The sun never sets in America

Chapter 54 Journey to the Far East 1
April 1840, 20, a day that changed history, was also hailed by later generations as one of the ten events that changed human history.

Port of Los Angeles...

In the expanded Los Angeles port, there are many sailing merchant ships moored, and even armed merchant ships with a large number of artillery. Some of these armed merchant ships even have greater firepower than ordinary sixth-level sailing battleships. The difference is only in their protective capabilities...

But armed merchant ships of this level are still moored in the port honestly, not daring to make the slightest mistake. The main reason is not that the owners of these ships have found their consciences or even obeyed the rules... but that the people in the port have Densely packed forts.

These forts are mainly placed in the fortresses built at the port and on the piers. They are all 24-pound artillery. Among them, there are also many 32-pound artillery that Toharin purchased from the Canadian Navy and eliminated. They are currently the largest in the Port of Los Angeles. Protective fire.

Even when facing the regular navy of ordinary countries, this level of protection is enough.

Of course, if you face the main battleships of those great powers, you will be somewhat stretched.

Of course, in the entire Americas, only the Royal Navy of the British Empire can threaten the Port of Los Angeles. The remaining US Navy and Mexican Navy are not too strong.

After all, apart from the useless country of Mexico, even the U.S. Navy has just started, and its main target is still on land.

Therefore, the last thing Liu Jiabao has to worry about is the defense of the Los Angeles port... As long as the British don't attack, the fleets of other small countries will be able to cope with it.

Today's Port of Los Angeles is extra lively than usual. A large group of local Los Angeles officials stood on the dock and looked at the dozen or so merchant ships flying the British Union Jack flag in the port.

In the middle of these officials, stood a handsome young man wearing a gray military uniform and long military boots. He was talking to a middle-aged white man in a gray suit opposite him... The faces of the two people , smiling from time to time, showing that they were having a great time talking.

"Mr. Harin, let me introduce to you, this is Hu Junding." Liu Peng pointed to a young official behind him and introduced to Harin, "This is the commander sent by our side this time, specifically to direct the immigration work, and also We are the plenipotentiary representative of Liujiapu. If you have anything, you can discuss it with him." Liu Peng then once again introduced the origin of the official behind him and the purpose of calling him here this time.

"Hello, Mr. Harlem." Hu Junding stretched out his hand to Harlem and spoke with an authentic London accent.

"Master Hu, your English is very standard and very London." Harlem was a little surprised by Hu Junding's English with a London accent. "Who did you learn your English from? I'm sure it must be a British person, and He is a true Londoner." Harlem looked at Hu Junding and continued, no matter the tone or the expression on his face, he was very curious about Hu Junding's English with a London accent.

"I studied in the UK, Mr. Harlin." Hu Junding replied to Harlin with the same London accent. "I once studied at Oxford University." Hu Junding looked at Harlin who looked confused and explained again.

"I see, Mr. Hu is indeed a top student at Oxford University. At a young age, he was entrusted with important responsibilities by the ruling adults... He has a bright future in the future!!" After hearing this, Harin praised Hu Junding, and also praised Liu. Who said foreigners wouldn't praise Peng, the person who promoted Hu Junding? It's just that sometimes they don't want to praise him.

"Thanks to the cultivation of the ruling adults, Junding is what he is today." Hu Junding turned his head and thanked Liu Peng with clasped fists.

"This is the result of your own efforts and has nothing to do with me!" Liu Peng waved his hand to Hu Junding modestly, "You just need to remember that before doing anything in the future, you should think more about me, Liujiabao, and the Chinese people." Liu Peng looked at the young Hu Junding in front of him and gave instructions again.

This Hu Junding was not from Liujiabao. He actually came from Southeast Asia, from Batavia, the capital of the East Indies.

In fact, it was the core of the rule of the Dutch East India colony.

Hu Junding's father was also a well-known local spice merchant in East India, so Hu Junding's life since he was a child could be considered a good life.

Hu Junding's father, Hu Lingzhi, was extremely concerned about Hu Junding's studies. Not only did he let him study in the local Dutch aristocratic school since he was a child, learning many European languages ​​including German and Spanish, but he also asked him to study at the age of 16. Because of his connections, he spent a lot of money to study at Oxford University in England.

After finishing his studies, Hu Junding would have definitely returned to Nanyang and East India to inherit the family business according to the typical path of the second generation of rich people... Even Hu Junding's father Hu Lingzhi thought so.

