Chapter 2360

Compared with the speed at which Haihan officials develop and build overseas colonies, private businessmen are obviously moving faster. As long as they have tasted the sweetness of Haihan's business system, most of them have already developed keen business acumen.

With his sense of smell, he knew exactly how to catch a ride on Haihan's external expansion.

In 1636, Wang Tom led an armed fleet to Seoul, and half-coaxed and half-forced the Korean King Li Zhu to sign an alliance treaty with Haihan. Since then, Haihan merchants began to focus on Korea, and slowly

Slowly began to establish trade channels between Zhoushan and Seoul.

Apart from Seoul, the city with the strongest commercial atmosphere in North Korea is probably Busan, so soon some Haihan businessmen noticed this seaport city located at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, and were delighted to find that Busan had not yet been established due to historical reasons.

It is not strictly supervised by the Joseon court, and there are a large number of business opportunities here for foreign businessmen to freely explore. For businessmen trained through the Haihan business system, Busan is simply a treasure that needs to be developed urgently.

Therefore, in the past two years, Haihan merchants have entered this area one after another and are operating a variety of industries here, especially the service industry and navigation industry that Haihan merchants are best at. Similar to Mingyue Tower, which is built by the sea

Chain restaurants run by Han merchants are not uncommon in Busan, there are at least three or four.

The business style of these restaurants is mainly based on Haihan cuisine that pays attention to seasoning and cooking techniques. In addition to the chefs transferred from China, all kinds of seasonings and spices, and even some ingredients and drinks are shipped all the way from Zhoushan.

.

As a result, the operating costs will of course remain high, which will increase the consumption level of the restaurant. However, the operators have put a lot of effort into publicity, packaging Haihan cuisine as a good thing that can only be enjoyed by the upper class of society, and inviting some in the early stage.

Local celebrities serve as spokespersons, and they have successfully created an image of high-end dining in Busan.

When North Korea was invaded by the Manchus last year, many wealthy people in the north chose to flee to the south for refuge. Busan was undoubtedly an excellent choice. Not only was it very prosperous, but if the situation continued to deteriorate, you could also go to sea to escape the war. These are

The arrival of rich people has also brought a lot of wealth to the Haihan merchants who are engaged in the service industry. Mingyuelou, for example, took advantage of this opportunity to make a lot of money, and the profits were even more generous than those in Haihan.

"Does your restaurant often have guests from other countries? For example, Japanese." Wang Tom asked.

The shopkeeper quickly responded: "Yes, yes, almost every day!"

According to the shopkeeper, there are about a dozen large and small Japanese shops in Busan, and there are nearly a thousand Japanese businessmen who frequently come and go here, many of whom have strong financial resources. These people are not necessarily interested in the taste of Haihan cuisine.

, more often than not, consumption in places like Mingyue Building is regarded as a symbol of status. For example, when entertaining partners or local officials, Haihan Restaurant is definitely the first choice, in order to demonstrate one's economic strength.

In addition, the various drinks shipped from Haihan are also Japanese favorites. Haihan’s wine-making technology is considered very advanced in this era, and there are many varieties to choose from, including many high-quality grain wines and fruit wines.

It is a must-buy for Japanese people who like to drink. Moreover, Haihan's packaging of wine is very exquisite. High-end wines are filled in customized porcelain bottles or glass bottles, which creates a high degree of recognition.

It is also one of the reasons why customers are willing to spend money.

In view of the Japanese people's increasing consumption ability of wine, it is said that some businessmen have built large-scale wineries locally and are preparing to use local materials for brewing to reduce the cost of wine.

Wang Tom knew that these businessmen were really quick-thinking and could run a prosperous business in Busan without official organization at all. He immediately asked the shopkeeper to find a reliable person to take him around Busan City after dinner.

One turn.

How could the shopkeeper miss such an opportunity to curry favor with a nobleman? He quickly recommended a candidate to Tom Wang: "If you are looking for a guide who is familiar with the local area, I would be bold to recommend one."

The person recommended by the shopkeeper is his own nephew. He has been in Busan for a year and a half. He is usually responsible for purchasing ingredients and various supplies needed for the restaurant, so he is quite familiar with all aspects inside and outside the city.

Tom Wang nodded and said, "Can you speak Mandarin?"

