Meanwhile. Karachi Castle. Sinbad, the old man who calmly faced him, calmly said his name: "I'm Mansa. Musa! ”

Zhao Xing smacked his mouth. Repeat the name. Pondered for a long time. Answer: "Not impressed!" ”

This reply made Sinbad a little depressed. However, what made him even more angry. Zhao Xing turned to ask the Arabic translator on the side: "Do you have an impression of this name?" ”

The Arabic translator was a member of Pu Yi'an's people. It's not so much that he's an Arab. It is better to say that he is a native of the Song Dynasty. Although they know their own national language. But he still lived in the Great Song Dynasty for most of his life. I only listened to him ponder for a long time. The answer made Sinbad angry: "I don't remember." It doesn't seem to have much reputation. ”

The old man's angry beard was cocked. He repeated angrily, "I'm Mansa." Musa! ”

Zhao Xing shook his head: "If you want to use your family background to deter me." You're wrong. I am a conqueror. Your past family background and fame have no effect on me. The only thing I respect now is knowledge. To impress me. Tell us what you know! ”

The old man sighed. stood up and bowed to Zhao Xing. He said his other identity: "I am the tax officer of the southern district of the Chenlu Branch. ”

The so-called "tax officer". It is to rely on his own family wealth. Pay the tax of the current year to the local government. The local government used the tax revenue of the year as collateral. A medieval form of administration to repay merchants' advances. In the Middle Ages. Lords are often unlearned. There is no professional tax knowledge and business knowledge. Meantime. Cultivating administrative talents is not something that a small lord can afford. So the lords contracted the revenue of their territories to professional merchants. And according to the agreed amount. Collect the money specified in the contract from the merchant.

This administrative method in the Middle Ages was introduced to China. There was a major earthquake. Two new words were born: "contracting" and "running the city". These two words are entirely a product of commercial civilization. Didn't expect to be under the nomadic civilization of the Seljuks. It even survived tenaciously.

"Yahmer 1040. Tugrilberg, the grandson of the Seljuks, occupies Khorasan; and then conquer the whole territory of Iran. and entered Baghdad in 1055. Caliph al-Qa'im thanked Tugril Bak for freeing him from the control of the Shiite Bouwihi dynasty. Named him Sultan. called "King of the East and the West". His father. That is, the nephew of Tugrilberg. Arp Arslan. Inherited the title. And he. It was the only prince of the Seljuks. Also a hero of the Seljuk people.

Malikshah Arslan. Successor to the Seljuk Empire. In the year 107 of Yahma. Only 5,000 people were used. It was at Manzikert that the Byzantine army of 50,000 was defeated. And it only took three days. Captured the Byzantine Emperor Romanus IV. As a result, most of Asia Minor, to which Byzantium belonged, was in his hands. His reign (1072102) was a time when the Seljuk Empire was at its height and the empire was torn apart. A number of small dynasties have emerged in Syria, Kerman, Asia Minor and other places. His third son, Sanjar, was enthroned in Khorasan four years earlier (c. 106). He is currently the only surviving heir of the Great Seljuk Empire and the suzerains of various other minor Seljuk dynasties. He defeated the Kala kingdom in Central Asia and the Ghaznavid dynasty on the Indian border......"

Mansa. Musa slowly recounts the history of the land beneath his feet. The "Sanjar" to whom he referred is currently in its most glorious period. However, it is the splendor of the sunset. The last years of Sanjar's reign. The Oghuzians of Tocharustan revolted. He went to ask for it. Defeated and captured. In 1156 he fled to Mulu. He died the following year. After the kingdom and in the kingdom of Khorezm. And the Kingdom of Khorezm is the frozen leg of lamb tactic used by Guo Jing in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" to climb the mountain. The city that was captured by airborne.

"The Luzhi branch is now also a branch of the Seljuks. Below is the tax collector of the southern provinces. This visit to the Southern Province for tax approval. I didn't expect ...... "Mansa." Moussa continued.

