Travel through the Qing Dynasty and become emperor

Yuan Shikai stroked his bald head and nodded his greetings to the other three people, saying, "Why would I mind? You are a rare guest who can't even be invited! I don't think there is anyone in this world who can refuse DuPont's favor. , it’s too late to welcome. Haha, everyone, please sit down.”

After the guests and hosts were seated, Yuan Shikai looked back and forth at the four people with a smile, laughing but was not in a hurry to get into the subject, but Eugene showed his arrogance and toughness as a core member of DuPont, and said bluntly: "Your Excellency, you must not Needless to say, your qualifications and your achievements are very surprising, and many Americans admire you very much."

Yuan Shikai laughed and said, "Really? I didn't expect that although my old Yuan has never been to the United States, his name has already been passed there..."

The next few minutes were basically spent in the flattery of both sides. Eugene touted how legendary Yuan Shikai's life experience was and how prominent his political status in China was.Yuan Shikai said how powerful the DuPont family was and how strong the DuPont Company was.

While flattering his opponents so boringly, Yuan Shikai's mind was spinning rapidly, thinking about how to win over the largest consortium in the United States today.On the way over, Duan Zhigui introduced the DuPont family and the DuPont Company to Yuan Shikai. In addition to what he had heard before, Yuan Shikai now has a general understanding of DuPont.Before doing anything, first understand everything about the other party. This is the basic principle of Yuan Shikai's life and work.

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States who promoted the "big stick" policy, said: "Speak kindly, but have a big stick in your hand."This can be said to be a true portrayal of the actual policy of the United States. Although the United States has not been directly attacked by an enemy country for nearly 200 years, the arms tentacles of the United States are still extending to every corner of the world.

The Statue of Liberty holds a torch high in one hand, and hides a sharp weapon in the other.

In history, there are countless American companies that have made a fortune under the protection of the "big stick" policy, and arms dealers are the casters of the "big stick". It is a typical example, and almost every step of its development and growth is inseparable from the US government or internal or external wars.

The DuPont family believes in the most saying: Only by marrying with the government can the greatest development be achieved. More than 100 years have passed, and the DuPont family has proved the correctness of this sentence with countless facts. The DuPont family was originally a family of watchmakers in France. Turgot, the finance director of the sixteenth, hooked up with him and was recommended to enter the Louis dynasty.At the end of the American Revolutionary War, Pierre, as a member of the French delegation, participated in the mediation of the conflict between the United States and Britain, met Jefferson, Franklin and others, and established personal connections for the family's entrepreneurship in the United States.After the signing of the "Paris Peace Treaty" between the United States and Britain, Pierre was made a nobleman by Louis XVI for his meritorious mediation.But the bourgeois revolution that broke out shortly afterwards made the Dupont family fall into a trough. They were expelled from the country by the Directory in 1799 and forced to go into exile in the United States.Elder Dupont's son, Elle Dupont, loved reading by nature. He was deeply influenced by Lavoisier, a famous chemist and director of the French Royal Gunpowder Factory at that time, and became familiar with gunpowder production technology through visiting and learning.

After coming to the United States, Aile found that the American gunpowder manufacturing factory was far behind France, and the gunpowder used by the army had to be purchased from Britain at a high price, which made Aile determined to join this industry. In June 1802, the DuPont Gunpowder Factory started construction on a farm on the Brandy River in Delaware, and was basically completed in February of the following year. In the spring of 6, the first batch of black powder was produced.At that time, there were more than 2 gunpowder factories in the United States, but they were all small family workshops, and they could not compare with DuPont, which purchased advanced equipment from France.At this time, the old DuPont made a contribution in the negotiations between the United States for the purchase of Louisiana and Napoleon, enabling the United States to buy a vast land of 1804 million square kilometers at a price of 200 cents per hectare, and the territory expanded by more than two times.In Jefferson's own letter to Du Pont Sr., he called it a "deal for the benefit of millions of unborn people."

Seizing this opportunity, Aile immediately wrote a letter to Jefferson: "I ask you, Mr. President, to take care of my DuPont company in Delaware." In 1804, DuPont’s sales were $1, and in 1805 it increased to $3.3. The reason was that in order to repel pirates, the hastily formed U.S. Navy destroyer placed an order for 2.2 pounds of black powder at one time; On the 7th, the Secretary of War of the Jefferson government even announced that DuPont would contract all the gunpowder for the government. Sales were $4 in 1806 and $3.2 in 1807, and soon became the largest gunpowder factory in the United States.

