Anti-Qing: Starting from the Jintian Uprising

Chapter 428 Spain's Request for Help
"A month ago, news came from North Korea that the North Korean government had issued a decree to restrict the spread of Catholicism in China."

"In addition, there was a large-scale persecution of Catholics, several large churches were burned down, and many devout believers were arrested."

"I'm sure Minister Baldmi also knows about this."

As Kotro spoke, he looked at Baldemi.

Upon hearing this, Baldmi pondered for a while, then nodded.

"Indeed."

When Napoleon III usurped the throne in a coup, he claimed to be the defender of Catholicism in order to gain the support of the Catholic Church.

Since then, France has frequently stepped up to represent the interests of the Catholic Church overseas.

This time, the Catholic Church suffered a loss in North Korea, so it turned to France, hoping that France could help them as it had done in the past.

But unfortunately, France is now deeply mired in the Crimean War.

Naturally, there is no way to support North Korea and the Catholic Church.

Then, the Catholic Church found another backup plan, Spain!
It is obvious that Spain chose to agree to the church's request.

Kotero continued.

"The leader hopes that we in Spain can take action and stand up for the church."

"That's why our fleet is heading to North Korea to teach the North Koreans a lesson."

Bruce took a puff of his cigar and asked with a serious expression.

"So, Korea sent an envoy to Tang because Spain invaded Korea?"

Kotero said with a serious expression.

"Most likely!"

Bruce slowly exhaled a puff of smoke and then spoke.

"So, what do you want to do?"

Kotero said with a serious expression.

"I think the Tang Dynasty has the motivation to use this as an excuse to attack Manila."

"So, I hope that Britain and France can come forward to help us mediate..."

Before taking action against North Korea, Spain did not take the matter too seriously.

In their view, they are the great chosen people of God, and for the sake of their faith in God, it is only natural to teach those Eastern pagans who are disrespectful to God a lesson.

After the fight, Spain no longer took the matter to heart.

Because the combat effectiveness of the North Korean army is too weak and not worth their attention.

However, when Korea sent an envoy to the capital of the Tang Dynasty.

Moreover, after the Tang Dynasty gave the Korean delegation a high-level reception, they remembered that Korea was actually their backer.

I seem to have been foolish, and I took the initiative to give the Tang Dynasty, the backer of North Korea, a handle to use against me...

Damn, it’s game over now!

In such a desperate situation, the Spanish had no choice but to ask Britain and France for help.

I hope the two good brothers, Britain and France, can give them a hand!
After hearing what Kotro said, Bruce and Baldemi looked at each other and saw the speechlessness in each other's eyes.

Andre on the side also spoke up.

"I hope you two can come forward to help Manila."

"Once Manila is captured by the Tang Empire, the next step will be Batavia."

"If Manila and Batavia are captured, then Britain's Straits Settlements and France's investment in Vietnam will also be lost."

"There is an old Chinese saying: When the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold!"

Bruce just took a deep breath after hearing this.

"Sorry you two."

"For some time to come, Britain's main focus will still be on Crimea."

"I can try to mediate between the Manila authorities and the Tang Dynasty, but I don't know whether the Tang Dynasty will agree."

It was naturally impossible to expect Britain to withdraw from Crimea to help Spain defend Manila.

However, it doesn't matter if you just stand up and say a few good words for Spain.

After hearing this, Kotro also understood what Bruce meant.

However, he was not satisfied.

Once the Tang Dynasty makes up its mind to take action against Manila, Bruce's words cannot stop it.

Bruce said he was willing to make peace. What's the difference between this and a strong man beating a fragile baby and another strong man standing by and saying he is neutral?
Many times, neutrality is actually a disguised form of taking sides.

Kotero was a little disappointed, but continued to persuade.

"Sir, the lips and teeth are interdependent."

Bruce still shook his head.

Baldmi on the side spoke bluntly.

"Cotero, this is something you Spaniards did yourselves. Why do you want us to clean up your mess?"

"If the Tang people are really determined to attack Manila, do you think it will be helpful if we intervene?"

"Now the combined strength of all European countries in the Far East cannot compete with the Tang Kingdom!"

As Baldmi finished speaking, a look of despair flashed across Kotro's face.

Andre on the side patted Cotro on the shoulder and spoke.

"The Netherlands will stand with Spain."

"The Tang Empire's army is indeed powerful, but I don't think their navy fleet can be as strong as the army."

"As long as the Netherlands and Spain unite, we may not be unable to compete with the Tang Kingdom."

Andre understood that if Manila was captured by the Tang Dynasty, the next one would be Batavia.

At that time, Batavia will face an absolute dilemma of being alone and powerless.

Rather than waiting for the Spaniards to cool down and wait for slow death to come.

It would be better to unite with the Spaniards and give it a try.

What if we can win?
Bruce, who was standing by, saw this and said, "The British government will definitely not intervene in the dispute between Spain and the Tang Dynasty this time."