Zhao Xing didn't know Mansa. Moussa proudly mentioned his name several times. Is it because of his family background or because of his scientific achievements. Or maybe the official position he held because of his achievements in mathematics. Wait a minute. In his memory. The civilizations that spawned in this land were eventually destroyed by the Mongols. Past history and scientific achievements have been used by the Mongols as fuel for making milk tea. Thrown into the tent and burned in a rudimentary stove. So. Even Mansa. Moussa is local. Or how famous it is in Seljuk history. In the end, he was nothing more than a handful of firewood and grass.

For such characters. Zhao Xing looked down from a condescending position. He was right to Mansa. Moses' hospitality was accompanied by condescending hospitality. But he could not tolerate Mansa. Mansa's pride. He interrupted the other man's tirade. Impatiently said, "Mr. Sinbad." I just need a messenger who is familiar with the local situation. That's it...... You said. I spent fifty days in this port. But I didn't see the prince of Baloch coming to conquer him. He didn't care about the port. I don't care about you as a financial officer. The correct name is the tax officer. ”

Zhao Xing insisted on calling the other party Sinbad. It seems to completely ignore the other party's original prestige. Sinbad sighed helplessly: "Your Excellency, Marshal." I was promised yes. Redeem my freedom with gold as heavy as my body. I hope you will hold your officers accountable to keep their promises. Allow me to redeem my freedom.

For this. I'm even willing to add a portion of the ransom plus my granddaughter. I am willing to pay three camels for the golden sands. What do you think? …… Five camels? …… So. How about ten horses? ”

Zhao Xing's head shook like a rattle. Sinbad increased the ransom to thirty camels carrying the golden sand. Zhao Xing still shook his head: "In my opinion." You're worth a city. The value of the entire 陴路支。 Those bastards sold you cheaply. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to correct them. Mr. Sinbad. No more fighting. You are now my slave. Your property belongs to me. Including your property. You exchange my property for the freedom of my property. Isn't it ridiculous? ”

Pause. Zhao Xing waved his hand and ordered an officer under his command: "Go and call Chen Buqun." Tell him. His singing chick is mine. I'm going to return his grandfather. Let him make an offer? ”

Tsunade's face was full of displeasure. Interrupted: "Your Excellency." You said it. The city belongs to the Nanyang Company. It belongs to us as supporters. But I just heard ......"

"There is no conflict". Zhao Xing explained with a smile: "There is no conflict between the two! Recently. I've been thinking about how to manage Nanyang affairs. To know. Sustain such a distant land and sea area. It takes a lot of effort on the part of the army. I'm in this position. It can also maintain the diligence of the officers. But after I retired. I can't guarantee that the successor is not a corrupt official.

And so it goes. The hole in Nanyang's military spending will become a bottomless pit for corrupt officials. And you people. Lost the support of the government. In the face of the counterattack of the whole of Arabia. It can only be rootless. Wood without roots.

But the conversation I just had with this person was inspiring. I am going to divide the overseas affairs of the Great Song Dynasty into two. Completely left to the company's operation and operation. The piece in Sri Lanka might be called the East India Company. Mainly responsible for the affairs of Tianzhu and Srivijaya to the east. And with Sri Lanka as the border. The affairs of Israel were vested in the West Arab Company. The two companies are contracted to operate. It has the right to organize its own army to maintain and ensure the smooth flow of its trade routes. As for me with the Navy where I belong. There is only the power to collect taxes. There is also an obligation to provide protection as your land requires. No more interfering with your own business. ”

Pause. Zhao Xing continued: "Regarding the contracting of the East India Company and the West Arab Company. I want you to negotiate a charter for yourselves. In the future, I will only deal with the boards of directors of these two major companies. So. and that the successor will not reach out to you. Good no good?

