C2052 on-board (1/2)

Avoiding the awkward conversation, everyone turned their gazes to the sea in the north. At the end of the azure sea, there was indeed a black spot that gradually became clear.

Duke of Newcastle stood beside Zai Chun and explained the history of the military port in Portsmouth and the geography of this place to the little Emperor.

It had to be said that the Duke was someone who was very close to others, and had a good mouth as well. Zai Chun was quickly attracted by him.

Now, not only Xiao Letian, even the people close to Xiao Letian could feel the ”special care” from the British side. Everyone could sense the distance that the Duke was giving off.

According to etiquette, you would pick out that Zai Chun was, after all, the emperor. Xiao Letian was merely a head of state who had not been recognized by the strongest powers in Europe, or someone else as a Imperial Advisor.

It was normal to be a little more enthusiastic with Zai Chun, but the current problem was not only between him and, but also the people from Duke of Newcastle.

The reason he kept on bragging about England's strength to Zai Chun was not only because he was bragging, but also because he hoped to instigate an impression that Britain could not be defeated. He also wanted to use his power to influence Zai Chun.

Being able to make a thirteen year old Emperor of Great Qing Kingdom into a British fan would definitely benefit the negotiations and business between the two countries in the future.

At that time, the reform of the Kingdom of Qing would draw heavily on the experience of the United Kingdom, using its standards, borrowing its funds and using its talents … At that time, Britain's capital would be able to hold a large amount of shares in the enterprises of Great Qing, whether it be a joint venture or a sole investment. In any case, with the Emperor's support, wouldn't the market open up?

Ships after ships of British industrial goods began to be dumped along the mainland, and more and more pounds were being poured into the Great Qing to become shares that could last for hundreds and thousands of years.

This kind of cooperation was a true example of a semi-colonial cooperation. Together with the Qing Dynasty Royal Family, they ruled over China, excavating this gold mine that was so endless for the Han … Just thinking about it would make him smile.

In order to reach this goal, the Duke of Newcastle had to spare no effort to instill in Zai Chun the strength of British industry.

Who would be willing to bother with the Chinese people right now? 90% of the time, he would still spurt on Zai Chun's body, flattering him, and his words were like a crazy wave that rushed towards Tongzhi.

On the surface, Xiao Letian still maintained enough diplomatic etiquette, a smile still hung on the corners of his mouth, but he had already started to curse in his heart.

”You dog, you have nothing to be afraid of. Do you really not treat our Chinese as a dish? Are you trying to dig your way out of the wall so obviously?” But even if he was silently cursing, Xiao Letian had to admit that in this era, Britain had the ability to openly humiliate others.

”Your Majesty, please quickly look …” The Royal Fleet has set up a phalanx for your inspection... Thirteen times nine … There are a total of 117 Class 1 warships awaiting your Majesty's inspection … ”

Everyone on the deck grabbed their telescopes and looked out at the Jade Wave Ocean three kilometers away. They were at the sea surface of the English Channel, right outside of Huai Te Island, where countless battleships were already forming a phalanx.

All of them were Level One main battleship, and facing the alliance fleet was the newest type of Iron-armored Steam Battleship. Although it wasn't a pure Iron-armored battleship like the Zhiyuan Warship, the design of this kind of wooden hull and iron armour could still be considered as the advanced battleship of the time.