I'm a big dick

Chapter 210 Governor of the Netherlands

In the second year of Apocalypse, Batavia governor Kuhn decided to attack Macau, replace the Portuguese, and open the door to trade with China.To this end, he planned to gather [-] warships and more than [-] soldiers.

There are actually four British ships in the fleet. It can be seen that although the colonists have conflicts, they are still similar in essence and interests.

Just when the Dutch were planning and preparing, news kept coming, which made the original plan have the possibility of modification or even interruption.

First of all, it was reported by Dutch businessmen in the country of Wa that the Ming Dynasty lifted the sea ban and reached a direct business agreement with the country of Wa, recognizing each other's letter, flag and seal.

The Wa Chinese merchants had been amnesty by the Ming court, and the "Chinese captain" Li Dan and Jialuo Yan Siqi returned to the Ming Dynasty first. The role of the Wa country as a relay for obtaining Chinese goods has been greatly weakened, and it may eventually be lost.

The Japanese state strengthened the control over the Zhuyin ship trade, prohibiting the western daimyo from owning large ships with a load of more than [-] shi, and the Zhuyin certificates were only issued to some wealthy merchants in Kyoto who had a close relationship with the general.

At the same time, the Japanese shogunate also issued an injunction to severely punish western daimyo who did business with western businessmen in private, so as to prevent them from growing their economic strength and obtaining advanced weapons.

These sudden changes forced Governor Kuhn to suspend his military offensive plan and re-examine the channels and methods of obtaining trade with China.

Obviously, the previous trade method was followed: selling foreign goods to the country of Wa, exchanging them for silver and then buying goods from the Ming Dynasty in the country of Wa.Not only do you have to pay more money, but there is also the danger of not being able to last for a long time.

The policy change of the Japanese shogunate shows that it will continue to strengthen the control of foreign ships' trade activities, which is not a good thing for Dutch businessmen.

Of course, Daming opened up the sea ban, which suddenly added Qingdao, Shanghai, Xiamen, Ningbo, Guangzhou and other trading ports, which means that Dutch merchants may trade directly from Daming and trade with each other.

The Dutch merchants in Japan saw this opportunity and went to Daming to test the possibility of trade and the specific conditions through Chinese merchants as intermediaries.

It is obviously inappropriate to use force at this time, risking the anger of the Ming court.

Kuhn was sitting in the Governor's Mansion at this time, playing with a mirror in his hand, reflecting light and shadow on the wall, constantly moving.

Vice-Governor Waite shrugged his shoulders and said: "This is indeed amazing, and it is several times better than the ones made by the Venetians. In Europe, it should be very popular and welcomed by ladies and gentlemen."

Kuhn stopped his hand and said thoughtfully: "According to the information we have received, the Portuguese obtained a batch of mirrors from the Ming Dynasty in exchange for guns and artillery."

Waite nodded and said, "It's not surprising. If we were in Macau, we wouldn't miss this opportunity to make a fortune."

After a pause, Waite emphasized again: "It is also a good choice to build a fortress in other suitable places, such as Zhangzhou or Guangzhou, and maintain a garrison."

A colonist is a colonist, no different from a robber.

In their eyes, places in other countries are places where they can establish military locations at will, unless they cannot be defeated.

"The British guys secretly sent people to sit on the merchant ship of 'Captain of China', and they have already gone to negotiate with Ming Dynasty." Kuhn sneered intriguingly, "They thought it was a secret, and they didn't want us to know."

Waite frowned and said, "In other words, they probably won't participate in our military operations?"

"That depends on how well they negotiate with Daming." Kuhn put down the mirror and said, "In Wa, the British can't compete with us and have already withdrawn. Daming's opening of the sea ban gave them another chance."

Waite rubbed his chin for a while, then suddenly raised his head and said, "Monopoly, we must monopolize Ming's foreign trade."

Kuhn smiled and said, "Monopoly is our goal, but it's not right now. If Ming's trade conditions are acceptable to us, then we'll get a foot in first, and then it depends on the situation."

Waite nodded in agreement and said, "Of course, now is not the time. Only by obtaining trade rights, instead of angering Ming, can we compete with the Portuguese or the British. Otherwise, wouldn't it be cheaper for them?"

"That's right, that's the truth." Kuhn nodded, and asked doubtfully, "Do you believe the records in those travel notes, which show that China has hundreds of thousands or millions of troops?"

For the Dutch, they simply don't believe the figures about the Chinese army mentioned in various travel notes.Therefore, when negotiating with the Ming Dynasty, they often put forward arrogant conditions beyond their own capabilities.

Waite didn't know either. He scratched his head and said, "It's impossible to have a million. There must be 10,000+."

Kuhn waved his hand, no longer entangled in this matter, and said: "Wait for news from Prowen and the others. In the Ming Dynasty, they should be able to see a more real situation than the travel notes."

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Qianqing Palace.

Sea merchant Huang Cheng kowtowed deeply and said: "Long live the grass people pay homage to our emperor, long live, long live!"

"Free from courtesy." Zhu Youxiao just glanced at Huang Cheng, and then focused on the young man kneeling next to him.

Zheng Zhilong, an official of Nicholas, the East Asian maritime overlord in history.

At this time, Zheng Zhilong knelt on the ground, feeling the integrated royal majesty brought by the architecture, decoration, atmosphere, etc., he dared not even breathe.

Huang Cheng got up and bowed, and tapped his feet lightly to signal his nephew, who was still kneeling on the ground, to stand up.

