Red Mansion: Bastards rule the roost

In the eighth year of the Yongkang reign, on August 15, the Mid-Autumn Festival, at the invitation of Jia Cong, the regent of the Celestial Empire, political giants from 17 European countries including England, Frank, the Netherlands, Castile, Portugal, Prussia, Austria, and Russia gathered in Guangzhou to attend the first Asia-Europe Summit.

In the Fubo Garden which was specially built for holding this summit, Jia Cong was accompanying the officials from the Grand Council, the General's Mansion, the Ministry of Rites, the Honglu Temple and other government officials as well as local officials to attend a banquet with guests from various countries.

The banquet was held in Jingtao Pavilion, the large flower hall in the center of the garden. In order to keep pace with the international standards, it adopted the form of a Western cocktail party. For this purpose, Jia Cong specially ordered people to bring back a royal kitchen team and many European specialty wines and ingredients from Europe.

The top musicians hired by Qinhuai River were playing music in the corner. Jia Cong, holding a wine glass, walked to the stage in front of the flower hall to the soothing and gentle music. Everyone in the hall stopped talking and faced forward.

Jia Cong laughed out loud and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Heavenly Dynasty, I would like to extend a warm welcome and sincere gratitude to all the distinguished guests who have come from afar and across the ocean to attend the meeting. I believe that the Heavenly Dynasty will make your trip worthwhile. I would like to offer a toast to everyone."

Everyone raised their glasses and said with a smile, "To the respected Regent, it is our honor to visit the Celestial Empire."

Jia Cong took a sip of Frankish Burgundy wine, looked at the English Count Sean, and said with a smile: "Mr. Sean, you have been my host several times. When can you please have the honor of visiting England?"

Everyone burst into laughter at the right moment, and looked at Sean with some envy. It seemed that this man had a close relationship with Prince Jing.

Sean was flattered and said hurriedly, "It is an honor for our country to have Your Highness visit us. Whenever you are free, I am willing to be your guide to visit England." After saying this, he glanced at the people around him with pride.
Count Raoul of Frank said jokingly, "If Your Majesty is willing to come to Frank, I am willing to be the coachman. As for the guide, of course, the most beautiful woman in Paris will be the guide. I guarantee that Your Majesty will be satisfied."

Everyone laughed, thinking that Prince Jing was famous for his love of beauties, and if they could establish a friendly relationship with him, it would be very beneficial to the country.

Sean felt that he had miscalculated when he heard this, and hurriedly said, "The beauties in London are no less beautiful than those in Paris. Your Majesty, please appreciate them."

Jia Cong smiled and waved his hands, walked into the crowd, and said, "There are too many tigresses at home. I appreciate your kindness."

He looked at everyone again and said with a smile, "Is this the first time for most of you to visit the Celestial Empire? What do you think?"

Everyone said: "The Celestial Empire is indeed a superior country, prosperous as a brocade, beautiful scenery, and wealthy people, which makes people linger."

"This is just Guangzhou Prefecture. You haven't seen Suzhou, Yangzhou and other places. If you go to Nanjing and Shenjing, you will be shocked." The Marquis of Parma of Castile laughed.

"How could Jinling and Shenjing be so prosperous?"

"Of course, those two places are the economic centers of the north and south of the Celestial Empire, far surpassing Guangzhou Prefecture."

Everyone was amazed and said they must go and see it after the meeting.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "You are all welcome to look around the Celestial Empire. The steamship at the dock outside the city will take you anywhere you want to go. It only takes six or seven days from here to the capital."

Everyone secretly swallowed their saliva. They had come from Europe on these ironclad steamships, so they knew how powerful these advanced ships were. They hurriedly asked, "The Celestial Empire has developed such a powerful weapon. I wonder if it can be sold to you?"

Jia Cong said: "The production capacity of ironclad ships is not very high now. They are mainly equipped for the Celestial Empire Navy. However, in line with the principle of free trade and mutual exchange, a small amount can be sold to friendly countries."

With Jia Cong's full support, after nearly ten years, the Jinling Shipyard has explored a propeller propulsion system and successfully realized the idea of ​​steam-powered ships, while also fulfilling Jia Cong's instructions to build ironclad ships.

