Yi Zhizu is a very amateur when it comes to architecture, but his knowledge is not comparable to that of people of this era. He has walked more bridges than others, so this may not be exaggerated at all. He has seen many kinds of bridges passing by in later generations. Not to mention the cross-river bridge, the cross-sea bridge is not uncommon.

He didn't know whether there was cement that solidified underwater, but he knew that there were a lot of special cement. Cable bridges are obviously unrealistic these days. To build a bridge across the Yangtze River, there must be bridge piers, and what is needed to build bridges should be a kind of special cement.

In front of Waltson, he naturally would not show his fear. He immediately smiled and said, "It seems that your country's research on cement is still in the preliminary stage. Our cement plants are studying a series of cement with special uses. In order to produce results as soon as possible and complete the cross-river bridge as soon as possible, I hope your country can also draw a group of chemists to our country for joint research. We can share the results."

Waltson's keen idea came to the word "Yes" that the other party said, and then pondered for a moment, and asked, "There are other countries involved?"

"Of course." Yi Zhizuji said first: "America and Russia will also participate."

When he heard that America and Russia would also participate, Waltson naturally did not want Britain to be excluded, so he immediately said: "I think our chemists should also be very interested in this research topic."

"We are also looking forward to your country's participation." Yi Zhizu said with a smile: "Technology has no borders, and the scientific and technological achievements that benefit all mankind should belong to the whole world and should not be divided into national boundaries."

Waltson almost sneered at this, thinking in his heart that this guy is really suitable for being a politician. This is really high-sounding. If the Qing Dynasty had not lacked talents, would it be so kind?

Yi Zhizu did this because of the lack of talents. Although the Qing Dynasty has been continuously cultivating Western scholars in recent years, because the days and times are too short, talents have not yet fully grown. Therefore, he needs to second the elite talents from various countries to conduct some research on the topics, so that it can not only accelerate the growth of domestic talents, but also prevent the Qing Dynasty from falling behind.

Of course, not everyone can do this kind of thing. Only with this ability, he can point out the direction for many scientific researchers and have strong financial resources as a backing. This is his greatest capital for Yuanqi.

Waltson was concerned about the railway. He pondered for a moment and asked directly: "I don't know which railways Yuanqi plans to build?"

"Yuanqi plans to build many railways..." Yi Zhizu said carefully: "There is one that is most suitable for your country to undertake. Yuanqi plans to build a railway from Beijing to Guangzhou. This will be a large trunk line that runs across the north and south, with a total length of more than 2,000 kilometers."

Beijing-Guangzhou Railway! It is more than 2,000 kilometers long! Waltson's heart was shocked. Yuanqi was really a big deal! If he could really undertake this railway, all the backlog of railways in China would not be enough to transport them. This railway alone would be enough to drive the relevant industries in China and to bring countless factories back to life!

He soon calmed down. Even if the prices have fallen sharply and the construction cost of railways has been greatly reduced, the construction cost per kilometer will be equivalent to 30,000 silver dollars, and more than 2,000 kilometers, which is nearly 100 million silver dollars. He does not doubt Yuanqi's financial resources. After all, Yuanqi has made a lot of money in the European cotton trade and financial markets in recent years. This is well known. He is considering whether Britain should invest in this railway.

From Beijing to Guangzhou, this is a trunk line that runs across the north and south of the Qing Dynasty. It is definitely a railway with great commercial value and is definitely no less than the Beijing-Shanghai Railway!

"Thank you very much for your trust in our railway company." Waltson bowed slightly with a smile on his face: "Please allow me to express my most sincere thanks to Your Highness on behalf of them."

Yi Zhizu smiled and said, "This railway involves a lot, and relevant details need to be carefully negotiated."

It involves a lot? Is it involved the Qing court? Waltson didn't care at all. England was determined to win this railway! He stood up and said, "I will send a telegram to return home as soon as possible, and the railway company in your country sent someone to negotiate with you."

After seeing off Waltson and his party, Zhao Liewen couldn't help but say, "How could the shopkeeper give the British a big prize for nothing?"

Looking at Waltson's back, Yi Zhizu smiled and said, "Only the British can build the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway. If we propose it, the court will definitely shirk responsibility. In addition, this economic crisis in Europe will inevitably have an impact on our Qing Dynasty. It is most appropriate to build this railway trunk line at this time, which will help stimulate the economy and stimulate consumption.

Just as Yuanqi also had some wealthy silver in his hands, he couldn't sleep all in the warehouse. Money had to be circulated to reflect its true value.

