Chapter 2428

Although Haihan is currently trying every possible means to continue the rule of the Ming Dynasty, the reason for doing so is mainly due to the needs of his own development. If the Ming Dynasty falls too fast like in history, then Haihan may not have time to fully accept this legacy.

, it is almost inevitable that the world will be in chaos. The wars caused by this may last for several years in local areas, and Haihan, who has been dragged into the quagmire of war, will also be greatly slowed down in its development. These are all possible

The travelers from the future will naturally try to avoid foreseeing the situation.

If we look at it from a long-term perspective, Haihan's development trend is of course to replace the Ming Dynasty and become a new generation of East Asian hegemon. Whether he will inherit a nearly complete country or a ruins filled with smoke and fire will depend on Haihan's own choice.

.With Haihan's current military strength, it is not difficult to defeat the Ming Dynasty in the coastal areas, and even occupying several coastal provinces is not a problem. But the problem is that this will break the balance between the two countries, and Haihan will lose

The largest resource producing area and sales market, and providing opportunities for the Qing army in the north to sneak in. This is not a situation that the Executive Committee is happy to see.

Shi Diwen also agreed with the long-term strategy of developing first and then taking action. However, he was not willing to just be a warlord who established a separate empire overseas. For him, although the day of conquering the mainland was still far away, the preparations for war started when he stationed in Zhoushan.

That day has already begun.

The Zhoushan area has a unique geographical advantage. Shi Diwen can obtain a large amount of funds needed to develop military power through international trade, and has all kinds of resources including manpower. Although it is not convenient to start a war with the Ming Dynasty at the moment, he can expand the garrison establishment and build new

Warships and even various preparation methods including espionage have been carried out quietly.

Some of these were reported by Shi Diwen on his own initiative and the Executive Committee also had control of the process, and some were carried out secretly by Shi Diwen on his own initiative. For example, the preparations for war mentioned by Shi Diwen just now were not mentioned in detail in the official document.

and passed.

But out of trust in Shi Diwen, Tao Donglai did not immediately ask him what other preparation measures he had taken. Since Shi Diwen was focusing on the overall situation, he believed that the other party should be very clear about what can and cannot be done.

.However, the construction of the Warrior-class sailboat in Zhoushan involves many aspects, and Tao Donglai cannot agree to him at the moment.

"I will discuss the shipbuilding matter with various departments after I finish the work and return to Sanya." Seeing that the front was approaching Shi Diwen's station, Tao Donglai dealt with his request first.

Shi Diwen also knew that this matter could not be urgent. He had been waiting for several years and did not care about waiting another three or five months. Since Tao Donglai agreed to help coordinate with various departments, it means that this matter should be able to be implemented.

Space. Anyway, Tao Donglai will stay in Zhoushan for a few days, and he can find a suitable time to discuss the details later. If there are any expenses or the like, Shi Diwen can make arrangements in advance.

Taking into account the confidentiality requirements for Tao Donglai's itinerary, Shi Diwen did not arrange for local civil and military officials to be present to welcome him. Even the banquet was private. Only Shi Diwen's family and a few close associates were present. The scene was slightly

Seems deserted.

Of course, Shi Diwen still had to explain the whole story to Tao Donglai to prevent him from worrying too much. However, Tao Donglai was very satisfied with this relatively simple family atmosphere. Speaking of his previous visit to Zhangzhou, he was tired of dealing with the Xu family every day.

During various banquets, several Haihan officials in the local office drank heavily in order to hold off the drinks for him. He himself almost suffered from gastroenteritis due to drinking. It was really not a good experience.

"Next time someone from the Xu family comes to Zhoushan, I will avenge Mr. Tao!" Shi Diwen heard it funny, but he immediately expressed his support for Tao Donglai. The Xu family also has a lot of business dealings in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Dinghaigang and

Ningbo Prefecture has its own offices, and when senior members of the Xu family arrive here, they will naturally take the initiative to visit Shi Diwen, and there will be several opportunities to send him off every year.

Tao Donglai smiled and waved his hand and said: "That's not necessary. The Xu family sends many people to Sanya for training every year, and there are plenty of opportunities to deal with them. When you deal with them, just keep an eye on their movements."

Shi Diwen understood that the real target that Tao Donglai asked him to pay attention to should be the military movements of the Xu family, so he nodded to express his knowledge and did not discuss it in detail.