Today, the nearly one hundred ironclad warships of various types in the navy are his greatest reliance, enough to roam the seas and form an overwhelming advantage over the world's current mainstream wooden sailing battleships.

There was eagerness in everyone's eyes. As long as they could buy a ship and take it back for dismantling, it would be enough to promote the rapid development of their country's shipbuilding industry. However, the word "friendly" obviously had another deeper meaning, so they surrounded Jia Cong and flattered him, trying their best to show their "friendliness".

Jia Cong raised his glass frequently to greet everyone, and then said: "Mr. Gu, Mr. Feng and all the gentlemen, please don't be restrained. The so-called cocktail party is not about drinking, but making friends. Why not talk to you about the customs and culture of the Celestial Empire, and by the way, discuss the intention of cooperation between the two sides."

Gu Tao, Feng Yuan and others hurriedly agreed with a smile and dispersed to chat with politicians from various countries.

Everyone knew that Jia Cong would not discuss any overly profound topics in public, so they all smiled and dispersed, chatting in groups of three or four.

Jia Cong took the opportunity to intentionally or unintentionally walk to the powerful Duke of the Netherlands, von Ilok, and said with a smile: "Old Feng, I haven't congratulated you on your promotion to Duke yet."

Feng Yiluo hurriedly clinked glasses with him and said with a smile, "My family is where it is today, all thanks to your support and care. I am deeply grateful."

Jia Cong smiled and shook his head, saying, "It's just a normal business transaction, so there's no need to talk about favoritism. Your family has a deep foundation, and with someone as talented as you, it's not unusual for you to be promoted to a higher position."

Von Ilok said modestly: "Your Highness's wisdom has illuminated my path for many years."

Jia Cong laughed, played with his wine glass, and asked casually: "What is your opinion on the situation in Nanyang?"

Feng Yiluo's expression changed slightly, and he looked at Jia Cong cautiously, and said: "Originally, the countries in Southeast Asia were the paradise of my country, England, Frank, Portugal, and Castile, but in recent years, the Celestial Empire has also joined in and occupied the market.

Of course, I am happy to see this happen. It is also an opportunity for European countries to have more contact with Chinese businessmen.”

Jia Cong naturally knew that in recent years maritime merchants had established a firm foothold in Southeast Asia. They not only established chambers of commerce, but also occupied dozens of excellent port cities.

Yin smiled and said, "I am pleased with your generosity. Do you know that the countries in Southeast Asia have been vassal states of the Celestial Empire since the Tang Dynasty?"

"I know a thing or two about this." Feng Yiluo thought it was not good and laughed dryly.

Jia Cong said: "In the past, the monarchs focused on developing the land and had little interest in the ocean, which resulted in the Celestial Empire's power being barely projected into the South Seas. This caused these small countries to gradually develop different ambitions and become disrespectful and disobedient to the Celestial Empire, which was really annoying.

Since I came to power, I have changed the ways of my predecessors and vigorously developed maritime trade and the navy. The glory of the Celestial Empire has begun to spread again in Southeast Asia. "

Feng Yiluo said hurriedly: "Your Highness is a man of great talent and vision, and has accurately perceived the general trend of world development. This is admirable."

Jia Cong sneered: "The general trend of world development is fine, but the return of the Celestial Empire to Southeast Asia is certain."

"Your Highness means... my country and I absolutely support the return of the Celestial Empire to Southeast Asia." Feng Ilok hesitated.

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Thank you very much. I have something to ask you." He raised his hand and clinked his glass with him.

The wine slid through his mouth, but Feng Yiluo felt it tasted like wax. He pretended to be calm and smiled, "Your Highness, please give me your orders. As long as I can do it, I will never refuse."

Jia Cong said: "This matter is not difficult for you."

"Your Highness, please explain clearly."

"As I said just now, the Celestial Empire has had indisputable jurisdiction over Southeast Asia since ancient times, but now the key to this garden is in the hands of the Netherlands. Isn't that a little inappropriate?

If Lao Feng can transfer this key to me, I guarantee that the Netherlands will receive the greatest benefits and support among all European countries in terms of trade, diplomacy, and politics in the future. What do you think?"

Jia Cong stared into his eyes and said meaningfully.

