North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 288 I have never seen such a shameless person!
Shortly after New Year's Day in 1855, Wu Qingfeng led a delegation of over a hundred people to the eastern front of the United States to investigate the brutal war.

In addition to dozens of former Qing Dynasty officials, there were also officers of various ranks from the California Army.

Only by being directly on the battlefield can these officers truly grasp the direction of this war and future wars.

……

Just as Azu saw off the war investigation team, another delegation arrived, which was expected.

A delegation comprised of diplomatic ambassadors from Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire, Austria, and the Kingdom of Sardinia!
Azu certainly understood that the delegation composed of foreign powers had come to demand an explanation!

Therefore, Azu specifically chose the state government as the location for the meeting, rather than the more magnificent and luxurious headquarters of Huamei Company.

……

"Your Excellency Governor, on behalf of the British Empire, the French Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Austrian Empire, and the Kingdom of Sardinia, we strongly protest your unfriendly act of continuously supplying large quantities of arms and weapons to the Russian Empire…!"

As the world's leading power, Britain's diplomatic ambassador got straight to the point, without a trace of politeness or small talk.

"How is this possible?" Facing the aggressive representatives of the foreign powers, Azu's expression changed, and he asked in surprise, "Ambassadors, where did you hear such rumors?"

"The United States, including California, maintained strict neutrality in the Crimean War, offering no substantial assistance to any of the warring parties, let alone a continuous supply of weapons and ammunition...!"

"Hmph...!" Before Azu could finish speaking, the Ottoman ambassador, wearing a large turban, snorted angrily: "Governor, in the face of facts, I advise you to stop making pointless sophistry!"

"Your California-based Huamei Shipping Company's steam merchant ships, with their superior speed, forcibly broke through the Ottoman Empire's blockade of the Black Sea Straits. This is an indisputable fact!"

"Our spies planted in the Tsarist Russian army have also witnessed firsthand the fact that Huamei Shipping Company has transported large quantities of advanced munitions and weapons to the Tsarist Russian army on several occasions over the past year...!"

As he spoke, the Ottoman ambassador, wearing a large turban, slammed a stack of photos directly in front of Azu.

The Ottoman representative pointed to the clear black-and-white photographs and said, "These are photos of the Huamei Company merchant ships taken by our troops in the Black Sea straits...!"

"These are photos taken by our spies in the port of Sevastopol in Crimea, showing the Huamei Company delivering weapons to Tsarist Russia...!"

"These are also our spies, secretly photographing advanced artillery, rifles, machine guns, grenades, and mountains of ammunition produced in California...!"

"These are photos of advanced weapons we captured from Tsarist Russia...!"

These photos were laid out directly on the table. The arrogant Ottoman ambassador said, "Governor, what else do you have to say in the face of this irrefutable evidence?"

“Is that really true…?” Azu reached out and picked up a series of fairly clear photos, examined them for a long time, and then said, “Ambassadors, I don’t see any direct evidence in these photos that proves these ships and weapons belong to California, to the Huamei Company…!”

Neither the merchant ships nor the weapons were marked at all; this was a deliberate act by Ah Zu to avoid giving anyone any leverage against him.

"snort……!"

The British ambassador scoffed, "In the whole world, only California is capable of producing such high-speed steam merchant ships and advanced weapons! Even the shipyards of my Great British Empire cannot build such high-speed steam ships or such advanced army weapons!"

The Austrian ambassador interjected, "We compared the California weapons we previously purchased with the new weapons we recently captured from Tsarist Russia. Although there are slight differences, they are undoubtedly from the same country of origin...!"

Ambassador Dai said coldly, "Governor, the evidence is irrefutable, we need an explanation...!"

Azu shrugged helplessly: "Ambassadors, California has absolutely not provided any weapons to Tsarist Russia!"

"But after hearing what you've said, I also find it very strange."

"If weapons made in California are indeed found in the Russian army, I will definitely investigate this matter thoroughly!"

"Although we have repeatedly issued orders and strictly prohibited all forms of smuggling, California is still in the early stages of development, and its laws, regulations, and law enforcement capabilities are still quite incomplete. We cannot control the entire state of California, let alone all its people."

"Therefore, it's inevitable that some people will take advantage of the loopholes and secretly engage in smuggling...!"

At this point, Azu said solemnly, "As the first governor of California, I can assure you gentlemen ambassadors that I will thoroughly investigate this matter! If it is true, I will severely punish those responsible!"

The Ottoman ambassador persisted, saying, "Governor, the scale of advanced military weapons acquired by Tsarist Russia is enormous, enough to arm dozens of divisions!"

"I don't believe that you, Governor, were unaware of such a large-scale arms trade?"

