The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 257 Reward from Lin Ruhai

A dazzling gemstone is naturally eye-catching, and a picturesque beauty is equally exciting. The Western woman Mandarin is obviously such a top-notch beauty, attracting everyone's attention like a star as soon as she enters.

The red-bearded Luo Er wanted this kind of effect, so he felt quite proud. When he saw a skinny official in scarlet robes sitting in the middle, he guessed that this was Lin Ruhai, the governor of Yingtian, so he took a few steps forward and put his hand on the back of his left hand. Behind his back, he took off his hat with his right hand, bent down and performed a breast-stroking salute in a very gentlemanly manner, and said in a stiff tone: "Dear Governor, your name is Roll, and you come from a distant country - the Republic of the Netherlands. ,Nice to meet you."

Feng Ziying immediately scolded: "How dare you, why don't you kneel down when you see the governor?"

Luo Er said neither humble nor arrogantly: "I'm sorry, there is no kneeling in our country."

Dai Li scolded coldly: "This is the Jin Dynasty, and it is not comparable to small barbarian countries like you. When you set foot in the land of the Jin Dynasty, you must abide by the rules of the Jin Dynasty. This is called doing as the Romans do when you are in the country, do you understand?"

When Lin Ruhai was chatting with Jia Huan last night, he had a certain understanding of the country of the Netherlands. He waved his hand and said: "It doesn't matter, the customs are different. There is no need to kneel down. Mr. Rohr, it is said that your Dutch Republic does not have a monarch. , only what parliament?”

Rohr's eyes lit up: "The governor is indeed knowledgeable. It is true. Our Netherlands was originally under the rule of the Kingdom of Spain. Later, it became independent, abolished the monarch, and established a great republic."

Yi Hong's face darkened when he heard this, and he sneered: "It is indeed a barbarian country with no king, no father, and no ethical principles. Wouldn't it be chaos!"

Rohr immediately shook his head and said: "Although I don't fully understand what Mr. Yi said, although our country does not have a monarch, it does have a president. Legislation is made by the parliament. Every citizen acts in accordance with the law and there will be no chaos."

Yi Hong didn't know anything about parliamentary legislation and constitutional monarchy, but he thought that the so-called president was almost the same as a monarch, just with a different name, so he just snorted contemptuously and stopped talking.

Lin Ruhai asked again: "Is the country of Franji far away from you?"

Rohr shook his head and said: "There is no Franconian country in Europe. What you Jin people call Franconian is actually Portugal and Spain. They were the first European countries to come to the East for trade, and we, the Netherlands, are an emerging country. We use a To use an idiom to describe it, it’s a rising star.”

Lin Ruhai said in surprise: "You speak Chinese very well and understand idioms, but you Europeans all seem the same and it's hard to tell them apart."

Luo Er shrugged and said: "Thank you for the compliment, Lord Governor. In the eyes of us Europeans, you Jin people seem to be the same, and it is difficult to distinguish them."

Lin Ruhai couldn't help but burst out laughing. Seeing that Lin Ruhai was so approachable, Luo Er felt secretly happy, and quickly said while the iron was hot: "When I meet Mr. Lin for the first time, I dedicated this map of Europa and this blonde beauty of Europa to you to express my feelings. As a token of my respect, please accept it, the Governor."

After Luo Er finished speaking, he handed a map scroll to the Western woman Mandarin, and then gave a threatening look. The latter was slightly shocked, slowly walked forward holding the map, and knelt down on one knee in front of Lin Ruhai. Come forward and hold the map with both hands above your head.

Yangzhou Guard Commander Dai Li looked at the Western woman's graceful gourd-like waist and hips, and couldn't help but swallow his saliva. Yi Hong also felt a trace of jealousy in his heart. He thought, it would be a pity to give this attractive ocean horse to Lin Ruhai. Can he still bear it with his body like a medicine jar?

Jia Huan secretly frowned. In fact, he had guessed the moment Luo Er brought Mandarin in. This guy really wanted to use this girl to curry favor with Master Lin, but at this time he had no choice but to overstep his bounds and reject Luo Er on behalf of Lin Ruhai. , could only take a step forward, took the map from Mandarin and handed it to Lin Ruhai.

Fortunately, Lin Ruhai was not a lecherous person, and because he was currently weak, he was not interested in Xishi Diaochan even if she took off her clothes and crouched in front of him, so he just glanced at Mandarin with a calm expression, and then said Open the map and take a closer look.

This was a map of Europe drawn on parchment. The words on it were in Dutch. Although Jia Huan couldn't understand it, he could generally recognize the European countries, so he reached out and touched a certain spot on the map and told Lin Ruhai that this was the Netherlands. , this is Portugal, this is Spain or something.

