Li Xingge wiped the sweat from his head. Their fleet finally got rid of the Ottoman Turkish Navy that rushed out of the Persian Gulf.
He looked at Chu Sheng, who looked as usual, and felt that after this journey, his relationship with Chu Sheng had improved a lot.
This was also a good opportunity, and he could express what he wanted in his heart.
"Brother Chu, you also saw the thrill of the war just now.
The Ottoman Turkish Empire's navy suddenly rushed out of the Persian Gulf.
The southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula is also close to the sea. We were so far away from the land that I thought we had escaped."
Chu Sheng said calmly: "Brother Li, if you are fine, you should read more books.
If you can't read books, you can just read more maps.
The territory of the Ottoman Turkish Empire in the Arabian Peninsula was only the coast of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf.
The interior of the Arabian Peninsula is a vast desert.
They are all occupied by local indigenous people and occupy a small oasis.
There are also areas on both sides of the Nile River in Egypt that are suitable for farming.
There is not even a river with abundant water in the Arabian Peninsula.
The Ottoman Empire was unwilling to rule this barren land.
But the Ottoman Turkish Empire was the overlord of this area, and these small-scale tribes could not resist the demands from the Ottoman Turkish Empire.
They can be regarded as similar to the relationship between a suzerain state and a vassal state."
Chu Sheng expected that as the Great China Empire's national power increases, its influence will expand to this region.
This barren land will be casually awarded to an unlucky prince by His Majesty the Emperor.
Li Xingge's face turned red. He had read the Four Books and Five Classics when he was a child. He was not good at studying, so he began to travel around the world doing business with his uncle in the family.
He usually reads newspapers to understand the news, but never reads some miscellaneous books.
"Brother Chu, I don't have the knowledge like you.
All we know is that the Ottoman Turkish Empire dominated this area, and the other regional power was Persia.
We are more familiar with Persia. Most of the merchants doing business with our country on the Silk Road are Persian merchants.
During the Tang Dynasty, China and Persia competed in Central Asia.
This kind of recorded historical data makes most people familiar with this empire.
The empire was at odds with the Ottoman Empire, and a large number of merchants went to Persia to do business."
Li Xingge wanted to make his request, but when he heard Chu Sheng's words, he quickly changed the subject.
Chu Sheng wanted to say that this Persia is not that Persia, after the Persian Empire was destroyed by foreigners.
Today's Persia is a new dynasty established by the descendants of the Persian Empire.
But he did not say these words. He was an official of the Ministry of Rites and was paying attention to the situation in these overseas countries.
Li Xingge is just a businessman. He just needs to know where he can make money by doing business.
Chu Sheng looked at Li Xingge and asked, "Brother Li, I just saw that you were hesitant to speak. Is there something you want to tell me?"
Li Xingge saw Chu Sheng and asked him directly, this was a good opportunity.
He said apologetically: "Brother Chu, you have seen this along the way.
Our armed merchant ships can deal with some small pirates just fine.
If we want to deal with big pirates supported by the state or bad navy personnel, we will have to pay a high price if we want to escape.
We businessmen have repeatedly requested the empire to open warships for sale, but there has not even been a reply on this matter.
I hope Brother Chu can bridge the gap and submit our demands to the Cabinet and the Governor's Office.
Even if we are unable to purchase warships, we can report our difficulties to the court.
The imperial court will arrange warship escort again, and we businessmen will feel more at ease."
When Chu Sheng heard Li Xinghe Pavilion's request, he pondered for a moment, calculating the pros and cons in his mind.
As an official who has been in the officialdom for many years, he knows that he has many requests and cannot easily agree to them.
Li Xingge waited extremely nervously for Chu Sheng's answer.
He very much hoped that Chu Sheng would agree.
Just when Chu Sheng was about to speak, he remembered something.
The Dahua Empire focuses on the development of the Shaofu, and most of the country's lifelines are controlled by companies under the Shaofu.
Ocean trade is no exception, and Shaofu controls dozens of ocean-going companies.
Their trips are always escorted by warships.
These ocean-going companies often came to Europe to trade.
Chu Sheng's original plan was to return to China with the official fleet.
In order to reduce the sensation of leaving England, these ocean-going trading companies were accompanied by warships, and they could not take the Mediterranean route.
In order to rush back to China as quickly as possible, Chu Sheng thought for a long time before he decided to return on a merchant ship.
Chu Sheng asked in surprise: "I remember the official fleet, they were escorted by warships.
Once the Mediterranean route is opened, there will inevitably be an official fleet choosing this route.
You are following the official fleet. If something happens, I believe the navy will never stand idly by."
After he finished speaking, he saw that Li Xingge had a bitter look on his face and opened his mouth but did not speak.
Chu Sheng immediately understood Li Xingge's performance.
