Chapter 1080 The Empire Needs an Explanation (Third update, please subscribe)
After the "Havana Incident" occurred, the international community was in an uproar. Although the Spanish side immediately announced the results of the investigation, claiming that "the assassin was a Chilean exiled in Peru" and that the assassination had nothing to do with the Spanish government.
However, the Ming Empire quickly and without hesitation put the blame on the Spanish government - the assassination took place in the Spanish colony of Cuba.
Once the news spread, the Ming Empire was in an uproar. The radical expansionists seized the opportunity to hold rallies everywhere, publish articles in newspapers, and enthusiastically promote war.
"Revenge for Prime Minister Wang!"
"The blood of the Ming Dynasty will not be shed in vain! Fight the Spaniards to the death!"
"March, march..."
…
Where to march?
March towards Cuba, towards the Spanish colonies!
Spain was one of the first truly global and colonial empires in the world. Once upon a time, its colonies stretched from California in North America to the South American continent. Except for the twelve northern provinces seized from Brazil, the other millions of square kilometers of the Ming Empire were once Spanish colonies.
Despite the independence craze in the early and late 19th century, the once vast Spanish Empire has completely changed, and its only colonies around the world are Cuba, Puerto Rico in America and the Philippines in Asia.
But a lean camel still has a few bones.
In the 13th year of Shengde, the Ming Dynasty had completed two five-year plans. As for the third five-year plan, all targets had been met, and industrial production capacity ranked first in the world. Like all the great powers, the Ming Empire was in urgent need of new markets, investment sites, and raw material production areas.
Although as a latecomer, under the far-sighted guidance of Emperor Zhu, the Ming Empire was not late at the banquet among the great powers to divide up the world, and even grabbed the richest southern Africa, but on a global scale, the mouth-watering delicacies had already been divided up by the old colonial powers.
Whether it was the occupation of Brazil or the colonization of Africa, successive victories encouraged Ming expansionism. After the annexation of Brazil, the "detente strategy" implemented by the empire had long aroused people's dissatisfaction. The "Havana Incident" naturally made people focus on the declining empire of Spain.
Not just for revenge, but also for expansion!
It is the thousand-year foundation of the empire!
Expand, expand, in the name of empire.
In August of the 13th year of Shengde, the whole empire was in turmoil. From the empire's homeland to the northern territories, from the northern territories to the Protectorate of Japan, from the Protectorate of Japan to the Ming Dynasty's Pacific territories, from the royal territory of the Persian Gulf to the vast African colonies, all voices were unanimous.
"Revenge, revenge! In the name of the empire!"
The subjects of the Ming Empire in the twelfth year of Shengde had a strong sense of self-esteem. It was hard for them not to have such a strong sense of self-esteem. After all, the Ming Empire had once again stood at the top of the world's nations. In industry, the Ming had surpassed Britain. In science, the Ming had ushered in the Second Industrial Revolution, gifting the world with many modern inventions such as electric lights, telephones, and cars.
But now, the tragic death of the former prime minister of the empire has made the people of the Ming Dynasty feel unprecedentedly offended.
Letters of petition were sent from the public to government offices. In the African colonies, the imperial warriors who were enjoying life on the plantations with long-legged black girls in their arms were shouting excitedly. Without even waiting to be called, they excitedly picked up their rifles and samurai swords and took the initiative to report to the nearest military control area.
As the katana of the Empire, this sword remains loyal.
It was in this midst of turmoil that the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an ultimatum to Spain as expected.
"1. Seize any publication that causes hatred and contempt for Ming expatriates and Chinese people; 2. Immediately allow Ming Empire investigators to enter Cuba to investigate the assassination, and allow the imperial army to enter to ensure the safety of investigators; 3. In view of the inability of the Cuban authorities to protect the safety of Ming expatriates, the two sides need to conduct further negotiations on the future of Cuba; 4. Accept cooperation with relevant departments of the Ming Empire government to ban organizations that attempt to subvert the Ming Empire; 5. Under the assistance and instructions of relevant departments designated by the Ming Empire government, take legal action to punish those who planned or carried out the assassination on August 19, 1882 in Spanish territory and colonies; 6. Immediately arrest the 137 suspects shown by the preliminary investigation; 7. Take the above measures immediately and inform the Ming Empire."
In the meeting room of the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhuge Jun looked at the Spanish ambassador in front of him and presented the contents of the Ming Empire's ultimatum one by one.
How overbearing these seven rules are!
It was so domineering that Francisco found it hard to believe. He even said in astonishment.
"Your Excellency, are you putting Spain in the position of a defeated country?"
For Francis, the Spanish ambassador, Spain may have declined, but it does not mean that he has lost the pride of the Spanish people.
"Sir, if this is your ultimatum, then I can answer you with certainty that Spain is willing to cooperate with your country on the "Havana Assassination Incident", but this absolutely does not mean that Spain will accept your blackmail!"
This is some kind of blackmail!
It is clearly forcing Spain to reject the ultimatum and then go to war with the Ming Empire!
Almost subconsciously, Francisco thought of a possibility - the Ming Empire had set its sights on Cuba and even the Philippines, and the "Havana Incident" was just their excuse.
"Blackmail? Mr. Ambassador, you may understand it that way, but the fact is that Ming needs an explanation from the Empire!"
Zhuge Jun said in a calm and graceful tone.
"The Ming Empire lost not only an imperial assistant, but also the dignity of the empire. Moreover, this incident has made us believe that the Cuban authorities are not only unable to maintain Cuba's stability, but also unable to protect the safety of the imperial expatriates. Considering that there are more than 570,000 imperial expatriates living in Cuba, it is necessary for us to conduct further negotiations on the future of Cuba!"
What is Cuba's future?
It is definitely not a Spanish colony. It must be a "Cuban Republic" where the rights of the Ming people are fully protected. It is even very likely to be a Cuban government dominated by the Chinese.
"What is the future of Cuba? You simply want to annex Cuba! Your Excellency, please believe that Spain has its own dignity. Facing such blackmail, our only choice is something we all don't want to see!"
Of course, despite his arrogance, Francisco was not stupid, he reminded again solemnly.
"And the countries around the world will not tolerate your country's wanton expansion!"
(End of this chapter)
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