It has been half a month since Catherine left Zhenjiang Fort. Seeing that the weather is gradually getting warmer and the ice floes on the sea are almost invisible, she can no longer stick to Jiang Wan's side even if she wants to.
Li Fuyao even made fun of her several times because of this matter. Although she didn't care about Li Fuyao's teasing, it was obvious that no matter how long the love between children was, it couldn't compare to her man's great ambitions. As she watched her man become more and more outstanding, she herself
The sisters around her have also become good helpers for her man's great career. No matter how reluctant she is, she has to leave.
The target is of course Dongyi Island, a place that the Dutch have occupied for many years.
But in her impression, even if the Dutch have been entrenched for many years, their development should be on par with the Victor Chamber of Commerce. But when she arrived in Dongyi, she was shocked to find that compared to the Victor Chamber of Commerce that had been entrenched in Haojingao, the Dutch
People have actually built such a huge castle in Dongyi, and even set up governors and provinces here.
She finally understood why her uncle and his colleagues were eager to start a war with the Dutch. If this trend continued, even if the Victor Chamber of Commerce would occupy many advantages at sea in the future, it would
For the entire Dutch people on Dongyi Island, this advantage is not enough to crush them, and the Dutch even have enough resources and manpower to slowly reduce the advantage of the Victor Chamber of Commerce until they become this
The overlord of the sea.
Of course, these were all things that might have happened before the emergence of the Sihai Trading Company, and the Sihai Trading Company, which neither side paid more attention to, had been accumulating strength since its appearance in this sea area. I am afraid that the two sides who are about to start a war have never dreamed of it.
Thinking of it, this war that they thought was inevitable had not even begun yet, but the outcome was actually already doomed.
The beneficiaries of the war could only be the Ming Dynasty's Overseas Administrative Department and the Sihai Commercial Bank. No matter in this kind of war, the Ming Dynasty would add fuel to the war, or sit back and watch the fight between tigers and tigers.
Catherine was very sure of this.
After returning to her ship, someone came over to report what happened after she left. In this case, she would definitely not stay in the city of Relanja, but she would obviously leave until the governor made up his mind.
That doesn’t work either.
She could only stay in her own boat for a while.
"As Madam expected, the Dutch made no secret of our surveillance. After Madam left, their soldiers tried to board the ship for inspection, but our people forcefully pushed them back. However, they spoke out without their permission.
, our ships cannot leave the port, otherwise they will be sunk!"
"Just don't let them get on the boat. For the rest, let them do whatever they want!"
Catherine nodded: "You arrange the crew and go ashore in batches to have fun. I don't want you to inquire about any news. You can just spend money in the city, drink and fight. I need to remind the governor all the time that I
The presence!"
Catherine's instructions were carried out, and she thought she would have some leisurely time. Who knew that she had underestimated her reputation as the "Flower of Victor"? Even in this city of Relanja, there are still many people
Those who have heard of this name, in addition to businessmen, there are also some officers who think they are qualified, and even some people who think they can establish relationships with Ming people through her, have expressed their admiration for her.
This forced her to frequently receive invitations to banquets, and she naturally accepted all comers. Her appearance, conversation, demeanor, and the power behind her quickly made her become a member of the party in less than half a month.
Over time, he became a social celebrity in the city of Relanja.
If she came to Relanze quietly, then if even Miss Catherine does not know about the Relanze people now, it is obvious that she does not feel that she is a powerful person in Relanze. In high-end circles,
She is already unknown to everyone.
While Governor Edric was waiting for him to verify the news about Catherly, he was also paying attention to Catherine. He even appeared at a banquet with Catherine at the same time, but the topic between them did not involve Catherine's original proposal at all.
.
It wasn't until Edric sent someone to invite her to the Governor's Mansion that Catherine knew that it was probably time for the Governor to negotiate a business deal with her.
"We lost three armed merchant ships and two plundering ships at sea!" Governor Edric's face was still a little pale: "There are already warships from the Victor Chamber of Commerce on the route near Geranze. Catherine
Miss, if you leave at this time, I'm afraid it will be difficult to ensure your safety!"
