Holy Roman Empire

The British-Austrian diplomatic game has started, and the European continent is once again undergoing changes. The Japanese government in the Philippines is busy attacking the Philippines, but they don't know that they have just walked from the gate of hell.

If it weren't for Spain's failure to express its position, the British felt that they were still valuable, and now the Royal Navy will tell them what is social evil.

Colonization is not just a matter of strength. Countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Portugal can keep their overseas colonies, so they naturally have their own ways of survival.

From the perspective of strength alone, the colonies of the world have been divided up by the three countries of Britain, France and Austria. How can it be the turn of a small country like the Netherlands and Portugal to blend in.

The big hooligans didn't grab it, not because there is no oil and water in these lands.In fact, these days, the Philippines, Cuba, Indonesia and other regions are all rich and prosperous places, and they are not robbed because of politics.

As a member of a vested interest group, the gangster must also abide by the rules of the game.If you act recklessly, you will inevitably be backlashed by the rules.

So the challengers are generally emerging powers.Those who are barefoot are not afraid of wearing shoes, they are not in the system, so naturally they are not afraid of the backlash of the rules.

Of course, the challenger is also risky. If he doesn't choose the right time, he might be photographed dead as soon as he shows up.

General Yuheng Ito can't take care of the risks involved, and he is still immersed in the joy of successfully attacking Luzon Island.

Relying on a sudden attack + internal and external cooperation, the Japanese army not only successfully completed the landing, but also captured the three Spanish warships staying in the port.

Although these sailing warships are behind the times and have withdrawn from the mainstream of the navy, and two of them were injured in the battle last night, Yuheng Ito did not dislike them in the slightest.

Although the three big gangsters of Britain, France and Austria have eliminated sailing warships, they have even passed the age of iron-clad ships and entered the pre-dreadnought era, but the navies of most countries in the world are still dominated by sailing warships.

The Japanese Navy is no exception. Except for a few ironclad ships purchased from the British to support the facade, most of the warships are sailing warships.

There is no other reason, just one word - "poor".The cost of building an ironclad ship can build several sailing warships of the same tonnage.

As for the more advanced pre-dreadnought ships, let alone.With the military expenditure of the Japanese Navy, it is simply impossible to afford it.

If you look at the fiscal revenue of the Japanese government, you will know that the fiscal revenue of 8000 million yen does not seem to be low, but in fact it is the same. It is more than 600 million when converted into Aegis, and it is only more than 800 million when converted into British pounds. Ten thousand.

(Note: 1 yen is equivalent to 0.75 grams of gold, and the value of Aegis and Japanese yen is about 1:4.88)

The cost of a former dreadnought is as high as millions of pounds, and it is estimated that it will be doubled if it is exported, and the messy renewal service fee after joining will be even more.No matter how militaristic the Japanese government is, it is impossible to buy a ship with one-third of its fiscal revenue.

After the landing is successful, the work of the navy is basically completed. Next, we only need to keep an eye on the remaining Spanish navy and ensure the smooth flow of the sea route.

There is no decisive battle at sea. In the attack on Luzon Island, the Spanish Philippine fleet has lost one-third of its warships.

This made the Philippine fleet, which was already at a disadvantage, even worse. Not to mention a decisive battle with the Japanese army, because of their speed, they could not even perform the task of breaking diplomatic relations.

A middle-aged officer at the Japanese Southern Fleet Command reported in a helpless tone: "Your Excellency, the captured Spanish warship has been inspected by someone, and the damage is not too serious, and it can be repaired in Luzon Island.

It's just that the ship is a bit old, and the latest one was also in service in 1875, and it will be retired in a few years.

I don't know what the Spaniards thought. One of the warships didn't consider the steam engine when it was designed, and it was installed later, which was very uncoordinated. "

The decline of an empire is not without reason. Generally speaking, there are common problems of bureaucracy and serious corruption, and Spain is naturally no exception.

Existence must have its rationality.The seemingly unreasonable and wonderful design actually contains the knowledge of officialdom behind it.

Of course, these problems were beyond the comprehension of Japan's fledgling Japanese naval officers.They are fighting for the rise of Japan with full of enthusiasm, and they have not had time to fall.

General Yuto Ito nodded thoughtfully: "Don't worry about these small problems, if the Spanish government is not corrupt, we have nothing to do.

