One hundred and eighty-ninth section sky-high asking price
Chapter 189: Asking Prices Across the Sky
After some haggling, the peacemakers in the city finally reached an agreement. After the calculation was over, Gao Ju ordered Yan Guanshi to be called over.
Manager Yan is nicknamed Yan Xiaomao, not only because he always wears a Liuheyi unified hat, but also because it also contains other people's opinions of his conduct as a person - which is of course not positive.
Yan Xiaomao was one of Gao Zhi's cronies. He was originally responsible for monitoring Wen Desi and others. He often used various excuses to go in and out of their side to spy on news. Therefore, he was familiar with the Australians and was quite familiar with their situation.
His cleverness. If the original shopkeeper Wen and others were also in the fleet, Yan Xiaomao himself is the best proof.
In addition, Yan Xiaomao has long been expelled from his family, and theoretically he is no longer a slave of his Gao family. If something goes wrong during this period, it will be relatively simple to clean up.
He rewarded Yan Xiaomao with ten taels of silver and asked him to go out of the city to the Australian camp after dark.
Yan Xiaomao was a little scared. This kind of thing like passing through a war zone to the enemy camp had only been seen in books. If he went there hastily like this, he might be beheaded directly.
"Don't worry, the thieves are from Australia, and they are the subordinates of Shopkeeper Wen. They all know you. How could they harm you?"
"Is it Mr. Wen?" Yan Xiaomao asked in surprise, "Do they have such powerful firearms?" In the past few months, the news that the Kun bandits were invincible along the Pearl River has spread throughout Guangzhou.
"A person who can make Australia's rare goods, can't he make a few cannons?" Gao Li snorted, "You can go boldly and confidently, I won't treat you badly. After you go and meet people, you will
Put it this way..."
At that moment, the next step of contact and meeting between the two parties was explained one by one.
"If they are unwilling to do this, just bring back the message from the Australians. Just tell me everything. No scraps of paper are allowed, do you understand?"
"Yes, sir!" Yan Xiaomao said, "But sir, if Shopkeeper Wen and the others are not in the army - I heard that he is actually the Prime Minister of Australia or something - how can I prove myself?"
"Don't worry, the Australians will be eagerly waiting for you to go." Gao Zhi said confidently, "They will naturally ask you many things, and you should answer them truthfully - don't lie or make up.
, Say as much as you know, and if you don’t know, just say you don’t know. They will naturally believe you.”
"Yes, I understand." Yan Xiaomao felt that it was unreliable for Mr. Gao to be so confident, but he still agreed - he was also half a desperado, and he knew that it would not cost him dozens of taels of silver to handle this matter.
, which will be of great benefit to your future.
At nearly three o'clock, the Fubiao guerrillas responsible for guarding Nancheng personally took care of it, and several soldiers lowered Yan Xiaomao down to the city. It was dark outside the city, but the Henan coast across the Pearl River was brightly lit. This is the Australian.
The military camp was located. Yan Xiaomao was led by the guide waiting at the bottom of the city and stumbled all the way to the river bank, where a fishing boat had already been prepared.
Shortly after the fishing boat rowed out, it was stopped by a small patrol boat as it crossed the middle of the river. Two Australian sailors holding machetes and carrying short-barreled rifles jumped past. They were all short and lean, wearing the same uniform.
Wearing a blue and white short coat and a round-topped wide-brimmed straw hat, the outfit was strange but neat. Several fishermen quickly knelt down on the ground motionless. Yan Xiaomao bravely explained his purpose.
"You get on our ship. We will take you there." said an Australian sailor in the lead, and then asked him to transfer, "What did you bring?"
Yan Xiaomao quickly took out a tael of silver and said, "Buy a bowl of wine for the deputy masters."
"Keep the money for yourself, we won't need it." The leading sailor waved his hand expressionlessly, "You, sit down here! Don't move around." He pointed to a row of seats at the stern of the boat.
"Yes, yes." Yan Xiaomao quickly sat down on the fixed wooden bench. It was really rare that he didn't accept cash. I guess Australians are very rich, and they even used money to feed the soldiers.
