Chapter 1090: The Secret War of the Admirals (First Update, Please Subscribe)
They are coming!
When the Imperial Navy's Atlantic Fleet appeared in the waters of Havana, the shock this huge fleet brought to the world was unprecedented.
Leading the way was the "Youzhou", its beautiful clipper-shaped bow cutting through the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, drawing white waves, and the twin 305mm naval guns at the bow pointing straight ahead.
At the top of the open bridge, Meng Qingen, commander of the Imperial Navy's Atlantic Fleet, stood on the pine deck, staring coldly at the British warships not far away.
"Sir, the HMS Monarch salutes us."
"Return the gift."
Standing motionless on the bridge deck, Meng Qingen, the Imperial Admiral and Viscount of Los Angeles, stared ahead with his hands on the telescope on his chest.
"American……"
In his seemingly calm expression, a flash of sneer revealed his inner thoughts.
He has no good feelings towards Americans at all.
Of course, Americans don't like him either.
The Empire's "Viscount Los Angeles", how did this title come about?
It was he who led the fleet to bombard Los Angeles that year, and it was because of his contribution in "bombarding Los Angeles" that he was awarded the title.
I have to say that Emperor Zhu has his own bad taste!
The Ming Empire's army has the Count of Rouen, the airship force has the Viscount of Versailles, and the navy has the Viscount of Los Angeles.
In fact, Emperor Zhu did not think this was a bad taste, and he even felt it was a little late.
This should have been done a long time ago. Isn't it a symbol of honor to link the generals' victories with their titles?
Not only for themselves, but also for the empire.
It’s not impossible for one day to be crowned the Earl of New York or the Duke of Washington!
As long as there is an opportunity, it is always possible.
At this time, the "Viscount Los Angeles", the empire's leader who made all Americans hate him, led his fleet into this sea area.
The 305mm naval gun, which is 45 times thicker and longer, is pointed directly forward, making the short 30 times longer 12-inch cannons of the United States and Britain seem a little ashamed.
Thick and long is the key!
“It’s really big…”
The Iowa, once a star in this sea area, has suddenly become outdated.
When the Imperial Atlantic Fleet arrived, the Caribbean Squadron had already raised its flag to welcome it.
"Sir, Commander Li Tinghe of the Caribbean Squadron requests to be incorporated into the fleet."
"agree."
Like all naval officers, Meng Qingen was very frugal with words. After all, orders in naval battles had to be given in the most concise way.
When the two fleets met, Admiral Luce on the "Iowa" had raised his telescope. At the same time, Meng Qingen also raised his telescope. They seemed to be observing each other.
"It's Meng Qingen!"
Looking at the "Youzhou" in the distance through the telescope, Admiral Luce's tone was a little uneasy.
"The Viscount of Los Angeles of the Ming Empire!"
What is this "Viscount Los Angeles" in the United States?
As the saying goes, don't hit someone in the face, but when Meng Qingen stood in front of the American, the American was slapped in the face.
But even so, the knocked-out teeth can only be swallowed.
Fortunately, Luce was glad that he did not need to raise the flag or send out flag signals to welcome the "Viscount Los Angeles" of the Ming Empire. He only needed to order the flag to be raised to welcome the admiral of the Ming Empire.
Otherwise, he would be disgusted to death!
However, just one day later, Admiral Luce was upset. He received an invitation from "Meng Qingen, Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet of the Ming Empire, Admiral, and Viscount of Los Angeles of the Empire", inviting him to have afternoon tea on the "Youzhou".
Looking at the words "Viscount of Imperial Los Angeles" written in cursive English on the invitation, Luce felt heavy.
It is also complicated. After all, for all Americans, this title is a shame, especially for naval personnel.
Meng Qingen always seems to have a cold face, but in fact... he is also very bad.
Although he was very upset, Admiral Luce still came. Not only did he come, but he also brought gifts.
"Oh, Admiral, you are so polite. Just come. Why bring any gifts?"
Meng Qingen, who came to greet him personally, said with a smile.
"Your Excellency Admiral, this gift is extraordinary."
Pointing at the open gift box, Admiral Luce introduced it with a smile.
"This is a gift given to me by Rear Admiral Smith of the British Navy when I led a fleet to visit the UK ten years ago. This is the vase he received when he entered the Chinese Imperial Palace with the army in 1860. It is said to be from the Song Dynasty."
When Luce mentioned the "Chinese Imperial Palace", he emphasized his tone, as if to remind him that it was snatched by the British Empire. Then he stared at Meng Qingen, as if he wanted to see him lose control and get excited.
As he wished, Meng Qingen was excited. He picked up the vase and said excitedly.
"Oh, it's from the Song Dynasty. That's right, that's right... This is a treasure. The general is so generous to give back the art that belongs to China to China. I am very grateful! After returning to China, I will definitely donate this item to the museum in the name of the general!"
Uh...how could this happen!
Luce was a little confused. How could he be so stupid? He gave the vase to Meng Qingen to humiliate him - it was stolen from your Chinese palace!
But...what was his reaction?
Luce suddenly felt that he had lost a lot of money, and he was very upset.
But no matter how upset he was, he could only squeeze out and follow Meng Qingen to the stern of the Youzhou ship. Of course, he did not forget to observe the opponent during the period, because the cannons were in the turrets and he certainly could not observe them, but the strong appearance of the Ming Navy officers and soldiers he saw along the way made him sigh in his heart.
"They are definitely a group of well-trained sailors."
When he and Meng Qingen walked to the stern while chatting and observing and sat down on the cloth chair, Luce saw the silver dessert plate and European silver teapot on the round table and smiled.
"The general's habit of drinking afternoon tea and this tea set should have been brought from England."
"No."
Meng Qingen just shook his head and said.
"This tea set is a souvenir I brought from Los Angeles..."
In an instant, Luce's face became uglier and his mood became more depressed. Even the fragrant Wuyi Mountain black tea had no taste in his mouth. How could he not be depressed?
He was already laughing at the other party and was directly attacked by the other party.
"The Admiral certainly didn't invite me here just for tea."
Even if you are hit hard, you can only put on a smile, Luce asked.
"Indeed, Admiral, the reason why I invited you here is because, as you know, the most powerful fleets of our two countries are here now. If something unpleasant happens between us, what will happen!"
What will it lead to?
Of course it's war.
In fact, war is not the first option for them. They come here not to fight each other, but to show their strength. No one wants to have a conflict unless they have to.
Luce nodded and asked back.
"So what do you suggest, Admiral?"
"consensus!"
After uttering this word, Meng Qingen said.
"We should first reach a basic consensus to avoid possible misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts. What do you think?"
(End of this chapter)
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