Forty-eight years of Qianlong

Chapter 231 The real negotiation is under the table

On February [-], representatives from Beihai Town and the Qing Dynasty began to handle the transfer of prisoners at the military depot on the north bank of the Mongolian River.

Beihai Town first submitted the roster of the first batch of 2000 people, which was checked by representatives of the Qing army.After the Qing army completed the inspection and confirmed that it was correct, they lit a torch to notify the camp south of the Mongolian River to transport the first ransom across the river.

The next step is for Beihai Town to test whether the ransom paid by the Qing army is real gold.In order to ensure that the gold would not be lost by Beihai Town, the Qing army sent a Bi Tie Shi and a military officer to supervise it.

That Bi Tie Shi looked to be in his fifties, and when he took off his hat to wipe his sweat, Zhao Xin noticed that the hair on the back of his head was very thin.As for the military officer, he was the co-leader of the Jianrui Battalion.

The first step in detection is to sample gold ingots for appearance.Because the higher the purity, the darker the color.

The gold ingots in the Qing Dynasty were not gold ingots, but rectangular boats.Due to the unique ductility of gold, the surface will be curved due to tension, so the ancient gold ingots are not square.

It should be noted that, no matter in the Qing Dynasty or the previous Song, Yuan and Ming Dynasties, gold and silver ingots were never made by the government, but were cast by the people and supervised by the government.Since gold ingots are relatively expensive, merchants generally dare not tamper with gold ingots to ensure that they are of sufficient value.

The government only controls the casting of copper coins, so there are only copper coins in the treasury of the household department, that is, "big money in the town treasury"; there is no such thing as official town treasury gold and silver ingots, let alone Qing gold ingots. A fictional product that spreads falsehoods.

The batch of gold transported from Beijing's Ministry of Internal Affairs is all standard gold ingots of twelve pieces.On the front, the left and right sides are stamped with "red gold", and in the middle is the stamp of the silver number responsible for casting.

The second part will be tested by weighing. An electronic scale, a large beaker filled with more than half a cup of water, a string, and a calculator are all the testing tools.Firstly, the gold ingots are weighed on the scale, and the data is recorded; then the beaker filled with water is put on the scale to reset; then the gold ingots are suspended into the water in the beaker with a string, and the data is recorded again after it stabilizes; finally The first step is to calculate, the gold weight divided by the drain weight and then divided by the gold standard density (19.32), the decimal obtained is the gold content.

Because there is a big difference between the density of gold and the density of lead, if the other party uses a lead block to paint a fake gold paint, it can be detected quickly through this method.

There is no need for Zhao Xin to do this kind of work. The few people who came with Minzheng are now proficient in using electronic scales and calculators.After sampling and testing, the final gold content of more than a dozen gold ingots is basically around 0.95.

The supervisor in charge blinked his eyes at Beihai Town's operations, unable to understand at all.Whether it was an electronic scale or a calculator, he was extremely shocked.This is much easier to use than weights and abacus!
He bowed his hands to Zhao Xin and said, "Dare to ask, sir, how much will it cost to buy these two?"

Zhao Xin said nonsense: "A calculator is 50 taels of silver. As long as it has light, it can be used forever. As for this scale, it can weigh silk. If you don't have electricity, you can't use it."

The post said in surprise: "Electricity? You mean the thunder and lightning in the sky?"

The military officer on the side scoffed, a group of monsters!
"Yeah, a lot of things can't be used without electricity."

"Then how can I use the thunder and lightning in the sky for this?"

"Uh, the reasoning here is very complicated, and you won't understand it even if you tell me."

The post said in his heart that if this is something that can only be used to attract lightning, if you give it to me for nothing, I will not dare to use it!In his heart, people like Zhao Xin have become demons using sorcery!

Seeing the test results, Wang Yuanfang said to Zhao Xin: "The gold content of this gold is only 90.00%!"

"Okay, don't worry about it, that's how gold is in this year. Haven't you heard of 'seven greens, eight yellows, nine five reds'?"

