Chapter 185 The first part of the book is completed
"Fifteen thousand eight-riel silver coins? Are those ruined ships of the Ming Dynasty worth this price? They are simply crazy!"
A few days later, at the Ming-Holland negotiation table, Reyoz, the envoy sent by Cohen, the governor of the Dutch East India Company, changed his mind when he heard the amount of compensation proposed by the Fujian side and complained to Gullit, who was acting as an interpreter.
Opposite them sat the commander-in-chief Yu Zigao. On the left were several armored generals and guerrillas, as well as the Ming side's interpreting officials. On the right were Xu Xinsu, Zheng Haizhu and Zheng Zhilong.
Yu Zigao, who guessed what the Dutch meant without waiting for the people on his side to translate, curled his lips: "Miss Zheng, it seems that red hair is really too expensive."
Zheng Haizhu nodded and told Gullit what to say, but stared at Reyoz: "Mr. Ruffin, who fled back to Batavia, should have reported to Governor Cohen to defeat those of you with five masts and dozens of
The Galen ships with cannons are our small broken ships. If he did not truthfully state the battle situation, there are still many Dutch prisoners on Kinmen Island, you can ask your own people again."
Reyoz's green eyes showed that he was very hot as the commander of the fleet, but his arrogance was not strong.
Who told these people from the Ming Dynasty across the way to tell the truth?
His own fleet is indeed not up to par.
Gullit, who was close to Chi Chi, could feel that the officer next to him, who was higher than Ruffin, was breathing heavily in and out of his nose. He had to endure it without lifting the table.
Of course Gullit also felt more aggrieved than ever before.
But speaking of it, the disaster first started when he introduced Zheng Haizhu to Lu Fen, which led to the Ming people's conspiracy step by step. At this moment, Gulit was the one who didn't want the negotiations to break down, and the Ming people held the captives.
If the relationship between the two countries is completely broken, his family honor in Amsterdam will be completely ruined.
"General," Gulit then said to Yu Zigao, "I also saw the battle scene that day. The number just mentioned by Mrs. Zheng is equivalent to more than ten thousand taels of silver, which is too much. Governor Cohen authorized
The amount we agree to pay is no more than five thousand eight-riel silver coins. Can General Yu speak to the highest official in Fujian?"
Yu Zigao moved the ivory finger that he usually used to hold the bow string, and said calmly: "Then you continue to talk. When the negotiation is completed, write it down and I will submit it to our governor for review."
The meaning is very clear. I have my identity, and the governor will not accept your misfortune. You can bargain with my subordinates.
Gulit cursed secretly and had to look at Zheng Haizhu and Zheng Zhilong again.
Zheng Haizhu recited the number twice, chatted with Zheng Zhilong for a moment, raised his head and said to the Dutch: "When the silver coins come in, we have to smelt and inspect them, which is complicated. The number of silver coins can be reduced by 60%, and you can use the ship you are detained in Kinmen.
Cannons are offered as discount."
She patted Zheng Zhilong beside her and said: "We have maintained commercial transactions with the artillery factory of Frankie in Macau, and are very familiar with the prices of various artillery. This Mr. Zheng has boarded the ship many times in the past month. I am very interested in you."
The large and small iron cannons of the two ships were valued, and they could barely be deducted from 10,000 silver coins."
Gullit's face became even more ugly, and he forced himself to translate it to Reyoz, who really disagreed.
Damn it, the Ming Dynasty people collected all the heavy matchlock guns, isn't it enough?
"Tell them we can make some new ones for them," Reyoz ordered Gulit in an angry voice.
Zheng Haizhu was very insistent and said bluntly: "I don't want new ones, I'm afraid they will be deceptive goods. I want the cast iron cannons on your ship to be unloaded."
"Then, please agree to our request for exclusive trading rights in Taiwan."
"Why? Gulit, do you think we Ming people are fools? Other Europeans can transport more silver than you Dutch people."
"Then, Madam Zheng, can Tainan's Tainan Port be given to us as an exclusive port? Just like the privileges you gave to the Portuguese in Haojing."
"Gullit, sooner or later Macau will take back our Ming Dynasty. If you Dutch are not angry enough, you can go to Luzon and kill the Spaniards. You can even go to North and South America to grab territory and happily build your own exclusive port.
