Arriving at the lobby, Ma Hui had been waiting for a long time.
Li Zhen waved his hand for Ma Hui to sit down and said with a smile: "Mr. Ma Hui, when we agreed to resolve Xu Naizhao's matter, you and I can cooperate. It's a pity that you only come now. I have been waiting for a long time."
Ma Hui bowed slightly and said with an apologetic look: "I'm busy with worldly affairs, please forgive me."
Li Zhen said: "Now, can we discuss cooperation?"
Ma Hui nodded and said: "I came to see you, sir, just for the cooperation between the two sides. The United States has not been independent for a long time, and it is also facing many difficulties now. It will undoubtedly be a pity if the economy can get better. I represent the United States in China
Minister, I would like to discuss economic matters with you."
Li Zhenxiao asked: "Your Excellency Ma Hui, economy is only one aspect. Can't there be military cooperation?"
"military?"
Ma Hui raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile: "Please elaborate."
Li Zhen said: "In terms of military affairs, naturally the United States and the Qing Dynasty reached an alliance to resist Britain, France and other European countries. The United States was once an enslaved colony. Although the United States has become independent, doesn't Britain and France have the idea of controlling the United States again?
As long as Britain wants to continue to expand its rights and interests, I think the United States will still be a fat lamb."
"Like the United States, my country also faces threats from Britain and France."
"I think we both have common ground and the basic conditions for becoming allies."
"Once Britain attacks the United States, our country can send troops to help. If Britain and France send troops to attack my country, I also hope that the United States can send troops to help. We are also countries with vast territories, and I think we can cooperate."
Li Zhen looked extremely sincere with a sincere look on his face.
After listening, Ma Hui fell into deep thought.
After a long time, Ma Hui shook his head resolutely and said: "Sir, I must admit that the idea that Britain wants to control the United States does exist, but I must also state that even if Britain is strong, it is impossible to control the United States of America. We
The people, officials and dignitaries would not agree and would not accept being enslaved again. Even if Britain wanted to, it would not be able to succeed."
After a pause, Ma Hui continued: "As for the issue of allies, the country's parliamentarians will not agree. Of course, if you are willing to spend money to invite American soldiers to assist, that is okay."
Ma Hui was so arrogant that he rejected all Li Zhen's suggestions with his words.
Moreover, Ma Hui asked Li Zhen to spend money to hire American soldiers. This expenditure was definitely enough to bankrupt Li Zhen.
Li Zhen laughed and said: "Mr. Ma Hui, you and I are both sensible people, so I proposed an alliance. Unfortunately, your words made me deeply disappointed. Mr. Ma Hui knew that the civil strife in the United States was intensifying and a civil war was likely to break out.
It is unable to mobilize more troops. In fact, the United States must be careful of Britain taking the opportunity to take action. Mr. Ma Hui, am I right?"
Ma Hui looked surprised and asked, "You actually know about things in the United States?"
Li Zhen smiled and said nothing, "Ma Hui, do you think the two parties can sign an alliance contract?"
When Ma Hui heard this, he shook his head firmly.
Although the United States has just risen, it also wants to seize the interests of the Qing Dynasty. On this point, both Ma Hui and domestic congressmen in the United States have the same consensus. Even if Ma Hui takes the initiative to seek cooperation with Li Zhen, he just wants to
To earn more benefits for the United States, it is impossible to be a good old man and help the Qing Dynasty.
Li Zhen frowned, and his happy expression turned serious.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed.
Ma Hui looked at Li Zhen and thought of what happened to Aliguo and Aitang.
A Liguo and Aitang were killed. Ma Hui speculated that it was Li Zhen who did it, but could not find any evidence. On the other hand, this sounded the alarm for Ma Hui. If Li Zhen was angered, nothing would happen.
Ending. Ma Hui was silent for a long time and said: "Sir, although it is impossible to become an ally, I can guarantee that the United States will not send troops and will remain neutral."
When Li Zhen heard this, he sneered in his heart.
Britain and France launched a war, and the United States was in civil strife and could not send troops. The so-called neutrality was just standing by and waving the flag. Once the two sides went to war, no matter who won, the United States could step in and earn benefits.
Li Zhen knew it well, but did not dwell on this issue.
Li Zhen's plan was to use the United States to contain Britain and France, but Ma Hui had a clear mind and it was obviously impossible.
Li Zhen added: "If we cannot reach an alliance militarily, let's talk about the economy."
Ma Hui immediately became interested and said: "The economy of the Qing Dynasty is at a standstill and needs external stimulation. American business can just enter the Qing Dynasty and help the Qing Dynasty's economic recovery. In trade between the United States and the Qing Dynasty, merchant ships entering from the port are exempt from tariffs.
Moreover, the Qing Dynasty wanted to protect the interests of American businessmen and give them certain privileges to avoid being affected."
The corner of Li Zhen's mouth twitched, Ma Hui really dared to bring it up.
It seems that the Qing Dynasty has become a paradise.
Li Zhen shook his head resolutely and said: "Mr. Ma Hui, I welcome American businessmen friends to come to Qing Dynasty to do business. I believe other officials in our country will also welcome it. Economic growth is also good for us. However,
It is impossible not to collect tariffs, and it is impossible to grant privileges arbitrarily.
Speaking of this, Li Zhen said categorically: "What I can guarantee is that American businessmen come to China to do business. As long as they are serious businessmen, I welcome them, and I am willing to open the door to facilitate them and give them certain preferential treatment. Of course, if
I will kill every businessman who comes here to sell opium and traffic people."
When Ma Hui heard this, he frowned.
This kind of trade is just to make money, it's too ordinary.
Li Zhen looked calm and continued: "Mr. Ma Hui, there are other aspects of trade in our economy. For example, steel, ore, coal and other energy sources, you can ask American businessmen to transport them and sell them, and I am also willing to buy them. Engage in them
I am willing to provide certain preferential treatment to merchants who buy and sell steel, ore and coal, and even tariff reductions and exemptions are possible."
For coal, steel and other energy sources, Li Zhen is urgently needed.
China has a vast land and rich resources, but it is impossible for Li Zhen to go to other provinces to mine and mine coal. More importantly, Li Zhen still lacks workers and scientists. Even if Li Zhen has many ideas, the reality is that Li Zhen cannot develop. Without advancement
technology, without the scientists and workers who work hard for it, everything will be difficult to implement.
After hearing this, Ma Hui's eyes suddenly lit up.
The United States has a vast territory and rich resources, and the conditions proposed by Li Zhen are completely feasible.
Due to the limitations of this era, Ma Hui did not realize the importance of coal, steel and other resources. Ma Hui knew that in the vast United States, steel, coal and other items could be easily mined.
It is feasible to trade coal, steel, etc.
Ma Hui smiled and said: "Sir, your suggestion is very good. I believe we can cooperate."
Li Zhen said with a smile: "Please Mr. Ma Hui to communicate well with American businessmen after he returns. I believe that our cooperation will be beneficial to both countries."
Ma Hui said: "Definitely."
Ma Hui and Li Zhen talked about other things before leaving Daotai Mansion.
This time, although Ma Hui did not achieve his goal of grabbing more profits, he opened up a broader and more valuable business channel for the United States, which allowed him to earn more silver.
