Tuqing: My first love was Cixi

Chapter 161 Auspicious day! Return from London! Big event

After Bao Ling and Basxali left Buckingham Palace and returned home, they did nothing and got drunk alone.

Completely lost all grace and was yelling the whole time.

"Long live Her Majesty the Queen!"

"Long live His Royal Highness!"

"Long live the British Empire."

"Long live cooperation, long live the new route."

If there was a chance to do it again, if they knew it would be so difficult, they would definitely not agree to the secret agreement with Su Yi.

But, no if.

Any great thing cannot be accomplished overnight.

Any great thing is a hard work of will.

After drinking to the extreme, the two fell asleep on the carpet.

And the next day!

The two of them were in high spirits, dressed in fine clothes, and once again went out to visit various financial groups.

The prince was right, this was a huge victory, but it had just begun.

Bigger challenges lie ahead.

In the following time, the two knights worked more than fifteen hours a day.

Visit the consortium, visit the scholars, visit the scientists, visit the engineers.

Then, a castle was contracted.

He spent his own money and held a grand banquet.

After the banquet, there is the corporate salon.

He showed the royal family's "will" over and over again, and showed the deposit notes of three million pounds over and over again.

Describe over and over again the magic of Su Yi and his great achievements in China at this time.

The bright future of this plan was explained over and over again.

Finally it evolved into a sentence!

Ten years later, annual profits exceeded five million pounds.

Try your best to lobby various consortiums to invest in this project.

"Gentlemen, you are not only making profits, but also exploring another route of the British Empire. Our actions will extend the life of the empire for a hundred years. Our actions will not only be written in financial textbooks, but also in History textbook.”

"In the next hundred years, the entire empire will feel extremely grateful for your decision today."

However, this kind of persuasion is only moderately effective.

Idealism may be able to impress Prince Albert. But it is difficult to impress these financial groups.

Investing in a decadent and backward China is still too risky, even crazy, for them.

Bao Ling and Ba Xiali spent a lot of money and used extremely gorgeous language to package and describe this investment project.

There were many interested consortiums, but none were able to make a decision.

After a comprehensive assessment, Jardine Matheson felt that the risk was too great to make a decision.

The East India Company is determined to give it a try, but they are currently facing a financial crisis and it is difficult to make up their mind.

However, the two of them were not depressed.

The hardest part has been completed, what does the rest mean?

Bashar said politely: "I have an idea, Sir Bao Ling."

Bao Ling said: "Although I know what you are thinking, I still ask you to speak out."

Basharli said: "The two of us cannot convince these consortiums, that's because we are not capable enough in this regard."

"But there is one person who is the most professional in this regard. He single-handedly convinced the two of us to bet all our futures and fates. He also almost single-handedly convinced Prince Albert. "

"So, how about he still conquers these consortiums?"

"And what we are responsible for is to package the heads of these consortiums and deliver them to Marquis Su Yi."

"Let professional people do professional things."

Sir Baoling said: "I agree!"

Then, the next step is how to deliver these consortiums to Su Yi? These people have many things to do every day, and it is still difficult to bring them to China, which is far away.

Sir Basari said: "We contract a luxury liner, responsible for all expenses, five-star enjoyment, and invite the heads of these consortia to go to China. And use our gold mines in Malay as collateral for another loan, if If they gain nothing from this inspection, we will pay for their losses during this period.”

Bao Ling's eyes trembled.

They have already mortgaged their shares to the bank twice for this gold mine.

They paid a lot of money for this plan, and the remaining shares were almost their pension money.

Bao Ling was silent for a while and said, "Okay, I agree!"

Next, the two people acted resolutely and immediately implemented the plan.

No matter what, let's bring this group of consortium to China first.

Marquis Suyi, I hope you can conquer these greedy and shrewd conglomerates like the government and Prince Albert.

..........................................

Ten days later!

A luxury liner departs from London for China.

Inside the passenger ship, expensive drinks, exquisite food, professional bands, beautiful maids, etc. are all available.

But inside, there were only a few dozen guests.

