In the war between China and France in his previous life, although China won a few battles in Zhennan Pass and other places, they did not gain the strategic initiative at all. France had an industrial system that was far superior to China's. As long as the local soldiers did not suffer many losses, the colonial troops and weapons could be completely exhausted. On the other hand, China's national treasury was almost empty, and there were not many weapons and ammunition left. If they continued to fight, they would be doomed to failure. Therefore, it was only a matter of last resort to "seek peace with victory".
With the arrival of Wang Guangxu, the supply of basic firearms would not be a big problem. Some were even more advanced than those of France. However, the Qing army and technology could not be achieved overnight. They needed time to slowly develop. Before the national strength was sufficient, they could not reveal too much.
Wang Guangxu had no choice but to be careful. The Manchurian nobles strongly opposed the establishment of banks, the expansion of machinery departments, and the purchase of new warships. However, they did not dare to make any big moves after achieving a certain effect.
Taihe Palace
"Your Majesty, Annan has been a vassal of the Qing Dynasty for generations. Now that France has sent troops to invade, Annan has called for help several times. I don't know how to reply."“
The Gong Prince Yi Xin was the first to speak.
"Annan is a barren land. Our Qing Dynasty is no longer able to take care of it. It is better to take advantage of the fact that the foreign powers are paying attention to other places and develop as soon as possible. Only then can we have hope of becoming a powerful country!“
Li Hongzhang hurriedly stepped forward and said.
"Annan is close to Yunnan and Guangxi, and they arrive in the morning and evening. After the French occupy Annan, they will definitely spy on that place.”
Zuo Zongtang sneered.
"We only need to garrison Yunnan and Guangxi with heavy troops. Naturally, we are not afraid of the French invading us. Once the French start a war, they will be able to harass our Qing coastal defense along the way and even reach Dagu Pass.”
Li Hongzhang naturally wouldn't be polite to Zuo Zongtang and spoke in a tit-for-tat manner.
"Don't tell me that the Northern Navy can't even defend their territory after spending so much money?”
It was unknown who said this, but Li Hongzhang was furious.
"Presumptuous! How long had the French developed their navy? How many are we? Now, our Qing Navy doesn't even have one-tenth of the strength of the French. If we don't want to win in a naval battle, it's very likely that we will be completely annihilated!”
The Beiyang minister said angrily to the official.
"This Sixth Uncle can't sit still anymore? It seems that the entire Manchu Group is starting to be dissatisfied with me.”
Wang Guangxu glanced at the few dignitaries present.
Based on Yi Xin's character, he should have supported the Westernization Movement. However, Wang Guangxu's recent actions had touched the interests of the Manchu group, and they had pushed Yi Xin out.
"All the beloved ministers are right. In that case, let's order Yunnan and Guangxi to strengthen their defenses to prevent the French from launching a sneak attack!”
"As for whether or not to start a war, let all the officials who are qualified to submit a memorial submit it! It will be decided by the general trend."
"Retreat!"
Wang Guangxu looked at the people who were still arguing and frowned.
Hearing this, everyone retreated one after another. The happiest ones were the peacemakers. How many officials and gentry in the world were willing to go to war with the French? The result was self-evident.
"Little Shunzi, go and urge the Fengtian Machinery Bureau to hurry up the production of firearms and ammunition, especially grenades and barbed wire. Don't be negligent."
Wang Guangxu looked at the peace-loving people with a strange smile. He naturally had a way to make this war happen.
Half a year ago, he had already started to prepare ammunition, but he was still worried. The French were not like the Japanese. Although the French were weak, they had a lot of cannons. He had to be prepared for a war of attrition.
As for the barbed wire, it was the most effective against those western tactics that lined up to charge.
may
Liu Yongfu led the Black Flag Army to defeat the French army in Hanoi, annihilating thousands of French colonial troops. He even killed the commander of the French army, Li Weili, to recover a large area of territory and drive out the invading French army.
For a moment, the world was shaken, and the atmosphere in the imperial court relaxed. It seemed that the French were just like this, and everything would return to its original state.
However, in autumn, the French made a comeback and occupied Hue, the capital of Annam. Almost all of Annan had fallen, and then France had forced their way to the border and sent a note to include the entire Annan in their territory.
The entire court was shaken, and the world was in an uproar…
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