In Li Jingyuan's understanding, the Japanese were the most ruthless and evil enemies of the entire nation and people.
If the Russians were the enemies who had seized the most land, then the Japanese were the ones who had killed the most compatriots.
Both the Russians and the Japanese were Li Jingyuan's enemies.
But his hatred for the Japanese was undoubtedly greater.
In Li Jingyuan's plan, the First Sino-Japanese War a few years later was undoubtedly a great opportunity to fight a decisive battle against the Japanese.
The Japanese hoped to seize vast territories and massive wealth from the Qing Dynasty through this war, thereby achieving their rise and ascent.
As long as they could defeat the Japanese in this battle.
Then their path to rising would be completely cut off.
The Japanese would no longer be able to rise to become a world-class power, invade this ancient land again, or slaughter our compatriots.
But to Li Jingyuan's surprise, the Japanese were actually going to intervene in this war.
He had to admit that he had underestimated the British.
Even if the British didn't personally participate in this war, there were plenty of countries willing to act as their running dogs and do their dirty work for them.
But for the Beiyang Army, this was a considerable threat.
After all, the Japanese army of this era was not weak.
At least, it was much stronger than the Qing army.
It would undoubtedly be much more difficult for the Beiyang Army to defeat the Qing army and destroy the Manchu Qing dynasty.
Li Jingyuan and the entire Beiyang Army had to prepare early for this.
“Thank you, my friend, this news is indeed very important for us.
But I believe that even if the British bring in the Japanese as cannon fodder, the final victory will still be ours.
The Qing government is destined to be destroyed by us. It is inevitable!”
Li Jingyuan was very confident.
“I believe you, my friend. You will surely win!” Schenk nodded repeatedly.
For the German Empire, if the Beiyang Army could win, it would be a great benefit for the German Empire.
The German Empire wanted to rise, but it was facing suppression from the British Empire.
If the German Empire could have a powerful ally in the far East.
Then the pressure on the German Empire would undoubtedly be much less.
After sending Schenk off, Li Jingyuan immediately went to see Li Hongzhang and told him that the Japanese would be participating in the war.
“The Japanese have always had wolfish ambitions. In recent years, they have been working hard to develop their military strength. Both their army and navy have made significant progress.
The Jia Shen Coup a few years ago was the Japanese's first step in invading the Kingdom of Joseon.
In order to deter the Japanese ambitions, I also sent the Beiyang Navy to visit the Empire of Japan twice, hoping to deter the Japanese with our powerful military strength.
But it seems that this has not only had any effect, but has further fueled the Japanese ambition to develop their military strength.
They ordered a large number of warships from the British and the French.
This has made their naval strength grow rapidly.
This time, the British have invited them to join the war. The Japanese will certainly not refuse!”
Li Hongzhang looked very serious.
“Yes, Father. The Japanese have a great ambition for expansion. But now that things have come to this, we can only fight back. No matter how many Japanese come, we'll kill them all. I want to see how many Japanese are willing to die for this!” Li Jingyuan looked murderous.
Faced with this situation, the Beiyang Army had no other choice but to fight the Japanese with all their might and make them afraid to interfere in the war between the Beiyang Army and the Qing government. There was no other choice.
Li Hongzhang nodded: “Indeed, our war with the Japanese is inevitable. Even if we don't fight now, in a few years, when the Japanese are prepared, we will still have to fight!
Fighting with the Japanese now is also a good way to test their strength. It will also let the Japanese know that we are not easy to mess with!”
“Yes, Father. The Qing army is too weak. Fighting them does not help in training our troops. The Japanese are barely a strong enemy. Only by defeating them will our army be considered world-class.
Only then will we be able to defeat other enemies in the future!”
Li Jingyuan said.
“Lao San, the battle will be left to you. I will fully cooperate with you in political affairs!”
Li Jingyuan and Li Hongzhang had already agreed on this division of labor.
“Father, don't worry, this time we will not only destroy the Manchu Qing dynasty, but we will also teach the Japanese a lesson!” Li Jingyuan was very confident.
Then, Li Jingyuan made arrangements.
The 12 newly formed infantry divisions of the Beiyang Army continued to intensify their training.
At the same time, the Laizhou Arsenal also accelerated its production, starting to work in three shifts in order to produce more weapons and ammunition.
At the same time, the Beiyang Army's southern and western forces also received orders to increase their attacks and try to capture Henan and Jiangsu provinces as soon as possible.