Of course, among the great powers, whether it is the imperial British, German, Japanese, Russian, or republic France and the United States, although they privately believe that the republic is not suitable for China for the time being.●⌒, for most of them, this is not a topic that they should intervene together.

Juerdian sighed softly, and there was a little admonishing tone in the telegram, which showed that the Provisional Government's continuous accusations and slandering him, as well as the success of the diplomatic strategy of the United States and Germany, as well as the assistance of economic activities, had made the imperial government dissatisfied with it. But wasn't what he did all for the maximization of the interests of the empire?

What agreement has the Provisional Government reached with the United States and Germany? Will it really form a Sino-US-German alliance? The feeling in the fog is even more anxious. One is the largest country in Asia, the richest country in the Americas, and the other claims to be the strongest country in Europe. If the three really unite, the Asian pattern will not, the world pattern will undergo tremendous changes. It is no wonder that the imperial government expressed full concerns, but it may not be that bad now. Everything depends on the results of the talks between Ge Fu, Mo Lixun and Chen Wenqiang.

……………………

A weak country has no diplomacy, but it is precisely because of China's weak position in international diplomacy that its personal role and ability are more demonstrated. Chen Wenqiang, as a time traveler, has made him well deservedly the diplomatic core of the Provisional Government. The core of diplomatic breakthrough pursued by the Provisional Government is: to win over the United States on the left and Germany on the right, and to jointly fight against the loose alliance between Britain, Japan, Russia and France.

The atmosphere inside the house was very serious. The British Consul in Shanghai and Japanese Consul in Shanghai Oda came together, which surprised Chen Wenqiang. There was also a traveler and famous reporter, Mo Lixun from the British Times in China.

Chen Wenqiang only expressed moderate enthusiasm to Mo Lixun, so he was very serious and shook hands with the two consuls perfunctorily. After sitting down, his eyes kept circling on the faces of the two consuls, looking thoughtful and cautious.

"Recently, I heard that the Provisional Government is negotiating plans to build a military port and manufacture warships in Fujian with the American Bethlehem Steel Company. Our government is very concerned about this. As the acting Foreign Minister of the Provisional Government, please give me a detailed explanation." Japanese Consul Oda asked directly.

Chen Wenqiang waved his hand gently and said with a deep face: "I can't, and I have no obligation to explain the things I heard."

Oda paused for a moment and continued: "Jan Sidun, vice chairman of Bethlehem Iron and Steel, has come to China for activities and has been to Sanduo, Fujian to "inspect" Mawei. You will not deny this, right?"

Chen Wenqiang blinked and said impatiently: "I am not his follower, and I am not interested in his itinerary. Maybe he likes to travel around and see the scenery!"

Oda was choked and said in a deep voice: "I must remind you that Fujian Province is strategically important to our country. Our government firmly opposes China's naval base in Fujian by borrowing foreign debts. If China grants the US concession, it is a sign that China does not pay more attention to Japan's international friendship."

Chen Wenqiang was furious and his face became even more gloomy. He said coldly: "International friendship, I don't know where the international friendship you mentioned is? Should I give the Qing Dynasty weapons support, or try to prevent the revolutionary army from landing on the Liaodong Peninsula? Or would I repeatedly clamor to interfere with the revolution we are ongoing? Before Japan makes a friendly gesture, I don't want to negotiate with the Japanese government on anything."

Just as Oda was about to get angry, Graham Gerry was already in the conversation, "The recent series of actions of the Provisional Government have discriminated against all countries, which has to arouse our country's dissatisfaction and attention. I hope the Provisional Government can treat all countries' business activities equally and fairly."