The shopkeeper hurriedly responded: "I can speak both Mandarin and Korean! Sir, this nephew of Xiaoren has studied in Danzhou for several years before. He knows the rules and is strict with his mouth. He will not talk nonsense."

"Oh? He's from China? That's okay, it's him." When Wang Tom heard that he was from Danzhou, he felt a little more intimate at the moment, and he immediately made a decision.

The shopkeeper hurriedly responded. Seeing that Wang Tom had no other instructions, he informed and informed that he was going to the kitchen to order the dishes and voluntarily left the private room. Later, when the waiter came in to serve the dishes, he brought two bottles of Sanya

The special brew is said to be the shopkeeper's tribute to all of you.

Shen Xueyi said: "This shopkeeper is very discerning."

Wang Tom smiled and said: "Seeing that our group is accompanied by you, a North Korean official, he can certainly guess that it will be a big deal."

Although the officer's meal on the ship is not bad, with vegetables and meat included in every meal, due to the cooking conditions at sea, the taste is definitely not as good as the dishes in this restaurant. Even if Wang Tom is not a person who pays special attention to material comforts

, and also sincerely admire the taste of the food and wine here.

After the meal, the shopkeeper came in personally to settle the bill. However, he did not say how much money the banquet cost, but wanted to ask Tom Wang to give the restaurant a gift of calligraphy. As for this meal, it was regarded as a filial piety.

In fact, this request is certainly not too much. The shopkeeper saw that these distinguished guests were having a good time, so he had the courage to make such a request. Another person might have readily agreed. After all, adding an inscription to the restaurant can be regarded as providing support to the country's business.

But the problem is that Wang Tom has some difficulties with the inscription. He is from ABC. When he first arrived in this time and space, he was not particularly fluent in speaking Chinese. Now, although there is no communication problem, writing Chinese characters is not.

It is still a minor shortcoming. Even the various written reports in daily life are usually dictated by him and transcribed by the combat staff. He only needs to sign and it is done.

It was much more difficult for him to ask him to write an inscription with a brush than to direct a battle. Moreover, he also knew very well that his ghostly handwriting was not suitable for publicity. The inscription would later be made into a plaque and hung in Mingyue Tower.

, is it considered to be a compliment or a spoiler?

Wang Tom immediately declined the shopkeeper's request and asked someone to settle the bill at the market price. Although the price of this banquet was not cheap, it was not worth mentioning for his wealth. There was no need to be greedy for such a small sum.

Cheap.

The shopkeeper originally wanted to give it a try, but after being rejected, he didn’t insist. He quickly called his nephew in and introduced him to Wang Tom and others.

"The villain Mu Guang is from Danzhou. I have met all of you, sir!" The young man who spoke had a dark complexion. He could tell at a glance that he was from the south, and indeed he had a hint of Hainan Island accent.

Wang Tom said: "I heard that you are familiar with Busan, so you can take us around the city today."

Mu Guang responded: "I wonder what you want to see, sir?"

Wang Tom said: "Our country's local industries and Japanese shops... In addition, if there are any special places in the local area, you can take us to see them."

After the group left Mingyue Tower, Mu Guang followed Wang Tom's request and took them to visit Busan City.

During the Imjin Japanese Rebellion more than 40 years ago, Busan was occupied by Japan for several years, and most of the original city defense facilities were destroyed. After the reconciliation between the two countries in 1607, Busan returned to the embrace of North Korea, and it became a

It became the trade center between North Korea and Japan. However, North Korea did not spend any effort to rebuild the destroyed city defense facilities.

On the one hand, the two countries signed a peace treaty and jointly operated Busan as a long-term trade port. Not building fortifications could also show North Korea's friendly attitude. On the other hand, the cost of rebuilding the city defenses was astronomical. At that time, it was just

Gwanghaejun Li Hui, who had just ascended the throne, wanted to spend money to consolidate the foundation of his rule in too many places. He was unwilling to invest heavily in building fortifications in the distant Busan that would not be needed in the short term, so he put it on hold.

Later, after Li Jian seized power and came to power, North Korea became the target of Hou Jin's suppression. Almost all the limited funds in the treasury were spent on the north, and it was impossible to rebuild the city defense of Busan.