Feng Yiluo secretly groaned. The English had been trying to get this key for decades but failed. How could they let it go so easily? Yin pretended to be stupid and said, "Key? What key? Your Highness, what you said makes me a little confused."

Jia Cong said calmly: "A wise man does not speak in a roundabout way. Why do you have to pretend to be ignorant when you know the truth?"

"I really don't know what your Highness means."

"Strait of Malacca!" Jia Cong said.

Von Ilok took a breath of cold air. Sure enough!
"Your Highness, this matter is extremely important and it is not something I can decide. But I will convey your intention to the parliament and Prince William as soon as possible." said von Ilok.

Jia Cong smiled and shook his head, saying: "Before I sent a ship to Europe to welcome the guests, I had already handed a secret letter to Prince William and discussed this matter, but unfortunately he was not interested in it.

I thought you had the courage to obey orders from the emperor, but unfortunately, you missed the opportunity to take your family further."

Feng Yiluoke smiled bitterly and said, "I feel extremely uneasy about failing to live up to Your Highness's kindness." He thought to himself that no matter how courageous I am, I can't secretly reach a treasonous agreement with you behind the country's back. Am I going back to wait for the guillotine?
Jia Cong patted his shoulder and said with a smile: "It's okay. Even if the business fails, the righteousness remains. Sorry for not accompanying me."

"Your Highness, please do as you please."

Although Sean was chatting and laughing with several European and Chinese politicians, his eyes were always on Jia Cong. Seeing this, he apologized and walked to Jia Cong, raised his glass and said with a smile: "Just now I saw that Feng Yiluo looked a little nervous. Did he part with the prince on bad terms?"

Jia Cong understood the elegant meaning of the music, clinked his glasses with him, and sighed regretfully: "Old Feng has something I want, but it's a pity that he won't give it up."

Xiao En said hurriedly, "Old Feng is too ungrateful. Not to mention the friendship between the prince and us for many years, even if it is for the favor that His Highness has taken care of our business for many years, no matter how big the gift is, as long as His Highness asks for it, I should offer it with both hands. This is the way of friendship."

Jia Cong glanced at him and said with a smile: "Do you know what I want?"

Sean raised his glass and smiled, "Now that the shipyard that the Netherlands is so proud of has been moved away by the prince, what good things do they have left that are worth your highness asking for in person? After thinking about it, it can only be that thing.

I think Your Majesty knows that my country has been fighting for this item for decades and has never been able to obtain it. If Your Majesty is interested, my country will fully support you!"

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I appreciate your kindness, but I don't know if what you and I are talking about is the same thing."

Sean looked around and whispered, "Strait of Malacca."

Jia Cong stared into his azure eyes and said, "I heard that your country has fought three battles with the Netherlands in the past hundred years, but the results were not very significant."

Sean smiled bitterly and said, "Not only is it not big, it is a loss of sovereignty and humiliation to the country.

A hundred years ago, the Netherlands took advantage of my country's civil war, rose to prominence and monopolized maritime trade. my country fought back, but the outcome was not satisfactory.

It is a pity that such a big country as England is being bullied by a tiny country. In the words of the Celestial Empire, this is a great shame and humiliation! We will not be human beings until we have revenged ourselves. "

Jia Cong smiled and said, "Since you have already lost in Europe, your country should not give up Malacca. Is there another war in Europe that has hindered your efforts?"

Now he had detailed intelligence on the situation in Europe, so he was confident.

Sean sighed, "Nothing can be hidden from the prince's sharp eyes. England and Prussia are now at war with the Franks, Austrians and Russians in Europe. They are unable to look east and have no intention or ability to deal with Malacca.

Moreover, our country has always believed that the master of Nanyang can only be the Celestial Empire. We have come here from thousands of miles away as mere merchants. How can we take over the throne?
Therefore, the Strait of Malacca should be managed by the rightful owner, so that other countries can give up their unreasonable wishes. "

Jia Cong laughed, raised his glass, drank it all, and said, "Sean, cheers to your frankness and wisdom."

"Cheers." Sean smiled and drank with them.

Jia Cong snapped his fingers, put the empty glass on the tray in the waiter's hand, picked up two more glasses of red wine and handed them to Sean.

