding ministers were "whispering" below, and then the minister in charge of finance stood up and said:

"Dear His Majesty the Sultan, although our current finances are much richer than before, it is still difficult to support a huge war."

"we need to……"

Looking at the Finance Minister who was hesitant to speak, Abdul Mejid certainly understood what the other party meant, which was nothing more than "aid."

At this time, the Minister of War also stood up and said:

"Sir Sudan, although the current size of our army has been reduced compared to the original, its strength is more than twice as strong as before..."

The Minister of War "prattled" about the current strength of the Ottoman Empire's army.

Then came the Navy, and they were also introduced. The final meaning was basically that they could fight, but they would be "lack of money"! !

Abdul Meguid looked at the Minister of Land and Sea and the Minister of Finance, was silent for a while, and then spoke:

"Tomorrow I will summon the Chinese minister, the British minister, and the French minister."

"In addition, reply to the Russians. The Ottoman Empire will not accept their almost blackmail conditions. We will defeat them at sea, on land, and wherever war can occur. Our army..."

At this moment, Abdul Meguid seemed to have returned to the early days of the Ottoman Empire, feeling that "vibrant" feeling.

The next day, after meeting the ministers of the three countries as expected, we chatted for four or five hours, but in the end we didn't know what agreement was reached.

Britain, China and France jointly condemned the Russian Empire for "spreading trouble", "attempting to start war" and "urging Russia to maintain peace".

When these conditions, which were almost ultimatums, were placed in front of Nicholas, and looking at the "angry" Russian nobles and military officers outside, he knew that war was inevitable.

On April 24, the 13th year of Longwu, the Russian Empire submitted a declaration of war to the Ottoman Empire and announced that it would mobilize 300,000 Russian troops to participate in this "just" war.

The winds of history are blowing again! !

　Monthly ticket, monthly ticket! !

　　

　

(End of this chapter)