After receiving a reply from Shanghai and learning that the East China Government agreed to sell him weapons and ammunition, Yuan Shikai couldn't help but be overjoyed. He stood up and walked around the house twice, waved his fists several times, and said repeatedly: "That's great, great."

In fact, Yuan Shikai's army is not short of weapons, but of course the more weapons and ammunition, the better. One is to be prepared for any eventuality. After all, on the battlefield, the consumption of weapons and ammunition is very large; the other is to expand the army. The most important thing is to purchase weapons, maintain good relations with the East China government, and also reserve a way out for yourself.

Of course, Yuan Shikai also knew that the ultimate goal of the East China Government was to unify the entire China. They sold their weapons not only to make money, but also to consume the strength of various forces in the south. They did not really support themselves. But the urgent need now is Pu Wei's attack, so I took a look at it first. After all, it will take a few years for the East China Government to advance to the South.

Just when Yuan Shikai was extremely excited, someone came to report that the British Consul in Nanjing, Paul Johnson, asked for a meeting. After hearing this, Yuan Shikai sneered. It seemed that the foreigners were not giving up!

Originally, Yuan Shikai came to the south as a result of various countries' promotion, and the original intention of various countries was to support Yuan Shikai to integrate the forces in the south and fight against the East China Government. However, after Yuan Shikai arrived in the south, he tried hard to establish good relations with the East China Government and vigorously developed economic and trade exchanges with the East China Government. This was obviously contrary to the original intention of various countries to prompt Yuan Shikai to go south.

Countries also vaguely warned Yuan Shikai not to get too close to the East China Government, but Yuan Shikai just pretended to be confused and wanted to go through vaguely. At this moment, Pu Wei and his group were preparing to escape from Beijing. British Minister Zhu Erdian suggested to the country that supporting Pu Wei and his group could put pressure on Yuan Shikai on the one hand; on the other hand, it was not to put eggs in a basket.

In fact, Juerdian's suggestion also has his own selfish intentions. If Britain fully supports Yuan Shikai, then Powell, who was the consul of Nanjing at that time, would inevitably be valued and his role in China will definitely exceed that of himself. Only when Britain supports Pu Wei can he be valuable.

However, after all, Juerdian was the British ambassador to the Qing court. His suggestions must not be ignored in the UK, and Juerdian's suggestions are not unreasonable. Trying one faction to fight one faction and create balance is also a traditional British skill. Therefore, the British also decided to reduce support for Yuan Shikai and instead support Pu Wei. As a result, with the support of the UK, Pu Wei proclaimed himself emperor in Xi'an and went south to obtain Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan and other places. However, Nanjing Consul Powell was dismissed from the country due to the failure of the Shanghai economic crisis. Juerdian obtained the highest position in China, and the new British Consul in Nanjing Paul Johnson was also a candidate recommended by Juerdian and would not threaten his position.

But on Yuan Shikai's side, although countries reduced their support to him, Yuan Shikai had gained a firm foothold in the south at this time. At the same time, he could achieve stable fiscal revenue through the development of trade with the East China government and greatly reduced his dependence on various countries. Therefore, he was even more disdainful of the requirements of various countries. Therefore, various countries and Yuan Shikai were gradually drifting away. However, both sides still maintained a big picture on the surface.

At this time, the East China Government successively occupied Gansu, Qinghai and other places, and the Seventh-generation Zhangjia Living Buddha also surrendered to the East China Government. Although Xinjiang is still left, no one is optimistic that Xinjiang can resist the attack of the East China Government. Once the East China Government unified the north, the next step is naturally to attack the south. Therefore, the UK also realized that it would integrate southern China as soon as possible.

At this time, the British target of support had changed from Yuan Shikai to Pu Wei. On the one hand, he supported Pu Wei to expand his army and prepare for war, and put forward a stance to launch a large-scale eastward expedition to attack Yuan Shikai. On the other hand, he actively persuaded Yuan Shikai to surrender to Pu Wei.

Although Yuan Shikai was very unhappy, out of decades of habit, he still had a lot of concern for various countries and did not want to break up with them completely. Therefore, he ordered people to invite Johnson in, but he did not get up to greet him. It was not until Johnson was taken from the person to the reception room that he stood up and said with a smile: "Sir, welcome, welcome!"

Johnson took off his hat and bowed his body, saying, "Governor General, come and visit him with great scent, please forgive me."

Yuan Shikai laughed and said, "It's too late to welcome me there! Please sit, please sit, how can you talk while standing?" Yuan Shikai took the lead on the sofa and leaned his entire back against the back of the sofa.