But by coincidence, while discussing business with a Mexican businessman, Hu Junding learned about everything that was happening in Los Angeles and California. He never thought that one day, the Chinese would defeat those who had looked down on him since he was a child in a foreign country. His white-skinned foreign devil.

Although Hu Junding grew up in a Dutch aristocratic school and went to Oxford University, a world-famous university, this does not mean that Hu Junding's childhood was happy.

In Hu Junding's impression, although those children from wealthy Dutch aristocrats were polite to him on the surface, he knew that secretly they were always saying that he was a kid from the East, a yellow-skinned monkey, and a nouveau riche. My son, and other bad words can be heard talked about behind my back.

Even at Oxford University, this kind of discrimination has not decreased but increased. Compared with the hypocrisy of the Dutch, the British are naked. They directly face him and call him an Oriental inferior and a yellow-skinned monkey... For this reason He also had several fights with those British classmates. Although the British took advantage of their numbers and strength every time, and Hu Junding was unfamiliar with the place, he was beaten with bruises and swollen face. However, Hu Junding refused to admit defeat. From the beginning to the end, he did not think that Those white-skinned people are more noble than the Chinese. On the contrary, he believes that the white people are nothing great and they only rely on force and guns to rule the world. In the final analysis, the Chinese are still weak in force, so they are bullied by white ghosts everywhere.

The appearance of Liu Jiabao was like a guiding light, suddenly tearing a hole in the darkness, and Hu Junding rushed into the hole without hesitation.

After leaving a letter home, he embarked on a journey to America, which was quite a bold move.

Even Liu Peng said with emotion after seeing him:
“Dare to think and dare to do, young and promising!!”

This is also an important reason why Hu Junding was able to become the commander of this immigration. It was not only because of his familiarity with the Nanyang region, but also because of his courage and Chinese character. This was what Liu Peng really liked about Hu Junding...

"In addition to Mr. Hu, there are hundreds of soldiers escorting him." After Liu Peng introduced Hu Junding, he pointed to the elite soldiers behind him who were neatly arranged and holding muskets and said to Harin, "Mr. Harin, you don't mind." Liu Peng then Harlem's opinion was sought again.

"No, no." Harin glanced at the group of well-trained Liujiapu soldiers. There was no discomfort at all. He quickly waved to Liu Peng and replied, "I can rest assured that the Lord in charge is doing things. This is also for everyone's benefit." It's safe!!" Harin actually knew in his heart that these hundreds of elite soldiers not only protected Hu Junding and other Liujiabao officials on the ship, but also monitored him. After all, even if he had a personal relationship with Liujiabao and Liu Peng No matter how good he is, Liu Peng still has to guard against him. Even if Harlem was in Liu Peng's position, he would still do this, and he might do it even more excessively than Liu Peng.

After all, even if Harlem is a Westerner, he understands the saying that it is essential to be on guard against others.

"Boss, everything has been packed and we are ready to set off." While Harin and Liu Peng continued to talk, a captain of the fleet walked up to Harin and said to Harin.

"Lord Consul, since everything is ready, let's go without further delay. After all, we are late and there might be a storm on the sea." Harin looked back at the dozens of ships that had already loaded the goods, and then turned to Liu Peng said goodbye.

"Mr. Harlem, have a safe trip..."

After Liu Peng finished speaking, he hugged Harlin and expressed his blessings to Harlin himself and the immigration fleet! !
"Junding, please study hard with Mr. Harlin on this journey." On the way to sending everyone off to the boat, Liu Peng warned Hu Junding, "You guys should also be led by Mr. Hu, do you hear me? "Liu Peng then gave instructions to several accompanying officials following Hu Junding.

The reason for this is that Hu Junding's qualifications in Liujiapu are still relatively young. If Hu Junding was not so suitable for Liu Peng's selection of commanders, it would be impossible for a newly arrived young man like Hu Junding to take on such a big responsibility as an immigrant.

That's why I had to warn my fellow officials in advance not to look down on Hu Junding just because he was young, otherwise I would not be lenient.

"We will strictly follow the teachings of the ruling lord..."

"I will do my best to assist Mr. Hu in completing the immigration task..."

The officials next to Hu Junding responded in unison. Of course they also knew the meaning of Liu Peng's words.

"Lord Consul, I'm leaving." Harin greeted Liu Peng after getting on the boat.

"Mr. Harlin, have a safe trip!!" Liu Peng waved to Harlin and replied.

Soon, the fleet started slowly and sailed away from the port of Los Angeles, gradually getting further and further away.