Azu shrugged again: "Gentlemen ambassadors, please believe me, I really know nothing about this matter...!"

"You...!" Ambassador Osman was furious when he saw the young Chinese governor openly acting like a rogue: "Mr. Governor, do you know how many of our soldiers' lives have been taken by the Tsarist Russian soldiers armed with California's advanced weapons on the battlefield?"

"Those advanced rifles, machine guns, artillery, and grenades have caused more than 800,000 casualties to the Allied forces in the past year or so of war...!"

In the fierce Crimean War, Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire were the main forces, while Austria and Sardinia played minor roles.

The combined forces of several countries have already committed a massive force of 1.7 million troops to the Crimean battlefield.

Tsarist Russia also committed almost the same number of troops.

Tsarist Russia, already in a weak position, lost control of the Black Sea under the attack of the Anglo-French combined fleet. The remaining Black Sea Fleet could only retreat to a limited number of ports.

But once the coalition forces began their landing operations, they found that the war was progressing far beyond their expectations!

The Russian army was outdated in terms of equipment, training, and tactics—a fact acknowledged by the European powers.

But as soon as the two sides clashed, the Russian army used its overwhelming firepower to teach the aggressive Allied forces a lesson!

As soon as the land battle began, the allied forces were completely stunned!
Under the overwhelming firepower of Tsarist Russia, the line infantry tactics that the allied forces were so proud of became sitting ducks.

Hundreds or even thousands of yards away, Russian artillery and machine gun fire sent the newly formed line infantry into the air!

Before they even saw the enemy's face, the Allied line infantry were almost completely wiped out!
Since the advent of the firearms age, who has ever witnessed such a one-sided massacre?

After suffering heavy casualties and making no progress, the Allied forces finally began to investigate the weapons and equipment of the Tsarist Russian army and their origins.

After more than half a year of investigation, they finally found their way to California, which is on the other side of the world.

Combined with the young Chinese governor's visit to St. Petersburg before the war... things suddenly became clear!
The disastrous defeat on land was all the fault of that damned California, all the fault of that damned young Chinese governor!
……

The Ottoman and British empires, in particular, suffered the most casualties and were so anxious that they formed a delegation specifically to demand an explanation.

Azu maintained his calm and composed demeanor: "Gentlemen ambassadors, I have already said that I will thoroughly investigate this matter. If everything is true, then those responsible will be severely punished. What more do you want from me?"

The British ambassador's expression was icy: "Mr. Governor, through our thorough investigation, we have reason to believe that this is definitely not a small-scale arms smuggling incident."

"It was not a planned and premeditated international event involving the large-scale supply of arms to Tsarist Russia!"

The British ambassador continued, "If Governor, you continue with this perfunctory attitude, then the British Empire, the French Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Austrian Empire, and the Kingdom of Sardinia will take strong action against California!!!"

"I'd like to hear what kind of tough actions were taken?"

The British ambassador replied, “Our countries’ actions include, but are not limited to, banning all trade with California, banning all Californians from entering the country, sending fleets, blockading the California coast… and even sending troops to seize Alaska!”

"As far as I know, in return for providing weapons to Tsarist Russia, Alaska is now under the de facto control of California, is that right, Governor?"

Azu's face also turned cold: "Ambassadors, I have said before that I know nothing about this matter. Even if weapons have fallen into the hands of Tsarist Russia, it is only the private actions of a few individuals or companies!"

"If other countries were to adopt such behavior, it would be tantamount to declaring war on California!"

"If you really want to fight another war, then bring it on...!"

The atmosphere in the meeting room instantly turned icy and tense!
The two sides disagreed on one point and it seemed like they were really about to come to blows.

"Ahem...!" The French ambassador, who had been silent all along, coughed twice, forced an awkward smile, and said, "If there's anything to say, let's sit down and talk it out. Why make things so tense?"

Because of Azu's personal relationship with French Emperor Napoleon III, California and France also had a very harmonious relationship.

At this time, France is the most suitable country to step forward and act as a peacemaker.

The French ambassador said, "The weapons and ammunition have fallen into the hands of Tsarist Russia, which has greatly hindered the Allied military operations and caused heavy casualties. This is a fait accompli and no one can change it."

"Therefore, it is pointless to investigate who provided the weapons and ammunition."

"The key now is how to turn the tide of the war and how to cut off Tsarist Russia's supply of advanced weapons and arms."

"Mr. Governor, do you think I'm right?"

Azu's expression softened slightly: "Mr. Ambassador, I agree with what you said!"

The French ambassador continued with a smile: "Although the land war in Crimea has been hampered, the Allied forces have suffered heavy casualties and have not made any substantial progress in the land battle."

