The news that the Netherlands had changed its strategy and supported the king quickly spread throughout the British Isles and shocked the Parliament.
"Who can tell me why the Netherlands has become our enemy?"
In Parliament, Cromwell roared angrily, but it didn't mean much.
Although he rose to fame during the civil war and his reputation grew, at this moment, he was not the leader of the parliamentary faction.
The Presbyterians are now in power in Parliament.
Presbyterianism is a product of the Gallic Cultural Reform of the Church of England and represents the big landowners, big bourgeoisie and aristocracy.
Because of its attributes, it can be regarded as the most gentle faction in the parliament that treats the king.
They did not advocate the complete liquidation of Charles I, but preferred to force Charles I to give up more rights in order to reach a compromise.
It is precisely because of the existence of the Presbyterians that the Independents headed by Cromwell and the Equalists headed by John Lilburn were often hampered in their battles against the Royalists and were never able to complete their victory in one battle.
For example, after the Battle of Naseby, it was clear that the royalist army had been completely defeated. As long as they pursued the victory, they could completely eliminate Charles I and his supporters.
However, the Presbyterians' actions on the rear forced Cromwell and others to return to London urgently to engage in political struggle, and also gave Charles I a chance to breathe.
Only then did Charles I run to Scotland and still be able to cause trouble.
Otherwise, the Sino-Dutch combined fleet would have no choice but to support Charles II's succession to the throne and redeploy strategies.
After all, the influence of the young Charles II at this time was completely incomparable to that of Charles I.
Cromwell's questions were answered by no one.
The Netherlands and the Parliament originally had good relations because they believed in Protestantism.
No one understands why the Netherlands turned to support the king?
But in any case, as Europe's leading maritime power, the Netherlands' turn will definitely cause huge harm to the parliamentary faction.
Cromwell had become somewhat desperate for the rotten Presbyterians, and decided to make arrangements according to his own wishes.
He looked at Thomas Fairfax.
This man was the commander-in-chief of the parliamentary army. His tactical attainments and personal courage were outstanding, and he was deeply loved by the soldiers.
However, he has no desire for power and is modest, so there is little conflict between him and Cromwell, and the relationship can be a sincere cooperation.
"In order to end the civil war as soon as possible, we must send troops as soon as possible. The surrender of the king and Scotland is the most important thing at the moment."
Although Fairfax was a moderate and did not advocate overthrowing Charles I as king, he also understood that Cromwell was right.
"I will lead the army to march towards Scotland, but the key depends on the navy."
Everyone understands what he said.
China and the Netherlands came from the sea, so the key to preventing China and the Netherlands from supporting Charles I was naturally also at sea.
"I'm afraid it will be difficult to succeed with the power of Admiral Black alone. We need to order Duke Monk to assist."
George Monk was an outstanding naval general in the Parliamentary Army. In order to completely prevent foreign forces from intervening in the British Civil War, Cromwell did not intend to hold back and sent out two of the most powerful generals in one go.
There are usually various disputes within the parliament, but they can only be put aside in the face of such a major event.
Immediately, the order was issued, and George Monk led another part of the navy to set off from London, and together with Robert Blair searched for the Chinese and Dutch fleets.
But in the final analysis, the transmission of information in this era is simply too slow.
When the British navy responded, the Chinese and Dutch fleets were already close to the outskirts of Scotland.
Robert Blair received the intelligence, his scalp was numb, and he quickly ordered the fleet to take a shortcut along the British coast, regardless of fatigue.
At this time in Edinburgh, Charles I was still maintaining his final pride and was very tough in the face of the persecution of the Covenants.
"As the co-king of England and Scotland, my power comes from God and no one can override me. The Presbyterian system destroys the foundation of the state religion and is a blasphemy against the royal power."
After Charles I retreated to Scotland, the Affirmative Party, which had great influence here, saw an opportunity.
They planned to take advantage of Charles I's weakness to force him to make a commitment to reform within the Church of England and implement the Presbyterian system of the Presbyterian Church, thereby usurping greater power.
Charles I knew exactly what they were thinking, but he had no idea of his own situation. It was clear that he was a slave and I was a fish, but he still remained strong.
The leaders of the Oath Sect began to look gloomy and gradually lost their patience.
What Charles I didn't know was that before he came to Scotland, the Covenants had already been secretly colluding with the British Parliament.
The Swearers and the Presbyterians in Parliament shared the same language and interests, and they intended to gain maximum benefits from the civil war.
The two parties united to force the king to recognize the legitimacy of the elders system, and then used this to suppress the independents and equalizers, and finally completed control of the entire United Kingdom.
It's a pity that these old and decadent people are just like Charles I, unable to understand the situation at all.
The independence and equality factions control the vast majority of the army and naturally have an advantage in political struggles.
The plan of the Oath Sect is destined to be in vain.
Just when they were about to say goodbye and go back to discuss countermeasures, Charles I's attendants hurried in.
"Your Highness, there is a battle at sea. Who are the warships of the Parliament fighting with?"
Everyone present was shocked when they heard that the parliament's fleet was calling.
Charles I's expression changed even more, and he almost ordered to continue his escape on the spot.
When he heard that the parliamentary fleet was fighting an unknown enemy, he couldn't help but become curious again.
"Let's go take a look."
Everyone ran out of Edinburgh and went all the way to the seaside, only to see that the vast sea in the distance was already filled with smoke.
On the calm sea, countless warships were cruising back and forth, and the battle had entered its most intense stage.
Robert Blair's actions achieved miraculous results, and the parliamentary fleet finally blocked the Chinese and Dutch fleets off the coast of Edinburgh.
However, the Chinese and Dutch fleets were not surprised by this scene.
After all, we are entering someone else's territory. If we easily break through the alerts and defenses, it only shows that Britain is not worthy of respect as an opponent.
Robert Blair didn't care what the Chinese and Dutch fleets thought. Since they were blocked, he would have no way to explain it if he didn't destroy or expel the Chinese and Dutch fleets.
"Inform Duke Monk and ask him to outflank us from the north and assist us in the battle."
Under the order, the mighty British fleet divided into two groups.
Robert Blair's fleet attacked from the front, and George Monk's fleet outflanked it from behind.
Seeing the menacing momentum of the British fleet, Kong Zhiguang responded quickly.
"Inform General Tropp and ask him to lead the Dutch fleet to intercept the outflanking enemy. As for the frontal enemy, leave it to us."
Although the number of British battleships is astonishing, and although the imperial fleet only has seven third-class battleships, Kong Zhiguang is full of confidence.
