Batavia is getting hotter in May. In fact, this place is very hot 365 days a year, but in summer the heat becomes even more uncomfortable.
Although James Luton has been in Batavia for almost two years, he still has not gotten used to the climate here.
The hot weather prevented the Governor from sleeping well at all last night. When he got up with dark circles under his eyes this morning, he couldn't help but complain. "Damn it, this damn weather. I really want to leave here and go back to the comfortable Amsterdam."
.”
Of course, this complaint is just a complaint. It is so refreshing to be the governor of Batavia. Within two years of coming here, James Luton has not only paid off the loan he took to fight for this governorship, but also has more than one million in savings. It is expected that by the time
His departure deposit should reach five million guilders. With such generous benefits, each governor can only serve for three years because too many people are eyeing this position.
Of course, this is the result under normal circumstances. If there is any unexpected surprise, Governor Luton's wealth will be unlimited. And he is currently working hard for this.
It was a God-given opportunity. The Qing people were at war with France, which gave the Netherlands a good opportunity to take action against Lanfang. Although the two countries have ended the war, it seems that the Qing country has no time to take care of the situation in Lanfang.
Perhaps we should send an urging letter to Colonel Pat, who is leading the team, and ask him to take down this damn Lanfang as soon as possible. These Chinese are really much easier to use than the natives. They can endure hardships and hard work, and can also accumulate wealth. After a period of time,
After harvesting a wave, they are simply perfect lambs. Maybe I can harvest some before leaving office.
Governor Luton was thinking about something good when he was interrupted accidentally.
"Your Excellency the Governor, Your Excellency the Governor."
"I'm here."
Seeing the panting servant running away, Luton said dissatisfiedly, "Don't I, the governor, have any private time?"
"Of course, Your Majesty the Governor, but..."
"But what?"
"But there's an emergency."
"what's the situation?"
"A fleet under the Italian flag has arrived outside the port. They request to enter the port for supplies. Major General Jay from the City Defense Command is asking for your opinion."
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Abandoning the servant who looked aggrieved, Governor Luton hurried downstairs.
"What's the situation now."
Governor Luton rushed to the port and asked Major General Jay, who was ahead of him, about the situation.
"Your Majesty the Governor, I just sent someone to inquire. This is the Italian fleet visiting the Qing Dynasty. They want to rest at the port and replenish supplies."
Facing Major General Jay's answer, Luton was very confused. "How did they come to us? Didn't they go to Malacca?"
"I won't ask about this, but my personal suggestion is to let the Italian fleet enter the port. After all, it is just for supplies and rest."
Of course, he did not say anything about the potential. It would not be a wise choice for Dutch Indonesia to refuse a large fleet to enter the port.
Besides, the strength of this fleet is amazing. It is much stronger than the British and French fleets in Southeast Asia. The strength of the Dutch fleet in Southeast Asia is not worth mentioning. The largest is only a small ironclad ship of more than 4,000 tons, which is completely powerless.
After hearing the words of the city defense commander, Governor Luton thought about it and then said, "In this case, let it enter the port."
However, considering the large number of people in the Italian fleet, Governor Luton said to his attendants, "Send a message to Director Bok and ask him to take care of the security in the city. I don't want to hear any bad news during this period."
After giving instructions to his entourage, Governor Luton said to Major General Jay beside him. "Then let's go greet the visiting Italians."
Following the order of Governor Luton, the port was opened to the Italian fleet. The Italian fleets entering the port one after another filled the port to the brim, especially the three giant steel ships with over 10,000 tons, which was even more frightening to see. At this time,
Governor Luton felt a sense of regret in his heart. He regretted letting the Italian fleet enter the port.
But it was too late to regret now, so he could only greet the fleet commander and his party with a smile on his face.
"Hello, Governor Luton, thank you for opening the port to us."
As the commander of the fleet, Vice Admiral Sirion stepped forward and thanked Governor Luton before he could speak.
Although he was preempted by Lieutenant General Hillion, Governor Luton was no ordinary person when he arrived and immediately took over the words. "You're welcome. We should help each other. This is the etiquette that a European country should have."
These words are always so weird coming from the mouth of Governor Luton. Because as long as anyone who has stayed in Southeast Asia knows it, the Dutch are very precious to their colony. Except for their own ships and chartered ships, they basically
Very few ships are able to dock in Batavia Port.
The Italian fleet can be docked because, on the one hand, the two countries have no interest in each other, and on the other hand, the Italian fleet is too powerful and Governor Luton does not want to anger the other party.
After a brief introduction, Governor Luton said, "Since I can meet you all in Batavia, I would like to invite you to the welcome dinner as a courtesy to the landlord."
Faced with Governor Luton's kind invitation, Lieutenant General Hillion and others would certainly not refuse.
"Then your Excellency, Governor Lao."
Facing Lieutenant General Hillion's thanks, Governor Luton took the opportunity to express his most worrying issue. "Your Excellency, Lieutenant General, can you tell the naval officers and soldiers of your country that Batavia is not a big city. Can the officers and soldiers of your fleet only
Stay in the port area.”
Yes, this is the issue that Governor Luton is most concerned about. Because in this era, although naval officers and soldiers are subject to discipline after landing ashore, fights and fights also occur from time to time. If Italian officers and soldiers cause trouble, they will be arrested or not.
This is a problem for Governor Luton.
Therefore, it is better to restrict it to the port area, which can reduce a lot of unnecessary trouble.
Faced with Governor Luton's request, Lieutenant General Hillion nodded. "No problem, I will order the young men to only operate in the port area, and I will also send military police to restrain them. I hope this will not cause trouble for you.
"
Facing the reasonable Lieutenant General Hillion, Governor Luton was very happy. "Your Excellency's understanding is really admirable."
After the final trouble was resolved, Governor Luton personally invited Lieutenant General Hillion to visit his Governor's Mansion.
In the evening of that day, the Governor's Palace was brightly lit, and a dinner party was held grandly for Lieutenant General Hillion and others.
And a group of Italian officers were drinking and drinking with the Batavia dignitaries, looking like a happy scene.
Governor Luton personally accompanied him and introduced the local leading figures to Lieutenant General Hillion.
"This is Mr. Korff, an executive of the East India Company."
The Dutch East India Company was very famous. Lieutenant General Hillion stepped forward and held Korff's hand.
"Hello, Mr. Korff."
"Hello, Lieutenant General Sirion."
"This is Mr. Joe Gorman, whose family has been running the spice business."
Being able to continue running the spice business shows the energy of Mr. Gorman's family, and Lieutenant General Hillion also did not neglect it.
"Hello, Mr. Gorman."
"Hello, Lieutenant General Sirion."
Later, Governor Luton introduced the local dignitaries to Lieutenant General Silion one after another. The Lieutenant General all greeted Yiyi, which was considered a preliminary acquaintance.
While Vice Admiral Hillion was attending the dinner, an Italian Navy liaison ship entered Batavia Port through inquiries from the Dutch.
A young officer jumped ashore without waiting for the boat to stabilize.
The lively welcome dinner always comes to an end, and Lieutenant General Xilion dragged his tired body and prepared to take a rest.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door.
"What's the matter? Don't you know I need to take a rest?"
The adjutant's voice came from outside the door, "It's me, Lieutenant General. We just received bad news."
Upon hearing what the adjutant said, Lieutenant General Xiliong didn't even have time to put on his clothes, so he opened the door with his upper body naked.
