Fengxian Jiangshan

Lao Zhang pretended to be generous, and none of the people present were good people. Zhang Zuolin was slapping someone with a soft knife. Liang Caishen was slapped, and then stomped hard on the face, which was considered a loss of face. It was clean, and those who were at odds with Liang Shiyi were secretly happy.

Liang Shiyi could only continue to persevere at this time: "Mr. Zhu Erdian didn't make a decision, so it's too early to be happy. A young child with a stinking taste can still turn the world upside down!"

Everyone outside was guessing, Zhang Tinglan was already sitting opposite Zhu Erdian, Zhang Tinglan said with a smile: "Sir, it is true that we will not be able to provide the supplies that Britain needs in a short time, but your country only needs to convince the Americans that they are not The only source of goods, which also has potential supply capacity in China, is tantamount to having an extra bargaining chip on the negotiating table.”

"That's right, you are the most business-minded Chinese I've ever met. As long as the Americans can lower each can by one cent, it will add up to a huge sum of money."

"Not only that, I also have a textile factory, a quilt factory, and a flour mill in Fengtian. These factories can provide many kinds of military supplies that the UK needs. If the UK needs it, I can form an export company, and then we can All the commodities produced are listed at the most reasonable price. Your country can use this price list to negotiate with the Americans and ask them to lower the price. The trade volume between the United States and Britain is huge. Add up any number of items and save Tens of millions of pounds is definitely not difficult."

Zhu Erdian squinted his old eyes and thought about it carefully. He had to admit that what Zhang Tinglan said was very reasonable and practical, and he had already accepted this suggestion.

"Young man, what benefits do you want?"

"It's very simple. In order to make our factories look more competitive, let the Americans completely believe that if they don't lower prices, the UK will replace them with Chinese products. Should the UK purchase our products, it is best to provide Give us a batch of machines to help us expand production capacity and put real pressure on the United States."

Chapter 63 King vs. King

Although World War I was a good opportunity to make a fortune, China's industrial base was too weak, production was scattered, and it could not be scaled up. The economic lifeline was controlled by foreign powers. A big cake was in front of us, but we couldn't afford to share it.

At first, Zhang Tinglan could only rely on some villainous tricks to make money by smuggling to Russia. Although he managed to get the first batch of machines and set up several factories, the scale of production was limited, and the annual output was not enough for a few days of consumption on the battlefield. If you follow the conventional method, you can earn a little hard money at most.

As a dignified traveler, Zhang Tinglan is obviously not satisfied with just taking a meager profit. There is no shortage of business opportunities in this world, only the eyes for discovery.

He carefully analyzed the current situation in Britain. Before the start of the First World War, both sides believed that the battle would be resolved quickly. As a result, the cruel reality broke everyone's illusions. The war has lasted for more than a year, and Britain's finances have been in crisis. The ill-gotten gains obtained by knocking bones and sucking marrow in the colony for many years were quickly consumed.

Britain had to seek help from the United States, selling war bonds, and purchasing military supplies. It can be said that without the United States, Britain could no longer fight.Of course, the United States is by no means a kind person, and it will definitely not let go of this good opportunity to slaughter people. Before World War I, the United States owed Europe 40 billion dollars in debt. After the end of World War I, Europe owed the United States 37 billion dollars. became the largest creditor nation in the world.

From this we can see how much money the Americans have made. As an established hegemon, will the United Kingdom be willing to be slaughtered by the United States?The answer is obviously no, it's just that there is no other way, unless they don't want to win the war.

Zhang Tinglan guessed what the British were thinking, so he made this suggestion. To put it bluntly, it was to offer the UK a bargaining chip so that the British could have one more card on the negotiating table.One more card means more initiative, and as long as American businessmen believe that the British can find substitutes in China, they will be forced to lower prices.

Of course, Zhang Tinglan will not purely help the British. He is sure that in order to put more pressure on the United States, the British will definitely support Fengtian's industry to a certain extent.Even though it's just for show, the British will also purchase Fengtian's materials and provide some machines.

Maybe this thing is just a play on the occasion in the eyes of the UK, but for the fragile Fengtian Industry, it is tantamount to rain from the sky.Things were indeed as Zhang Tinglan expected, Zhu Erdian fell into deep thought, and the old fox was weighing carefully.

To be honest, the British are unwilling to give any support to China's industry. They prefer that China will always lag behind and can get whatever they want.However, the huge war pressure made Zhu Erdian have to think about Zhang Tinglan's proposal, which could at least reduce a lot of financial consumption.

"Young man, can you guarantee that your factory has sufficient investment value?"

