listened to Zhang Fan's words. Zhao Xiande has some. No. looked at Zhang Fan in surprise. He really didn't expect that Zhang Fan would ask him to join Jinyiwei. But for a family that has been a businessman for generations. Often looked down upon. People who are often exploited by court officials. Zhao Xiande heard Zhang Fan's proposal. I didn't rejoice in my heart. Instead. A sense of panic arose.

Zhao Xiande looked at the smiling Zhang Fan. Seeing that he didn't have any opinion of his surprised expression. I couldn't help but think in my heart: "This Zhang Fan." At a young age, he held a key position. I heard those people say that he was just last year's new champion. Although the writing is very good. But these days I have climbed to this position. Either that, or they're born to drill camps. Either it is really favored by the current emperor. It's just that at such a young age, it's like this. Could it be that he also fell in love with my net worth. "Zhao Xiande is worried about this. He regretted a little that he had told Zhang Fan all the way just now. Wan Yifan also asked him for money. With the current situation. I'm afraid it's not a few million taels that can be sent away. It's just that Zhao Xiande is also a businessman. Although in order to make money, you can do life and death such as going to sea and going on an ocean adventure. But I don't know that it's a dead end, and I have to move forward. After all, he also took the risk so that his family could live a good life. If you go against Zhang Fan's will. Thinking of the terrifying name of the brocade guard. I'm afraid I don't know how I died. Until then. It's not just your own life that is at risk. I am afraid that my wife and children will also be implicated. Since both horizontal and vertical are to pay money. Or even bankrupt yourself. One is dead, the other is alive. Zhao Xiande can still tell clearly.

"The grass people don't know what adults mean. Please tell the grass people in detail. Zhao Xiande asked. The tone is very careful. But it also revealed some panic.

Zhang Fan could naturally hear the meaning of his words. He smiled. said: "The official thinks you have misunderstood. What this official said just now is indeed a sincere invitation to join Jinyiwei. But I don't want anything from you. I want you to do business for me. ”

"Oh." listened to Zhang Fan's words. Zhao Xiande was stunned again. The officials in the court and the central government were all from the background of scholars. He despised the lowliest businessmen of his time. This is something that is obvious to all. However, contempt is contempt. But no one is going to be uncomfortable with money. And businessmen are naturally a big channel for them to accumulate wealth. Although it is inconvenient for many people who are officials in the court to come forward to do business on their own. But in order to make a profit. They will still develop a lot of profitable businesses. Zhao Xiande thought that Zhang Fan just took a fancy to the huge profits of his overseas trade. Want a piece of the pie. But he thought about it. There's nothing wrong with that. Although Zhang Fan's share alone may be greater than the total amount of bribes paid by officials large and small here when he returns each year. But that's it. Zhao Xiande no longer needs to be afraid of these people. Every time, I have to send silver with a smiling face. Joining Jinyiwei meant that his status in the Ming Dynasty changed. The most direct thing is that he may be rich now. However, his status as a merchant meant that he could only live at home even if he wanted to wear clothes made of silk. And you can't wear it on the street. However, followed Zhang Fan. Such restrictions do not exist. Although Zhao Xiande knows that for this kind of face privilege. You will lose a lot of money. However, the Chinese's inherent idea of honoring the ancestors still made him feel that this deal was worth it.

"What do you mean. Will the grass people also serve the adults in the future? Zhao Xiande asked. It's about going to sea. ”

Zhang Fan knew what he meant. However, he was clearly mistaken. Or maybe he didn't think of what Zhang Fan really meant. Shook his head. Zhang Fan said: "Go to sea and ocean trade. You're going to go on. However, this official is not greedy for your little money. ”

Listen to what Zhang Fan said. Zhao Xiande was very surprised. He really didn't know why Zhang Fan would say things like "those little money". But after the surprise. Zhao Xiande's heart swelled with excitement again. Tens of millions of taels can be called "small money" by Zhang Fan. Wouldn't he have to make a bigger deal? One mention of making money. The blood of the businessman flowing in Zhao Xiande's body suddenly boiled. looked at Zhang Fan very excitedly and expectantly.

Zhang Fan saw his appearance. It's funny, but I also sigh that I have found the right person. He wants this kind of person who can do anything to make money. But people's hearts are unpredictable. Zhang Fan also had to take the test for him: "But before I talk about it." I have something to ask you. ”

"My lord, please ask." Zhao Xiande hurriedly said.

