Brother Zhu Youxiao

Chapter 578
"Clean up the battlefield!"

"Yes!"

At the end of February, when Richelieu's letter arrived in front of Gustav II, Gustav II was outside Jankov Castle in the north of the Danube.

Here, they just scored a victory.

Gustav II commanded [-] Swedish troops, armed with [-] artillery pieces, and faced the almost evenly matched [-] Catholic coalition forces.

Gustav II still used his own line tactics, and relied on the Nordic cavalry to defeat the [-] coalition forces of the Catholic League.

The Catholic coalition forces suffered more than 6000 casualties and captured 3000 people. All the supplies and artillery were captured by the Swedish army, while the Swedish army only suffered [-] casualties.

After this battle, the Holy Roman Empire could no longer pull out an organized army of [-] people north of the Danube.

Therefore, at this moment, Gustav II was happily getting off his horse and walking into the muddy camp.

He entered his tent, where he also saw Richelieu's messenger.

After a brief understanding of the situation, Gustav II took a sip of water, then sat on a wooden chair and said:
"We don't have many soldiers and civilians in the New World. If Richelieu allows Daming to establish a "King's Shop" in Sweden and establish trade with Sweden, then we can withdraw from the New World."

The place where Sweden took root in North America was not good, and was targeted by the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Gustav II had long planned to withdraw.

What he wants are Daming's products, and the king's shop is Daming's imperial shop.

"I think there should be no problem with this." After receiving Gustav II's answer, the messenger nodded, and then returned to Paris with Gustav II's personal letter.

In this way, the three countries in the Protestant League have been dealt with, leaving only the Netherlands, which hopes to be independent.

However, good news came back to Paris ten days later.

Although the ruler of the Netherlands, Frederick Hendrick, Prince of Orange, was not reconciled to withdrawing from the American continent, as Richelieu said, the fragile economic environment of the Netherlands could no longer afford to offend Ming Dynasty.

As long as the war is not over and the Netherlands has not gained independence, Ming only needs to interrupt trade, and it will be enough for the Netherlands to drink a pot.

Therefore, Prince Orange finally agreed to withdraw from the American continent, but he did not simply withdraw, but sold.

Since the Netherlands was originally one of Ming's trading partners, it is different from Britain, France and Sweden's desire for trade.

The problem with the Netherlands now is that it has too much public debt, and the continuation of the war will only make the Netherlands more and more public debt.

The Prince of Orange hoped that Ming would buy the land of the Netherlands in the New World at a price of "three hundred guilders per hectare of arable land".

The Netherlands has nearly 60 hectares of arable land in the New World, which means that Ming needs to pay [-] Dutch guilders to buy all the land.

In addition, mines and houses are priced at 300 million Dutch guilders.

Not only that, Ming must stop the saltpeter trade with Spain.

Of course, the Netherlands will not let Daming lose money. He proposed that Britain, France, Holland and Switzerland should share the 300 million catties of saltpeter equally, so that Daming will not suffer any loss of interests.

The prince of Orange's relatives were sent to Paris and handed over to Richelieu.

He is not surprised by the demand in the Netherlands, after all, the Dutch public debt is indeed too large.

The land plus the mine houses add up to 360 million Dutch guilders.

This amount of money will allow the Netherlands to recover blood soon, at least for a few more years.

Thinking of this, Richelieu, who was sitting in the administrative hall, also raised his head and asked the last of the four messengers in front of him:

"What's going on in Daming Kingdom?"

"They said they would send diplomats to negotiate on March [-]." The messenger said truthfully, and Richelieu also asked:

"Is the information about the army of the Ming Dynasty the same as what we have?"

"No, they are stronger than the information. If they attack us, the walls of Marseille will not be able to resist for more than three days."

The evaluation given by the courier made the other three couriers gasp. You must know that Marseille is the largest port city of the Bourbon dynasty. If Marseille can't withstand it for three days, the Bourbon dynasty may lose all its coastline.

"Get ready!" Richelieu seemed to have been mentally prepared for a long time. When he got the answer, he turned around and handed a list to the Minister of Finance next to him.

"This is the total cost of court banquets to welcome Ming diplomats, and it should not exceed."

"Also, mobilize everyone in Paris to clean up the streets."

"During the period when the diplomatic officials of the Ming Dynasty lived, they could not dump garbage on the street at will."

Richelieu attached great importance to this diplomatic activity, and the Minister of Finance also understood the importance of the matter when he saw it.

He glanced at the cost of the banquet, thirty-six thousand livres (6000 taels of silver), which was a lot of money.

After confirming that this expenditure can support the cleanliness of Paris, the Chancellor of the Exchequer also walked out of the executive room, and the whole of Paris became busy in the following days.

