The next day, everyone gathered the information and sent it to Ji Mingshan.
The result of comprehensive analysis is that there will be no peace between the coalition forces and Tsarist Russia in the short term.
This is good news!
Wang Tao is already well-known in Europe, and Europeans regard him as a window to understand China.
Today, he came to attend a diplomatic cocktail party as agreed. At this time, Westerners, especially in Vienna, are accustomed to informal diplomatic exchanges through cocktail parties.
This is a custom among nobles.
All European royal families have inextricably linked relationships. It can be said that they are all relatives. In their view, diplomatic activities are similar to visiting relatives.
Today, Wang Tao attended this diplomatic event at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Bauer.
In order to participate in the coalition negotiations, Wang Tao recently became very close to Austrian Foreign Minister Bauer.
The Austrians also seem to want to get closer to China.
It is said that His Majesty Joseph I hoped to establish direct foreign trade relations with China.
Austria's foreign trade activities have always been a flaw, as they do not have full control over the sea.
If you want to conduct ocean-going trade directly, you need to enter the Black Sea through the Danube River, and then travel to the Mediterranean Sea.
Austria has a feudal aristocratic system, and has a huge demand for tea, silk, porcelain and other commodities from the East.
Britain and France almost monopolized trade with the East. Joseph did not want to see the Austrians' money bags being exploited by Britain and France.
He knew that since Prussia established a good relationship with this big country in the Far East last year, its foreign trade volume had increased by more than 50% in one year. Moreover, Prussia's ocean-going merchant ships could directly enter the goods they needed from China.
They can even resell these goods to Central and Eastern Europe, and even Austria purchases Chinese goods from Prussia.
Silk and tea are two indispensable things in the lives of nobles.
This makes Austria, who is a close relative of it, envious.
Therefore, after Wang Tao arrived in Vienna to carry out activities this time, Joseph I ordered his right-hand man Bauer to use this opportunity to improve relations with China.
Bauer was an excellent diplomat. During the Crimean War, he struck a balance between the coalition forces and Tsarist Russia and achieved great benefits for Austria.
He maintained friendly relations with Britain and France and acted as a mediator; he also stayed out of the war to maintain room for maneuver against Russia.
In the first month of the Crimean crisis, Austria made every effort to prompt Russia to withdraw its troops, but the Tsar showed no reaction.
As the war progressed, the context of Austria's diplomacy became clearer and clearer: first, win support within Germany, especially the support of Prussia, in order to increase the weight of its diplomacy with Russia.
On April 20, 1854, Prussia and Austria signed a treaty. Prussia stated in the treaty that if Russia refused to withdraw its troops from the two principalities on the lower Danube River, it would support Austria in fighting Russia.
With the support of Prussia, the Prussian-Austrian Covenant was forcibly passed in the German Parliament, and the entire Germany promised to support Austria on the Danube issue.
Secondly, gradually approach and eventually join the Anglo-French alliance.
On August 8, 1854, with the support of Britain and France, Austria adopted the "Vienna Four Points" which were extremely harsh on Russia, but Russia could not accept this. In order to force Russia to submit, Austria announced military mobilization on October 22.
And joined the Anglo-French Alliance on December 2.
Although Austria joined the Anglo-French alliance, Bauer kept Austria out of the war to maintain its room for maneuver against Russia.
In the Treaty of Alliance, Austria only promised to support Britain and France diplomatically and politically, but made no military commitments.
Not only that, when Britain, France and Russia reached a stalemate on the battlefield, Austria threatened whether to form an alliance to force Britain and France to make concessions to it on the Near East and Italian issues.
First, Britain and France acquiesced to the fact that Austria secretly occupied the two Danube principalities against its interests.
Secondly, while Austria and France formed an alliance, Austria required France to promise to guarantee security in Italy in return.
On December 22, 1854, France and Austria signed a protocol in which both parties agreed to ensure the status quo in Italy.
So far, the outcome of the war has been very favorable to Austria, which has enjoyed the fruits of the war without bearing the risks of war. Russia has withdrawn from the Balkans.
Now as long as Tsarist Russia's naval presence in the Black Sea region is eliminated, Austria's goals will be achieved.
From the perspective of the time, Austria's diplomacy seemed to have achieved great success.
"Bauer stopped Russia without endangering Austria's great power status."
"Such an achievement would have been unimaginable even in Metternich's time."
…
Such words have appeared in newspapers one after another.
Metternich is the most famous diplomat in Austrian history.
After 1801, he became the Austrian ambassador to Saxony, Prussia, and France.