After the banquet, Shi Diwenping retired from his family and subordinates and invited Tao Dong to drink tea in the study. Although he grew up in the West before time travel, after staying in Zhoushan for so many years, his living habits have slowly changed to those of this era.

Close to the Han civilization, this study is actually in a traditional Chinese style. The tables, chairs, screens, and bookshelves are all made of rosewood. The shape is simple and the workmanship is very exquisite. There is a faint aroma in the air, which should be natural agarwood.

The smell left behind after burning.

Tao Dong was a person who knew the goods. He entered the study and looked around and said, "These are all Su Zuo's furniture! Good stuff!"

Shi Diwen responded: "Actually, I don't know much about this. Magistrate Qu came to my place before and said that the study room was a little lacking in style. Then he asked someone to send these furniture and furnishings. I followed his suggestion and put them in.

All the furnishings inside and outside the study have been changed. I also think this style is very good. Staying in the study can calm down the mind."

The furniture production style in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River in the Ming Dynasty was collectively called Su Zuo, which emphasized simple and smooth lines. Similar furniture styles named after regions include Jingzuo, Guangzuo, etc. For example, Sanya, where the Executive Committee is located, has deep-rooted furniture styles.

Influenced by the Guangzhou school, it pays more attention to the decorative sense of shape.

Shi Diwen took a can of tea from the bookshelf and personally made a cup of hot tea for Tao Donglai: "I didn't like drinking tea before. I thought it was not as comfortable as drinking wine. But in the past two or three years, it may be the same as drinking tea."

I have spent a lot of time interacting with local people from all walks of life, and I have gradually become accustomed to drinking tea. Now that I don’t make two cups of tea a day, I always feel that something is missing. This tea was sent by Wang Tongpan from Hangzhou Prefecture, saying it was fresh and fresh.

Qianlongjing was delivered overnight from Hangzhou by speedboat a few days ago. Mr. Tao will give it a try and see how it goes."

Tao Dong saw that the tea leaves in this cup were short and tender, and the buds were like lotus cores. After brewing with hot water, the aroma was overflowing. He knew it was a good thing even before he took it in his mouth. Of course, Sanya also has high-end tea leaves like this.

However, due to the long distance, the tea sent to Sanya is at least about a month later than the production time. In addition, the climate and environment in the south and Jiangsu and Zhejiang are different, so the natural freshness will be different. The quality is indeed not as good as that of the place of origin.

Tao Donglai took a few sips and praised the tea, which was soft and sweet in the mouth. It was indeed a good tea. Shi Diwen even said that before Tao Donglai set off, he would divide half of the tea he received and give it to him.

Tao Donglai went north to finish his business and came back to make some more preparations. After all, Hangzhou is more than 400 miles away from Zhoushan by water. If he wants to buy fresh tea for Tao Donglai now, it will delay him for at least a week, which may affect his future.

The itinerary is arranged.

Tao Donglai did not refuse and immediately thanked Shi Diwen for his arrangement. Hundreds of people gave him gifts every year, many of whom came carrying gold and silver. The few tea leaves sent by his own people did not make him feel uncomfortable.

There is a burden. When he was a guest in Zhangzhou before, the various local specialties Xu Xinsu gave him were probably one or two thousand kilograms in total. However, he left most of them at the Zhangzhou office and asked the local government to arrange for them to be sent back to Sanya.

.

"Mr. Tao, you sent a telegram before to say that you wanted to meet with the local top officials. Those officials in Hangzhou are just outsiders, and they will fall in whatever direction the wind blows. I have thought about it again and again, and you can always rely on your words.

I'm afraid the only high-ranking official is Magistrate Qu. If you want to meet a nearby Ming military attache, the commanders of various nearby guard posts can make an appointment to meet at a time, just make arrangements one day in advance."

After drinking a few sips of tea, Shi Diwen took the initiative to mention the business that Tao Donglai had to do during his visit to Zhoushan. It was a rare opportunity for Tao Donglai to come here. If he followed the normal inspection schedule, he would naturally have to communicate with the Ming Dynasty officials in nearby areas.

A meeting was held, but the itinerary required to be kept secret, which was inconvenient and too ostentatious, so Tao Dong could only be arranged to meet with a more reliable partner. This left Shi Diwen to choose. Looking at the entire Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, Qu Yu was naturally the one to marry him.

The prefect Tongqu is the most trustworthy.