"Huh. You don't have to get excited. Sit down and have a cup of tea. The official will talk to you slowly. Zhang Fan said. The officer asked you. What is morality? ”

Zhao Xiande heard Zhang Fan's question. Stunned. It wasn't because he didn't expect Zhang Fan to ask him this question. It's something else. If only someone had asked him that before. He's going to make a big point. Even after doing business, although he was classified as a profit-seeking businessman, he was first-class. However, it is still in nature to follow moral norms. But now Zhao Xiande doesn't think so: "My lord." It's a difficult question. Although the grass people have been in business for generations. However, when childhood. My father also made the grass people read and write. Although he has no fame. But he also knows etiquette, righteousness and shame. If you are an adult, ask the grass people two years ago. Even when the grass people are trapped and have nothing. I didn't think to complain with resentment. But in the past three years, when I went to sea to do business. I saw another place thousands of miles away. The word morality in the hearts of grass people has changed. ”

"Oh. Let's hear it. Zhang Fan said with interest. He originally thought that he would enlighten Zhao Xiande. I didn't expect him to take the bait himself.

"When the grass people were in Europe. The people there are completely different from me. Zhao Xiande said. Grass folk do not refer to their physical characteristics. It's the idea of being a person.

"The grass people remember the first year they arrived in Portugal. A few of the people who were doing business with him on the same ship had just begun to sell their own things. At that time, we were still groveling. But gradually. We found. It's not that the people there look down on us. We have traveled thousands of miles to cross the ocean for money. He almost died on board. If here. Please forgive me. If it's here. Whether it is the official of the yamen or the common people in the market, they will say that we are lost. It's not worth your life if you want money. But the people there saw that we had brought something they didn't have. It's all they want. Very welcoming to us. Even after they learned about our experience. We are all in awe of us. A local governor, the viscount, found out about this, and even came to the filthy dock where we were and invited us to his ...... That one...... Visitors in the castle. At the same time, we were treated like guests.

"My lord just asked the grass people what morality is. This is the obvious answer to everyone. Now the grass people can't answer. The only thing the grass people can say is. I have my own morality. But outsiders also have the morality of outsiders. ”

Zhang Fan was very happy that Zhao Xiande in front of him could say such a thing. Oh, yes. Morality is nothing more than people's values. Easterners and Westerners have different values. The so-called moral concept is naturally different. Just like Zhao Xiande said. They crossed the seas and did business. Here it is to ask for money and not to die; However, it will be said to Westerners. What they value more is the so-called chivalry. To put it bluntly, it's personal heroism. The voyage of Zhao Xiande and others. The purpose is to make money for this ideal. Although not as great as Columbus and Magellan. But for them. Doing anything for the sake of an ideal is a commendable thing in itself.

But Zhang Fan was also very pleased. But since Zhao Xiande knows this truth. Zhang Fan doesn't have to tell him about it again. He continued to ask, "Then the official will ask you again." It is said that businessmen seek profits. You can do anything for the sake of money. Tell the officer. How far can you go? ”

"This ......" Zhao Xiande really didn't think about this question. I thought about it for a while. Zhao Xiande said. "This. The grass people don't know either. Or adults can ask a little more specifically. ”

"That is. If killing can make you a lot of money. And don't worry that the government will come to your door. You. Don't dare. Dry or not. Zhang Fan asked with a smile. Now he is like a demon in hell. Tempting the person in front of him who is not very solid in his heart.

"This ......" Zhao Xiande was really frightened by Zhang Fan's appearance and this question. …… My lord. You wouldn't really want to let the grass people ...... Let the grass people ......"

"Haha." Zhang Fan suddenly burst out laughing. Said. "I'm just going to test your guts. But if you really say yes. The official is going to find someone else. ”

"Huh. Adults are really joking. Zhao Xiande also said with a smile. It's just that it's summer. And the sky is clear. Zhao Xiande felt a chill down his spine.

"Huh. It was really just a joke. Zhang Fan smiled. But then he straightened his posture again. He asked, "If the official asks you." If there is one thing. It can save a lot of people who are hot and watery. And let these people help you make money. You can't do it. ”

"This ......," Zhao Xiande did not answer immediately. Instead, I thought about it in my heart. Until he confirmed that there were no traps in Zhang Fan's questioning this time. before he spoke. "That's a good thing. Who would refuse. ”

"Good. Case. From now on. You're my Jinyiwei. Zhang Fan said.

