Alfonso of Billy Sheli looked at the young Jew standing opposite him with a gloomy face. The man said that his name was Joseph Buccini, and he was the agent of the Jewish borers in Naples.

Alfonso had no good feelings for the Jews. Speaking of which, it was somewhat related to his sister Xia Sang. Xia Sang's ambiguous relationship with Giovanni was well known to everyone in Rome. Although her husband Jeffrey was dissatisfied, Xia Sang obviously did not care about it. It was just that Giovanni suddenly died on the streets of Rome, and it was very close to the Jewish residential area. Although Xia Sang suddenly lost a lovable lover, more importantly, Alfonso brothers and sisters lost their powerful aid in Rome.

Alfonso believed that if Giovanni lived, Giovanni would definitely choose to support him with his indescribable relationship with Xiasang, then he would have a chance to marry Lucrezia.

Of course, Alfonso didn't know that he had indeed fulfilled his long-cherished wish in history, but it was because of this that he had lost his life early. However, now all this was attributed to the Jews, so his attitude towards the Jews seemed very rude.

In addition, the main reason why he hates this Jew is because this man is a creditor.

Even the wealthy nobles were unwilling to see their creditors, let alone those Jews who could not get rid of once they got entangled.

In fact, it was not Alfonso who owed money, but it was almost the same, because the money was borrowed from the Jews by Xia Sang as a guarantee in order to marry Lucrezia. At that time, in order to give people a generous and quite rich impression, he did not hesitate to borrow money to make up his appearance. According to Alfonso's idea at that time, Su Ri'an's actions may have caused him to be in heavy debts, but as long as he can get Lucrezia's favor, everything is worth it.

However, his journey to Rome was awful and his brother-in-law was quite cold to him, and what was worse was that he had heard all the rumors about Lucrezia and the Earl of Montina when he arrived in Rome. The story of the two openly fleeing Rome became the topic of entertainment for countless people after dinner. Then, when he first met the rival of love, he was beaten in public by the other party.

This shadow was enough to make Alfonso feel that it was purely embarrassing to continue in Rome, so he later quietly returned to Billychelle, hoping to stay away from the sad place and even further away from those who made him both disgusted and feared.

But he never expected that Count Montina would return to Naples, and his power was obviously more terrifying than before. And not only him, the entire Modillo family seemed to have taken over the power of Naples, so he showed a little of his intention to try to regain the throne and was hit again.

And this statement is the literal meaning. Even if you move a little harder during meals, your chin will feel pain. Alfonso can't forget the public humiliation that Gombree gave him. He annoyed him and ran to Naples to claim that the news attracted annoying Jews.

"Your Highness, please forgive my presumption, but please understand that our business is not easy to do now, and we have to support our family." Buccini, opposite, had a sleek smile unique to the Jewish people. He was different from his youth college student at this time, and he showed his ambitions with Ruosha in Naples. He is now a completely slick businessman, and the most common annoying but helpless smile on his face is also the Jewish people.

"Are you here to ask for debt?" Although Alfonso asked this question, he hoped to rely on the majesty of Duke Bilicherey and members of the Naples royal family, because he had heard many rumors that Jews were actually just timid villains. For them, gold coins were indeed the only source that prompted them to survive, but Alfonso believed that power was the thing that really made them know about awe compared to gold coins.

Unfortunately, the Duke's aura was not strong enough, and the Jewish young man looked completely unmoved. He shrugged as if he wanted to explain his purpose, but in the end he gave up. The slick smile on his face disappeared, and then nodded seriously: "Yes, your Highness, I'm here to collect debts."

Alfonso was incredibly circling around the room behind the Jews. Because he could not repay the debt in time, after bargaining, Alfonso had to agree with the Jews' proposal to use the operating rights of several industries under his name as a condition for compensation. Although he had thought more than once during this period, he simply refused to pay the debt and even summoned the guards to throw the Jew into prison, he finally endured it.

This is not because Alfonso had any admirable contract spirit, but because when he discovered the signs of his intention, the Jewish youth promptly reminded him that doing so might cause his sister in Rome.