Garbage such as rotten fruit peels and vegetables are taken away by special people. Once someone defecates on the street, he will be immediately caught by the patrolling guards in the city.

The [-] beggars in Paris were violently evicted. In less than ten days, the whole of Paris became completely new.

Such a Paris city made many nobles of the Bourbon dynasty praise Richelieu, but only Richelieu knew that the problem of Paris lay in urban construction.

If this problem is not solved, no matter how you clean it, Paris will always become dirty.

Just want to rebuild the sewer system and sewage system, unless the war is over and it costs hundreds of thousands of livres.

But in Richelieu's opinion, it may be difficult for him to see that day, because his body no longer allows him to continue to work like this, which is why he is eager to get Da Ming's support...

"Boom bang bang-"

Ten days passed in a flash. When the French army imitated the salute of the Ming army and fired a salute on the Seine River outside Paris, a ship carrying diplomats from the Ming Dynasty also sailed into the city of Paris.

On the deck of the boat, Xu Xiake came in person as a representative, and beside him were several cronies of Huang Fei.

Apart from them, there were also many soldiers of the Ming army on the rows of small boats carrying the goods of the Ming Dynasty in the rear.

In order to show respect for Ming Dynasty, Louis XIII specially approved Xu Xiake to enter Paris with [-] guards.

These 27 guards also brought Ming goods in [-] small boats.

Xu Xiake wanted to use Richelieu and Louis XIII to sell the goods, although he still didn't know why Louis XIII and Richelieu invited him.

"coming……"

In the Louvre, after hearing the sound of the salute, Louis XIII picked up the wine glass at the banquet table that had been prepared, and took a sip of the wine with a heavy heart.

At the same time, Xu Xiake's boat also docked, and he met Richelieu at the prescribed place to disembark.

Richelieu was not much older than Xu Xiake, but compared to Xu Xiake who was healthy, with white hair and beard, and a radiant face, Richelieu's condition was a bit worse.

Years of work had left him with eye problems and headaches, which often kept him from sleeping as he got older.

Over time, he naturally became thinner and his hair and beard turned white.

Of course, this was just him. In fact, when the [-] Ming soldiers disembarked, many of them couldn't help but clenched their weapons tightly.

Most of the current Ming soldiers were born between the 40th and 48th years of Wanli, and their ages ranged from 28 to [-].

The males who were born early may not be able to survive the soaring prices due to the disadvantages of the Ming Dynasty, but many soldiers born in the Tianqi period are very lucky.

They have caught up with Zhu Youjian's policies of garrisoning the fields, stabilizing food prices, and emigrating to the border. Therefore, they are a generation that can eat enough, and even eat well.

No matter which dynasty it is, as long as it is peaceful and prosperous, the common people will grow in height, and Ming Dynasty is no exception.

Men born in the Tianqi period are generally more than an inch taller than those born in the Wanli period.

After the disarmament of the Ming army, the selection criteria became more stringent. Men must be over five feet three inches (about 170cm) to join the army.

Therefore, the height of the Ming army in the Western Fleet was basically between five feet three inches and five feet five inches, and this height put a lot of pressure on the French army of the French Bourbon dynasty.

For the French army whose average height was only five feet one inch, standing in front of the Ming army whose average height was five feet three to five feet five inches, they were simply thirteen or fourteen-year-old children.

"Dear Prime Minister, this ship is a gift I brought to the king on behalf of Emperor Ming, and the other 27 ships are commodities we brought."

"If you don't mind, can you recommend some merchants for my people?"

Xu Xiake communicated with Richelieu in French, which is not very proficient. Seeing that Xu Xiake could speak French, Richelieu couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief. He felt that the chance of success was greater, and at the same time he nodded and said:

"You can rest assured that I will arrange honest and trustworthy businessmen to trade, and you and your people will not be deceived."

"But before that, maybe we need to enter the palace and talk about some serious business."

Richelieu made a gesture of invitation, signaling Xu Xiake to get on the carriage.

Seeing this, Xu Xiake took Huang Fei's two cronies and Richelieu into the carriage.

In the car, Richelieu enthusiastically introduced the "prosperous" Paris to Xu Xiake.

It's just that facing the "dirty and messy" Paris, Xu Xiake only has disgust in his heart.

Perhaps in the eyes of Richelieu and many Europeans, Paris right now can be said to be the cleanest city in Europe.

But for Xu Xiake, after getting used to the life of Ming Dynasty where sanitation workers cleaned the streets every day and the whole city was in order, all the towns he saw when he went out to sea were extremely messy.

Paris is just not so messy in comparison. If compared with Daming, if the Paris administrator is placed in Beijing, then he is probably assigned by Zhu Youjian to be the mayor.

"Why not build the sewer? I have checked the ancient books in Europe. You should understand this thing. It can reduce many troubles in life."