In addition, we have to give the British some sweetness, so that the time for us to reduce prices to resist Western low-price dumping will be greatly shortened. This is a favorable thing for both sides. This north-south trunk line will need to be built sooner or later. If you choose to build it at this time, you can at least save tens of millions of silver."

Zhao Liewen said worriedly: "The news spreads, and other countries may ask for help."

"We don't respond to all our requests, what are we worried about?" Yi Zhizu smiled and said, "The United States is currently in the post-war recovery stage, and because of the heavy losses in the war, they do not have the strength to undertake such a large project..." Speaking of this, he pondered for a while before saying, "Jie Xiuyuan sent a telegram to the North German Federation to see if they intend to bid for railways in our country."

Zhao Liewen said in surprise: "We still need to build a railway? Can we turn over the capital?"

"Yuanqi doesn't need to invest in full, as long as it exceeds 50% of the shares." "Yi Zhizu said disconcertingly: "The British will invest at least 30% of the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway. Their domestic funds are worried that they have no place to go, so how can they miss such a good opportunity?"

Zhao Liewen said in confusion: "Yuan Qi is not without money, why do you still have to let them invest and bear the interest for nothing?"

"Don't be afraid of carrying interest." Yi Zhizu said, turning around and walking slowly towards the study, saying as he walked: "A large amount of capital influx will also bring technology and talents. If the Qing Dynasty could absorb wealthy funds from Europe, it would definitely greatly promote the economy and industry of the Qing Dynasty.

Don’t be afraid that others will make our money. We should be open-minded and absorb the world’s capital and technical talents with an open mind. Only in this way can we develop at the fastest speed. In a few years, we should take the initiative to relax inland provinces, encourage and promote free trade, and welcome countries around the world to come and invest."

Zhao Liewen was stunned for a while and couldn't speak for a long time. Guangzhou, Xiamen, Ningbo and Shanghai traded in Sikou. This was a forced opening of the government. Tianjin was considered to be the court's active opening of the country. In fact, it was also under pressure from Yuanqi. It was only because of Yuanqi's pressure. It was only because of the pressure from Yuanqi to develop industry. Moreover, Britain, France and others have repeatedly made requests to open up inland provinces. The court did not agree. Now Yi Zhizu actually said that he would open up actively.

Seeing that he didn't say anything, Yi Jingzu ignored him and walked back to his room slowly. No one knew better than him. Only by opening up and fully opening up can we enrich the country and strengthen the army as quickly as possible. Closed and semi-closed will only lead to poverty and weakness. If it weren't for the current situation of the Qing Dynasty that could not withstand the impact, he would have wanted to gradually open up several inland cities a few years ago.

Just as he walked to the entrance of the study, Lin Meilian quickly chased after him from behind and reported: "The shopkeeper, Nanyang Governor Ma Jiantai asked for a visit."

Ma Yiqing is here? Yi Zhizu turned around and smiled and said, "Let him in."

Ma Yiqing was the most prominent among the children of businessmen. Only Wu Changqing could compare with him. He was Yi Jingzu's right-hand man. He has been staying in Nanyang since the establishment of the province of Nanyang. He was promoted from the governor of Luzon to the governor of Nanyang and was in charge of the two provinces of Nanyang. He was not very old and was only two years older than Yi Jingzu. He was the youngest among all the governors of the Qing Dynasty.

Ma Yiqing, who was walking quickly in casual clothes, raised his eyes and saw Yi Zhizu greeting the yard door. He couldn't help but speed up his pace. He bowed and smiled, "The great shopkeeper, the vassal king, dare not be the big shopkeeper to welcome him."

Yi Zhizu smiled and said, "Brother Junhu came to Shanghai without saying a word. Nothing is good. I just gave it to someone."

"The shopkeeper can guess it." Ma Yiqing walked up to him with a smile, "I'm here to fight Qiufeng."

"You, the governor of Nanyang, still need to fight Qiufeng?" Yi Zhizu frowned, "I haven't heard of Nanyang being affected by disaster."

"I'll be blessed by the shopkeeper, and the weather in Southeast Asia is good." Ma Yiqing smiled and said, and bowed to Zhao Liewen again.

"Let's talk about it when you go in." Yi Zhizu turned around and ordered Lin Meilian, "Instruct the kitchen to hold a banquet. In addition, we invited Wu Changqing, Yan Shikuan, Wu Yundong and others. Brother Junhu rarely came, and everyone gathered."

