Chapter 320 Delay him for a few days

"Beijing's population is said to be two million, but in fact it is less than 800,000. The number of households is about 100,000. All of them are bungalows. There are two or three roads like our Ueno Onari-dori in Tokyo, and there are two roads on both sides.

With open-air shops open, it feels very narrow. This kind of road is divided into carriage lanes and sidewalks. The owner of the open-air shop stays there, so it is like a house at home. The road is still in its original state and has never been repaired, so walking is difficult due to the bumps.”

"People who come and go are not tidy, and just like the rumors, they defecate everywhere on the road, causing a lot of stench. But they have become accustomed to it and don't take it seriously. The urine can flow everywhere into the river or be poured into the pool.

If you're not careful when walking, you may step on poop..."

"It won't stay there for a long time. This shit will be handled by pigs, dogs, and people. The three are competing to deal with it. People drive dogs, and dogs drive pigs. They compete with each other to see who gets more. Dogs are very cunning. When children are on the road

When defecating, it will wait aside and eat it up as soon as it is over. People will chase the dog away. People will carry a basket on their backs like the waste paper pickers in Tokyo, chase the dog away and then pick up the poop.

, carry it to the countryside and sell it as fertilizer for money.”

"It's already so untidy. There are often thunderstorms in the summer, and the wind will blow after the rain. Basically once a week, there will be a sandstorm blowing from the desert, covering the sky and darkening the sky. So it is very hot, even more unbearable than the sultry heat.

It's a small white bug. This bug is similar to a bed bug. It's a small flying insect that's almost imperceptible to the naked eye. Sometimes you need to see a doctor after being bitten by this bug. I've been bitten too, and I still have it.

Black bumps”

"The water quality is not good and you cannot drink it directly..."

When taking the "Sasho Maru" to go to Taku, Ishii Kikujiro, who served as the second secretary of the embassy in China 17 years ago and was later promoted to the first secretary, was trapped in the capital when the Boxer Rebellion broke out. He was a very good person in China.

He was the special envoy of the Japanese Empire who had experienced many hardships. He once deliberately looked through the information that was thrown at the bottom of the box. These records of Beijing were his achievements during the four years of his mission to China. However, he took the train to the capital in Dagu.

On the train, Kohata Yukichi, the counselor of the embassy who picked him up at the pier, told him directly:

"China has changed a lot in the past few years, and I hope you will not use old eyes to deal with the Chinese."

Kohata Youyoshi, who was sent to China as an envoy before the Revolution of 1911, could be said to have been personally involved in China's great changes in the past three years. He was certainly aware of China's changes.

However, Obata Yukichi's words made Ishii Kikujiro realize the changes in this country for the first time. At least in terms of names, as a Japanese, he would often call China "China!" instead of "China", but now Obata Yukichi

But using such a title when there were only two of them, it was obvious that his mentality had changed.

In fact, Ishii Kikujiro was very clear about this. When the "Jiao-ao Incident" began, China's international status was insignificant and it was not qualified to talk to powerful countries on an equal footing, let alone play a role in world affairs. Although China has a large population

, is still regarded as a weak country by the international community. However, after they defeated the Japanese navy and army, the situation changed fundamentally. China's international status has naturally been improved, although it is still difficult for them to be regarded as a powerful country.

But now few countries will ignore China.

Great power status can only be achieved through war!

Ishii Kikujiro, who became a diplomat as early as 1891, had a deep understanding of this point. He experienced Japan's changes from a small and insignificant country to an important and powerful country, and he also realized the impact that this change brought to diplomats.

Convenience, and now, the China he has to face is almost Japan after 1905.

A country that established itself on the battlefield.

"Fortunately, their conditions are not too harsh!"

Recalling the several conditions put forward by Yuan Shikai, Ishii secretly rejoiced that the purpose of his coming to China this time was to end this "conflict", avoid further expansion of the conflict, and of course, preserve Japan's face.

For Ishii, what he was most worried about was not China, but the attitude of the Western powers. At this time, the envoys of the European powers in China were different from before the conflict. At the beginning of the conflict, they all unanimously urged the Chinese government to accept Japan.

