Han Shizu

Different from the western sailing ships that came one after another, a huge cargo ship slowly sailed into the estuary port from east to west, and headed for the anchorage under the command of the guiding ship.

Of course, apart from where it came from, what is more conspicuous about this ship is its huge hull, cruising past like a prehistoric beast.Even the local aborigines know that this is a treasure ship from the Han Empire.

The design with oriental characteristics, the grand layout, the three-story pavilion, the spacious deck, the horizontal and vertical sails have been stowed, but the masts are still erected high and piercing the sky, and the large oars protruding from the hull , stirring slowly, driving the boat forward.

In the process of the Han people expanding the sea, the ship civilization of the Han people also spread to every corner where the Han people set foot, completely refreshing the cognition of the barbarians outside the territory to the Han people.

The big Han treasure ship is the most prominent symbol.The big man's boat is really too big, and it often reveals a majestic momentum that looks down on the world.Dahan's boat is not just a boat, but more like a work of art.

Decades of development, as well as the upsurge of going out to sea from the government to the private sector, have made great progress in Dahan's shipbuilding technology. More and more ships are being built, and the bigger they are, especially the sea-going ships.

The treasure ship entering Hekou Port at this time was named Haifeng, 37 feet long and 20 feet wide, and it was built by Jiangnan Runzhou Shipyard.During the more than [-] years of reunification, Dahan's shipbuilding industry has flourished, and several large factories with advanced technology and complete equipment have emerged. Runzhou Shipyard is one of the best, especially good at building large ships.

In the past, it was always responsible for providing ships for the navy. Later, it gradually opened up and began to build civilian ships, focusing on sea-going ships. The Haifeng was specially designed, and it was also the largest sea-going ship sold to the outside world.

This is not the pinnacle work of the Runzhou Shipyard. It is said that two years ago, the shipyard had built a larger treasure ship, 45 feet long, [-] feet wide, and a super treasure ship with a load of more than [-] shi.Of course, this kind of heavy weapon of a great country is currently only serving in the military, or it is used as an official.

However, to be able to own such a second-class treasure ship in front of me, in addition to strong financial resources, there are also requirements for status and status, and most people are not eligible to buy it.

The wharf on the river bank is full of various sailboats, and the Haifeng is obviously the most eye-catching. Whether it is the coolies loading and unloading the cargo, or the sailors resting on the ship, they can't help but stare at them, showing a shocked look on their faces. .

They have seen many big ships of the big man, but this is the first time for such a big ship. In terms of size, it is bigger than those warships of the Nanyang Fleet.After crossing several river bends, the Haifeng entered a relatively empty pier. The pier was newly built, and there was still enough room. If not, with the size of the Haifeng, it would be a problem to berth at the shore.

This journey to the south has already been experienced. Most of the ports along the way are narrow and difficult to accommodate, and it is impossible to stop at all. Whether it is loading and unloading goods, transshipping materials, or getting on and off personnel, it needs to be carried out by barges.

Fortunately, on Liangping Island, the conditions are slightly better, but they are also limited, barely enough for docking.This is just one ship, if there are more ships, I am afraid it will not be able to carry it.

As the Haifeng slowly approached the shore, its figure became clear. The hull was very new, and the traces of the wind and waves were more like honed medals.When the anchor was lowered, there were already coolies waiting, all of them widened their eyes and straightened their necks, just waiting to work.

Perhaps it was too shocking, there was no need for the supervisor to use a whip, everyone was very positive, and wanted to get on board and experience such a majestic treasure ship for themselves.

The owner of the Haifeng is Zhang Yinian, the nephew of Zhang Yanqing, Marquis of Hailing, who served in the South China Sea Fleet and took part in the operation to recover Liuqiu, but retired due to injury.

Influenced by the family, after recovering from his injuries, he also devoted himself to maritime trade and started sailing in Nanyang. With the help of family power and network resources, he made a lot of wealth relatively easily.

Three years ago, after news of the sale of treasure ships came out from the Runzhou Shipyard, he excitedly returned to the south of the Yangtze River to visit. He knew the treasure ships manufactured in Runzhou very well, and he was also very greedy.

