"Sir Yuan really has a fantastic idea, and a two-pronged approach will definitely make things happen. [ ]" Wu Like put on a smile and said without concealing his intention of "flattering".
"But then again, with the recession around the world, what kind of projects can be started? And obviously it can't be a small project. For a big project, it will be complicated to raise and take into account many risks, and it won't be able to achieve immediate results in a short time. So what?
Can these refugees be absorbed and resettled?" Yuan Su asked again.
"This matter is not difficult to handle, but it depends on who is going to do it." Wu Like said in a tongue twister.
"how do I say this?"
"Master Yuan, in fact, in the early years, our Linyu County and the nearby Funing County and Lulong County had plans to develop industries. From the middle of last year to the beginning of this year, I worked with the Funing County Magistrate... Oh, he is the county magistrate,
I have met with Magistrate Tao of Funing County many times, and we are planning to pool the efforts of the two counties to carry out two major projects, one is to build the Yanghe Reservoir, and the other is to jointly build the Nandaihe Wharf and the attached sand field." Wu Like.
His expression gradually became more meticulous as he spoke.
"Yanghe Reservoir? Nandaihe Wharf and Sand Field? These are indeed big projects, and their success will be beneficial to the future. Could it be that it was not implemented in the end due to financial reasons?" Yuan Su asked, honestly saying that he was not interested in these two projects.
He was very interested in this project. However, he remembered that the Yanghe Reservoir was built in 1959. The Yanghe River was a relatively large inland river, and the current level of industry in 1912 was indeed quite limited.
challenge.
"Funding is indeed one aspect, but because our two counties worked together, we were able to scrape together the first-phase budget. The original plan was to finance one phase and build the other, and it should be completed within five years. The main reason is the reservoir
To introduce foreign waterwheel power generation machinery, we negotiated with France and Citigroup successively, but little did we know that the foreigners were so ambitious that they would only sell the machinery if they were responsible for building and operating the power plant." Wu Like said with a sigh.
"And after that?"
"Master Yuan, don't you know that the first phase of funds raised by our two counties is 200,000 yuan, the French will cost 300,000 to build, and the Citi people will cost 290,000 to build. What is this? It's obviously just raising the price!
Not only that, but they also have to give up the management rights of the power plant for twenty years, twenty years! The foreign devils just come up with a power generation machine and exploit us for twenty years, not to mention two hundred and ninety thousand or three hundred thousand.
, Unless they undertake the construction for free, no one will agree to it." Wu Like became more and more emotional as he spoke, and his tone became more sonorous. [New]
"This business really cannot be done. The foreigners boast of their own ingenious skills and are planning to infringe on our Chinese rights and interests by asking for exorbitant prices." Chen Wenian agreed with a solemn expression.
"What about the wharf and sand field?" Yuan Su asked again calmly.
"In places near the coast, collecting sea sand is a livelihood, and the same is true for docks. The Nandaihe dock was built in the middle of last year, but Beidaihe, not far away, is mostly a foreign parish and a residence for expatriates. Those foreign businessmen
In order to ensure the business of its own port terminal, it signed a treaty with all ships arriving at Shanhaiguan Port, and they were only allowed to dock in Beidaihe, otherwise they would terminate their business transactions. Many foreign cargo ships made a living by doing business with foreigners, so they had no choice but to do business with foreigners.
Foreigners signed contracts. The good-looking Nandaihe Pier was suddenly squeezed out." Wu Like shook his head helplessly and sighed.
"Foreigners really bully others," Chen Wennian said through gritted teeth.
"Nandaihe Pier still owes several banks tens of thousands of yuan. Due to the shortage of funds, the opening of the killing field has been in vain." Wu Like continued to complain.
After listening to Wu Like's words, Yuan Su gradually understood the meaning of what he said before.
Linyu County and Funing County are weak and unable to fight against foreigners. Although they are located at transportation hubs, the important transportation lines are controlled by foreigners, so they are also in a very difficult financial situation.