All of them are relevant persons in charge of various European consortiums.

When Mrs. Baoling returned to her home in London, she cried loudly and even cursed.

Because the family's only manor was sold.

The mansion in London was also mortgaged by him in the bank.

A lot of money was spent on salons, dinner parties, lobbying, contracting liner ships.

Moreover, Bao Ling and Basiali were investors themselves, but their savings were all spent and they had no money to pay for the next investment, so they sold their manors and mortgaged their mansions.

When the luxury liner leaves the port.

Drinking and drinking are intertwined, and it is extremely luxurious.

Not far away, dozens of British Empire warships were juxtaposed with luxury passenger ships.

The warship was filled with soldiers from the British Empire.

They were drinking cheap drinks and partying hard.

They looked at the feasting and feasting inside the luxury liner and at the beautiful maids inside.

It's like another world.

"Gentlemen, this time we are going to conquer an ancient, huge, backward and decadent Eastern country!"

"We are going to smash their country gates, and we are going to break into their capital!"

"We must capture his emperor and kneel under the glory of the queen, so that they can feel the glory of civilization."

"Long live the Queen!"

"Long live the British Empire!"

"Long live the Imperial Navy!"

After the British Parliament passed the real resolution against China, it immediately mobilized troops from various colonies and assembled near Hong Kong.

Some of the troops and warships were assembled from the British mainland and headed for China.

at the same time.

More than a dozen warships set out from the French mainland, carrying thousands of expeditionary troops. They would come to join the fleet of the British Empire and head to China together.

Looking down from the sky.

The fleet represents war, cold and murderous.

The luxury liner represents cooperation, gorgeous and extravagant.

The battleships are densely packed, but the luxury liner is alone.

But in the dark night, this lonely luxury liner is still more conspicuous.

And both sides have the same destination.

China!

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at Chengdu!

Su Yi received a cold reception.

Wang Qingyun, the governor of Sichuan, only allocated half an hour to meet with Su Yi.

In the center of the imperial court, the Manchus had a higher status and had a sense of superiority.

But in the local area, it was completely the opposite. Han governors looked down upon full officers.

Su Yi met with Sichuan Governor Wang Qingyun for two purposes.

It is hoped that future factories will open up the Sichuan market.

It is hoped that Sichuan will adopt a more stringent anti-opium policy, grow tobacco instead, and conduct large-scale cooperation with Su Yi.

And now there is already a large area of ​​tobacco cultivation in Sichuan Province.

Su Yi hopes to sign an exclusive agreement to fully acquire tobacco in Sichuan Province.

As a result, Wang Qingyun stayed for a while after listening.

Then, he got a complicated look.

The meaning here is self-evident.

From what standpoint do you talk to me about this? Are you just a lucky governor of Jiangxi?

In terms of official position, power, status, and qualifications, you are far inferior to me.

And do we have any friendship?

Are you talking to me about this? Is it because the friendship is shallow and deep?

Not to mention that you, Su Yi, are not the Minister of Military Aircraft, even if you are the Minister of Military Aircraft, we can ignore your words.

Ban opium?

Did you stretch your hand too far?

Therefore, Sichuan Governor Wang Qingyun just smiled, raised his cup and said: "Master Su, drink tea, drink tea!"

"In our land of abundance, there are many outstanding people and wonderful places. In the next few days, I will ask someone to take Master Su Yi around, and I will definitely let you return home with a full load."

After you play for a few days, go back.

There is no need to say more about the rest.

Su Yi said: "Thank you, Mr. Wang, for your hospitality!"

Then, his meeting with the Governor of Sichuan ended.

Nothing was achieved.

Two of the factories Su Yi wants to set up this time are long-term, with huge investment and slow returns, but they are related to the national economy and people's livelihood, and are considered the foundation of industry.

steel and textiles.

However, he must explain to investors that he must make money.

Therefore, the other three factories are highly profitable.

One of them is cigarettes, which as we all know is an incredibly profitable industry.

This thing is still not available, but many people already smoke pipes.

This is just an innovation of concept.