It is obvious that Xia Sang lived in Rome not very proud. Her husband Jeffrey, the naughty child, was quite unsuccessful because he had never been loved by his father Alexander VI. Apart from his small territory and the territory where Xia Sang was dowed, the Geoffrey and his wife really didn't have many other items. In order to support the store, they had to spend a huge life. While allowing Xia Sang to enjoy unprecedented luxury, they also deeply realized what it is to live in Rome.

Therefore, Xia Sang inevitably borrowed money everywhere through various means, including raising money from the Jews.

Alfonso knew that the Jews were hinting that if they were harsh on him, the matter would be spread to Rome, and his sister Xia Sang would lose all his face.

Although it is not called a lie to pay for the Jewish war, it is always bad, and it makes people realize that Bilishelli is already unable to make ends meet and has to rely on a lie to pay for the debt. This is also a big blow to Alfonso's reputation. I guess no one will be willing to lend him money for a long time after this.

It was precisely because of this that Alfonso had to finally agree to hand over the industries to the Jews to run. Seeing Bucini skillfully taking out the documents he had already drafted from his bag and asking him to sign and seal it, Alfonso couldn't help but feel a sense of hatred from his heart.

The Jews obviously came prepared. He probably even knew the business conditions of Alfonso's industries. In addition to several manors in Bilicely, there were two checkpoints set up in the name of the duke on the main road to Naples. These places could charge high taxes for Alfonso every day, and the money received completely entered Alfonso's personal pocket.

This sounded like a good way of wealth, but Alfonso always felt that he always lacked money. This mystery was not solved until the Jews began to check the accounts.

"Your Highness, your manor has been losing money for four consecutive years," Buccini shook his head with a little disgust, as if he had just started a loss-making business. "We have to invest a considerable amount of money in the debt of these manors alone to make a balance. As for the subsequent investment required for production, it is also quite large. Your Highness, are you sure you want to transfer the operating rights of these manors to us, or do you have any other reasonable industries?"

Alfonso's cheek twitched a few times because of his anger. He took a breath first, and then said in a affirmative tone: "This is all the industries I can use to pay off my debts. You must know that I am a member of the royal family of Naples and the son of the noble Alfonso II. Everything I do now is to safeguard my family and my own honor."

Buccini nodded and said nothing. He looked at the income and expenditure accounts of the two levels again, and then could only sigh slightly and said to Alfonso: "Your Highness, I have to tell you that the situation is really not optimistic. Originally, the income of these two tariffs was quite considerable, because Billy Sheli's location happened to be on the main road to the south. Those merchants would not be able to detour because it means not only have to bear more travel expenses, but also the road is not so peaceful."

Alfonso nodded immediately. He was still very concerned about these two levels because this was the key to making money for his private warehouses. However, he also knew that the tariffs on these two levels have been greatly reduced in the past two years. This really annoyed Alfonso but didn't know what to do.

"You probably heard of the Free Trade Zone Alliance," the Jews thought about it and reminded Alfonso. "This is a chamber of commerce alliance, some are similar to the Hanseatic alliance but they are different. In addition to the chamber of commerce, there are many aristocrats in this alliance. They used to implement tariff exemption and trade in the country."

Alfonso nodded confusedly. Of course he had heard of the Free Trade Zone, and also knew that since the emergence of this Free Trade Zone, his Billy Sheli's businessman's life seemed to be not very easy, and the amount of the merchant's income directly affected his private treasury.

However, Alfonso is not so interested in these things, he just wants to get taxes.

"In fact, before we came, we learned that some chambers of commerce in your territory did join this free trade zone. It was just that you did not sign this agreement, so they could enjoy some trade benefits. For example, because the territories exempted tariffs from each other cannot get the opportunity to reduce the cost, so these chambers of commerce seem to be discussing whether to withdraw from your territory."

Listening to the news that Bucini seemed to reveal casually, Alfonso couldn't sit still. Although he did not pay attention to the fate of the merchants, it did not mean that he did not understand what the evacuation of the Chamber of Commerce would bring.

