Chapter 66 Battle and Variations

Beijing, China Palace, Imperial Study Room.

Zheng Yu frowned and fell into deep thought.

The current situation was indeed unexpected. In order to reverse the unfavorable situation, he put some effort into the German emperor in Stuttgart, and with the later rebellion under the table, Germany's China policy began to improve; in order to eliminate hidden dangers and stabilize the situation, he worked hard to bridge military and political contradictions, and even took risks to persuade the emperor to reduce the internal anti-corruption and corruption efforts. In order to protect the emperor and avoid the country, he tried his best to solve the assassination case and tried his best to eliminate internal hidden dangers. As a compromise, he also gave up further investigation of Xingyahui's assassination. In addition, he further strengthened communication with the United States and laid the foundation for future strategic cooperation between China and the United States on many issues.

But he did not expect that all this would lead to Japan's peace talks.

From his original heart, he did not think this was a bad thing. After all, having one less opponent would be beneficial or harmless to defeating Russia, a real enemy. As for the long-term issue of China and Japan, they could fight with Japan after defeating Russia, and even settle it. Speaking of vigilance towards Japan, in this time and space, if other time travelers were not considered, Zheng Yu would probably be the number one person in China. After all, others do not know about September 18th, and it is even more impossible for them to know what the eighth year of the War of Resistance Against Japan, coupled with the victory of Sino-Japanese War of 1894, it is mostly contemptuous hostility towards Japan.

The key problem is that this is the emperor's plan, a plan that has been deployed for twenty-five years.

Since occupying the south, the emperor has been planning strategies against Japan and Russia, and has deliberately dug the big pit of Sino-Japanese War, the bigger pit of the Asian War, and has tried hard to make these two ambitious countries a stepping stone for the rise of the Chinese Empire. Now, everything is ready, but an important corner of it is about to leave temporarily. How can this not make the emperor not angry? Zheng Yu is the most direct factor that contributes to this result.

This unexpected scene really caught Zheng Yu off guard.

The emperor looked at the adopted son who was a little confused, but he just took a sip of tea without hesitation, and did not speak, but just looked at the other person silently.

"My son wants to...it's good to talk." After a while, Zheng Yu gritted his teeth and said what he said, "It's good to defeat others without fighting. Things are unpredictable in the world, and the situation of the war is unpredictable. It's not a good thing to be able to divide the enemy's momentum before the war."

"Do you think Japan is really seeking peace?" The emperor stared at him for a while and said slightly, "These xiǎo noses have always been playing nonsense. How could they know that they are not arrogant?"

Zheng Yu frowned again, and after a while, he said, "My son is indeed not sure about the intention of the Japanese. My son just thought that although the Japanese asked for a price was very high, it was not outrageous. It was much lower than last year's adjustment. It seemed not a blackmail to take advantage of the situation. It was indeed like a deliberate test of the empire and try to make peace. After all, they had a weak foundation and had to hold on for a breath in the year of Sino-Japanese Wu. If this time it was defeated, the country would probably be out of control. Hiromon Ito and others were not crazy. As long as they found that they could not borrow the power of European and American countries to divide the empire together, it would be difficult for them to really make up their minds to fight the empire."

"This matter is not a bad thing for the empire after all." Zheng Yu paused, "I might as well accept the call and let the people from the foreign ministry find out. Even if we cannot reach an agreement in the end, it will be considered that the empire is benevolence and righteousness, demonstrating the empire's kingly way and righteousness, and there is more room for Japan after the war."

"You don't know the situation in China." The emperor snorted, "Now people think that I am weak internally and externally, and want to engage in assassination. If I make peace with the Japanese, what will the army see me? What will the people see me? What will those intellectuals who always shout and fight and kill, what will happen?"

"Then..." Zheng Yu hesitated for a while, and felt sad, and he had to give up after thinking about it.

"Let the foreign ministry try." The emperor stared at him for a long time and sighed, "Do keep it confidential... In terms of public opinion, give the propaganda department to review the manuscript. The propaganda is more focused on the Russians. If Japan is indeed sincere, gradually change the Asian kingly righteousness."

Zheng Yu looked at the emperor in disbelief.

"War is not a joke after all. The empire is not sure to defeat Japan and Russia." The emperor said, "It is not a bad thing to be able to stabilize one first and concentrate on dealing with Russia's great enemy. What you said makes sense, the imperial kingly righteousness is not empty talk..."