Therefore, as soon as cigarettes came out in history, they immediately became popular all over the world and became the most profitable industry.

Most of our country's aircraft carriers and dumpling-like warships are smoked.

In the future, opium was planted on a large scale throughout the Qing Dynasty, which not only poisoned the entire nation, but also caused food harvests and triggered large-scale regional famines.

Taking advantage of the fact that the opium cultivation area is not large yet, let's plant all tobacco.

This has economic benefits and is much less harmful.

Tobacco is now grown in parts of Sichuan and Yunnan, but the quantity is still far from enough.

That's why Su Yi needed to talk in person.

Su Yi was not surprised that the talks in Sichuan were unsuccessful. And in his mind, the best place for tobacco production is Yunnan, not Sichuan.

Therefore, when Zeng Guofan asked him which place was more important, Su Yi said Yunnan.

Sichuan does have a huge advantage, that is, it is close to the Yangtze River waterway, which greatly reduces transportation costs.

But tobacco is very light and has astonishing profits. The proportion of transportation costs is quite low. It doesn’t matter if the origin is remote.

And as long as the manpower is in place, he will start production immediately. Even if the cigarettes are produced entirely by hand, there will still be high profits.

The key is marketing.

And as long as the relevant researchers are in place, Su Yi will conduct fragrance research based on the relevant formulas for later generations.

Strive to produce the highest quality cigarettes within this world's standards and conquer the world.

Next, Su Yi did not stop in Sichuan, but continued to Yunnan.

From Chengdu to Kunming, you can't take a boat, you can only go by land, and it's very difficult to walk the two thousand miles.

Su Yi and his party had hundreds of people, one person and two horses, and they were able to get complete and sufficient supplies at every government office and every post station, but even so, they still walked for more than half a month.

This speed is already extremely fast, even extremely tiring.

The government offices and inns along the way did their best to entertain him.

The level of the frontier officials in a province is too high. Wherever they go, officers and soldiers clear the way, and the local chief officials do their best to accompany them.

Although they were also curious, as the governor of Jiangxi, why did Su Yi come to Sichuan and Yunnan?

But who dares to ask?

Who knows if Su Yi has a secret mission?

................................................

After arriving in Kunming!

Sang Chunrong, the governor of Yunnan, reacted relatively coldly.

Therefore, Su Yi went to find Zhang Liangji, who was also cold at first.

Zhang Liangji is now considered to have left the Hunan Army, but after all, he was once the benefactor of the Hunan Army. He knew the conflict between Su Yi and the Hunan Army, so it was difficult to have a good impression of Su Yi.

However, after Su Yi took out Zeng Guofan's letter, Zhang Liangji's attitude immediately changed dramatically.

Next, the two men talked all night long.

Most of the time, Su Yi was talking and Zhang Liangji was listening.

The more I listened, the more frightened I became.

He really didn't expect that Su Yi and the Hunan Army would have such a big deal.

I didn't even expect that Su Yi would be such a huge artist.

"You mean, you want Yunnan and Guizhou to gradually ban opium and switch to tobacco cultivation?" Zhang Liangji said: "Then, your Jiujiang Economic Experimental Zone will fully purchase our entire Yunnan tobacco?"

Su Yi said: "Yes."

Then, Su Yi took out a thick dozen banknotes. "I came with the money, and the purchase volume in the future will be bigger and bigger."

"Even in the future, the money my family will give you can increase your province's fiscal revenue by more than 30 to 50 percent."

"Your tobacco still has about one or two months to mature. I want all of it."

"I can place a 30% deposit now."

"And we can sign an agreement. You can safely expand the planting area and we will underwrite the sales."

Zhang Liangji said in a trembling voice: "Master Su Yi, you...can't you also grow tobacco in Jiangxi?"

Su Yi said: "Of course, but the quality of the tobacco here is better. And our farmland needs to grow grain and mulberry trees. Of course, we will also open up some fields to grow tobacco."

Of course, there is a more important reason, Su Yi wants to tie up interests with these provinces.

At critical moments, this kind of bundling of interests can accomplish great things.