And I'm on my side. A financial supervisor is indispensable. This Mr. Sinbad used to do tax business. He is the financial director of Arab affairs that I have appointed, and this is no longer negotiable. What you have to do now is. Hurry up and come up with your own charter. Then bid to compete for the local shareholders of the two major companies. ”

The leader nodded wistfully. But he immediately understood: "My lord means that in the future, the overseas territory of the Great Song Dynasty will be divided into two pieces. It is contracted by our businessmen. And the government no longer intervenes. They only have the power to check our taxes in the future? On the other hand. We paid our taxes. If you encounter a crisis that is difficult for independence to resist. You can also ask the court sailor to come forward to help. Be? ”

The conversation was, of course, in Song. There are too many neologisms involved. Mansa. The slang of the lower classes, which Musa learned from the prisoner camp, was clearly not able to cope. He blinked. Nervously staring at the two of them. The leader understood. Immediately excitedly asked Zhao Xing about his specific strategy. After asking about the contract period of 50 years. He turned around and exchanged ideas with his fellow businessmen violently. The speed of speech is fast and urgent.

Soon. The officer who had been sent rushed back with a veiled girl. The girl was curvaceous. See Sinbad. Immediately threw herself into Sinbad's arms. I cried silently. Zhao Xing was not interested in what happened to this girl. He turned to the officer. Indicated by the eye. The officer bowed down and replied, "Inspector Chen said, "Since the teacher wants this woman." Talk about what money is not money. The teacher just needs to take it. ”

Zhao Xing shook his head: "You can't break the rules." Such. I traded a shipload of goods for this woman with him. You tell him. My merchant ship on the docks. He picks any one. ”

The officer bowed again: "The lower official also told Inspector Chen so." Inspector Chen replied: This woman is his treasure. It's his eyeballs. He can't make an offer for his treasures. So. She is priceless. But the teacher wants it. Even if he is asked to gouge out his own eyeballs. How dare Inspector Chen make an offer to the teacher. ”

Zhao Xing smiled bitterly: "I can hear his resentment." Such. You tell Inspector Chen about the situation here......"

Zhao Xing briefly introduced his plan. Hearing that, Zhao Xing didn't want to possess this woman by himself. Rather, they wanted to return the woman to her grandfather. The officer was a little overjoyed. Answer: "So so." The senior brother can continue to pursue this woman. Yes. Flip over and take a shipload of goods from the teacher. I can continue to associate with this woman. Senior brother doesn't lose at all...... I'm going to tell my brother. ”

Zhao Xing nodded. Waving his hand and commanding the woman: "Lift your veil!" ”

The veil is lifted. A beautiful face was revealed in front of Zhao Xing. Those present let out a soft inhalation. Zhao Xing was also taken aback.

No wonder Chen Buqun is so tempted. The woman was blonde and blue-eyed. Those blue eyes are as mesmerizing as the deep sea. The white skin gives the ivory face a sculptural beauty. Zhao Xing prides himself on seeing countless photos of beautiful women. I have long been distracted by beauty. The woman's face was revealed before him. In a flash. He was also confused.

"A bit of Audrey. Hepburn's kind of aristocratic beauty". Zhao Xing muttered in a low voice: "I didn't know." The Seljuks were Caucasians. There is such a blonde and blue-eyed beauty. ”

The muttering was too soft. No one heard clearly. Pause. Zhao Xing waved his hand. And he said, "Thy voice must be as melodious as a nightingale." No wonder my naval commander also fell...... Good. Sinbad. I returned your gems to you. How can I repay my generosity? ”

Zhao Xing's words were said in Arabic. Suddenly, I heard Zhao Xing speak fluent Arabic. Sinbad hesitated. The expression was confused. Pause. He bowed slightly. In Arabic, he replied sharply: "My master." You've got the allegiance of the House of Musa! ”

Zhao Xing raised his face. Proudly replied, "I can say it now." You have been sheltered by my family. But that's what I already have. Zhao Xing and Mansa. Mouses answered this question. It belongs to the typical feudal lord's intermittent "allegiance question". Zhao Xing's last sentence. Meaning to say: as a captive. Mansa. After Musa regained his freedom. It's time to surrender your loyalty.