"To be honest with you, sir, I have just ordered the Celestial Empire's South Sea Fleet and the Maritime Merchants' Combined Fleet, totaling more than 150 warships, to set out immediately to seize the Strait of Malacca and wipe out the Dutch forces there. I think there should be a response in half a month."

Sean was delighted and said, "With the new ironclad warships of the Celestial Empire, it should be easy to capture Malacca. Your humble servant would like to offer you sincere congratulations in advance."

Jia Cong nodded slightly and said, "Thank you."

Sean glanced at Von Iroch who was not far away, and whispered: "Netherland refused to accept the toast and drank the forfeit wine, which was a betrayal of His Highness's kindness and an offense to the majesty of the Celestial Empire. I wonder if His Highness..."

Jia Cong's eyes moved slightly, and he said, "I don't want to start a war lightly, but the other country is stubborn and doesn't understand the principle of the guest following the host's wishes. I can only use courtesy first and then force.

The purpose of this war was not only to bring Malacca under the rule of the Celestial Empire, but also to declare sovereignty to other countries. Nanyang is the back garden of the Celestial Empire. We welcome all nations to come, but they must abide by the rules of the Celestial Empire. "

Sean said hurriedly, "My country understands. We have always fully respected the authority and laws of the Celestial Empire, operated in accordance with the law, and traded with integrity. We have absolutely no intention of offending or blaspheming. Your Highness, please understand."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "If all countries were as sensible as you are, wouldn't the world be peaceful?"

"Yes, Your Highness, that's a good point. The reason Europe is in such a mess is because there are too many ignorant and greedy countries.

For example, the Franks took advantage of the wars between our country and the Netherlands, especially the Second and Third World Wars, to take advantage of the situation and devour the Dutch, gaining large tracts of land and trade interests. Their national strength rose sharply and they became the source of chaos in Europe. "Sean complained bitterly.

"Really?" Jia Cong smiled faintly and did not respond.

He naturally knew that a great war was going on in Europe. England and Prussia, the two brothers in distress, were being attacked jointly by Frank, Russia and Austria. They were under tremendous pressure and would certainly want to seek support from the East.

Seeing that Jia Cong did not accept the invitation, Xiao En waved to another person and said, "Your Highness, please allow me to introduce a good friend to you."

Jia Cong looked at the tall, burly, blond, white-skinned middle-aged man who was walking quickly towards him, waved his hand and said with a smile, "I know him. Dear Prince Hohenlohe, did you enjoy your trip to the Celestial Empire?"

The man who came was Prince Hohenloch, one of the three Prussian army commanders-in-chief, who came from a wealthy family and had a prominent status.

Although they were both princes, Hohenlohe was obviously shorter than Jia Cong. He rushed forward and held Jia Cong's right hand with both hands, bowed slightly, and said, "I am honored to receive your invitation. This visit has opened my eyes. The prosperity and wealth of the Celestial Empire can be compared with the whole of Europe." Jia Cong smiled and said, "You are welcome to come and see more when you have time. I have not yet thanked you for your great contribution to the humanities exchanges between our two countries, and of course Mr. Sean."

It is called exchange, but in fact it is just the Prussian Academy of Sciences and the Royal English Academy of Sciences unilaterally supplying blood to the Dawu Academy of Sciences.

In recent years, a lot of talents have been sent here, many of whom are famous figures in textbooks of later generations, such as: Henry More, Henry Cavendish, John Reinhold, John Lambert, etc.

Hohenlohe said hurriedly: "It is my honor to promote cultural exchanges between our two countries. I am also grateful to Your Highness for sending the Oriental scholars. Now learning the Celestial Mandarin has become a trend in Prussia."

Sean laughed and said, “It should be a craze across Europe.”

"Exactly."

Jia Cong nodded and said, "I am also vigorously advocating the learning of European languages. I hope that in the near future, language issues will no longer be an obstacle to communication between China and the West."

"It will definitely be as Your Highness wishes." Hornloch said, and then looked at Sean, "Why did you call me here?"
Sean coughed dryly and said, "I was just talking to Your Highness about the situation in Europe. Europe is in chaos right now and we urgently need a leader like Your Highness to mediate and jointly maintain regional peace and stability."

