1890 King of Southeast Asia

On the morning of December 4, Liu Yiming came to Charles's residence again.

"Oh, my friend, are you feeling better?" Liu Yiming looked concerned.

"I'm fine, don't worry." Charles thought Liu Yiming did it on purpose, but he had no evidence!

Then there was a round of concern to build friendship...

"So Charles, I want to know the attitude of the British Empire. You know, in this country, no matter what you do, you need the approval of the British Empire, and I hope to maintain exchanges with the British Empire, no matter what aspect." Liu Yiming tried to probe.

"Before talking about this, I want to know if you have been authorized by the government to decide on this matter." Charles did not answer directly, but asked.

There is a way!

"I have been authorized, and I can decide most things directly. I forgot to say that I am the new Foreign Minister of the Republic of South China." Liu Yiming added another title to himself.

"You changed your name again?" Charles was a little surprised.

"The previous name was a bit long, let's not talk about this, let's talk about cooperation!" Liu Yiming said.

This slightly hurried look was deliberately made by Liu Yiming.

"Tell me what you think." Charles said.

"First, diplomatic support. I hope that Britain can first recognize the establishment of South China. In return, we will be consistent with Britain in diplomacy." Liu Yiming said.

"Second, in terms of trade, I hope to increase trade relations with Britain. The equipment, raw materials, and many commodities produced by Britain are needed by Java, and there are many products in Java that Britain needs. We hope to establish good trade relations in this regard."

"Third, we need technical assistance. In this direction, South China will complete it by purchasing technology from Britain and sending students abroad. I hope the British government can coordinate."

Liu Yiming was halfway through his words when Charles said.

"Not enough, these are not enough for the British government to step down."

"It does not require the British government to step down, just open up the policy, and we will do the rest." Liu Yiming said.

"I want to know, what can the British Empire get? Without sufficient benefits, the British Empire will not easily intervene."

In fact, the above three points have already given Britain great benefits, but not only to Britain, but also to mutual benefit.

"What does the British Empire think?" Liu Yiming asked.

"After the establishment of Nanhua, Britain will handle diplomacy on its behalf. We need most-favored-nation treatment in trade. In terms of military affairs, Nanhua now uses British standards, which is good, isn't it? The army and navy will hire British instructors for training and use British equipment. Finally, the pound should be able to be used unimpeded in Nanhua." Charles took out a small note and said.

Perhaps he also felt that it was a bit too much, Charles continued.

"If you agree, the Imperial Navy can immediately enter the military port of Nanhua to assist you. In addition, we will also support you to become the king of the Kingdom of Nanhua."

"Charles, I think Britain has misunderstood this. The reason why Nanhua exists is based on opposing Dutch colonization. If I agree, then tomorrow, the army will rebel and the Dutch will come back, which will not benefit us at all." Liu Yiming said with anger.

"I also think it's too much. This is a request from the group of idiots in the parliament." Charles smiled and threw the note into the trash can.

"Don't pay attention to the elders in the parliament. They can't decide anything, but the conditions you give are indeed not enough." Charles rubbed his hands and said with a smile.

"Tell me your conditions." Liu Yiming was still very angry.

"This is the condition given by the Governor-General of India. South China needs to maintain close diplomatic relations with Britain, and trade relations must also be strengthened. It is best to have corresponding laws and regulations, such as trade treaties or something." Charles exhaled.

"The most important thing is the army. The South China army cannot exceed 100,000 people. Without the permission of Britain, it is not allowed to expand in the east and west directions. The navy is trained by Britain and British consultants are hired. Britain can help South China build a navy."

"Anything else?" Liu Yiming said.

"There are some others, but they are harmless. They are merchants or nobles who hope to obtain special trade rights. You can take a look when you have time. These people also have great power." Charles smoked a cigar indifferently.

"In terms of trade, what are the specifics?" Liu Yiming asked.

"Tariffs, the tariffs imposed on British goods should be consistent with the tariffs that South Chinese people need to pay, and Britain has the right to send people to supervise. This cannot be discussed." Charles said bluntly.

"Yes, but the categories of goods need to be discussed. The circulation of certain goods is expressly prohibited in Nanhua, and the import and export of bulk commodities should also comply with Nanhua trade regulations." Liu Yiming said.

"What regulations? What else, which goods?" Charles asked.

"Opium and its products, except for government procurement and distribution, are not allowed to circulate in any form in Nanhua. Specific regulations have not been issued. When formulating, we will consider the interests of Britain." Liu Yiming said.

"Why is opium not allowed to be imported?" Charles was surprised. At this time, opium was still regarded as a medicine and many people in Europe smoked it.