Don't even think about it in the Ming Dynasty. Just like other foreign merchants, transporting money to trade goods, buying ship guides, and paying taxes are all in accordance with our Ming Dynasty rules. Otherwise, it's not as simple as us not releasing the prisoners.
Instead, you can only go back to Batavia, where you will wait eagerly to see if any trading ships will transport goods."
"Alas," Gulit sighed, "Mrs. Zheng, how many ship guides does your country give us every year?"
"During the three years after the agreement is signed, thirty pieces will be issued each year, each worth five hundred taels of silver, which is approximately six hundred eight-riel silver coins."
"By paying this money, can we guarantee that our ships will not be attacked in Ming waters?"
Hearing this, Zheng Haizhu smiled and said, "Gulit, the ship's guide is a trade license from our court, not money given to pirates to buy their way."
After she stopped laughing, she said meaningfully: "Gullit, you Dutch people should know better than anyone else, how can the army clear the ocean? God doesn't even know how many pirates there are in the vast ocean."
Gullit grimaced: "Oh my god, if you don't allow our merchant ships to carry a sufficient number of cannons to enter the port for trade, wouldn't it be easy for us to fall into the hands of pirates in the East and South Ocean?"
"There is no other way. There are risks in doing business. You can also choose to go back to raising cows."
Gullit couldn't stand it anymore and was about to explode. Zheng Zhilong raised his hand to stop Zheng Haizhu from tit-for-tat with the Dutchman.
"Gentlemen of the Netherlands," Zheng Zhilong said calmly, "you may also consider hiring Chinese armed ships to escort the voyage, or purchase a pass that is recognized by all parties at sea. This is a story for later. Today, if you are wise, you should first
Cherish the opportunity to still do business in Fujian and Taiwan."
The three of them were quarreling and talking in Chinese, and Yu Zigao understood everything.
Very good, let's go back and let Zheng Yiguan and Xu Xinsu go to demarcate the territory. Yan Siqi will collect the money from the flags in the east, and Yu Zigao will collect the money from the flags in the west. Let's raise some expenses for the elite navy.
Can be more generous.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! The navy chief waved his hand: "That's almost it. Our governor has to go back to Fuzhou."
Gulit only felt exhausted, and it would be easier to go to jail in Kinmen.
He had no choice but to analyze the pros and cons to Chief Reyoz with some serious words.
Reyoz was silent for a long time with a livid face, and finally nodded.
After finishing the draft of the bilingual compensation agreement and trade agreement, Zhang Yanke opened the curtain and walked out of the back hall. He picked up the rice paper with freshly dried ink and walked out of the negotiation room expressionlessly.
"Come, drink tea, drink tea," Mr. Yu suddenly became active and greeted the Dutch with a smile, "This is the black tea you like to drink. Miss Zheng also specifically said that she would prepare some cakes and drink it with the tea. Come,
You're welcome, we in Ming Dynasty are very particular about hospitality."
Reyoz was furious because the fragrant sweet potato pancakes sprinkled with sesame seeds tasted bitter.
After a few cups of tea, Zhang Yanke came back.
"Governor Shang, please come over and stamp your seal."
Before having dinner together, Zheng Haizhu went to the crowd to find Gullit and told him about buying whale oil.
"Just now our governor has told Mr. Reyoz that he will sign another order with you later. The delivery place will be Bengang, Taiwan. But I don't have any money to give you. How about trading our cotton with black tea?"
"
Gullit rolled his eyes: "If the price is fair, there's nothing wrong with it."
Then he said coldly: "Zheng, don't you hate me? Are you still doing business with me?"
Zheng Haizhu felt it was funny and had goosebumps. This big red-haired brother felt so good about himself.
"Gulit, you are not my lover. When you are unwilling, oh no, when you are unable to help your company's fleet invade my compatriots, how can there be any love or hate between you and me? We only talk about interests.
"
Gullit stared at her and shook his head after a moment: "I have never seen a lady as thick-skinned as you."
…
At noon the next day, Yu Zigao led several generals and Zheng Zhilong, who knew Western artillery, to Kinmen, dismantled the artillery and released the prisoners.
Zheng Haizhu was invited by Zhang Yanke to the post house where Zhou Zuo was staying in Shang Dynasty.
"I have something to ask you, but I can't guess it."
