Gu Lina was extremely happy when she thought that she could make huge profits.
For her, making money is a very happy thing.
Li Zhen saw Gu Lina's expression in his eyes and said in a deep voice: "If you want to buy silk, tea and other items at low prices, and then sell them to Britain, France and other countries at high prices to earn high profits. And then sell them at low prices.
It is impossible to buy weapons and then sell them to me at a high price. The two parties are cooperating for a long time, and what is needed is mutual benefit and win-win in order to maintain it for a long time. If I lose money, I cannot guarantee the interests of Miss Gulina; if Miss Gulina
Even if I lose money, I can’t guarantee my arms supply, what do you think?”
"What the general says makes sense, so just do what the general says."
Gu Lina knew that Li Zhen was not easy to deceive, especially since it was impossible to seduce him.
In the past, Gulina dealt with Manchu and Qing officials in Shanghai. As long as she showed a little bit of beauty, she could win over the Manchu officials. Even some businessmen from the British Empire did the same. Unfortunately, she encountered Li Zhen's repeated defeats. There was no advantage.
Neither of them got it. Gu Lina couldn't take advantage, so she agreed with Li Zhen's mutual benefit and win-win situation.
Li Zhen nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "Miss Gu Lina, thank you for the news. I will deal with the matter. But before that, can you sell a few artillery pieces?"
Gu Lina said: "Your Majesty General, I remember that there are red cannons in Shanghai."
Mentioning the red cannon, Gu Lina showed a joking expression on her face.
In Gu Lina's eyes, the red cannon was undoubtedly a laughing stock. During the First Opium War, the cannon of the Humen Fortress weighed eight thousand kilograms and was said to be invincible and invincible. When it encountered the British fleet's naval gun, it failed
It was vulnerable to a single blow. Not only was its range not as far as the British naval gun, but the power of the shells was also inferior. The gap can be imagined.
Li Zhen knew the situation and said sincerely: "Miss Gu Lina, you know that the red cannons are not as good as the British naval guns, and I know that too. Especially in Italy, rifled cannons have appeared, which are more powerful and have a longer range.
You are in the arms business, and I believe you have such weapons. I need rifled cannons, not rotten red cannons."
Gu Lina's breathing suddenly became rapid, and her turbulent chest swayed slightly. Gu Lina's face was full of surprise, and she asked with some disbelief: "You actually know about rifled cannons?"
Li Zhen nodded, indicating that he understood.
The corner of Gu Lina's mouth twitched slightly, she was really surprised.
Li Zhen is fluent in English, but he is not unique. There are many Chinese people who can speak English.
However, not many people know about European artillery.
As early as a few decades ago, most of the artillery used by European countries were smoothbore front-loading artillery. The artillery shells were loaded from the muzzle and then fired. However, the rifled artillery invented in Italy, like the rifled gun, was improved.
.The shells are loaded from the back and spiral forward after being fired. They have high accuracy, stable flight, long range and greater power.
The development of rifled guns was less than ten years, very short.
Gu Lina knew about rifled cannons because she was in the arms business. But Li Zhen was different. Li Zhen was born and raised in Qing Dynasty. He had never been exposed to foreign weapons, but he knew about rifled cannons. It was so surprising. Gu Li
Na stared at Li Zhen, her big eyes blinking with strange eyes.
The general in front of her gave her too much surprise.
Li Zhen didn't know what Gu Lina was thinking and said, "I am in urgent need of rifled guns. How many can you provide?"
Gu Lina thought for a moment and said, "General, how many rifled cannons do you need?"
Li Zhen replied: "Ten artillery pieces, two hundred rounds of artillery shells!"
Gu Lina shook her head and said: "Although I am in the arms business, you have to understand that guns are easy to get, but cannons are hard to buy. With my many years of experience, I only have four rifled cannons and only two hundred rounds of shells. If you
I want it, two hundred thousand taels of silver for an artillery piece, and two hundred rounds of cannonballs as a bonus."
After hearing this, Li Zhen fell into deep thought.