Zhang Liangji said: "Sir Su Yi, tobacco is not like opium, which can be sold at a high price. Today's tobacco is just a small business. There is no real large-scale commercial transaction. Your factory has not been opened yet, so you just purchase it like this." Tobacco, you...who are you going to sell it to?"

Today's tobacco sales are completely low-value.

I just weigh a few taels of tobacco leaves in the shop, cut them myself, and stuff them into a pipe for smoking.

Zhang Liangji said: "Master Su Yi, it is a good thing that you purchase the tobacco that we have grown all over. Because there is no such big deal as yours to cover it all at once. I can make the decision and even help you complete this task in the name of the government." acquisition.”

This is something that everyone is happy with, and Zhang Liangji can also get a good reputation.

"But if you ask us to expand the planting area, I can't make the decision on this. I need to report to Governor Wu." Zhang Liangji said: "But the problem is not big. We are poor in Yunnan, and we must be positive about things that can make money."

The key is that Zhang Liangji has a very good relationship with Wu Zhenfeng, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou.

And soon, he himself will become the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou.

The next evening, Wu Zhenfeng, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, held a private banquet to entertain Su Yi.

At the banquet, there were only three people, Wu Zhenfeng, Zhang Liangji, and Su Yi.

Sang Chunrong, the governor of Yunnan, was excluded.

"Brother Su Yi, you want to cover all tobacco from Yunnan and Guizhou. This is a great thing. Of course I agree, and I am willing to help you get this done." Wu Zhenfeng said: "You want to expand the planting area next year. In theory, I I also support it, but the matter is big and money is needed."

For this reason, the demand for tobacco is limited.

If we blindly expand the planting area, what will we do if you don’t want it next year?

Su Yi said: "So, I am willing to sign an agreement to underwrite next year's tobacco and pay part of the deposit."

Wu Zhenfeng, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, suddenly said: "Brother Su Yi, you are playing too big. I am scared to see you."

This man is over sixty years old this year. This is his last term, and he will retire and return home soon.

Moreover, after decades of ups and downs in the officialdom, he has reached the peak of a feudal official, and his speech is naturally much more candid.

"You have a great future, why are you so worried about it? These more than ten million taels of silver, hundreds of thousands of people, will end up here. If you are not careful, your body will be shattered." Wu Zhencheng said: "I have been in high and low officialdom for decades, but... there is nothing. Seeing such a huge handiwork, as a bystander, it is a bit thrilling.”

Su Yi said: "No matter how old I am, time waits for you. In a few months, maybe you will understand."

Wu Zhenfeng said: "I am getting older, and I have opened my eyes to many things. I am always willing to plant flowers and plant less thorns. I don't understand what you are doing for such a big thing, but I am also willing to help you."

"I am willing to help you with your matter. You don't need to pay the deposit required to expand the planting area next year. You should be very, very short of money now, and you can save whatever you can. But I also have a small request."

Su Yi said: "Sir, please speak."

Wu Zhenfeng said: "Although our Yunnan is located in a remote area, we have been in trouble recently. Du Wenxiu's rebellion and local regiment training are in a mess. I would like to invite your new army to come to Yunnan to help us counter the rebellion and help us train our troops. It doesn’t need to be many, just three to five hundred people.”

"Of course, we are willing to pay for all the required military expenses and so on."

It is said that such important matters need to be reported to the emperor and require the court's decree.

But now the central government is completely unable to deal with local uprisings and relies on local governors. Just one Yunnan province, a lot of team training, it's not even clear whether it's a team training or a rebel army.

As long as the rebellion can be suppressed, as long as it can be done, the court doesn't care what kind of army you use.

"Okay." Su Yi agreed directly without even saying how much military expenditure would be needed.

Three days later!

Su Yi left Kunming with a full load.

Once again, we trekked for a long time to Xuzhou Prefecture, where we boarded a boat and headed east along the Yangtze River, returning to Jiujiang.

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In Wuchang City!

Shen Baozhen signed the contract with Zeng Guofan on behalf of Su Yi.