On the way, Zhang Yanke felt a little anxious.
Zheng Haizhu said: "What are you afraid of? I have never done anything bad. I am about to recommend Lu Xiangsheng to Mr. Shang. He may become a Jinshi in the next few years."
Zhang Yanke said angrily: "My brother and I are the ones who give you money to do good deeds. Why don't you say something nice to my brother?"
】
Zheng Haizhu was speechless: "Your brother is the legitimate son of the Zhang family. You and the businessman are so close, why does your brother need me to speak kindly to Mr. Shang?"
Then he suddenly said seriously: "Third Young Master, the eldest Young Master is really a gentleman, but I still say the same thing. When it comes to being a young general and a passionate minister, you are more suitable. I don't know how happy I am to see you accompanying the governor on business this time.
Well, of course, it’s not based on passing the imperial examination, but based on family connections.”
Zhang Yanke felt that it was very pleasant to hear. When he heard the last sentence, Yang Zuo said with a straight face: "Auntie, you are killing me more cruelly than you are killing Hong Mao. I rely on my real skills. My craftsmanship is definitely not as good as Lu Xiangsheng's.
Nerd, but I am resourceful. Last year, the court wanted to give the official of Taipu Temple to Mr. Shang, but the official who was impeached was also from Shaoxing. Naturally, I was furious and told Mr. Shang, "Young Master of Taipu Temple."
Although you have an important position and a good job, you can't go, otherwise it will turn into a feud between cliques. You see, after waiting patiently for so long, I was reassigned to Fujian as a governor, and my rank has improved."
Zhang Yanke's face was full of pride, but Zheng Haizhu's heart was suddenly wiped dry like the fog on a mirror.
She guessed what Shang Zhouzuo was going to ask.
…
"Miss Zheng, have you ever dealt with Xu Dahua?"
Shang Zhouzuo asked Zheng Haizhu straight to the point.
Zheng Haizhu was accustomed to the questioning habits of those in high positions.
They won't lay out the background, won't reveal their emotions, and won't let you easily figure out their favorite answers.
However, before Zheng Haizhu stepped into the post house, she also wanted to understand that a red-robed civil servant like Shang Zhou Zuo might not be as familiar with the order of the ocean world outside the country as she was, but it was impossible for him to be unaware of the ups and downs of the members of the court.
the whole story.
Therefore, when Shang Zhouzuo asked about Xu Dahua's question, he would rather listen to his position than to listen to the facts.
Zheng Haizhu firmly believed that his position was correct, but he could show his greenness in front of a sophisticated Ming civil servant like Shang Zhouzuo.
She then did not hide the confusion on her face, and was stunned for a moment before saying: "The master said that if Xu Shaoqing of Taipu Temple in the capital, the common people asked him for money when they founded the firearms workshop in Songjiang, hoping to buy Frankie
Human artillery was imitated by my Ming craftsmen."
When Zhou Zuo of Shang Dynasty saw that Zheng Haizhu had stopped talking, he said harmoniously: "If you dare not continue talking, it must be taboo for the venerable."
Zheng Haizhu knew it well.
She simply made a show of risking her life: "Master, that Xu Siqing, relying on the power in his hands, wants to bully the female gentleman in my school. Yes, that female gentleman once worked as a female envoy by the Qinhuai River, but she has already
She resigned from the country to devote herself to making pianos and teaching lessons. Even if she is still a red-blooded and pure-blooded peasant, what Xu Siqing did is disgusting. It is shameless to force a woman to use public money as bait, and it is a poisonous weed to the country.
Moths, monsters and monsters!”
She could scold her vigorously, and Zhang Yanke beside her also showed an expression of first shock and then anger.
"That bitch!"
Zhang Yanke also said a Shaoxing curse word in his heart.
Xu Dahua, that bastard, actually wanted to bully his non-staff sister-in-law Wang Yuesheng.
If you think about it more carefully, Shang and Zhou Zuo must know why Xu Dahua lost his position.
Alas, people who have reached the rank of governor are really deep in the city. At least now, they don't think of themselves as "nephews". Zuoyuan of Shang and Zhou Dynasties did not tell him everything.
However, Zhang Yanke quickly felt relieved.
Zheng Haizhu is safe. If Shang Zhouzuo had actually become a crony with Xu Dahua, he would not have called Zheng Haizhu to inquire carefully today. After Ming He negotiated, he would have secretly dealt with this woman.