In the past, I had no chance to own it. When the opportunity came, I just seized it and ordered two ships.At the Runzhou Shipyard, facing a client with a background like Zhang Yinian, there was no reason to refuse. The cooperation went smoothly, and the construction was arranged after receiving a deposit.

Two ships cost [-] guan, but most people in the world can hardly earn it without eating or drinking.Of course, to Zhang Yinian, it was not a small amount of money, but he was very decisive when paying the money, without even batting an eyebrow.

The full load of more than [-] shi, Zhang Yinian has calculated it himself. After taking into account various costs, he can basically pay back the cost after running on the Nanyang route for two years. Besides, owning such a treasure ship is a kind of status, status, and wealth in itself. It is a symbol that can earn both face and face.

As Haifeng's first trip to Southeast Asia, Zhang Yinian also followed the ship in person.After docking, step on the board to disembark and look down at the situation in the estuary and port.

In the prosperous port, because of the arrival of the Haifeng, it was quiet for a while. Zhang Yinian couldn't help but enjoy the envy and awe in the eyes of all kinds of people.

The loading and unloading work was done by his own staff, and Zhang Yinian was obviously a little tired from running the boat all the way. Liangping Island was the end of the trip, so he planned to go ashore to rest.

Similarly, he also has a mansion property on the island.Liangping Island can be regarded as the territory of the Guo family, and within the navy, the Guo and Zhang families had a lot of struggles, but they fought without breaking up, and they were able to keep pace in Nanyang affairs.Zhang Yinian is engaged in maritime trade, and there are many places where he also needs to communicate with Guo.

Apart from the merchants, sailors, and coolies, those who were attracted by the Haifeng, even the officials at the wharf, couldn't help but look sideways.The tax collectors who always like to make decisions and wait for merchants also move to the wharf to join in the fun.

On Liangping Island, no matter what kind of merchant ship it is, the first thing to do after berthing is to report to the tax office at the wharf and pay management fees and commercial taxes.Those who hold the money bag have great power, and the status of tax collectors is naturally high.

However, he obviously knew Zhang Yinian, so he had to show some face, and greeted him with a smile: "I don't know who it is, it's such a big deal, it turned out to be from Zhang Daguan! When this treasure ship comes, the entire Liangping County will be shaken three times." !"

"Don't dare!" Although Zhang Yinian didn't think much of this little tax collector, he still smiled and replied, "I don't know if Liangping Island will be shaken or not, but there will be more and more treasure ships going south in the future. If the river course is not dredged and the wharf is not expanded, I am afraid it will be unbearable!"

The tax collector heard the words and said: "The high officials have made a point. The county government has already planned to build a new wharf in the southern seaport. By then, no matter how big the ship is, it will be able to accommodate it!"

"Oh?" Zhang Yinian immediately became interested, and said with emotion: "This Liangping County Yamen is quite prescient!"

"The goods on this ship are all brought from China. I have already told my subordinates about the tax matters, and I will fully cooperate!" Zhang Yinian said to the tax collector.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhang!" the tax collector thanked, looking at the huge warehouse visible to the naked eye and the scene of preparing to unload, he couldn't help but enviously said: "The draft is so deep, I don't know what goods Mr. Zhang brought this time? "

Zhang Yinian said indifferently: "It's just some silk, ironware, pottery, cotton cloth, and some Artemisia annua powder."

Silk and porcelain are the main products of Dahan's foreign trade, and the transaction volume is very large, but because they are common, they are common.But this Artemisia annua powder is different. In the Nanyang region, the most common disease is malaria, and it is often life-threatening.

Artemisia annua powder is a newly developed medicine in China. It has miraculous effects in relieving summer heat and cutting off torture. Since its research, it has been spread as a magic medicine that can cure all diseases.

Due to the small production volume, it is an aristocratic drug, and its supply is in short supply in China, let alone overseas. On Liangping Island, it is definitely priced at gold, and Zhang Yinian was able to get a batch of Artemisia annua powder.

It is conceivable that he will make a lot of money again.
"It's worthy of being an official Zhang." The tax collector also had some knowledge, and couldn't help but sigh with emotion.At the same time, I was also secretly happy that this cargo can collect a lot of tax money again.