Red Chamber: Bring Xue Baochai home at the beginning

Chapter 166 Expansion plans, proposals and departures

Wei's ban on sea not only restricted ordinary sea merchants.

It also caused caravans from the west to not be able to trade as easily as before.

Originally, with the help of some maritime merchants, they could escape the supervision of the customs.

Sell ​​the goods directly to various places in the south of the Yangtze River.

There are also a lot of foreign cloth such as crepe, foreign satin, and foreign brocade, as well as foreign goods such as foreign lacquer and foreign sugar.

One of the important reasons for flooding in Jiangnan and other places.

Now all treaty ports except Quanzhou and Ningbo are closed.

Ordinary maritime merchants have no room to survive.

Those who have this ability are those dignitaries who contributed to the sea ban.

The price they offered was several times higher than before.

Therefore, these western caravans must go to Quanzhou honestly to pay high tariffs.

conduct normal trade.

But it will be slow to ship because of the price.

Or sell at a low price and earn a lot less.

Or sell the goods directly to powerful Wei merchants overseas.

But only a little less than tariffs.

No matter which option they choose, their benefits are greatly reduced.

Therefore, talents such as George Stark came from Manchu.

Looking for a place to stay.

It is planned to use this as a transit to start large-scale smuggling against Da Wei.

Their ideas have also been supported by the governor of Manchuga.

They also specially issued a certificate of missions for them.

So that when necessary, this identity can be used to negotiate with the government.

At the beginning, George Stark chose the northwest of Liuqiu.

Because Liuqiu Southwest is the territory of Penghu Xuanweisi, they were easily supervised by the government in the past.

And Liuqiu North, in their news.

It has always been the territory of Japanese pirates and raw fans.

There it faces Dawei across the sea,

Whether it is going to Quanzhou or Fuzhou.

Even Wenzhou and Taizhou are very convenient to travel between.

At first, the trip went really well.

They found that the Japanese pirates and Shengfan seemed to have disappeared.

In the coastal plain, there is a large area of ​​uninhabited land.

Wide open for them to occupy.

Without further ado, the fleet immediately built houses here.

Prepared for a long-term stay.

Unfortunately, the house was discovered and evicted before it was completed.

So they adjusted their plans again.

Relying on the certificate issued by the governor of Manlajia, he came to Wei to appeal as an envoy.

Want to get a place to stay.

After being expelled from Liuqiu, their goals changed.

Haojingao, where the imperial court has stronger control, but they are also familiar with the way, was chosen.

This was originally Haiao where Western merchant ships berthed, and the imperial court even set up a special keeper of Macao.

It's just that with the sea ban, this place is already in a semi-abandoned state.

Merchant ships also turned to Quanzhou to dock.

They chose here, except for being familiar with the road.

It's also because many overseas businessmen don't know the news about Wei Banhai yet.

Most of the merchant ships from the west will habitually come here to dock first.

This will be convenient for them.

If they stand here, they don't just rely on their own fleet.

There is also a constant supply of goods.

Furthermore, the location here is superior.

Haojingao is located at the mouth of the Pearl River, very close to Guangzhou.

Very convenient to ship.

All in all, it is all for the convenience of smuggling.

George Stark thought that he could at least get the right of residence in Haojingao if he pretended to be.

After all, the emperor of the Great Wei would certainly not care about a small fishing village.

Unexpectedly, this matter would not reach the emperor at all.

Feng Yibo declared bankruptcy directly.

Of course, Feng Yibo didn't directly refuse, but agreed to answer.

It's just that the way he replies is rather special.

"The envoys of Fransya of Haixi requested to be stationed in Haojing'ao, Xiangshan, and to open a port."

This is what Feng Yibo told the cabinet.

Not to mention the cabinet, even the emperor can't open this hole because of a barbarian.

What's more, there are still many ministers in the DPRK who oppose it.

joke!

There are still many people working hard for a total ban on the sea. How can we allow a barbarian to set up a port privately?

"For this reason, they also wanted to bribe me, but I sternly refused."

After the day's talk, Stark did try to bribe in private.

But was rejected by Feng Yibo righteously.

Just kidding, would he be short of the 500 taels of silver?

Zhang Songyue just nodded when he heard the words, and didn't take it seriously.

"This matter must not be agreed to, and you can deal with the rest. Don't lose the etiquette and demeanor of being a superior country."

Feng Yibo nodded again and again, and said humbly:
"Teacher, don't worry, the students should deal with it properly, and they will definitely not lose Wei's face."

Zhang Songyue nodded, and didn't bother thinking about it any more.

Although they all call him a teacher, Feng Yibo is obviously different from the well-trained Liu Zheng.

You can use him to do things, but you can't rely on him as your confidant.

However, Feng Yibo is very capable, and he handles things neatly.

At least you don't have to worry about him getting into trouble.

It's a pity that Zhang Songyue reassured too early.

Haixi Fransya's mission soon left the capital in disappointment.

Feng Yibo was still worried, so he wrote a special letter for this.