Four artillery pieces require 800,000 taels of silver. Even if the cannon shells are given away, it is not a small deal worth tens of thousands taels.
Seeing Li Zhen's silence, Gu Lina said: "General, this is already the most reasonable price. If it were another official and a businessman came to me to buy artillery, the starting price would be 250,000 taels, or even 300,000 taels of silver.
I won’t sell a single artillery piece, and the shells cost thousands of taels each. This is a very fair price.”
Li Zhen nodded and said: "Miss, you are very kind. Thank you very much, Li Zhen."
After a pause, Li Zhen said: "If I buy four artillery pieces, it would be a waste. I will buy one artillery piece and two hundred rounds of shells. I will rent the remaining three artillery pieces for fifty thousand taels of silver each."
, the time is half a year, if the artillery is damaged during this period, I will compensate according to the original price of 200,000 taels of silver. After half a year, I will return the three artillery pieces to the lady."
Gu Lina smiled and said: "I think generals are more like businessmen and not suitable for officials."
Li Zhen said seriously: "The country is in trouble, and I can only be an official to have hope of saving the country."
Seeing Li Zhen's serious expression, Gu Lina thought to herself that this man was quite meaningful.
After a pause, Gu Lina said: "According to the general's suggestion, one artillery costs 200,000 taels of silver, and leasing three artillery pieces costs 150,000 taels. A total of 350,000 taels. I will give you two hundred rounds of artillery shells for free.
I hope the general can protect your country."
After Li Zhen heard this, he stood up and bowed to express his gratitude.
Gu Lina was a little surprised. She didn't expect this shameless, cunning, tough, and knowledgeable general to thank her.
Weird! Really weird!
After Li Zhen sat down, he asked: "I would like to ask Miss a question. As a British person and a countess, Miss should consider the interests of Britain. Now selling artillery to me is funding foreign enemies. Aren't you worried about it?"
"
"Worry?"
Gu Lina chuckled twice, shook her head and said: "I have nothing to worry about, I have my beliefs, I hate war, and I hate opium. Although there are many warlike people in my country, including Her Majesty the Queen, who also advocates positivity
expansion, but I do not agree with Her Majesty the Queen’s proposition. I think it is very sacred that you fight for your country, and I am willing to help you.”
When Li Zhen heard this, he also changed his view on Gu Lina.
Li Zhen said with a sincere expression: "Li Zhen is really lucky to have met Miss Gulina. I asked you to forgive me for the harm I caused to Miss with my rude words."
After Gu Lina heard this, she felt a little ashamed and angry.
Which pot is not opened and which pot is raised? Why are the previous things mentioned again?
However, after hearing Li Zhen's gentle words, Gu Lina felt a little fluttered in her heart. Gu Lina's husband passed away for more than three years, during which time Gu Lina had been single and had not had a relationship with any man. Even though she behaved in a coquettish manner -
She is coquettish and attractive, but she keeps herself clean and protects herself very well. Rather than saying that Gu Lina is coquettish and seductive, it is better to say that she protects herself with that face.
Seeing that Gu Lina was silent, Li Zhen felt a little apologetic, so he said, "It's rare for Miss Gu Lina to come here. Let's have dinner at home today. You haven't had Chinese food before, so I'll cook it myself."
"Oh, God!"
Gu Lina suddenly widened her eyes and exclaimed: "Your Majesty General, can you cook?"
At this time, Gu Lina was simply extremely surprised.
She has been in Shanghai for many years and knows some Chinese customs.
Women have no status in China, and Chinese men are very particular about being a gentleman and never cooking. But Li Zhen wanted to cook in person, which was flattering to her.
A kind of faint happiness lingered in Gu Lina's heart.
Li Zhen smiled and nodded lightly. In fact, Li Zhen had no ill feelings towards Gu Lina. It was just that the two sides used their own tricks during the negotiations. Gu Lina put on a seductive posture, and Li Zhen counterattacked without any scruples. The so-called confrontation
The matter is not personal, Gu Lina is not bad, and there is no negotiation now, so Li Zhen naturally does not need to be cold.