Chapter Ninety-Nine: Opening up the Sino-American Trade Road The Han River Bridge was opened to traffic

The Viceroy of Mexico ruled over a larger area than the whole of Spain, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that he was the king here. But what he didn't expect was that he gathered more than 50 warships and armed merchant ships, and wanted to use the cover of night to deal with a total of four ships of the Ming Dynasty, but more than 20 were sunk by others at once. What's even more terrifying is that the Ming Dynasty not only sank so many of their warships, but also attacked the port of Acapulco, and then occupied the port of Acapulco, that Colt knew that he was invincible, did not resist, it stands to reason that he should be punished strictly, but the governor of Mexico did not, he believed Colt's words, if the Ming Dynasty wanted to occupy Mexico City, they could easily do it, and the Ming Dynasty army would only increase casualties and property losses, and there was no need to resist at all.

However, the colonies of the Spanish Empire allowed the Ming Dynasty to enter and exit in this way, and sank more than 20 of their ships, which is really unreasonable without a little expression. After a few days of observation and consideration, the governor of Mexico learned that among the things brought by the merchant ships of the Ming Dynasty, the most profitable and best-selling thing was the sulfonamide drug in small glass bottles. The drug is almost sold at the price of gold, and it is not easy to buy. The Governor has long heard that the Yaogang people of the Ming Dynasty have produced a miracle medicine, and many diseases can be cured after eating, especially on the battlefield, the wounded soldiers who could not be cured at all in the past can save their lives with this medicine. The Doge suddenly had an idea, he wanted to buy out the rights to operate this drug in the Mexican Quarter, and told the king that it was for the empire to buy this medicine of great military value, so that the Ming people would be allowed to go ashore to do business. In this way, the king would have an account, and he would be able to monopolize this lucrative and lucrative business. He believes that the people who came from the Ming Dynasty are not fools, and should understand that this is a step that is acceptable to both sides.

Wei Chong received this letter written by the governor of Mexico himself, and understood that although this letter was a request in a very strong tone, there was no way to do it, it was a small means to save face and strive for some benefits. Of course, Wei Chong cooperated very tacitly. He sent a letter back to the Governor of Mexico through Colt, agreeing to the Governor's request. However, Wei Chong meant that the pharmaceutical business could be completely done by the Governor, but the price should be the same as everyone else.

In this way, as soon as letters were exchanged, the Ming Dynasty could do business in the port of Acapulco in a straightforward manner.

The shopkeepers sent by Lu Chengxiang were all human spirits, and he used the money he received to buy a large courtyard in Acapulco as their office and warehouse.

This is the original yard of an Acapulco merchant, who has not had the galleon trade for several years, and the business is not good, so the merchant moved out of here and left this yard behind. It happened to be picked up by the kiln people. The kiln gang people also spent a high price to buy a deep-water wharf, and then unloaded a lot of reinforced concrete, reinforced the wharf, and built loading and unloading equipment on the wharf. It's diesel-powered.

The Kiln Gang had just bought the yard and started a new business, which shook the whole Mexican district. They opened a telephone office in Acapulco and began to provide telephone service. This is nothing short of a myth in Acapulco. The kiln gang people also do very simple, installed a lot of telephones on the dock, let everyone call each other, and then the salesman told them, such a call, received from your home, you can call all the people who have a phone. At the beginning, those merchants who earned a lot of silver, in order to make it easier to talk to the kiln people, deliberately coaxed them to install telephones in their homes, but they found that in addition to being able to talk to the kiln people on the phone, it was also very convenient for them to communicate with each other. Later, those restaurants that could provide food delivery services first installed telephones, and they quickly achieved good results. Those businessmen who have installed telephones in their homes have to enjoy the service of delivering food to their homes with a single phone call. And when the family goes out, they will say that we didn't cook in our house today, and we ordered a meal by phone.

Soon, the phone call was the hippest thing to do in the port city. Within a month, telephones were installed in the entire larger shops of Puerto Acapulco. The Governor's Palace installed five telephones at a time. The cost of the telephone is not low, because the electricity used is still generated by diesel engines. The cement foundation for wind power installed on the mountain has not yet dried, and there is no way to use diesel engines.

