unclear

Chapter 759 Peace-loving
“…A war is about to break out in Europe. My country is likely to be involved in the war, and Spain and Portugal happen to be the enemy. To travel from my country to your Majesty’s country, merchant ships need to dock several times for supplies.

Unfortunately, all the supply ports along the way from the southern tip of Africa to the port of Batavia have been occupied by Portugal. We used to be able to coexist peacefully with the Portuguese authorities, but as the situation in Europe has changed, the Portuguese have closed most of their ports to our merchant ships since last month. "

Cohen did not intend to conceal the difficulties faced by the East India Company, but he did not go into details when describing the reasons for the difficulties. He just mentioned them in a few words, and then stared with expectant eyes at the emperor who was sitting in a large chair not far away. He was young and plain-looking, but in control of a huge empire.

"Silva, please ask Mr. Cohen to tell us about the situation in Europe in detail. It would be best if you could draw a map from Europe to Ming! I need to understand the whole story so that I can help him make more reasonable suggestions."

Hong Tao listened very carefully, but the more he listened, the tighter his brows furrowed, as if he had many questions, and he couldn't help but ask for further explanation. Then a group of eunuchs came in like a revolving lantern, bringing all kinds of paper, pens, ink, and rulers, and neatly placed them in front of Cohen.

"Mr. Cohen, the Emperor needs you..." Silva's fat face trembled, and he glanced at the wall involuntarily, then turned around and began to translate the Emperor's needs to Cohen. But his heart was already beating fast, not knowing what tricks the Emperor was going to play.

What kind of map is being drawn? There is a huge world map on the wall behind the tent. I am not sure whether it is completely accurate, but the South China Sea part, which is what Europeans call the East Indies, must be very accurate, because the Ming Navy captured Luzon Island with this kind of map.

"At your service, Your Majesty!" After listening to Silva's translation, Cohen, who had originally looked a little depressed, suddenly became excited. He picked up a pen and started drawing, talking as he drew, without caring whether the emperor a few meters away could see clearly.

"Who do you think will win, the Protestant League or the Catholic League?" About an incense stick of time later, the situation of each European country was almost complete, and the map was drawn. Wang Chengen held it up and presented it to him.

In general, Hong Tao believes that this young Dutchman's drawing skills are above average. Although the proportions are a bit imbalanced, the outlines of Europe, Africa and Asia can be seen at a glance.

The language expression ability is also above average. Even though it is difficult to remember the blood relationships between the royal families of European countries, the general attitude towards religion and which camp they stand on are clear.

“Unfortunately, although I support the Protestant Alliance, it is undeniable that the military strength of the Empire and Spain is very strong. It is difficult for the Protestant Alliance alone to cope with it unless it receives support from other countries.

Denmark and England both support Protestantism and may send troops to join the war. Although there are many Protestants in France, Queen Anna is a Spanish princess and also from the Habsburg family, so the final choice is difficult to predict. "

When Cohen talked about the attitudes of European countries, he became even more excited. Not only did his voice become louder and louder, but he also added gestures from time to time, completely forgetting Silva's instructions about meeting the emperor.

"Well, Denmark and England support Protestantism, Poland, Lithuania and Spain support Catholicism, and France's position is unclear. The strength of both sides seems to be similar. So I want to know, if the Ottoman Empire chooses one side, can it tip the scales of victory?"

Through Cohen's analysis of the European political landscape, Hong Tao not only gave an above-average evaluation of his political acumen, but also enriched his understanding of European countries in this era. But Europe alone is obviously not enough, it would be even better if West Asia could be added.

"Please forgive the Emperor! The Turks are unlikely to intervene in the conflict with Germany. In addition to religious issues, they are also facing considerable troubles. They have been fighting the Persians for about... four or five years, and unfortunately became the loser. They just signed the contract at the beginning of the year." Fortunately, Cohen not only understood the political situation in Europe, but also took into account the situation outside Europe. Hearing the Emperor's question, he immediately danced with joy and spoke eloquently about the contradictions between the two major powers in West Asia.

"Is that so..." After listening to Cohen's explanation of the situation in Europe and West Asia, Hong Tao habitually tapped the table with his knuckles and fell into deep thought.

Based on my memory, I can roughly judge that this explanation is closer to the facts. If so, the Ming Dynasty must take advantage of the opportunity that all European countries are deeply mired in the quagmire of war to make a profit, but from the perspective of time, it cannot be too hasty.

At present, it is only the beginning of the Thirty Years' War, and the scale is relatively small. Countries have not yet invested their full efforts. If a giant suddenly appears in the East at this time, it will seriously hinder the source of spices for European countries and may change the course of the war. That would not be cost-effective.

There are undercurrents in the north of the Ming Dynasty now. If a war for the East Indies is triggered, it is not that we will not be able to handle it, but the difficulty will be greatly increased. This is not in line with our habit of picking on weak targets.

"Mr. Cohen, I have a suggestion. Let the Ming merchant ships transport the goods from the port of Batavia to the Cape of Good Hope, and then your company's ships will take over and continue to transport them to Europe.

This will not only solve your company's difficulties without starting a war, but also enhance the cooperative relationship between your company and the Ming Empire. Isn't this a good way to kill three birds with one stone?"

After considering for a while, Hong Tao finally spoke and proposed a plan that no one had expected. Then he stared at Cohen, who was a little unprepared, and Silva, who looked incredulous, and showed a harmless smile.

"But... the Cape of Good Hope is only a small supply point, which cannot accommodate large fleets, let alone ensure the safety of the fleet. Fleets from Spain, Portugal, and even England may suddenly appear!"

Facing the emperor's smile, Cohen felt cheated. But after a rational analysis, as long as the transportation price was not too high, it would be a good solution. Should he agree to it? Cohen was in a dilemma and had to find an excuse to prevaricate.

"It's okay. I will send people to help your company build the port. If necessary, I can also send more troops to garrison and ensure the safety of Ming merchant ships. Please rest assured that the empire will not forcibly occupy your company's port. To be more precise, it should be considered co-governance.

After completion, not only will the merchant ships of Ming Dynasty and your company be able to dock, but it will also be able to provide more stable, safer and more comfortable services to merchant ships from Spain, Portugal, England and even more countries.

In time, through the unremitting efforts of both parties, I believe that this small port can be turned into a very prosperous city. Of course, as shareholders, your company and the Ming merchant ships can be exempted from some taxes, while other countries must pay according to the standard fees. "

Hong Tao smiled even more kindly, as if he was telling a child who went out to play to find a policeman if he got lost, and he vividly described the bright future and commercial value of the Cape of Good Hope.

(End of this chapter)