"I'm not in a hurry to leave!" Catherine smiled like a flower: "Actually, I have been very happy in the city of Relancia in the past half month, and I believe that the Governor will protect Relancia, right?"
"Of course, I swear on my honor to defend the glory and interests of the kingdom to the death!"
Edric said solemnly: "However, I do not rule out the possibility of the Portuguese sending troops to the island. If we really fight with their troops, I am afraid that the city of Relanjia will not be very safe!"
"The army of the Victor Chamber of Commerce, haha!" Catherine sneered: "They are just a bunch of sailors!"
"The situation is different now!" Edric shook his head: "I have news that the musket workshop in Haojing'ao is producing muskets day and night, and on several islands near Haojing'ao, the Victor Chamber of Commerce
It is also sealed tightly, no one knows what they hide in those islands, and all the muskets produced are sent there!"
Edric pointed to a musket on the table: "This is the musket they produced, the poorest musket. Their musket workshop has done everything possible to save costs. I am very suspicious of such a musket."
Can you launch it ten times?"
He said with a serious face: "I completely believe what you said, Miss Catherine. These inferior muskets can only be used by mercenaries who serve as cannon fodder. Even if they are cannon fodder, these mercenaries cannot be used if they reach a certain number."
The threat of neglect!”
He seemed very worried: "If it's those natives with spears, bows and arrows or those monkeys who can't even use firearms, I'm not worried about their combat effectiveness at all, but if there are mercenaries who can use firearms, even if they are mercenaries who can use firearms,
If ten of them die to replace one of my soldiers, I will feel that this is a huge harm to me!"
"So, are you going to accept my proposal and hire these cannon fodder mercenaries I provided?" Catherine said with a smile.
"No, I refuse this offer!"
Edric shook his head: "If you just want cannon fodder, I have plenty, but I don't have a Portuguese musket workshop, so I can't continuously produce those inferior muskets in large quantities. And I learned that Miss Catherine's husband should
He must be a general who fought against the northern barbarians in the Ming Empire. The inferior muskets produced by the Ming Empire are obviously the most suitable choice for me at this time!"
The development of the situation was slightly different than what Catherine had expected. However, the mercenary business turned into an arms business. It seems that there is not much difference in essence. After all, the two sides are about the same strength, so there is no need to go back and forth if they fight!
"Price, quantity?"
She pondered for a moment and asked: "I can't guarantee that I will be able to meet your needs, but if the price is right, I will do my best to meet your needs!"
"The cost of such inferior muskets converted into Ming dynasty silver taels is about ten taels of silver. I will leave you enough room for profit. For fifteen taels of silver each, you can transport it to Relanja City within a month.
I want as much as I want. After a month, we’ll decide based on the situation. What do you think?”
Seeing Catherine's hesitation, Edric added: "Of course, I will pay you part of the deposit in advance. After all, this is a risky thing!"
"Then it's settled, let's draft a contract!"
Catherine smiled and nodded, agreeing.
Such a deal does not seem to increase Tieshan City's production capacity. According to Catherine's understanding, the Ming Empire produced tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of "inferior muskets" like Edric's words every year.
Most of the firecrackers were kept in warehouses to mold, then rust and break, and only a few of them were put to use.
She only needs to directly contact the relevant personnel of the Ministry of War of the Ming Empire to obtain such an order effortlessly. Moreover, if she understands the financial situation of the Ming Empire, the Ming Empire should be willing to do such an arms export.
Business.
It's a pity that she doesn't have that much time to argue with the Ming Empire's bureaucrats, and Edric has limited the time so tightly, which means that the war has not only started, but is also likely to spread within a month.
onto land.
Therefore, she must choose a faster method.
…
Beijing, Luo Yangxing's Mansion.
It is almost evening. At this time on weekdays, the Luo Mansion has long been closed, and the officials waiting in line at the door have dispersed. Now in the capital, Master Luo, the commander of the Jinyi Guards, is His Majesty’s most favored minister.
, the prosperity of his holy family is simply unparalleled. If there is something that cannot be solved in the court, please come here. As long as Mr. Luo nods, there is a high probability that the matter will be fine.
Of course, the price to pay for success will not be small. Even so, the gate of Luo Mansion is still busy with traffic every day.