The arrival of the kiln gang people has made more and more people here in Acapulco. In addition to selling their own goods, the kiln workers found that the cotton here in Mexico was of good quality and the price was lower, as if it were given for nothing. They bought a large amount of cotton, and as a result, the price of cotton here has risen to the highest level in history.

The kiln people also have a big catch, although there is no coal here in Acapulco, they can buy coal from other places through local merchants. This is very important, otherwise the steamers in the kiln will have to bring a lot of coal for the return trip, or buy a lot of firewood for the return trip. Although the kiln ships are also equipped with equipment to crush firewood for fuel, the heat of firewood is not as high as that of coal, and it will take up a lot of space. Dealing with coal from here is a boon to the local coal diggers, because the last coal on the kiln gang ship needs a large quantity.

Opening up this trade route is really a very good news for the people of Yaogang.

For Zhang Zhimu, who was in Quanzhou, it was enough to hear that the Yaogang warship could land in Mexico to do business, and he knew that Lu Chengxiang would not lose anything about doing business, and he didn't have to worry about it at all. Zhang Zhimu also knows that from now on, many Mexican eagles will begin to flow to the kiln in large quantities.

In Quanzhou, Zhang Zhimu and Emperor Chongzhen visited the Quanzhou Foreign Chinese College, the Customs Building, and the Quanzhou Shipyard.

Now the Quanzhou shipyard is renovated by Zheng Zhilong and his shipyard, and it can already build wooden ships with a steel frame keel of up to 25,000 tons. It is even possible to build three or four 5,000-ton cargo ships per year.

There are many merchant ships from various countries moored in Quanzhou Port, and there are too many commodities and goods in and out of it. The common feeling is that the whole of Quanzhou is busy. Many people who saw it were in a hurry. It was the largest trading port in the whole of the East.

But what makes people feel even more contrasting here is that people here are more casual. There are many teahouses and snack bars, and people are enjoying themselves slowly.

Since the Yaogang people took over Quanzhou, the Quanzhou port terminal has expanded a lot and installed a lot of loading and unloading equipment. I don't know how many times the volume of trade has expanded. There are more and more businessmen stationed in various countries. The shops built here in Yaogang receive many Chinese and foreign businessmen every day. Many goods over there in Yaogang have been sold before they are produced.

On the last night in Quanzhou, Zhang Zhimu brought Chen Yufeng, Yan Boju, and Ouyang He over.

The three of them understood at a glance that Zhang Zhimu had something to tell them.

Sure enough, the three of them drank tea for a while, and Zhang Zhimu said, "I'm going back tomorrow." After I thought about Zhenjiang, I would go to Hankou for a while. ”

Chen Yufeng, Yan Boju, and Ouyang He looked at each other for a while and didn't speak, and Zhang Zhimu continued: "I think our land area is big enough. Instead of fighting for the homeland, the focus should shift to how to govern these places. In the future, we are likely to fight a war with the Western countries. In fact, if we had fought a battle, we would have defeated them, and then we would have dealt with them with a divide-and-conquer strategy. Divide them into countless small countries. None of them has the strength to think anything about us. If our fleet goes to the Atlantic this time, if it completes its mission, it will be able to win us at least 30 to 50 years of peace. As long as we complete the integration of all ethnic groups in the country in the next 30 to 50 years and establish a sound legal system and national structure, we will be in an invincible position. Now is the time for world affairs, national affairs, and kiln affairs, and there must be a difference. ”

"Huh!" Ouyang He smiled and said, "It seems that Zhang always wants to invite Li Mao back to do something?" ”

"Yes!" Chen Yufeng nodded and said, "I thought you just wanted to make Li Mao the 'prince'?" ”

"In front of all of you, I have nothing to hide. In all dynasties, there was a so-called 'prince'. I have a great responsibility now, and I can't think of it. I think that around us, the people with more comprehensive abilities still belong to this Li Mao Li Gongzi! In the situation we are in, the country is not like a country, and it cannot be like this forever. Preparations for nation-building should begin now. I want Li Mao to be the future president of the country in the future, and he should have been involved in this matter as soon as possible. Now Li Yan: They are also very efficient, and many laws are constantly being issued. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, we will not have more impact because of sudden changes. ”

"I have also studied this matter with Mr. Ouyang, we can control the affairs of the army, and on the police side, there is no problem with this old thing and Yang Jing. There are Mr. Lu and Yukun in charge of the silver, and there is no problem. In the future, if you are not the president, it will not be a big deal! Chen Yufeng said.

