Chapter 133 Guangxu’s Secret Edict, the New Ambassador to Britain
Just as Li Qiwei was preparing for his PhD graduation, he suddenly received a Chinese-style invitation.
Open it and take a look.
Oops!
The inviter turned out to be the Qing Dynasty’s new ambassador to Britain, named Zhang Deyi (pronounced [义]).
Information about this person also appeared in Li Qiwei's mind.
In real history, Zhang Deyi can also be regarded as a legendary figure in the late Qing Dynasty. As a diplomat, he went abroad eight times in his life and spent 27 years abroad.
And every time he went abroad, he would write a detailed diary.
It was edited in sequence into "Navigation Narratives", "Restatements of Miracles", "Three Narratives of Miracles", "Four Narratives of Miracles", and finally "Eight Narratives of Miracles", totaling about 2 million words.
It contains detailed records of the culture, technology, politics, finance, education, etc. of Western countries at that time.
It can be called an encyclopedia introducing Western things at that time.
Unfortunately, these works of his have never received much attention. It was not until nearly a hundred years ago that they were sporadically excavated and compiled into volumes.
He also translated scientific and technological words such as "telegraph", "bicycle" and "screw".
He also introduced steam engines, elevators, cutting machines, chocolate, etc. to the country. He was a late Qing official who truly understood Western modern scientific and technological civilization.
He served as Emperor Guangxu's foreign language teacher and was deeply trusted by Guangxu.
Because of his humble background, he never fought for power in the officialdom. Instead, he devoted himself to diplomacy and was a balance figure among all forces.
So, when Luo Fuyu expired and was transferred back to China, the Qing government sent Zhang Deyi, a professional diplomat, as the British ambassador.
As expected, only those with strong abilities can be independent.
Zhang Deyi speaks excellent foreign languages and can communicate with European countries without any barriers. He is also relatively easy-going and calm, a humble gentleman.
Someone asked him for English lessons, but he smiled and did not answer, thinking that he only knew English and was an uneducated person.
Facing such a person, Li Qiwei was still very interested in meeting him.
The other party belongs to this era, one of the few domestic talents who have a deep understanding of the West.
——
Seven days later, Li Qiwei accepted the invitation on time and came to the Qing Embassy in Britain.
This is his second time here, and he was a little emotional for a while.
If he stays in the UK for ten years, I don’t know how many ambassadors he can survive
At this time, a hearty voice sounded, "This is nephew Qiwei, please come in quickly."< br>
Li Qiwei looked up and saw an old man in his 50s, full of energy and rosy complexion, and his youthful handsomeness could be vaguely seen between his eyebrows.
He is Zhang Deyi, the new ambassador to Britain who was awarded the second-grade official title.
“I have long heard that Qiwei is a genius. When I saw you today, you are indeed extraordinary.”
"The equipment is majestic, the dragon moves like the tiger steps, he is truly an outstanding figure in our Qing Dynasty."
Li Qiwei smiled and said: "The ambassador is so complimentary."
"Thank you Ambassador for the kind invitation. I'm flattered."
Afterwards, Zhang Deyi took Li Qiwei into the main hall of the embassy and asked the attendant to make tea, leaving him alone in the room.
Zhang Deyi looked at Li Qiwei in front of him and sighed in his heart, the other person was younger than the rumors and imagination.
To be able to achieve an earth-shattering career at such an age can be called a rare talent.
He first asked Li Qiwei some simple questions to bring the two of them closer.
Li Qiwei also has a good impression of him. This person is completely different from Luo Fuyu. He does not have that kind of ambition or official flavor, which makes people uncomfortable.
This has something to do with the character of the other party. Of course, it is also possible that Zhang Deyi felt that there was no hope of promotion, so he behaved freely and freely.
People are complicated. In this era, Li Qiwei never regards the people around him as NPCs.
They are all living people, with their own thoughts and demands, and they will change.
Zhang Deyi was in high spirits and had no self-esteem at all. He acted condescendingly in front of Li Qiwei, more like an elder chatting with his juniors.
“Last year, I followed Mr. Na Tong on a mission to Fuso Country, and I was deeply moved.”
“This is a small country, but the whole country worked together to introduce Western technology, even more so. Completely Westernized. "
"Now its national power is booming. Looking around, there are huge industries in steel, chemicals, and textiles, day and night."
"Moreover, a new school has been set up to teach Western knowledge of objects. Among them are many students who were sent to study in the Qing Dynasty."
"Fusang Kingdom has a big plan."
Li Qiwei also agreed. A few words, of course he knew the changes in Fuso, which were all to accumulate strength for subsequent aggression.
“The ambassador really hit the nail on the head.”
“The Fusang Kingdom has a small land and a large population, and is stranded on natural resources. Therefore, it has been coveting China for a long time, and its ambitions are known to the world.”
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"It's ridiculous that the imperial court has such a huge naval force, but due to corruption and poor employment, it suffered a complete defeat. It's really a shame."
These words frightened Zhang Deyi, "Qiwei, be careful what you say, you must know that trouble comes from the mouth." "Come out."
"Don't talk about national affairs."
Li Qiwei shrugged and acted indifferently, but he just felt that Zhang Deyi was a little timid.
Suddenly, Zhang Deyi changed the topic, looked at Li Qiwei and said, "However, none of this impressed me."
"It's something else that shocked me greatly, nephew, can you guess what it was?"
Li Qiwei shook his head and thought, I guess you are a ghost.
Zhang Deyi laughed and said: "This matter is still related to you."
Li Qiwei was even more confused. When did he go to Fusang.
Zhang Deyi said: "I heard the news that you won the Nobel Prize in Physics in Fuso."