Hornloch's eyes lit up, and he immediately realized that Sean wanted to pull Jia Cong onto his chariot, and hurriedly said, "That's right, Your Highness, I hope that Your Highness will help us for the sake of the deep friendship that our three countries have established over the years."

Jia Cong laughed, raised his glass and said with a smile: "Come, let's toast to friendship."

The two of them hurriedly took a sip with a smile, then looked at Jia Cong eagerly.

Jia Cong smacked his lips and pretended to hesitate, "You two, it's not that I'm shirking my responsibilities, but the national policy of the Celestial Empire has always been to keep a low profile and be calm and self-sustaining. Europe is thousands of miles away. I'm an outsider and have no legitimate reason to intervene. This is one;

In addition to your two countries, other European countries have also had close exchanges with the Celestial Empire in recent years, and have also established a deep friendship with me. I feel bad if I side with someone, and I will definitely be blamed by my friends. This is the second;
Even if I want to mediate, empty words may not be listened to, I must use some means, you two are both knowledgeable about military affairs, the sound of cannons is worth a lot of gold, and the pressure on the treasury will inevitably increase sharply. And I don’t know how to explain to the people of China why the Celestial Empire wants to interfere in European affairs. This is the third. I hope you can forgive me. "

Seeing that Jia Cong had not made his point, Xiao En hurriedly said, "I have an immature idea about this matter. I would like to discuss it in depth with Your Highness after the meeting."

Jia Cong nodded slightly and said, "Okay, I also want to hear your opinions. I will invite you two to enjoy the moon tonight."

"Thank you very much. Your Highness' generosity will be unforgettable for us." The two said hurriedly.

"That's too formal." Jia Cong clinked glasses with the two of them with a smile.

The two knew that it was not appropriate to take up too much of Jia Cong's time, lest they arouse jealousy, so they quickly apologized and walked aside.

Sure enough, as soon as the two men walked away, another old man wearing a red hat and red clothes came over with a wine glass in hand to greet Jia Cong.

Jia Cong knew that this person was Cardinal Christian, the most important cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, who was deeply trusted by the Pope and had great power. He was also on a holy mission to represent the Pope at the summit.

"Oh, Your Excellency Cardinal, are the bread and wine that I specially prepared for you to your liking?" Jia Cong greeted with a smile.

Christine was about sixty years old, tall and thin, with a shrewd look in her deep-set eyes. She smiled and said, "Your Highness is well-versed in both Chinese and Western learning, which is admirable. This trip made me feel like I was back in the Holy City.

Please allow me to express my highest respect and best wishes to you on behalf of His Majesty the Holy Father." He bowed slightly.

Jia Cong knew that the Vatican had great influence in Europe, and the cardinal was even known as the "Prince of the Vatican." He raised his hand and said, "Your Excellency the Bishop is too polite. I have long admired the Pope's benevolence. Please give my regards to him."

Christine smiled and said, "I will definitely convey your Highness's intention." Then she changed the subject and said, "In recent years, I have often heard that your Highness is interested in promoting cultural exchanges between China and the West, and has brought in many professors and scholars from various countries. It seems that he has a preference for natural sciences. I wonder if he is interested in theology?"

Jia Cong raised his glass and said with a smile: "I have heard people say that the end of science is theology. God created everything and is everywhere. Even many scientists are believers in God. It's just that the people of the Celestial Empire are not well educated and may not be able to understand the mysteries of theology."

Christine said hurriedly, "Theology is not profound or obscure. It is all in people's daily life. In short, it guides people to be good, which is of great benefit to the court in governing the local area."

Jia Cong said bluntly: "Your Excellency the Bishop wants to preach in the Celestial Empire?"

Christine hurriedly said, "It is our lifelong duty to preach the gospel to the Lord. Your Highness, are you willing to help me? This is also a great merit for Your Highness."

Jia Cong laughed and said, "To be honest with you, Bishop, there is a sect in our Celestial Empire that says I am the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Does Maitreya Buddha know about this?
It is roughly equivalent to the rank of your archangel, so I am not too eager for the merits of your religion."

Christine said: "The Bible says, 'As a deer pants for water, my soul pants for you', and this is exactly what is happening today.

