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Li Zhongtang, who returned to Rome, did not receive an immediate response from Italy, but instead received an invitation. His Majesty Carlo, King of Italy, wants to entertain him.

In the face of the Italian monarch's banquet, Li Zhongtang certainly would not refuse. So on the sunny day of April 6, Li Zhongtang, accompanied by the Prime Minister, came to the palace.

"Hello, Li Zhongtang, welcome to Rome."

Carlo's welcome speech in Chinese surprised Li Zhongtang. This is the first Western monarch who can speak Chinese he has ever met.

'Thanks to His Majesty King Carlo for the invitation, I am inadvertently terrified. ’

Of course, Li Zhongtang did not forget the etiquette and seemed more polite.

Seeing the extremely polite Li Zhongtang, Prime Minister Antonio pulled out a chair and invited him to sit down.

After everyone was seated, Carlo continued to speak. "Li Zhongtang, my country is very grateful for your long-term love. If it weren't for your help, the commerce and trade between our two countries would not be as prosperous as it is today. Since your Excellency regards our country as a friend, our country also regards you as a friend. Therefore, some If so, we can talk from a friend's point of view, what do you think?"

Obviously, Carlo's words are euphemistic, but the meaning is very clear. If there is no additional benefit, Italy does not intend to change its usual diplomatic concept and not interfere in Qing politics.

Because Italy has tasted the sweetness in this, Italy can obtain such rich interests in the Qing country, in addition to helping the Qing country to gain goodwill twice, its usual practices also have a lot to do.

Italy does not seek to intervene and influence Qing politics. This attitude is compared with the practice of other powers who want to reform the Qing country. Who can satisfy the Qing court and officials?

And Carlo's words were also expected by Li Zhongtang. He just wanted others to do things with empty teeth. He Li Zhongtang was not so big-faced. "I understand what King Carlo said, and I also understand your country's situation very well."

Although he said that he understood, Li Zhongtang immediately changed the conversation.

"Another thing to say, I am going abroad because I have taken into account the development of the country, so I hope to draw some funds to help the country. And after a few days of inspection, I think your country can provide some help to our country. At present, Taiwan Province is under the control of Japan. People are covetous. I think this can introduce capital from your country to help its development. Of course, if your country is willing, perhaps our country can open one or two ports in Taiwan for your ships to dock and repair. Of course, this requires further help from your country. For example, when Japan threatens our country, it will come forward to warn and deter the other party or send troops directly."

After Li Zhongtang's words made Carlo and Antonio look at each other, the Prime Minister asked. "Li Zhongtang, I don't know if the proposal is yours or your country's?"

Antonio's question is very level, and the core is to ask whether this proposal can be accepted by the Qing court?

Don't blame Antonio and Carlo for seeming to be superfluous, because everyone knows the virtues of the Qing country. Basically, such a condition as Li Zhongtang said can only be accepted after the Qing court was severely beaten.

The business of Italy in the Qing Dynasty was booming, and with such huge profits every year, there was no need to offend the Qing court too much for the land of Taiwan. If the business of the Qing court is badly affected, this is because the small loses the big. So both of them stared at Li Zhongtang to see how he answered this question.

The two in front of them put on a posture of asking and worrying. Li Zhongtang knew that he had to show some sincerity.

"This time I went abroad, nominally because Russia's new emperor was enthroned, and our country wanted to send important ministers to congratulate him. But in fact, it was the Japanese who kept making small moves in North Korea, eyeing places outside our country's borders."

Speaking of which, Li Zhongtang also reported some data. "Since your country's withdrawal of troops, the Japanese have become more and more restless at the border. In this year alone, 27 incidents have been provoked, and the Chinese court is very worried about this. Recently, Russia has secretly expressed to me that it is willing to discuss with our country for joint anti-Japanese affairs. This time, I also want to talk to Qiqi. Of course, the court of our country also knows that the Russians must have plans, so our country hopes to get the support of your country. "

As Li Zhongtang's voice fell, Antonio was fine, but Carlo was tumbling inwardly. Well, Li Zhongtang almost forgot about it without mentioning it. This time, Li Zhongtang has promised Russia's Middle East Railway. It can be said that when he visited Russia, Li Zhongtang was trapped by the Russians. The upsides are empty promises, but the downsides are real.

However, in this regard, Carlo did not intend to help Li Zhongtang. Because the China Eastern Railway will stimulate the Japanese, and then the two fought for the Northeast. As a result, everyone suffered heavy casualties and vomited blood and lost money. How can this kind of thing be stopped.

And Li Zhongtang has spoken out, and he can't say anything.

But now it seems that Taiwan is indeed very tempting.

If nothing else, Keelung's coal mines and Taiwanese camphor are huge benefits. Moreover, the island's products are also rich and well developed, and the entry of Italian capital can even integrate its resources.

Moreover, there are many advantages to classifying Taiwan as a sphere of influence. In addition to Taiwan's own output, it can also radiate coastal areas such as Fujian, Guangdong, and Zhejiang. This is a great help for Italy to expand its influence in these regions~www.wuxiaspot.com~ Such a huge benefit, Italy has no reason to refuse, even if it is to meddle in the politics of the Qing court.

Besides, isn't this Li Zhongtang's help? Italy is much better. After all, compared to other countries, Italy looks much better.

So after a little thought, Carlo said. "What Li Zhongtang said is very true, the ambition of the Japanese must be stopped, so our country is very willing to help your country in this matter."

Well, Carlo's affirmative words made Li Zhongtang put down his worries.

In the case of Lang Youqing's concubine's intention, it will be easy to talk about it next. After the two parties spent several days negotiating, a "China-Italian Secret Agreement" was freshly released.

The treaty stipulated that Italy would provide diplomatic and military assistance when the Qing country was actively attacked by Japan. In addition, out of consideration for the combat effectiveness of the Qing army outside the customs, Italy provided a consultant to carry out a one-year training in Western tactics. During this period, Italy is willing to provide some weapons, ammunition and supplies.

In addition, considering the cost and transportation of Italy, the imperial court is willing to allow Taiwan to release personnel and capital restrictions on Italy, allowing Italians to set up factories here for trade and other activities. In addition, considering transportation issues, the imperial court opened the ports of Taipei and Keelung for their used and allowed it to open a shipyard here.

In addition, the term of the secret is five years, and if no objection is raised after the expiration, it will be regarded as a default renewal.

This Sino-Italian secret contract has many benefits for Li Zhongtang, and of course it is not bad for the Qing court, not to mention Italy, it is a three-win secret contract.

With this satisfied secret contract, Li Zhongtang boarded the cruise ship to St. Petersburg.

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