A market without merchants is destined to perish. Merchants are like the rivers flowing in the territory, bringing enough nutrients to this land. For Alfonso, merchants are the flock of sheep in his eyes, but if the flock wants to breed in other pastures, his life will be difficult.

The young duke first thought about whether the news was true, and then he thought about how to prevent the merchants from leaving Billy Sheli.

"Your Highness, if it may be inappropriate, we hope that Bilishelli will become prosperous more than you. After all, this is related to our income and capital." Looking at Alfonsobuchini, who looked at the ugly face, said sincerely. "If you can manage your territory well, we are willing to give you more opportunities. However, your situation in cotton is really bad now. Merchants have left one after another because of the closure of your territory. It will be very troublesome to continue like this. So what we have to do is to prevent this from happening, no matter what method is used, but don't let those merchants leave."

"Any way is OK?" Alfonso's eyes flashed.

"Of course it is better to be gentle, a way that everyone can accept. You know that your uncle respects King Frederick and has borrowed from us, and that was a sum of 140,000 Florin, and the king had been worried about this."

"Then he doesn't have to be so anxious now," Alfonso said casually, and realized that his words were obviously not in line with his identity, so he made a cross and added, "May God bless him that these troubles in heaven are indeed gone."

"In fact, this account was inherited by his son King Alfred, and now there is a result that will satisfy everyone soon." Seeing Alfonso immediately showing an interesting look, Bucini changed the topic. "I said this just to remind you that although this debt seems quite heavy, as long as the method is right, there can still be a way."

Alfonso was exploring Buccini's words, and he vaguely felt that there was a trap in it. The Jewish cunning was famous, and they were best at first using some sweets as bait to lure you, and then when you step into their trap, they would pounce on it and eat all the prey.

But now Alfonso clearly felt that he was really desperate. Once the right to operate the industry was completely transferred to the Jews, he would never make any other investment except for the dividends agreed upon by both sides every year. This was unimaginable for Alfonso, not to mention that he had considerable ambitions. Could his army, which was small in size but high hopes, be disbanded like this? This result was something he would never want to see.

"Or there are other ways, if you can guarantee that you will pay off the debt as soon as possible," Buccini said in an indifferent tone, "but I want to remind you that your Highness, your debt is not that you cannot repay it, but because your territory is not managed well. If this continues, you will not only not be able to get rid of the debt completely, but may even put your territory in a worse situation."

Alfonso's face looked a little gloomy again. He wanted to teach this Jewish man a lesson, but he did not dare to act rashly.

This man's advice may be his only chance to get rid of his debts, although everyone knows that there may be a lot of money to get help from Jews.

"What do you want?" Alfonso thought tightly, and finally decided to listen to what the Jews were going to say.

"I just want to resolve this debt here as soon as possible. This is very important to me. To be precise, it is related to whether I can gain more trust in the family."

Buccini gave Alfonso an impeccable reason.

In fact, what he said is the truth. For Buccini, whether the debts of places such as Bilishelli can be resolved as soon as possible is indeed important to him, because it is related to whether the elders can fully support him in making heavy bets on Alexander and his group in the future.

Buccini still remembers the bold promises he made when writing letters to the elders, but even so, there is still a clear difference between investing in Alexander and his group.

That would mean that the fate of the Jews may be combined with the entire group of Alexander in the future dozens or hundreds, and even the next few centuries.

If this bet is right, the Jews are likely to have a great impact on the fate of many countries and even Europe in the long term. But once they fail, waiting for Alexander is indeed a complete defeat, but it may be even more devastating for the Jews, because this not only involves huge financial losses, but what is even more terrifying is that Alexander's enemies cannot tolerate them, the Jews who have provided Alexander's help, continue to survive.

Because of this, the elders were still hesitating on some key issues, and Bucini must let them see his abilities and means, so that the elders could understand that what he would choose Alexander was not by luck or impulse, but by his keen observation and accurate prediction.

"How did you say before that the king's debt was resolved?" Alfonso finally couldn't help speaking. Although he knew that just by opening this mouth might mean taking the first step into the abyss, he did have no other way at this time. He had to find a way to maintain the normal expenses of his territory. Once the right to operate the checkpoints and farms was handed over to the Jews, even if he could barely maintain the dignity of his court, his army and some things he wanted to retain would inevitably face layoffs and cuts.