It is nothing more than inconvenient to move with the official fleet.
Either they are evading taxes and smuggling goods, or they are transporting prohibited goods in the fleet, and they are afraid of being discovered by others.
Chu Sheng suddenly felt that the Li family could not have close friendship, and it would be easy to involve him if something happened.
He declined politely: "Brother Li, I am an official of the Ministry of Rites, and you have heard of the rules of the court.
I can only express my opinion on issues related to the Ministry of Etiquette. I really can't help with this matter.
My friend is an official in Shaofu. I can help you ask if there will be more ocean-going transportation teams to Fujian. I will inform you by telegram when the time comes."
When Li Xingge heard this answer, he looked a little lonely.
It seems that warships cannot be purchased through formal channels.
The important matter discussed in the clan seems to be on hold.
Li Xingge quickly said with a smile: "Brother Chu, it's my fault for being abrupt in this matter.
My brother is also ill and has sought medical treatment, hoping to solve the problems the family is facing as soon as possible."
The two of them chatted about the general situation of the countries around the route as usual, but compared with before, there were some more barriers.
…………………………
The island of Ceylon at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent is already one of the bases of the Fifth Fleet of the Imperial Chinese Navy.
The Li family's fleet came to Ceylon Island for supplies, and Chu Sheng and Li Xingge came to the restaurant at the port.
He knew that Ceylon Island was officially annexed by the Chinese Empire and became one of the most important strategic pivots in this region.
Caravans returning from the west will meet here and then split up.
Chu Sheng learned about recent information about the empire from the newspapers provided by the restaurant.
He picked up a glass of Luzhou Laojiao and toasted to Li Xingge opposite.
"Brother Li, thank you for your hospitality along the way.
We have arrived at the Island of Ceylon, let's part here.
I plan to go north from here and return to the capital through the inland, which will be faster."
Li Xingge picked up the wine glass and drank freely, and said: "I am here to wish Brother Chu a bright future. We are destined to meet again."
He knew that there were two main routes starting from Ceylon and returning to the country.
Head east from Ceylon Island to the Nanyang Governor's Palace, and then to the mainland port of Dahua by sea.
Merchants who transport goods often take this route.
Compared with land transportation, which is more troublesome and expensive.
Shipping costs are low and the total volume of transported goods is huge.
Another route is to go north from Ceylon Island to the Governor-General's Palace of Myanmar and pass through the newly built Yunnan-Burma Railway.
Follow the Great China Empire's railway network to travel to any large or medium-sized city in the empire.
This route saves time and is more comfortable by train.
Most travelers use this route to return home.
Before Li Xingge arrived, he had anticipated that he would be separated from Chu Sheng here.
After they finished their respective banquets, the Li family fleet also completed supplies on Ceylon Island.
Chu Sheng went to the dock in person to bid farewell to the Li family fleet.
On the deck of the pilot ship of the Li family fleet, Li Xingge looked in the direction of Ceylon Island. He sighed deeply and reflected on his failure to seize the opportunity.
The Li family wants to buy warships. This is not just the idea of the Li family, but many merchants have this idea.
They want to go to a barren land overseas and occupy this place.
If they can establish a small country, their family will have a way out.
This place has some specialties that you won’t have to worry about for the rest of your life.
Their Li family's goal is to the east of the Nanyang Governor's Palace, where there are thousands of islands, large and small.
As the Great China Empire's caravans headed to America for trade, this trade route was opened.
This area is densely covered with islands and has become a hotbed for pirates.
The Fourth Fleet of the Dahua Empire launched multiple attacks but failed to eliminate the pirates.
The Li family also often took this route. Due to the storm, they discovered several islands that had never been discovered before.
There are fresh water and indigenous tribes on it, which is very suitable for immigration.
But in order to fight against pirates, warships are necessary.
The Li family was too impatient, so Li Xingge wanted to persuade Chu Sheng, who was not close to them.
Regarding the discovered island, the Li family strictly kept it secret, and only a few people in the family knew about it.
If you cannot obtain warships, you can only hire a master shipbuilder to increase the number of armed merchant ships and use quantity to overwhelm quality.
It's just that there are too many ships in the fleet and they are easily exposed.
…………………………
Chu Sheng bid farewell to the Li family's fleet. He bought a ticket for tomorrow's noon, headed to the Governor's Palace of Myanmar, and returned to the capital as quickly as possible.
He has been away from home for several years. The closer he gets to his hometown, the more he misses his family.
Last time I received a letter from home, my son has graduated from college. I wonder if he is married?
How are your elderly parents doing now?
In order to relieve his homesickness, Chu Sheng decided to visit Ceylon Island.
The scenery of this island is beautiful and it is located in the tropics.
You can see the blooming vegetation all year round in the city.
He rode a rented horse out of the city and saw collective farms everywhere in the countryside.