It doesn't matter if the ship is old. It is a foregone conclusion that the sailing warship will be eliminated, and it will be enough to make do with it for a few years.

The Philippine Islands are not small. If the Spaniards want to play hide and seek with us, it is not so easy to find them out.We need more warships for the upcoming battles.

Immediately send someone to repair the damaged warship. I have sent someone to notify the country, and they will send officers and soldiers to receive it as soon as possible, and strive to form combat effectiveness as soon as possible. "

Frankly speaking, the Southward Fleet should not stay in Luzon now. It is the best choice to take advantage of the victory to defeat the Spanish Philippine Fleet in one fell swoop.

But there is no way, a successful login is always a benefit.The army is making a fortune, and the navy can't just watch.

The Japanese army and navy are not in harmony. If the navy does not participate, the accumulation of the Spaniards in the Philippines for hundreds of years will all fall into the hands of the army.

After eating this thing, there is no spit out.Even if the lawsuit is brought to Emperor Meiji, don't expect the army to back down.

The family background is too thin, and the eyelids are so shallow.Compared with these benefits within easy reach, taking advantage of the victory to pursue and destroy the remnants of the enemy is not so important.

……

As the headquarters of Hongmen in Luzon Island, the Chen mansion is already full of people.Many people rushed over with their families, and children's cries came from time to time, which made Chen Tao, the leader, more upset and unable to vent.

It's all in chaos outside. After the Japanese army drove away the Spaniards, they started to rob unscrupulously. Everyone had to come to report to the group to keep warm.

Gangsters also need someone to support them, and these people gathered together are the foundation of Hongmen in Luzon.Either the younger brother, or the younger brother's family members, or the clans that are related to each other.

Looking at the chaotic scene, Chen Tao let out a sigh.There was no way, it happened so suddenly that there was no time to react.

Different from the previous anti-Chinese movement, there were signs in advance, and these well-informed guys were all prepared in advance to run away.

Not only did we not have time to make preparations, but we also received a large group of people, and we had to worry about the sudden arrival of the Japanese army.

"Master, the weapons are all ready, do you think they should be fired first?"

The butler's voice brought Chen Taoyue back from his thoughts.Today is different from the past. With the Chinese base camp in Lanfang Province, it is much easier for everyone to engage in arms.

As long as someone pays for it, Austrian arms dealers dare to sell it.If it weren't for the fear of the Spaniard's reaction, the artillery would be able to do it.

Originally, these weapons were intended to deal with the aborigines in the future. Although the anti-China movement was planned by the colonial government, the executors who launched it were still the aborigines.When it was almost done, they jumped out to pick peaches.

Times are developing, and the colonial government must also consider the influence of public opinion.What's more, they always go into battle shirtless and scare away all the sheep. How can they shear sheep and eat mutton?

Chen Taoyue's leading position was also achieved all the way. Since he had weapons, he naturally wasn't going to sit still.

"Let's send it first, and then send someone to contact Mr. Honorino, we need his help now."

It is not impossible to coordinate with the Japanese in person. With Hongmen's contacts in Nanyang, Chen Taoyue has also made friends with many Japanese. These people may not be able to be the masters of the Japanese army, but they can still do it.

If the Japanese want to seize the Philippines, they naturally need the cooperation of local snakes.The strength of the Japanese in the local area alone is not enough. If Hongmen is willing to rely on the Japanese, there is no reason to refuse. The problem now is that he is unwilling to have anything to do with the Japanese.

Like most Nanyang Chinese in this era, Chen Taoyue also suffers from Oceanophobia.Although the Japanese had gained the upper hand, he preferred the Spaniards.

Undoubtedly, if the Spaniards won the war, they would definitely clean up those who defected to the Japanese, and Chen Taoyue didn't want to be attached to such a thing.

In this context, naturally, we can only let people who are not afraid of trouble to help deal with it.As Austria's foreign minister in the Philippines, Honorino was one of those people who didn't shy away from trouble.

Since the establishment of the Lanfang Autonomous Province, he has encountered similar things many times every year. For the sake of SHIELD, Mr. Honorino has never refused to come.

This can also be regarded as legal extra money. Being a middleman to help people bridge the gap, or simply accepting entrusted agents to negotiate, is allowed by the Vienna government on the premise of not harming the interests of Austria.

In fact, he did not harm Austria's interests.This kind of foreign affairs officer sounds awesome, but in fact, the power is very small, and it can't represent Austria at all. The real representatives are ministers or ambassadors from all over the country.