There was a glass lamp hanging on the stern of the boat, which illuminated it brightly. The boat looked quite small, and could only seat a dozen people at most. It seemed to be made of wood under the tentacles, and there was a dark thing in the middle.
There was an iron chimney standing on it, like a stove - a blast of hot air let him know that his guess was correct.
"Sail!" the sailor greeted, and sat down opposite Yan Xiaomao. A thick stream of smoke mixed with sparks suddenly erupted from the chimney, and Yan Xiaomao felt his whole body rush forward, and he headed towards
After a pause, the boat made a "chunk" sound and sailed forward.
The news that Kun Thief had a fire-driven ship without sails or oars has long been spread in Guangzhou. Yan Xiaomao did not expect that he would be the first to enjoy the privilege of riding a "fire ship".
He was so curious that he ignored the night and looked around. The sailors on the ship seemed to be accustomed to his curiosity and did not stop him from watching.
Yan Xiaomao was sent to the barracks of the restaurant where the headquarters was located. Here he first underwent a full body check and all his belongings were removed before being sent to Wen Desi.
Yan Xiaomao had already recognized Wen Desi. He knelt down and kowtowed to Wen Desi and others, very respectfully. He was deeply afraid of being doubted. Not only would the task be difficult to accomplish, but his life would also be in danger.
As expected, Wen Desi remembered him, but not his name. Yan Xiaomao hurriedly reported the situation. He also asked about Gao Ji's age, business, wife and staff. Yan Xiaomao reported them one by one, and there were no mistakes. He also ordered people
Gao Ji's general file collected and compiled by the Intelligence Bureau was sent to him, from which he found Yan Xiaomao's information and photos. After comparison, it was proved that he was Gao Ji's manager. He was then taken into another tent and guarded by several soldiers. He was guarded by specialized personnel.
The staff went to negotiate with him - Yan Xiaomao was of a very low level, and his purpose was just to discuss preparations for the negotiations, and there was no need for Wen Desi and others to personally intervene.
Yan Xiaomao put forward a high-level suggestion, and the negotiation venue was a nunnery in Henan Province.
It was agreed upon that the two parties would meet the next night in a nunnery called Lotus Jingshe on Henan Island. This place is not far from the city and is quite convenient for travel.
"What? Gao Zhixuan is negotiating in a nunnery. Does Gao Zhi have any bad intentions?" Chen Haiyang was a little worried.
"You don't know the tone here. This is not a real nunnery." Wen Desi is a native of Guangzhou and knows a lot about the various romances and sensual things in Guangzhou's history. "This is a service industry with a Buddhist brand.
.The nuns inside all have their hair grown like a woman’s.”
"You mean?" Chen Haiyang didn't know that there was such a tone in Guangzhou's history.
"That's right," Wen Desi nodded, "This business was very prosperous in Guangzhou in the past. To hold up such a wealthy man, he probably made such arrangements, and maybe he was a benefactor of the nunnery. That's why.
Let's go there and meet him."
"It's wonderful to negotiate in a brothel."
"But it's very safe. The food inside should be first-class," Wen Desi said, "but it may not be to our liking."
At that moment, Chen Haiyang called the political security commissioner who was accompanying the fleet and asked him to send people to the Lotus Abode early the next morning to arrange security work.
The next night, Gao Ji came as expected. The two parties started secret negotiations in this monastery.
Gao Ji had already negotiated with Li Fengjie and others beforehand. The government's first condition was that the Australian fleet withdraw from the provincial river, preferably from the Pearl River Estuary. Other details were easy to discuss, but this one had to be handled as soon as possible. The Australian fleet
The longer he stayed in Baietan, the harder it would be for him to justify his explanation in future memorials.
Generally speaking, Li Fengjie and others still believe that the Australians angrily launched troops to attack Guangzhou because of Wang Zunde's "freedom of provocation" and Tian Da's failure in Guangzhou.
The only thing is: Zizihao can resume business on the same day, and all the seized properties and money-making guys will be returned; the goods that have been sold after the seizure will be returned together, and the goods that have been sold cannot be recovered, and the government will compensate 10,000 taels of silver; Australians and people
Ships can freely enter and leave Guangzhou for trade as long as they act as local agents, and the government will never arrest or prohibit them.