In 1820, Aller's brother, Victor DuPont, was elected to the Delaware House of Representatives and later the Senate, marking the beginning of the DuPont family's involvement in politics.Victor's son Francis Dupont rose from midshipman to admiral. His fleet used all DuPont gunpowder, and he even persuaded the entire navy to use DuPont products. In 1857, Samuel, who was still a colonel, commanded the most advanced USS "Minnesota" to come to China on the occasion of the Second Opium War launched by the British and French allied forces, in order to protect the overseas trade of the United States and prevent the oppressed Chinese in Macau from rioting and damaging The United States entered the waters of Macau for the reason of investment. He has been entrenched in this port for more than a year, and secretly carried out pirate-like plunder. In March 1858, Samuel led his fleet into the inland rivers of China, swaggered on the Yangtze River, and made a rampage, leaving a disgraceful mark in the history of American invasion of China.

By 1890, the Gunpowder Trust controlled by the DuPont family had monopolized 90 percent of the production of dynamite and 95 percent of gunpowder in the United States.At this time, DuPont planned to form a new type of large company with franchises including many industries, but it was prohibited by the Delaware Constitution.Under the proposal of the DuPont family, the state legislature began to formulate a new constitution, which fully realized the wishes of the DuPont family.

Theodore Roosevelt accepted a bribe of US$7 from DuPont during his presidential election campaign. Of course, he would be rewarded if he won the election.Within a year of Roosevelt's successful campaign, the U.S. War Department ordered 70 pounds of smokeless gunpowder from DuPont at 594.782 cents a pound, at a cost of 32 cents. The company earned more than $220 million.DuPont also donated US$2 in campaign funds for Secretary of the Army Tafto, and won another large number of lucrative military contracts, earning immeasurable profits.

One thing is clear, if a person supported by the DuPont family ascends to the throne of the White House or enters the ranks of military and political officials, the DuPont family will have more opportunities to make money.

The DuPont family's ability to monopolize the explosives market for a long time is inseparable from its inextricable connection with the political world.Several administrations have publicly stated that: "It is absolutely necessary for the security of the country that DuPont maintains a monopoly on smokeless gunpowder." close cooperation between companies and governments, thereby endangering national security."

From being a disgraced arms dealer to stepping into the uppermost class of American society in one fell swoop, the DuPont family has completed a shocking and magnificent turn around by relying on their marriage with the government.

Resurgence: World War II Chapter 433 Arms Transactions

Yuan Shikai felt that the conversation was almost over, and directly brought the topic to the center, "Mr. Du Pont, you can come to Singapore in person this time, which shows that you attach great importance to this transaction. I, Yuan, are also very happy and willing to talk with you. Cooperate with a powerful company like yours."

There was a sly gleam in Eugene's eyes: "We don't just talk about business. DuPont pays more attention to politics."

"Oh? How do you say this?"

"What we value is His Excellency Governor's political status in China."

Yuan Shikai waved his hand and said: "I, Yuan, have a small official position, and there are many officials like me in China..." He leaned forward, and said in a deep voice: "You are the largest arms dealer in the United States. I heard that arms dealers like to go to places where there are wars, so why would they be interested in my little Singapore?" Yuan Shikai knew that the trip of the DuPont family was not easy.

DuPont smiled knowingly, changed to a more comfortable sitting position, and said: "War is a magical thing. It can make the poor become rich overnight, and it can also make the rich become poor in a blink of an eye. As for arms products, When doing business in peacetime, we have to sell according to the buyer's terms. But in wartime, it is different. Any buyer, even the government's large sales, must be settled according to our mediation, because in wartime it is dominated by producers and sellers market. They need what we have so badly, let them pay a correspondingly high price. It is a mistake to think that the price can be lowered when the war comes and the sales volume is large. Whoever makes small profits but sells during the war , that is a complete fool. This is the old tradition of DuPont, and the price of all wartime government orders is higher than usual." He looked into Yuan Shikai's eyes and said: "National security should not be auctioned to the lowest bidder. People. There are no bargains when it comes to securing our liberties!"

Yuan Shikai squinted at the other party and laughed: "Happy! Happy! I, Yuan, have been in the officialdom for many years. Never beat around the bush before interests. I like such people."

