I'm really not the carpenter emperor

Dias asked the translator for a long time before he realized that the so-called "craftsman household" Zhang Weixian said was a special craftsman registration system in Ming Dynasty, referring to their cannon casting experts.

He breathed a sigh of relief, but he didn't agree directly. He pretended to think for a while, and then said: "Yes, but there is no need to hire a high price."

"To show our sincerity in trade, our country is willing to provide your country with cannon-casting experts every year within five years, to teach your country's cannon-casting experts, oh no, craftsmen... to teach them our country's most advanced cannon-casting technology."

"If your country orders artillery, you can only pay half of the price."

It is natural to be happy to be able to save money, Zhang Weixian clapped his hands and laughed: "That's great! I just don't know if your king can agree?"

Dias waved his hands again and again, thinking that this matter is insignificant compared to the benefits of trade. As long as you ask, it is not difficult to give you dozens of artillery pieces for nothing.

After saying these words, there was silence in the pavilion for a while.

When the sun was setting, Zhang Weixian got up and said: "I don't know if your country has anything to add. The agreement will be signed in three days, but it cannot be changed at will."

Dias turned around to discuss with the mission for a while, nodded and said:

"May I ask your Excellency the Duke, if our country and Ming Dynasty sign a military alliance agreement to jointly fight against the enemies of both sides, the Dutch, how does His Majesty the Emperor of your country think?"

Zhang Weixian was indeed stunned by this question, standing there looking a little at a loss.

He didn't know how to answer, but he really didn't understand what the so-called military alliance in this barbarian dialect was.

If you don't understand, naturally you can't answer.

Xu Guangqi often hangs out with missionaries and has read a lot of Western works. He naturally knows what this means, so he stepped forward and said:

"Signing an alliance is a major event. Although Daming has no quarrel with your country, but there is no deep friendship. Signing an alliance, presumably His Majesty will not agree."

Dias was actually just asking, without thinking too much.

First of all, the alliance with an eastern empire like Ming Dynasty only serves as a deterrent, and its real use is indeed limited.If there is a real fight, it is still a matter of whether Daming's fleet can reach Europe.

On the contrary, Spain has a colony in the Philippines, so it is very convenient to support Ming Dynasty, and the alliance with Ming Dynasty is indeed too bad.

And if it is a direct alliance, it is estimated that His Majesty Philip IV will not agree, after all, the effect is limited, and I am at a loss.

Actually asking this question, I was really dizzy.

……

In the summer of July, the sun is shining brightly on the land of Kifu, with white clouds and blue sky, and warm wind from thousands of miles away.

Accompanied by Wei Zhongxian, Zhu Youjiao sat in a grass pavilion in the South Garden, as if waiting for someone.

Two months ago, Ming and Spain formally signed the "Mingxi Mutual Assistance and Trade Agreement", which caused quite a stir in the West.

Of course, there are also many countries that have attracted the attention of Ming Dynasty because of this.

The agreement stipulates that Ming and Spain mutually select a merchant group representing the government to be responsible for all matters related to trade within a five-year period.

Moreover, Ming and Spain also stipulated in this agreement the relevant terms for sharing new firearms technology with each other.

Generally speaking, this agreement is a willingness to fight and a willingness to suffer, and it has tangible and visible benefits to both parties.

Spain's finances have long since failed. Philip IV pointed to the profits from this trade to slowly get back on track. On the Ming side, Zhu Youxiao also knew that it was a matter of great controversy, and he must actively learn science from the West. technology.

After this agreement, Spain invested in the construction of the Bugarao Cannon Factory in the Far East, which was regarded as a wedding dress for Daming.

The Armament Department began to build workshops around the Bujialao Cannon Factory in Haojing. Bi Maokang couldn't leave the capital, so he entrusted his younger brother Bi Maoliang to go to Haojing in person.

Today, a group of old artisans who have carefully selected weapons have arrived in Haojing. Once the factory building is completed, they will start to learn the most advanced firearms knowledge from Spanish firearms experts.

As for Zhu Youxiao, he was not idle either.

Because of Xu Guangqi's credit for signing the agreement, and the fact that he was an old man who had been an official in the imperial court for many years, it was logical that he was transferred to the military computer room, and he had a place in military and state affairs.

As for the trade organization businessman, after a month of investigation by the factory guard and the Jiaoshi Office, Zhu Youxiao finally set his sights on his old friend from the past.

It is Huang Huatang, the owner of the time-honored newspaper "Juxinghao" in Suzhou.

Huang Huatang came to the capital in the second year of Tianqi and had a relationship with Zhu Youxiao. At that time, after a fierce verbal battle, he finally won the right to reprint the Beijing News in Suzhou.

Now more than a year has passed, Juxing, which had a great influence in Suzhou, is no longer what it used to be, and has become the first newspaper in Suzhou.