Yanghe Reservoir and Nandaihe Wharf can be said to be two projects for national self-reliance. These two projects are indeed beneficial to the country and the people, and they are by no means small in terms of the scale of the projects. Just as Wu Like expected
, it will take five years to build the reservoir, which is enough to solve a large number of employment problems. Although Nandaihe Wharf competes with foreigners in Beidaihe, as long as the wharf is built, it can also support many people. You must know that the surrounding industries derived from the wharf are very
So many.
In general, these two projects failed because of the interference of foreigners. The reason why foreigners dared to be so presumptuous was because they did not take the local officials of Linyu County and Funing County seriously.
And now, as the military envoy of East Zhili and the nephew of the president, he also has a relationship with the British behind his back. If he takes charge of these two projects, he will definitely be able to accomplish this.
No matter how arrogant foreigners are, they will not blatantly interfere in China's internal affairs.
He could even use Reynoldson's connections to deal with the conflicts between these two projects and Beidaihe's foreign merchants.
These are not problems, and the only problem is that he is not great enough yet.[ ]
Yuan Su had a conclusion in his heart, that is, Shanhaiguan was not his territory. He came here to take charge of disaster relief. Once the disaster situation stabilized, he would have to return to Luanzhou sooner or later. He invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in Linyu County.
You have to deal with foreigners over this matter, but in the end it’s not you who benefits!
On the surface, this seems to be a moral consideration, but in fact it also has the influence of ability and utility.
On the one hand, there is no such high degree of insistence to do such a thing, it will only be a slap in the face; on the other hand, China will soon fall into a situation of war and chaos. Either you eat him, or he eats you. Reality does not allow this to exist.
A moral heart.
However, after pondering for a while, an idea suddenly flashed in Yuan Su's mind.
"I understand what Mr. Wu means. If you let me handle this matter, I'm 70-80% sure. I still have some friendship with the foreigners in Luanzhou. Let's make an appointment to make it clear to everyone.
, it may not be possible. However, I only have these 110,000 funds on hand, and some of them have already purchased food. What’s more, I can’t use all the funds to run projects. You know, the refugees are only looking forward to
If you have something to eat, you should still do relief work no matter what."
When Yuan Su spoke, he deliberately showed a confident look and a condescending attitude, giving the impression that he could 100% defeat foreigners.
"If Mr. Yuan can really take charge of these two major projects again, Linyu County and Funing County can definitely raise funds again, which will definitely help Mr. Yuan. I have a conservative estimate that the Yanghe Reservoir project alone is enough to solve the problem of 10,000 refugees.
As long as the Nandaihe Wharf and Sand Farm reach industrial scale, thousands of people can still have jobs." Wu Like said with some excitement. For him, these two projects are by no means political achievements nor relief for disaster victims.
The problem is so simple.
As Yuan Su said, the Yanghe Reservoir’s contribution is of great benefit today. Hydropower generation alone can bring huge productivity to the two counties. When productivity increases, tax revenue will also increase. By the way, you can also earn money from it.
Not a small dividend. Not to mention the many benefits brought by the irrigation, water supply, and fishery provided by the reservoir.
A meaningful smile appeared on Yuan Su's lips, and he said in a cheerful and relaxed tone: "Really? How long will it take for the two counties to raise such a huge amount of funds?"
Wu Like calculated for a while and then said: "If Mr. Yuan comes forward, it can be as fast as half a month, as slow as a month, or at the latest no more than two months. The key is government-run commercial operations, as long as the management rights are released
, everyone knows the benefits of such a large project, which is enough to attract investment from many companies."
Yuan Su nodded slowly, gradually changed into a thoughtful look, and said unhurriedly: "What you said makes sense, and I am indeed very interested in these two projects.
The important thing is that these two projects not only benefit the country and the people, but also solve the current plight of the refugees. In this way, you can invite a few acquaintances in the industry tonight and we will discuss it in detail."
Wu Like's eyes suddenly glowed with gold, and he couldn't hide his excitement and responded quickly: "Oh my, Mr. Yuan is really our savior in Linyu County. Okay, okay, I will definitely arrange a meeting tonight."
Chen Wenian on the side always felt that something was wrong with this matter. He wanted to speak, but Yuan Su gave him a look and had to stop talking.
