Chapter 87

(Apologies to all readers, last night I uploaded the wrong chapter. Although I deleted it later, it can still be seen on the book's homepage. I am very sorry to all readers, wuwu...)

Lin Yuan and the Beijing warship have been closely monitoring the situation in Northeast China. The fleets of France and Germany are not a threat, as the Beijing warship's maritime power is unparalleled. Italy, Austria-Hungary, and the United States are merely following behind Russia and Japan, picking up the scraps. Therefore, Lin Yuan has focused his main efforts on dealing with Russia and Japan.

At the meeting, someone suggested threatening the two countries, saying that if they did not withdraw their troops, their emperors would be bombed, just as they had threatened the Japanese before.

Soon, someone raised objections, saying that this tactic could only work once. Since the other side is now on guard, it would be difficult to do this again. For example, although the Japanese cannot produce stealth or supersonic cruise fighters, they certainly understand the principles of aircraft and are prepared for aerial attacks.

Lin Yuan said, "Comrades, I have a plan that can both reclaim lost territory from the enemy and strengthen our forces!"

Everyone looked at him, and Lin Yuan continued, "I plan to go to the Qing court to get some troops, and then lead these troops to reclaim Northeast China!"

Upon hearing this, everyone thought to themselves, "Is the captain crazy?"

Han Mingguang said, "How is this possible? First, will the Qing court let you lead troops? Second, even if you lead troops, how will you reclaim lost territory?"

Lin Yuan said, "I am quite confident because I have the support of the Beijing warship. Moreover, there is another benefit to this plan: we can fight all the way to Outer Northeast China, occupying places like Vladivostok and Sakhalin Island. These areas are rich in resources, which will help our development."

Chief of Staff Shi Yunkai said, "Isn't this plan too risky?"

Lin Yuan said, "Our development in the Ryukyu Islands is too slow. If we continue like this, it won't do. Let me give an example: if the Japanese can also manufacture aircraft, which is not impossible, as our intelligence shows that the Japanese have already started research in this area. The aircraft they develop will likely be piston-engine, propeller-driven, and since propellers lose efficiency as they approach the speed of sound, these aircraft will not exceed 1 Mach."

"However, these aircraft can be mass-produced. Our carrier-based aircraft will face the awkward situation of using anti-aircraft guns to swat flies when facing such aircraft. Our carrier-based aircraft were designed to counter F-22s, and dealing with the Japanese's overwhelming air force will be challenging. After all, a single aircraft can only carry a limited number of missiles and shells, which won't be enough to shoot down all the Japanese aircraft. Therefore, we must accelerate our development."

"As for what to do when I get to the Qing court, I have my own methods. After all, the Beijing warship is my strong backing, and with its advanced technology, I am confident I can get troops from the Qing court and reclaim lost territory."

Han Mingguang said, "Alright, but going alone is too risky. Why don't you take a few more people?"

Lin Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Let's have Chen Fei go with me."

Then Lin Yuan added, "While I am away, I hope Comrade Han will focus on our technological development. This is the foundation for our future growth. Please convey my respects to the scientists and engineers in the Ryukyu Islands."

Soon, Lin Yuan and Chen Fei set off for Beijing. Shen Wanqing, who was still in the Ryukyu Islands, heard the news and her heart raced with worry, fearing something might happen to him.

On the way, Chen Fei, worried, said, "Our Beijing warship is doomed. We have let down the people's expectations..."

Lin Yuan knew that Chen Fei was not the type to worry, but today he looked very concerned. Lin Yuan laughed and said, "What's wrong with you?"

Chen Fei said, "Our Captain Lin Yuan is crazy, wanting to go to the Qing court to borrow troops. Will those people listen to you? And their combat capability is so weak that they can't even defend their own territory. Now you want to lead them to reclaim lost land. Isn't that crazy?"

Lin Yuan chuckled and said, "Don't worry, I have a plan."

Lin Yuan and Chen Fei first went to see Li Hongzhang, as they had become acquainted during negotiations with Japan, and Li Hongzhang had even invited Lin Yuan to serve in the Qing court.

Li Hongzhang was the Viceroy of Zhili and the Minister of the Beiyang Trade Bureau, responsible for foreign affairs. For two commoners to enter the Beiyang Trade Bureau was almost impossible, but unexpectedly, they met Li Jingfang at the gate, who immediately recognized Lin Yuan.

Despite his father's high position, Li Jingfang had no airs and was very approachable. He smiled and said, "Isn't this Mr. Lin Yuan? What brings you here?"

Lin Yuan said, "Lu Fangweng once wrote, 'Though low in rank, I dare not forget the state's worries.' Though I am a commoner, I always keep the country's difficulties in mind. I have come to offer my services to the state. Please take us to see Lord Li."

After the negotiations with Japan, Li Jingfang knew of Lin Yuan's capabilities. He smiled and said, "That's excellent. I..."

Before he could finish, a servant rushed over, calling out, "Lord Li!" completely disregarding the proper etiquette. In ancient times, such a breach of etiquette was a serious offense. Li Jingfang frowned at his subordinate's lack of manners in front of guests. The servant had already run up to them.

Li Jingfang was about to scold him when the servant said, "This is serious, Lord Li. The Japanese envoy is furious. You must go quickly."

Li Jingfang, hearing this, said, "I also need to see the British envoy. Can't he wait?"

The servant said, "Lord Li, the British are in Hong Kong, but the Japanese are in Fengtian. We need to deal with the immediate problem first."

Lin Yuan said, "Lord Li, let me go see the British envoy."

Li Jingfang knew that Lin Yuan would not do anything to harm the Qing, so he had the servant take Lin Yuan to see the British envoy.

The Beiyang Trade Bureau was built like a garden. It was winter, and the garden was covered in snow, looking particularly beautiful. They soon arrived at a small, elegant house. Inside, a British man was impatiently looking at his watch.

The British envoy, seeing Lin Yuan enter, assumed he was a Qing official. Although Lin Yuan did not have a queue, there were many foreign employees in the Beiyang Trade Bureau who also did not have queues, so the British envoy was not surprised.

The British envoy, speaking broken Chinese, said angrily, "How long has it been? How much longer do I have to wait? You are wasting my life!"

The British envoy added, "Where is Lord Li? Will you agree to the conditions of the British Empire?"

Lin Yuan said, "Let me see the document first."

The British envoy pointed to the table, and Lin Yuan picked up the document on the table. Upon opening it, he was stunned and thought to himself, "British people, you really dare to ask for the sky!"

(Next episode preview: What conditions did the British propose? How will Lin Yuan outsmart the British? Will Lin Yuan be able to borrow troops from Li Hongzhang and reclaim lost territory? Stay tuned for the next chapter!!!)

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