Mosa bowed again: "My master." What more could you ask for? ”

"My Commander of the Navy would like to be given the opportunity to socialize your granddaughter, please believe it. Our civilization is not inferior to yours. And the current owners of the Luzhi are the Seljuks. They are but sinners who were expelled by our fathers. Since you can honor the Seljuks. I think. My naval commander is in a relationship with your granddaughter. There was no insult to the House of Mussa. ”

Zhao Xing omitted part of the fact that it was. Chen Buqun already has a wife. So even if he married this woman. This woman also married into the Chen family as a concubine. And the concubine has no status...... However. This is not a problem for the Arabs. An Arab can have four wives. So even if Zhao Xing ignores this fact. Presumably, the other party doesn't care.

Chen Buqun has a different faith from this girl. This is not a problem for the Arabs either. Middle Ages. The Arabs saw the crusaders they fought as a worthy opponent of equal strength. Even. There is also more respect for their beliefs. Saladin, for example, respected each other with King Sixing. Meanwhile. There were also defeated Arab nobles who gave their daughters and possessions to the Crusader knights. In order to redeem his own freedom, Shakespeare once wrote one such play. Record the customs of the time.

Arabia was a slave state. Arab women are very gentle. After marrying into her husband's family. She also often sees her husband as the whole world. And the Middle Ages. Due to the ruling power of the Arab Empire. It also makes the Western world very respectful of Arab adversaries. Many married the daughters of Arab nobles. On the contrary, he is proud to have such a blood in his own bloodline.

Because of all of the above. In this bloody era of crusades. The Arab world, on the contrary, was less stubborn about intermarriage than it is in modern times. Sinbad hesitated slightly. It is also people under the eaves. He nodded helplessly: "Your Excellency Marshal." I agree with you. Now I want to ask. Can I contact my family? ”

Zhao Xing touched his chin. Answer: "Of course." I need a group of professionals. Mr. Sinbad. The appointment I have given you goes far beyond half of the Lulu Branch. It covers the entire Arab world. So I need a lot of professionals. Responsible for helping me take care of the whole Arab affairs. You should feel honored. this position. Maybe it's an opportunity that your family can't imagine. ”

Sinbad hesitated. Reserved took over Zhao Xing's appointment. But immediately he hesitated and said, "Marshal." I have heard that Aduri, the minister of the Tunlu Branch, has negotiated with you. You stayed here for fifty days. I fear that Aduri has gathered his troops. ”

Zhao Xing grinned. A little expectant, he asked, "It's been fifty days." I'm going to thank you for all the flowers I've been waiting for. Why didn't he attack me yet? ”

Is there such a thing as an expectation of an enemy attack? Sinbad rolled her eyes.

But Zhao Xing's expectation also shows Song Jun's strong confidence. Thinking of the sound in Song Jun's hand like a thunderbolt. A terrifying tubular weapon. Sinbad nodded in satisfaction. I'm glad that I'm on the right foot. He hurriedly said, "Your Excellency." I just said that. The Seljuk king died not so long ago. The Great Seljuk is in a crumble. The princes competed for the throne. His Majesty Sanjar is the recognized suzerain. But he can only adopt a strategy of evacuation to rule his state.

In this case. His Majesty Sanjar did not dare to expend his army on fighting for the interests of the prince of the Luch. And the Luzhi did not dare to consume their army easily. I reckon. If they send troops. It would be the product of a struggle of interests and a series of conspiracies and compromises.

It takes time. I think the time is almost up. Fifty days. In any case, they should have negotiated the result. ”

Zhao Xing didn't know. At this time. The black-armored cavalry of the Lulu branch has arrived. After a series of intrigues. The Luchistan reached a non-aggression pact with the neighboring state of Fars. After King Fars promised never to take advantage of the fire. The prince of the Luchi branch received a batch of ordnance and supplies supported by Sanjar. He gathered all his troops. and an army of 110,000 swooped down on the castle of Karachi. The vanguard of 5,000 black-armored cavalry was discovered by scouts; The 30,000 Persian infantry of the second forward also discovered the hidden Song scouts.

"Enemy attack. The enemy is coming. A piece of black pressing. I can't count the number." The surviving scouts of the Song army, who rushed back to the castle to report the news, said: "We have encountered five thousand cavalry. The outpost then signaled. It is said that there are countless infantry behind. They cover the sky and the sun. The exact number could not be calculated. ”