1635 Han style rises again

Chapter 77

When Cao Xiong first heard that there was a group of Western soldiers coming to the inn to look for him, he also panicked.Could it be that we were deceived by the Dutchman, who wanted to seize my ship and property, and arrest me?
But then I thought about it, shit, we saved the life of that big man in Holland, but we can't just turn our backs if we just turn our backs!Moreover, I just went to his house in the morning, and according to Xiaotian's suggestion, I gave him a big gift.

"What else did they say?" Cao Xiong asked calmly.

"Also, it's a bit late, please hurry up, don't make his adults wait..."

"Damn it, someone asked you to call someone, why are you panicking!" Cao Xiong heard this, and it didn't seem like he was here to arrest him, but it was a bit like inviting him to be a guest.

Sure enough, when he returned to the inn, Cao Xiong immediately recognized the red-bearded housekeeper of the big man.

Anri Credo is the butler of Ludwig's mansion in Batavia, a Saxon.Three years ago, he came to the remote East Indies with Ludwild and took care of his official residence in Batavia and the country villa outside the city, as well as various private affairs extended from his company and business.

After the dinner, Mr. Connet Ludwig ordered him to immediately take the Ming Dynasty man who came to visit in the morning, "Chao Ji", to his official residence, and he needed to communicate with him about some matters.

Anri Credo didn't dare to neglect, and immediately called a group of Germanic mercenaries outside the mansion, and came towards the inn that Cao Xiong had mentioned.

"Dear Chao, Mr. Ludwild needs you to see him immediately. There is something very important that needs to be discussed with you. Please come with me!"

Cao Xiong nodded after listening to the interpreter's message.

"Stay in the inn and wait for me to come back!" Cao Xiong turned around and said to everyone.

"Uncle, shall I go with you?" Qi Dalu was a little worried.

Cao Xiong looked at Qi Dalu and thought, if something happens, there must be someone to report back.He turned his head and looked at the red-bearded butler inquiringly.

Anri Credo shrugged, just bring an extra entourage, don't they dare to have evil intentions against Mr. Ludwild.

Along the way, a group of Western soldiers walked through the streets and across the city. Even at night, Batavia still looked very lively.Restaurants, taverns, casinos, and brothels, Dutch, Germanic, English, Ming people... are full of them.

After 16 years of operation by the Dutch, Batavia has shown the prosperity and wealth of a regional trade center.

When Cao Xiong and Qi Dalu were brought to Ludwig's study, the other party had obviously been waiting for a long time, and the pot of tea was half gone.

Cornett Ludwig smiled and stretched out his hand to signal Cao Xiong to sit on the bench by the window, then looked at Qi Dalu beside Cao Xiong, and couldn't help frowning at his butler.

Anri Credo said quickly, "It's Mr. Chao's nephew, a close relative."

Ludwig nodded and looked at Cao Xiong with a smile again.

"The small island where you are living... is okay." Ludwig asked.

Cao Xiong looked at the red-bearded butler next to Ludwidge with some surprise, he could actually speak good Ming official Chinese, repeating what Ludwig said word by word.

"It's okay, the place is a little barren, and it needs a few years of renovation." Cao Xiong said.

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"We just lack some supplies.... This time I came to Batavia, apart from seeing you, I just bought some goods to go back."

"...We still want to buy some artillery, muskets, I wonder if we can?"

Ludwig was taken aback when he heard this. The initial support of the artillery was originally planned by the committee and the governor in advance.After all, to raise a thug, you must first arm him.

Ludwig nodded, agreeing, and did not make a clear statement as to whether it was a purchase or a gift.

Cao Xiong felt relieved when he saw the other party agreeing so readily, scratched his head and thought about it, he probably had no obligation to help in recruiting people, and had to rely on himself.

"Then we won't bother you with anything difficult?" Cao Xiong felt that it's better not to mention too many conditions for the first contact.

Ludwig was a little surprised. He had been in contact with five or six waves of small sea forces. When they met, they asked for money, food, weapons, and even warships.All this made him feel bored and helpless.At the same time, invisibly, the company's capital budget for the organization and raising of thugs has also been increased.

Originally, before meeting with Cao Xiong, he was already mentally prepared for the other party to ask for a huge amount of money and supplies.Because the opponent not only has a certain strength, but also saved his own life.

Who would have expected that the other party only asked for artillery and firearms. If Anli's butler's report just now was accurate, the other party wanted to buy it, not for free.

At this moment, Ludwig's affection for Cao Xiong suddenly rose to countless heights.

Since the other party is so knowledgeable, then I can't calculate too much.