"In recent years, some people in Japan have been trying to bridge the Sino-Japanese hostilities and then reach the East Asian steel covenant." The emperor said lightly, "It's a pity that the people's feelings for the two countries... the hatred of Japan is deeply rooted in the empire, and it is also a powerful tool for forging a strong army and promoting the unification of a powerful central government. But for this, the Russians fought on both sides and killed them, but they were a little too energetic."

Zheng Yu nodded in admiration and felt relieved. With the emperor's attitude, this matter is really a bit contributing.

"Even if the Japanese want to give us yào," the emperor smiled again, "Can't we use the trick? The empire has a war with war, does Japan have no? I don't believe that the Yamato nation is a one-solid and solidarity, and you want to talk about it, and I will tell you if I can control the place, or if Emperor Luo Shizi Meiji speaks well."

Zheng Yu looked at his adoptive father with admiration.

This natural confidence and arrogance is really heartbreaking to the heart of Zheng Yu. Although his vision and judgment have some shadow of the emperor, he really cannot match the demeanor and temperament that has been cultivated through hard work and years of control of the regime.

Gap, gap.

--------------------------

night.

Hongluo Lake in the suburbs of Beijing.

The luxury villa of the Li Jingfang family in Beijing.

In the secret room, the yellow lights envelope everything in the room in a warm light.

The Japanese secret envoy in casual clothes, Kentaro Kaneko took a breath and said slowly: "The peace suggestions for our country are as follows:

First, the Chinese Empire and the Kingdom of Korea, the Japanese Empire used the Yalu River and Tumen River as the boundary to identify the Sino-North Korea border, with the median water surface as the boundary, and Changbai Mountain was divided equally by China and North Korea;

Second, the Chinese Empire once again confirmed the relevant provisions of the five-year Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty, that Japan is the legitimate sovereign state of the Kingdom of Korea and promised not to pursue recourse; however, against North Korea, the two countries can sign another secret contract. After China helps Japan acquire other Asian territories in the future, Japan will allow North Korea to be independent and accept it into the Sino-Japanese alliance system;

Third, in line with the friendship between the same clan and the same race in Asia, the Japanese Empire voluntarily gave up the right to pursue the ownership of the Ryukyu Islands. In exchange, the Chinese Empire opened the Liaodong Peninsula and gave Japan special rights. The mineral resources of the Liaodong Peninsula were given to Japan, and Japan had priority exploration rights for a period of 50 years. Japan had the right to build railways on the Liaodong Peninsula and obtain the right to operate the railway, but did not seek land and military garrison rights along the railway. Railway security matters were the responsibility of the Chinese Empire;

Fourth, the Japanese Empire will reject the military agreement with Russia to express sincerity for friendship and peace for China; in exchange, China revised the Sino-British Alliance Agreement, added Japan to the exclusion country of military obligations, and further helped Japan to join the Sino-British Alliance Treaty to form the Sino-Japanese and British Alliance Agreement to ensure peace and stability in Asia;

Fifth, China opens Taiwan Island and Ryukyu Islands as special areas for Sino-Japanese cooperation, allowing Japanese immigrants to enter and allow such immigrants to retain Japanese nationality. Any disputes involving immigration will be formed by the Chinese and Japanese sides to resolve the disputes in consultation with the laws of the two countries;

Sixth, the political parties of China and Japan signed the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Non-aggression and the Sino-Japanese Joint Defense Treaty for a period of 20 years;

Seventh, based on the support of China and Japan, the god of mutual assistance among Asian nations, the Chinese Empire should help the Japanese Empire explore the commercial interests of the Southeast Asian countries;

Eighth, in order to promote the economic progress of the Asian nation, the Chinese Empire should ensure that the supply of high-quality anthracite of the Japanese Empire should not be less than one million tons, high-quality lignite should not be less than two million tons, high-quality iron ore should not be less than 400,000 tons, high-quality crude steel should not be less than 100,000 tons, high-quality pig iron should not be less than 100,000 tons, high-quality kerosene should not be less than 300,000 tons, and adjust it as appropriate according to the needs of Japan's economic development;

Ninth, in order to jointly promote progress, the Chinese Empire and the Japanese Empire gave each other one-sided most-favored-nation treatment, the goods of the two countries were exempt from customs inspection, the residents of the two countries exchanged freely, and reached an agreement to send overseas students to each other;

Tenth, in order to consolidate common defense and offset foreign enemy threats, the Chinese Empire will provide the Japanese Empire with necessary high-end equipment for the army and naval forces, advanced telegraph and telephone equipment, advanced airship weapons at preferential prices, and send personnel to guide the Japanese Empire at the same time..."