The British Minister Zhu Erdian reportedly met with Yuan Shikai in person, and as a 30-year-old friend, persuaded Yuan Shikai to surrender, saying that he would concentrate on construction for 10 years before talking again. Although the U.S. government was dissatisfied, it did not intend to

Ruienshi had no choice but to stand up for China. As for Russia, they only cared about whether their interests in Northern Manchuria were harmed. France only wanted Japan to respect the treaty signed with Japan in 1907 and did not intend to say anything at all. Compared to

In China, what they value more is their relationship with Japan. Because the European war is in a stalemate, there is no need to fall out with Japan.

Finally, after the conflict broke out in full, as the Jiangsu Army slowly gained the upper hand and the situation became increasingly unfavorable to Japan, the attitudes of the European powers also changed dramatically. Their attitudes went from being ambiguous at the beginning to siding with China.

, the reason is very simple, the Chinese have proven their value and strength through the battlefield.

In the jungle age, those with fangs would only respect those of the same kind with fangs. This is the basic rule of the game between countries in the jungle age.

But now, the sudden appearance of this fanged creature has made Japan extremely uncomfortable. At the same time, the attitudes of the great powers have become particularly important. Unlike most people in the country who advocate using the European War to expand their sphere of influence as much as possible, Ishii

What is supported is prudent expansion and cooperation with Western countries.

However, he knew very well that Japan's behavior of disregarding the initial opposition of various countries and taking advantage of the European war when the European powers had no time to look east to expand in China has deeply irritated various countries. Their previous compromises with Japan were due to strategic reasons.

If necessary, China's interests have to be sacrificed for the sake of its own interests.

Now, Japan's ambitions are completely exposed to all countries, but its fangs were severely broken by the Chinese on the battlefield. In this case, Japan must take into account the attitudes of the various powers. Their attitudes will be

It is directly related to whether Japan can end this conflict with dignity.

"Otto von Bismarck said when he established the international system: Diplomatic balance sometimes requires a knight or a donkey. The current Far East policy of the European powers is balance, and now, what we need to do is to become a knight

, or become a stupid ass?”

When entering the embassy, ​​Ishii Kikujiro whispered to Kobata Yukichi.

Whether to be a knight in the balancing game or to be a donkey is a choice for Japan, and it is also a choice for China.

"How's the weather in Qingdao lately?"

Taking a sip of Qi-tonifying soup from the white jade bowl, Yuan Shikai sneered on his face. This question only made Lu Zhengxiang, who had confirmed the bottom line of the negotiation with the president before the negotiation, stunned. He didn't know why the president would ask this question.

"Returning to the President, according to the contents of the telegram received today, the temperature in Qingdao dropped to minus one degree last night!"

Liang Shiyi, the president's secretary-general, quickly replied, but compared to Lu Zhengxiang's blank look, there was a smile on his face.

"Oh, it's not cold enough!"

Putting the bottomed white jade bowl aside, Yuan Shikai responded with some disappointment.

"It's a pity. If Dalian and Qingdao are transferred, maybe..."

Lu Zhengxiang still looked at a loss, Yuan Shikai was a little disappointed, and Liang Shiyi showed regret, and the conversation seemed to be in a daze, but Lu Zhengxiang couldn't stand it any longer. The negotiations will start tomorrow.

"President, the special envoy of the Japanese Empire, Kikujiro Ishii, has arrived in the capital and formal talks will be held tomorrow."

"Ziji!"

Yuan Shikai, who looked a little disappointed, said.

"If the predictions are correct, tomorrow, Ishii Kikujiro will definitely demand a ceasefire across the board. You can agree to him after you think about it for a while. This matter is not a big deal. Anyway, if there is a ceasefire here, the fire can be restarted there. Next, if you ask me what this great president has to say, there is only one word... drag!"

drag?

What does President mean?

If I remember correctly, it was the president in front of me who initially advocated negotiation as soon as possible to end the conflict. Why has the president's attitude changed again? Could it be that Lianyungang has some new ideas? ? No! Didn’t Li Zhiyuan send a message saying that everything is in compliance with the central government’s instructions? This message has been sent to the whole country, what else might happen?

Seeing that Lu Zhengxiang didn't seem to understand his intentions, Yuan Shikai raised his eyes, and a light flashed in his eyes.

"There are still tens of thousands of Japanese troops in Qingdao. We can afford it, but they can't. It's getting colder and colder. Food, cotton-padded clothes, medicines, and the Japanese army's face cannot be delayed. If you want to make the Japanese give in, you have to Let him beg us!"