Wu Like noticed Yuan Su winking at Chen Wenian, and he couldn't help but feel doubts in his heart. However, it was not convenient for him to say these things openly, so he could only bury them in his heart for the time being. After a pause, he still asked with a smile on his face: "
So, if Mr. Yuan has no other instructions, why don't you just say goodbye and go get ready?"
Yuan Su nodded and said: "Then let's do this for now."
When Wu Like was about to turn around and leave, Yuan Su suddenly waved and asked additionally: "Oh, by the way, I have a personal question that I want to ask Mr. Wu."
Wu Li laughed and said: "Master Yuan, please give me some instructions."
Yuan Su calmly said: "You and Master Wu, the guard of Shanhaiguan, share the same clan. I wonder if you two are the same family?"
Wu Lixiao said: "Where is it? I have been in Linyu County for fifteen years. Mr. Wu was transferred to Shanhaiguan Commander-in-Chief eight years ago. Mr. Yuan should know from the accents of the two of us that we are not from the same family.
.”
Yuan Su smiled meaningfully and said: "I see, that's fine. Then, I won't send Master Wu as a gift."
At first, Wu Like didn't take Yuan Su's last inquiry to heart, and just regarded it as a casual conversation. However, when he walked out of the gate of the camp, a slight chill suddenly appeared in his heart.
He realized that the focus was not on Yuan Su's question, but on Yuan Su's seemingly casual polite words before leaving. He clearly remembered Yuan Su saying "That's fine". He and Wu Chenglu were not from the same family.
What’s “good” about it?
During the entire conversation just now, Yuan Su would show puzzling expressions and emotions from time to time. Looking back, there were indeed many strange things about this conversation. First, why did Yuan Su agree to host two major projects again so readily?
The second is the issue of relief funds, but the other party did not invite Wu Chenglu to participate in the discussion. After all, the Shanhaiguan garrison envoy was the highest local military and political officer.
Of course, the strangest thing is Yuan Su's last sentence, as if he has some hatred against Wu Chenglu!
On the way back home, Wu Like was restless while sitting in the sedan. His first reaction to Yuan Su's last words was that Yuan Su seemed to be trying to deal with Wu Chenglu. But this was just a guess.
Based on these ambiguous details, no one could guess the exact situation. However, no matter what, the incident left a mark in his heart.
At the same time, after Wu Like left, Chen Wennian hesitated for a while, and then went to Yuan Su and asked: "Sir, do you really want to use this raised money to invest in the Yanghe Reservoir and Nandaihe Wharf?"
Yuan Su had already seen that Chen Wennian had a grudge. He did not rush to answer the other party's words, but asked: "Brother Gongtai, don't you think these two major projects are a good thing?"
"It can not only benefit the country and the people, but also solve the survival problems of many refugees. This is indeed a good thing. But..." Chen Wennian said directly without thinking too much.
"It's just that this is not our territory. We spend so much time and money to make wedding dresses for others, right?" Yuan Su took the lead and said before Chen Wenian finished speaking.
"Oh, yes, that's the case. Mr. Yuan, you may blame me for being too selfish, but you also need to understand that the superiors have sent you to take charge of relief for some inexplicable reason, and now you are actually asked to provide relief to the local county.
If the government does good things, it’s just some small projects, but it’s such a huge project, what are we planning for?” Chen Wenian said deeply.
"You are right, absolutely right. People are selfish, and I am no exception. The refugees now trapped at the border need our sympathy, and I am willing to invest all this money in relief. But if
Being able to help these refugees and ourselves at the same time, isn't this the best of both worlds?" Yuan Su said in a very calm tone, his face as if he was slowly unfolding a plan or a conspiracy.
"Sir, I understand what you said in front of you, and I also understand what you said in the back, but when you put the front and back together, I don't quite understand." Chen Wenian frowned and said with a puzzled look on his face.
"In fact, I don't care at all how the 110,000 yuan for disaster relief is used. It's okay to invest it. All the problem is that we are unprofitable. Now that we know where the problem lies, as long as we can solve this problem, everything will
Aren't they all easily solved?" Yuan Su said calmly.
"Sir, are you..." Chen Wennian suddenly realized and sighed.
"If we have an opportunity, we must make a decisive decision immediately!" Yuan Su's tone showed a bit of edge.