The three of them exchanged greetings and entered the study room. After sitting down for a few words, Ma Yiqing complained: "The shopkeeper should not be too biased. The Southeast Railway is busy, but our two provinces in Nanyang have not one railway..."

"Is it a fight?" Yi Zhizu smiled and said, "Just sending away a railway project, Brother Junhu came to complain, which was a coincidence."

"British?" Ma Yiqing frowned and said, "British is a maritime power. Even if you want to build a railway, you cannot let the British intervene."

Yi Zhizu nodded and said, "Yuanqi has never had a plan to build railways in the two provinces of Nanyang..."

Upon hearing this, Ma Yiqing became anxious and hurriedly said: "After more than ten years of rest and recuperation, the people are now quite rich. Many merchants call for the construction of railways that run through the north and south, so that we can raise funds on the spot."

Yi Zhizu joked, "If you can raise enough funds, Brother Junhu still needs to fight Qiufeng?"

Ma Yiqing smiled and said, "I'm thinking about it, Yuan Qi will have to take half of the shares to build a railway."

After pondering for a moment, Yi Zhizu said: "The reason why there is no plan to build a railway in Luzon is that the commercial value of Luzon's railway is not high, the railway is expensive, and it can cost hundreds of millions of silver dollars. Investment must always consider the returns......"

After a while of silence, Ma Yiqing spoke: "Although the population of Luzon has grown rapidly in recent years, it still has a considerable gap compared with the inland region. The population flow is not large. However, from south to north, there are plantations of large and small sizes, and there are also many mineral deposits to build railways so that there will be no serious losses..."

After lit a cigarette, Yi Zhizu said: "We are not using the two provinces of Nanyang as colonies, and we cannot completely consider the investment income. We are both actively appealing by local gentry and merchants, but we should also follow the will of the people. In this way, Yuanqi invested 51% and the rest of Nanyang will be prepared by themselves."

Seeing that he agreed so easily, Ma Yiqing couldn't help but be overjoyed and quickly bowed: "Thank you, the shopkeeper, to be considerate!"

"Brother Junhu is right. You can't use outsiders to build a railway in Luzon." Yi Zhizu pondered: "This railway is for our own railway company to undertake the construction. I will continue to do the line survey as soon as possible and make a budget." After a pause, he continued, "Brother Junhu came to Shanghai specifically for this matter?"

"This is not a trivial matter." Ma Yiqing smiled and said, "If you don't go this trip, can the shopkeeper easily agree?"

Yi Zhizu smiled and said, "Yuanqi has invested a lot of money in the infrastructure construction of Luzon over the years. One is to provide employment opportunities for immigrants, and the other is to improve the basic conditions of Luzon. There is indeed no plan to build a railway, because in my opinion, at least ten years later, when rubber becomes a hot commodity in short supply, we will consider building a railway.

I really didn't expect that the gentry and merchants in Luzon would call on the government to build railways. It seems that Luzon's wealth has exceeded my imagination. Although it is lonely overseas, I also know that keeping pace with the times, Brother Junhu will make an indelible contribution."

Ma Yiqing quickly waved his hand and said, "Don't put gold on the face of the shopkeeper. Luzon is rich because of light taxes and low taxes, because rubber prices are rising steadily, because Yuanqi opened a series of factories in Manila, and knows that it keeps pace with the times. That's because of the long-term and uninterrupted implementation of free education. Now the literacy rate of young people in Luzon is as high as 90%.

Speaking of this, he chuckled and said, "There is another important reason, that is, the government is clear and clear. The separation of powers and mutual checks and balances and supervision are implemented by the two provinces of Nanyang, which ensures the integrity of local officials. Being the governor of Nanyang is just a matter of being ruled by the side."

Yi Zhizu was quite moved and said, "Brother Junhu might as well stay in Shanghai for a few more days, or go back to Guangzhou to take a look. In a few days, we will go to Manila and conduct a field investigation."

After hearing this, Ma Yiqing said happily: "The shopkeeper hasn't been to Manila for two years."

Zhao Liewen was laughing secretly when he was listening. He knew very well that Yi Qunzuo went to Manila because he was worried about the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway. The court was afraid of building the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway. When he heard the news, he would send someone to Shanghai to dissuade him and persuade him. It was obvious that he wanted to avoid it when he went to Manila.

Yi Zhizu glanced at him and asked, "This price cut trend did not seem to see the telegram that Junhu complained. Luzon did not suffer much?"

Ma Yiqing smiled and said, "There are few private industries in Luzon, and the factories run by Yuanqi have subsidies. What can be affected? Ordinary people applaud this wave of price cuts."
Chapter completed!