The Han culture is spreading strongly in Southeast Asia

Chapter 344 The Sunset That Never Sets
Let’s go back a few months to April 1775, 4, the thirteen colonies of North America.

Thomas Gage, the British governor of Massachusetts, learned from secret channels that the colonial militia had a large arsenal in Concord, 21 miles from Boston.

So he quickly dispatched 800 British troops to attack Concord, intending to destroy the colonial militia's weapons and capture the local militia leaders.

But as soon as the British army set out, they were discovered by the colonial people and notified the local militia called the Volunteers.

When the volunteers learned the news, they sent people to Lexington and Concord that night to report the news and organize defense.

So the next day, when the British army arrived, they found that the road to Concord had been blocked by Lexington's militia.

A huge argument broke out between the two sides, and the British army, always used to being superior, actually opened fire on the unprepared militia in advance.

Gunfire suddenly broke out in Lexington, the militia lost nearly 300 people, and the British army lost more than 70 people. The American War of Independence officially began.

On May 5, the Second Continental Congress was held in Philadelphia. At this time, the immigrants from the thirteen North American states were still somewhat afraid of their motherland.

Even though the other party was clearly in the wrong, the meeting still passed the Olive Tree Petition, expressed its willingness to be loyal to the king, and said such corny words as "We have no intention of ending our long and happy union."

But this was just wishful thinking of the colonial people. In June, British Major General William Howe arrived in Boston, which was surrounded by North American militia.

On June 6, the Battle of Bunker Hill broke out. William Howe led 17 British troops to attack the North American militia who occupied Bunker Hill and besieged Boston.

The North American militia on Bunker Hill was led by Colonel Prescott. There were only about 1,200 of them, and the number of cannons was far less than that of the British army. The militia was not equipped with bayonets and had almost no ability in hand-to-hand combat. No matter how you looked at it, they were at an absolute disadvantage.

But the result was shocking. The North American militia was enraged by the British army's sudden attack on Lexington and entered a state of blood rage. They fought ten to one on the battlefield and refused to retreat.

The two sides fought from early morning to five in the afternoon. Although the British army drove the North American militia out of Bunker Hill, more than two hundred people were killed, including Marine Major John Pitcairn, and more than eight hundred others were injured, with a total of up to one thousand casualties.

On the contrary, the North American militia suffered only more than 300 casualties, and the militia actually slapped the regular army in the face twice.

Although the British army barely achieved its strategic goal in this battle, it failed to lift the siege of Boston, making it a true tragic victory.

When the news reached Europe, George III was furious. Britain was at its peak at that time. Its biggest competitor, France, was basically destroyed by him. With two heavyweight treasure troves of North America and India in its hands, how could it tolerate such a huge loss?

So George III angrily stated that he would rather give up the crown than give up the war. In view of the small size of the British army, George III began to recruit a large number of mercenaries.

In September, the British army massively increased its troops in North America, with the number of troops reaching nearly 80,000 at one point. The American War of Independence officially escalated.

On the other side of the English Channel, at the Palace of Versailles and the Matignon House, the French high-ranking officials and nobles were all very excited because the North American militia had fought so well in the Battle of Bunker Hill!
This gave the French great confidence. If it weren't for this war, France would not have made up its mind to provide heavy assistance to North America.

Since you yourself are a hopeless person, why would others place a big bet on you?

The Foreign Minister, Count Vergennes, who had always supported giving the British a hard time in North America, excitedly said to Louis XVI:
"In the Battle of Bunker Hill, the British army was twice as large as the North American militia, and they had an advantage in weapons, yet they still fought like this. This is enough to show that the North American militia was capable of inflicting huge casualties on the British.

What they lack now are new flintlock rifles, bayonets, artillery, and gunpowder. As soon as these are in place, the British people’s troubles will begin.”

Louis XVI was still a little hesitant. "Count, we have just aided the Xing Tang Kingdom, and now we have to aid North America. France's finances may be overwhelmed."

"Your Majesty, if we don't seize this golden opportunity to pull the British down from their dominant position, what France will lose is not just its finances, but the future of the entire country!"

The Foreign Secretary said sternly that this was not alarmist, but it was indeed the case. If Britain continued to control North America and India, France and other countries would be in trouble.

In North America, you have to provide aid whether you want it or not. As long as France still wants to compete for the world's number one position, it must seize this opportunity.

"But our navy has not yet fully recovered its combat effectiveness." Louis XVI quickly raised another question.

"That's not a problem, Your Majesty." A resolute look appeared on the Foreign Minister's face. "Britain's dominance poses a huge threat not only to France, but also to other countries.

If Britain were allowed to maintain this advantage, Spain would soon lose its hold on North America. The Dutch would immediately lose their spice trade, and the Portuguese would also lose Brazil.

The same goes for the Habsburgs, Denmark, and other countries. Whether their overseas colonies can survive will depend on the British.

Louis XVI nodded. This was an era where whoever controlled the navy controlled the whole world. Today, Britain's navy was stronger than that of all other countries combined. If this continued, everyone would have to look to them for support.

The Foreign Minister became more confident. "Your Majesty, as long as you authorize me, I believe that the whole of Europe will unite under the banner of France. France will lead them and plunge Britain into hell in North America."

