As Yixin said, when the important officials in the court, that is, he and Li Hongzhang and others did not firmly oppose it, King Qing and Yikuang became a little unscrupulous and very riotous. Some people even clamored in public to send troops to the United States to wipe out the barbarians of the United States... But Yikuang and his group of people could really let go of the glory and wealth in front of them to go to the Gentiles to endure hardships? It seemed like they were singing a big show, and they were playing and playing for a while, but they never saw any real action. In the end, even Cixi, who was hiding in the inner palace, could not bear to see it anymore.

Li Lianying asked Yikuang what he wanted to do. As a result, Yikuang couldn't hold on anymore and discussed it with a group of accomplices, such as Minister of Revenue Na Tong and others, but they still didn't know how to "send troops overseas and show their power in China", and they didn't even have any clues... Li Hongzhang, Yixin, and Zeng Jize, who are more familiar with foreign affairs, always hid aside and watched jokes, and they didn't intend to give him any ideas. Yikuang had no choice but to keep Cixi watching the matter tightly and had to look for Ronglu.

Speaking of Ronglu, it was also a rare capable minister in the history of the late Qing Dynasty. He always regarded Yuan Shikai and others strictly during his lifetime, which was amazing. Of course, this capable minister was compared to the Han ministers and compared to that period. Ronglu was originally a close confidant of Cixi and was very dependent on it. Unfortunately, he rebelled against Cixi for some reason two years ago. He was demoted by Cixi to two levels and was unable to even go to the court. He was hiding at home and was unemployed. However, being unemployed does not mean that Ronglu became a deaf person. He heard that Yikuang was coming to find him, so he immediately ran out of Beijing...

Now, Yikuang and others were raucous and cheerful, finally realized the seriousness of the problem. They wanted to slacket off work, but Cixi watched it on it and stopped. How could they wait for the Empress Dowager? After all, Cixi was not a fool. Just when Yikuang and others felt a headache, the American minister in Dongmin Lane finally learned the news. He heard that the Qing Dynasty actually wanted to send troops to the United States to support the "Red Corps". It exploded all at once. He immediately asked the Qing court for a foreign note and claimed that whoever dared to handle American affairs was the enemy of the United States. The American Pacific Fleet was already heading west, and there were thousands of American soldiers accompanying him. They would use iron and blood to tell those who were lucky, what was to overestimate themselves?

It has to be said that the American minister successfully grasped the Qing court's vein... Although Zuo Zongtang defeated Aguba, Aguba was just a small local force after all, and a puppet built by Tsarist Russia. The Qing government was still guilty when facing foreigners. The open war provocation of the American minister made the Qing officials who were once beaten to the point of being furious to the British and French coalition forces remember the panic that day. You must know that when the British and French coalition forces entered Beijing, it was not only Xianfeng who ran away.

Of course, the American war blackmail could scare those ignorant Qing officials, but they would definitely not scare Li Hongzhang and others. However, Li Hongzhang's group was hiding aside to watch jokes, and even the fiercely tempered governor of Shaanxi and Gansu Zuo Zongtang ignored the matter, so the Qing court panicked. Besides, they sent troops overseas and traveled thousands of miles... This matter was a fantasy no matter how the Qing Dynasty looked at it. So, soon, under the opposition of the ministers, Prince Yikuang of Qing County was surrendered to Beile, and the matter of sending troops was left unresolved.

The whole thing was like a farce, and the ending was just that the British minister sent a telegram to London, which said: "The Chinese government and the Chinese obviously cannot talk about it. I now have a lot of doubts whether the Chinese in the United States are under the rule of the Qing Dynasty... Perhaps, we should maintain such a government and maintain their rule over China, which is beneficial to the long-term interests of the British Empire in China..."

It can be said that the British side was very disappointed with the performance of the Qing government, and as the winner of this game, the United States was not very proud: when did the great United States of America become a weak, barbaric, ignorant Qing country be the target of provocation? In the face of such provocation, the great United States of America could only rely on force to intimidate people and act as a way to scare people to fight, instead of directly waving its fist... Has the United States of America actually fallen to this point today?

The answer is of course no, but the Americans' loss is obvious. It is said that after deterring the so-called plan to send troops overseas, the American envoy became an apartment in his embassy, ​​and even the gatherings between the embassies in Dongjiāo Minxiang were no longer involved... I really couldn't afford to lose that person.

However, Britain and the United States, and many other countries that watched the fun did not know that when they were proud or frustrated, Yikuang, who had been surrendered to Baylor, secretly ran to the Forbidden City to meet Cixi, and handed over a telegram that was said to be from Honolulu... Where is this Honolulu, no matter how much Yi

Kuang and Cixi were not sure, but they knew that the telegram was sent by Chen Lanbin, the ambassador to the United States, and transferred by Li Hongzhang. The content on the telegram also moved them. Yikuang did not say it for now, but Cixi was famously petty and vengeful. She was frightened by the Americans. Although she was afraid, she felt extremely uncomfortable. So she secretly issued an order to let Yikuang do what the telegram said...