Let Liuqiu and Quanzhou, that is, Gouzi and Liu Zhao.

Focus on this group of people from Fransya.

It's fine if it's an honest trade.

As long as the other party has the idea of ​​occupying territory, expel them immediately!
If you encounter resistance, shoot and kill!

If it wasn't for Liuqiu to gain a firm foothold now, it would take another year and a half to consolidate.

Feng Yibo wanted to occupy Manchuria and the Spice Islands.

The Manchuka Strait is an important transit point between the East and the West.

The Spice Islands are home to cardamom and pepper.

No matter where it is, there are huge interests involved.

Compared with the rule of the Westerners, if the Central Plains Dynasty came.

It is often easier to be accepted by the indigenous people here.

After all, their kings, sultans, and leaders all needed the canonization of the Central Plains Dynasty.

Otherwise, you will not be eligible for tribute.

And there, the Han people also occupy a considerable proportion.

If he can be replaced by his own people to rule, he will definitely be able to get his support.

It's a pity that the Great Wei turned a blind eye to its destruction of the country before.

In other words, it is used as a vassal barrier, but it has not fulfilled the obligations of the suzerain state.

Sit back and watch these places be taken over by westerners.

In Feng Yibo's plan, he waited until he became self-sufficient.

Start the next expansion plan.

Based on flow.

It radiates south to the Southeast Asia and even Australia.

To the north is the East Ocean, and even the Northeast.

Current demand is still in the expansion stage.

Continue to absorb the landless civilians in Jiangnan and Minyue.

The population is close to 15.

Don't look at there are only 15 people, but these 15 people are in the mouth.

Most of them are young men and women.

Coupled with the population of Shengfan, there are already more than 25 people in the north of Liuqiu.

Now Liuqiu has [-] main soldiers and [-] auxiliary soldiers including sailors.

The 4 people were divided into two groups.

Half of them stationed, drilled, and patrolled various places in Liuqiu.

Half of them run boats in Nanyang and Dongyang and are familiar with the terrain.

The two groups of people alternated back and forth, or practiced, or went out of the boat.

These people are Feng Yibo's foundation and his confidence.

It is a pity that there is still one-third of the grain.

It needs to be transported from Dawei.

It is expected to be next year, or even the year after.

Food is only initially self-sufficient.

By then, the total population is expected to be at least 20.

Including Liuqiu's students, the total population exceeds 30.

As long as food is self-sufficient, the time for real expansion will come.

Otherwise, if the food supply is cut off, they will immediately disband on the spot.

These are all things to talk about later, not for the time being.

It's just that the envoys of Franz Ya left, and Jia Lian returned to the capital.

He went away for five days, but when he came back, he didn't see Guerlain.

In Xiaohuazhi Lane, the buildings are empty.

As if overnight, it all disappeared.

Jia Lian just thought it was Wang Xifeng who came and took him back to the mansion.

Secretly annoyed, he didn't listen to Feng Yibo's advice that day.

But he didn't know until he found Xing'er when he returned to Rong Mansion.

After going out by myself for a few days, I have already separated from Guerlain.

It's all buried!
She is pregnant!

When Feng Yibo went to Xiaohuazhi Lane again, he was surprised by the sight before him.

It's only been a few days, and the place looks a bit dilapidated.

The original maid and mother-in-law had been dismissed long ago.

Even the cook who cooks was called by Jia Lian from the Rong Mansion.

Jia Zhen and Feng Ziying also arrived, and the four sat down as usual after being greeted.

Seeing that the three of them were muffled and silent, Feng Yibo couldn't help frowning and said:
"What's the matter? I haven't seen you for a few days, and I'm listless!"

Jia Zhen and Feng Ziying obviously knew the cause and effect.

Feng Ziying whispered it to Feng Yibo, and he was inexplicably surprised.

This Wang Xifeng is so ruthless!

Actually killed Guerlain while Jia Lian was away?
For a moment, he was in a daze.

Didn't it mean that the twelve beauties of Jinling are all beautiful symbols, existences that need to be rescued?
Everyone else was like this, but how did Wang Xifeng become a disaster?

One dead body and two lives, what a crime is this?

"Eldest sister is a bit too old, but she is your first wife after all."

After a while, it was still the big brother Jia Zhen who spoke first, persuading:

"Besides, she didn't do it on purpose. Why don't you let this matter go and see what happens to her later."

Jia Zhen didn't want the two to fall out.

One is that he is the patriarch of the Jia clan.

If we just sit back and watch this incident unfold, how can the Jia family keep their dignity?
The second is that both of them have a share in the transaction.

After falling out, Jia Lian was missing to run around outside.

And there is no Wang Xifeng to develop in the back house.

It will inevitably affect the income of the transaction.

But after Jia Lian listened, he only had one sentence.

All three of them were taken aback.

"I want to make peace."

When he said this, there was no strong emotion.

On the contrary, it was an extremely rare calm in him.

Jia Lian just looked at the three of them quietly.

