Li Pinglang, Admiral of the Imperial Navy Fleet, looked at these thin pieces of paper.
This is the result of their fleet's efforts for nearly a year.
The war ended with the total transportation of European countries.
Admiral Li Pinglang looked at Ambassador Wei Yuansheng who came to the fleet.
He cupped his fists and thanked: "Thank you Ambassador Wei for your help. No Ambassador Wei understands the bottom line of European countries.
We alone cannot reach this treaty."
Wei Yuansheng knew that Li Pinglang was just being polite.
As long as the strength of the imperial fleet remains unchanged, European countries will be meat on the chopping block.
The will of the empire must be implemented, it just takes a short time.
European countries cannot fight and delay, and they will compromise sooner or later.
Wei Yuansheng is also not worried about the implementation of the treaty.
The Imperial Navy fleet is stationed in Gibraltar. If they want to return to the Empire, they have to wait until the domestic fleet stationed here for a long time arrives.
As long as the Imperial Navy fleet is stationed in Gibraltar, European countries will not dare to violate the treaty.
If they really violate it, it will only give the empire an excuse, and the empire will teach the country that violated the treaty another lesson.
Wei Yuansheng also made sufficient contributions to the signing of this treaty.
Especially opening the embassy to every country in Europe will not only impress His Majesty the Emperor.
When the officials of the Ministry of Rites see that he has brought so many official positions to the Ministry of Rites, his reputation in the Ministry of Rites will immediately improve, and all obstacles to being transferred back to the country will disappear.
Wei Yuansheng said with a smile: "It is only because of the performance of the Imperial Navy fleet on the battlefield that the negotiations can go so smoothly.
The strength of the Imperial Navy is the greatest confidence for our negotiators.
Whenever representatives from European countries hesitate, I dare to slam the table."
Admiral Li Pinglang and Chief of Staff Gu Zhonghuang laughed when they heard Ambassador Wei Yuansheng's words.
After handing over the text of the treaty, they dealt with their own affairs separately.
Wei Yuansheng needs to supervise the implementation of treaties by European countries and prepare to establish embassies in each country.
Admiral Li Pinglang led his troops to withdraw to Gibraltar, which was a prerequisite for the implementation of the treaty.
…………………………
4344 (1647 AD), February 12th.
The warm air from the Atlantic Ocean blows on the coast of Gibraltar, and the grass on the ground struggles tenaciously from the soil.
The harsh sound of the air whistle came from the lighthouse at the port that also served as a lookout.
Niu Baoguo, Acting Governor of Gibraltar, rushed out of the house wearing a cotton coat and looking nervous.
"Alarm of enemy attack, everyone returns to their posts immediately. Within three minutes, I will have the coastal defense artillery ready to fire."
While Niu Baoguo was yelling, he cursed: "I'm just saying these European guys are going back on their word.
These Europeans thought we couldn't fire our guns, so they dared to come and provoke us."
Niu Baoguo was sweating profusely. As soon as he finished preparing, he heard the sound of the port fleet issuing an all-clear signal.
Hearing this sound, Niu Baoguo immediately realized that this was an error at the lighthouse.
While he kept the coastal defense batteries on alert, he took out his telescope and looked at the sea.
Niu Baoguo didn't wait long before he saw an armored fleet arriving at the port of Gibraltar.
He carefully counted the number of armored cruisers, there were nine in total, and nearly forty destroyers.
Niu Baoguo couldn't help but said in shock: "Damn it, the Third Fleet has spent a lot of money to send so many warships."
Admiral Li Pinglang took the initiative to greet Admiral Niu Xiangshan of the Third Fleet who came to support him.
"Old Niu, I never thought you could send such a luxurious fleet."
Niu Xiangshan walked to the dock and looked at the situation in the Strait of Gibraltar.
"Old Li, you have asked for help, how can you still send a fleet of the same size as yours to support?
Governor Zhang sent me here right away, just to act as a magic needle to calm the people in Europe."
When Niu Xiangshan spoke, his tone was full of pride. As the main force of the Third Fleet, he had sufficient confidence.
He looked at the layout of the port, shrugged and said, "Old Li, you move very quickly.
Now there is no smell of gunfire at all. It seems that the war is over.
Then I can only follow Governor Zhang's order and garrison here."
Li Pinglang did not show a proud look and said in a calm tone: "The war is indeed over.
Lao Li, I lived up to expectations, did not embarrass the armored ship, and fought a crushing war."
When Li Pinglang spoke, he also handed the war briefing to Niu Xiangshan.
Niu Xiangshan looked at the battle report and kept nodding his head and said: "Great, this is how the battle of armored ships is supposed to be fought.
With this battle report, I won't worry at all if there is another conflict here in Europe."
The two of them exchanged a few words, and the two fleets of the Imperial Navy were quickly divided.
After all, according to the navy's previous orders, the fleet commanded by Li Pinglang must pass on its experience to its brother troops after the war, and they must return home.
