Chapter 572 [The Seriously Sick Tulip Duke]
"The 'cost' spent by the empire for every expedition to the South Seas, as I just said, used to be more than 1.5 million gold coins each time. And generals, although the soldiers in front are brave, after all, your ships are going to
The warships are built with money and need to be repaired once they go to sea. The weapons are specially designed to rust at sea and need to be repaired and replaced frequently. The clothes that the soldiers wear and the food they eat must also be equipped with enough when going to sea.
Vegetables and fruits are much more expensive than ordinary army rations. And all of these cost money!"
As he said that, he sighed deeply: "What I want to say is, just from the cost point of view, if we follow what the generals said, 'We will drive the warships to rob ourselves, there is no need for them to deliver them.'
Wrong, but, in fact, it can be said that the gains outweigh the losses. Moreover, our expedition takes an average of more than eighteen months, or even more. And the result is only a mere ten or two hundred thousand gold coins."
He took out the list of the Nanyang envoy again and flicked it: "But what about now? Every year, we don't have to bleed the soldiers, don't let them go to sea, don't have to spend half a copper coin, sit at home, they
Three million gold coins will be sent to you! I think even a child can figure out which one has the greater harvest."
Finally, the old man bowed deeply to all his colleagues and said slowly: "Of course, I also understand... This matter is not only a matter of money, but also related to the face of the empire and the dignity of the country. If the former slaves,
Now sitting high up in our palace, being our guest... In any case, it is not decent. It will even make others laugh... After what we Roland people have done, even the slaves from South Asia have become
Are you qualified to be on equal footing with us? I think that’s what you want to say.”
The old man's words made many people couldn't help but nod slightly, but at this time, the old man suddenly changed the subject: "But, everyone, at this time, I am afraid it is not the time to worry about face! Ahead, Kaspersky Defense Line
There is a war going on...soldiers are bleeding and sacrificing. We have to spend a lot of military expenditures and supplies every month to replenish the front! Signs and training of new recruits, as well as compensation for casualties and casualties, rewards for meritorious service...these are also
It costs money!
And, to put it bluntly, we now have no possibility of embarking on another expedition to Nanyang! In other words, if we don’t accept this offering, we won’t even have the chance to sail to Nanyang and grab it ourselves! So,
, we accept this offering. What we get is a financial income of three million gold coins per year. If we refuse...it will be...zero!"
His last few words gradually became impassioned. The old man raised his head and looked around with awe.
…
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
Applause suddenly burst out!
Everyone looked around. They saw that the old prime minister, Mr. Robschere, who had been silent, half-closed his eyes, leaning in his chair, as if he had fallen asleep, had straightened his back and looked calm. Everyone was surprised.
There was no hesitation in his eyes. He slapped her hands again and again!
This old fox... everyone is a little suspicious.
Robschere, the old prime minister, has become more and more depressed recently. Moreover, he fell ill in the first half of the year, and then he became even more reclusive. In the past, he occasionally came out to show off, but now he doesn't even show off.
He might as well have arranged his carriage, hid in his own home, and retired.
If the regent hadn't called him by name to attend the meeting today, the old prime minister had not appeared in public for several months.
But at this moment, the old guy who has been basically retired recently and has been resolutely implementing a wise and self-defense strategy suddenly steps forward uncharacteristically!
In front of many ministers, the oldest minister in the empire straightened his already somewhat bent spine, with a determined look on his old and weak face, and expressed his attitude with the most direct action!
He hasn't "taken a stand" on anything for a long, long time!
"Everyone, please allow me to say something." The old prime minister barely stood up, a little trembling. He was not pretending to have a serious illness a few months ago, but he really almost died of it. After all, he was too old.
.
When the oldest man in the empire wanted to speak, everyone immediately fell silent. This is seniority! You may not support him, you may not like him, but with his age and experience, you must respect him
Even if it is only on the surface! But it must be!
"When it's time to pay attention to face, you must pay attention to face." The old prime minister's voice is no longer as stable as before, and even has the usual trembling of some aging old people: "But, sometimes, strength is more important than face...