These three articles were jointly formulated by Li Fengjie with the participation of his staff. The staff believed that overseas merchants were just seeking the power to trade with the Ming Dynasty. As long as they were given this power, the Australians would be satisfied - you must know this
This power has so far only been enjoyed by the Portuguese.
As for returning the house and compensating a small amount of money, it is just to show the "sincerity" of Guangdong.
Of course, Wen Desi was not satisfied with such conditions. Not only was he not satisfied, the Senate would never be satisfied either. According to the concept of a considerable number of people in the Senate, a Ming version of the Treaty of Nanjing would have to be signed.
Specifically, it means ceding territory to pay compensation, opening up trade with five ports, etc.
However, at the working meeting of the Executive Committee, everyone believed that this was impossible, especially under the special historical environment of the Ming Dynasty. Neither Li Fengjie nor Wang Zunde had the courage to do such a thing. It really was necessary.
If you force an unequal treaty, the final result will be a breakup and an embarrassing situation of no war and no peace.
After repeated consultations, the Senate set the minimum requirements for the negotiations: first, the two sides immediately end the war and return to normal trade. After all, Lingao is a regime that relies heavily on foreign trade. This is the primary reason for launching the Pearl River Campaign.
Objective. Secondly, confirm that Hong Kong Island and surrounding outlying islands are owned by the public, and officers and soldiers are not allowed to make any force threats to this area and ships sailing in this area.
As for the latter clause, it does not need to be signed in writing, as long as both parties reach a tacit understanding. You must know that even Chongzhen himself may not dare to agree to such a treaty of ceding territory.
At that moment, Wen Desi put forward these items one by one. Obviously, the two sides had no objections to the first item. But as for the cession of Hong Kong Island and surrounding outlying islands, this was far beyond Gao Ji's ability to bear - you must know that the Portuguese
They spent a lot of effort to get Hao Jing Ao, and they are still worried about being expelled by the Ming Dynasty. The Australians are better off. They want the entire island of Hong Kong and dozens of surrounding islands as soon as they open their mouths. Lantau Island alone is bigger than
Hong Kong Island is still big!
The Ming Dynasty did not pay much attention to the coastal islands, and almost always had a self-destructive attitude during the term. Most of the officials in Guangdong, including Li Fengjie, did not care about how many islands there were in the province or what the people's sentiments and products on the islands were like.
But to cede territory was a taboo against the Ming court.
Gao Ji didn't dare agree to it at all. He pondered for a long time before saying, "Shopkeeper Wen! In fact, it's easy for you to have anything, money, slaves, and maidservants you want these days. It's just that Mr. Futai would never dare to agree to this cession of land."
"You can discuss this slowly, we are not in a hurry." Wen Desi smiled and looked at the Zen room hosted by him - it was very neatly and elegantly decorated, and the snacks on the table were also exquisite and delicious. "It is so comfortable here.
We have been squatting in that small place in Lingao for two or three years, how can we relax here for a few months?"
"Yes, yes, this is natural." Gao Ji thought to himself that this condition was not so easy to negotiate. He could only say that he would ask Li Fengjie for instructions on this matter. However, before asking for instructions, he hoped that the Australians could withdraw from the province as soon as possible to avoid Guangzhou
The martial law has been under martial law for too long, and it is difficult for Li Fujun to explain.
"There is nothing wrong with withdrawing from the province. But we have come such a long way here. If we retreat just based on your words, we will not be able to explain it in front of the Senate."
Gao Ju knew that another condition was coming. No matter what the condition was, Li Fengjie made the withdrawal of the Australian troops his first priority.
The conditions put forward by Wen Desi were: Guangzhou immediately pays 300,000 taels for the redemption of the city; all remaining Shuiyong are dismissed; the forts that have been destroyed along the way are not to be rebuilt.
As long as the payment is paid, the task force will immediately withdraw from the province, and detailed negotiations can continue in Macau.
"Three hundred thousand taels?!" Li Fengjie almost shouted out - this was like a lion opening his mouth. He originally thought that allowing free trade in and out of Guangzhou would smooth everything, but he didn't expect that the other party would ask for three hundred thousand taels in redemption.
