Travel through the Qing Dynasty and become emperor

Chapter 86 Anglo-Russian Declaration of War
After Guan Xuqing's declaration of war was sent back to London, it immediately caused an earthquake throughout the UK.Just one day after war was declared, one regiment of the Royal British Army was completely wiped out, and two regiments of the Indian Colonial Eighteenth Army were completely wiped out.How long has it been since the British Empire suffered such a blow, and the last time may date back to the Crimean War.

Immediately afterwards, Russia issued a statement condemning Britain for interfering in the affairs of other countries and arbitrarily invading China's vassal state Myanmar, which violated international law treaties, and solemnly proposed that according to the newly signed "Sino-Russian Military Alliance Treaty", if China declares war on Britain, Russia will join the war together .The Russian Black Sea Fleet began to mobilize and landed its most elite First Army in Turkey, the most anti-Russian force, and continued to conduct military operations against the British forces in Afghanistan, Iran and other places from Al Ghabad.It should also prove that the Russian statement is not a false threat.This ignited a fire all over the UK.

"Is this world crazy? They think those yellow Chinese monkeys can defeat the British Empire." Prime Minister Salisbury roared in his office, even forgetting the most important etiquette.He didn't care about the loss of those colonial troops, what he cared about was the series of reactions that resulted from it.This happened to his cabinet as it struggled to secure a supermajority in the House of Commons.Parliament even mobilized a vote of no confidence, which, although temporarily suppressed by his activities, also made his predecessor, the leader of the Liberal Party, Earl William Gladstone, very powerful.

Holden sat on the sofa, frowning slightly at Salisbury's gaffe.A gentleman should remain sober and courteous at all times.He already had some premonitions about China's sudden declaration of war, but he did not expect the Chinese to fight such a beautiful first battle. Russia, Germany, the United States and even Austria were directly or indirectly drawn into their chariots. In exchange for the support of the Russians in Hong Kong, the support of the Americans with China's vast market, and the support of Germany and Austria with a large number of arms orders, Britain has been gloriously isolated for too long. ills.

"We should mobilize all forces and be as decisive as in 39 and 59: send troops to mainland China. As long as we take some key places in China, their internal conflicts will erupt by themselves. At that time, we can support some forces close to us to replace them. The disobedient China now will completely turn it into the back garden of the British Empire." Horton directly pointed out a direct and effective method.

Salisbury has yet to answer.Foreign Minister David next to him said: "I'm afraid it will be very difficult. If you want to send troops to China, you must attack by sea, but China is no longer what it was in 59. They have a tonnage of more than 10 tons, composed of dozens of ships. A fleet composed of advanced iron ships. These iron-clad ships rely on the fortresses along the coast of China. To defeat them, we must mobilize capital ships such as Invernisibai, Giants, and Collingwood. There must also be a considerable number of cruisers to protect the supply line. Prevent China from breaking the war. At that time, what will happen to the seven Russian battleships? Especially the four "Ekaterina II" in the Black Sea. No one can guarantee whether the Russians will choose at this time Break through the defense line of the Dardanelles. Once the Russians are allowed to enter the Mediterranean Sea, the power of the British Empire in West Asia and North Africa will be seriously threatened."

Holden was a little uncomfortable with David's overvaluation of the Chinese navy. He knew that the Chinese were an inferior nation.Maybe each of them has a smart brain, but as a nation they are absolutely unqualified. They talk about the distinction between Huayi, Manchu and Han all day long. Affinity.And the navy is the service that most needs teamwork and the spirit of cooperation. Even if they have those advanced warships, they are just empty shells. "We can contact France. The French have just lost their land in the Far East. As long as we promise to help them regain Vietnam, we should be able to get their support. In addition, we can also contact, it is a very ambitious country. They have a relationship with China. There are deep contradictions, and they have purchased a lot of advanced warships over the years." Holden continued.

"People?" David smiled reservedly, but the disdainful expression on his face still betrayed his thoughts: "Apart from hearing that the country is rich in gold, it seems that there is nothing worthy of praise. Their few ships A cruiser of two to three thousand tons may not even be able to beat the few ironclad ships that the Chinese obtained from France, so what kind of trouble can it cause the Chinese?"

Horton was a little unhappy with David's suggestion that he underestimated himself: "Although the power is weak, it can still contain a part of China. If France agrees to help the empire defend the Dardanelles, it can leave a small number of warships and mobilize all battles." ship to China."

"I have already sent someone to talk to the French. The French are now more worried about the German attack on land. According to the intelligence sent back by France, the French have signs of contact with the Russians. They should be worried about the threat of the Triple Alliance. .At our request, they offered to share Egypt's interests," David said.

"It's impossible." Salisbury said firmly after hearing David's words.Egypt is related to the lifeline of the empire leading to India, even if he is given three Burmese, he will not be able to change it.But Salisbury finally said to David and Horton: "Do you have any good suggestions?"

David said: "In my opinion, instead of attacking the mainland of China through the Western Pacific with complicated sea conditions and increasing the supply difficulties of the troops, it is better to fight a decisive battle with the Chinese in Burma. As long as the empire's base in Malacca is used, China can be easily stopped. The navy enters the Indian Ocean and our navy can provide a steady supply of troops with only a small number of ships. Myanmar is next to India and when necessary we can mobilize more than 30 troops to fight without worrying about supply issues. In contrast to China, they lead to Myanmar's roads are steep mountains, dense virgin forests and unfathomable river valleys, how many troops can they support in Myanmar?"

Salisbury was obviously moved by David's plan. The current situation in the House of Commons does not allow him to take any risks, otherwise he will end up in downfall, so he immediately said: "Very good, I will do as you want. I We will propose a plan to increase the number of troops to Parliament, and write to Lord Dufferin to let him start mobilization in advance, and we will teach the Chinese in Myanmar a lesson that will never be forgotten."

While Britain was still digesting the shock brought about by China's sudden entry into the war, the two armies of the Qing Army swept across the mountainous areas of northern Myanmar and the eastern Shan Plateau like a storm.At the same time, Guan Xuqing sent a group of officials here to help the local mountain people establish a modern management system.

After the Qing Dynasty regained this land, it distributed the land of those fleeing and surrendered chieftains to the mountain people, and joined forces with those pro-China chieftains to form a temporary organization, which immediately won the support of the people in these areas. The looting people also fled to these places one after another, and the Qing army finally gained a firm foothold in Burma.

In Turkey, Afghanistan and other places, with the sudden entry of Russia, the British plan to increase troops to Myanmar has been delayed again and again. The British army in Myanmar has shrunk to the vicinity of Mandalay. surrendered to their Burmese defenses.

Under the leadership of Liu Yongfu, it took only three days to capture Taunggyi, which is condescending and easy to defend.A dozen or so chieftains who were canonized by the British as Subwa, Musa, and Waikunmu were pushed in front of the people for the crime of treason, and the official punishment was issued.

The recovery of Taunggyi and Myitkyina formed a pincer attack on Mandalay from the south to the north, and the anti-British situation was very good.And Zuo Zongtang's headquarters also went out to Taunggyi.

(End of this chapter)