Johnson thanked me and sat down on the sofa. At this time, he brought tea from the person. Yuan Shikai picked up the teacup and took a sip. Then he slowly said, "Mr. Consul is here to meet me, I don't know what it is worth."

Johnson also took a sip of tea and said, "Governor General, our UK is very worried about the current situation in the south! Once a war breaks out, it is definitely not the result that our UK and other countries are willing to see. Therefore, we hope that Your Governor General can take effective measures to ease the situation."

Yuan Shikai snorted and said, "Mr. Consul, if you want to ease the situation, then you are looking for the wrong person. The initial dispute was initiated by Pu Wei. I was just forced to fight back. Therefore, to ease the situation, first of all, let Pu Wei restrain himself."

Johnson shook his head and said, "Governor General, I think it is meaningless to hold that side accountable now. The conflict between Pijin has already occurred, and both of you have casualties and losses. Therefore, finding a solution is the right choice."

Yuan Shikai said: "The solution is also very simple. It is to let Pu Wei restrain himself and pick less care. Wouldn't it be fine if nothing happens?"

Johnson said: "No, no, no, Governor, that can only be temporarily alleviated, and cannot completely resolve the situation and crisis in the south. Sooner or later, it will happen again."

Yuan Shikai smiled and said, "Oh! So what good suggestions do you have for the Consul!"

Johnson said: "In fact, it is best if the Governor General and His Majesty Pu Wei can be merged into one and become a family, and naturally there will be no conflict. This is the best way to fundamentally resolve the current crisis."

Yuan Shikai sneered, knowing that he would persuade him to submit to Pu Wei's trick, but he was still calm and calm at this time, seeing what Johnson had to say.

Sure enough, seeing that Yuan Shikai did not speak, Johnson continued: "Your Majesty the Governor was originally a minister of the Qing Dynasty and was well-known. His Majesty Pu Wei originally had the blood of the Qing Dynasty royal family and was also the prince of the Qing Dynasty. It is legitimate to inherit the throne and continue the Qing Dynasty's veins. Therefore, now the Governor should submit to Your Majesty Pu Wei. Everyone should work together to unite and fight against your common enemies!"

After he finished speaking, Yuan Shikai said: "Sir, I think your statement is very problematic!"

Johnson was stunned and said, "What's the problem!"

Yuan Shikai said: "Pu Wei is indeed a prince and has the blood of the royal family, but he is not the descendant of the late emperor, and there is no edict of the late emperor's enthronement. Now he dares to claim his destiny and respect the throne by mistake. What is the legitimate reason for coming from there? It is really a rebellious act. I am dedicated to being loyal to Taiqing, so how can I establish such a person as the king? Therefore, the consul's advice must not obey the order."

Johnson shook his head repeatedly and said, "Governor General, please be honest, your attitude is wrong. Now the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty has become a prisoner of the East China Government. He has no descendants and cannot issue an edict. Could it be that no one can succeed the throne? Is it possible that the Qing Dynasty has no successor and will perish from now on? This is probably not what a loyal minister should do."

Yuan Shikai said: "So according to the Consul's opinion, as long as you have the blood of the royal family and have a noble family background, can you be qualified to succeed the throne?"

Johnson said: "That's certain."

Yuan Shikai laughed and said, "That's how Pu Wei is not qualified to inherit the throne alone! For example, Pu Yi from Fujian also has the blood of the royal family, and his father Zai Yi is also a prince. Pu Yi was also a prince by the previous emperor, which is equivalent to the crown prince. Therefore, in terms of qualifications, this official believes that Pu Yi is more qualified to inherit the throne than Pu Wei."

When Johnson heard this, he was speechless and after a long time he said, "Is it hard for the Governor to make Puye the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty?"

Yuan Shikai shook his head and said, "That's not. Now there are many people who are qualified to inherit the throne, so I must not make a choice easily."

Johnson also breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Then the Governor believes that how should we choose a new emperor!"

Yuan Shikai said: "Since ancient times, our country has advocated the establishment of wise men. Only virtuous people are qualified to be kings. Therefore, the meaning of this official is that a wise and kind person must be chosen to be the new king."

Johnson said: "His Majesty Pu Wei is always famous, at least his reputation is much better than Pu Wei!"

Yuan Shikai snorted and said, "The good or bad reputation is one thing, but the actions of both bodies are another. After Pu Wei became emperor, he first used fraud to seize the land of Hunan, and was aggressive to his official position for no reason. He occupied several provinces and had not really become emperor. Just so arrogant, how could he establish such a person as a wise king? As for Pu Ye, he must also carefully examine it to see if he really has the wise king to decide."

Johnson pondered for a moment and said, "If Puye did not meet the standards of a virtuous king in the mind of the Governor!"
Chapter completed!