"Treat equality is mutual, and some of the tilts of the Provisional Government are not without reasons." Chen Wenqiang relaxed his tone and explained: "Your country took the lead in amending the treaty so that all countries agreed that the Qing army could enter within 20 miles of the foreign concession in Tianjin to carry out police tasks, and formulated and implemented road protection plans to be implemented to favor the Qing Dynasty, which had to arouse the disgust of the Provisional Government and the anger of the people across the country. If your country can maintain a fair position, change the Qing army in the Tianjin Treaty into Chinese military, and treat the anti-Qing forces and the Qing government equally on the issue of protecting railways, the Provisional Government will definitely provide fair opportunities for your country's business activities."

Graham fell into deep thought. Judging from his tone and wording, the Provisional Government did not seem to be determined to be right from the UK, that is, all problems can be resolved through negotiation, which is a good sign.

The British and Japanese envoys came together because Japan expressed dissatisfaction with the UK's solo practice in China and demanded that Britain should not put it aside when encountering such problems again because of its alliance.

Grey Cheung felt that the two countries might have a better effect, and before coming, Oda swears that he would only follow the British leader, making him convinced that Japan could help him. But Oda's performance so far is not so much to help the UK, but rather to use the UK to achieve the Japanese's own goals, which made Grey Cheung a little dissatisfied.

Chen Wenqiang continued to say slowly: "The annexation of the Qing Dynasty is inevitable, and it is very certain that the Provisional Government becomes the only government in China at present. Your Minister, Mr. Zhu Erdian, turned a blind eye to this and still influenced your country's China policy with prejudice and arrogance. I hereby remind the two consuls that complaining and protesting are useless, and it is better to use practical actions to show your friendliness to the Provisional Government and the Chinese people as soon as possible! Look at the United States, they have released the warships ordered by the Qing government after we settled the final payment; look at Germany, they are sincerely carrying out all-round cooperation with the Provisional Government. For this, the Provisional Government expressed corresponding appreciation and gratitude, which is completely understandable."

"I must remind you again that Fujian Province is strategically important to our country." Oda said arrogantly: "China has promised that this province will not be cedeed to any other country. Japan has repeatedly safeguarded its interests in this region. If China borrows US dollars to build a naval military port in Fujian, it will inevitably cause great disagreement between Japan, the United States and Japan. In addition, regardless of the ongoing cooperation between the Provisional Government and Mobil Oil Company, whether the mining of Shaanxi Yanchang Oilfield is a rumor, I want to tell you that Japan has priority over the oilfields in Shaanxi Province, and Japanese engineers have worked there long ago."

Chen Wenqiang looked at Oda with a sarcastic smile on his lips, and said in a deep voice: "Given the way you came to the conclusion, I will recommend that the Provisional Government and various Chinese industrial and mining enterprises never hire Japanese engineers in the future. Those who have been hired will not renew after the contract is over. In this way, I believe that China and Japan will no longer have any disputes on priority in the future. In addition, I would like to remind you to pay attention to your words. Since today is an informal talk, all the contents of the talks will be published in the media."

Oda wanted to say that Japan had the intention of forcibly interfering with its strength, but was afraid that the British would not support it, which made it boring. Soon it was the time when the second British-Japanese Alliance Agreement expired, and Japan was very eager to sign it again. It also planned to change the term of the alliance from five years to ten years, so it did not want to anger Britain at this time.

Moreover, Juerdian opposes Japan's military interference and has clearly told Japan that "be careful to avoid using similar coercive means" to interfere in China's affairs. Japan has never received support from Britain on this issue, and some are alone and the interference conspiracy has not been realized for a long time.

"Your Foreign Minister Mr. Gray just made a statement in the media, claiming: 'We long to see a strong and unified China. No matter what political system we are under, we are determined by the wishes of the Chinese people'. We are very pleased with this. I wonder if Mr. Juerdian has the same attitude as well?" Chen Wenqiang gave the Japanese a few words and then said to the British, treating Britain and Japan differently, and using Britain to suppress Japan. This is a good way.

"Of course, Mr. Zhuerdian also has deep feelings for China and hopes to see a strong and unified China." Graham Governor heard that the content of the talks would be made public in the media, and he deeply regretted mixing with the Japanese dwarf, destroying the atmosphere of the talks. At this time, he could only show a sincere smile, but wanted to end the talks as soon as possible. He then went to Chen Wenqiang alone for frank, direct and secret discussions.

