Dong Shuheng could only briefly understand the situation in Nanyang from the paper documents reported at various levels.
Fortunately, now that the new leadership model has been established, there is no need to sign documents that are not particularly important in the future.
Administrative matters will be summarized to Prime Minister Zeng Xianfeng, and Dong Shuheng generally does not need to intervene. Daily affairs of the army will also be handled jointly by the three headquarters.
Dong Shuheng has determined that in his absence, Chief of Staff Yan Shikun will lead the Third Headquarters to handle the general affairs of the army.
Originally, Liu Qingnan should be the one to do this, but he was leading the troops on the front line, and like Dong Shuheng, he had no choice but to sit in an office every day. Yan Shikun was older, mature and prudent, and had been with Dong Shuheng for a long time, so he was familiar with Huai Haijun's situation.
understanding.
Dong Shuheng was relieved to have him take charge of some daily affairs. Moreover, Old Hans helped him with some professional issues in army construction.
Dong Shuheng was drinking tea with Prince Adalbert at this time. As soon as he arrived in Shanghai, he listened to Ji Mingshan's report and learned about the major events that happened in Shanghai during this period.
At the same time, they also secretly summoned Hua Er and Zhang Guangshun to confirm the performance of their security company in recent times.
At the same time, the three of them also planned the future development direction of the security company together.
Since the current security business is very popular, Dong Shuheng decided to continue to send troops to the security company and expand the security company from the current 2,000 people to 4,000 people.
"Dong, I feel like I'm about to recover now. Thank you very much and your amazing Chinese medicine."
"Your Highness, there is no need to be polite. Come, let's drink tea instead of wine."
Prince Adalbert took a sip of tea, tasted it and said: "Dong, I couldn't drink such good tea in Prussia. The European tea market is basically monopolized by Britain and France. The goods we got are all
They pick the rest."
Adalbert spoke with obvious indignation.
"When you go back this time, I will give you a piece of Yuqian Longjing. This tea can only produce more than 100 grams a year, and most of it is given to our Emperor for enjoyment." Dong Shuheng said with a smile.
"That's great. It will be enough for me to show off within the European royal family for a long time!"
"I've been sick for the past few days and I haven't been able to talk to you about business. Dong, how can we in Prussia get out of the current predicament? I would like to hear your opinion. I heard that you know the West very well."
"Well... Your Highness the Prince has given me the compliment. I can't say I understand him. I'm just giving my opinion as an outsider. There is an old saying in China that 'Those who are in authority are confused, but those who are onlookers are clear'."
"I think that if Prussia wants to become a first-class European power and be as famous as Britain and France, it must first integrate the German Confederation."
"Prussia now occupies an absolutely dominant position in the German Federation, but the German Federation is not monolithic. I believe His Royal Highness also knows how many times Prussia failed in history because other German states were holding back."
"Yes, but the pressure for German integration is not internal, but external."
"His Royal Highness means that Britain and France do not want to see Germany become a country."
"Yes, especially France. France was the first to be threatened after the integration of Germany."
"In addition, Prussia's current domestic economic situation is not very good. How can a poor Prussia lead the entire Germany?"
"Your Highness, I believe that strengthening economic ties between us will definitely improve Prussia's economic situation."
"Yes, that's why I came to China in person this time. It was His Excellency the General's large order that made me think of a way to solve Prussia's economic problems."
To put it bluntly, Prussia is still unable to get out of its economic predicament. The total global trade volume is now only so much, with the United Kingdom controlling the majority, followed by small countries such as France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Prussia’s trade volume is basically
It can be ignored.
"Yes, we do have a very complementary relationship with Prussia. What we mainly import now are steel, munitions and mechanical equipment. I heard that Prussia's railway construction technology is also very good. I think we can cooperate in this aspect."
.”
"Now our Huaihai Navy has a lot of supply of silk, tea, porcelain, bristle and other commodities. These commodities have a huge market in Europe. Prussia happens to be deep in the interior of Europe and actually has an advantage over Britain in commodity sales. If Prussia is willing
, I am willing to provide supply and open sales channels in Europe through Prussia." Dong Shuheng explained clearly the economic complementarity between the two parties in one breath.
"Oh, Dong, our King should really hire you as Prussia's Minister of Commerce. The current ministers in the country are really useless." Adalbert said in shock.
"Oh, it's not that exaggerated. I think there must be many people in Prussia who can realize this, but they don't understand China. But Your Highness, you have accurately realized this, and you really should be the Prime Minister of Prussia.