"At that time, almost everyone in Fuso Kingdom was discussing you."
"They copied everything from the West to China, so they naturally knew the importance of the Nobel Prize in Physics."
"Even their emperor even Ordered the cabinet that Fuso must also have a physics Nobel Prize winner within ten years."
"This is the sense of crisis you bring to them."
"Fuso also. In fear, I am afraid that our Qing Dynasty will follow the example of the West and attach great importance to science and technology. "With the size of our Qing Dynasty, once the reform is launched, it will be huge, far more than a hundred times that of Fusang Kingdom."
"They only narrowly won one round before. Once I come to my senses, I will be unstoppable."
"A small fusang can be destroyed with a snap of a finger."
said At this point, Zhang Deyi clapped his thighs excitedly, looking like a man in temperament.
Li Qiwei was also shocked by what Zhang Deyi saw. Has his name spread to Fuso?
Damn it, the little devil won't use his evil thoughts to assassinate him.
Those perverts cannot think about their brain circuits according to common sense.
It seems that I have to be more careful when returning to China in the future.
Li Qiwei asked: "Ambassador, does Fusang State really care so much about the Nobel Prize in Physics?"
Zhang Deyi said: "Of course, today's Fusang State attaches great importance to Western science and technology talents. All treatment is the best.”
"We in the Qing Dynasty call craftsmen, but in their country, they are already scientists."
"Fuso Country also sends overseas students to powerful countries such as the United States and Europe."
"It's a pity that the Qing Dynasty , but sending the most students to Fusang is putting the cart before the horse."
"No matter how strong Fusang is, it can't be stronger than the British Empire."
Li Qiwei nodded and suddenly asked: "Zhang. Ambassador, you came to me today just to tell me this anecdote.”
Sure enough, Zhang Deyi's expression became serious, put away his fierce emotions, and said solemnly: "Inviting you to come today is actually a secret decree of His Majesty the Qing Emperor."
Li Qiwei was stunned, and Guangxu brought a message to him. ?
At this time, Zhang Deyi suddenly looked very strange, "Li Qiwei, why don't you kneel down and listen to the order?"
As Guangxu's foreign language teacher, in the eyes of others, he, Zhang Deyi, naturally It's Guangxu's people.
If he hadn't been low-key by nature, he would have been impeached long ago and sent to some nook and cranny.
Before he took office, he was summoned alone by Guangxu.
During the conversation, Guangxu was full of praise for Li Qiwei and called him a loyal minister.
He asked Zhang Deyi to convey his importance to Li Qiwei and hoped that he could serve for the Qing Dynasty after returning to China.
This shocked Zhang Deyi, and at the same time he was a little happy, and even shed tears of gratitude.
With so much trust from the emperor, isn’t this the ancient clothing edict?
Zhang Deyi felt that as a minister, being able to receive this holy grace in this life would be enough to die without regrets.
Although he only helped Guangxu convey a few words, it was far from a conspiracy.
This is Zhang Deyi's foolish loyalty. I am afraid it is this pedantry that makes other interest groups feel at ease with him.
So, when he saw that Li Qiwei was still indifferent after hearing the name of the emperor, he felt incredible.
Even in Western countries, ministers will kneel down on one knee when they see their monarch.
Li Qiwei was speechless. He thought Zhang Deyi was a civilized person, but it seemed that he was overthinking it.
Even if officials of this era open their eyes to see the world, they still cannot escape the limitations of the times.
In Zhang Deyi's eyes, the Qing Dynasty could still develop science and technology and surpass the Western powers without changing its own system.
From this point of view, he is somewhat similar to the so-called "royalists".
They all think that they can retain the monarch, educate the monarch, and implement the New Deal.
It's all unrealistic idealism.
Kneel down and listen to the emperor's decree, which is a matter of course in Zhang Deyi's heart.
But it is absolutely impossible for Li Qiwei to accept it.
In this life, he will only kneel to heaven and earth, to his parents, and never to anyone else.
He has been working hard to improve his reputation and strength in order to transcend the constraints of this world.
"Ambassador Zhang, I have a British title, please forgive me for the inconvenience of kneeling down."
Zhang Deyi was shocked and would not feel relieved afterwards.
"You, you. Hey, that's it. Anyway, no one cares about you and me in this overseas world."
He thought again before leaving, Guangxu warned himself, if Li Qiwei had a very different temperament and could not be criticized harshly according to the etiquette of the Qing Dynasty.
The emperor's kindness was so great that he cried when he heard it, and he promised on the spot that he would definitely influence Li Qiwei and let him serve the Qing Dynasty.
"I have traveled to various countries over the years and have met many young people like you."
"They shaved their hair and changed into clothes, learning Western ways, and they have long lost the etiquette in their hearts."
“The imperial court can only turn a blind eye.”
“I didn’t expect you, Qiwei, to be this kind of person.”
“I am amazed by you. With your talent, I sincerely advise you not to go to extremes, or you will be beheaded.”
Li Qiwei did not argue, just nodded and smiled, thanking the other party for the kind reminder.
He knew that if he debated with the other party at this time whether he should kneel down or not, he would definitely lose miserably.
Zhang Deyi can definitely find countless words of sages from the Four Books, Five Classics and the Classics and History to demonstrate the legitimacy of kneeling to the emperor.
And you have to kneel three times a day to be in line with the etiquette of a saint.
Debating scriptures can never determine the outcome, only guns can make people shut up.
At this time, Zhang Deyi finally told the reason why he invited Li Qiwei.
As the other party spoke, Li Qiwei also felt a little surprised.
He seemed to smell an unusual smell.
(End of this chapter)