Chapter 968

“My God, this is a miracle!”

At the window of the Prussian embassy, at the moment when Qingzhou City was instantly lit up by streetlights, the Prussian ambassador to Qingzhou, Bosse, exclaimed. For several months, workers had been busy with construction along the streets of Qingzhou. These workers erected poles with glass covers on top, buried the bases underground, and then buried wires wrapped in rubber underground, connecting these poles one by one. Although they were very interested in the ongoing construction, they could not get any information from the workers or officials about what these things were. It was not until now that they finally understood. It was a demonstration of electric lighting.

“This is incredible. The Great Yu Empire’s technological level is unmatched by any European country. The British and French are fools; they have made a stupid mistake. Fighting against such an industrial powerhouse in Asia is simply suicide.”

Standing beside Bosse was a blonde noblewoman, his wife, Lilya. After the Prussian embassy officially began operating, she and her husband stayed here, along with their two sons.

“So they suffered a disastrous defeat in Dengzhou. This is truly gratifying.”

Bosse held a transparent glass wine cup in his hand. This was an industrial product produced in Qingzhou. Before coming to the Great Yu Empire, he thought he would live a hard life, but in fact, he was much more comfortable now than he was in Prussia. Feeling the various conveniences that industry had brought to life in the Great Yu Empire, he was almost in love with this place.

Lilya raised her wine glass and clinked it with her husband’s. The red wine in the glass swirled, and she looked at the candle on the table with some resentment, saying, “I really hope we can have dinner under an electric light soon.”

“Believe me, it won’t be long. These things have now been proven to be streetlights, which means Qingzhou City is officially electrified. Soon, the people here, including us, will enjoy the convenience of electricity. The only pity is that the Great Yu Empire is still unwilling to give us their top technologies, including electricity and steam locomotives,” Bosse said with regret.

“I think we should be satisfied. At least His Majesty the Emperor has agreed to the matter of studying abroad. In two months, the first batch of eight hundred students will arrive,” Lilya comforted. She understood her husband’s feelings. In fact, it was somewhat similar to what the Great Yu Empire experienced ten years ago. Prussia’s status in Europe was also not high and it was oppressed by France. Under French intervention, the German Confederation was long-divided and was never able to form a powerful country.

“You’re right. The hope of Prussia rests on them,” a glimmer of hope flashed in Bosse’s eyes. Thinking of something, he continued, “By the way, tomorrow is the first day of the Great Yu Empire’s New Year. I hope you can take our children to the palace to visit the Great Yu Empress. If we can maintain a personal friendship, it will be very beneficial to us. And I will also attend the grand court session to convey the greetings of the King of Prussia to His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Yu Empire.”

“Of course,” Lilya nodded lightly. “This is the very purpose of an ambassador’s wife.”

In the Dutch embassy, two hundred meters away from the Prussian one, Rhode was also watching the Great Yu Empire being lit up by the lights. After Claire was recalled to the Netherlands, Brandon ordered him to stay in the Great Yu Empire. After the Prussian embassy was established, their delegation was officially renamed the Dutch embassy, and he naturally became the ambassador.

“The Great Yu Empire’s Foreign Affairs Department has officially informed us of the fact that they have occupied Malacca. Now the key choke point of the Asian shipping routes is in the hands of the Great Yu Empire. Their actions are swift and decisive,” a voice came from behind Rhode.

He was Parson, the Second Class Minister of the Dutch embassy. According to the embassy regulations given by the Great Yu Empire, embassy personnel were divided into three levels: ambassador, first-class minister, and second-class minister, with each level of personnel responsible for different diplomatic affairs.

“I’ve known the Great Yu Emperor Xiao Ming for seven years. I know this emperor’s character very well. He is a man of his word. It’s a pity that the Spanish fools became a stepping stone for the British and French and lost all their interests in Asia,” Rhode said sarcastically.

Parson showed a mocking expression. “They brought it upon themselves. But Rhode, aren’t you at all worried about our future relationship with the Great Yu Empire? Don’t forget, we have more colonies in Asia than the Spanish. Would a lion let the meat at its mouth be taken by others?”

“Of course not. We understood that Xiao Ming was not a person who would suffer losses when he demanded to station troops at Fort Zeelandia. However, there is one thing: this emperor will endure for the sake of profit, and this is what we need. For example, now, they are in desperate need of rubber, and we are the only ones who can provide it to them.”

After a pause, Rhode frowned and said, “It’s just that our Netherlands is too weak. We cannot fight against the British and French in Europe, whether in terms of population or land. My real concern is that the Dutch Parliament will eventually be forced to side with Britain or France.”

A hint of panic flashed in Parson’s eyes. “That would be a disaster for us.”

“That’s right. Between losing our country and losing our colonies, we will have to make a choice at that time,” Rhode’s eyes flickered. “So for now, let’s just enjoy the friendly relationship between the Netherlands and the Great Yu Empire.”

As soon as he finished speaking, a tidal wave of cheers suddenly came from the Imperial City Avenue. After the initial shock, the people of Qingzhou City finally understood what the Emperor’s surprise for them tonight was.

“Long live our Emperor! Long live our Emperor!”

“Long live!”

“…”

The cheers of the people grew louder and louder. At the same time, dense fireworks rose from the palace, exploding in the sky and lighting up the night. The entire Qingzhou City was immediately immersed in a sea of joy.

“They’ve been talking about electricity for a while, and I can’t believe it’s real. Hey, look, the light in this glass cover isn’t powered by oil,”

In the many streets, the Imperial City Avenue was the most lively.

After the cheering, the people gathered in front of the streetlights, pointing and marveling at the magic of electricity.

“I wonder when we can have electricity in our homes, too,” a person said with anticipation.

“Now that electricity has been connected to the city, it won’t be long,” another person replied, “If my home can also be this bright, it will be much easier for my son to read at night.”

Everyone else who heard this laughed. This was the thought of most of them. The changes of the past decade had made them gradually accept the principle of revitalizing the nation through science and education.

At the same time, the rise of elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and universities had given poor students a real channel for upward mobility, and the implementation of free education meant that they did not have to worry about the cost.