Things far away on the west coast of the Pacific naturally did not affect the "Red Corps"'s actions in the United States for the time being. After entering Kansas along the Arkans River, they kept going down the river. Except for stopping and resting a few times, they rarely stayed in the middle. Finally, after a few days, they arrived at the largest city in Kansas: Wichita.

Afterwards, the entire army stationed outside Wichita City and acted like a war. Faced with such a situation, Kansas Governor Lawrence had to send his assistant, Lieutenant Governor Parkinson, to lead a state political delegation from the state capital Topeka and came to Wichita.

Why? Why would the governor of Kansas send a delegation to a group of armed enemies? He was not afraid of his subordinates going back forever? The reason was actually very simple: Guo Jinzhang threatened. As for why... Although Lawrence got the news shortly after the "Red Corps" entered Kansas, Lawrence hurriedly organized a large number of militias to start a war with the Red Corps, but just when he was hurrying to prepare for the war, Mr. Guo Jinzhang, commander of the Red Corps, suddenly sent a telegram asking Lawrence to send someone to Wichita to negotiate with him, otherwise

, He will siege the city by force and conduct "traveling" in Kansas... Of course Lawrence will not be happy. Not to mention what kind of damage the "traveling" of the Red Sè Corps will cause to Kansas, the winter wheat sowing period that is about to arrive is enough to make him give up all his reserve. In any case, he is also the governor elected by the Kansasians. Although he needs to be responsible for the rich people who support him most, before that, he cannot let the Kansas people oppose him. Therefore, he had to agree to Guo Jinzhang's request.

However, although Lawrence agreed, facing the "violent" Red Corps, Lieutenant Governor Parkinson was reluctant to come forward... There were more than one or two American senior officials who were played by the Chinese. What if he went, what if he didn't come back? So, until the Red Corps defeated Wichita, Parkinson had to rush over under Lawrence's power. He originally wanted to be on the road for a while, hoping to wait until Sherman's army rushed over from behind, but unfortunately, Guo Jinzhang urged three times a day, and finally even fired a shot at Wichita, so he had to throw this idea out of the sky.

In this way, what is known as the most peculiar "negotiation war" in history began in Wichita.

...

"Mr. Parkinson..."

The negotiation site was outside Wichita City, on the edge of the Aken River, and the outer edge of the Red Corps camp was only 200 meters... This was also forced. Parkinson didn't want to come, but Guo Jinzhang threatened him to fire if he didn't come, and he had no choice.

"Mr. Guo."

Just like in ordinary negotiations, both sides greeted first, shook hands, and took photos as a souvenir... This was also what Guo Jinzhang asked. Parkinson tried his best to find a bold enough photographer, but in the end he still couldn't find any of them, so he had to find a bold reporter who could take photos.

"Sit down."

"please"

Both sides sat down on both sides of the long table, and the reporters accompanying him were arranged to sit on the side. Of course, Guo Jinzhang and others would not prepare too much for marching along the way, so, such as the table, were provided by Wichita City, and this was also Guo Jinzhang's request... Kansas's side was already a little numb.

"Mr. Guo, the negotiations are what you requested, so I want to hear what you want to talk about." Although Parkinson was always worried, fearing that the Chinese in front of him suddenly turned against each other, in front of so many reporters, he still reluctantly calmed down and started the most famous negotiation in his life.

"Of course there are many things to talk about. The first point is that we ask Kansas to sign a declaration." Guo Jinzhang signaled, and Liu Tongfu, who was on the side, immediately handed a document to Parkinson.

"The Declaration on Racial Equality?" Parkinson's frowned immediately after seeing the name of the document.

"Why, you don't agree?" Guo Jinzhang asked.

"I want to take a look first..." Parkinson did not answer Guo Jinzhang directly, but opened the document and browsed it carefully. However, the more he read, the more he wanted to laugh, because a large part of the content of this "Declaration on Race Equality" was copied from the "Declaration on the Liberation of Black Slaves". In addition, it was some of the anti-racial discrimination, requiring legal recognition of the equal status of all races, and to impose certain legal punishments on racial discrimination, and abolishing the state's requirements for racial discrimination. Therefore, Parkinson read it very easily. Because the so-called racial equality content has been marked by American laws for a long time. Since Lincoln signed the "Declaration on the Liberation of Black Slaves", the United States has actually no legal issues with race. The most difficult thing about the entire declaration is the state's laws.

"I think this requires some discussion in the state legislature." After reading the manifesto, Parkinson organized his words and said.

"Mr. Parkinson, I saw you laughing just now..." Guo Jinzhang answered the question irrelevantly.

"I'm laughing? How could I..." Parkinson's face changed. This guy didn't think I was laughing at him, right?

