Zhu Erdian's words only made Yuan Shikai feel a burst of inexplicable grief and indignation in his heart. Just as he guessed, now is the time to sacrifice China's interests.

Shaking his head, Yuan Shikai said with a hint of regret.

"There is unrest in the local areas. If this president had the ability to restrain the local areas, how could it lead to this diplomatic crisis?"

It’s not that I can’t, it’s that I won’t!

Yuan Shikai knew it, and so did Zhu Erdian.

"Can that be..."

"China cannot cede Jiao'ao to Japan!..."

Yuan Shikai was silent for a moment, then raised his head and looked at Zhu Erdian.

"In this incident, the only thing the UK can do is to use diplomatic efforts to get Japan to make a commitment and promise not to expand the situation beyond Jiao'ao and Shandong!"

When Morrison entered Jurentang, he noticed that the "seriously ill" president seemed to be getting more seriously ill. As a presidential adviser, he knew clearly what caused the president's serious illness and what caused it.

What will make the "illness" worse?

"Old Mo, you are here!"

Seeing Morrison, Yuan Shikai nodded his hand on the chair, and then he lowered his head, looking worried.

"President!"

In fact, it was Morrison, as a presidential adviser, who pushed China to join World War I. After Britain declared war, as an adviser to the Chinese government, Morrison hoped that China would join the Allies and improve its international status by participating in the war. He quickly made a list for Yuan Shikai

It provides 12 reasons for China to join the war, including: forming an alliance with major powers, getting a seat at the conference to determine the conditions for peace, getting rid of financial difficulties, stopping paying the Gengzi indemnity to Germany, etc.

Four days ago, despite Japan's strong opposition and obstruction, China, with the support of Zhu Erdian, joined the Allied Powers by "self-declaring war" like Japan. Although it was just a declaration without war, the goal has been achieved.

But Morrison knew that China was actually falling into an unprecedented crisis, and even...

"Are you still worried about Jiao'ao?"

Yuan Shikai nodded and said nothing. Can you not worry? What if...

"Just now, Minister Zhu Erdian said that the most the British can do is guarantee that the Japanese will confine their actions to Shandong!"

After sighing, Yuan Shikai closed his eyes.

"He told me that participating in the war could avoid war between China and Japan. I agreed and issued a declaration of war through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs without waiting for the approval of Congress!"

Yuan Shikai was talking to himself, his words full of helplessness.

"But what did they gain by declaring war? In the final analysis, Britain is more afraid of Japan than China, and is afraid that Japan will turn to Germany! Therefore, they can sacrifice Japan's interests, and Japan can shout about China without having to deal with it.

Even if Japan refuses to recognize the negotiations, is it possible for the Japanese to listen to London's instructions?"

Although his mouth was dry, Yuan Shikai had no intention of drinking tea, and he continued with a sad look on his face.

"American Minister Rui Shien expresses sympathy, but the United States can't do anything. How can the Japanese ambitions be satisfied by Shandong? If you indulge him now, in the future..."

"President, for China, we can only have a chance if we win this battle!"

Morrison suddenly interrupted and looked at Yuan Shikai, who looked gloomy in front of him.

"No matter what, China must win this battle. Only in this way can it win the respect of all countries and make Japan completely stop its intention to dominate China!"

Yesterday afternoon, when the news of the start of the Jiao'ao war came, Morrison was shocked and thought about it all night. Finally, he came to the conclusion that if China wanted to protect itself, it must win this battle.

Only in this way can China be preserved, otherwise, waiting for China may even mean the country's demise.

"President, the European War destroyed the balance of the great powers in the Far East. Your country lost this battle, and Japan realized that Britain, France, and the United States were unable to deal with the situation in the Far East. This will inevitably intensify their attempts to control China.

Ambition, only after China wins this battle will Britain, the United States, France, Russia and other countries have the opportunity to intervene and have a chance to win the country's survival!"

Speaking of this, Morrison said again.

"This battle is at most a year ahead of schedule. President, with Japan's ambitions, they will definitely take advantage of this God-given opportunity to seek to expand their interests in China. Although the Sino-Japanese conflict has been brought forward, at least one thing is right.

In China's advantage, Qingdao has a solid fortress. Fortress defense is always better than field battles. As long as the Jiangsu Army can hold on, you have a chance to win. As long as Japan can be made aware of the heavy cost of seizing Qingdao, no other country will intervene.

, the Jiaoao incident can be resolved..."

Yuan Shikai had not thought about Morrison's ideas, but he had his own concerns. As the president, he had to consider the entire country.

"If we order Jiaoao troops to withdraw, can we..."

Morrison categorically interrupted Yuan Shikai's words.

"President, if you do that, it will only fuel the ambitions of the Japanese and blindly show weakness to others, which will eventually lead to the destruction of the country!"

"But, how to fight!"

"Just fight in Jiao'ao. As long as the battlefield is in Jiao'ao, China has a chance to win. So, President, no matter what, you must support Li Zicheng at this time! Support Jiao'ao, because it will affect the whole of China."
Chapter completed!