"Mr. Sir, with the support of Mr. Zhang Zuolin, we have established the Fengtian North Market, formulated new business regulations, and a large number of Fengtian businessmen have united together. We have sufficient labor and a stable source of raw materials. What we lack are machines and With some technical support, you can definitely send people to Fengtian for investigation."

"Okay, I will immediately ask the Consulate General in Fengtian to submit a report. If Fengtian Industry is indeed worthy of support, we will provide all necessary support."

"Mr. Zhu Erdian, according to my plan, Fengtian will not only provide some light industrial products to the UK, but also agricultural products such as wheat, corn, soybeans, etc. We will set up a trading company specializing in exports to provide comprehensive services for the UK."

"This proposal is very good. You must have a huge price advantage over American products. I will persuade the domestic market to place the first order as soon as possible. It is tentatively set at 50 pounds. If you can complete it well, larger orders It will follow, and the support of machines and technology is not out of the question."

According to the exchange rate, 50 pounds is equivalent to about 500 million oceans, which is not a small amount, and through this order, Fengtian's factories can produce at full capacity, businessmen can purchase materials with confidence, and through the economic chain, they can give the entire Fengtian The economy will bring huge help, and fiscal revenue will also increase significantly.

Moreover, this is only the first order. It is conceivable that after the final cooperation is confirmed, Fengtian will be able to receive a steady stream of orders, and the products will completely enter Europe and share the dividends of World War I. Although they cannot make as much war money as the Americans, But at least you can have some soup too.

Zhang Tinglan was very satisfied with the result. He and Zhu Erdian came to the main hall one after the other. Both of them had smiles on their faces. Everyone in the hall knew that the matter was almost done when they saw their expressions.

In fact, during the negotiation period between Zhang Tinglan and Zhu Erdian, they didn't care about other things. Everyone wanted to know whether a young man in his twenties could persuade the dignified British Minister. Want to figure out what's so special about this young man!

Zhang Zuolin didn't say much, but simply explained the matter of the North Market. Anyway, this is already a public matter, and this alone made everyone amazed.While they were talking, Zhu Erdian and Zhang Tinglan had finished their conversation, they came out one after another, and Yuan Keding greeted them immediately.

Zhu Erdian said with a smile: "My lord, I've been persuaded. Now I'm going back to deal with this matter. I'm afraid I'll have to stay up all night. This old bone can't bear it." He shrugged his shoulders, and then Say goodbye and leave.

All the people present were boiling, and those who had doubts at first shut their mouths at this moment, and the young man in front of him really convinced Zhu Erdian.In their impression, that old British man was so shrewd that even President Yuan would inevitably suffer. What kind of soup did Zhang Tinglan feed him!

"Ting Lan, tell everyone what kind of business you have negotiated!" Yang Shiqi asked with a smile.

"Mr. Xingcheng, Zhu Erdian and I have initially negotiated a trade cooperation, and he promised to provide the first order of 50 pounds!"

"A lot, a lot, really young and promising!" Yang Shiqi patted Zhang Tinglan on the shoulder, but from the corner of his eyes, he secretly glanced at Liang Shiyi. blood red.

"A total of 500 million oceans is indeed not a small number!"

"Didn't you hear that this is the first order, and there will be a second order in the future!"

"Young people are courageous, have ideas, dare to think and dare to do!"

……

The people present talked a lot, but most of them were praises. Although Zhang Tinglan didn't mention the specific cooperation plan, they couldn't help being unconvinced that the huge order of 50 pounds was placed there.

"There's nothing to show off. It's just a trade cooperation. Although there are 50 pounds, how much profit can be made? It's just drawing cakes to satisfy our hunger!"

Liang Shiyi was severely slapped in the face today, which made him feel an unforgettable pain. Under Yuan Shikai, he was known as an expert in financial management, which was also the reason why he was reused by Yuan Shikai.But Liang Shiyi, apart from manipulating banknotes and taxes, borrowed money from foreigners, which is an out-and-out method of earning money.

Whether it is currency depreciation or tax increase, it will arouse the dissatisfaction of the common people, and lending money to foreigners is tantamount to becoming slaves to foreigners.

A few years ago, Yuan Shikai reached a large loan for aftermath. The total loan was 2500 million pounds. As a result, only 80.00% of the four actual payments were made, only 2100 million pounds. Yuan Shikai only had 760 million pounds in his hands. The gap between the front and the back is so big that it is outrageous.

For this little money, Lao Yuan had to hand over all the salt tax and customs. The Beiyang government worked hard to collect taxes, but in the end they couldn't even pay the interest.