The farmers, who were not very proficient in Chinese, were chatting about anecdotes while working.
Chu Sheng did not disturb the farmers' work. He observed the types of crops grown here.
There is very little food grown here. If you think about it, you will know that the areas around it are famous for growing food.
Ceylon mainly grows cash crops and various vegetables.
Grains are shelf-stable, but vegetables are not.
The Island of Ceylon is an important node on the route. When the fleet passed here, there were not many fresh vegetables left on the ship.
The income from growing vegetables in Ceylon is very high, and there is no shortage of sales.
Chu Sheng was riding a horse and walking in the countryside. He saw large areas of tea trees planted in the farmland.
He had learned before that some people in China wanted to introduce tea trees to other areas.
Now it seems that these people succeeded.
Chu Sheng rode a horse to visit the famous scenic spots on the island. He returned to the city in the evening.
Early the next morning, we ate the unique delicacies here.
Chu Sheng took his master and the waiter on board the ferry of the transportation company and embarked on the last journey home.
He stood on the deck of the ferry and observed the ferry.
This is a typical paddle steamer, and the huge paddle wheel is really conspicuous.
There were children on the boat pointing at the paddle wheel curiously. They wanted to walk towards the direction of the paddle wheel.
He was immediately caught by his mother, who beat him and cursed: "How many times have I told you that the area around the paddle wheel is very dangerous and you are absolutely not allowed to go near it.
You are right next to me, if you dare to leave me again, I will lock you in the cabin immediately."
The passengers were bored and looked forward to the mother educating her children.
The weather is getting hotter and hotter, and from time to time passengers board the ship with their tickets.
Soon a man wearing captain's clothing boarded the ship.
He said loudly: "The ship will sail in 15 minutes. The sea is very windy and rough. Please go to the cabin and rest."
Chu Sheng followed the crowd to the cabin. This was not a small single room, but an open activity room.
There are seats, a canteen and a reading room inside.
The ferry's whistle sounded, and it slowly left the port and headed towards its destination.
A storyteller in a long gown slapped the tree awake and said: "Fellow folks from all over the world, I'm here to tell you a story about the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Those who have money support themselves in a financial field, and those who have no money support their own business."
The storyteller began to tell a story, and the most interesting part of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was the part about the burning of Red Cliff.
The passengers were happy to hear this and bought a cup of tea. Different types of tea have different prices and are slightly more expensive than the outside world. This is equivalent to a reward for the storyteller.
After "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was finished, some passengers booed and asked the storyteller to tell some interesting stories.
Speaking of his calmness, he slapped his face and said: "Fellow folks, let me tell you an interesting story that happened at the Governor's Mansion in East India.
There is a strange custom there that the lives of cows are more important than human lives.
Killing is excusable, but killing a cow must be put to death.
The local people regard the cow as a god and worship the cow every day.
They drink cow urine and eat cow dung, thinking it is a gift from the gods."
When this anecdote was told, many people in the cabin burst into laughter.
While Chu Sheng was listening to the book, he heard comments from scholars around him.
He and several people with the same temperament were attracted to each other and gradually got together.
They told each other their names. They were all officials of the empire.
Lan Ke, an official from the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, said: “I have some knowledge of the Indian region, and this time I am inspecting the Indian region in a private capacity.
Not only do they worship cows there, they also have a strict caste system.
It is the existence of the caste system that makes the indigenous people in India very easy to be ruled.
The empire only needs to conquer high-caste people to easily rule a large area.
In other directions, the empire did not continue to fight wars, it just wanted to recuperate and digest the fruits of previous victories.
There have been constant skirmishes in India, in order to conquer the rule of this region through low-intensity warfare.
For this region, the empire does not need to invest much energy in governing it.
I have never seen such native people who are conducive to governance since ancient times.
The Imperial Governor-General's Palace and the Eastern Japanese Governor-General's Palace rebelled thousands of times, and millions of people were demoted as slaves and sold to vassal states in America and Africa.
There were nearly a thousand rebellions in the Cochin Governor's Mansion, and more than two million people were demoted as slaves, contributing to the domestic railway industry.
In other governor's palaces, rebellions often occur, not so frequently, but there are dozens of times a year.
Only in the East India Governor's Mansion, there was not a single rebellion during this period.
At first, the imperial court thought Governor Ma Heng was managing well and transferred him to Dongwa. However, there was not much difference between the two places.
This situation was discovered only after the imperial court sent officials many times to observe the situation in India.
In order to better govern the Indian region, those of us officials who take the initiative to seek overseas assignments often need to go there for inspections."
Chu Sheng heard Lan Ke talking about the caste system.
He remembered that several vassal states in Africa had changed the caste system into a national hierarchy.
He had previously wondered what made these monarchs make up their minds.
It turns out that the Indian region has already set an example for them.
