Greece’s Roman Road

Constantine's affirmative answer made Banning feel more at ease.

I just heard that Constantine asked him to find a way to allow the countries to allow the Congolese Commission to collect tariffs.

According to the current situation, the Congolese Commission is likely to get the management power, but it is difficult for the countries to allow the collection of tariffs.

Originally, the acquisition of Congolese management rights by the Congolese Commission was an opportunistic act. Everyone planned to use Congo as a buffer zone to avoid conflicts between countries in central Africa in the future.

The reason why the French agreed was also because of the right of first refusal given by Constantine, and they were unwilling to make a big deal.

If the British government agrees this time, I am afraid that the protests of Germany and France will play a greater role.

Since it is managed by the Congolese Committee, everyone can still trade freely. For countries, it also saves a lot of up-front investment costs, and they can directly enjoy the ready-made, so why not do it.

If the management of the Congolese Commission cannot satisfy everyone at that time, the issue of management rights will probably face twists and turns.

But now that the Congolese Committee has announced that it will collect tariffs, I am afraid that everyone's attitude towards the Congolese Committee is not so positive.

Because this is to receive money directly from the pockets of merchants in various countries. After all, it is the Congolese market with 20 million people. It is a pity to lose it. Those in Europe that are slow-moving, low-quality, and dusty in warehouses, these Africans will probably not dislike it.

"Your Excellency the Duke, if we openly announce that we will collect tariffs in the Congo right now, I am afraid that things will change when we obtain the management rights of the Congo."

"I think it should be done in stages. After the management power is stabilized, the tariff issue should be raised."

"Anyway, just after that time, the committee has firmly controlled the Congolese area. If they do not agree to collect tariffs, then the Congolese committee will not be able to effectively manage the local situation because of its weak financial resources, and their business will not be happy."

"Over time, I'm not afraid that they won't agree to the tariffs," Banning said.

"Your Excellency the Duke", while the two continued to discuss countermeasures, Gladstone had come in again.

"Mr. Prime Minister, what's your answer?" Constantine asked hurriedly.

"You are today's winner. I have to say that it is a genius plan. Who can believe that millions of square kilometers of land will belong to you in the future," said Prime Minister Gladstone.

"You really should be a diplomat, and your ability to do everything is not inferior to those veterans who have been immersed in the diplomatic field for many years."

"Each one of them is defeated, divided and drawn together, and the interests are shared. These combined methods are really beautiful to play, and they are simply perfect diplomatic methods."

"If you want, you can come to work in the Foreign Office of the British government." Gladstone did not forget to use British humor.

"Thank you for your compliment, Mr. Prime Minister. So, have you agreed to the Congolese Council's management of the Congo?"

"Yes, I just exchanged opinions with the French government and the German government via telegram, and they all agreed that the Congolese Commission will manage the Congo," Gladstone replied.

"Honestly, it was a fantastic victory, you know, when I heard about a privately sponsored organization fighting the French and Portuguese for the ownership of the Congo Valley."

"My first thought was to stop the French from expanding in Africa and support the Portuguese claims."

"The success of either of them will not exceed my expectations, but the only private organization that I don't care about at all, your Congolese committee, has succeeded." Gladstone said in a surprised tone said.

"Congratulations, under the premise of the establishment of a free trade zone in the Republic of Congo, there will be no doubts about the management rights, but for other details, I am afraid that you have to contact other countries participating in the Berlin Conference."

"Thank you very much for your support. This is a win-win situation. The hard work of the Congolese Commission in Africa over the years has finally been recognized by everyone. The industry and commerce of all countries will gain a vast African market, and Africans will gain civilization. acceptance of the world, and no longer in a primitive state of ignorance" Constantine did not feel that he was taking advantage of it.

Countries don't have to do anything, they just get a piece of the free trade market with their mouths. It's hard to say who took advantage of it.

After receiving an affirmative reply from the British government, Constantine and Banning split up. Banning went to Berlin to continue participating in the meeting and negotiating details with various countries.

And Constantine himself went to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, to meet with King Leopold II of Belgium.

Together with Schmidt, they crossed the English Channel by ship and arrived in Antwerp on the other side of the channel. The two took the train to Brussels.

With the help of the Brussels ambassador, the two went to the scheduled location, the Brussels Theatre.

Under the guidance of the theater attendant, they took the two to a private room, where they saw Leopold, the Belgian king, sitting on the sofa in good spirits.

"Your Majesty, we"

"Shh, the show is about to start," Leopold interrupted Constantine, but looked intently at the direction of the stage.

Since this guy is so elegant~www.wuxiax.com~ invites him to watch the dance together, he can only accompany him.

The light on the stage was dim, the performance hall was instantly quiet, the curtain was slowly opened, and only male and female dancers were seen standing on the stage.

After the tribute, the music was played slowly, and the dancing men and women followed the rhythm of the music. The men showed the beauty of strength and sturdiness, the women were soft and sexy, and the charm of dance was undoubtedly revealed.

Although Constantine studied more military politics in this life and was a layman in dance, it can still be seen that the performers have profound skills.

"Look at her, she's so beautiful, she's an angel," Leopold murmured obsessively.

Constantine looked helpless, this old man was here to chase after the stars.

"Which dancer is this?" Constantine asked curiously.

"Cleo, a dancer from Paris, but her reputation is better than dancing. I don't know how many people want to meet her?" Leopold said.

"What did you want to do when you invited me here?" Constantine said impatiently.

I ran all the way from London to Brussels, and my feelings came to accompany me to watch the show.

"You should know what you did yourself," Leopold said sullenly.

After he said this, even though his face was expressionless, Constantine was indeed agitated. Could it be the matter of the Cameron expedition?

Stanley had previously returned to Athens to seek assistance from him. The reason was that the Cameron expedition funded by Leopold had plans to set foot in the Congo, and he also sent 500 professional military personnel from the Royal Guards to support him. .

Could it be that Leopold noticed that his hands and feet were not clean?

​​