"President, you mean through negotiation..."

When Lu Zhengxiang understood what the President meant, he only saw the President wave his hand and then said.

"Just do your best!"

The next day, the much-anticipated "Jiao-ao Incident" negotiations began in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Building. However, the first day's meeting was not hosted by China, but by the ministers of the United Kingdom, the United States, and France to China. In fact, Both China and Japan are now forced to succumb to external pressure. Although this negotiation is needed by both countries, they are not necessarily willing to let foreign countries intervene in this negotiation.

Sitting on both sides of the long table in the conference room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were the Chinese personnel attending the negotiations: Director-General of Foreign Affairs Lu Zhengxiang, Deputy Minister Cao Rulin, Foreign Minister of the Huaihai Economic and Strategic Affairs Office Gu Weijun, and Secretary Shi Luben. Sitting opposite were Japanese personnel. : Japanese Special Envoy Ishii Kikujiro, Minister to China Masuzu Hioki, First Secretary Kohata Yukichi, Translator Takao Hiroshi.

Sitting at both ends of the conference table were the British Minister to China, Juldian, the U.S. Minister to China, Reiss En, and the French Minister to China, Conte. After all the participants took their seats, Juldian, the head of the mission, spoke first.

"Whether it is the United Kingdom, France, or the United States, we all deeply regret that this conflict occurred between the allies. The "Jiao-ao Incident" has, to some extent, destroyed the trust and friendship between the allies.

To maintain permanent peace in Asia and trust among allies, London has made it clear that the "Jiao-Ao Incident" can only be resolved through negotiation. France and the United States have reached a consensus with the United Kingdom on this point. The Minister hopes that China and Japan can uphold the principle of maintaining

The heart of eternal peace in Asia and the proper resolution of disputes and disputes between the two countries.”

In his opening remarks, Zhu Erdian turned his attention to Ishii Kikujiro. In order to facilitate this negotiation, London made it clear to Japan through its minister to Japan that Britain would never accept further expansion of the conflict, and even mentioned that "if Japan wants to maintain the Anglo-Japanese alliance

existence, we must return to the negotiating table." This directly led to Japan's current domestic hostility to Britain, but it successfully brought Japan to the negotiating table.

Sure enough, when he said these words, Ishii Kikujiro expressed his dissatisfaction with a slight hum. His "dissatisfaction" was limited to this. After the elders reached an agreement on the "diplomatic settlement", Prime Minister Okuma did not

Notifying other countries immediately, the cabinet discussed the feasibility of adding more troops to further expand the war.

At this moment, the United Kingdom took the initiative to jump in and solve a big problem for Prime Minister Okuma. After suffering such a disastrous defeat, in order to give an explanation to the people, any proactive "diplomatic solution" would be extremely unwise.

After the minister proposed that Britain hoped to resolve the Sino-Japanese conflict diplomatically, Prime Minister Okuma even flatly refused, saying repeatedly.

"For the honor of the Empire of Japan, Japan must persevere. If excessive spending is not severely punished, then the reputation of the Empire of Japan will be ruined!"

Faced with Okuma Shigenobu's insistence, the British minister directly equated the negotiations with the Anglo-Japanese alliance and the debt issue. The United States, France, and Russia also successively sided with the United Kingdom. Under such multiple pressures, Prime Minister Okuma "

had to "succumb" to "pressure from other countries", and this news was promptly leaked to the press. Although the cabinet was still under pressure and was accused of being "boneless", it successfully turned away the hostility of the people.

The European and American powers and China.

Ishii Kikujiro naturally knew that Okuma's painstaking efforts were for his own political life, but it was also for Japan's reputation. Japan needed a step, and what step was more appropriate than intervention by the great powers, so at this time, he must cooperate

Okuma's performance.

After Zhu Erdian's speech, Lu Zhengxiang, as the foreign minister of the country concerned and the host country, spoke.

"First of all, I must make it clear that this conflict was imposed on China by the Japanese Empire. China was forced and helpless to choose to respond to the war rather than challenge it. I hope that all countries will record this!"

At this time, Lu Zhengxiang's tone was extremely serious.

"Yesterday, I read some newspapers, some newspapers published by Japanese newspapers in Japan!"

As he spoke, Lu Zhengxiang raised his eyes and looked directly at Shijing.
To be continued...