Luo Er couldn't help but be stunned when he saw this, as if he had seen a ghost. The blond beauty Mandarin also peeked at Jia Huan in surprise. She couldn't understand Chinese, so she suspected that Jia Huan was making nonsense, but the latter was so calm. Ziruo's demeanor and tone were so determined, and it didn't seem like he was talking nonsense. Could it be that this guy really knows Dutch writing?

Lin Ruhai only thought that Luo Er had introduced this map to Jia Huan before, so he was not surprised, so he listened to Jia Huan's explanation with great interest, and then said: "This map is good, so I accepted it, but this beauty …”

Lin Ruhai originally wanted Luo Er to take him back, but suddenly he realized that Jia Huan had only one maid, Ping'er, to serve him. Moreover, Jia Huan had made a lot of achievements for himself during this period, but had not received any substantial reward, so he said : "Brother Huan, please accept this Western beauty. She will serve you in your daily life and will serve as your uncle's reward."

Jia Huan couldn't help but be stunned. He didn't expect Lin Ruhai to change the subject and actually give this Western beauty to him.

Yi Hong originally wanted to win over Jia Huan, but also because Jia Huan came up and gave him the credit for the Hongyi cannon, so he smiled and said: "Master Lin, this is a good idea. Famous swords are given to handsome men, and BMWs are equipped with carved saddles." , grape wine luminous cup, they complement each other."

Although Dai Li was envious and jealous, he still echoed: "Commander Yi is absolutely right. Mr. Jia has made great achievements many times and deserves to be rewarded."

Jia Huan had no choice but to salute and said, "I dare not refuse the gift given by the elders. Huan'er has no choice but to accept it. Thank you, uncle."

Luo Er couldn't help but was dumbfounded. He wanted to curry favor with Lin Ruhai, but Lin Ruhai changed hands and gave Mandarin to Jia Huan. However, the gift had already been sent, and it was Lin Ruhai's business how to deal with it. It was not easy for him to interfere. Neng Gan smiled and said, "Congratulations, Mr. Jia, for bringing home this beauty."

After saying that, he turned around and mumbled to Mandarin. The latter then looked at Jia Huan with complex eyes. It was obvious that he already knew that he would belong to the oriental boy in front of him from now on. There seemed to be something in his light blue eyes. There was a hint of humiliation and unwillingness, as well as a hint of relief.

Jia Huan's heart moved slightly, and he ordered people to take Mandarin to his residence first, and leave it to deal with it in the evening. Don't think wrongly, Jia Huan is not so horny and thirsty, but his intuition tells him that this Western woman has something A story, you have to go back and touch her bottom carefully.

Let’s talk about the red-bearded Luo Er. When he saw Lin Ruhai accepting the gift, he felt that the trade was about to happen. He continued to talk excitedly. Unexpectedly, Lin Ruhai changed the subject and said: "Sir Luo Er, I heard that you attacked our ship. , and also caused casualties to our troops?”

Luo suddenly felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured on his head, and said politely: "Dear Governor, I have already explained to Mr. Jia that this is just a misunderstanding, and I am willing to make corresponding compensation." Lin Ruhai nodded and said: "Then. Okay, you can correct your mistakes if you know them, and there is no greater good. From now on, you can no longer act arbitrarily in the waters of our Jin Dynasty. If you violate the laws of our Jin Dynasty and harm the interests of our military and civilians, you will be severely punished."

Luo Er had no choice but to dare not say anything, and said cautiously: "We have negotiated with Mr. Jia before the next day. If we pay another 20,000 taels of silver and 20 artillery pieces, the matter will be canceled and we will be released free, but the agreement has not been signed yet." , so...the governor, can you sign an agreement with me?"

This was the first time Yi Hong and Dai Li had heard about this, and they couldn't help but look at Jia Huan in surprise. This kid is so dark. He robbed someone else's boat, cannon, and a boatload of goods, and now he wants someone to pay him 20,000 taels of silver. and twenty cannons before they are willing to let people go, hehe, it is true... The waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead. The new generation is better than the old ones, and the younger generations are to be feared.

Lin Ruhai smiled and said: "It doesn't matter whether we sign the agreement or not. I always do what I say."

"No, no, no, it's better to sign the agreement." Rohr said quickly.

Lin Ruhai didn't force anyone to do anything difficult. He actually put down a written note and signed an agreement with Luo Er in duplicate, each keeping one copy.

Rohr put away the agreement and finally felt a little more stable, and he tried a little unwillingly: "Although the Netherlands is a new country in Europe, it is very powerful and is known as the sea coachman. I have always wanted to trade freely with your country. If the governor If your Excellency allows our country to trade with your country, both countries will benefit greatly."

Yi Hong said scornfully: "Our Jin Dynasty is rich in resources and treasures. We lack nothing. We only accept tribute. As for free trade? Hey, are you dreaming?"

