~.-~ Volume 1 Turbulent Era Chapter 102 Waking Up

When all countries were shocked and everyone had not had time to react, the 1st Division of the 8th Division and the 1st Division of the newly formed 15th Division stationed in Shandong drove into Qing*dao at lightning speed. They had already received Hua De

The German garrison in Qing*dao ordered by Crooks began to hand over various defenses in an orderly manner, and also handed over some port facilities at the same time. As for the German fleet anchored at the military port, it was also ready to anchor and leave the port at any time. All actions were so coordinated and tacit that it was basically

It is unbelievable that this incident was not premeditated.

What is different from other countries who were shocked and stunned is that the transfer of Qing*dao is the first time since the Opium War began in 1840 that the Chinese government has officially taken back the concession areas of foreign powers in China and exercised national sovereignty.

All Chinese people were excited and cheered. At the same time, under Fang Zida's deliberate arrangement, major newspapers in the north and south published this great news at the same time, and had dedicated staff to write articles, using the great success of the return of Qing*dao as a great success for China.

The Republic of China government, President Yuan Shikai and Prime Minister Song Jiaoren launched a massive propaganda campaign. For a time, the prestige of Yuan, Song and the central government reached an unprecedented height among the people. As long as someone talked about the Qing*dao incident, they would say

For the wisdom of President Yuan Da and Premier Song, who would not raise a thumbs up and say "amazing!" Even a few people from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, although they did not put in much effort, were regarded as national heroes who took back the country, and they were happy.

None of them could even close their mouths.

As for the real protagonist Fang Zida, except for a few people, the outside world did not know his role in the incident. Moreover, in order to keep a low profile and avoid trouble, Fang Zida handed over all work to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the document was officially signed.

, quietly dodged away.

On July 28, the day after Germany handed Qing*dao back to China, a major event occurred in Europe that shocked the world. Due to the Sarajevo incident, the Austro-Hungarian Empire issued an ultimatum to Serbia on the 23rd on the fifth day.

day, using the Serbian government's lack of sincerity as an excuse to officially declare war on Serbia. This is a day that will be remembered by history, because from this day on, it marked the first largest and most brutal war in mankind, and the World War officially broke out.

On July 30, the day after the Austro-Hungarian Empire officially declared war on Serbia, Tsarist Russia began mobilization for a full-scale war, sent troops to assist Serbia, and officially joined the war against the Austro-Hungarian Empire. On August 1, it had long been unable to hold back.

Kaiser Wilhelm II, who lived there, jumped out and announced that Germany would declare war on Tsarist Russia. Then on August 3, Germany could not wait to declare war on France. On August 4, it declared war on Belgium, a neutral country between Germany and France. On the same day, Britain declared war on Belgium.

Germany declared war, then on August 6, Austria-Hungary officially declared war on Tsarist Russia, Serbia declared war on Germany, and on August 12, Britain declared war on Austria-Hungary... In less than half a month, the situation in Europe changed drastically.

, the powerful countries divided each other into two camps, the Entente and the Alliance, and each declared war on the other.

At this point, the whole world has turned its attention to the war-torn Europe, but at the same time, when thinking about the recent incident of Germany returning Qing*dao, it suddenly became clear that no one in the Western countries' politicians and diplomats expected this, which they had never looked down upon.

China, the boss of the war, actually predicted everything before the war broke out, and seemed to have made some private deal with Germany. Otherwise, how could the arrogant Kaiser be so easy and generous and hand over Qing*dao to China unconditionally?

In addition to being astonished, Britain, France and other countries were also worried about it. With the official outbreak of the European War, they no longer had time to focus on the Far East. Germany's action of returning Qing*dao in advance made them feel uneasy. Especially those who had the greatest interests in China

The United Kingdom is even more worried that China has been secretly won over by Germany, and will join the Allies to declare war on Britain and France. Although China's strength is simply dismissed in the eyes of these old-style imperialists, at such a sensitive time now, once China

Joining the Allied Powers will inevitably lead to Britain and France, which are unable to mobilize troops and take China into account, to suffer huge losses in the Far East. What is even more frightening is that Germany's industrial strength, coupled with China's vast land and a huge and almost endless population

, if they unite, the consequences will be disastrous.

For a time, ambassadors and diplomats from various countries to China were like cats that smelled fishy smell, searching for information everywhere in Beijing. The most anxious one among them was the British Ambassador Juldian. This old diplomat was like

Like an ant on a hot pot, he even ignored diplomatic procedures and went directly to the Presidential Palace to visit and asked to meet Yuan Shikai to determine the Chinese people's final thoughts.

It is not France but the Japanese who share the same anxiety as Zhu Erdian. However, the Japanese do not care about whether China will choose the Allies or the Entente in the end, but they are concerned about China actually letting Germany return Qing*dao at lightning speed before the war started.

This made the Japanese who had been coveting Qing* Island extremely angry. The Chinese's snatching of food from the tiger's mouth and their ingenious operation of concealing the truth made Japan's idea of ​​using the outbreak of the war to seize German colonies completely bankrupt.