DuPont restrained his eyes and smiled: "If businessmen, especially arms dealers, are not tied to politics, they will never be able to develop."

"I don't understand. China is now in a time of peace. Our emperor has governed the country in an orderly manner. It is impossible for a war to break out. How can you take a fancy to Yuan's political status?"

"Your Excellency, I'm afraid you don't know what the arms dealer does. One of his main responsibilities is to start a war where there is no war. Otherwise, the world will be peaceful. How can the arms dealer rely on it?" to make money."

"Oh?" Yuan Shikai rolled his eyes and said, "I still don't quite understand what you mean. Do you want me to start a war between China and other countries? You should know that China's affairs are decided by the emperor. I Mr. Yuan is just a local official, and he has no ability to control the situation of the empire."

"Your Excellency, I don't think we need to go around anymore. You are not doing well as an official under the Emperor of the Empire, are you?"

"Why do you say that?" Yuan Shikai immediately raised his vigilance.

"Don't forget, we are arms dealers, and politics will always be the focus of our attention. Without this ability, DuPont cannot stand for a hundred years."

Yuan Shikai said disapprovingly: "I'm afraid you have heard wrongly this time. The emperor has shown me the kindness of knowing you. Even if I, Yuan, are smashed to pieces, it will be difficult to protect the emperor!"

"Sincerely, Your Excellency Governor, since we want to become partners, the first point is the sincerity of both parties. We have known about your personal experience and current situation for a long time. A few days ago, Wang Zhixin, director of the Beijing Police Department, was arrested Executed for corruption, you must know about this. As far as we know, Wang Zhixin is your confidant and the most powerful senior official you have installed in Beijing. If my guess is correct, Singapore privately smuggled arms The matter of opium trafficking is likely to be known to your government in the near future, and your current situation is very difficult." Du Pont seemed to be a loyal lobbyist, tirelessly trying to enlighten Yuan Shikai.

Yuan Shikai's hidden pain was uncovered in public, and immediately became angry from embarrassment, and said angrily: "No matter how far this matter develops, it is China's internal affairs. Could it be that Mr. Du Pont likes to interfere in the affairs of other countries besides being interested in the arms business?" Internal affairs are not working?"

DuPont smiled and said, "No, no, I'm a businessman and I'm not interested in your internal affairs. I just want to help the governor as much as I can."

Yuan Shikai sneered, "Really? I don't know how Mr. Du Pont wants to help?"

"I like to speak straightforwardly. I think that in your current awkward situation, you only have two choices."

"Speaking!"

"The first is to find a strong political force as the backing. The second is to work hard to expand your own strength. Only by doing these two points can you gain a firm foothold in Singapore, a tiny place, and the Chinese government will not easily to take action against you."

Yuan Shikai immediately became very interested in this Mr. Du Pont. Although he was a businessman, he had a sharper mind than a politician. It seemed that the other party had seen through his own thoughts. "What you said has some truth, but judging from my current situation, it is difficult to do both of these two things. I have long heard that the DuPont family dominates the United States. I would like to hear how you plan to help me."

DuPont turned around and said to the people around him: "It seems that Your Excellency the Governor still has doubts about DuPont's ability."

DuPont's personal assistant said solemnly: "Your Excellency, the DuPont Kingdom now controls all aspects of Delaware's politics, economy, finance, transportation, culture, education, and news. 21% of the output value. Of the four largest banks in the state, the DuPont family directly controls two and indirectly controls two. More than a quarter of the state legislators are the DuPont family and their agents. Can control and manipulate the laws of Delaware. Of course, these laws are beneficial to the DuPont family. Newspapers, the Wilmington Morning and Evening News, here is the veritable stronghold of the DuPont Kingdom. Mr. DuPont has just served as the leader of the Republican Party, is often active in Washington politics, and has a close relationship with President Roosevelt, because the DuPont family donated money for President Roosevelt’s campaign expenses 17%, and Mr. DuPont's younger brother was also elected as a senator in the U.S. House of Lords. One-fifth of the members of both houses of the United States have received funding from DuPont. So the DuPont family can influence the political situation in the United States. There is no doubt about that.”