Perhaps because he felt that the current navy's strength was a bit weak, the Foreign Minister suggested:

"Also, three of the six Heber-class, level five sail cruisers we are currently assisting the Xingtang Kingdom with have already been completed. We can temporarily transfer these three warships to strengthen the fleet."

However, the Foreign Minister's suggestion was immediately opposed by the Cardinal Minister, Count Maurepas.

"No, we cannot transfer these three warships to North America. Instead, we must hand them over to the Xing Tang Kingdom as soon as possible."

The Cardinal pointed at the map and said, "At present, it seems that as long as the North American militia can maintain the fighting spirit of the Battle of Bunker Hill, even if the British do not lose North America, North America will become a wound on their body that will never heal.

With such a wound, Britain can only find a suitable place to obtain a large amount of supplies to make up for it.

India will be Britain's most important source of finance!" Louis XVI still had some brains, and he became excited, "Xing Tang, Xing Tang is next to India!

If they had these warships, they could join forces with the Kingdom of Siam to attack India.

Even without occupying it, just plundering India occupied by the British would be a fatal blow to George III!"

"Yes, that's right, Your Majesty. We really cannot transfer these three ships to North America." The Foreign Minister also reacted quickly.

"But I think we should send a special envoy with the fleet to Xingtang to urge His Majesty the King to abide by the treaty and ensure that Xingtang's army will immediately attack India when we need it."

"As for swallowing up the Dutch East India Company, I think we should postpone this option and make a decision after the outcome of North America is decided."

Across the Channel, London, Buckingham Palace.

The Prime Minister, Frederick North, 2nd Earl of Guildford, is reporting to King George III on the situation in North America.

King George III looked at Frederick North sternly, "Count, the United Kingdom cannot tolerate those peasants continuing to act arrogantly. We need tax revenue from North America, and you must ensure this.

I don't care how many troops are used because the United Kingdom has the strength to do so.

Also, a bitter victory like the one at Bunker Hill cannot happen again. It will seriously damage the image of our heroic army!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I and the brave soldiers of the army will make sure that you, not the peasants, will own the thirteen colonies.

If those peasants don't know what's good for them, the United Kingdom's army will teach them a lesson and make them know how to be good citizens who support the king. ” The Prime Minister immediately responded with a guarantee.

A situation where one company dominates the market always makes people blindly confident, so that they cannot see the undercurrents beneath the calm surface. This is also true in Britain.

After practically crippling the French in the Seven Years' War, Britain was in a state of disarray.

From the king to the ministers, they all regarded themselves as the masters of the world, not realizing that they had aroused high vigilance throughout Europe and that danger was approaching rapidly.

“Also, the Governor-General of India, um, I think his name is Warren, right?

He wrote several letters to William, arguing that we should pay more attention to the East. He also said that King Xing Tang, who had some fame in Europe, would become a big trouble for us in the East.

He even suggested that we intercept France's aid to the King of Xing Tang, or even help the Dutch so that they would have enough strength to cause trouble for the Xing Tang Kingdom in the South China Sea.

George III spoke as if he suddenly remembered something, and the Prime Minister curled his lips slightly.

Warren Hastings, the Governor-General of India, must have stayed in the East for too long, and he thought that William Pitt was still deeply trusted by the king.

"Your Majesty, the East requires attention, but not now, because King Xing Tang is about to make a big move, or will be forced to make a big move."

The Prime Minister spoke in a low voice with a slightly mysterious tone, which made the King feel that Prime Minister North knew a lot about the East.

"Oh, what kind of big move?" George III asked curiously.

"King Xing Tang is about to have a serious conflict with the Qing Empire. Neither side can tolerate the other's existence because they have a fundamental conflict of interest, and this is very beneficial to us."

"Oh, if it's true, that would be a good thing!" George III raised his eyebrows. He was somewhat interested in the East.

Because after defeating France, the only country in the world that still had strength and was shrouded in mystery was the Qing Empire.

The Qing Empire has not yet demonstrated its strength, and we don’t know what its mobilization capabilities are. Can the United Kingdom fight against it in the East?
"It's true, Your Majesty." Prime Minister North smiled confidently, "If King Xing Tang wins, he will be able to tear a hole in the Qing Empire's brutal trade policy.

I believe that once the Qing Empire realizes that it cannot destroy the Xing Tang Kingdom alone, it will be eager to seek foreign aid from Europe, and then it will have to make concessions in trade.

If the Qing Empire defeated the Xing Tang Kingdom, we would have more options.

If King Xing Tang is sensible, we can ask him to withdraw from the alliance with the French and become our thug in the East to fight against the Qing Empire.

If he doesn't understand, we can take the opportunity to send a fleet to completely destroy Xing Tang's small navy, then cut the Xing Tang Kingdom into pieces, support a large number of local forces, and raise a group of loyal dogs that can be assigned at will, just like in India."

"Very good, North, this is a perfect plan." George III showed an admiring look on his face.

However, he and Prime Minister Frederick North could never have imagined that the United Kingdom would be defeated so badly in North America that they had no time to take care of the East.

Almost at the same time, Mo Zirong, escorted by five hundred French and Austrian knights, boarded a carriage bound for Vienna.

He sighed. The world was about to enter a turbulent period and he had no choice.

Not to mention the 32-year-old Archduchess Maria Elizabeth with scars on her face, he would have to accept it even if he were asked to marry Queen Theresa, who is 58 years old now.

(End of this chapter)