The Qing Dynasty

Chapter 281 Who Let You Occupy Paris?
"The reason why this artillery has such a high rate of fire is because its recoil assist mechanism is very advanced. This is a brand new recoil assist mechanism. In order to effectively suppress your German army, the French are also preparing to add a steel shield to this artillery. The purpose is to push the artillery to within a thousand meters of your front-line infantry for close-range shooting, and use its super-high rate of fire to suppress your front-line troops."

When Teng Yuzao said this, Bi Sheng, who was at a loss for words, shouted angrily, "This is a complete slander against us, France!"

Teng Yuzao ignored Bi Sheng and continued to say to Bellow, who was writing furiously, "In order to test this kind of artillery in actual combat, the French have equipped the few French native troops in the coalition with two artillery companies equipped with this kind of artillery. If you want to verify it, you can go back and see it."

"Of course, the premise is that the French will agree to let Germans like you go and watch."

Bi Sheng naturally had no idea that the French army in the coalition was equipped with this kind of artillery, but seeing Teng Yuzhao's assurance, he knew it was true. He picked up the wine glass in front of him with shame and drank his Lafite in big gulps.

Looking at Bellow who looked astonished, Teng Yuzhao sighed.

"In fact, you Germans should not blame the French. It was you who occupied Paris during the Franco-Prussian War more than 20 years ago."

Teng Yuzao looked at the Italian Minister Savage and the Austro-Hungarian Empire's Chargé d'Affaires in the Qing Dynasty Rosston, smiled at them in a friendly manner and said.

"You can rest assured that the losses of the two countries' armies are almost negligible."

"Mr. Conger."

Teng Yuzao finally turned his gaze to the American Minister Conger, "I feel very sorry for you. The United States is a relatively friendly country to us, and your President William McKinley is a great president."

Teng Yuzao's memories from his previous life told him that starting from August, Cixi had frequently exchanged telegrams with McKinley in the name of Guangxu, hoping that McKinley would use the influence of the United States to make the Allied Forces withdraw in time so that the two sides could start negotiations.

The reason for choosing McKinley was that before the war, McKinley had always emphasized the need to ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Qing Dynasty. Although the GDP of the United States had surpassed that of the British Empire at that time and became the world's number one, it was only economically speaking. Its international influence was not only greater than that of Britain, but even that of France, which was defeated by Germany.

This is the current situation. Although McKinley tried his best to respond to Cixi's request, the other powers almost completely ignored the attitude of the United States.

Teng Yuzao said sincerely, "Although President McKinley also approved the order to send troops, he has always called for the protection of our country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. I am deeply grateful for this. Not only will I remember the friendship of the United States, but our emperor will do the same."

Teng Yuzao gave a slightly bitter smile, "It's just that it's war time now, and sometimes I can't do anything."

"For example, since this morning, about 8,000 American troops have also participated in the siege. While our army was resisting the Russian and Japanese invaders attacking from Dongzhimen, Qihuamen, and Dongbianmen, your army climbed over the wall between Dongbianmen and Guangqumen and entered the city. There were about 6,000 of them."

Kangge was surprised by Teng Yuzao's words.

The Qing general in front of him was still talking in a relaxed manner with envoys from various countries in an aggressive manner. It was obvious that the American troops entering the city must be in great danger. How could he not be surprised?

Teng Yuzao seemed to be very helpless and said, "Of the more than 6,000 of you who entered the city, there are currently about 2,000 remaining troops. They are together with the remnants of the more than 5,000 British troops who entered the city from Guangqu Gate. We have surrounded them tightly. The total strength of the remaining British and American coalition forces is about 5,000."

"But I'm sorry, since they haven't surrendered yet, and I also need to withdraw troops to support the troops fighting the Russian siege troops at Dongzhimen, I have no choice but to order a general attack on the remaining American and British troops. I estimate that the general attack will begin soon."

"I'm sorry! According to the report from my troops, among the American troops participating in this attack is the 14th Regiment of the United States Army. In one hour at most, this 14th Regiment will no longer exist."

As if to support Teng Yuzao's words, a series of violent explosions suddenly came from the direction of the outer city. The huge explosions shook the doors and windows slightly. Teng Yuzao spread his hands, and the general attack had begun.

Conger, with a pale face, smiled bitterly and said, "Dear General, thank you very much for your high evaluation of President McKinley of our country and your good impression of our United States of America!"

"It's just that war is always cruel and many people will die. Why can't both sides sit down and have a good talk as soon as possible?"

Kangge's words were not addressed to Teng Yuzao, but to the envoys from the major powers.

Although Dounell was also surprised at the powerful fighting power of the vanguard army that was able to reduce more than 6,000 American troops to only more than 2,000 people in just a few hours, and the remaining 5,000 British troops had about 3,000 people, he still disdained Conger's words.

At this point in the battle, there has to be a winner, or at least one side has to be overwhelmed, otherwise it would not stop just like that.

The envoys of other countries generally shared the same attitude as Dou Nale, which made Teng Yuzao, who saw everything, sigh secretly in his heart.

Kang Ge then said to Teng Yuzao, "General, I really hope that you can use your influence in your court to do your best to facilitate negotiations, so that this damn war can end sooner."

Teng Yuzao just smiled in response to Kangge's words.

"Thank you very much for Mr. Conger's kindness in ending the war as soon as possible, but it does not depend on us, especially not on me. You know, my official position is only the General Manager of the Beiyang Zhili Military Affairs, which means I am only responsible for military affairs related to the war with your coalition forces."

Teng Yuzao said self-deprecatingly, "In the eyes of those important officials in the court, after all, I am just a peasant. How can I have a say in such an important matter?"

"Personally, I still hope to see your country continue to exert your influence and end this war as soon as possible."

Dou Nale had long been very dissatisfied with Teng Yuzhao's blatant provocation, which might very well cause a split within the coalition forces and even make some countries wary of each other. This would be extremely detrimental to the war against the Qing Dynasty for all countries and would seriously affect some countries' support for the coalition forces.

Under such circumstances, it is very likely that China would lose its composure and be taken advantage of by the Qing people.

For a moment, Dou Nale even regretted that he had insisted on meeting Teng Yuzao before leaving the city in order to explore Teng Yuzao's attitude and even wanted to encourage him to become independent and thus cultivate an agent for the British Empire in the north. Now it seems that his idea was so unrealistic and even an extremely stupid and bad idea.

Not only did he fail to achieve his goal, but he also gave Teng Yuzhao a good opportunity to sow discord between the coalition forces.

Thinking of this, Dou Nale interrupted Teng Yuzhao with a wry smile, regardless of politeness.

"General, please continue to talk about our reinforcements."

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(End of this chapter)