As for the city fee, you must know that the total cash in the Guangdong treasury is only 370,000 taels. Not to mention that it cannot be paid at all, even if it is paid, there is no way to reimburse such a huge expense.
Li Fengjie shook the table and said angrily: "I don't know how high the heaven and earth are! Allowing them to come to Guangzhou to trade is a great favor! They are not satisfied yet! Just ignore them and see what they can do! I don't believe their dozens of articles
A boat or a thousand men can reach Guangzhou with just a few cannons!"
Gao Ji remained silent. He also felt that this condition was a bit harsh. However, if he had not gone to Zhijun to "clear out the thieves", the Australians would have done well in business and would never have come to Guangzhou; if Li Fengjie had not
If we could have been more decisive in negotiating peace a few months ago instead of procrastinating blindly, we would have sent people to Lingao for peace talks at that time, and I am afraid that we would not have been forced to attack the city and form an alliance.
The government would definitely not be able to take out the three hundred thousand taels of silver. Gao Gao thought, even if he was forced to take it out, it would not end up with the wealthy businessmen in the city. For the matter of this thief, the Gao family started from "
Beginning with the "Les Helping the Military Pay" and the recent "Xiangzhujiang Defense" campaign, no less than 20,000 taels were extorted from the government. Once the 300,000 taels are opened, I am afraid I will have to spend another several thousand taels.
Li Fengjie closed his eyes in silence for a long time, then opened his eyes and said, "Can Thief Kun really say that he will retreat after taking the money?"
"Exactly." Gao Ju explained Wen Desi's conditions in detail, "After they withdraw from Shenghe, other conditions can be negotiated slowly in Haojing'ao."
Li Fengjie pondered for a long time with a wooden face: "Do Australians keep their word?"
"Australians built their country on business, and integrity is fundamental."
"But as the old saying goes, there is no businessman without treachery." Li Fengjie murmured, seeming to have forgotten that the tall official opposite was a "businessman."
Gao Zhang sneered secretly. Li Fengjie was already at the end of his rope, and he still had to show off that he was calm and confident. As expected, all officials have a very thick skin.
There was no way to do it, but with his high status, no matter what advice he gave to Li Fengjie, it would be bad, and it might even endanger his own interests. He thought about it again and again, and decided not to say anything for the time being, and simply left and went home.
Of course, Li Fengjie couldn't think of any clever ideas. The number of three hundred thousand taels weighed heavily on his heart. If he was given money, he couldn't get it; if he didn't give money, this group of greedy Australians would never retreat - they were here
Si Xiang extorted countless amounts of food and property, and they can stay here as long as they want.
He summoned several of his close associates to discuss how to deal with it. Some said that the Kun thief was just a false threat and would never seriously attack Guangzhou; some said that it would be better not to respond for the time being and wait to see the Kun thief's reaction.
Besides, some people suggested asking high-ranking officials to counter-offer and see if they could get a discount; others suggested following the old rules and letting the big players take out the money.
He Chengzong never spoke: Three hundred thousand taels was nothing in Guangzhou city in the past. It was not difficult to raise money as long as the big businessmen in the city gathered together and told them about the crisis they were facing. But it is different now.
Internally, I have squeezed the big households several times, and it is already difficult to force them to take out the money - these big households are not small businessmen with meager capital. Most of them are high-ranking officials at the provincial level and have big barriers in the north and south Beijing.
It's impossible to make them anxious even if you really want to make them anxious.
After a while, he said: "With the current plan, it will be very difficult to ask the big investors. The only way is to borrow it!"
"borrow?"
"Yes." He Chengzong nodded and said, "Not to mention 300,000 taels in the city, there are also three million taels. Now we will gather the big families to know their interests first, and then let each family borrow money from the government. The government will do it.
Guarantee, and give some interest as appropriate - this is something that is good for both public and private interests, and the big investors will definitely be happy."
When the governor's yamen comes forward to lend money, the guarantee is always sufficient. Moreover, there is also an implicit warning not to "take fines if you don't drink the toast", which the big businessmen will not understand.