"Uncle Chen, Uncle Yan, Mr. Ouyang, I can understand your feelings very well, but this is what I am worried about. Truth be told, we as a collective can guarantee that we are invincible. But we should now think about it for future generations. Think about what this country would be like without us. If we want our country to be viable, we must build up its institutions and legal environment. In this case, whoever will run the country in the future will have to obey the law. If he is not qualified, he can be replaced. In the future, the country will not become another person's own private and family heirloom! ”

"Hey, hey! Zhimu thinks about things in the long run, otherwise I think, as long as we are here, no one can do anything to us? I'm thinking about what's in front of me! Hey! Yan Boju said with a smile.

"Actually, I have long seen the arrangement of Li Mao and Li Gongzi, Mr. Zhang has never wanted him to return to Yaogang, because as a 'prince', he doesn't want him to have a conflict of interest with more people. I've also been thinking that if there is really anything wrong with Mr. Zhang, we are in charge of the army and guarantee that we can support Li Mao to take over power. Still didn't think of anything further afield. Ouyang He said, "According to what Mr. Zhang said today, I think that Li Mao should come back as soon as possible to preside over the preparation for the establishment of the country." ”

"What position are you going to let Li Mao come back to?" Chen Yufeng asked.

"I thought about it, and I didn't want to give him a specific position. Let him be my assistant, so it's more flexible! Zhang Zhimu said, "It's just that I haven't talked to Li Mao about this matter clearly!" That's what I'm talking to him about this time! ”

"Li Mao is an extremely smart person, I think he can understand your mind a long time ago, so no one will explain this matter first. When the time comes, I will naturally say! Ouyang He also saw it very clearly.

"I don't think I'll be able to stir up the crowd when I go to Hankou this time. Mr. Ouyang and I rushed back to Yaogang, and the situation in the west has not yet been completely stabilized, so we must keep an eye on it. After speaking, he said to Yan Boju, "I think, you Cybernaut will help Zhimu to go to Xiangma, right?" ”

"Good! However, Li Mao is also a master of Soma! Yan Boju said.

Ouyang He said: "Li Gongzi, it's good that he can be literate and martial, and he has seen both meat and vegetarians, so he can take on a big responsibility!" ”

Zhang Zhimu took a sip of tea and said, "Actually, I was also optimistic about Li Yan and Li Gongzi at the beginning. In terms of character and talent, both of them are good. But in comparison, Li Mao is still more calm! ”

"Yes! Li Yan has a good character, and he is jealous and hateful. But as a leader, it's not okay to be too high, sometimes you must have the ability to make peace with the mud! Chen Yufeng said.

"I don't think there is anyone more suitable to be a leader than Zhimu, I don't understand, why don't you become the president yourself?" Yan Boju asked.

Chen Yufeng and Ouyang He both looked at Zhang Zhimu, and Zhang Zhimu knew that he also wanted to know this answer.

"Oops! I just don't want to live so tired! Nothing else! Hehe! ”

"Hahaha!" Chen Yufeng, Yan Boju, and Ouyang He also laughed. They also all know that it is easier to be the uncrowned king.

Zhang Zhimu only informed Emperor Chongzhen when he was changing ships in Zhenjiang that he had an urgent matter to go to Hankou.

Of course, Emperor Chongzhen knew that Zhang Zhimu would never go to Hankou so easily, because before he set off from Yaogang, he had a plan to go to Hankou. Emperor Chongzhen, who was still interested, also wanted to go to Hankou with him, but after thinking about it again, Zhang Zhimu informed him that he was going to change ships here, because he didn't want him to go, so he gave up, and Chen Yufeng and they changed into a passenger boat on the canal and went to Kaifeng.

