Travel through the Qing Dynasty and become emperor

Chapter 245 Visiting Germany

After this month, Guan Xuqing took Li Hongzhang, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Liu Buchan, the Governor of the Imperial Navy, and a group of senior officials from the industrial and commercial circles, and traveled across the ocean to Germany under the protection of the Nanyang Fleet.

In Berlin, Germany, there is a scene of celebration everywhere.Although the open and secret struggle between Germany and Britain is already tacit, on the surface, the two powerful military forces in Europe still have to maintain a temporary strategic balance.In order to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the German Empire, the British Empire still sent a delegation headed by William II's cousin, Prince George, who arrived in Palin early.The relationship between the two cousins ​​is not as tense as the two countries they represent, but they get along very well.

Of course, William also invited his old enemy, Tsar Alexander III, perhaps to offer an olive branch to the Russians, but to William's embarrassment the haughty Alexander refused his invitation, not even sending a low-level delegation.This is an embarrassing move for the Germans, and it also shows that the relationship between these two important countries in Europe has shown a rift that can be announced to the world.

Emperor Franz and Archduke Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, King Humbert I of Italy and Crown Prince Vittorio, the two solid foundations of the Triple Alliance also came to Berlin.In addition to France and Russia, almost all countries in Europe, large and small, sent delegations of different levels to Berlin to share the grand ceremony.

Among the heads of many countries, Guan Xuqing chatted with Archduke Ferdinand for a while. This is the second time the two have met. Just after the Chinese Navy defeated the mighty Far East Fleet last year, Archduke Ferdinand went to Weihai, China. Visited once.Guan Xuqing knew very well that this young man would become the trigger of the First World War, so it was not surprising that he paid special attention to him.

The real power of the king of Italy has been divided by the cabinet. This time, I am afraid that there is a solid tripartite alliance in mind. The Kaiser is a very emotional person.Whoever gives him face and who doesn't, he can even show it on the surface.

William II in military uniform rode a tall horse with his cousin George, Emperor Franz of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Emperor Guangxu of the Chinese Empire, leading the King of Italy and the Sultan of Turkey behind him, followed by Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria And representatives from Montenegro, Seville and other countries.In the midst of the tall and mighty German Army's guard salute along the way, the German residents cheered with flowers along the way.After arriving at the event location, the first event is the entry ceremony of the emperors of various countries.

Berlin has almost gathered representatives of the most powerful countries in the world, and the countries behind them can almost determine the fate of the entire world.

In Guan Xuqing's eyes, this was an oath of strength.Not to mention that the British are the number one empire in the world, the whole of Europe is united under the call of William II, except that France, Russia and Greece did not send people to participate.On the Brandenburg Gate, the goddess of peace sitting in a four-wheeled carriage holds a laurel scepter, overlooking this sensational celebration in Europe.

While Liu Buchan and others participated in the naval parade in the North Sea, under the leadership of Wilhelm, representatives from various countries inspected the mighty German army in the VIP seat. Young German soldiers on tall horses held command knives or raised rifles , when the queue passed the reviewing stand, following the commander's order, the soldiers raised their command sabers high or their rifles flat, turned their heads to the side of the reviewing stand in unison, shouting inspiring cheers Slogan, and cast respectful gazes at their honorable emperor.

"Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"

"Mighty Germany marches forward!"

Such slogans emerge in endlessly.On the square, the black heads showed the great prestige of Wilhelm II among the German people. Although he was not in harmony with Prime Minister Bismarck who was once loved by the people, as Germany's prestige far exceeded that before reunification, and this momentum There has been no sign of stagnation, and the citizens of Berlin can feel the glory that the country brings to them every day.Wilhelm II's pushy personality is endearing and Germany is enjoying its golden age.

At the VIP seats, there are also major plutocrats, including representatives of the big landowners behind the German Army, representatives of the Navy, and emerging industrial capitalists, including the Krupp family, the Siemens family, the Mauser brothers, and Earl Zeppelin, etc. .For them, sponsoring His Majesty the Emperor to hold this grand celebration that symbolizes the strength of Germany is the dedication they should make, and, as the most technologically advanced country, they will soon be able to obtain rich returns from foreign trade.

In the VIP seat, William was as excited as a child. He was a little excited and talked to the VIPs around him from time to time. His queen and six princes sat around him. Among them, the oldest Crown Prince William was 16 years old. Looking at the front with a serious expression, without squinting, only occasionally helping his mother to control his younger brothers.Sitting next to William II was his youngest daughter and also his youngest child, Princess Louise. The youngest daughter was the same age as Guan Xuqing's elder brother.If the two children can marry, the strategic alliance between China and Germany will be stronger.Guan Xuqing thought so.

"Dear brother-in-law." While thinking wildly, William II reached out his hand in front of Guan Xuqing, with a warm smile: "Welcome, Your Majesty the Great Emperor. You are the most distant guest on this journey. You deserve the warmest welcome." Guan Xuqing stood up, smiled and shook hands with William.

At this time, the military parade under the stage had reached the moment of displaying weapons. A series of cannons were slowly passed by the viewing stand led by horses. The unusual friendly relationship, he deliberately got very close, and said softly: "Please sit next to me." After speaking, he turned around and made a gesture of please.

Guan Xuqing hesitated for a moment, because in front of the heads of state of the world, every move would be interpreted as having political symbolic significance. At this time, William invited himself graciously, clearly wanting to show the rest of the world that Germany and China are staunch friends and a A close companion of the camp.Guan Xuqing felt that this was a well-designed conspiracy by William.

But if it shows alienation from the Kaiser at this time, it will cause the empire to lose the trust of the Germans in future international activities.

He was obviously unwilling in his heart, but Guan Xuqing still nodded his thanks to William, took William's hand, and walked to the very center of the viewing platform together.

"Thank you, my dear brother-in-law." Guan Xuqing's kind expression was indeed appreciated by William.He leaned over and said to Guan Xuqing: "I don't know if His Majesty has noticed, but my army has used the latest rifles from Mauser. Hey! Old Mauser, you can tell the guests about our products now!"

(End of this chapter)