Sure enough, Shang Zhouzuo made a comforting gesture: "Miss Zheng, Wang Yushi and Zhang Shilang think so too."
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Zheng Haizhu let out a sigh of relief.
That year in Shandong, Zheng Haizhu met Xu Dahua in a clear manner when he met Wang Yaliang, the imperial censor on the road, and later in Liaodong when he was appreciated by Zhang Quan.
If she didn't say it openly, Xu Dahua would secretly punish her. The abolition of Xu Dahua in Songjiang was by no means the end of Zheng Haizhu's response to this matter.
A common man who cannot live as high as a temple can only speak out fiercely in the distance of the rivers and lakes.
At this moment, Zheng Haizhu did not hide his joy: "The military master, Xu Siqing, has been impeached?"
Zhou Zuo of Shang Dynasty nodded: "Long live the Holy Ming, the imperial court has carefully observed that it is not all because of what you reported. The money from Taipus Temple was used to buy bad horses in the border town, and the money allocated to Honglu Temple was also extremely inappropriate.
Zhang Fa. Let’s not talk about him. Miss Zheng, you are a loyal citizen of the country. Don’t lose heart in the firearms workshop in Songjiang. There should be a lot to do in the future.”
Zheng Haizhu hurriedly knelt down and said: "If you can be encouraged by the master, we ordinary people will do our best. Zhejiang and Fujian are only a few feet away by sea and land. Songjiang has been opened and closed again. In the future, firearms will be transported from Songjiang to Fujian. It will be quite
convenient."
Shang Zhouzuo pursed his lips.
This grassroots man is not bad, he won't play tricks in front of him, and he knows how to tell the truth.
He is also smart, able to understand the deep meaning of words and take the initiative to answer questions.
I have to work in Fujian for several years. Who knows if the Dutch will tear up the agreement next year and attack the city again. The Ming Navy still needs to be better equipped.
But I will not build a firearms factory within my jurisdiction, and I will not do anything that would cause political opponents to frame up and find trouble.
Just ask the woman in front of you to buy it. Anyway, in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hunan and Chu, there are precedents for the government to purchase firearms from private workshops.
Shang Zhouzuo then leaned back in the Taishi's chair: "Miss Zheng, I heard from Yan Ke that when you first arrived in the south of the Yangtze River, you stayed in the Han Mansion. The younger daughter Jinglan, who is a embroiderer in Songjiang, left the court last year, and her husband is also ours.
Children from a distinguished family in Shanyin. If the young couple goes to Songjiang to visit, could you please accompany them for a walk?"
If the leader entrusts you with personal matters, that means he does not exclude having friendship with you.
Zheng Haizhu agreed repeatedly.
After leaving the hotel, Zhang Yanke chuckled: "Congratulations to Boss Zheng. Oh, your fireworks factory, oh no, the artillery factory. Every time I think about it, I always worry that the court will regard you as rebels."
Zheng Haizhu said: "Now there are red-robed officials from south to north nodding their heads. Do you want to invest money?"
"Invest. My brother said that my uncle said in the letter that he followed you and invested some money in Lu Fan's coal mine. Then my father and I will invest in your firearms factory."
"Okay, Third Young Master, please feel free. By the way, you still have to find a chance to ask Mr. Shang if you want to invest in his family and the in-laws' families. Or calculate it according to the batch of work. I will keep a separate account book.
Everything is fine.”
Zhang Yanke understood and said again: "Miss Zheng, thank you for your dedication to protecting Yuesheng."
Zheng Haizhu's heart moved.
"By the way, Third Young Master, Miss Yuesheng likes to play the piano. Has she met any Zen masters who are good at playing the piano in Nanjing? If so, I will help her introduce some to her after I return to Songjiang."
Zhang Yanke thought for a moment and said, "My brother seemed to have accompanied her to the Zen monastery next to Biao Zhong Temple, where she had learned piano skills with the master there."
"Zhongliang Temple? For which Zhongliang was the temple built?"
"Fang Xiaoru."
(End of Volume 7, end of the first part of this book)
Thank you all book friends for your continued subscription, rewards, and monthly support. The second part of the book is mainly about the background of the Tianqi years. I will continue to polish the work carefully.