The purpose of setting up foreign affairs officers is, on the one hand, to facilitate business and resolve some commercial disputes; on the other hand, it is because the cost of setting up a diplomatic embassy is too high, and political influence must also be considered.

It is obviously unreasonable to go to other people's colonies to set up embassies. The status of the two parties is completely unequal.

Say Cao Cao, Cao Cao arrives.Before the butler could take any action, a burly white man walked in.

"Don't bother Chen, I came here as soon as I received the news, so I'm a friend!"

The person who came was Honorino. To this familiar guy, Chen Taoyue didn't catch a cold at first, but now he suddenly found that this guy is also very cute.

Even though I know that the person here is only for Aegis, but if I can stand up to help in a crisis, then most of my friends are reliable.

"Of course, you are my best friend. Now I need your help to get rid of the Japanese. As long as the Japanese army does not enter Chinatown to rob, I am willing to pay them no more than 20 Aegis as compensation."

At a critical moment, Chen Taoyue couldn't care less about money.Moreover, the money was not paid by him alone, but shared by everyone.

Everyone knows that if there is no bleeding at this time, after the Japanese army rushes in, it will be empty of people and money.

Hearing this number, Honorino just sighed: "I can't tell, you guys are so rich!"

After a pause, he added: "Chen, are you sure you want to pay the money? Do you know that you gave the money to the Japanese? If the Spaniards win the war, it will bring you a lot of trouble in the future."

Everyone looked dejected, this amount of money was almost the limit that everyone could bear, if it was not a last resort, no one would be willing to spend money to buy peace.

The trouble is twofold, one is that it may trigger the greed of the Japanese; the other is that the Spaniards will reach out to them after they make a comeback.

Chen Taoyue asked back: "Mr. Honorino, if you don't pay, is there any way you can prevent the Japanese army from looting?"

Honorino waved his hand and said, "No! However, if you are willing to pay, I can help.

Anyway, they are spending money to buy peace. Instead of giving it to the Japanese, it is better to forget it for us.With a price of 35 Aegis, I will settle all the troubles of the Japanese and the Spaniards for you. "

Looking at Honorino, who was all over the place, Chen Taoyue frowned. This was too full of words.If it was a promise made by a certain important person in Austria, it would be about the same, and a foreign official might not have that much face.

As if sensing something from the eyes of everyone, Honorino continued to add: "Don't worry, I don't want this money, I don't have such a big appetite yet.

The money is for the Vienna government. As long as you are willing to pay, I will authorize you to fly the flag of the Holy Roman Empire on behalf of the Vienna government.

And come forward to communicate with the Japanese to prove that you are citizens of the empire.I've been in Japan and know what the Japanese government is, they don't dare challenge the empire.

Even if these guys break the rules and enter Chinatown to rob, the future empire will double the compensation from them for you.

Of course, this citizenship is only temporary.When the crisis is over, it will disappear with it.

In order to show our sincerity, we can sign the contract first and pay after the matter is over. Anyway, we are all friends, and I am not afraid of your refusal. "

In order to be promoted, Honorino also worked hard.Although it is easy for foreign officials to make money, it is difficult to make political achievements.What's more troublesome is that the achievements of the government cannot be seen in the country.

If you want to go further, you must have outstanding achievements and prove your ability to the country.

A mere hundreds of thousands of Aegis is nothing to the Vienna government, but if the money can be obtained for the empire without any effort, it will be enough to prove Honorino's ability.

Perhaps it was the post-payment that touched people's hearts, and the original suspicion no longer exists. An old man asked in a deep voice: "Mr. Honorino, if we want to obtain permanent citizenship, what price will we have to pay?"

The more you experience, the more you know the value of safety.It's not that none of the people present have obtained the nationality of other European countries. The problem is that the effectiveness is greatly reduced by looking at the skin color.

It's okay to say that small problems can be solved with money, but when they encounter such big troubles now, there is no one to help them.

In contrast, Austria is much better. At least in the Nanyang region, people are treated equally, no matter what skin color they are, they will be protected when they get their nationality.

Honorino shook his head: "It's not a matter of money. The key to obtaining Austrian citizenship depends on the degree of contribution. If you have any specific requirements, you can consult the colonial government.