After this war, the battleship must also return to the shipyard for detailed overhaul.
The Navy needs to evaluate whether the reliability of warships can meet the standards after long journeys and wars?
After several days of preparation, Admiral Li Pinglang led the fleet from Gibraltar and returned to the Empire via the Suez Canal.
Everyone in the fleet left, but Niu Baoguo remained in Gibraltar.
But he is no longer the acting governor of Gibraltar and can only serve as garrison officer.
…………………………
Chief of Staff Gu Zhonghuang looked at the naval fleet of a certain country on the Mediterranean Sea that was far away from them.
"Once this war started, the reputation of the Imperial Navy was completely established in Europe.
The naval fleet just now should be the French naval fleet.
After he saw us, he was like a mouse seeing a cat."
Admiral Li Pinglang said nothing, but the smile on his face could not be concealed.
The fleet soon crossed the Mediterranean and arrived at the Aegean Islands belonging to the empire.
Crete has been renamed Rongguang Island, which means that this island will spread the glory of the Great China Empire.
Admiral Li Pinglang suggested: "The fleet will be repairing on Rongguang Island for a few days.
Replenish food and fresh water for the voyage.
When we passed through the Suez Canal, we did not stop in Fujian."
As a naval general with a bright future, Li Pinglang should not have close contact with vassal countries.
If he wants to climb to the top, he must have this kind of political sense, otherwise he will easily overturn.
Chief of Staff Gu Zhonghuang immediately agreed. He looked at Rongguang Port and said unexpectedly: "There is a navy stationed here. It seems that Admiral Niu Xiangshan also left an army stationed here."
"It comes as no surprise to me that Port Gloria and Gibraltar serve as the fulcrums of the Imperial Navy on the east and west ends of the Mediterranean.
There are no forces around Glory Port that can threaten the Imperial Navy, but this is definitely not the reason why the Imperial Navy ignores the strategic position here.
Our fleet was in such a difficult situation at that time that I had to leave an army to hold on, let alone Niu Xiangshan, who has sufficient military strength."
Admiral Li Pinglang flicked the cigarette ashes with his hand and said without surprise.
The fleet soon docked at the military port on Rongguang Island.
When military logistics officers resupply the fleet, engineers accompanying the army also conduct routine maintenance on various systems of the warships.
Admiral Li Pinglang and Chief of Staff Gu Zhonghuang saw the situation on Rongguang Island.
The coastal defense guns here are more powerful than those in Gibraltar.
These are professional coastal defense guns brought from Niu Xiangshan, not made up of naval guns.
They saw that there was a large hospital in the center of Rongguang Island, which was now crowded with people.
Admiral Li Pinglang said in surprise: "There are so many people in the hospital here."
They curiously entered the hospital and found that the people being treated in the hospital were all dignitaries of the Fujian, Jin, and Zheng countries, as well as injured officers of the Fujian army.
When Li Pinglang saw this phenomenon, he understood it immediately.
The empire's medical skills are so sophisticated that they far surpass those of these vassal countries.
In terms of amputation surgery alone, doctors in the empire can maintain a survival rate of at least 90%.
Li Pinglang learned about less than 50% of the doctors from Fujian. This is the technical gap between the two countries.
Li Pinglang saw an acquaintance, Bian Yuhe, who he had made while studying at the military academy.
"Bian Yuhe, it's really you. We haven't seen each other for a long time."
Bian Yuhe looked up and said in surprise: "Li Pinglang, it's really you.
I heard that the Imperial Navy Admiral was named Li Pinglang, and I thought how great it was you, but I didn’t expect it was really you."
After the two of them exchanged pleasantries, Li Pinglang learned that the King of Fujian Zhang Yuliang was Bian Yuhe's brother-in-law.
With this status, he has indeed made great progress when he came to Fujian.
Li Pinglang looked at Bian Yuhe, his face was pale and he looked sick.
He left and helped Bian Yuhe back to the room and sat on the hospital bed.
"Bian Yuhe, what's going on with you?
It seems to me that your wounds don't look like gunshot wounds. With your status, you cannot become a small soldier and still charge on the front line."
Bian Yuhe sighed and said: "The generals of the Ottoman Turkish Empire do not have martial ethics.
I went to accept the surrender, but when the general offered his sword, he stabbed me directly.
If it weren't for the quick response of the guards, Rongguang Island Hospital would have the ability to transfuse blood.
This little life of mine will be fully explained there."
When Li Pinglang heard this situation, he was also very sad.
He was not injured on the battlefield, but he almost lost his life when he was surrendered.
It would be such a shame if one really lost his life.
Li Pinglang comforted Bian Yuhe, and he asked him about the situation on the battlefield.
Bian Yuhe said with joy: "A great victory, an unprecedented victory.
The batch of cannons sold to us by the Navy played a decisive role.
We led the Ottoman Turkish army into the pocket formations arranged in advance and bombarded them with artillery.