Zhang Tinglan accused Liang Shiyi of amassing money, saying that he harmed the people and the country, which was right to the point.Moreover, Zhang Tinglan not only cursed people, but also slapped Liang Shiyi with practical actions. He reached a trade cooperation agreement with Zhu Erdian in no time.

Everyone is not a fool, Zhang Tinglan is just a young man under 20 years old, even if Zhang Zuolin can represent it, it is only a small effort.Fengtian is also known as a poor province. They can talk about a list of 50 pounds. The dignified finance minister can get 500 million, or even 5000 million, which is not too much. Zhang Tinglan's actions have further proved Liang Shiyi's incompetence.

At this time, Liang Shiyi only felt that the golden stars were shaking in front of his eyes, and he lost his usual demeanor at all, so he directly opened his mouth and said, "Mr. Power, why do they exceed their authority to do such a thing, do they still have a big president in their eyes?"

"Yan Sun, the opening of ports for trade is indeed decided by the government, but the North Market is not open to the outside world, and the investors are all Fengtian merchants. It is just a commercial center of Fengtian, and it has nothing to do with it." Yang Shiqi is determined to stand Zhang Tinglan turned aside.

Liang Shiyi would only lose face if he continued arguing in vain, so he could only say angrily: "I will definitely report to the President, let's see!" Liang Shiyi flicked his sleeves and left.

Let Liang Shiyi make such a fuss, the banquet naturally broke up unhappy, and everyone dispersed. Zhang Zuolin knew that Zhang Tinglan had helped Fengtian win a big order again, so he felt very happy, and words of encouragement were indispensable along the way.As soon as they arrived at the Liuguo Hotel, the Presidential Palace sent a notice asking Zhang Zuolin to meet Yuan Shikai at nine o'clock tomorrow morning.

This time when Lao Zhang came to Beijing, other things were of secondary importance. Meeting Lao Yuan was the highlight. After getting the notice, Zhang Zuolin was also a little nervous.The whole night, Lao Zhang kept deducing in his mind what Lao Yuan would say and how he should respond.

Finally, on the second day, Lao Zhang was dressed in a military uniform and went straight to the presidential palace. Lao Yuan was the first head of Beiyang after he took control of the country, and Lao Zhang was the last head of Beiyang. Both of them can be called a generation of heroes , as Zhang Zuolin strode into Huairen Hall, the confrontation between them also began.

Chapter 64 Poaching

Under the instigation of those around him, Lao Yuan had the idea of ​​becoming an emperor, but Yuan Shikai did not dare to act rashly. He kept interviewing his generals to understand their thoughts.It turned out that only Duan Qirui clearly opposed it, and Lao Yuan moved out Wang Shizhen to replace Duan Qirui. Lao Yuan felt that there was no problem in Beijing.

Then he turned his attention to the powerful faction in the local area. It so happened that Zhang Xiluan resigned at this time, and the governor of Fengtian became vacant. Who should be in charge of Fengtian has become Lao Yuan's heart disease.

Fengtian is the head of the three eastern provinces, and at the same time it is the northern barrier of Beijing, its strategic position is extremely important.However, the Japanese intervened again, which made Fengtian's situation very complicated. Lao Yuan was also uncertain whether to parachute a high-ranking official to sit in the town in person, or to support Fengtian's local forces in taking power.

As soon as Zhang Zuolin arrived in Beijing yesterday, Lao Yuan knew about it. He didn't send anyone to greet him, and it was Lao Yuan's intention. Otherwise, how could there be no idlers in the majestic presidential palace.Yuan Shikai wanted to test Zhang Zuolin's reaction, but in the end Zhang Zuolin didn't lose his temper, but seemed very submissive, and Lao Yuan was quite satisfied.

But then Zhang Zuolin beat up the tax official of Chongwenmen again, with a very arrogant attitude, and Lao Yuan couldn't help thinking, is this bearded teacher hard to change, or is he expressing dissatisfaction with himself?

Lao Yuan couldn't figure out Zhang Zuolin's thoughts for a while, but the confrontation between the two had already started from the moment they entered Beijing.Yuan Keding invited Zhang Zuolin to the dinner, in fact, it also had the meaning of Lao Yuan, just wanting to understand Zhang Zuolin's thoughts before the official meeting.

As a result, after the dinner, Lao Yuan received two completely different reports. Yuan Keding and Yang Shiqi kept saying good things to Zhang Zuolin, while Liang Shiyi criticized Zhang Zuolin, and even asked Lao Yuan to pursue Zhang Zuolin's crimes.