Anyway, it is very difficult, I personally suggest that you can go to Lanfang Autonomous Province.Compared with other places in Nanyang, it is more suitable for your survival. "

Hearing this explanation, many people sighed.Everyone knows the situation in Lanfang Autonomous Province. If it weren't for the fact that the plantations and mines could not be moved, everyone would have moved there with their families long ago.

……

Chapter 2 The Highest State of Repudiation

Facts have proved that life is still more important than money, and the richer people are, the more they cherish their lives.After weighing the pros and cons, everyone still felt that the protection fee had to be paid.

It is not easy to own a foundation in an unfriendly foreign country, whether it is self-made or inherited from the ancestors.

Pulling on Austria's tiger skin can not only survive the current threat, but the most important thing is to avoid standing in this war.

Compared with the robbery by the Japanese army, political alignment is the real fatality.After all, in Nanyang, where the Chinese anti-Chinese movement often broke out, it was not once or twice that people robbed. Everyone has experience in dealing with it.

Even if they were robbed by the Japanese army, what they lost was only a part of the floating wealth on the surface.It's different when you stand in a political line. If you make a wrong bet, you will die.

Without the support of a strong country, overseas Chinese are worthless.Honorino wanted to make money for political achievements, so why didn't everyone present want to find a backer?

With the precedent of Lanfang Company, Austria's reputation among Nanyang Chinese is quite good.Take money to do things, say that you don't interfere in internal affairs and don't interfere. There is really no other big power that talks about rules like this.

The deal was concluded, and a diplomatic note representing the Austrian government appeared in front of General Youpeng of Shan County.

If it hadn't been for the country's repeated reminders not to conflict with the big powers, and the navy to watch by, you friends in Shan County really didn't want to pay attention to this informal note.

Hundreds of thousands of overseas Chinese have been added overnight. Such a joke is obviously fooling people.It's a pity that there is no way, the Japanese government can't give the big powers an excuse to interfere.

The Tokyo government still underestimated the political impact of attacking the Philippines.These days are dominated by white people, and salted ducks are not as capable of attracting hatred as the Russians, so international public opinion naturally tends to favor Spain.

Even Britain and France, which invited the Japanese army to enter Nanyang, have changed their faces now. Not only do they not recognize them as quasi-allies, but even the conditions negotiated before are all nullified.

"Tell the Austrians and ask them to provide relevant evidence. As far as I know, there are only a few hundred Austrians in the Philippine Islands, and the people living in Chinatown are all foreigners from the Far East Empire. The difference in skin color is so obvious, can it be misunderstood? "

It's not that Shan County is not friendly enough, let alone the little wealth he was trying to loot, the key is that the plan has been disrupted.

According to the original plan, after conquering Luzon Island, they will use coercion and lure to subdue the Nanyang Chinese and lay the foundation for ruling the Philippines.

"Your Excellency, it's useless. News came from inside. Just last night, the Filipino Chinese leader Chen Taoyue reached an agreement with the Austrian foreign minister in Honorino in the Philippines, paying 35 Aegis in exchange for Austria's security. Protection, the two parties have signed a treaty.

I've dealt with Honorino, that's a vampire.Unreasonable will stir up three points, very difficult.It is simply impossible for him to give up the benefits he has obtained. "

The speaker was Kazuo Yamamoto, an intelligence officer sent by the Japanese government to the Philippines.He personally presided over the completion of the internal and external cooperation in the offensive and defensive battle of Luzon Island.

Shanxian Youpeng frowned, his eyes full of murderous intent.If possible, he wouldn't mind sending someone to kill him once.

It's a pity that this can only be thought about, there are too many insiders, and the risk of killing people to silence them is very high.

Moreover, it is not popular to talk about evidence these days.For the great powers, as long as suspicion is enough, who cares about the evidence or not.

As a senior member of the Japanese government, Aritomo Yamagata is also concerned about the international situation.

Judging from the current situation, the anti-French alliance has a very high chance of winning, and no matter how bad it is, it can result in a loss for both sides.

No matter what the outcome is, the anti-French alliance is an important force in the European world.Against this background, it is undoubtedly unwise to offend the boss of the anti-French alliance.

After a pause for a while, Shanxian Youpeng said helplessly: "Forget it, they can't escape since they are all on the island, so I ordered the troops not to enter Chinatown for the time being.

Yamamoto-kun, your next mission is very important.It is necessary to win over the local powerful factions as soon as possible to form a colonial government to deal with the next Spaniards' counterattack. "