Xu Xiake asked Richelieu, but Richelieu could only respond with a wry smile:

"It's not that we don't want to, but that Europe is currently in the midst of war, and we want to build sewers. For us at this stage, it's a bit whimsical."

As Richelieu said, he smiled pointedly at Xu Xiake and said, "I hope that after today, the war in Europe will end soon."

"Hmm..." Xu Xiake is no longer the ignorant person who just entered the official career and was despised by Persia. He understands that Richelieu is trying to win Daming's support.

Before coming here, Xu Xiake had learned about the land and sea conditions in Europe through Jinyiwei's hundreds of households in Europe.

The battle at sea can be said to be one-sided. The Spanish navy was suppressed by the navies of Britain, France, and the Netherlands, while the land was slightly better.

Spain could also transport saltpeter back home along the coast and gunpowder to the front.

With average and abundant gunpowder and firepower, Spain can still suppress France and the Netherlands, but the Holy Roman Empire cannot suppress Sweden.

Looking at it this way, if Gustav II can continue to expand the results of the war, then they will win this religious war.

Of course, if Daming cut off all trade with Spain now, the Western Front would lose very quickly.

Not only that, if Ming Dynasty cut off the trade and gave the trade to the four countries of Britain, France, Holland and Sweden, then the four countries are likely to end the first European war that spread to almost the whole of Europe in five years.

In other words, Daming's support is more important than anything else right now.

After Xu Xiake knew how heavy the choice was in his hands, he didn't panic at all.

He has Zhu Youjian's handwriting in his hand, he knows how to act and what to do.

So, amidst Richelieu's eloquence, they arrived at the gates of the Louvre.

Nothing happened, they got out of the carriage and entered the Louvre safely.

It has to be said that although Xu Xiake scoffs at the living environment in Europe along the way, he still admires the Europeans' technique of "playing with stones".

When he saw the Louvre, he was used to the luxurious Chinese style palaces, so he couldn't help but take a few extra glances.

"Please come in……"

Richelieu saw Xu Xiake's reaction, and he smiled and motioned Xu Xiake to go in with him.

Not long after, they came to the hall where the state banquet was held, but there were not many people here.

Apart from Louis XIII, there is no one else here.

The reason for this arrangement is naturally because of today's events.

The wife of Louis XIII was the daughter of Felipe III of Spain and sister of the current King Felipe IV.

The two married for political reasons, but they entered a state of separation after giving birth to a child, so it was naturally impossible to invite her.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Envoy."

Louis XIII did not put on the airs of a king, but greeted Xu Xiake in an approachable manner, which made Xu Xiake feel a little fond of him.

Compared with Louis XIII, Felipe IV of Spain is simply an egomaniac.

"Nice to meet you, Your Majesty the King." Xu Xiake bowed with the courtesy of the Ming Dynasty. This kind of etiquette made Louis XIII feel very novel.

After the three of them were seated, the food on the table couldn't arouse their interest.

Louis XIII and Richelieu were not in the mood to eat, while Xu Xiake lost his appetite because of the appearance of the dishes.

The three of them sat together and talked for a while about Daming and the customs of Europe, and then they talked about Xu Xiake's wandering adventures along the way.

In short, all the topics are for the sake of getting close to each other.

After chatting about these topics, Richelieu took out an agreement written by him and recognized by the four countries.

"Mr. Special Envoy, this is the sincerity and a deal expressed by our four countries to Daming. I think you will like it very much."

Richelieu knew that it was useless to hide from someone like Xu Xiake, so he chose to "attack" directly.

The four-nation agreement was pushed in front of Xu Xiake, and he also picked up the agreement to observe it.

He was not surprised that Britain, France and Switzerland withdrew from the New World. Only when he saw that the Netherlands was willing to withdraw from the New World did he smile.

In this agreement, what Ming has to do is to open imperial stores on the land of the four countries, pay taxes to the four countries, and then stop the saltpeter trade with Spain, and trade saltpeter with the four countries instead.

At the same time, Ming wants to sell enough arms to equip 2 people to the four countries, so as to help the four countries defeat the Catholic League.

In the end, Ming only needed to spend 360 million Dutch guilders to obtain the fields and castles of the Netherlands in the New World.

360 million Dutch guilders, the price is less than 3 million taels.

Although Xu Xiake couldn't come up with it right now, the Netherlands didn't ask for an immediate settlement.

For Daming, 3 million taels is not a small sum.

However, if this matter is done for King Qi, then all officials dare not raise objections.

Although in Xu Xiake's view, His Royal Highness Qi Wang would probably pay for the money in the end, but in any case, as long as the agreement is signed, then Xu Xiake will have completed the task assigned to him by Zhu Youjian.