If Your Highness has any request, we will definitely assist you with all our strength, as long as it can spread the glory of the Lord in the land of Heaven. Please rest assured that the Lord's disciples will never cause trouble for the governance of the court."

Jia Cong thought for a moment and said with a smile, "I suddenly remembered another sentence from the Bible. Please enlighten me, Bishop."

Christine was a little surprised and said, "Your Highness also reads the Bible. Which sentence is it?"

Jia Cong said, "I have never read it. I heard it from others. It says 'You are his flesh and blood, and his body is your body'. This sentence seems to mean 'I am in you and you are in me'."

Christine's eyes flashed, and she said, "Your Highness means..."

Jia Cong took a sip of wine as if nothing had happened and said, "I can allow the Holy See to send people to the Celestial Empire to preach and build churches, but the Pope must also help the Celestial Empire enter Europe.

In this way, our two families can be connected as blood relatives, and this is in line with the meaning of the Bible."

"This..." Christine frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said: "I wonder how Your Highness wants to enter Europe?"

Jia Cong said: "Of course it is a long-term and stable way. If it is trade, I have already done it now. Why should I trouble His Majesty the Pope?"

Christine thought for a moment, nodded slowly, and said, "The Holy See will declare that the glory of God has descended on the East, and the Celestial Empire will return to Europe with God's will to save the world."

Jia Cong nodded and said, "That's a good idea."

"And the Celestial Empire must open up to the Holy See, allowing pastors and priests to freely preach, recruit believers, and build churches."

"Yes. However, all activities of the church and clergy must abide by the laws of the Heavenly Kingdom. They must not incite people to make trouble, incite rebellion against the government, or undermine the authority of the court." Jia Cong said solemnly.

"Your Highness can rest assured about this. We will only spread the Lord's mercy and love and will never do anything inappropriate," said Christine.

Jia Cong sneered, "Your Excellency the Bishop, clergy are also human beings. I have long heard that many priests in Europe use confession as an excuse to extort money and sexually abuse women.

I would like to reiterate that the laws of the Celestial Empire are ruthless, and clergy do not have legal immunity. Once they break the law, they will not be forgiven. To prevent misunderstandings, it is better to make it clear first. "

Christine was a little embarrassed and said hurriedly, "Don't worry, Your Highness. The priests and pastors selected to preach in the Heavenly Kingdom are all people with high moral character and are well versed in doctrine. They will never commit crimes."

"I hope so. I hope we can have a pleasant cooperation."

"Pleasant to work with."

Jia Cong happily reached an agreement with the cardinal, making an important move in future European strategy.

He is not afraid of the Holy See coming to China to compete for faith, because Chinese people are not as easy to deceive as Westerners. The Pope will never think that Chinese people have never had faith since ancient times. The so-called religion is just a shortcut for people to achieve their wishes. If it works, I will worship you. If it doesn't work, haha...

Chinese people, even the illiterate fools, are standard utilitarians. If "God" cannot respond to every prayer and has omnipotent powers, it will be in vain no matter how you preach.

Count Raoul of Frank watched coldly. Seeing that Sean and Hornloch had both had contact with Jia Cong, he wanted to go over to find out the truth, but when he saw the cardinal step forward to speak, he had to hold back. He waited until Christine left before he quickly walked over to toast Jia Cong.

"Your Highness, on behalf of the King of my country, I would like to express my highest respects to you. Before coming here, His Majesty told me that he hoped you could come to Paris when it was convenient for you. Of course, considering that you are in charge of the Celestial Empire and are very busy, you may not be able to come to Paris. You can also send a special envoy to visit. My country welcomes you wholeheartedly."

Jia Cong smiled and raised his glass, saying, "Please express my gratitude to King Louis XV of your country. I will visit your country when the time is right."

Raoul probed, "When do you think is the right time? The ladies of Paris have long admired your Highness and are eager to see him."

Jia Cong smiled and said, "I heard that your country is busy with war. Wouldn't it be troublesome for me to visit you at this time? At least wait until your country finishes the war."

Raoul hurriedly said, "Don't worry, Your Highness. England and Prussia are vulnerable. Our coalition forces will soon achieve a decisive victory."

