"Brother Six, I didn't expect you to be so carefree in Europe. I'm so jealous!"
Zhang Tingshu leaned on the lounge chair and took a sip of wine in a graceless manner. Then his eyes fell on the youthful women walking back and forth on the beach. The swimsuits at this time still looked very conservative, but their arms and legs were exposed.
When she comes out, she has a body that is far more concave and convex than that of Oriental women, which simply makes people have the urge to commit a crime.
"Wei Jiu, how much I want to switch with you. I hate my country and my family, but I can't fight to the death on the battlefield. How many times have I wanted to just walk away and simply go back to the country. Even if I am a big-shot soldier, it is better than fighting on the battlefield.
It’s good to bask in the sun here!”
Zhang Tingshu also knew Zhang Xueliang's mood, so he looked a little lonely and said hurriedly: "Sixth brother, actually the war broke out suddenly and there was no time for you to return home. You don't blame my brother, right?"
Zhang Xueliang shook his head: "I am the most careful person. When the war started, he sent me a telegram. If you are willing to go back, you can go back. However, he left me a task. After thinking about it, I still feel that I should stay."
It will be more effective, but it’s a pity that I can’t take revenge myself.”
"Brother Six, it is never too late for a gentleman to take revenge in ten years. My brother said that this is just the beginning. Fighting this war is just to strive for the same development conditions as Japan. Sooner or later, we will have a decisive battle with the Japanese.
When the time comes for the liquidation, all the bullshit emperors and prime ministers will be escorted to my uncle’s grave. It’s too late, and that’s what we call resolving hatred!”
Zhang Xueliang also smiled and nodded: "I have confidence in Zhuo Yan, I am even a little doubtful. Does he have the ability to predict the future? Why did he tell me a few months ago that he wanted to contact Mussolini?
And provide help. Now, the situation in Italy is becoming clearer and clearer. The National Fascist Party is in power and it is inevitable that Mussolini will become the master of this country!"
Zhang Tingshu shook his head disapprovingly: "My brother is just a little more accurate in his judgment, but he also makes mistakes. This time I went to the United States and was rejected. These big old beauties were so stubborn that they let it go.
They are not moved by the large open-pit iron mine, and they don’t even help us build warships. It’s simply abominable!”
Before Zhang Tingshu came to Italy, he went to the United States first. According to Zhang Tinglan's wishes, he first visited two American senators, and then went to the Brooklyn Shipyard in New York. He proposed to order two heavy cruisers at a unit price of six million US dollars.
.
Brooklyn Shipyard is also one of the largest shipyards in the United States. It built early large warships. During World War II, it also built several Essex-class aircraft carriers and battleships. Its technical level is unparalleled.
However, after seeing Zhang Tingshu's request, the shipyard was a little scratched. Because among Zhang Tingshu's requirements, the first thing to consider is the speed. The second is the range. The speed must reach at least 28 knots and the endurance must reach 10,000 nautical miles. As for people now
Firepower and protection, which were of greater concern, were placed in a secondary position.
The existing warships in the United States could not meet the requirements, so the shipyard proposed a design fee of 500,000 yuan. Zhang Tingshu agreed and paid 30,000 yuan in advance as start-up funds.
But just when the deal was about to be negotiated, noise started to emerge. The Japanese threatened the United States. If the United States built warships for the Feng army designed to threaten maritime routes, Japan would consider whether to participate in the Washington Conference.
Such a tough response surprised the Americans. President Harding even summoned his staff in person to conduct an evaluation. They believed that China's purpose of building fast cruisers was very clear, which was to cooperate with battlecruisers and jointly carry out maritime raiding missions.
.
With large range and high speed, warships can easily kill merchant ships and then have a chance to escape. Of course, the Americans did not expect that this standard proposed by Feng Jun could actually serve as a escort for high-speed aircraft carriers.
Selling warships to China is definitely a lucrative project, and Fengjun proposed to use the Mushan iron ore as collateral, which touched the hearts of the United States. However, there was strong opposition from Japan, which put the Americans in a dilemma.
If it had been done a year earlier, most Americans would have agreed. After all, the United States and Japan, as rivals, can cause trouble to the Japanese, which they want very much. But now the United States has planned to convene a Washington conference. After all, the crazy arms race has made the Americans a little bit overwhelmed.
Moreover, the Americans also want to take this opportunity to become the leading force in the world. It seems uneconomical to offend Japan just because of some commercial interests.
As a result, Zhang Tingshu encountered a wall in his first battle, and he could only come to Italy angrily to look for new opportunities.
"These Americans are so greedy that they actually withheld 30,000 yuan in start-up funds. Fortunately, they didn't give them all 500,000 yuan, otherwise they would have suffered huge losses!"
Zhang Tingshu muttered, full of complaints, and Zhang Xueliang also smiled and said: "Every time you take a bite, you will gain wisdom, Wei Jiu, this is also experience. Remember in the future, when dealing with foreigners, you must never see the rabbit before you see the eagle!"