Huang Huatang himself has used various means to win the reprinting rights of the Beijing News in Suzhou from the second year of the apocalypse to the end of the third year of the apocalypse, and became the chairman of the Suzhou local chamber of commerce.

Zhu Youxiao called him here this time, in fact, he also meant to form a Royal Chamber of Commerce, which is dedicated to doing business and trade between Ming and other countries.

In the current world of silver capital, trade is a good source of income.

Since Daming is already the center of world trade, Zhu Youxiao can't miss this opportunity to make Daming a big country in world trade.

Chapter 4 The Royal Chamber of Commerce

Hearing that Emperor Tianqi was waiting for him in Nanyuan, it was a lie for Huang Huatang to say that he was not nervous.

He also heard about the signing of a trade agreement between Daming and the Yi people two months ago, and it is said that a local chamber of commerce should be found to host it.

Merchants are in charge of business affairs, while the imperial court is on top. How to conduct business is the final decision of the current emperor.

In short, this "Chamber of Commerce" is equivalent to the "Imperial Chamber of Commerce".

The imperial court didn't know that after the news came out, the chambers of commerce and commercial firms all over the country became crazy, and even the shopkeepers of some shipping companies and cloth companies were also coveting.

Many bigwigs from the business world came to the capital early and spent a lot of money on management, just to win this excellent opportunity.

Everyone knows whether the imperial court has cooperated with local businessmen in the past, yes!

But anyone with a discerning eye can see that this trade deal is just like the opening of the "Beijing News" two years ago. If you seize it, you will become rich and stand out.

If you can't catch it, you can only stand still and go around in circles!

In the past, the imperial court did often cooperate with merchants and merchants.

Whether it is Li Shi of the Suzhou Weaving Bureau, or the "Beijing News" in charge of Wang Tiqian, these government offices that have to cooperate with businessmen, businessmen from all over the country are fighting for opportunities every year.

The imperial court earns a huge amount of dividends every year because of this, not to mention the profits from exporting silk and porcelain, just the right to special publications from various governments across the country, at least millions of dollars in income!

A businessman seeks profit, and it is impossible to send money to Zhu Youxiao every year for nothing. Everyone knows that the profit from cooperation with the imperial court is too rich compared to this loss.

Cooperating with the imperial court means that you have the backing of the government. No matter what, the local government will give you some convenience.

Many shrewd big businessmen are actually not for one cooperation, but for the continuous "recharge" of the official backstage. Only by opening the skylight from the first cooperation can they continue to speak out.

After that, further "cooperation" with the imperial court to engage in some business that cannot be done in broad daylight is easy to discuss.

For example, the tea-horse trade at border crossings, the conversion of private salt into official salt in the six prefectures of Shandong, or the reselling of grain during famines in various places, these are all huge profits worth tens of millions.

But each of these is to be beheaded. Ordinary people don't have the backing of officials. Even if you have great ability and prestige in the business world, how can you beat the court with swords in your hands.

In the past, the imperial court had sporadic cooperation with local merchants on the surface, and did not say that it had the scale it is now. This time, the meaning is very clear, and it is necessary to clearly shape a group of imperial merchants.

If you are obedient, you will be able to cooperate with the court, and if you cooperate with the court, you will be able to prosper in wealth, face and money!

The chambers of commerce in this era are all composed of prominent local merchants, and the owners of each chamber of commerce must be rich and powerful.

Knowing people in the court and having a background are the most basic abilities of a big businessman. After that, the competition will be financial resources and connections.

With such a big commotion in trade this time, many people knew in their hearts that this was not a joke, and it was very likely that Daming would do business with more barbarians in the future.

In terms of business, the merchants are the first to be rich, and the treasury of the imperial court is the second. Whoever can take the lead this time will have a head start!

Huang Huatang was originally the shopkeeper of Juxing in Suzhou. Although he had some influence in the Chamber of Commerce, it was far from enough to become the owner of the Suzhou Chamber of Commerce.

But he was very good at seizing the opportunity. When he got the right to reprint, he also took advantage of this opportunity to establish a relationship in the Suzhou government.

And the most important thing is that the Beijing News is presided over by the eunuch Wang Tigan, who is in charge of the Imperial Horse Supervisor. Who is Wang Tigan?That's a big celebrity in front of Zhu Youxiao!

This background is not comparable to that of ordinary people in the imperial court!

Right now, the eunuchs are in full swing, the emperor favors Wei Zhongxian, few people dare to fight against the eunuchs, unless they are out of their minds!

Once this relationship is established, Huang Huatang can intervene in many businesses that he can't get involved in on weekdays, such as the most profitable cloth and grain businesses in the country.

The local government found that he was obedient, so they liked to cooperate with him more.

Moreover, the officials of the local government heard that the royal family had obtained the right to republish the Beijing News, and they also wanted to show their loyalty to Wang Tiqian through this matter, so as to take the opportunity to rise to the top.