But today is different. The door of Luo's Mansion is wide open, but the busy people at the door have been dispersed.
Menzi had come out half an hour ago to tell the people outside that Mr. Luo was discussing court affairs with Duke Dingguo. No matter what you want to see Mr. Luo, please come early tomorrow!
With these words, who dares to be an eyesore here? Not to mention Ding Guogong and others are people they cannot afford to offend. Even if they make Lord Luo unhappy, then what may have been possible will definitely not be possible.
In the living room, Xu Caining and Luo Yangxing sat facing each other, but Duke Dingguo, who was said to discuss state affairs with Master Luo, did not appear.
"This matter is a taboo for the imperial court!"
Luo Yangxing's face was solemn: "It is a serious crime for civilians to hide firearms privately, let alone take out firearms from the arsenal and sell them for money. If any official dares to do this, I, the Jin Yiwei, will definitely find him as soon as possible, and then
Conquer the house and destroy the entire family!"
"This is not something that just happened today!" Xu Caining smiled faintly: "How many of our Ming Dynasty's arsenals are really not guarded and stolen? Lord Luo, who has been experienced in human affairs for a long time, cannot possibly not know this!"
"I don't care what those little fishes and shrimps do!" Luo Yangxing waved his hand: "We Jin Yiwei are not that idle!"
His face showed embarrassment: "But you opened the mouth for ten thousand. If you hadn't come to say this to me, who would have dared to say this to me in private. My first reaction would be that the other party wanted to rebel. If not, he would do this.
What are the extra firearms for?”
"Sold to the Fan people!" Xu Caining smiled: "The Franji people are fighting with the Dutch. The Dutch can't hold on any longer and came to us to do this deal. It's just that Mr. Luo has always taken care of our Jiang family. This
You can do business in the Jiang family yourself, but the Jiang family also knows how to be a good person!"
"Really?" Luo Yangxing didn't quite believe what the other party said.
"Lord Luo must have seen the fire cannons made by the overseas governor. How do they compare with the ones made by our Ming Dynasty?" Xu Caining smiled: "If it weren't for the confrontation between the front line and the Tartars, we couldn't be distracted by making such a batch of fire cannons.
, we have done this business ourselves, and left this business to Mr. Luo, one is to take care of each other, and the other is for national affairs, so as not to delay the plan of Ping Liao! "
"I have to report this matter to Your Majesty before I can make a decision!"
Luo Yangxing thought for a while, suppressed his urge to inquire about the price, and spoke slowly.
Ten thousand fire blunderbuss is really not a problem for him. The problem is still that, fire blunderbuss are too sensitive. If he dares to touch them and the emperor only finds out later, then his job as the commander of the Jinyi Guards will be over.
.
"Of course!" Xu Caining nodded. This was one of the reasons why she came to Luo Yangxing. If she had the emperor's permission, the matter would be done much more efficiently.
"However, the Fan people need to be anxious. Mr. Luo is more attentive in the end. Don't wait until the Fan people are defeated before we deliver the muskets. Then we won't get any money!"
"Um, can I ask, how much do you plan to spend on this gun of ours?"
Luo Yangxing still didn't suppress his curiosity and asked about Xu Caining's getting up.
"Fifteen taels each, plus gunpowder bullets, will be delivered to them within a month. They can take as many as they want!" Xu Caining stood up: "However, I, the Sihai Trading Company, have negotiated this deal and are responsible for delivering it to others.
Here, for this fire gun, it is not too much for me to take five taels from Sihai, and naturally I will not let Mr. Luo work in vain. These five taels of silver are half for you and me. When Mr. Luo reports to Your Majesty, you can
The reward is ten taels of silver each!"
It's only two or two and a half, which doesn't sound like much, but what about ten thousand, one hundred thousand? Or even more?
Luo Yangxing has also seen silver, but at this moment, he still took a deep breath: "I want 70% of these five taels of silver. My Jinyiwei will fully assist your Sihai Trading Company to complete this matter. Your Majesty,
I'll convince him!"
"Okay!" Xu Caining nodded without hesitation: "I'm waiting for the good news from Mr. Luo!"