"Actually, I also know that the so-called equality is simply a false word. This kind of thing has never been realized, because in this world, only people with high status give equality, will the nobles be able to say to the common people, "I give you equality; but the common people cannot happily say to the nobles that we are equal. The so-called equality will only be given when the interests of the nobles or the wealthy class are excessive. If interests conflict, then the instinctive xenophobia, differences in social status, and differences in wealth levels will all lead to class discrimination and racial discrimination." Guo Jinzhang said again.

"This...you're right." This guy is still tinging with depth. Parkinson said secretly.

"Inequality is always absolute. As long as you are backward in economy, you will inevitably be discriminated against. There are discrimination between different ethnic groups and different regions of the same ethnic group, let alone different races? Those who are stronger than you will instinctively fear and respect, and those who are weaker than you will instinctively contempt and disdain. The reality is that the skin of our yellow people and the general poverty situation are still in the evil cycle. People in this world can noblely believe that yellow people also have excellent groups and wealthy classes, but they can never change their instincts of fear or discrimination in life. That is, some of you who claim to be noble give equality to us yellow people, and we will not like it, and maybe they will discriminate against your ignorance in turn..." Guo Jinzhang said again.

"Then why do you put forward this "Race Equality Declaration" again?" Parkinson was a little surprised. Since he knew that this world could not be truly equal, why did he do these useless efforts?

"Inequality is absolute, equality can only be given from top to bottom. The benefits of the struggle of vulnerable groups are ultimately only to obtain compromises from strong groups. It is only to change those rules that are too inequality, and it is never true equality. We cannot change this natural law, nor can we prohibit the existence of discrimination, and it is even more impossible to convince those who discriminate. The only thing we can do is to make ourselves stronger and then give equality 'noble'... So, the reason for this "Race Equality Declaration" is just a way for us to become stronger and fight... in your favorite, legal way," said Guo Jinzhang.

"I believe many people will feel this." Parkinson shrugged, "But, you know, this declaration is more like a legal provision. I can't agree to it..."

"I asked Kansas to send a plenipotentiary representative...you aren't?" Guo Jinzhang asked.

"I..." Parkinson was stunned. Of course, he was the plenipotentiary representative, and the object that Lawrence and others planned to shirk responsibility. He had already been mentally prepared for this, but some things were not something that could be done if they were ready. Just like the "Racial Equality Declaration", there are many laws in Kansas regarding this. If he agreed, he would definitely offend those racists, and of course he would find a way to refuse to agree directly. He did not expect that Guo Jinzhang would actually grasp this point keenly... This guy would not get angry on the spot, right? They were all thugs. Parkinson looked at Guo Jinzhang, and his body couldn't help but lean back, as if he wanted to avoid the thunder attack that Guo Jinzhang might send at any time.

"Okay, let's let this go first." Unexpectedly, Guo Jinzhang did not get entangled in the "Declaration of Racial Equality", but jumped away directly. "To talk about the next point, we ask Kansas to issue an announcement to refuse the pursuit army of the US political fu into the state."

"This is impossible" Parkinson was startled and blurted out immediately.

"How is it impossible?" Li Asheng glared at him, "You are not a federal system. Do every state actually belong to autonomy? As long as you do not agree, federal laws can be disapproved. Why can't federal troops be refused entry into this state?"

"This... they are the federal army, the national army, we are just a state government..."

"You think we are fools?"

“…”

Under the bizarre sight of Li Asheng, Liu Tongfu and others, Parkinson couldn't help but feel a cold sweat. However, he still guarded the last line of defense and did not let go... He wouldn't let Sherman's army come to Kansas, then they would have to let the Red Sè Corps bully? This is a big problem. He would rather go to war with these guys now than agree.

"Mr. Parkinson, don't you know whether you know Sherman's achievements?" Guo Jinzhang signaled Li Asheng and others to stop for the time being, and then asked Parkinson and others with a smile.

"When...of course."

"So do you know what he did in Georgia?"

“…”

"We can do what he can do, too. And, it can definitely be better than him." Guo Jinzhang still smiled: "Sheerman just burned all of them and grabbed them all, and we can have one more than him: kill them all... do you believe it?"

"You are threatening, this is not negotiation"

"Negotiations have always been just an extension of military affairs, or military is an extension of negotiations... Whoever has the strong means is the winner, isn't this a consensus? Governor Parkinson, don't you know?"

"So, we reject General Sherman and lead the army into Kansas, and you will let us go? Do you think we are fools?" Parkinson suddenly asked loudly.

"Of course you are not fools, to be precise, we are not." Guo Jinzhang shook his head, "So, we can find a plan that we accept: if you refuse Sherman's army to enter Kansas, we will remain restrained and will not take the initiative to attack any town in your territory... and try to maintain a non-war state with Kansas."

"...Do you think we will believe you? Without General Sherman's urgency, will you still leave Kansas?" Parkinson sneered.
Chapter completed!