"Go back to the city..." Liu Peng watched the fleet getting further and further away until it disappeared from sight. He turned back and ordered the officials on the dock.

Then they got on the carriage that belonged to Liu Peng. The carriage was pulled by four strong Spanish horses and drove slowly towards the city of Los Angeles...

Behind Liu Peng were local Los Angeles officials riding carriages or riding horses. ………………………………

On the Pacific Ocean, a long fleet of ships, like a giant python, was sailing on the rough sea.

puff……

Row it...

Several whales stuck their heads out and sprayed water on the sea. Behind the big whale, there were seven or eight smaller whales, chasing each other around and having a great time.

Several larger whales seem to be scattered, but in fact if you look down from a high altitude, you can see that the positions of these large whales firmly surround the small whales to prevent predators from harming their children. harm.

"Master Hu, this sea does look more magical than the mainland. We have encountered so many big fish along the way." Deputy Envoy Wan Fang looked at the group of whales playing on the sea and the small mountain-like The big whale couldn't help but feel for Hu Junding, "When I was a child, I came to America with my parents. Unfortunately, I was too young at that time and just fell asleep. What is this sea like? Even now I can only remember a whale." ." Wan Fang continued to tell Hu Junding that Wan Fang was one of the first immigrants to come to America with Liu Yan, but he was too young at that time and was not used to the life on the ship, so he often felt sleepy, saying that he was at sea. I stayed there for more than a month. In fact, I vomited and slept for more than a month...

Thinking about it now, Wan Fang finds it funny.

"Master Wan, is he married?" Hu Junding turned around, noticed the jade ring in Wan Fang's hand, and asked curiously.

"This, this is what my mother left for me." Wan Fang raised his right hand, looked at the ring on his finger, and replied with some sadness, "My mother died early, and she came to America only a few months ago. Because of the soil and water, He refused to accept it and died. Before he died, he left her dowry, this ring, to me, saying that I would give it to his daughter-in-law in the future. The daughter-in-law was not found, so I took it with me first..." Wan Fang said on one side. Showing Hu Junding the jade ring in his hand, he laughed at himself.

Indeed, a young and promising official like Wan Fang should have been crossed the threshold by a matchmaker long ago. If nothing else, Wan Fang only needs to let out the word that he wants to marry a wife, whether it is Chinese, Indian, or even those who Daughters from rich white families can have their pick...

But Wan Fang was not married, which puzzled Hu Junding, but since it was Wan Fang's private matter, it was difficult for him to interfere.

"Eat, eat..."

Just as the two of them were looking at the group of whales on the sea, fascinated, the shouts of dinner in Chinese and English resounded throughout the entire ship.

Hu Junding and Wan Fang looked at each other and walked into the cabin specially used for eating.

This ship is called the Harlem, which Harlem named after himself. It is also the first ship of the entire fleet. It has a total tonnage of more than 500 tons and has powerful firepower. Ordinary fifth- and sixth-level sail battleships cannot defeat it. .

Because it is the flagship used by Harlem himself, the decoration is more luxurious than those of the dozen or so merchant ships behind it. Especially the captain's cabin where Harlem lives, cannot be described as luxurious.

Hu Junding was lucky enough to go in once. Persian carpets covered the entire cabin, even the corners, and there were a large number of ivory products, even a pair of complete African elephant tusks... There was also a dried lion specimen, even if It has been dead for a long time, and has been dried and packaged, but the sharp claws and sharp fangs are still telling how powerful this lion was when he was alive...

And now, it is just a specimen for people to watch and appreciate.

This has to be said to be a great irony.

"The taste of these foods is really..." Hu Junding used a fork to eat the dinner cooked by the British chef on the ship. The sea fish caught at an unknown time on the dinner plate was casually dipped in batter and then fried. This dish made Hu Junding, a young man who was used to eating delicious food, a little overwhelmed. He couldn't figure out why these British people wanted to eat such unpalatable food, and looking at the British sailors around them feasting, Hu Junding couldn't stand it. For once I felt that foreigners were indeed barbaric.

Although Hu Junding studied in the UK, he went to Oxford University, a prestigious British university. The food there was actually not British food, but French and Italian food. As for real British food, during this period, even the British themselves Don’t even eat it, let alone others...

At present, French food is mainly popular among the upper classes in Europe, and French is the common language in Europe during this period. As for speaking English, although it is rising rapidly thanks to the huge colonies of the British Empire, its influence, especially in Europe, is In terms of influence, it is far inferior to France. This can be seen from the fact that there are many French words in English and the master-slave relationship between the two languages.