But Shi Diwen actually didn't know the purpose of Tao Donglai's meeting with local officials, so he had to ask Tao Donglai for his opinion before arranging the meeting. Anyway, officials from several state capitals adjacent to Zhoushan,

He has basically dealt with everyone, especially the commanders of various guard posts and military attachés like Qianhu who have received a lot of benefits. He has long been regarded as a living god of wealth, and it is not difficult to make appointments with these people.

Tao Donglai thought for a moment, then nodded and said: "You are better aware of the situation in Zhejiang, so I would like to trouble you to arrange a meeting with Magistrate Qu on your behalf. As for other officials, don't be in a hurry and wait until I return.

Intend."

Shi Diwen then asked: "When we return, do you want to arrange a meeting with the local wealthy businessmen and celebrities? The Huizhou salt merchants supported by us in Yangzhou are very keen on establishing a good relationship with our country, and they have always done so.

They have donated a lot of money to us. If they hear that Mr. Tao has arrived in Zhoushan, they will definitely not miss the opportunity."

Tao Donglai asked: "Speaking of Yangzhou salt merchants, how is the situation there now?"

Shi Diwen said: "Currently, in order to protect themselves, the salt merchants from Huizhou have firmly decided to join us. The Shanxi salt merchants from the opposite side now know that they cannot offend us, so they have restrained themselves much more than before. We are currently selling to the Yangtze River.

The salt in the northern region is sold through the channels of Anhui salt merchants. Although we have to share a part of the profits with them, the operation efficiency is indeed much higher than if we do it ourselves."

"However, the Shanshan and Shaanxi salt merchants have a great influence in Yangzhou and even the Jianghuai region, so it will be difficult to completely uproot them in the short term. After discussing with the Huizhou salt merchants, I came to the conclusion that they may

We will have to coexist for a long time. But with our support, the Huizhou salt merchants will have more and more obvious strength advantages in the future. In the long run, Shanxi salt merchants will definitely be squeezed out of this market."

“At present, in addition to training armed personnel for Hui salt merchants and coaching them in organizing militia armed forces, I am also trying to persuade them to select outstanding young children from their families to study in Sanya, or to invest in plantations in Taiwan Island or even the South China Sea.

.As long as it is an operation that can strengthen ties with our country, these salt merchants should be very interested."

"Then what are your long-term plans for these salt merchants?" Tao Donglai continued to ask.

Shi Diwen said: "These salt merchants are rich and powerful, and out of considerations of their own interests, they do not dare to rely on the protection provided by the Ming Dynasty. For now, the help we can provide is far from

More than the government they trusted in the past, so they are happy to temporarily attach themselves to Haihan and obtain economic benefits by cooperating with us in the salt industry. From the perspective of salt production costs, our supply price is lower, completely replacing their past

Supply channels are only a matter of time. By that time, their dependence on our country will become greater, and we can let them do more things for our country, such as dealing with the officials in the Jianghuai region and letting these people move around.

, it will be much more convenient than coming forward on our own.”

"I think as long as we operate patiently, it will not be difficult to cultivate a group of vested interests loyal to our country, so that their personal interests and family interests will be firmly bound to our country. In the future, if we want to control the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River

region, these people should also be of great help."

Tao Donglai said: "We can provide them with certain military support, but remember, we don't need to cultivate too many Xu Xinsu-like characters. Do you understand what I mean?"

Shi Diwen nodded slightly and said: "Tao is always worried that they will lose control in the future."

Tao Donglai said: "These people are already rich and powerful. Once they take control of force and find that many things can be done without our help, they may not be so obedient."

"I understand." Shi Diwen knew the meaning of Tao Donglai's words as soon as he heard it.

Tao Donglai was worried that after the Huizhou salt merchants gained power, there would not be many conditions that could restrain them in the future. Once the Huizhou salt merchants completely eliminated their competitors, there would be no need to turn to Haihan. Even with Haihan,

Cooperation with Haihan can bring them considerable economic benefits, but this is not a necessary condition for them to obey Haihan's arrangements honestly.

This is actually just like the current international situation. If Haihan helps Ming get rid of its main enemy, then Ming no longer needs Haihan's help, and I am afraid that the old accounts between the two countries will be settled soon. Tao Donglai reminded

Shi Diwen was worried that he would be too radical, so he helped Hui-based salt merchants fight against their competitors. Although doing so could remove Haihan's obstacles in the salt trade, it might not necessarily be a good thing in the long run.
Chapter completed!