Luo Er shrugged and said: "No, no, no, although your Jin Dynasty is rich and powerful, it must be short of things, such as naval guns on our ships, so trade between our two countries can exchange what we have and promote the economy, isn't it good? ?”

Yi Hongran said: "Artillery is just a strange skill. We in Jin Dynasty are full of talents. If you want to make that kind of artillery, you will be able to make it sooner or later. There is nothing in this world that Jin Dynasty cannot make."

Luo Er could only helplessly spread his hands. Although Jia Huan also supported free trade and learned skills from the barbarians to control them, so as to prevent Chinese civilization from repeating the mistakes of the late Qing Dynasty, but the Jin Dynasty was now in great power, and everyone from top to bottom was It's the mentality of the Heavenly Kingdom, and it's obviously impossible to change it all at once.

Lin Ruhai is already a relatively enlightened official, but after all he is also a feudal bureaucrat, and he also has the mentality of a heavenly empire. It may not be possible for him to accept the idea of ​​​​equal mutual trade for a while, but Lin Ruhai did not reject Luo Er outright, and He asked Rohr to first submit a letter of credence to the King (President) of the Netherlands, requesting tribute to the Jin Dynasty. He could help match the relationship. If the Emperor of the Jin Dynasty approved it, the Netherlands could also make limited tribute payments to the Jin Dynasty like Portugal. trading.

Although Luo Er was a little disappointed, it was good to have limited trade with the Jin Dynasty. As for paying tribute or not, he didn't care. His face couldn't be used as food. As long as it was profitable, so what if he lowered his profile and "paid tribute"?

Next, Rolle settled in Haimen County, and Jia Huan kept his promise and arranged a ship to let Rolle's first mate Gordon and two sailors leave, as long as Gordon brought a ransom of 20,000 taels. and twenty artillery pieces to redeem the people, Jia Huan will release Luo Er and the remaining sailors as agreed.

After Jia Huan finished his work, it was already the time for the lights to go on. When he returned to his residence, the two soldiers guarding the door saluted with an ambiguous expression: "Master Huan is back, do you want to prepare bath water?"

Since Tiehu and Shitou are now serving in the army as cavalry members Baihu and Trial Baihu, Lin Ruhai specially selected two clever salt soldiers to serve as Jia Huan's personal followers. One was named Muye and the other was named Jinbao. A smart young man in his early twenties with passable martial arts skills.

Jia Huan was used to taking a bath every day, not to mention it was midsummer now. After a busy day, he was covered in sweat and stinking, so he naturally wanted to take a comfortable bath, so he nodded.

Mu Ye chuckled and said, "Okay, I'll be here soon." After saying that, he ran away.

Jia Huanqi asked: "How can this kid Mu Ye be so happy?"

Jinbao's name has the word "treasure" in it, and he has the potential to be a living treasure. He winked and whispered, "That kid wants to hear what you have to say, Third Master, and my subordinates also want to hear it!"

Jia Huan raised his foot and kicked Jin Bao on the butt, and scolded with a smile: "Get out of here, as far away as you can."

Jinbao patted his butt and said confidently: "That blond foreign girl is very tall and taller than the third master. You may not be able to control her, and you may need help from your subordinates at critical moments."

Jia Huan was too lazy to pay attention to these idiots anymore. He opened the door and walked into the room. Jin Bao was about to peek in, but Jia Huan had already closed the door with a bang.

It was getting dark at this time, and there were actually two big red candles burning in the room, which were very bright. It smelled a bit like candles in Room D. It must have been the work of Mu Ye and Jin Bao, two idiots, on their own initiative.

The Western woman Mandarin sat silently by the bed. Although she still looked happy and content, Jia Huan still keenly caught a trace of panic in her eyes.

Jia Huan sat down on the round stool next to the table, pointed to the teapot on the table and said, "Are you having a tea party?"

Mandarin did not move at all, but looked at Jia Huan with doubtful eyes. The latter had no choice but to pour a cup of tea by himself, but found that the tea was actually cold. He couldn't help but smiled bitterly and shook his head. Ping'er was not around and wanted to drink a cup of hot tea. It's difficult. Although Muye and Jinbao are smart, they are still rough-handed soldiers. They can't serve people as carefully as Ping'er. They don't know how to change the tea when it gets cold. Fortunately, it's midsummer now, so it's okay to drink a glass of cold water. Relieves summer heat and quenches thirst.

After drinking a cup of herbal tea, Jia Huan sighed comfortably. He was about to pour another cup when he suddenly saw Mandarin swallowing and her lips were obviously dry. She couldn't help but smile and said, "You won't drink it when you're thirsty." If you want water, do you still need me, the master, to serve you?" After saying that, he took a new cup on the tea tray, poured a cup of tea, and motioned to Mandarin to come over and drink.

(End of this chapter)