…………………………………

The talks were over, and Chen Wenqiang readily accepted Mo Lixun's exclusive interview request and returned to the house again.

Mo Lixun. Born in Australia in 1862, he is currently the chief reporter of the Times in China. In 1894, he traveled to southern China. A year later, his travelogue "A Australian in China" was published in the UK. In 1896, he traveled from Bangkok to Kunming, and then traveled to the three northeastern provinces.

It was precisely because of this book that he was appreciated by the British Times and hired as a reporter in China. He went to Beijing in 1897 and began his career as a journalist. At that time, China was in the focus of the world after the Sino-Japanese War of 1895 and was also the target of the conspiracy of the great powers of various countries. Mo Lixun's exclusive news from the first time made The Times a well-deserved authority for reporting Chinese news. It can be said that as many readers of the Times knew about this "China's Mo Lixun".

As a witness, he used the Times to objectively and impartially report the "Boil Rebellion Incident" in Beijing to the Western world, believing that some Western missionaries disrespect the feelings of the Chinese were an important cause of the entire incident, and dispelled the fog of public opinion that demonized China.

Subsequently, he used the page of the Times to launch a campaign to curb Russian influence, so that the international public opinion circles at that time called the "Russian War" "the war of Molixun."

Mo Lixun has strong public relations in the UK and enjoys a good international reputation. If he can lean towards a temporary government, it will be of great benefit to ease relations with the UK, increase the international reputation of the temporary government, and win more international support. Therefore, Chen Wenqiang showed enough enthusiasm and frankness to Mo Lixun, which also made Mo Lixun very happy.

"China should have a strong leader. This leader should have absolute authority, influence in the world, and be able to use British-style capitalist politics, economy, culture, and diplomacy as its guidelines to lead China to a strong and bright future." Mo Lixun's words easily remind people of his good personal relationship with Yuan Shikai, at least Chen Wenqiang felt this way.

"My opinion is slightly different from you. I think the so-called powerful leader can easily become dictatorial and magnanimous in the current Chinese environment, while a strong leadership core is enough to do what you say." Chen Wenqiang smiled kindly and said, "You should have confidence in the new republican regime. I suggest that you go to Guangzhou and I believe that you will definitely make a good trip."

"This suggestion is good, but it's a bit late." Mo Lixun blinked and smiled: "The plan to go to Guangzhou is being implemented, and this is just an intermediate station."

"Oh, that's my turn." Chen Wenqiang laughed and said, "Mr. Mo Lixun is one of the few British people who keep a fair attitude towards China. He is also sincere in his desire to revive China. I admire this."

Mo Lixun smiled, and then said cautiously: "How do you view Yuan Shikai in the north, the Provisional Government, or from your personal perspective?"

In Mo Lixun's eyes, Yuan Shikai naturally has another image. Although this image is inevitably a result of personal preference, Mo Lixun was a person of that era after all. In addition, he had close contact with Yuan, Yuan Shikai in his eyes may be closer to the real Yuan Shikai in some aspects.

Chen Wenqiang pondered for a moment, but he was a little confused. Is this Mo Lixun’s personal concern or a test made by Yuan Shikai.

"This is my personal curiosity." Mo Lixun explained: "I do not represent anyone or any force. Of course, you can not answer this question."

Chen Wenqiang nodded and said slowly: "From my personal perspective, although Yuan Shikai is called a new-style figure, he has only implemented several new policies according to his own interpretation. In his bones, he is still full of old ideas, old ideas, lack of creative thinking and vigorous vitality, and even less of the democratic consciousness that you the West pays most attention to. Of course, if he can climb out of the feudal mud, he will have a place in the government of New China, which may still be a very important position. After all, he has a very smart mind, rich life experience, and the achievements of doing practical things."
Chapter completed!