What was most popular in China in the 19th century?
Of course it's people.
While Nanhua is facing a serious shortage of human resources, China has a serious overpopulation. This is why Li Fugui and others can trade guns for people.
There are more people on the island waiting to board the boat, but there are just not enough boats at the moment.
Where did the ship come from?
After thinking about it, Zhu Xianhai still set his sights on the ships ferrying immigrants anchored in Nanhua Bay. The cabins of these ships have been modified and have dense multi-layer beds, so that they can carry as many immigrants as possible.
Originally these ships were one-time hires.
But after simulating in a life simulator, Zhu Xianhai decided to buy these boats.
However, he doesn't have that much money!
This is eleven ships!
Depending on the age and tonnage of the ship, their prices range from 20,000 to 40,000 US dollars.
According to Captain Luke's calculations, if he wanted to buy these ships, he would have to prepare at least 300,000 US dollars, which is roughly 60,000 to 70,000 pounds.
Is it much?
It's not much, but Zhu Xianhai really doesn't intend to pay this money. After all, funds are quite tight now.
Besides, even if he paid for it, it would be of little use - there would be no captain, no sailors, who would steer the ship.
In the simulator, when the U.S. government banned U.S. merchant ships from transporting Chinese workers in 1862, even if Zhu Xianhai bought a ship, he could not find a captain or pilot who was familiar with the route. Most of those captains and pilots were Americans.
Now, Zhu Xianhai is wanted by both ships and people.
And it doesn’t cost any money.
"Sir, I believe you have learned on the way that a war has broken out in the United States!"
In the banquet hall, Zhu Xianhai looked at the captain and senior sailors gathered together with a smile.
"There is a newspaper here that Mr. Buffett brought from New York. I can read the contents of the newspaper..."
Holding the newspaper, Zhu Xianhai read loudly.
"According to the order signed by President Lincoln, from now on, all U.S. merchant ships and crews must unconditionally accept naval enlistment. Anyone who violates this order and refuses to accept naval enlistment will be deemed to support the rebellion and will be transferred to the court for prosecution.
Prosecution for rebellion!”
After Zhu Xianhai read it again in English, the captain and senior sailors present all looked at each other and started talking to each other.
"Sir, can you show us the newspaper?"
"sure!"
This newspaper is absolutely "genuine", but only a few letters have been slightly changed.
The presidential decree is true.
The Secretary of War's orders are also true.
It's just that the "crime of rebellion" has been slightly modified. However, this is not a big problem. Even if they see American officials for verification, they will get a similar answer - refusing to be recruited is in itself a rebellion.
Playing word games...that's what we're best at!
Seeing their frightened expressions, Zhu Xianhai took a sip of red wine and sneered in his heart.
If a person does not act for himself, he will be destroyed by heaven and earth.
Today's Americans... there are a few native Americans who are just a group of European immigrants. What kind of national consciousness and patriotic sentiments are just nonsense.
"Gentlemen, it seems that we must return to the United States as soon as possible. Otherwise, when we return to the United States next time, what awaits us will most likely be severe legal punishment."
Captain Luke said helplessly.
However, he... is a fugitive himself.
"But, Captain Luke, we all know what it means to be involved in a war?"
Captain Spencer retorted from the side.
"I don't want the government to requisition my ship with thousands of dollars in bonds. Even myself and my sailors have to fight for the government. The politicians' war has nothing to do with us!"
"But we can't disobey the president's orders!"
"Yes, this is going to court!"
When the captain and the senior sailor were arguing, Zhu Xianhai intervened at the right time.
"Gentlemen, the choice you face is very simple - return to the United States to accept the call for war, get involved in this miserable war, and lose your property and even your life in the war, or make plans for yourself."
"Plan for yourself?"
Captain Robinson stood up and said.
"Sir, it seems we have no choice at all."
"As Americans, you definitely have no choice, but as Argentines, captain, believe me, the orders of the President of the United States have nothing to do with you!"
"What? As an Argentinian?"
"Yes, you can go through the naturalization procedures in Nanhua. Once the procedures are completed, you will become Argentinians!"
"But sir, where is our ship?"
"Your merchant ships... can sink in the storm or remain missing. After all, there are many icebergs in the South Atlantic, and it is common for ships to sink in the ice sea. They will become merchant ships under the name of the Argentine American Company, which is needed
It’s just a matter of changing the name of the ship. Of course, I will inject a certain amount of funds.”
Zhu Xianhai gave them a choice very directly.
The ship sank!
Although the navigation conditions in this era are much better than those in the 18th century, it is also common for ships to sink into the sea or disappear. If the ship's name is changed, no one can find it.
Faced with this choice, all the captains and senior crew members were silent. They all knew what would be waiting for them if they returned to the United States - they and their ships would be drafted by the Navy.
Whether it is the South or the North, their ships and people will be requisitioned. Then they will bleed or even die in this war.
In contrast, the choice given by Zhu Xianhai is undoubtedly the most appropriate.
"Sir, you should know that the matter is not as simple as you said. It is not a matter of changing the name of the ship."
Captain Robinson's question made Zhu Xianhai smile.
"Captain, actually, it's that simple. From now on, these merchant ships will be built in Nanhua's shipyard. I will prepare all the official procedures for you, including the official procedures of the Argentine government."
In Argentina, as long as you have money, nothing can be done. Thank God, the officials here are corrupt enough.
"Sir, as a southerner, of course I want to defend my hometown."
After a moment's hesitation, Luke expressed his thoughts.
"However, I know very well that as a merchant ship captain, what I can do is very limited, so I want to consider more the interests of myself and my crew members."
All right.
Regardless of whether they are southerners or northerners, for captains, the first thing they choose is profit. After all, they are not navy or officers.
They successfully convinced the sailors without even needing too many words.
Soon, eleven ships encountered icebergs or storms and "sinked into the sea". At the same time, eleven more merchant ships were added to the name of the "America Company". From then on, the registration place of these merchant ships became
It became the "Argentine American Company" instead of an American ship.
Of course, these captains will continue to drive merchant ships between China and South China as employees and shareholders of merchant ships. Of course, in addition to transporting immigrants to South China, their mission is also responsible for training South China sailors.
The experience in the simulator told Zhu Xianhai that everything must be in the hands of his own people to be the most reliable!