Chapter 258 The Threat from Britain (Second Update, Please Subscribe)

In an era where the strong prey on the weak, one can either jump onto the platform like a jackal, tiger or leopard to bite the prey, or just sit on the plate and be eaten by others.

If you want to become a jackal, tiger or leopard, you must possess strong military power.

What is the order to make the country rich and strong?

We need to make our country rich and our army strong. A rich country is the material basis for a strong army, and it is also the industrial basis for a strong army. Both are indispensable.

After April 1866, South China Bay was no longer as lively as before. With the opening of the Pacific Railway, immigrant ships immediately changed to the Pacific route. However, even so, merchant ships from various countries were still moored in South China Bay. In the past few years, with the industrial development of South China, especially the export of industrial products such as cotton textiles, South China has become a well-known port in South America and entered an unprecedented period of prosperity.

The unprecedented prosperity of South China has brought this city onto the world stage. Once upon a time, it was just the headquarters of a colonial company, closed to the outside world and even unknown. But now, like Buenos Aires, it is called "Paris of South America" ​​by many foreigners.

Of course if Paris had electric lights.

In fact, Paris was about to have electric lights. A few months ago, when the news of the invention of the electric light caused a sensation in Europe through newspapers, French Emperor Napoleon III designated the Paris City Government to purchase electric lights to illuminate the royal palace and the Champs-Elysees.

Emperor Napoleon III was never willing to lag behind in fashion. Although the electric light was not invented by the French, he did not mind that Paris became the first capital in Europe to install electric lights, and of course his palace would also be equipped with electric lights. It was this contract that made Nanhua, which was not well known to the public, famous in the world, but that was it.

In fact, the British had already sent their diplomat to Nanhua before this. However, that diplomat was actually just a counselor sent from Buenos Aires. If something big happened, the ambassador would still be needed to come forward.

Just like now, Edward Thornton, an old friend of the people of Nanhua, came to Nanhua and sat in front of Zhu Xianhai.

"You must withdraw your troops!"

Edward Thornton said lightly.

"Withdraw?"

Zhu Xianhai asked.

"That's not all London wants!"

"Also, release all Chilean officials and politicians, including President Perez, as well as those arrested by you. Ambassador Duque in Santiago has noticed that after you occupied Santiago, thousands of Chilean celebrities disappeared, and you are still arresting a large number of local elites, including many businessmen. Mr. Zhu, I need to remind you that Chile is a civilized country, and you must deal with some problems in a civilized way!"

Edward Thornton's words made Zhu Xianhai's teeth ache. How could these white people be so shameless? When you British arrested, shot and hanged those Indian rebels in India a few years ago, you didn't say anything about civilization.

There is also a cannon execution!

Isn't that what you British people often do in India? Now you are pretending to be gentlemen here!

However, Zhu Xianhai did not want to engage in a verbal battle with the other party, so he spoke directly.

"Your Excellency, it is impossible to withdraw troops. The stationing of troops in Chile is a treaty between us and the Southern Provisional Government. As for Perez and others, I'm sorry, this is Chile's internal affairs. We will not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, even if the Provisional Government is our friend!"

The answer was light and didn't seem to have much emphasis, but it also made Edward Thornton feel the other party's firm attitude.

There is no way they can withdraw!

This is understandable. No one would spit out the meat in their mouth unless... someone forced them to spit it out.

"Mr. Zhu, you have to understand that London will never accept changes to the territory of South American countries. I mean changes of any degree!"

Although Edward Thornton's voice was not loud and was no different from a normal conversation, anyone could hear his domineering tone.

What must be withdrawn and what cannot be changed?

This kind of bossy and condescending attitude is simply... the biggest characteristic of British diplomats of this era. Their domineering attitude is entirely based on the powerful strength of the country behind them. Since defeating Napoleon and the Industrial Revolution, Britain has been the most powerful country of this era. After entering the Victorian era, Britain entered its heyday. In its heyday, Britain could easily send expeditionary forces tens of thousands of miles away to easily defeat the former "European Gendarmerie" and make Russia suffer the loss of Crimea. The arrogance and conceit of the British are entirely based on strength.

This is also why Edward Thornton is so direct.

Strength. In the interactions between countries, strength has always been the first priority. As for the others?

Is it important?

"Of course, we hold the same attitude. Not only Chile, I think the territorial integrity of other countries should also be respected. What do you think, Mr. Ambassador?"

Zhu Xianhai looked at Edward Thornton and said with a smile.

Who are the other countries he is talking about?

Need I ask?

It must be Paraguay. Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have all secretly drawn a map to divide Paraguay!

What you mean by not accepting change? That's bullshit. You were the one who instigated the Paraguayan War, and there was also the subsequent South American and Pacific War. The territory did not change that time.

What is it that Britain, this troublemaker, doesn't accept?

This is a change that is not in the interests of the UK! If it is in their interests, he would be the one to add fuel to the fire without anyone else having to do anything.

Britain is a troublemaker and is always showing double standards.

"Of course!"

Edward Thornton replied.

"London has always respected the territorial integrity of South American countries. Similarly, London also cherishes its relations with South American countries, especially the peace issues in this region. If you refuse to withdraw your troops, then..."

After a pause, Edward Thornton said helplessly.

"Then there is a high probability that London will make some decisions against its will,"

A decision against one's will?

Edward Thornton's words made Zhu Xianhai raise his eyebrows slightly. He stared at the other person and an idea secretly emerged in his mind.

I don't think I'm going to roll up my sleeves and go on stage so early!

Chile is just a country, is it worth it for the British to go there personally? But what does his decision mean?

With his brows furrowed, Zhu Xianhai said in a deep voice.

"Can I take your words as a threat?"

(End of this chapter)