"The company is going to provide you with twenty pieces of artillery, ranging from small 4-pound guns to 18-pound naval guns, with 100 barrels of gunpowder and 500 bullets of various types; 100 muskets, also with gunpowder bullets.  … ...Give it to you for free!" After speaking, Ludwig smiled, and leaned back on the chair covered with precious fur behind him, quietly watching the other party's reaction.

What, artillery guns, as well as the accompanying gunpowder bullets, are all given to me for free?When Cao Xiong heard this, he was taken aback for a moment, and then the corners of his mouth parted.This is a good thing, don't let it go for nothing!I thought about spending money to buy it, but I never thought that the Dutch red-haired ghost would give it away for free!
Wait, there is no free lunch in this world. The Dutch are so generous, but what is he trying to do to us?
"Lord Lu, you gave us so many weapons for free, what do you need us to do?" Cao Xiong calmed down and asked carefully.

"Now, there is no need for you to do anything for the time being." Ludwig looked at Cao Xiong with satisfaction, although he was a little happy after being promised so many things.However, he calmly asked what price he would have to pay for it.It's a potential partner.

"Because, you still need...to develop your own strength, don't you?"

"Then, when we have some strength, what do we need to do?"

"Serve for the maximization of our company's overall interests! For example, attack our competitors...Zheng Zhilong, I think this is what you really want to do, right?"

"Sometimes, you have to help us fight against the barbaric natives near the company's business hall (colonial point). Of course, you will gain something in the process."

Sure enough, in the future, I will use Lao Tzu as a gunman, and I will fight wherever I point, and I can't violate it.
"I am willing to fight the natives! I am also willing to fight your competitors! I am more willing to fight Zheng Zhilong! ... But I will not go to the land of Ming Dynasty to ruin the people of Ming Dynasty for you!" Cao Xiong looked at the road seriously. Deved.

Ludwig nodded while listening, and finally heard Cao Xiong say that he didn't want to go to the land of Ming Dynasty to spoil the people of Ming Dynasty, so he couldn't help but looked at his housekeeper strangely.

Anri Credo thought for a while, and then said softly: "Probably, he doesn't want to help us go to Daming to catch piglets (labor)."

After hearing this, Ludwig suddenly realized.Instead of getting angry, he looked at Cao Xiong even more highly.Well, he is a national hero.It doesn't matter, since he doesn't want to help the company catch piglets in the future, there will naturally be other armed forces willing to do it.

He nodded, expressing his agreement with Cao Xiong's agreement.

"Next, what are you going to do?" Ludwig asked casually after talking about the general direction of cooperation.

"I'm in Batavia. I'll buy some food and take it home. Then, I'm going to Daming to recruit some people. Help me farm, work and take care of the house, and replenish the sailors on the ship,"

Ludwig nodded, these sea forces of different sizes, unless they are completely swallowed up by one force.Otherwise, give him two or three years, and he will soon make up for the previous losses from the mainland and grow stronger again.

The former Liu Xiang was nearly wiped out by Zheng Zhilong in Liuluowan two years ago.But after Liu Xiang fled with a few backbones, in less than two years, he pulled up another team of more than 2000 people.Until more than two months ago, Yu Tianweiyang was killed by Zheng Zhilong.

"Uncle,... a flintlock gun." Qi Dalu who was beside Cao Xiong suddenly said in a low voice.

Cao Xiong frowned, and also remembered what Qi Tian said, that for a long time to come, flintlock guns will gradually eliminate all kinds of outdated matchlock guns.

"That..., Mr. Lu, can the muskets you gave us for free be all flintlocks?"

Ludwig was a little surprised when he heard this.Flintlock guns are rarely equipped in the armies of European countries. Because of their relatively high cost, they have little advantage in cost performance compared to matchlock guns.

Moreover, the 30-year war in Europe has lasted for more than ten years, and the finances of all countries are a little bit overwhelmed, let alone a complete replacement of matchlock guns in the army.

Therefore, although flintlock guns have been around for many years, they have not been popularized and installed in the armies of various countries.

"You guys know a lot about the specifications and shapes of muskets!" Ludwild couldn't help but praise Cao Xiong.Because he is a pure businessman, he doesn't know much about the advantages and disadvantages of flintlock guns and matchlock guns.

Since they are all muskets, there must not be much difference. Ludwig shook his head indifferently, and said to his butler, "Then replace them with flintlock guns."

"Sir, this... I'm afraid there is something wrong with it." Anri Credo hesitated for a moment, and said in a low voice.

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(End of this chapter)