While he was talking, a young man under twenty walked up to Zhang Xueliang and said with a smile: "My friend, my father is very grateful for your support for the fascist cause and wants to have a chat with you."
The man who came was none other than Ciano. His father, Ciano Sr., was a close friend of Mussolini and a veteran of the party. He also had the status of a count and was a prominent figure in the fascist party. This Ciano was also a close friend of Mussolini.
He would become Mussolini's son-in-law and one of Italy's rising political stars, but he had not officially entered politics at this time.
Half a year ago, Zhang Xueliang was instructed by Zhang Tinglan to come to Italy to seek cooperation with Mussolini. As a result, he met Ciano at a cocktail party. Both of them were young people and both were fun-loving. Zhang Xueliang was more
He was extremely proficient in bridge and tennis, and soon became close with Ciano.
Moreover, this was the critical moment when the Fascist Party was attacking the national power and was in urgent need of financial support. Zhang Xueliang, a money-spreading boy, provided $200,000 in support at that time. The top leaders of the Fascist Party were extremely happy, and Mussolini even wanted to meet him in person.
, but due to tight affairs, it was delayed.
This time Zhang Xueliang ran to Italy to meet Zhang Tingshu, and the two of them were preparing to go to Rome. They happened to meet Ciano at the port. When Ciano heard that Zhang Tingshu, despite his young age, had already commanded a tank division and wiped out several soldiers in one fell swoop.
Thousands of Japanese troops immediately shocked Ciano. He treated them warmly and let them rest first, and then he personally contacted the old Ciano.
Due to an urgent matter, Zhang Tingshu only enjoyed one day of sunshine and hurried to Rome. Their first stop was the old Ciano's manor, which reflected the luxury and heritage of the old aristocrats everywhere.
Compared with the Chinese garden architecture, the Western manor has a different flavor, which made Zhang Tingshu nod frequently. Old Ciano personally greeted them at the gate. After the meeting, after some greetings, Zhang Tingshu and the others went to the living room.
Zhang Xueliang said with a smile: "These days, we can see that the support rate of the Fascist Party is getting higher and higher, and its power is getting stronger and stronger. I believe that in the near future, it will definitely become the ruling party in Italy."
"Indeed, our cause is correct. Mr. Mussolini is a great leader. This country needs complete changes. Italy cannot cowardly follow Britain and France. We must build a strong country with the power of
A land worthy of our dignity..."
When the fascist program was mentioned, old Ciano kept talking. Zhang Tingshu and Zhang Xueliang looked at each other. They really couldn't stand it, but they couldn't help but listen.
After the old Ciano spoke passionately for five minutes, he finally stopped: "Of course, we still have some troubles now. The most important one is the attitude of the military. These greedy soldiers need a lot of money.
fed by funds.”
"Mr. Count, we may be able to provide you with a little help."
When old Ciano heard this, he immediately became energetic and said with a smile: "I have heard that you just defeated the Japanese in the Far East. I think this is a commendable victory. We are two distant countries.
, perhaps more cooperation can be carried out.”
Zhang Tingshu also smiled and said: "We have heard that Italy has made many remarkable achievements in the field of military technology, and since we have many resources and can exchange what we need, the future must be very bright."
While he was talking, a servant suddenly came to deliver a message saying that Mussolini was here. Old Ciano could only say goodbye and went to greet him. Mussolini was a very burly guy. He walked like a tiger and was full of energy.
Up and down, everything is full of energy.
"Old friend, those damn businessmen are unwilling to provide financial support. I am in urgent need of money now. Those stupid generals will not support us if they don't see the money!"
Looking at the anxious Mussolini, the old Ciano suddenly laughed: "Dear leader, I think someone can help solve this trouble. I have two young friends here. They may be able to bring the best
information!"
Old Ciano brought Mussolini to the living room. When he saw two young oriental faces, Mussolini was also surprised. Old Ciano made an introduction, and Mussolini also shook hands with Zhang Xueliang very gracefully.
, and smiled: "Thank you for your help, there will definitely be generous returns in the future."
Chinese people are very reserved and are very averse to such blatant transactions of money and power. However, in the West, this is a high-sounding political donation and there is no need to avoid it.
Zhang Xueliang also smiled and said: "Dear Mr. Mussolini, we believe that you will become one of the greatest figures in Italian history. It is also our honor to cooperate with you."
Zhang Tingshu also smiled and said: "We have an open-pit iron mine with a reserve capacity of 3 billion tons, and we are very eager to find partners. If the Italian company is willing to undertake it, I believe this will be a cooperation that will be beneficial to both parties.
"
Mussolini's eyes lit up when he heard this. Italy is also a resource-poor country, and its industrial development has always been restricted, so he actively seeks expansion. Now that he has an opportunity, how can he let it go? He was immediately attracted by it.
Impressed. (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to Qidian.com to vote for recommendations and monthly votes. Your support is my biggest motivation. Mobile phone users please go to m. to read.)