"But as long as the supply of weapons to Tsarist Russia is cut off, no matter how much ammunition they have, there will be a day when they run out."

"That will be the time when the allied forces achieve victory in the war!"

"So, Governor, we don't want to see any more arms ships on the Black Sea. Do you understand what I mean?"

Azu calmly said, "I've said it before, California will definitely maintain neutrality in this war!"

"As for what happened before, I will definitely investigate it thoroughly to prevent the same thing from happening again." The French ambassador chuckled and said, "That's right! As long as the governor is willing to cut off the supply of weapons, everything is negotiable."

"No...!" The Ottoman ambassador suddenly slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "More than 30,000 of my Ottoman soldiers have died and as many as 200,000 have been wounded in Crimea!"

"Such heavy casualties must be investigated and someone must be held accountable!"

The British ambassador nodded emphatically: "Our soldiers of the British Empire have suffered even greater casualties, with 50,000 killed and as many as 400,000 wounded!"

"How could such heavy sacrifices and casualties be so easily overlooked?"

Azu's face fell again: "So what you mean is...?"

Ambassador Osman angrily declared, "California must be held accountable! It must provide compensation…!"

"Heh, what kind of compensation do you want?" Azu sneered.

"Our Ottoman Empire formally demands that California pay at least thirty million US dollars in cash, as well as advanced military weapons of equal value...!" The Ottoman ambassador, wearing a large turban, blurted out.

“Excellent!” Ambassador Dai Ying nodded vigorously: “As the party that suffered the greater losses, California’s reparations to the British Empire must be doubled!”

"Bang...!" Azu could no longer hold back and slammed his fist on the table, standing up abruptly: "You want war? Then I'll give you war!"

"While the British Empire itself may be far away, Canada is not!"

Azu, his anger rising, continued, "How many British troops are stationed in Canada? Thirty thousand? Fifty thousand?"

"If you piss me off, we'll all go our separate ways and flip the table! My 100,000-strong California army can take over all of Canada in three months!"

"And Hong Kong, which was seized by your British Empire! As a Chinese, I feel it's time to take it back!"

"My 100,000 troops in Guangdong can take back Hong Kong in a single morning and throw all the British into the sea to feed the sharks!"

After criticizing the British, Azu's anger turned to the Ottomans: "The Ottomans are nothing but chickens and dogs. Do you think you are still the great empire that spanned Eurasia and Africa hundreds of years ago?"

"Let me tell you, my fleet can reach the Ottoman Middle East in just over a month if it departs from California!"

"Although it's an endless desert, I just love deserts, especially the deserts of the Middle East!"

Azu continued to vent his anger: "You dare to demand compensation from me? I have never seen such a shameless person!"

Are you trying to force me to openly ally with Tsarist Russia?

"Let me tell you, if you don't give me a clear answer today, I'll send five hundred arms ships to Tsarist Russia tomorrow, and arm two hundred Tsarist Russian divisions first!"

"Two hundred or so Tsarist Russian divisions equipped with advanced weaponry, is that enough to sweep across the whole of Europe? If not, I'll add more!"

"English, is your so-called invincible fleet really that strong? Let that damn fleet try to blockade my California coast and see whose guns are thicker, whose armor is thicker, and whose speed is faster...!"

Azu's anger was uncontrollable: "You think I'm an easy target? Then come at me and see whose fist is harder...!"

"You, you, you...!"

The British and Ottoman ambassadors pointed at the enraged Azu, their faces turning ashen with anger, and their bodies trembling!
The great powers present are currently locked in a fierce battle with Tsarist Russia in Crimea, and almost all of their available forces have been committed to the conflict.

Right now, where would we find the resources to open another battlefield thousands of miles away, across oceans?
Just as Azu said, Dai Ying and Osman thought that a mere governor was an easy target to manipulate.

Moreover, everyone knows that California is rich in gold and sells penicillin and artemisinin, which are more valuable than gold, all over the world.

It is a fact that almost everyone knows that California has made a fortune through the arms and cotton trade over the past year or so.

So, now that they've finally found a pretext, how could they possibly be content with not extorting a hefty sum from them?
Unexpectedly, this young Chinese governor turned out to be a stubborn and unyielding person!
The moment the topic of compensation was brought up, she immediately flew into a rage!
As the saying goes, if you ask for an exorbitant price, you should try to negotiate. Although we've asked for an outrageous amount, it's not like we can't talk things over. Why are you flipping the table right off the bat?
……

The British and Ottoman ambassadors were so angry they were speechless, and in the end, only the French ambassador could step in and continue to act as a peacemaker.

"Governor, please don't get angry!"