Huang Zunxian, the deputy director of the Chinese Foreign Ministry opposite, had his eyes lit up and his heart was shocked. Although he was prepared, Huang Zunxian could not help but be moved by hearing such all kinds of terms.

This is not just a peace agreement, but also a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement for China and Japan to join hands to form an Asian Iron and Steel Alliance and subvert the Asian order.

Huang Zunxian served as ambassador to Japan for a long time, and is also a person who is familiar with the Japanese internal affairs and has many people with the Japanese government and opposition. But at this moment, he still had to admit that he still underestimated Hirobuki Ito and underestimated Meiji.

Such open and honest conversations, such grand ideas, and at such a tense moment, he dared to make such concessions and put forward such clauses that could almost be called mutually beneficial. This kind of demeanor and heart is no longer limited by politicians. If he doesn't look at those somewhat annoying clauses, overall, Huang Zunxian even had the urge to accept it.

After all, in the face of a giant like Russia, a former Qing juren like Huang Zunxian was very cautious about the strong ships and cannons of foreigners, so he naturally did not want to add another strong rival like Japan, especially the recent domestic movements. Huang Zunxian was also worried. Today, it is rare that the Japanese are reasonable and sincere. How could he not be overjoyed?

Aryao, the director of the fifth department of the General Staff, representing the Japanese military, had a serious face and stared at the Chinese people opposite. Li Zhong, director of the Third Department of the General Intelligence Bureau of the Chinese Empire, also looked back at the past solemnly.

Li Zhong knew the horror of this Japanese intelligence giant.

Arago Jing, who is 46 years old this year, is a rare talent in both civil and military affairs in Japan. He was praised as an "imperial treasure" by the Japanese British group. As early as when Lu Shi was studying, Arago Jing devoted himself to studying China's national conditions. After graduation, he was determined to retire in order to investigate China. For this, he even alarmed the then Japanese Army Deputy Chief Kawakami Cào Liu. Kawakami personally persuaded and tried his best to keep him, and finally brought Arago Jing into Japan.

Army General Staff Headquarters. This man from Kawakami attaches great importance to Arito, who has never seen Japan for a century and strongly recommends it to Oyama Iwai, Yama Prefecture Tomoto and others. Whenever Arito arrives, all senior Japanese Army officials leave to welcome him. During his time at the General Staff Headquarters, Arito Jing wrote "The Unity of the Universe" and "The Strategy of the Xingya", systematically elaborating his thought on Arito, and insisting on promoting China and Japan to build a new Asia that coexist and prosper together, which attracted widespread attention.

In 1886, under the personal arrangement of Kawakami Cào Liu, Arago, who had been promoted to Army Lieutenant, dreams come true. He was ordered to sneak into China to carry out intelligence work and investigate and improve the theory of Xingya. In another time and space history, after the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, Arago Jing was infected with plague and died unfortunately when he was infected with plague when he was just obtained by Japan. However, in this historical process of changing time and space, it was obvious that Arago Jing's fate also embarked on another fork.

Li Zhong naturally did not dare to neglect this terrible opponent. However, he had a little more trouble in his heart. Although this Arakuyo Jing, although a famous Japanese spy, also advocated the promotion of China and Japan and the prosperity of Asia. Is the Japanese really going to turn war with the empire into silk this time?

After Kaneko Kaneko said in a silent manner, he looked at the silent Chinese opposite, and he emphasized his tone, and said sincerely: "You guys, the Japanese Empire is not afraid of war. From His Majesty the Emperor, to the Elderly and the 40 million citizens, I have never thought of avenging shame for a day. Now I have this discussion. It is actually His Majesty the Emperor of the Kingdom, His Excellency Ito, and the Elderly Pavilion staff, I am grateful to us, as a country with the same language and the same kind of brotherhood in East Asia, and a neighboring country with a belt of water. In the 1985 year, it was a great misfortune, and the rebirth of war is a thing of the ages. Now, the Western powers are step by step and divide up the backward nations. Except for China and Japan, there is no independent nation in Asia. If the two countries share the same family, I am afraid that the fire of Asian civilization will be extinguished, and hundreds of millions of creatures will become slaves of the Europeans."