In this way, both parties have their own ideas and continue to cooperate. As long as the Huang family knows each other, the business will soon flourish.

After a few years of effort, it is no longer what it used to be.

Seeing the emperor, Huang Huatang straightened his clothes immediately, walked a few steps away under the leadership of the soldiers of the Yongwei Battalion, bowed and said:

"The grass people have seen His Majesty."

This person in front of me is my lower body, and even the key to whether my Huang family can be recorded in history and become a generation of wealthy businessmen!

Thinking of this, Huang Huatang couldn't help feeling a little excited.

"Come on, sit down."

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand, signaling him to sit beside him.

Huang Huatang froze on the spot, laughed for a while, but didn't dare to step forward.

At this time, Wang Chaofu, the steward of Qianqing Palace, seemed a little impatient, and elbowed him, urging him:

"My Lord told you to sit, so you can sit!"

There was no other way, Huang Huatang had no choice but to sit on the opposite stone bench, but only half of his butt was touched, it seemed that he was going to stand up and plead guilty at any time.

As for what kind of crime to ask for, I don't know, anyway, it's right to ask for it.

Zhu Youxiao picked up Biluochun, which was brought by the waiter, and ordered Huang Huatang to also bring a copy. While blowing the lukewarm tea, he said lightly:

"You have good news, you should already know about the court's business with the Spaniards?"

Seeing Huang Huatang nodding, Zhu Youxiao said calmly:

"I heard from Wang Tiqian that you performed well when Juxing was restructured in Beijing News. It has been republished in Suzhou City for consecutive years. Do you have any plans to continue republishing for the third or fourth year?"

I don't know why I asked this, Huang Huatang still had lingering fears in his heart at this time, his eyes rolled, and he said with a smile:

"Your Majesty, Huang Huatang is able to serve the imperial court and serve His Majesty. It is my ancestors who have accumulated virtue and done good deeds for generations. If I can continue to republish, the grassroots should bow down to God!"

Zhu Youxiao laughed loudly, put down his tea, pointed him with his finger, and said, "Huang Huatang, Huang Huatang..."

"You are quite ambitious!"

Hearing this, Huang Huatang's whole body trembled, and he knelt on the ground directly: "Your Majesty misunderstood the Caomin, and the Caomin really wanted to do things for His Majesty!"

"Currently, Jian slaves are frequently invading border areas, the war in Liaodong is tense, and famines continue to occur in various places. The grassroots are also worried about His Majesty, and worried about Daming!"

Zhu Youxiao could naturally hear that this guy was patting his own horse, and smiled deliberately: "If you really have such thoughts, I will call you right."

"Let's get down to business, don't wait for the Suzhou Chamber of Commerce, bring your whole family to me, and I will build you a royal chamber of commerce."

"Within five years, your Huang family will be in charge of the trade between Daming and Spain."

Huang Huatang knew that one must be content, so he didn't ask what would happen after five years, and he didn't hesitate for a moment, and immediately kowtowed and said:

"The grassroots accept the decree and thank you!"

Chapter 4 Retrial of Yuan Chonghuan

Seeing Huang Huatang leave Nanyuan step by step, Zhu Youxiao put down his airs, put his feet on the table, leaned against the white stone pillar behind him, changed into a comfortable posture, and asked unintentionally:

"Wang Chaofu, tell me, this Huang Huatang, did I choose the right one?"

Wang Chaofu smiled and said: "Your Majesty can't make mistakes in choosing someone. Huang Huatang must have some real skills to become the owner of the Suzhou Chamber of Commerce in two years."

Zhu Youxiao sneered, and said casually: "What real ability can he have? It's not that he relies on the big tree of the imperial court to do some sneaky things behind his back."

After the words fell, when he heard the movement outside the courtyard, he turned his gaze to the door.

Huang Huatang left, and within a few words, Wei Zhongxian walked into Nanyuan holding a stack of memorials outside, with old wrinkles on his face, and said with a smile:

"My lord, this is the book of Jifu and the imperial court last month. The servants have brought it here."

Zhu Youxiao put his yellow soap boots on the table, paused slightly, turned his toes, put his hands together in front of his lower abdomen, and exhaled.

Zhu Youxiao looked it up and down, and naturally understood that there was something in Wei Zhongxian's words, and there was nothing serious about it now, he would not come to deliver the notebook in person, and said with a smile:

"Is there any other book today that is worthy of being sent to me by yourself as the factory owner? Or go to Nanyuan, Wei Zhongxian, it's not close from Dongchang to me..."

After finishing speaking, Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Zhongxian with a smile.

"The emperor is making fun of the old slave again..." Wei Zhongxian sighed helplessly when he heard the word 'factory owner' in the emperor's words, and said:

"Gaodi, the Liaodong general who was guilty of the first battle in Liaodong, has been executed, and he is currently beheading Shimenfang... Do you want to go and see?"

"Oh?"