In the entire aristocratic society in Europe, and even the royal family, in fact, in addition to the national language, the most spoken language is French. Even in Tsarist Russia, the daily communication between the Tsar and the Russian nobles was in French... As for speaking Russian, they don't even learn that thing. , because in the eyes of those Tsarist Russian nobles, only French is a noble language and a language that belongs to the nobility. Russian is just the language among the serfs in the Russian countryside, and there is no need to learn it at all.

It's like if you throw a Tsarist Russian nobleman into the countryside, he will most likely die because of the language barrier.

It will be a later generation for Russian to become the mainstream language.

As for now, it’s better to speak French! !

"Just make ends meet." Wan Fang chewed the fried fish in his mouth without complaining at all. In his opinion, in this vast sea, it would be good to eat some. "By the way, Mr. Hu, you go Overseas School, do you know what this screw-like thing is?" Wan Fang pointed to the yellow screw-like noodles in the bowl with his fork and asked Hu Junding, with a puzzled expression on his face. After all, this thing, he Never eaten it.

"This is spaghetti, invented by the Italians." Hu Junding raised his head, looked at what was in Wanfang's bowl, then looked at his own bowl, and replied with certainty.

"Italy?" Although Wan Fang is well-informed, most of his knowledge comes from his knowledge of American countries, or his knowledge of the world's great powers in textbooks. After all, Liujiabao's educational resources are limited. When purchasing historical materials, try to focus on powerful countries. For example, Britain and France, the largest colonial empires today, use a lot of space to describe the process and methods of colonization, and how the British took advantage of local conflicts to enable British colonists to distance themselves from each other. The homeland is thousands of miles away, controlling a country and region.

All of this is an example for Wan Fang to learn from. He has imagined more than once that if Liujiabao colonizes all over the world like the British, or starts colonizing, where should he choose? Even because of colonial issues, he once and Several students in the class had heated debates.

One said to go to South America, because South America is relatively close, one said to go to Africa, because the natives there are the stupidest, and the other said to go to Southeast Asia, because there is a Chinese base there...

In addition, there are also how to develop Liujiabao, Liujiabao's future development plans, etc. These topics basically covered Wanfang's entire childhood. Until he grew up, due to shortage of manpower and better foreign languages, Became an immigration officer and worked on immigration in the Far East.

But Wan Fang still has not forgotten his ambition, which is to become a colonial official, especially to develop the colony himself. This is too tempting for Wan Fang.

This immigration work was his opportunity to prove himself to the superiors, so every time Wan Fang passed a place, he would write down the conditions of the archipelago and even the sea area as the basis and route for future colonization.

"Of course, Italy is just a place name, just like India." Hu Junding replied to Wan Fang while eating the pasta in the bowl.

During this period, Italy had not yet been unified, and was mainly ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was not until 1861 that the unification was completed, and the war against the Austro-Hungarian Empire began in 1848. Therefore, Italy is not as old as some people imagine.

"Oh, by the way, this Italy is the original location of the Roman Empire." Hu Junding later added, fearing that Wan Fang would not understand what he said.

"I see..." When it comes to Italy, Wan Fang may have to think about it, but when it comes to the Roman Empire, he knows it very well. After all, this is the most worth mentioning period of history in the entire Western history, and it is also the history of all Western countries. countries compete with each other.

Look at the countries named after Rome. The most famous among them is the Holy Roman Empire, which is neither holy nor Roman...

"By the way, did that British businessman named Harlem tell us about the route to the Far East?" Wan Fang suddenly remembered something while eating. Although they had already planned their route to the Far East, But after all, in the vast sea, any so-called plan may fail. After discovering that the weather near the original route was abnormal, they decisively changed the route.

Now it is estimated that only Harlem knows the true route of travel.

"They said they were going to a big island in the middle of the Pacific to rest." Hu Junding thought for a moment and replied to Wan Fang, "This island also has a strange name. Anyway, it was the British who named it. What is it called..." When Hu Junding mentioned the names of the islands in the central Pacific, he couldn't remember them for a while.

"Sandwich, by the way, it's called Sandwich Islands." Hu Junding suddenly thought about it with a slap on his head.

"Sandwich, isn't this something sold in foreign bakeries?" Wan Fang was a little surprised when he heard the strange name of sandwich.

"Who knows, maybe British people like to eat sandwiches." Hu Junding replied nonchalantly.

(End of this chapter)