It is too late for people to intervene in Qingdao now. Unless China officially breaks away from Britain and France and joins the Allies, Japan will have an excuse to send troops. Therefore, like the British ambassador, the Japanese who are most concerned about these days are almost busy jumping up and down.

, but what is different from the UK is that they want China and Germany to quickly form an alliance so that they can take this opportunity to extend their greedy paws to China.

Zhu Erdian did not meet Yuan Shikai at the Presidential Palace. As for the Chinese government's attitude towards Europe after the outbreak of the war, Yuan Shikai informed the ambassadors of various countries through channels that this would be decided by the government and Congress. As the head of state, the president must strictly abide by the constitutional system of the Republic of China. In the end,

Until the outcome of the discussion is determined, nothing can be said.

This delay lasted for more than ten days. On August 23, Song Jiaoren held a formal press conference at the Prime Minister's Office on behalf of the Chinese government. At the press conference, Song Jiaoren first followed the script and preached about China in front of everyone.

The people love peace and deeply regret the outbreak of war in Europe. Then they expressed China's attitude towards the European war. After the vote of the Congress of the Republic of China, the final decision of the government, and the approval of the president, the Republic of China will remain neutral in the war. As for the previous rumors from outside.

The news that there is a private agreement between China and Germany over the Qing*dao incident is purely false. Regarding the handover of Qing*dao, China only received a temporary notification from Germany. There were no previous meetings or negotiations between the two parties. As for why Germany

The reason why he would do this is unknown as he is the Prime Minister of China rather than the Prime Minister of Germany. Perhaps the ambassadors from various countries can go to Berlin to ask Kaiser Wilhelm II, and maybe he will give everyone a satisfactory answer.

This attitude of the Chinese government once again surprised other countries. At the same time, Britain and France, which had been worried about China's alliance with Germany, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Although everyone knew some things tacitly, after all, the result was not the worst.

This is also a blessing among misfortunes, and it is acceptable to say it. Of course, the most disappointed ones are the helpless Japanese. The hearts of the Japanese who are thinking about China's alliance with Germany suddenly become cold and cold.

, but they had to appear very happy in front of their ally, the British Ambassador Zhu Erdian, and the pain involved was really difficult for them.

Countries around the world are either happy or worried about the Chinese government's statement of neutrality. Of course, Song Jiaoren not only expressed neutrality at the press conference, but also made special comments on China's neutral attitude. If those comments are carefully analyzed, they will also be

It expresses China's definition of its role in this war and secretly warns some countries that want to fish in troubled waters that once China, as a neutral country, is attacked in any way, it will inevitably respond accordingly, and the consequences will be borne entirely by the other party.

"Baga! When did the Chinese become so cunning?" Japan's representative in China, Kobata Youyoshi, gritted his teeth and cursed secretly. Although Song Jiaoren did not mention them by name, weren't these words talking about Japan?

It is also a coincidence that the German ambassador is temporarily absent, and Marcan is working as the plenipotentiary ambassador to China. The same is true for Japan. In May, Japanese Ambassador Yamaza died of illness in Beijing, and Kobata Yukichi was appointed by the Japanese government as the counselor of the embassy.

He is the charge d'affaires in China and is responsible for the ambassador's work. It will take some time for the new ambassador Hioki Masuo to arrive in Beijing. As the top diplomat in China now, faced with such a situation, Obata Yukichi really doesn't know how to explain to Tokyo.

The press conference came to an end soon. British Ambassador Zhu Erdian walked quickly towards Song Jiaoren and for the first time took the initiative to extend his hand and said: "Prime Minister Song, your country has made a wise choice. I would like to express my gratitude to you."

"Your Excellency, Ambassador, peace is what everyone hopes for. Although China is far away from Europe, it is also concerned about this war. Peace-loving China is extremely regretful. Choosing neutrality is the only thing it can do." Song Jiaoren smiled and talked to him.

He shook hands, and then shook hands with the American Ambassador Reinsch, the French Ambassador Conti, the Russian Ambassador Kurupensky and others who continued to step forward before leaving.

After leaving the Prime Minister's Office, the ambassadors from various countries had their own thoughts. The diplomats dispersed one after another. Zhu Erdian and Kang Ti took the same carriage back to the embassy area. They did not speak during the whole journey, as if they were thinking about something.

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped at the door of the British Embassy. Zhu Erdian thanked Kang Ti and picked up his hat and cane to get out of the car. When he had just stepped off his feet, he suddenly turned around.

"I just suddenly remembered your Majesty Napoleon's words."

"What words?"

"Here lies a sleeping giant. Let him sleep. Once he wakes up, he will shock the world. He is sleeping. Thank God, let him sleep." When he said this, Zhu Erdian was full of enthusiasm.

He smiled wryly and said: "Maybe, he won't sleep anymore..."

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Chapter completed!