He was obviously smiling, but his eyes were full of sadness.

Originally, with Guerlain, Jia Lian's tolerance for Wang Xifeng was much higher.

A few days ago, Feng Yibo gave her half of the share.

Jia Lian also recognized it.

But now that Guerlain died, she still had two lives.

Jia Lian only felt that life was tasteless.

I don't even want the rest of the half.

The money was originally used to support this side.

Now that Guerlain is gone, who else will I support with this money?
He looked at Wang Xifeng in the mansion with cold eyes.

No matter how Wang Xifeng explained it, Ping'er would prove it.

Jia Lian didn't believe a word.

He only knew that once he went out, the good people would disappear.

Still one dead and two dead.

And before he came back, he was buried in a hurry.

Jia Lian couldn't figure it out anyway, how did Wang Xifeng get rid of this hand?
Even if Wang Xifeng seldom sympathizes with him, he doesn't feel any pleasure in his heart.

Only the grief of losing a loved one.

Originally, he and Wang Xifeng were young couples, and they also had a close relationship.

Later fears also contained elements of love.

But now I just feel my heart has cooled down.

Love is also exhausted.

No matter how anyone persuades, Jia Lian just feels tired.

Only the word "He Li" is left to linger.

Never mind.

"Second brother Lian, although my sister-in-law suits your heart, she's just an outsider after all."

When Feng Ziying spoke, it was the mainstream concept of this era.

Obviously not taking women seriously.

"With your current wealth, it's not difficult to buy a few more that you like."

This can't be wrong.

If it was the original Jia Lian, he might be sad for a while.

It's over.

Then, as Feng Ziying persuaded, buy another one that suits your heart.

Restart.

But now Jia Lian didn't seem to hear it.

His eyes were full of sadness.

If Jia Lian is not a seed of infatuation at all.

But he has some bottom line after all, he can't accept a first wife with blood on her hands.

What's more, he was here with Guerlain, and got the obedience he hadn't seen for a long time.

Plus she was pregnant.

It is even more inevitable that there will be some inexplicable other feelings.

Jia Lian is now in his twenties and has only one daughter under his knees.

This is the first time I have a baby again.

He called the three of them here today, but he didn't have anything to say.

Just want to party like before.

Just like when Guerlain was still there.

This is my last condolences, this miserable woman.

"Brother Lian, my condolences."

This is the only consolation Feng Yibo can say.

It's not like those two people who persuaded Jia Lian to let go.

Instead, just like attending a funeral, persuade them to "sorrow".

He really had nothing to say at this time.

Even the little affection she had for Wang Xifeng was basically wiped out.

Jia Lian glanced at Feng Yibo in surprise.

Seemingly feeling that Feng Yibo was supporting him, he nodded and said:

"Thank you brother, I'm fine."

The three of them sat for a while, and Jia Lian asked to leave first.

He had already made up his mind about the reconciliation.

It's just that when everyone persuaded him, he was unavoidably shaken.

Now that he got a little support from Feng Yibo, it immediately gave him a reason to persist.

At this time, I will go back to the mansion and report to Jia Amnesty and Mrs. Xing.

Talk to Jia Mu again.

Jia Amnesty and Mrs. Xing are to Wang Xifeng, this daughter-in-law who eats inside and out.

I'm really not satisfied at all.

Hearing that Jia Lian wanted to reconcile, he was a little surprised.

But only a few words of perfunctory persuasion.

Inside and outside the words, they are all afraid that Jia's mother will not agree.

There is no real meaning of blocking.

Sure enough, when she came to Jiamu's place, she didn't agree with anything.

"Lian'er, you are so confused!"

When Jia Mu heard what Jia Lian said, she frowned and said:
"Although Feng girl is used to being jealous, she has a pure and kind heart. Who in the whole family doesn't know?"

This granddaughter-in-law has always thought of her most, and she is kind to Baoyu and the sisters in the house.

How can Mother Jia not be partial to her?

"Lian'er, Feng girl has been married to you for many years, and you know her best."

Mrs. Wang has known about this for a long time, and at this time she also persuaded her, and said:
"There must be a misunderstanding about this matter. It is possible to say that it is related to her, but she is definitely not killing people."

She already knew the whole picture from Zhou Rui's family.

So he didn't deny it.

But it's hard to say that she knew it before, so she can only express her own attitude.

"What does it matter?"

When Jia's mother heard the words, she gave Mrs. Wang a dissatisfied look.

She didn't believe Wang Xifeng's murder at all.
"Your sister-in-law, younger sister, younger brother, which one is not friendly with Feng girl?"

Speaking of this, Jia's mother looked at Jia Lian again and asked:
"Why is it in your mouth, you became the murderous demon king!"

Jia Lian turned a deaf ear to their words.

Only "bang bang" knocked his head a few times, and said firmly in his mouth:

"I have made up my mind, please forgive me, old lady."

Just at this moment, a voice came in from outside.

"I disagree!"

(End of this chapter)