The ancient red gold was at such a level, and besides, the gold content of the gold ingots of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is much stronger than that of the small gold of the shogunate next door.But what Zhao Xin didn't know was that in the history of gold smelting in China, there was a breakthrough during the reign of Qianlong, when ninety-nine percent pure gold was refined for the first time, and this batch of ninety-nine percent pure gold was later used by Qianlong to make top-grade goldware .

After the ransom payment was confirmed, Beihai Town began to release people in groups of 100 people one by one.After the two parties confirm and sign the list, every 100 people will be led by a representative of the Qing army to cross the river.

By February No. 19, the number of captives returned had expanded to 5000, and Beihai Town dispatched three battalions to escort them all the way.Under Heshen's behest, the Manchus didn't care about border residents or not, as long as they were on the list, they were all counted.

On the fifth day, there were only more than 200 prisoners left in the last batch.These people included Fukang'an, Duerjia, and 97 Eight Banners armored soldiers and family servants captured by Beihai Town in the battle of the previous year; in it.

As for the twelve armored soldiers led by Samusu captured by Zhao Xin on Xiongdao, there was no need to go back. After Beihai Town captured Hunchun City, their families had already been brought back to Fuldan City.In addition, there are more than 200 Han Chinese.Most of them have already joined the military and political system of Beihai Town like Zhang Fang or Monk Zhou, and some of them will be transported to Ezo Land to be responsible for the livestock and cultivation work there.

Beihai Town not only returned the living captives this time, but also had to deal with the corpses of the war dead.After the battle last year, Beihai Town buried all the corpses of the restrained Qing army under a hill on the south bank of the Suifen River.Because of the cold weather, the Qing army did not dig up the graves and take the corpses away this time. Instead, they agreed to send people to collect the bones after the land thawed in the spring.

Just as Fukang'an and the others were about to cross the river, a guard suddenly came to find Zhao Xin.

"Chief, one of them said they wanted to see you."

"Who?"

"It's the document responsible for checking the gold."

When Zhao Xin was accompanied by a few guards and saw the pen post style, the other party took off his hat and said to Zhao Xin with a smile: "Master Zhao really keeps his word! Then let's talk about the next thing."

Zhao Xin looked at him strangely and asked, "Your Excellency?"

The man cupped his hands and said with a smile: "My surname is Liu, and the single name is a whole character."

When Fukang'an returned to the Qing army camp and saw He Shenzhi who had been waiting for him for many days, emotions of sourness, gratitude and shame were intertwined.

He had never looked directly at the person in front of him, even if the other person was in charge of the court's purse.He, Fukang'an, is going to send troops to fight, and no matter who is in charge of the household department, he must collect all his military expenses.

In Fukang'an's eyes, would a guy who flattered Qianlong also want to make friends with him?joke!But now.
Fukang adjusted the sleeves of his robe, raised his arms from bottom to top, and made a long bow to He Shen.

"Brother Zhizhai, thank you for your kindness! I, Fukang'an, have written it down!"

"Brother Yaolin, you can't do it! You can't do it! You're trying to embarrass me to death!" He Shen was startled, and then a look of color flashed in his eyes.He quickly stepped forward and stretched out his hands to support the other party. "It's all thanks to the protection of the Holy Son of Heaven, Brother Yaolin returns to the sea today, congratulations!"

Fu Kang'an's face was gloomy, and he smiled wryly: "Brother Zhizhai, the defeated general, don't laugh at me."

At this time, the banquet had already been set up in the tent, and while inviting Fukang'an to sit down, He Shen said: "Brother Yaolin, where did you say that! To be honest, the emperor sent a secret edict to ask about the situation of the old man every time. Let me rescue him as soon as possible. It is really a blessing that Brother Yao Lin is unscathed! Before coming, I have already visited the old lady at the mansion. Someone and I swore to the old lady that we must save Yao Lin. Brother Lin must take it back whole."

When Fu Kang'an heard the other party mentioned Qianlong and his mother, he quickly got up and stood facing south, knelt down and kowtowed with tears on his face: "Chen Fu Kang'an is ashamed of the emperor! He is really an unfaithful and unfilial person!"