He served as Foreign Minister of the Austrian Empire from 1809, chaired the Congress of Vienna in 1815, and concurrently served as Prime Minister of the Austrian Empire from 1821.
During his term of office, he became a core figure in the "Holy Alliance" and the "Four-Nation Alliance".
He opposed all nationalism, liberalism and revolutionary movements, and formed the Metternich System (Vienna System) with "legitimism" and "balance of power" as its core in Europe for more than thirty years.
Bauer can be compared with Metternich, which is enough for him to be proud of.
"Mr. Wang, cheers." Bauer walked to Wang Tao's side, holding a goblet in his hand.
The two had only met a few times, but now they were like old friends.
"Mr. Ball, thank you very much for inviting me to attend today's cocktail party." Wang Tao raised his glass.
This kind of gathering place for diplomats is very important to Wang Tao, who is engaged in diplomatic work.
First of all, showing his face here can increase his popularity. Otherwise, when he appears in formal diplomatic occasions in the future, people will say: "Who are you?"
But after often attending diplomatic cocktail parties, people will say: "I saw you at so-and-so's cocktail party."
Nowadays, there are only a few countries in the world that have the ability to step onto the diplomatic stage. The circle of diplomats is a small circle.
If Wang Tao wants to continue to engage in diplomacy in Europe in the future, he must integrate into this circle.
Today is a great opportunity.
Before, he traveled in Europe, although he held the title of minister.
However, most of the people he knew were local scholars, and most of them regarded him as a scholar from the East.
Today's occasion brings together diplomats from almost all Europe.
Wait a moment, he will have a chance to speak.
Wang Tao has been carefully prepared. He wants to show everyone an open and inclusive image of China today.
The latest news he got here in Europe was that the Huai Navy had occupied Zhejiang and Fujian and was preparing to reorganize it into the Renaissance Army and start the overthrow of the Manchu Qing Dynasty.
But it has been a few months since this news was released. I believe that the Renaissance Army must have achieved greater victory now.
Here in Europe, Wang Tao has no way of getting real-time information.
His current identity is still the Qing's minister to Europe. Although this identity is still semi-forged, it is recognized by Europeans.
There is no other person in Europe who calls himself the Minister of China.
In fact, no matter what the domestic situation is, Wang Tao can call himself the Chinese Minister.
Even if the Baath Army comes to power, the name Europeans refer to China will not change.
"Mr. Bauer, we in China welcome your Austrian delegation to visit China at any time." Wang Tao said with a smile.
"Oh, really? That's great." Bauer was very happy to be personally invited by Wang Tao.
This meant that Austria could also join the trade of the East.
This is currently the most profitable trade route in the world. As for what products Austria can offer in trade with China, that is Austria’s own business.
"Mr. Wang, if possible, we in Austria can send a delegation to China next month. By then, we hope to set up an embassy in China like Britain and France." Bauer was impatient.
Didn't His Majesty the Emperor let himself get close to Wang Tao just in the hope of getting a share of the Eastern trade?
As long as the Chinese agree to it, Britain and France will not be able to intervene to prevent Austria from entering the East.
"There is no problem at all. When the time comes, I will issue a report to the country and send someone to go back with you. Mr. Bauer, by then we may have two ships to go back with the Austrian mission. Hopefully, we can get some information along the way.
The mission’s care.”
"Okay, these are all small things."
In this way, the two finalized the exchanges between the two countries.
As for the two ships returning home with the Austrian mission, they were rented by Wang Tao here in Europe.
The ship will carry international students returning to China, as well as talents collected in Europe in recent times.
Another task of Ji Mingshan's European station is to assist Wang Tao in recruiting people in Europe.
"Gentlemen, today I would like to introduce Mr. Wang Tao from China."
There is a podium in front of the banquet hall.
At this time, the host of the banquet, Bauer, came on stage and announced, and the people below all stopped and applauded out of courtesy.
Under the attention of everyone, Wang Tao strolled onto the small podium.
"Now let us welcome Mr. Wang to introduce us to his country - China in the far east."
Wang Tao was smiling and generous. His voice was very rich. Because he was in Vienna, he gave this speech in German.
"Dear gentlemen and ladies, one year ago, I came to Europe by sea ship from China. There are many civilized countries here, and there are many places worth learning from."
…
Huahua contacted everyone, and Wang Tao first politely flattered Europe to satisfy their vanity.
His conversation changed next time.
"My motherland has a civilization history of five thousand years.
Five thousand years ago, we controlled floods at the same time as our ancestors in Egypt.
Four thousand years ago, we smelted bronze at the same time as the ancient Babylonians.
Three thousand years ago, we thought about philosophy with the ancient Greeks.