Hurd DuPont interjected: "And those politicians who harm the interests of the DuPont family will undoubtedly be targeted. In the tariff negotiations with Western European countries, the McKinsey administration in those days, in order to open up new areas for American agricultural products, tobacco and aluminum In the international market, without DuPont's consent, the tariff barriers used to protect American chemical companies were cut down, resulting in a large influx of European chemicals, thus harming DuPont's interests. Three days later, President McKinsey was assassinated, It has become one of the biggest unsolved cases in the history of the United States. There is no evidence that the death of the president has any direct relationship with the DuPont family, but it is true that some policies of the McKinsey administration violated the interests of some large conglomerates like DuPont.”

Mr. DuPont's lawyer also said: "During the World War, DuPont's orders once again flew in like snowflakes. From the outbreak of the war to the end of the Battle of the Marne, the Allies ordered 2162.13 million pounds of explosives from DuPont, which exceeded the company's usual production by 840 pounds. 6 pounds. Without increasing equipment and personnel, the total production of gunpowder and weapons has reached 13 times the usual production in just 54 months. By the time the United States entered the war, DuPont’s gunpowder production capacity It has reached 40 times before the war. During the entire war, [-]% of the shells fired by the Allied Powers used DuPont’s explosives and propellant gunpowder, and DuPont became the loyal logistics minister of the Allied Powers.”

DuPont finally concluded: "So, Your Excellency, you don't have to worry about DuPont's strength and ability to deal with various wars. As long as you are willing, the DuPont family will be solely responsible for your friendly contact with the US government. It is carried out under the premise of confidentiality, and we will provide you with all the weapons and ammunition equipment you need, so that you can form a first-class armed force in Asia in the shortest possible time. In this way, your security will be greatly improved Big promise."

"Why do you help me?" Yuan Shikai asked knowingly.

"What better reason does a businessman have than profit?" Du Pont laughed.

"I'm afraid your biggest purpose is to encourage me to go to war with the Chinese government, so that you can gain greater benefits from it, right?" Yuan Shikai's face suddenly changed and became extremely frightening.

DuPont was very calm, "It's not our agitation, but based on your current situation, sooner or later you will have an armed confrontation with the government, or you will be dismissed or beheaded by your emperor, just like Wang Zhixin. .”

Yuan Shikai suddenly laughed, and said after a while: "It seems that you are really a shrewd businessman. I am very happy to cooperate with a businessman like you. It seems that I, Yuan Shikai, have found the right person. Haha..."

DuPont said darkly: "This is a transaction in which both sides seize interests. For you, you will get the strong support of the DuPont family and the US government, so you will gain the strength to confront the Chinese government. People are interested in an arms manufacturer The prevailing perception is that of menacing, cruel, abhorring peace and contemptuous of the search for it. These people do their best to fan flames between nations and gloat in the ensuing conflicts that feed their arms companies Huge profits are made. I think that is the common perception of arms manufacturers, when in fact it is a common misconception that DuPont does not need war, but a just and lasting peace all over the world. War, however, Whether it is Chinese or foreign, we are waiting anytime and anywhere, because it creates a market for gunpowder!"

Resurgence: World War II Chapter 434 The Maine Incident

In the upper study room of the Forbidden City in Beijing, Guan Xuqing stared at Zhao Bingjun solemnly, and said after a while, "So, Yuan Shikai is in secret contact with the Americans. What exactly do they want?"

"I'm investigating, but according to my speculation, it won't be good for Yuan Shikai to contact the DuPont family of the American arms dealer without authorization. Based on my understanding of Yuan Shikai, since he became the governor of Singapore, this person not only does not appreciate the emperor's grace, but also There are criticisms of the court from time to time, such a person is ambitious, and sooner or later he will do something out of line, the emperor must guard against it."

Guan Xuqing did not express his position, thought for a while, and said: "You order your military intelligence agents to keep an eye on Yuan Shikai's every move, and also pass on my secret decree, so that the Ministry of the Army and the Ministry of the Navy must control Singapore's garrison troops. No matter what kind of thoughts Yuan Shikai has in mind, as long as he can't control the army, there won't be much commotion."

"twitter."

"Continue to investigate Yuan Shikai's movements, and report to me at any time if there is any change. Yuan Shikai is extremely capable in handling affairs, but as long as this person dares to have a different heart, I will never let him go."

"twitter."

Guan Xuqing was silent for a while, and suddenly gritted his teeth, "How dare the Americans meddle in China's affairs? They are looking for death. Don't the DuPont family want a war? I can give it to him..." Guan Xuqing waved to Zhao Bingjun, and Zhao Bingjun moved closer and carefully Listening to the emperor's instructions...