The French ambassador's smile remained unchanged: "The reparations terms from the British Empire and the Ottoman Empire, while... well, a bit excessive, are not unnecessarily negotiable, are they?"

Why get so angry?

"That idea of ​​200 armed Russian divisions sweeping across Europe is truly terrifying... Governor, you can't just say things like that!"

"I'm talking nonsense?" Azu glared at him and said coldly, "Arming two hundred Russian divisions would only cost two or three hundred million US dollars. Do you think I don't have that kind of money?"

"My arsenal has a two-year production capacity that can produce enough weapons for two hundred divisions. Do you think I don't have that capacity?"

"Tsarist Russia may lack many things, but it has no shortage of fearless, gray-haired beasts!"

"California may lack many things, but it certainly doesn't lack money, much less weapons!"

"Do you really think that if I were to truly ally with Tsarist Russia, I wouldn't be able to sweep across Europe?"

"This...this...!"

Upon hearing what Azu said, all the powerful ambassadors present broke out in a cold sweat.

It sounds like a fairy tale, but upon closer examination, it's absolutely chilling!

If California were truly forced to ally with Tsarist Russia, and their combined strengths were to be combined... could Europe really withstand that?
In Crimea, after more than a year of war, the Allied forces had long since discovered that the Tsarist Russian army, which possessed advanced weaponry, consisted of at most forty or fifty divisions.

Many of the Tsarist Russian troops were still carrying old-fashioned smoothbore muskets and pushing even older smoothbore cannons, resulting in low combat effectiveness.

Even so, the more than one million-strong Allied army was no match for the Russian army.

If Russia were to actually equip itself with more than two hundred divisions, then the whole of Europe... would be in grave danger!
It should be understood that the reason why Tsarist Russia, which was inherently aggressive and extremely greedy for land, did not set its sights on the vast European territories was simply because it lacked the strength.

If Tsarist Russia truly possessed absolute power, then the day when the whole of Europe was swallowed up by Tsarist Russia was not far off!

……

The ambassadors grew increasingly terrified as they thought about it, breaking out in a cold sweat. Even their gazes toward Azu were filled with fear.

"Haha, this... haha!" The French ambassador forced a smile: "Mr. Governor, your joke is just... hilarious! Haha...!"

"Is it that funny?" Azu glanced at them coldly. "If it's so funny, why are you the only one laughing?"

"Haha...haha...hahaha...!"

The ambassadors of the British Empire, the French Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Austrian Empire, and the Kingdom of Sardinia quickly forced out their ugliest smiles and let out laughter that sounded worse than crying.

“Alright!” Azu finally sat down slowly and said calmly, “I was just joking... Next, let’s talk about compensation!”

"Compensation...? What compensation...?"

The British ambassador's smile grew even more strained: "Governor, we were just playing a little joke on you...!"

"Heh...!" Azu sneered, "Your jokes... aren't funny at all!"

"It's really...not funny, haha...!"

The French ambassador continued, "To get back to the point, Governor, if you cut off Tsarist Russia's arms supply, I believe all the countries present here would be happy to sign a friendly agreement with California...!"

"Forget about the agreement!" Azu waved his hand. "That thing was torn up somewhere, it's too hard to even wipe your butt with!"

"Let's get practical. If I conduct a thorough investigation and crackdown, cutting off Tsarist Russia's arms supply in one fell swoop, what substantial reward can the countries present here give me?"

"Gulp... A substantial reward...!"

The ambassadors present were immediately dumbfounded!

They came here to freeload and extort money, but now they're the ones being extorted.

This wasn't part of the original plan at all!

“That’s right!” Azu added, “Who would be willing to do something so strenuous and unrewarding without any tangible reward?”

"If there's no return, I can't guarantee that advanced weaponry won't continue to fall into the hands of Tsarist Russia...!"

This is undoubtedly a case of extortion and blackmail!
We thought we were already shameless enough, but we never expected that this young Chinese governor would be even more shameless than us seasoned diplomats!
I have never seen such a shameless person!
How shameless!
The French ambassador said solemnly, "Mr. Governor, our government has not given us any authorization to give California any substantial returns...!"

"Since that's the case!" Azu waved his hand impatiently, "Then communicate with your respective governments and find out what conditions you can offer in exchange for cutting off Tsarist Russia's arms supply... and then we'll talk!"

After saying that, Azu stood up and walked towards the conference room door without looking back.

As they reached the door, Azu suddenly turned back and smiled slightly: "Gentlemen Ambassadors, you'd better hurry!"

"Otherwise, I can't guarantee how many advanced weapons might fall into the hands of Tsarist Russia without my knowledge...!"

(End of this chapter)