Zhang Zhimu and Yan Boju took some people on a prepared passenger boat and went upriver along the Yangtze River.

Yan Boju said: "Zhimu, look at these boats, doesn't each boat make a trip from the Yangtze River to earn a lot of silver? ”

"Yes! The goods they transport bring a lot of benefits to both the place of origin and the place of sale. I didn't expect that in the past few years, there will be so many big ships on the Yangtze River. There are also quite a few steamships. Zhang Zhimu was very emotional, he used to feel very strange to see a few boats when he walked across the Yangtze River, but now it is completely different.

Li Mao thought that Zhang Zhimu and Yan Boju went to Hankou to attend the opening ceremony of the bridge on the Han River. He took a group of people and waited on the dock early.

As soon as the boat docked, Zhang Zhimu came to the pier along the gangway, and Li Mao greeted him, held Zhang Zhimu's hand, and said: "Oh, I knew that the Hanjiang Bridge was opened to traffic for such a big thing, and there was no one at home!" ”

Yan Boju came over and said, "The two of us are here, do you have to give you face?" ”

"Of course, who else can have a bigger face than you?" Li Mao came over again and shook hands with Yan Boju.

Yan Boju was an old acquaintance with Li Mao when Xiurong didn't know Zhang Zhimu, and asked unceremoniously: "Don't come to the void, do you have any good wine?" ”

"You're here, you don't have any good wine." Li Mao said, "I not only have good wine from our kiln, but also good wine shipped from Sichuan, it depends on which sip you want to drink?" ”

"Drink it all, drink it all!" Yan Boju squeezed his little eyes and said, "But, damn, I can't drink any wine now, the taste of drinking with Zhimu when I was in Xiurong Horse Market!" ”

"That's right! At that time, in your words, the taste of wine was almost forgotten, how much did you quench your cravings by drinking some wine? Can it be the same as it is now? ”

They laughed and walked to the car together.

In the car, Li Mao said: "Actually, the Hankou Bridge has been opened to traffic, but I asked them to wait before the ceremony was held." How about we drink today, and tomorrow we have a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open to traffic? ”

"Okay! When it comes to your one-third of an acre, I'll listen to you! Zhang Zhimu looked at the changing streets of Hankou and said, "You are here, I am here once, and I will see you change once!" ”

"Yes! I also feel like it's changing every day," Li Mao said, "and we're at the center of everything here." In particular, the construction of several large factories in our country not only attracted a lot of workers, but also attracted all kinds of craftsmen. Our Hankou restaurant is said to be open every day! ”

"Haha! Is there such a thing? Zhang Zhimu and Yan Boju were both amused by Li Mao's words.

In the evening, Zhang Zhimu and Li Mao reminisced about the old days and drank happily. The past between them is also endless. However, Yan Boju and Zhang Zhimu had a very tacit understanding, and they didn't say anything serious about talking to Li Mao. None of them wanted to be distracted by Li Mao's pre-opening of the Hangang Bridge.

On the morning of the next day, the weather was beautiful, and the two sides of the Han River were also crowded with people, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the east bank of the bridge. At the ceremony, Zhang Zhimu personally participated in the ribbon cutting, and then on both sides of the bridge, in the sound of earth-shattering firecrackers, vehicles and people were allowed to pass at the same time. Blocked by the Han River, people can finally travel between the two sides of the Han River through the bridge.

At noon, Zhang Zhimu attended a banquet to entertain guests from all walks of life and also delivered a speech.

After the banquet, Li Mao asked Zhang Zhimu, "Let me arrange it, can you go to our steel mill to have a look?" ”

"Why don't I visit this time, I'm going to take a break in the afternoon, and in the evening, I have something to tell you!"

Li Mao was stunned when he heard Zhang Zhimu's words, he knew that Zhang Zhimu must be a very important thing if he wanted to talk to him so officially.