"You can reach an agreement with the Free Trade Alliance to let this Free Trade Zone Alliance issue you a guarantee letter to ensure that you can indeed repay your debts through operations and trade. This is a very beneficial result for you and us. You must know that if it is not necessary, we will not accept the industry of a nobleman of your status, which is of no benefit to ourselves."

Alfonso had a little bit of a charisma, and Bucini's frankness surprised him a little.

Obviously, as Buccini said, this act of forcing a great nobleman to use his ancestral property to pay off his debts is indeed a bit shocking. No matter who the creditor is, even if he can occupy those industries as he wishes, he will inevitably become the public enemy of all nobles.

The Jewish special identity made them understand the various impacts that would have, so as Buccini said, if possible, they would rather give Alfonso a chance to manage his territory rather than take over those industries directly, which led to public anger.

Alfonso, who had figured out Buccini's intentions, suddenly felt as if he had a clear mind. But when he was about to speak, Buccini, who seemed to have guessed his mind, suddenly said first: "But I have one thing that I must make clear for us. For us, wealth is the only thing worth cherishing in the world, so we can pay a lot of money for wealth, including our reputation and perhaps sometimes life."

Alfonso's face turned red in an instant, and the Jewish people could not understand what they said.

Don’t think we are worried about causing trouble and just make a decision on the debt. Talk about money and hurt feelings, but talking about feelings and hurts money, so we can do anything for money.

Alfonso stared at the hateful young Jew, and more than once imagined in his heart that he would use a target to shoot this man into a hornet's nest with a crossbow, but in the end he could only suppress his heart and ask, "So what do you think I should do?"

"You can send someone you trust, of course, it is best to be a businessman who knows what you know and let him be your plenipotent representative, and then negotiate with the chambers of commerce in the Free Trade Zone. However, I remind you that if you have made this decision, please make up your mind as soon as possible, because you are worried that the French may invade at any time, and those chambers of commerce are already considering whether to temporarily withdraw from Naples."

"If they quit Naples..." Alfonso immediately became a little nervous when he thought of something.

"I think you should have thought of it," Buccini nodded. Indeed, if the Free Trade Zone Chamber of Commerce withdraws from Naples, it may mean that the merchants and various maritime trade in the Free Trade Zone may not pass through Naples in the future. This is of course bad, but it may be a good thing for those merchants who have joined the businessmen earlier. For example, those merchants in your territory can take the opportunity to buy goods that are much cheaper than others from the Free Trade Zone merchants and then sell them to your territory at a high price."

"If that happens, I will give them heavy taxes, 2 times, no, 3 times or 4 times, and I will forbid those merchants from doing business in my territory, otherwise I will arrest them all!" Alfonso imagined that the merchants in his territory were hooked up with outsiders to make their own money. As long as he thought about the incompetent merchants earning their own gold coins with cheap goods, he had the urge to catch people immediately.

"If that happens, your territory will be over," Buccini looked at Alfonso with a look of idiots. "But before you make yourself a mess, I can only ask you to fulfill your debt obligation first."

Alfonso stared at the right to operate the industry that Buccini pushed in front of him and let him look at it. He tapped his fingers hard on it a few times, but in the end the anger slowly turned into a helpless resentment.

"I will send someone to negotiate with the Chamber of Commerce in that free trade zone, but I want you to guarantee that if I sign an agreement with them, you will not be able to take back the operating rights of my farm at will."

"This is of course," Buccini finally smiled on his face. He said kindly to Alfonso while taking back the transfer of property. "Although your level must be reduced or even exempted from tariffs, your territory will soon prosper. Believe me, you will be able to repay the money soon. At that time, we recovered the capital and interest, and you got rid of your debt. Isn't this the best result?"

Looking at Buccini's sincere face, Alfonso spoke up but didn't know what to say.

But not so, he always felt something was wrong.

And on the afternoon of the next day, a messenger sent a secret letter to Alexander.
Chapter completed!