He Shen hurriedly helped him up, sat down and continued: "For me, taking brother Yaolin and all the soldiers back this time is just one of them. I have also seen Bandit Zhao's military strength in the past few days. When I return to the capital to face the saint, the emperor will definitely have inquiries. Don’t worry, brother, I’ll give the booklet to the master later, explaining the situation of thief Zhao clearly. However, how much do you know about the internal situation of thief Zhao?”

Fukang'an picked up the wine glass in front of him and drank it down in one gulp, coughing chokingly. "It's been a few months, and I've seen some of them. I think Zhao Xin is very cunning! To be honest, after talking to him a few times, I suddenly understood why he wants to occupy Jilin. This person is imitating me. What Zu Taizong did is really a serious problem for the imperial court!"

He Shen was taken aback for a moment, and quickly asked: "You mean, he imitated my imperial ancestor Taizong?"

"That's right! Occupy a place outside the pass, backed by military force, and assimilate the border people of various tribes in the name of Zhu Ming, integrating military and civilian administration. I have seen the muskets used by Zhao's bandits several times. No matter the material or shape, they are all the same. I have never seen it in my life. The gun can be fired by raising the hand, and it can be fired continuously without filling the sub-powder."

He Shen hurriedly asked: "Then, where is the cannon?"

Fukangan shook his head and said: "I have been imprisoned in the city, and I can only stand at the door to bask in the sun for a while every day. I have never seen a gun before."

He Shen sighed: "Brother Yaolin is suffering!"

The two talked for a while later, and when He Shen saw that Fu Kang'an was tired, he ordered his subordinates to vacate his residence for Fu Kang'an to rest.Fukang'an refused to say anything at first, but He Shen's figure was very low. After some respect and humility, Fukang'an was not easy to get away with.

After sending Fukang'an away, He Shen ordered people to remove all the food and wine, and leaned on the back of the chair with his hands and closed his eyes to rest.After several months of hard work, the errands assigned by Qianlong were finally completed, and the position of the chief minister of military aircraft was considered secure.Thinking of this, He Shen couldn't help feeling very proud.

At this time, the curtain swayed, and Liu Quan, who had just changed into a pen post, walked in.

"Grandpa, I've asked you all!"

"Oh, tell me now."

"That thing used for accounting is 50 taels, and it is said that it can be used if there is light. As for the scale, Zhao thief said that it can be used by attracting thunder and lightning from the sky. Tell me, isn't this a sorcery!"

"Nonsense! When we went to Shandong to investigate the Guotai case, we met a few monsters from the Qingshui Sect. They all said that they knew some magic tricks, but when the shackles were put on and the lute bones were pierced, they couldn't use any tricks. Come out! Liu Quan, you said that you are also a traveler, why do you still believe this kind of thing? How did you talk with the other side?"

Liu Quan leaned over and whispered in his ear: "My lord, I have told you about the Huaniao Island and Guangzhou landings according to your instructions, and they have agreed. On April [-], they sent the goods to Huaniao Island. After unloading, they will go to Guangzhou."

He Shen thought for a while, and then said: "Guangzhou has to make an agreement with Mu Teng'e (Guangdong Customs Supervision), and also write a letter to Cai Shiwen (one of the thirteen lines). You tell the other side that the big ship must stop at Overseas, you can’t enter the port; if you want to land, you must pass through Cai Shiwen’s ship. In addition, no more than ten people can land, and they can only live in the Yiguan District. If something happens, he is the only one to ask! This matter will be left to you gone."

"Whoo!"

That night, Liu Quan, as He Shen's representative, quietly went to the north bank of the Mongolian River.As a result, before Liu Quan saw Zhao Xin this time, he saw another strange object, an LED light bulb.

"Mr. Zhao, this, what is this thing? It can make the house as bright as day?"

"Electric light." Zhao Xin deliberately emphasized on "electricity".

When Liu Quan heard it, forget it, this is a sorcery again!Thinking of this, he relayed He Shen's instructions; at the same time, he asked Zhao Xin to provide a list of goods for early arrangement.