Especially now, I think the empire no longer has the capital to blindly pursue such a thing as 'face'."
When he said this, he took a few breaths because of lack of strength, and then, his cloudy old eyes suddenly burst out with a look of energy, as if he had been looking at an aging lion, but suddenly revealed his claws and majesty!
"If!" The old prime minister's voice echoed through the entire hall at this moment: "If anyone here has a good idea to earn three million gold coins in revenue for the empire every year, then I will agree with you.
, kick the Nanyang envoy on the dock back into the sea! If you don’t have any good ideas, then...ahem! I agree with the Chancellor of Finance."
Buzz!!
In the main hall, more than 20 senior officials from various departments of the empire couldn't help but started talking in low voices!
The old prime minister...he actually expressed his stance!
Does this represent any signal?
The so-called "old tiger is still in great power", this old prime minister who has been inconspicuous recently, suddenly "comes to the rescue" at this time, and still reveals his unparalleled influence in the political arena!
After all, decades of experience are not just for fun. Even the Minister of Ceremony who still wants to argue, and some military generals who show no expression on their faces but are unconvinced in their hearts can only do it at this moment.
In front of the old prime minister, he quietly closed his mouth.
No matter what, this face must always be given.
Soon, the regent stood up and made the final "judgment".
"Tomorrow at noon, I will receive the envoys from Nanyang here... All the reception etiquette rules will be according to the national etiquette of the prairie people!"
When the real big boss of the empire spoke, everyone immediately bowed to answer.
At this moment, when Prince Chen stood up, little Charlie beside him also stood up. However, neither the many ministers who bowed their heads in response nor Prince Chen beside him, who was frowning in deep thought, did not see this little emperor.
There was a hint of unhappiness in his eyes!
Is this the end?
Is this decided?
What about me? I...I am the emperor now! From the beginning to the end, no one asked me a question?
Father...he didn't even look at me before making a decision?
That's right! I'm still very young, I'm not yet an adult! But no matter what, I now wear a crown on my head!! Even in name only. I am also the emperor of this empire!
Even if...Father, you should have a few words with me in name only!!
And now...he has made a decision directly, even if he doesn't show any pretense to me! I...what do I call "emperor"?
What is the difference between "Prince" and "Prince"?!
His hands were hidden in his sleeves and clenched into fists involuntarily.
There are two very old topics:
What grows fastest in this world?
Ambition!
In this world, once something grows and develops, it often gets out of control?
desire!
After the meeting, the old prime minister slowly walked out of the hall with the support of the palace attendants. This was an honor that only he could enjoy.
At this time, the finance minister deliberately fell behind and followed the old prime minister.
Robschel looked at the palace attendant beside him, smiled and said: "Okay. Thank you, I can go by myself."
The palace waiter gave the finance minister next to him a knowing look, bowed and retreated.
The old prime minister managed to hold on to his crutches, and the finance minister next to him quickly stepped forward and helped him.
Robschel looked at the old colleague next to him, and suddenly sighed, his voice showing his age: "It's interesting, it's interesting! You actually came to help me. Don't forget, you are not much younger than me.
"
As he said that, he looked at the Chancellor of Finance and smiled bitterly: "You are old. We are all old. Look at me now, I can't even walk on my own."
The finance minister's face was solemn, with suspicion flashing in his eyes, and he whispered: "My old friend, I really didn't expect today that you... you would actually..."
"I can actually talk?" The old prime minister smiled, as naughty as a child, blinked, and whispered: "You, and they... are you already used to it? I have become a sitting person.
Are there any furnishings in the chair? Haha, many people are not used to me speaking so rashly."
"Actually... why do you have to." The finance minister sighed: "I am already prepared to fight with others in the hall today. Even if it means rolling up my sleeves and having a big fight, or even offending more people, I
I have already made preparations! But you, you have already withdrawn from this vortex, why do you need to stand up for me today?"
"I... am not helping you."
The old prime minister looked around, lowered his voice, and whispered: "I promised a person just last night. He came to my house and begged me face to face. He must come forward in this matter."
To be continued...