After two days of discussion, Zeng Guofan, Luo Bingzhang and Zuo Zongtang finally decided that they were willing to sell all the cotton in Hubei to Su Yi instead of the Jiangnan Consortium.

This is a very important decision.

Because doing this means offending the Jiangnan Consortium.

All the cotton next year and the year after that can only be sold to Su Yi.

Once Su Yi is completely defeated, he will be very passive when facing the Jiangnan Consortium next year.

Moreover, the sale of Hubei's cotton to the Jiangnan consortium was largely a spontaneous act of these large landowners. Now the government has directly intervened, which is considered a side issue.

Of course, the big landowners in Hubei don't mind too much.

First of all, they are deeply tied to the Hunan Army. Secondly, they are not selling to anyone, but making money.

Moreover, Su Yi has everything covered at once, making money easier.

However, when Shen Baozhen signed, his hands trembled.

Because signing this means paying a lot of money.

A huge amount of silver.

When he actually took over the Jiujiang affairs, he realized how tight Su Yi's capital chain had become.

The mortgage of ten million taels of silver cannot be touched in Liru Bank.

Su Yi has five million taels of silver on hand, and if she spends it this way, it will be spent soon.

However, the Hunan Army has begun to fulfill the previous cooperation contract, and a steady stream of immigrants is entering Jiujiang Prefecture.

Hong Renli also reached a deal with Tianjing, and the Tianjing Women's Camp also shipped people in boat after boat.

Not to mention other supplies, which were shipped to Jiujiang in large quantities.

There are hundreds of boats on the river at all times.

Every day's money is spent like water.

The people were excited and stimulated by this prosperity.

There are only a few heads of family who are exhausted mentally and physically.

There are four people: Shen Baozhen, Bai Yan, Bai Feifei and Hu Xueyan.

Every day I count the money and how long it will take for the money in stock to be exhausted.

I have nightmares every day, all my funds have been cut off and everything has been wiped out.

Shen Baozhen knew better at this time that London had not yet settled the matter.

This factory may not even be able to be established.

Su Yi had already thrown everything into it. Once the British side failed, then... Shen Baozhen would probably have no choice but to commit suicide by throwing himself into the river.

Ignorantly bumped into.

The more you know, the more you fear.

The more you know, the more you admire.

Then, there was no way to get away.

Zeng Guofan looked at Shen Baozhen's trembling hands and said, "Youdan, are you scared?"

Shen Baozhen grinned and said: "Before, the ignorant had no fear and rushed in headlong. Now they are facing an abyss. Success will be recorded in the annals of history, failure will be shattered to pieces."

Zeng Guofan said: "Before, a few of us spurned you and thought your betrayal was shameful. But now... we don't care anymore. Whether it is success or failure, at least what you Shen Youdan did is a big thing."

Shen Baozhen took a deep breath, then steadied his hand and signed his name.

Then, Hu Xueyan behind him loosened his stiff hands and handed over the box in his hand.

Inside, everything is banknotes.

Another astronomical sum of money.

After paying this money, how much money is left?

Master Su Yi is not here, and the capital chain is almost broken.

Master Bai Yan has already gone to find the money.

Soon, he, Hu Xueyan, would also be looking for money.

I pray to God that it can happen in London!

Otherwise, let's all be crushed together.

......................................................

Hu Linyi, the chief envoy of Jiangxi Province, came to Jiujiang to hand over relevant matters.

In the end, Su Yi wasn't there, but it didn't matter, just put down a lot of things and leave.

Because Su Yi had said that all Jiangxi government affairs would be handed over to him, Hu Linyi.

In a sense, he came here just to show respect, so as not to make people think that he has no boss.

As a result, when he was about to leave, he was stopped by Bai Feifei.

It is said that it is not easy for female relatives to see outsiders, but Su Yi has too few people at hand, and she has completely treated her sister-in-law as a man.

"Master Hu, I have an unkind request." Bai Feifei was confused.

Hu Linyi said: "Madam, please tell me."