However, the content of the treaty made Xu Xiake undecided.

Selling enough munitions to equip 2 people is, to put it bluntly, the flintlock guns that the Four Kingdoms covet Daming.

Although they also mastered the flintlock technology, the production capacity of the four countries moved people to tears.

It would take at least a few decades to complete all the changes.

In the tense situation of war, it is more direct to buy directly than to make.

Xu Xiake knew what they were thinking, but he also knew that such a huge amount of arms was beyond his control, and the same was true for the 3 million taels of silver.

"Too much silver and ammunition..."

Xu Xiake did not reject the agreement, which made Louis XIII and Richelieu a sigh of relief.

People in their position, as long as they don't object, they agree, and it is impossible to say any word without reason.

It seems that Xu Xiake's words have actually revealed the information that Ming is willing to support the Four Kingdoms.

"Equipment that can be reduced to 8000 people, 350 million Dutch guilders."

Richelieu showed his sincerity, he was so urgent because of his body.

"I need to think about it. As for the matter of the imperial store, there shouldn't be a big problem. I can decide to set it up in the next year."

Xu Xiake spoke unhurriedly, obviously he knew that he was sitting firmly on the Diaoyutai now.

"If that's the case, that would be great." Louis XIII said with a smile, but Richelieu said suddenly:

"According to our information, João in Portugal is preparing to revolt, but Spain has already learned about the fact that they are equipped with flintlock guns."

"I believe that Felipe will send someone to ask the envoy you soon."

Richelieu's words made Louis XIII's smile stiff. He didn't understand why Richelieu would say such disappointing words in such a good situation and atmosphere.

But when he came back to his senses, he figured it out, Richelieu was not reminding or threatening Xu Xiake, he was testing Xu Xiake.

Everyone knows that the first battle Xu Xiake landed in Europe was Libens, and during that time, Joao happened to live in Libens.

He wanted to cheat Xu Xiake to see if it was Joao that Xu Xiake supported.

If so, it means that their goal is indeed in America, and their move is a good move.

"Flintlock? Aren't these things available all over the mainland?" Xu Xiake said with a smile, not cheated by Richelieu at all.

"However, Joao did come to me and asked if I could provide him with saltpeter. He wants to do saltpeter business."

"Thinking about it now, he probably didn't want saltpeter for business, but for rebellion."

"I have to write a letter to King Felipe to explain it." Xu Xiake pretended to be at a loss, which made Louis XIII a little dazed.

But Richelieu was there, he didn't believe that Da Ming and Joao had nothing to do with each other.

"The agreement is temporarily on hold. I need to return to the sea and use the carrier pigeon to ask the emperor for instructions."

Xu Xiake also knew that it was meaningless to talk too much, so he chose to leave Paris.

"Then I..." Louis XIII wanted to say that he sent someone to send Xu Xiake and his party back, but Richelieu got up and said:
"Mr. Special Envoy still has goods that have not been processed. I can accompany him to process the goods first."

Richelieu had achieved his goal, no matter what Xu Xiake reacted, he could subconsciously feel that it was a disguise.

However, after realizing that he was pretending, Richelieu was no longer worried.

Ming used this method to deal with Spain, mainly for the American colonies, but as long as France signed the agreement, it would become a European country, and the affairs of the Americas required Spain to face it directly.

Things are still going according to his plan, as long as the European countries withdraw from the Americas, then with Felipe's character, he will break with Daming sooner or later.

Thinking of this, Richelieu felt his body relaxed a lot, and he seemed to have seen the dawn of victory in the war.

He escorted Xu Xiake out of the palace, and sent Xu Xiake to the riverside at dusk, and all the goods had been bought by the merchants he arranged.

Xu Xiake boarded the boat before dark, and left Paris with a load of supplies and gold and silver.

It's just that after he left Paris, he immediately frowned and said, "Fran has produced an amazing guy."

"What?" The people next to him were puzzled, but Xu Xiake shook his head at them, as if he didn't intend to explain.

"This Richelieu is a smart person, but it's a pity that he is too old and sick, so he can't be used by me, Ming..."

Thinking of Richelieu's gaze that seemed to see through him, Xu Xiake took a deep breath.

"It's just a pity, with his appearance, I'm afraid he won't live for a few years..."

Xu Xiake breathed a sigh of relief from the bottom of his heart, but at the same time couldn't help feeling a little regretful.

Although he felt that Richelieu was a trouble, if there were a few smart people like him in Europe right now, the matter of Ming's recovery of the New World would not be so complicated.

Especially the proud and arrogant Felipe IV...

Thinking of Felipe IV's arrogant appearance, Xu Xiake couldn't help laughing:
"I don't know if you can still maintain that confidence..."

　Afternoon update around 04:30
　　
　
(End of this chapter)