After saying that, he glanced at Huangweijing again.

"The empire has expressed its greatest sincerity, and it is not a price all over the sky." Araya Jing continued the conversation tacitly, "The empire's army and navy are waiting for the battle, and are willing to die for His Majesty the Emperor. Now His Majesty is concerned about the people of the two countries, and cannot bear to see their brothers, living beings, and endure humiliation and burdens. He proposes such peace talks to maintain peace in East Asia and forge the integrity of the two countries' coexistence and prosperity. The sky can be seen that your country's emperor and the emperor's lords will fully understand the sincerity of our country and the mercy of His Majesty the Emperor. If the peace talks are successful, the situation in East Asia will be determined, and the two countries will work together to fight against greed and violent European colonialism."

Huang Zunsu suppressed his heart's movement and said slowly: "About your country's initial outline, I have already made a preliminary discussion. I have given high praise to the kindness of His Majesty the Emperor and the Lord of the Cabinet, His Majesty the Emperor and the Prime Minister. My country is the pillar of East Asia's peace and the hope of the Asian nation. All suggestions that are conducive to East Asia's stability in Asia and the self-improvement of Asian nations should be given full attention. On behalf of my colleagues in the country, I will give you a preliminary reply to you."

"My country believes that the sovereignty of the Chinese Empire is based on justice and justice, and the common possession of 450 million people is not allowed by the public, and it cannot be given lightly." As soon as Huang Zunsu said, the faces of Kentaro and others changed slightly, but they forced to suppress and listened quietly.

"However, my country always likes peace. Although I have a grudge with the Japanese Empire, I think it is a nation with the same language and race in East Asia. I feel the sincerity of His Majesty the Japanese Emperor and pity the suffering of the common people of the two countries. Therefore, I have the special communication and communication." Huang Zunsu continued as if he was unconscious. Kentaro Kim's heart was relieved, "However, the glorious China has its own money for peace, so I hereby put it as the basis for peace."

Kaneko's heart was tight again, and his heart was also thumping. He was a graduate of Harvard University in the United States, close to US President Theodore Roosevelt, and was also Japan's leading British-American foreign expert. He had his own opinions on Sino-Japanese relations. This time, Japan took the initiative to improve Sino-Japanese relations and tried to negotiate peace. Kaneko was also a firm supporter. He had noticed the change in the US attitude, so he was very worried about the prospects of this war. This time, on the one hand, it was everyone's hope, and on the other hand, he volunteered to undertake the important task of peacemaking. In Kaneko's view, this undoubtedly concerns the future of Japan and even the entire Asia.

In his opinion, Japan's sincerity has been expressed sufficiently. These terms are really not too harsh and can be used as the basis for negotiations. China's current domestic situation should also be able to accept this condition of peace talks that is absolutely not harsh.

But the other party just put these aside and demanded that the negotiation be conducted based on his own suggestions.

Could this peace talk have been just wishful thinking from Japan from the beginning?

Kitano Kitano's palms were tangled together with force, and his brows frowned slightly.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"First, the Chinese Empire has always been the suzerain of the Kingdom of Korea, and there is a conclusion in history. The Sino-Japanese Peace Treaty ended on the same day, and the two sides signed a new contract. The Chinese Empire repurchased the suzerain of the Kingdom of Korea from the Japanese Empire for 5 million pounds. For railways, highways, and buildings built during the occupation of the Japanese Empire, the Chinese Empire compensated and paid interest at a certain interest rate. The Chinese Empire promised not to station troops in Korea, but to send police to maintain public order, and to help the Kingdom of Korea form an independent national defense force to consolidate its right to self-defense;

Second, the Chinese Empire is concerned about the hardships of the people of the Japanese people and the lack of civilian use. It specifically allows Japanese people to immigrate to Chinese territory, but must be naturalized as Chinese people, be completely governed by Chinese laws, and pay taxes and serve in accordance with the regulations;