Bai Feifei said: "Shen Baozhen's daughter-in-law is going to marry Su Yi. Now she needs a matchmaker. Can Mr. Hu be as beautiful as a man?"

"what?"

This amount of information was so large that Hu Linyi fell into a brief state of confusion.

After a long while, Hu Linyi nodded and said: "Okay!"

Then, for no apparent reason, he acted as Su Yi's matchmaker and hired Shen Ting'en.

Fulfilled the duties of a matchmaker.

Only a woman like Bai Feifei could talk about this kind of thing. No one else would be able to ask a chief envoy to be a matchmaker for such a marriage. After all, it was a concubine.

When Hu Linyi left Jiujiang, he couldn't help but said to Li Xubin beside him: "Is Shen Youdan so determined? I don't know where Su Yi's ship is heading? It's probably going to be shattered to pieces."

Li Xubin said: "But such a generous and bold move is really impressive!"

This time when Zeng Guofan and Shen Baozhen signed the contract, it was calm and calm.

But in fact, the senior leaders of the Hunan Army were very heated when discussing this matter.

Neither Hu Linyi nor Luo Bingzhang supported giving Hubei cotton to Su Yi because the risk was too great and it was safer to sell it to the Jiangnan Consortium.

Moreover, the Hunan Army and the Jiangnan Consortium have always been deeply tied.

Zeng Guofan remained silent.

As a result, Zuo Zongtang slapped the table and insisted on giving it to Su Yi.

"Su Yi is likely to lose this time."

"The court doesn't know what he's doing, but don't you and I know?"

"He can fail, but I will never allow him to be held back at this critical moment. Regardless of success or failure, this matter will probably go down in history, and I don't want you to be infamous for it."

He has the lowest official position, but Luo Bingzhang obeys his advice. Once he stubbornly decides on something, no one can break him.

As a result, he forcefully suppressed Hu Linyi's will.

Luo Bingzhang also obeyed him.

Zeng Guofan was always neutral.

Eventually, the deal took shape.

......................................................

After nearly two months, Su Yi finally returned to Jiujiang again.

Just got off the boat.

Bai Feifei came up to him.

"You are finally back, and we are going crazy here."

Su Yi said: "What's wrong?"

Bai Feifei said: "Aren't you going to marry Shen Bao'er? I asked Master Hu Linyi to be a matchmaker, and I arranged a good and auspicious date. However, you, the groom, were nowhere to be seen. How can I explain this to Master Shen?"

Su Ye trembled and said, "Is today a good day?"

Bai Feifei said: "Tomorrow, but the banquet will start tonight. Thousands of people will come."

"Hu Linyi, Li Xubin, and Jiangxi officials at all levels were all present."

"Toming, Mr. Wang Youling is here too."

"If you, the master, don't come, we don't know what we will do."

Su Yi said: "I haven't come back, why should I set the auspicious day for tomorrow?"

Bai Feifei said quietly: "The money is going to run out, so I will take this opportunity to make money and count the days."

what? !

This reason was so strong that Su Yi could not refute it.

Then, she no longer cared about the differences between men and women, pushed Su Yi and said: "Go and change clothes quickly and entertain the guests. There are too many high-level officials and no one can support them."

Su Yi was pushed by her sister-in-law and ran back.

At this time, in Jiujiang City, the lights were brightly lit and people were buzzing.

....................................

at the same time!

Shanghai Wusongkou Terminal.

The luxury liner docked slowly.

After a long voyage, Bao Ling and Ba Xiali finally arrived in China with dozens of British consortium leaders.

This ship is fully loaded with the political fate of Su Yi, Basia Li and Bao Ling.

It is also full of Prince Albert’s expectations.

Standing on the bow of the ship, Basiali saw the familiar land and was filled with emotions!

"Marquis Su Yi, our mission is completed, now it's up to you."

"These greedy and shrewd consortiums are left to you."

"We look forward to your performance and seeing how you conquer them."

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Note: The second update was sent. I was a little hypoglycemic, so I went to eat quickly.

I will continue to ask for your benefactors’ monthly votes to encourage me. Please thank you all. Thank you.

(End of this chapter)