"Ugh." Zhao Xiande thought that Zhang Fan would be so simple. **After a while, he came back to his senses. Hurriedly kowtow to Zhang Fan. Thanks.

Zhang Fan hurriedly aroused him. said, "Remember. From now on, you will be my subordinate. Under me. I want your heart to really listen to me. It's not about being in front of me. Do you understand. ”

"Yes. Be. My lord. Zhao Xiande hurriedly said. It's just that this is his first experience. Not yet able to adapt.

Zhang Fan also blamed again. said, "Sit down." I still have something to discuss with you. ”

Wait until Zhao Xiande sits down. Zhang Fan said: "Now the official wants to talk to you about business." Tell the officer. When do you plan to go to sea next time? ”

"I used to walk in the winter. At that time, the ship sailed south. It's warmer too. It's just that the Spring Festival and Chinese New Year's Eve can't be spent at home with the family. Now this route is also familiar. In addition, the people on the ship are also very familiar. Grass Folk ...... The lowly also spent a lot of money to keep them. Nowadays, it only takes half a year to make a round trip. In addition, the wife and children of the lowly position also have many complaints about the lowly position. Now the lowly post can wait until the beginning of spring to leave. And the lowly also has some capital in his hands. I want to spend more time with my wife and children at home. So I want to find someone to go to sea on my behalf. It's just this year. It's hard to find someone you can trust. ”

"You don't have to look for it." Zhang Fan said. "I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to go in person this time."

"Since it was ordered by your lordship. Obedience to the lowly duty. "Zhao Xiande entered the role very quickly.

"You can now make a round trip once every six months. Count the time you spend in Europe. Zhang Fan asked.

"Counted." Zhao Xiande said. Speaking of which. He was quite proud. "I don't think adults know yet. Humble office is now somewhat well-known in Europe. As soon as the humiliation comes. The news is out. Then the merchants and royals of all European countries will come to buy it immediately. Just like this time. The lowly duty was filled with three truckloads of cargo. Before half a month arrived, he could already set off and return home. ”

"Hmm." Zhang Fan understood. I thought about it. said, "This time I want you to go earlier." Other than that. A few more boats are needed. Of course, you have to pay for the money yourself. However, there is more than just loading cargo on board. I'll give you two hundred more sergeants. I want you to do something for me. ”

"This ......," Zhao Xiande listened to him. Taken aback. thought that Zhang Fan was going to war. But he thought about it for a moment. What can two hundred sergeants do? Then he asked. "I don't know what the adults want to do."

"You've never heard of a man named Columbus in Europe?" Zhang Fan asked.

"Columbus." Zhao Xiande touched his chin and thought about it for a long time before he remembered. "Back to my lord. The lowly seems to have heard it. But I only heard it from the princes and ministers of other countries. As for the Portuguese, it was never mentioned. ”

Zhang Fan listened to him. I laughed in my heart. Prince Juan of Portugal refused to support Columbus's voyage. In the end, the Spaniards took the credit for the discovery of the New World. Here's what to say. Although later generations know that it was Columbus who discovered the New World. But at the time. The Spaniards, who supported him to sail to sea, were undoubtedly the biggest winners. Zhao Xiande is in Portugal. Although nowadays Portugal and Spain are a nostril puff. But Columbus's name will not be mentioned lightly.

"I also listened to those two guys." Zhang Fan was referring to the conversation he had with Richard and Joanna in English. "This Columbus departed from Spain by boat. All the way west. Going through a lot of hardships and dangers. A new land mass was discovered. The land is huge. It is more extensive than my Ming territory. ”

"That's true." Zhao Xiande didn't believe his words. "Then why don't the Portuguese talk about it?"

Zhang Fan nodded in affirmation. He continued: "Then Columbus had a request from the Portuguese royal family. But they didn't support him. But it is to let other countries take advantage. That's why it's like this. ”

"Oh. I see. Zhao Xiande expressed understanding. Then he asked. "What did the lord mean by telling the lowly position."

"This Columbus was originally just for adventure. However, after the discovery of that land. See that there are still many uncivilized savage tribes above. Zhang Fan said. So people's hearts are unpredictable. They relied on strong soldiers and sharp blades, strong ships and artillery. Massacre and enslave them. ”

"These Europeans are really a bunch of barbarians. It's so inhumane. Zhao Xiande was also quite angry.

"Now. I want you to go there too. Zhang Fan said. But not on the side of the Europeans. It's the other side of that continent. ”

Hear Zhang Fan's words. Zhao Xiande was surprised again.