Two thousand years ago, we and the ancient Romans fought in all directions and expanded our territory.
A thousand years ago, we were as rich as the Arabs
…”
After saying this, the guests below were all a little disdainful, thinking that Wang Tao was boasting.
Europeans feel that they have inherited the culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
They thought they had a long history and a splendid civilization. Little did they know that it was they who destroyed Rome.
These Nordic people were still barbarians a thousand years ago.
"My motherland is not full of gold as Marco Polo said, but our history and culture are like gold, spread throughout China."
"Many people like to drink tea, but they don't know that drinking tea in China is also a kind of culture."
"More than a thousand years ago, the Chinese wrote a book about growing and drinking tea, called the "Tea Classic". We have created many techniques for drinking tea, called tea art. Drinking tea not only satisfies the taste
It not only meets the physical needs, but also provides psychological enjoyment.”
…
Everyone present was very interested in this section. European nobles like to show off. If the tea art Wang Tao mentioned could appear in his own home, he would definitely be able to show it off in front of his guests.
Wang Tao continued to talk. He introduced a lot of traditional Chinese culture. Many guests were very interested.
At the beginning, although the review of China's long history was not recognized by many people, it successfully attracted their attention.
If Wang Tao talks about culture right from the start, some people will not understand it at all and will not continue to listen.
Like Wang Tao, set the stage. Then after the guests hear the following content, they will unconsciously make a comparison with European history.
"Ladies and gentlemen, mutual exchange and learning is a win-win situation for China and Europe. China is an inclusive country, and we will welcome guests from all over the world with a broad mind. Thank you all!"
Wang Tao's speech ended. He successfully entered the European diplomatic circle today.
It also allowed Chinese culture to spread in Austria.
At this time in the magnificent Hofburg Palace in Vienna.
Liu Ru, who is wearing a light yellow dress, is performing tea art for Princess Qianqian.
Liu Ru brought the tools herself.
As a queen, Princess Qianqian has her own conference room.
In the reception room, Liu Ru sat in front of a table with a small stove on one side.
This tea set is made of exquisite blue and white porcelain.
Liu Ru was seen skillfully scalding and washing the tea set.
Then use bamboo tongs to clamp some fine Qihong and put it into a tureen. Pour boiling water along the edge of the tureen until it is seven-quarters full.
Cover and shake slowly counterclockwise, and pour it out after five breaths. The first cup of tea is not drinkable.
Pour in boiling water again, simmer for 20 breaths, then pour into a fair cup and divide into cups.
Liu Ru poured the tea into five exquisite small porcelain cups.
Indicating that everyone can get tea. Princess Sissi sat opposite Liu Ru, with two aristocratic girls sitting on both sides, both of whom were guests of Princess Sissi.
Just now everyone was fascinated by Liu Ru's tea art performance.
Liu Ru has beautiful fingers. Whether she is playing the piano or making tea, the first thing she shows to others is her hands.
Every move she makes is like a performance, and she flips her hands like she's dancing ballet.
It was the first time for both Princess Sissi and the two noble women to see such a ritualistic way of making tea.
When Liu Ru makes tea, she will also explain the essentials of each step.
"Queen, this tea should be tasted in three sips for the best taste."
As she said this, she took the lead in taking the cup and tasting it.
Everyone also imitated her behavior, and it seemed that the taste of tea was really different from what they usually drink.
After getting along with Liu Ru several times, Princess Sissi liked this woman very much.
From her, Princess Sissi can always come into contact with some novel things.
So she summoned Liu Ru into the palace more and more often.
This also made Liu Ru more famous in Vienna. After all, she has now become a celebrity around the queen.
Back to Ball's banquet.
Gorchakov, the Russian ambassador to Vienna, was also present today.
He seemed very low-key today, after all, they now have more enemies than friends in Europe.
But this is the case in Europe. Even if we are beaten to death, we will not completely cut off contact, because everyone is still related to each other.
Gorchakov was accompanied by three or four people, one of whom did not look like a diplomat.
There seemed to be a fierce light in this man's eyes, and he took note of Wang Tao's appearance carefully.
As the hawks and dogs around the Tsar, people from the Third Secret Service are all over Russia. They have a huge organizational system.
Nikolai Kalam was the person sent to Ambassador Gorchakov from three places.
When it comes to peace negotiations for the Crimean War, the Tsar must know every detail.
As an old director, Tymochenko has already arranged a large number of manpower in Vienna.
After the banquet was over, everyone got on the carriage and left.
Nikolai Karamzin had been secretly staring at Wang Tao's carriage.
ps: Recently, the combat power list has been at the top. Gentlemen, please give me some votes!