Zhao Xin immediately took out the list of goods that had been prepared.Liu Quan took a closer look and found that there were dozens of product categories above, covering everything from basic necessities to food, housing and transportation.What attracts his attention most is matches and large-format glass. In addition, there are calculators, glassware, enamelware, various fabrics, clothes, shoes and socks, clocks, pearls, animal skins, razors, etc. Wait.

Liu Quan pointed to the pearl item and said: "This is not acceptable, Dongzhu cannot be included in the transaction."

Zhao Xin said with a smile: "Butler Liu misunderstood, this is not Dongzhu, but a freshwater pearl from the Ainu country. The Dongzhu you gave me before is far behind this one." Take out a string of bracelets made of cultured pearls from his pocket.

"Take it as a meeting gift, Mr. Liu."

This is a purple round pearl bracelet that Zhao Xin bought from another time and space. The diameter of each pearl is 12 mm, and a single bead is worth several hundred yuan. Each string has a total of 19 beads, reflecting under the light. Breathtaking light!
Liu Quan was stunned when he saw the pearl bracelet, and the blood all over his body rushed to the top of his head.This is a priceless treasure!

"You guys, will you sell it to Guangzhou in the future?" Liu Quan's voice was trembling.

"How is that possible! It's one of a kind in a million. The ones sold in Guangzhou are all white. They're only half the size, but they're all the same round."

"That's good, that's good. To tell you the truth, the rare goods bought by the Thirteenth Bank will be sent directly to the Ministry of Internal Affairs through Guangdong Customs."

"Understand."

The so-called Guangdong Customs was actually Qianlong's private treasury, and the relevant taxes had to be turned over to the Ministry of Internal Affairs; those imported goods of good quality were also sent directly to Da Nei, and ordinary people had no chance to see them.

"What about you? Just want money?"

"Mr. Liu, silver is certainly a good thing, and other things such as tea and silk are also fine, but you'd better help me get some antique calligraphy and paintings."

When Liu Quan heard it, it was too simple!Only to hear Zhao Xin say again: "However, only ten people can log in, this is not acceptable. At least 40 people are required!"

"40 people!" Liu Quan was stunned when he heard it. "May I ask Mr. Zhao, who are these forty of you? Sailors?"

"How could it be a sailor, a member of a trade group. Accountants, business representatives, public relations, marketing planning, legal affairs, security guards."

Zhao Xin told nonsense, and Liu Quan blinked his eyes when he heard it.Except for accountants and security guards, he knew they were account managers and bodyguards, and he didn't understand anything else!

"Wait a minute, Mr. Zhao, what are you talking about?"

"Mr. Liu doesn't know something. Our division of labor in Beihai Town is meticulous, and each has its own expertise."

Zhao Xin's nonsense made up, not only made his own mouth dry, but also completely confused Liu Quan.For Zhao Xin, as long as he can get a platoon of people ashore, even if he tells Liu Quan that there is an IT department in Beihai Town, he can tell the truth.

Guangzhou will build an intelligence station in the future.At that time, Liu Zheng will be in the densely populated Yiguan area. If there are not enough people, his safety will not be guaranteed.

Liu Quan was overwhelmed by what Zhao Xin said, so he finally agreed.Anyway, outside the Yiguan District in Guangzhou, there is a governor's standard battalion guarding the gate, and forty people are under heavy guard.He finally made an agreement with Zhao Xin that on July [-], the two parties would meet at Flower and Bird Island; then Liu Quanhui would send someone to accompany him to the south, and be in charge of contacting the matter of landing in Guangzhou.

On February 24, the Qing army on the south bank of the Mongolian River began to pull out its camp and head south, and Zhao Xin led his team back to the city with gold.

So far, a battle that lasted nearly a year from the beginning of preparation to the end has finally come to an end.After this battle, the Manchu Qing court lost money and was ashamed, and began to regard Beihai Town as a serious problem.

However, because of the severe drought that started last year has spread to Zhejiang, Jiangxi and other places, even the water level of West Lake in Hangzhou has dropped by half.The Qing court, unwilling to let it go, could only be busy dealing with the disasters in various places, and Beihai Town also ushered in a calm buffer period.

(End of this chapter)