Third, the Ryukyu Kingdom was always a vassal of China, so the Japanese Empire had to give up the right to recourse to the Ryukyu Islands to express sincerity; the Chinese Empire specially approved the sons born to residents of the Ryukyu Islands and Japanese people to settle in Ryukyu and retain the nationalities of both countries, but they must be governed by the Ryukyu laws;

Fourth, the Chinese Empire, in view of the lack of resources and economic difficulties in Japan, will issue policies to provide fixed subsidies for exporting some materials to Japan to ensure high-quality and low-price;

Fifth, as an expression of goodwill and a proof of sincerity, the Chinese Empire will assist in the construction of the Japanese Empire railway and send personnel to help plan and guide the construction. The railway built will be granted 30 years of operation rights and will be returned to the Japanese Empire's political affairs after 30 years;

Sixth, as an expression of goodwill and a proof of sincerity, the Japanese Empire must reject the Japan-Russia military alliance treaty. In exchange, China will work hard to help Japan join the Sino-British alliance treaty system;

Seventh, the Chinese Empire will send military advisers to assist the Japanese Army and Navy in improving equipment and organization, and sell some weapons and equipment to the Japanese Army and Navy at preferential prices to improve their combat capabilities so that the two ** teams can coordinate in the future;

Eighth, the Chinese Empire is willing to sign the Treaty of Non-aggression and the Treaty of Military Alliance with the Japanese Empire. The two countries set up a joint headquarters during wartime to command joint operations. The person designated by His Majesty the Emperor of the Chinese Empire and approved by His Majesty the Japanese Emperor is elected as the commander-in-chief of the Joint Force, and is responsible for coordination and command;

ninth,……"

Kentaro Kaneko listened, a nameless fire surged into his heart. This was not negotiation, but arrogance of humiliation, Japan's olive branch, and what he got was such an insult to buy back North Korea at the original price. To put it nicely, but it was nothing more than showing off the so-called wealth of the Celestial Empire, satirizing Japan's poverty and allowing Japanese people to immigrate, but wanting to join Chinese nationality and being completely governed. It was simply to treat itself as a country of the Celestial Empire, attracting barbarians from all directions to naturalize not only not open up South Manchuria and Taiwan, but also to build roads in Japan, but also to call it a joint command to allow the Chinese emperor to designate. Needless to ask, it was to make the army and navy of the Great Japanese Empire obey the Chinese command.

He glanced at the Arakuo beside him, and saw that the man was calm. His heart moved and gradually calmed down.

After Huang Zunxian finished speaking, he felt a little sweat on his forehead. He took out his handkerchief and wiped it, smiling bitterly in his heart, saying that his emperor, His Majesty, really dared to ask for a price everywhere. This condition is not a peace agreement, it is simply a defeated country. But who made others the emperor?

Aryao gave a look, and Kaneko Kentaro understood and turned around to apologize, and went to the toilet with Aryao.

When he arrived at the corner where no one was around, Arago Jing pulled Kitano Kentaro's sleeves, and the two of them got together and muttered in a low voice for a long time.

After a long time, the two returned to the negotiation site, and were both calm and composed.

"It is actually not impossible to use your country's negotiation agreement as a blueprint, but the opinions of our country are enough to express sincerity." Kaneko Kentaro said, "As a manifestation of maximum sincerity, our country can accept it. Using your country's opinions, we add the terms of our country as the basis for negotiation."

"I believe that the conditions of the Chinese Empire are sufficiently generous and comply with justice and international law," Huang Zunsu did not give in. "If your country has any opinions, you can make revisions based on the blueprint of our opinions."

"My country thinks..."

...

"The Kingdom of Korea has been protected by my country and is recognized by all nations. My country will not sell the right of protection for just money..."

"The Kingdom of Korea has always been a vassal of China. Your country was defeated in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 and relied on the intervention of the Three Kingdoms to obtain the right to protect. The people of North Korea have lived in difficulties for many years. It can be seen that your country is unable to ensure the independence and prosperity of North Korea, so it is better to remain in the Chinese Empire."

"Our country has its own plan to develop North Korea, and you don't need to be happy with your country."

"His Highness Lee O'Nei, the Crown Prince of Joseon, is wise and powerful, and he should succeed the throne of Joseon. Lee Eun-ru, who is not a legitimate child, how can he replace Prince Lee O'Nei"

"This is the internal affairs of the North Korean royal family, and my country cannot interfere."
To be continued...