Once this elite force is completely eliminated, the subsequent battle will be overwhelming.
The city walls and fortifications of the Ottoman Turkish Empire were unable to withstand artillery.
Now the Ottoman Turkish territories in Eastern Europe, except for a small piece of Ottoman Turkish core territory such as Constantinople, have all been captured by our country of Fujian.
If we can really capture Constantinople in the future, my brother-in-law has the idea of moving the capital.
In Egypt, only the two sides of the Nile River can grow food. The rest of the area is desert. Not to mention food, even weeds cannot grow and cannot feed many people at all.
There are many mountains in Eastern Europe, and there are no large plains where food can be grown, making it impossible to become a large granary.
But planting some sweet potatoes and sorghum is more than enough to feed the people of Fujian."
When Bian Yuhe said this, his eyes shone.
The nobles of Fujian have always been worried about the vast desert in North Africa.
As the domestic population multiplied, it was impossible to feed too many people.
This is also the reason why the whole country of Fujian is united and must carry out military expansion abroad.
When we are the strongest and most united, we must create a territory that is enough for our descendants to reproduce.
After Bian Yuhe finished speaking, he struggled to stand up and bowed to Li Pinglang.
"We would like to thank the Great China Empire, if it were not for the imperial navy that held back those powerful countries in Europe.
It is really not easy for us to take over the territories of the Ottoman Turkish Empire in Europe.
It is very likely that it will suffer a double blow from the coalition forces of European countries and the Ottoman Turkish Empire."
Li Pinglang immediately stepped forward to help Bian Yuhe up, and said with a smile: "We also have our own interests and plans, and the two countries are cooperating for win-win results."
After Bian Yuhe thanked him, he took the opportunity to make a request, saying: "Brother Li Pinglang, after this war, does the Imperial Navy have any damaged naval guns?
We will buy at the new market price.
After this war, the Ottoman Turkish Empire and European countries are likely to form a coalition to attack our newly captured territories.
We need to build fortresses in strategic areas as soon as possible and lack a large number of artillery.
With the current tense situation, it is too late to order artillery from domestic arsenals."
Li Pinglang shook his head and declined: "The war was not fierce, and the artillery was almost undamaged.
If you are willing to ask for the artillery pieces from the European warships captured by our army.
I can act as a middleman and let you contact Admiral Niu Xiangshan to purchase these artillery pieces."
Bian Yuhe's pale face became even paler.
"Brother Li Pinglang, we don't need that kind of artillery. With the strength of domestic arsenals, there is still no problem in producing traditional smoothbore cannons."
Li Pinglang chatted for a few more words, and they walked out of the ward and left the hospital.
Chief of Staff Gu Zhonghuang was in the ward and remained silent.
He walked out of the ward and said, "Old Li, I thought you wanted to buy artillery."
Li Pinglang waved his hands and said: "Everything is too much, and I am not an arms dealer.
If you go too far, something will happen sooner or later."
As soon as Li Pinglang finished speaking, he saw newsboys selling newspapers around the hospital.
"France experienced a sudden change. Louis II de Bourbon, Prince of Condé, overthrew Prime Minister Mazarin and King Louis X took charge."
"The English Parliament decided to impeach the Prime Minister, and Prime Minister Oliver Cromwell sent troops to dissolve Parliament."
"King Felipe IV of Spain announced his abdication and his son will succeed him as King Felipe V of Spain."
Chief of Staff Gu Zhonghuang immediately stepped forward and bought two newspapers.
This is an authoritative newspaper in Fujian, paraphrasing the contents of authoritative newspapers in France, England, and Spain.
Not only is there a Chinese translation, but the original texts from these three countries are also posted in the newspaper.
Admiral Li Pinglang looked at the contents of the newspaper and said without any surprise: "The disastrous defeat in the foreign war and the ceding of territory to pay compensation will definitely greatly damage the authority of those in power.
If the internal conflicts among these parties are torn apart, this will inevitably happen."
Chief of Staff Gu Zhonghuang recognized what Admiral Li Pinglang said, and he agreed: "This is indeed the case, inside a defeated country.
Because of war reparations and rearmament of the country, there will definitely be a shortage of money.
If there is a shortage of money, money must be taken from other places, which will inevitably lead to intensified conflicts among various classes in the country.
A civil war has just broken out in England, and the contradictions have been released and can be easily resolved.
France went through civil war to determine the winner.
The great nobles of the Bourbon family, together with the military nobles, overthrew the Prime Minister Mazarin.
Spain is a country where all forces are weak. Without the help of external forces, it will not be able to do anything about it.
Ambassador Wei Yuansheng had anticipated this result in advance, and he indeed has a very deep understanding of European countries."
The two of them talked about the impact of this war on the situation in Europe.
Judging from the current situation, the post-war impact is beneficial to the Great China Empire.
After a lot of troubles, European countries found that they did not have the strength to challenge the Great China Empire in the short term. (End of this chapter)