"Opium will be listed as a banned drug." Liu Yiming simply said.

"Okay, do you have any questions about the military?" Charles asked.

"As for the army, the British don't have to worry about the army. We will ensure that the number will not exceed 200,000. You know that there are many natives on Java Island who are not very friendly to the Chinese. They need to be cleared." Liu Yiming said.

"Secondly, the navy will be established after the establishment of Nanhua. I also have some ideas. I want to ask if this parameter can be achieved." Liu Yiming asked.

Liu Yiming handed Charles a piece of paper with ideal parameters written on it.

"Tonnage 7000-9000 tons, speed 18-22 knots, armored cruiser, main armor belt required to be six inches thick, deck 75 mm, command tower 152 mm, don't you think it's too thin? Hardened armor? What is it?" Charles muttered.

"Hardened armor is a new product of Nanhua. It is no exaggeration to say that it will trigger a naval revolution. This is the comparison between Nanhua hardened armor and ordinary armor." Liu Yiming handed Charles another piece of paper.

"Oh my God? This! Is this true?" Charles looked at the content on the paper and stared at Liu Yiming and asked.

"We'll talk about this later. Let's talk about warships first." Liu Yiming said lightly.

"Okay, three twin-mounted six-inch rapid-fire guns, arranged along the central axis? This will occupy a lot of space, and then there are only four 120mm rapid-fire guns? Such a large warship, why is the force so weak?" Charles didn't even mention the remaining small guns, twenty 47 long-barreled rapid-fire guns, just find a place to put them on the warship.

"I suggest you replace the six-inch guns with 2-inch guns, and then you can add ten 120 guns. This is absolutely a waste!" Charles said.

"No, six-inch guns are enough for us. Our goal is not long-term. If we equip large-caliber guns, Britain will be worried, right?" Liu Yiming said.

"Okay, there is no problem in completing your design, but what about the torpedo tubes? There are no torpedo tubes?" Charles was very surprised.

"Yes, in fact, this will be the main battleship of Sishui, and weapons such as torpedoes can be placed on auxiliary battleships." Liu Yiming said.

"How many battleships do you need?" Charles asked in confusion.

"A lot. I hope to negotiate with Britain to buy the manufacturing technology of small gunboats, a complete set!" Liu Yiming said.

"A complete set? That's a bit expensive. You may not be able to afford it. Artillery technology, steam engines, boilers, you want to buy finished products is not expensive, but the technology is different." Charles said.

"So, I plan to trade technology for technology." Liu Yiming smiled mysteriously.

"Let's go and see Nanhua's surface hardened armor."

At the bombardment test site, a five-foot-high, five-foot-wide, two-inch-thick hardened armor steel was erected and fixed to the wall.

"I really can't believe that this armor will be twice as good as wrought iron armor." Charles said, looking at the armor plate in the distance.

"It will be confirmed soon, right? This 120 gun is a British product, you are most familiar with it." Liu Yiming smiled.

Armored steel is Harvey armor. The production process of Harvey armor is simpler than Krupp. Although Krupp armor is 20% to 30% better than Harvey armor, Harvey armor is the most suitable at the moment. No, this world should be called 001 hardened armor.

Boom!

The 120mm gun made a resonant sound. It is worth mentioning that chestnut gunpowder is still used as propellant.

boom!

It missed. It is normal to miss at a distance of 1,500 meters.

boom!

The second shot hit.

"Let's go. Seeing is believing." Liu Yiming said to Charles.

The steel plate was slightly deformed. It should be too thin and could not withstand the impact, but there was no problem overall. There was a mark at the hit point. The 120mm gun was only 22 times the caliber, with an initial velocity of more than 400 meters, and its armor-piercing ability was very average.

"Only two inches of hardened armor can achieve the ability of four inches of wrought iron armor. This is a new technology that is no less than rapid-fire gun technology. You said that using the full set of hardened armor technology in exchange for a thousand-ton warship manufacturing technology and equipment, as well as 152mm guns, would Britain and Armstrong agree?" Liu Yiming said with a smile.

"I don't know!" Charles said, looking at the steel plate, "I can contact the relevant person in charge for you. It seems that my task is very heavy!" Charles said.

"Then I'll wait for you!" Liu Yiming said with a smile.

This wait will last until December 7th. Let's not talk about it for now and turn our attention to the world.

The victory of the South China Army was a huge shock to the world, and the countries most affected were undoubtedly the Netherlands, Spain, and Japan...

The Netherlands and Spain were afraid, and Japan, it must be said that Japan was a strange country. After Liu Yiming finished talking with Charles, he received news that the Japanese envoy wanted to see him.