"However, I can instruct the Straits Settlements to provide whatever assistance they can to the Netherlands and Spain."

"For example, providing mercenaries, renting out fleets, etc..."

If the Spaniards were to lie down and die, Bruce would never get involved in the matter.

But since Spain and the Netherlands have decided to fight the Tang Dynasty to the death, it is not impossible for Britain to provide them with some help within its capacity.

Well, that's what a troublemaker with an occupational disease does.

No matter if there is an opportunity or not, no matter what the result will be, just do it!

Upon seeing this, Baldmi rolled his eyes and expressed the same opinion.

"France's power in the Far East can also help you to the best of its ability."

Well, the French at this time had no military power in the Far East.

Therefore, what Baldmi said about providing help to the best of his ability was just empty talk.

He just wanted to use this opportunity to show that France still stands with Britain and is the most reliable ally of the British Empire.

It doesn't require much effort and can sell well to Britain. It's a cost-effective thing, so Baldmi would naturally not refuse it.

Sure enough, as soon as Bairdmi finished speaking, Bruce on the side gave him an approving look.

Baldmi picked up the coffee cup, took a sip, and smiled back.

After hearing this, Kotro and Andre looked at each other and thanked Bruce in front of them.

……

The Korean delegation was accommodated in the post house to rest.

Afterwards, Zhao Wensheng was taken to the Old Summer Palace for an audience with the emperor.

Arriving outside the Old Summer Palace in a horse-drawn carriage, Zhao Wensheng's eyes were filled with amazement as he looked at the elegant, magnificent and beautiful architectural complex in front of him, which could be called a paradise on earth.

He originally thought that Gyeongbokgung Palace in North Korea was already top-notch luxury, but he never expected that the garden before him was not even as good as the landlord's mansion.

Taking a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, Zhao Wensheng stepped forward.

After inspection, he was allowed to pass and stepped into the Old Summer Palace.

Zhang Zhidong led the way for him.

"Master Zhao, please follow me. His Majesty is waiting to see you at Jiuzhou Qingyan."

Zhao Wensheng said repeatedly.

"I dare not, I dare not, I will trouble you, sir, to lead the way for me!"

Zhao Wensheng didn't know Zhang Zhidong's identity, but he understood that he was probably the emperor's confidant.

Since he is the emperor's confidant, it will never be wrong to show him some respect.

Zhang Zhidong smiled and continued to lead the way. Soon, he brought Zhao Wensheng to the outside of Jiuzhou Qingyan.

Afterwards, Zhao Wensheng was able to enter Jiuzhou Qingyan.

He just looked up and saw Li Yi sitting in the highest seat.

Wearing a dragon robe, he looks young and heroic.

When he glanced around, he could be seen to be very proud.

He just sat there and did nothing, but Zhao Wensheng felt a huge sense of oppression.

He immediately bowed down.

"Foreign minister, Cho Moon-sung, Minister of Rites of Joseon, pays respect to Your Majesty."

"Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"

Zhao Wensheng kowtowed to Li Yi three times in a row.

Seeing this, Li Yi's expression froze slightly, but he still spoke.

"No need to be polite."

"Wang Zhong, give Judge Zhao a seat."

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhong, who was standing by, bowed and responded, then turned around and brought a chair for Zhao Wensheng.

After Zhao Wensheng sat down, Wang Zhong stepped aside and waited.

Li Yi continued.

"I already know the purpose of Zhao Panshu's visit."

"Regarding the invasion of Korea by the Western Barbarians, the Tang Dynasty, as Korea's suzerain, will naturally not sit idly by."

As soon as Li Yi said this, Zhao Wensheng knelt down and kowtowed again.

"On behalf of the entire Joseon Dynasty, I would like to thank Your Majesty for his grace."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for taking charge of the Tang Dynasty!"

The North Koreans are undoubtedly talented in sliding down at the speed of light.

Before Li Yi could even stop him, Zhao Wensheng had already knelt there.

Li Yi couldn't help but twitching his lips, but still spoke patiently.

"President Zhao doesn't have to do this."

"As the suzerain of Korea, Tang naturally has the responsibility to protect its vassal state."

"Besides, didn't North Korea express its willingness to bear the military expenses of the Tang Dynasty in this war?"

It is obvious that in this incident, there are some evil people on the Tang side.

Not only were they prepared to use North Korea's request for help as a political excuse for the Tang Dynasty to declare war on Spain.

He was also planning to ask Korea to pay all the military expenses needed for this war on behalf of the Tang Dynasty!
Of course, this matter could not be brought up by Emperor Li Yi.

Li Yi still has some dignity.

Before Zhao Wensheng met Li Yi, Guo Songtao had already discussed the matter with Zhao Wensheng.

Li Yi's meeting with Zhao Wensheng now was just to meet him to facilitate the political propaganda for the Tang Dynasty's declaration of war on Spain.

(End of this chapter)