"
"You don't understand, the Prussians are as stubborn as cattle. I have been working hard for decades to build a navy and have experienced so many lessons, but those people are still unwilling to give up the idea of a continental army."
"These people don't even think about it. If we just maintain Prussia's security, we don't need so many armies at all. What benefits can it bring to Prussia by maintaining such a large army now? They can only serve as free thugs for the European royal family."
Prince Dalbert said there angrily.
"Yes, Prince, Prussia has made so many contributions to the European royal family and should receive some rewards, such as acquiring several pieces of land in Africa, such as the current Gulf of Guinea, Southwest Africa, and Tanganyika in East Africa.
Britain and France have no local presence. If Prussia asks for these places, it will have supply points for the Eastern Route. It can also import resources into Prussia through development."
"Hiss... The British and French are not willing or have the energy to develop these places you mentioned. If Prussia wants to, it is indeed very possible to visit. However, don't ignore it. With Prussia's current strength, there is no way to develop it.
There is no way to develop it. Not only is the navy not enough, Prussia also does not have that much manpower and financial resources to develop it." Adalbert said regretfully.
"Prince, these are not problems. If Prussia can get these lands, then we can develop these lands with you. We will provide the human and financial resources, and you can use the land as shares. We will form a joint venture together to develop these lands.
land."
"You see, in this matter, Prussia only needs to use its contribution to the European royal family over the years to get its own rewards. And these will become valuable with our cooperation. These overseas interests can provide funds for you to build a navy.
.Isn’t it a happy thing for everyone?" Dong Shuheng said with a smile.
Prince Adalbert carefully pondered the plan proposed by Dong Shuheng just now. This matter is indeed only good for himself. Prussia does not have to pay anything at all. If it does pay anything, it will be Prussia's influence.
Moreover, these are overseas interests. If they are to be distributed, the navy will definitely account for the majority. Then your own shipbuilding plan can be implemented.
"Dong, I take back what I just said. You should be the Prime Minister of Prussia, not the Minister of Commerce."
"Ha ha ha ha……"
The two people smiled at each other.
"Your Highness, the area under my jurisdiction is currently building railway facilities, and I think Prussia can also participate. You will not return empty-handed this time."
"Of course, I feel that I have gained a lot now."
"Your Highness, in fact, before you came to China, I had already sent a mission to Europe. I would like to ask you to take care of it after you return to China. In addition, I am going to let them set up the embassy in Berlin. After all, you are the only one we have in Europe now.
A true friend. In addition, our people will conduct some business activities in Europe, and I hope you will take care of them."
"This is no problem, it's just a small matter. I think I can still protect them with my face. When the time comes, I will contact my royal friends in Europe to facilitate them and ensure that they can move freely in Europe."
"Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome, we are friends, shouldn't friends help each other?"
The two looked at each other and smiled...
At this time, thousands of miles away in Europe, a group of Chinese set foot on Portuguese soil.
"Oh! I'm finally home." Looking at the port of Lisbon, Captain Antonio said excitedly.
"Dear Wang, do you want to come and sit at my home? I can be your tour guide and take you around Lisbon, which is a beautiful city." Antonio invited Wang Tao.
"Then please excuse me, Mr. Captain. We will be repairing in Lisbon for five days. Then the captain will take us to Paris!" Wang Tao said. He planned to make Lisbon the first stop of his European trip.
The group went through the formalities at the port with the help of the captain. Antonio was an old captain, and he was very kind and generous. He had many acquaintances at the port.
Although Wang Tao and his party were quite large in number, after paying a fee under Antonio's guidance, they were all able to go ashore to rest.
Before leaving, Dong Shuheng told them that they could cut off their braids on the ship. After all, they were going to Europe, so it was best to do as the locals do, which would also make it easier to deal with Europeans.
Wang Tao has also been in the concession for many years and has long wanted to cut off his braids. So now the group of Chinese people I see in Lisbon all have short hair and wear the same style of Huaihai Navy uniforms.
Some Portuguese people who have been to China find it strange that this is different from the Qing people they remember.
Under Antonio's guidance, Wang Tao and his party visited Lisbon. I have to say that the environment in Lisbon at this time was really not very good. Especially the streets of the city were full of stench.
Wang Tao and the others visited Lisbon University, Lisbon Maritime School and other institutions. They also arranged for several students to study in several institutions.