I'm a big dick

Chapter 666

The armed merchant ships of the British are stronger than ordinary armed merchant ships in terms of combat power, but they are still inferior to warships.

After all, it was a merchant ship with merchant goods on it. No matter the number of artillery pieces or fighters, they were no match for the fleet of the Ming Dynasty.

After thinking about it, Wedel reluctantly accepted the Ming army's order.It is not what he wants to see, nor is it what the many shareholders behind him want to fight against the navy of the Ming Dynasty before the trade has started.

After the inspection by the Ming army, they were still not at ease with these armed merchant ships. They escorted them all the way, um, in Wedell’s view, they escorted them all the way to the sea of ​​Guangzhou, and ordered them to anchor in Shajiao Ocean, waiting for customs inspection.

Weddel looked up at the condescending Shajiao Fort, and suddenly felt that it was very different from the previous description of the foreign businessman.

On the ocean, he saw two giant ships and several medium-sized battleships. The rows of artillery hatches on the side strings made people feel oppressively.

In a few years, the navy of the Ming Empire has developed to this level?Weddell secretly rejoiced that he did not exchange fire with the Ming navy impulsively.

Of course Wedell didn't know that Shen Yourong, the commander in chief of the navy, was in Guangzhou at this time, and the two giant ships were his flagships.

Although the conquest of Luzon has been basically confirmed, the intense training in Dongfan has not stopped.

But it is no longer necessary for Shen Yourong to do it himself, he is sitting in Guangzhou, he is re-planning the cruise area of ​​the South China Sea Fleet, and quickly reporting some work on the establishment of the Navy Department by the imperial court.

The current South China Sea Fleet is divided into three squadrons. One is stationed in Saigon Port in Mekong Province, the other is stationed in Jinxia and Guangzhou, and the other is in Dongfan. It is the main force to conquer Luzon.

But in the eyes of the emperor, the scope of these three squadrons was still not wide enough. Even if there was a small fleet in Sanya, Hainan, it still could not satisfy the emperor.

The point is that the emperor was worried that the coastline was too long, and the Ming navy would not know in advance if the Xiyi ships entered the South China Sea.

The interception of the Weddell fleet this time is purely a coincidence, and such a coincidence does not happen every time.Historically, the Weddell fleet really brought a lot of trouble to the coast of Daming.

Even with the current strength of the Ming Navy, if the police are dispatched, it will deal a heavy blow.But the revenge afterwards was still unsatisfactory.

Regarding this, Shen Yourong was also in a dilemma. If the entrance of the Malacca Strait could not be blocked, it would be difficult to intercept the ships entering the South China Sea.Apart from strengthening coastal cruising, there is really no good way now.

The conquest of Luzon was to retaliate against the Spaniards; the occupation of Malacca was probably a strategic move that Long Live could not wait for.

Shen Yourong knew in his heart that it would not be difficult to occupy Malacca. There were not many Portuguese there, and there were even fewer warships, not even one-tenth of the Spaniards.

But the emperor did not act immediately, obviously considering the problems after the occupation.This requires the navy to propose a feasible plan for the emperor to refer to and decide.

Just as Shen Yourong was still thinking about how to perform the secret performance, officials from the Ming Dynasty Customs had already arrived on Wedell's boat.

"It really is a British businessman?" Listening to the interpreter's report, the official nodded. Although he was young, he seemed to know nothing about this country.

This is the change of Ming Dynasty, and the proportion of professional officials is getting higher and higher.You must know that historical Ming Dynasty officials also regarded Wedell and others as Spaniards, or collectively referred to as Xiyi.

Missionaries as interpreters?Wedel was also a little surprised, looking at this tall-nosed, blond-haired European, he paid special attention to the cross he hung.

"There are no British merchants in the Guangzhou business house. You are the first." The missionary translator ignored Wedel's surprised gaze and said to himself, "Now, let me introduce the rules to you..."

Obviously, this is not the first time for this interpreter to work, and he has a clear grasp of the process and the rules by heart.

"It is not allowed to bring weapons ashore. The artillery and gunpowder on the ship must be sealed up. Special personnel will go on board to check every day..."

"Shops are big or small, and the rent is high or low..."

"There is an exchange in the business hall. The price of the goods you bring, as well as the goods you want to buy, can be listed on the exchange. After the transaction is completed, you need to bring documents to pay taxes..."

"If you want to trade with Japan, you need to pay the Jinghai fee in exchange for a special flag as a mark..."

"In addition to the Guangzhou Commercial Center, there are also two locations in Shanghai and Saigon. The rules are the same..."

When the interpreter stopped speaking, the expression on his face made Wedel a little unhappy.A little arrogant, as if looking down on us a little bit.

"Don't make trouble, let alone any hostility, or actions that are likely to make people feel this way." The interpreter suddenly warned seriously: "Several Dutch ships were violently attacked because of this, and the entire army Overwhelmed."

"And—" the interpreter stretched out his finger and emphasized: "It is not uncommon to do pirate-like plunder at sea, isn't it? But not here. If it is reported, any British ships entering the South China Sea in the future will be punished." Attacked by the Ming Dynasty Navy, without exception."

Showing some contempt and contempt, as if looking at a bumpkin, the interpreter said: "The Ming Dynasty Navy has hundreds of warships. The Dutch, Spaniards and Portuguese have already accepted this condition, and you British don't want to be abandoned. Outside of the trade with Ming Dynasty?"

Wedel blinked and finally had a clearer understanding of the strength and policies of the Ming Empire.If you want to say domineering, it can be considered.But for real businessmen, it is also good news.

In the vast sea, it is very common to be a businessman and a thief.But if the Ming Empire dared to make such a threat, the naval strength might not be what it used to be.

"We are serious businessmen. We are equipped with artillery and guns to ensure our own safety." The accompanying businessman John said with a smile on his face: "Here, of course, we must abide by the rules of Ming Dynasty. By the way, I don't know your honorable name yet. "

"Noretti." The interpreter raised his head and replied, "Portuguese. The Portuguese who first established trade with the Ming Empire and had a good relationship with the Ming Empire."

"That's great." John rubbed his hands together, with an overjoyed expression, and said, "We came to trade with Daming because we wanted to pass through businessmen from your country. Unexpectedly, you are. If there is anything we don't understand, we It is necessary to trouble you. Afterwards, there will be a big thank you."

Noretti's expression relaxed a little, and he said, "It's not easy to go through the formalities, and the commercial hall area is also very large. You are new here, and you really need someone to guide you. Well, you can find me at the exchange, and I will arrange someone to help you." you."

It turned out that he was not a missionary, but an intermediary businessman.Wedel didn't have a good impression of Noretti's arrogance, but he also knew that offending him was not a good thing.

Noretti followed the Ming Dynasty officials, inspected the ship, shook his head repeatedly, and said, "Your goods cannot be sold, so you might as well come here with an empty ship in the future, so as not to pay customs duties for nothing."

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(End of this chapter)