Coming to the hall, Ma Hui had been waiting for a long time.

Li Zhen waved his hand to signal Ma Hui to sit down, and said with a smile: "Mr. Ma Hui, we agreed to solve Xu Naizhao's matter, and you and I can cooperate." It's a pity you're only here now, I've been waiting for a long time. ”

Ma Hui bowed slightly, and said apologetically: "I am entangled in mundane affairs, please understand." ”

Li Zhen said: "Now, you can discuss cooperation, right? ”

Ma Hui nodded and said, "I came to meet the adults just for the sake of cooperation between the two sides." The United States has not been independent for a long time, and now it is facing many difficulties. It would undoubtedly be a pity if the economy could improve. On behalf of the U.S. Minister to China, I would like to talk to you about the economy. ”

Li Zhenxiao asked: "Your Excellency Ma Hui, the economy is only one aspect, can't the military cooperate?" ”

"Military?"

Ma Hui raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile: "Please elaborate." ”

Li Zhen said: "In terms of military affairs, it is natural that the United States and the Qing State reach an alliance to resist Britain, France and other European countries together. The United States was once an enslaved colony, and although the United States became independent, did Britain and France not have the idea of controlling the United States again? As long as Britain wants to continue to expand its rights, I think the United States will remain a fat lamb. ”

"Like the United States, my country faces threats from Britain and France."

"I think we have something in common and the basic conditions for being allies."

"In the event that Britain attacks the United States, our country can send troops to help. If Britain and France send troops to attack our country, I also hope that the United States can send troops to help. It's also a very large country, and I think we can cooperate. ”

Li Zhen had a sincere look on his face, looking extremely sincere.

After hearing this, Ma Hui fell into deep thought.

After a long time, Ma Hui shook his head resolutely and said, "My lord, I must admit that the idea that Britain wants to control the United States exists, but I also have to affirm that even if Britain is strong, it is impossible to control the United States of America. Our people and officials will not agree, and it is impossible for us to accept another enslavement. Even if Britain had the heart, it could not have succeeded. ”

After a pause, Ma Hui continued: "As for the issue of allies, the country's parliamentarians will not agree. Of course, if adults are willing to pay for American soldiers to help, that's fine. ”

Ma Hui is a thief and a thief, and his words overturned all Li Zhen's proposals.

Moreover, Ma Hui asked Li Zhen to spend money on American soldiers, which was definitely enough to bankrupt Li Zhen.

Li Zhen laughed and said: "Mr. Ma Hui, you and I are both understanding people, so I proposed an alliance." Unfortunately, your words have deeply disappointed me. Mr. Ma Hui knew that the civil strife in the United States was intensifying, and a civil war was likely to break out, so he could not send more troops out. Even, the United States has to be careful that Britain takes advantage of the opportunity. Mr. Ma Hui, am I right? ”

Ma Hui looked surprised and asked, "You actually know about the United States?" ”

Li Zhen smiled and said, "Ma Hui, do you think the two sides can sign an alliance contract?" ”

When Ma Hui heard this, he shook his head resolutely.

Although the United States has just risen, it also wants to seize the interests of the Qing Dynasty. On this point, both Ma Hui and congressmen in the United States have the same consensus. Even if Ma Hui takes the initiative to cooperate with Li Zhen now, he just wants to earn more benefits for the United States, and it is impossible to be a good man to help the Qing Dynasty.

Li Zhen's brows furrowed, and his happy expression became serious.

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed.

Ma Hui looked at Li Zhen and thought of the matter of Ah Liguo and Aitang.

Ah Liguo and Ai Tang were killed, and Ma Hui speculated that Li Zhen did it, but no evidence could be found. On the other hand, this is a wake-up call for Ma Hui, if he angers Li Zhen, it will definitely not end well. Ma Hui was silent for a long time and said, "My lord, although it is impossible to form an alliance, I can guarantee that the United States will remain neutral if it does not send troops." ”

When Li Zhen heard this, he sneered in his heart.

Britain and France started a war, and the United States was in the midst of civil strife, and it was impossible to send troops. The so-called neutrality is nothing more than standing on the sidelines and waving the flag and shouting, and once the two sides fight, no matter who wins, the United States can intervene and earn benefits.

Li Zhen knew it, but he didn't dwell on this issue.

Li Zhen's plan was to use the United States to contain Britain and France, but Ma Hui was sober-minded and obviously impossible.

Li Zhen said again: "You can't reach an alliance militarily, let's talk about the economy." ”

Ma Hui immediately became interested and said: "Qingguo's economy is in a state of stagnation and needs external stimulation. U.S. commerce can enter the Qing country and help the Qing country's economic recovery. The United States and the Qing traded with each other, and all merchant ships entering the port were exempt from customs duties. Moreover, the Qing state wanted to protect the interests of American businessmen, and also gave certain privileges to American businessmen so as not to be affected. ”

The corners of Li Zhen's mouth twitched, Ma Hui really dared to bring it up.

It seems that the Qing Dynasty has become a paradise.

Li Zhen shook his head resolutely and said, "Mr. Ma Hui, I welcome American businessmen and friends to come to Daqing to do business." I'm sure the rest of our officials will welcome it as well. When the economy grows, it's good for us. However, it is impossible to go unpaid for tariffs, and privileges cannot be granted arbitrarily.

Speaking of this, Li Zhen said categorically: "What I can guarantee is that American businessmen come to China to do business, as long as they are serious businessmen, I welcome them, and I am willing to open the door to convenience and give them certain preferential treatment." Of course, if it is a businessman who comes to sell opium and abduct people, I will kill one by one. ”

When Ma Hui heard this, his brows furrowed.

Such a trade is just to make money, it is too ordinary.

Li Zhen's expression was calm and continued: "Mr. Ma Hui, there can be other aspects of our economic trade. For example, steel, ore, coal, and other energy sources, you can ask American merchants to ship them and sell them, and I am willing to buy them. Traders who are engaged in the trading of steel, ore, coal, etc., I am willing to give certain preferential treatment, and even tariff reductions are allowed. ”

For coal mines, steel and other energy sources, Li Zhen is urgently needed.

China has a lot of land, but Li Zhen can't go to the rest of the provinces to mine and dig coal, and more importantly, Li Zhen still lacks workers and scientists. Even if Li Zhen has a lot of ideas, the reality is that Li Zhen can't develop. Without advanced technology, without the conditions of scientists and workers working for it, everything is difficult to implement.

After Ma Hui heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up.

The United States has a vast land and resources, and the conditions proposed by Li Zhen can be fully operated.

Due to the limitations of this era, Ma Hui did not realize the importance of resources such as coal and steel. Ma Hui knows that for the vast United States, steel, coal and other items can be easily mined.

It is feasible to trade with coal mines, steel, etc.

Ma Hui smiled and said, "My lord, your suggestion is very good, I believe we can cooperate." ”

Li Zhen smiled and said, "Please Mr. Ma Hui go back and communicate well with American businessmen." I believe that our cooperation is beneficial to both countries. ”

Ma Hui said: "Definitely." ”

Ma Hui talked to Li Zhen about other things before leaving Daotai Mansion.

This time, although Ma Hui did not achieve the goal of grabbing more profits, it opened up a broader and more valuable commercial channel for the United States, which could earn more silver.

ps: Three more completed;