Zhu Youxiao pursed the corners of his mouth, put away his smile, and said loudly, "Huang Cheng did a great job on this mission. Firearms and cannons are just what my Ming needs urgently. They can be exchanged with precious mirrors, which will save my Ming a huge amount of money." Excessive fees."

Huang Cheng bowed and replied: "It is the duty of the grassroots to serve the country, and it is an honor to share the worries for Long Live."

After a pause, he added: "The success of this mission is due to the fact that Long Live is wise and wise, the second is that the mirror is of high quality, and the third is that Zheng Yiguan is proficient in Portuguese."

"Zheng Yiguan must have contributed a lot." Zhu Youxiao looked at Zheng Zhilong again, and said: "The next two tasks will be entrusted to you, and they will do business with the Dutch and the British."

Huang Cheng and Zheng Zhilong listened respectfully, knowing that this was an expression of the emperor's trust.Reaching an agreement with the Portuguese will definitely bring rewards, but I don't know whether it will be a promotion or a silver reward.

"The British are not afraid yet, but the Dutch have to guard against it." Zhu Youxiao said slowly: "Stabilize them first. It will take three years for me to have the strength to overwhelm the Dutch. But there is a bottom line for stability, the Dutch If I make an inch, I am not afraid to go to war with them."

Although the current Daming Navy has not yet met Zhu Youxiao's requirements.But the advantage is that there are many people on board, and they are still at their own doorstep. If they use wolf pack tactics, the Dutch will not be able to take advantage.

"You may not know much about the situation in Britain and the Netherlands." Zhu Youxiao pondered for a while, and said, "I will give you a brief introduction, and it will be very beneficial for you to deal with them."

The Netherlands, a small country with an area of ​​just over 4 square kilometers and poor natural resources, developed into a European maritime power in just a few decades after getting rid of Spanish rule.

According to statistics, there were more than [-] ships in the Netherlands at that time, accounting for three-quarters of the total tonnage of Europe and one-third of the world's transport ships. They were called "sea coachmen".

In the late sixteenth century, Britain broke the monopoly of Spain and Portugal, stood out, and gradually developed into a powerful colonialist country.

However, relying on its sea power and strong capital, the Netherlands squeezed out British merchants and monopolized the trade of various countries, making the struggle between Britain and the Netherlands inevitable.

Of course, the contradictions are gradually becoming acute. The UK and the Netherlands are now in a state of competition, and the UK does not yet have the strength to challenge the Netherlands.

Huang Cheng was completely convinced by the emperor's profound knowledge and thorough analysis.

That's right, although he is a maritime merchant and has met British and Dutch people, he doesn't understand the situation of the two countries at all.

Zheng Zhilong was also very shocked. He thought that he had been to Manila and was fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch, so he was well-informed.

But he never expected that the emperor's understanding of Xiyi had already reached this level.Political, economic, and military strength, these are beyond his knowledge.

Of course, Huang Cheng and Zheng Zhilong didn't know what the emperor was thinking. The civil servants were too pedantic, and they had to be businessmen to negotiate with the cunning and greedy Xiyi.

Zhu Youxiao had almost finished speaking, ordered the palace officials to read out the imperial decree, and awarded Huang Cheng the sixth rank of Minjue; Zheng Zhilong was temporarily awarded the post of general officer of the Siyi Pavilion.

"If you do a good job, I still have a reward."

After Huang Cheng and Zheng Zhilong knelt down to thank him, Zhu Youxiao said with a smile: "Yiguan Zheng is still young, I think he is a talented person. I heard that you have brothers who are familiar with life at sea and can also serve for the court. "

"Grassman... My minister, thank you Long Live Long En." Zheng Zhilong kowtowed vigorously.

Zhu Youxiao nodded. Zheng Zhilong is a visionary and capable person who can seize the opportunity to rise to become the overlord of the sea within a few years.

And he was just worried about the lack of naval personnel. He first asked Zheng Zhilong to manage the trade and exchange with Britain and the Netherlands, and then promoted him according to the situation.

Either engage in foreign business, or send them to the navy, and they will have the opportunity to display their talents in the increasingly strict organizational structure set up by themselves.

Not only Zheng Zhilong, but also Shibazhi in history, may have the opportunity to become officials or generals of Ming Dynasty.Even if it is a maritime business, the road is much wider than before.

After explaining clearly and giving the opportunity face-to-face, Huang Cheng and Zheng Yiguan were given the relevant documents of the negotiation, and Zhu Youxiao ordered them to resign.

Huang Cheng and Zheng Yiguan left Qianqing Palace and walked outside the palace, still awed by the magnificence and majesty of the palace, they dare not show joy.

It wasn't until he left the Meridian Gate that Huang Cheng breathed a sigh of relief, his back straightened, and he showed a high-spirited and proud look.

"Uncle is also a sixth-rank civilian lord, on the same level as Li Dan and Yan Siqi." Zheng Yiguan bowed his hands to congratulate Huang Cheng, and said with a smile: "If you do the job well, Long Live said there will be a reward!"

Huang Cheng couldn't help the joy in his heart, he laughed, and said: "In the Maritime Chamber, Li and Yan think highly of themselves because they have the honor of the people. Now my uncle also has the title of honor, which can impress others, and I am very happy. !"

After a pause, he said to Zheng Zhilong earnestly: "Long live appreciates you very much, but you must seize this opportunity. Although you can make a fortune in business, you have to go through hardships and dangers. It is not as stable and prominent as an official."

Zheng Zhilong blinked, nodded thoughtfully, and did not immediately respond to Uncle's advice.

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(End of this chapter)