Jia Cong said calmly, "Is that so? Just now, Xiao En invited me to mediate. What do you think?"

Raoul's heart skipped a beat. If Jia Cong decided to intervene in the European dispute, the naval power of the dynasty today would be enough to determine the direction of the war. So he hurriedly asked, "Your Highness, do you intend to intervene in the European war?"

Jia Cong shook his head and said, "I don't like to meddle in other people's affairs. I just hope that our friends of many years can live in harmony."

Raoul said: "Your Highness's generosity is a shame, and my country is not warlike, but the historical roots of European affairs are complicated, the interests are intertwined, the contradictions and conflicts are deep-rooted, and finally the war broke out.

In this war, our country was forced into a corner and had no choice but to fight back. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

"Appreciate further details."

Raoul said: "The English are greedy and warlike. They first fought with the Netherlands for territory and trade for decades, and then saw our country's peaceful development and rise, and regarded it as a threat. They turned around and tried to attack and weaken our country, expand colonies, and establish maritime hegemony.

At the same time, Prussia was ambitious and attempted to annex Saxony and turn Poland into its vassal state. The two countries hit it off and relied on their strong national strength to bring disaster to Europe.

Our country and our allies such as Austria and Russia have no choice but to join forces to fight against them. As long as Your Highness can convince Britain and Prussia to give up their ambitions of aggression, we will withdraw our troops immediately. "

Jia Cong sneered, shook his head, and said, "Mr. Raoul, do you want to tell me that Frank, Luosha, and Austria are all pure country girls who are bullied by others?"

Raoul said awkwardly, "Your Highness, I didn't mean that. I was just speaking the truth. You must not trust Sean and the others' one-sided words."

Jia Cong said: "My friend, I will naturally listen to your opinions before making a decision."

Raoul looked around and lowered his voice and said, "No matter what conditions Sean and the others offer you, Frank will never be inferior to them."

Jia Cong looked at him with interest and asked, "What do you think of the situation in Nanyang?"

Raoul understood what he meant and said, "Nanyang is the back garden of the Celestial Empire. The Celestial Empire is the host and we are the guests."

Jia Cong smiled and clinked glasses with him, saying, "So, you and I have reached the most important consensus."

"I would like to serve His Highness."

Jia Cong shook his glass and said, "The Celestial Empire will soon seize the Strait of Malacca and punish the Netherlands. I need your alliance's political and diplomatic support. In return, I promise that I will never send troops to Europe to intervene in your dispute. How do you think?"

Raoul thought about it and realized that the misfortune of the Netherlands had nothing to do with him. As long as the Celestial Empire did not interfere in the war in Europe, the Franks would be able to win a great victory, and this would not cost anything. So he nodded and said, "Deal. My country will be responsible for persuading Austria and Russia."

"Cheers to friendship." A smile appeared on Jia Cong's lips.

"Cheers to the glory of His Highness."

That night, in the Guangzhou General's Mansion, a secret meeting that could change the world situation was being held in a courtyard specially set aside by Su Qing.

Jia Cong smiled and pointed at the snacks on the table, saying, "You two, try some snacks that are unique to the East. They are only eaten at this time of year."

Sean and Hornloch bowed and thanked him. They each took a piece and put it in their mouths. Then they smiled and praised, "It's a very sweet pastry. What's its name?"

"moon cake."

"Yeah, it's a very appropriate name. It is round like the bright moon in the sky." Sean said with a smile.

Jia Cong said: "I hope our meeting tonight will also achieve a satisfactory result like this mooncake."

Hohenlohe said hurriedly: "We have great sincerity and will definitely achieve a satisfactory result."

His need to win Jia Cong's assistance was most urgent because Prussia could no longer withstand the beating by the Franks, Austrians and Russians in Europe and was even facing the danger of national destruction. His most important task in this mission to the East was to win Jia Cong's support, and he was willing to pay any price for it.

Sean also understood the principle of "the lips and the teeth are cold". The war on the European continent now depends entirely on Prussia's powerful army to fight head-on and bear enormous pressure. England can unscrupulously compete with Frank for territory in India, North America. If Prussia is destroyed, England will also be hard to remain unscrupulous.

Yin echoed: "We will never let your highness down." (End of this chapter)