So to this day, Busan's city defense is still incomplete. It does not have decent towers, walls, and moats like Seoul. The Haihan fleet sailed into Busan Port without any obstruction or interrogation. Wang Tom has no doubt that if

If Japan launches another offensive here, it should be able to capture this place without any bloodshed.

In sharp contrast, the scale of the local seaports and terminals is growing at a speed visible to the naked eye. In addition to Japanese businessmen, there are also quite a few Han maritime merchants who come here to engage in trading activities. In addition, occasionally there are

Portuguese and Dutch merchant ships arrived here.

According to the data available to Mu Guang, there are currently more than 100 local commercial institutions run by Han people. Of course, these include both Ming merchants and Haihan merchants, and the ratio is about 70 to 30 percent.

"There are so many merchants in the Ming Dynasty, so have you been suppressed by them when doing business here?" Wang Tom asked casually.

Mu Guang smiled and said: "I don't dare to borrow their courage! Thanks to the Executive Committee, the local government is now facing us, not to mention that the Golden Shield has already arrived here. Even if they have to use force, those

Mingshang is no match for us either."

To be honest, Ming merchants must have entered Busan much earlier than Haihan merchants. However, most Haihan merchants were also Ming people before, so their identities were not so clearly distinguished in local business competition.

It was not until Haihan's influence in North Korea became stronger and stronger in the past year that some Haihan merchants began to take the initiative to hang two-color flags outside their shops to identify themselves.

After Golden Shield Escort extended its tentacles to Busan, Haihan merchants became more confident. They all knew that behind this so-called armed escort agency was the Haihan Army and the Ministry of National Defense. Where Golden Shield Escort was there, there was no need to worry.

They will be bullied by other forces using strong methods. Even the local powerful people who used to charge gray fees to Haihan merchants have now taken the initiative to restrain themselves. They must have learned about the golden shield's means of escorting through some channels.

Wang Tom heard this and asked with great interest: "Will Japanese businessmen receive the same treatment when they come here?"

"No one accepts money from Japanese businessmen, and the government is also very afraid of them. This is probably a habit developed over decades." Mu Guang said helplessly: "People here are still a bit groveling towards the Japanese. I think it was back then.

I’m afraid of being killed by the Japanese.”

According to Mu Guang, although almost half a century has passed since the Imjin Japanese Rebellion, the shadow left by Japan's invasion of this area still seems to have not completely dissipated. Businessmen from Japan still enjoy various privileges in Busan, and locals

The local government is not likely to interfere in related matters. If a Japanese businessman commits something locally, at most they will just pay the money and be expelled. It is rare that they will be arrested and punished.

But after the Haihan Army launched troops to attack Hirado last year, the attitude of these local Japanese businessmen towards Haihan became much more respectful. After all, in just a few days, the Haihan Army defeated the Hirado Navy Fleet, known as Japan's number one navy.

After annihilating them all, plundering Hirado Castle and then burning it all down, no one would be willing to take the initiative to offend such a strong man. Maintaining awe is the safest approach.

Wang Tom heard this and asked again: "Are there any Japanese businessmen from Hirado here?"

"Yes, but not many. They are basically people who stayed here when the accident last year and did not go back." Mu Guang said with a smile: "These people are easy to recognize. They usually look at us as if they are ready to bite at any time.

.But they want to continue to run business here, but they don’t dare to offend us publicly. The villain likes to see them looking so angry and helpless.”

"According to the information you have, what kind of business are most Hirado merchants engaged in locally? Are there any shady transactions?" Wang Tom continued to ask.

Mu Guang responded: "These merchants of the Hirado clan are keeping their tail between their legs now, for fear of being caught with some excuse to expel them from Busan, but I have not heard that they are doing any shady business and selling to Busan."

The things are all local specialties from Kyushu Island."

Wang Tom felt a little relieved after hearing this answer. He had suspected that the weapons sold by the Hirado Domain to the Manchu Qing Dynasty were transported through North Korea, and Busan was obviously an excellent trade channel. Although Mu Guang's information may not be complete.

It's reliable, but Wang Tom really doesn't want to see anyone from North Korea involved in the arms smuggling trade between Hirado and the Manchu Qing Dynasty.
Chapter completed!