It was not unusual for these Francophon merchants to be involved in trade with the Emperor, and at this time in Europe, the Catholic Church was still selling indulgences, so what was so great about the Emperor's business? And the position of the tax officer has attracted everyone's eyes. If you get the post of tax package, it will be a million profits, and you will make money by sitting on the ground, and you will snatch the goose that can lay golden eggs into your hands.

Chrissy was the first to ask: "This tax officer, does Your Excellency Angel have a candidate?" ”

Yan Hong smiled: "Beautiful lady, I must explain two points first. First, in the first five years of the opening of the port, I was not ready to use the Ming people; Second, I don't have a candidate for a tax officer so far. This time, I intend to take the fairest approach to selecting a qualified tax officer. ”

The captains cursed in their hearts: Vampires! The so-called fairest method, who does not understand, is nothing more than to see who can give more benefits. On the way, Sosa had already discussed with Yan Hong the candidate for this position, but did not receive any clear answer. At this time, he also hurriedly asked, "Excuse me, Your Excellency Wise Angel, what method will you use to select the ideal candidate?" ”

Yan Hong said with a confident look: "My method is very simple, bidding!" ”

As soon as he said this, the pirates looked at each other, not knowing why. Yan Hong introduced next, and they finally figured it out, it turned out that everyone each reported a number to see how much tax they could pay for Daming, and then announced at the same time, and the highest bidder won the bid for one year. For the sake of fairness, the form of secret bidding is adopted, and each other does not know the position quoted by the other party. Yan Hong said later: "Due to the special contribution made by Mr. Sosa, this official has added another article. At the same price, Mr. Sousa was given the first chance to win the bid. ”

Sosa originally felt sorry for his pistol and pocket watch, but it didn't work. I didn't expect to get a return so quickly, and this same price was given priority to win the bid, which is equivalent to taking a big advantage. The baron was overjoyed, and secretly admired himself for his foresight, and when he saw the pavilion he had prepared for him, he was afraid that he would give him more preferential treatment.

When the other captains heard this, they scolded in their hearts: such a blatant double standard is played with a lot of fairness. On the other hand. I also feel like this is an opportunity. It's worth a try. As long as the price quoted by yourself is higher than that dead fat pig, are you afraid that you can't become this tax official?

Antonio asked, "Your Excellency, after the opening of the port, it will not only be Portugal. Merchant ships from all over the world were able to trade. When the time comes, if there is a dispute. Which country's codes apply? ”

Yan Hong said: "This matter is simple. There are people who have a great deal of wisdom in the dispute. By my Ming officials, I will judge by the laws of the Ming Dynasty; If they are all Yiren, the tax officer will be responsible for disposing of them. Of course. The tax collector also allowed the Yiren to complain to the Celestial Empire if there was any unfairness in the ruling. ”

His promise is tantamount to giving the tax collector another judicial decision. At this time, Western laws were not much stronger than Ming laws, and everyone was still in the stage of breaking the dustpan against the rotten broom, especially the law of the king of the sea was even more ambiguous. Being an official is equivalent to a title of Tianxian, and other businessmen become dough that is kneaded round and flattened by themselves. As for complaining to the Celestial Empire about grievances or something, jokes, the Celestial Empire has made him a tax officer, do you still need to say which side of your ass sits? None of these people were stupid, and they all thought at this time: if they get this position, then no matter how much they pay, a slash from other ships will be enough to ensure a fortune.

When Chrissy heard this, he made a decision in his heart. She glanced at Yan Hong's team again, and suddenly asked, "What about the price of the goods?" Does the Ming interfere or allow us to trade freely? ”

Yan Hong said: "The purchase and sale of goods, all autonomy, the price is up to you, and the Ming Dynasty will never participate." As for the payment method, it is also up to you to decide on the basis of negotiation between the buyer and the seller. ”

With his promise, the hearts of these businessmen began to be lively. Sosa took the opportunity to announce the opening of the banquet. The waiters began to set up tables and chairs, and set down cups and plates. Sosa also ordered someone to send wine, food and other things to the Ming army left behind on the ship, Yan Hong shook his hand and said: "They bring their own dry food and water, and they don't break the bank." ”

When Pedro saw this, he knew that the captains were irretrievable, and he was ready to wait for the business with Yan Qin to negotiate with him. He greeted Roagen angrily and returned to his abode, only to hear bursts of laughter behind him.

Inside the chamber, the banquet had begun. The hall illuminated by the candlelight of the silver candlestick was festive. Although the trench was not a prosperous place, Sasso still tried his best to make the best hospitality. The first dish served was onion and oyster soup, followed by grilled sausages and steak. There are also blood-red Portuguese wines.

Knives and forks were prepared at the banquet, and chopsticks were also prepared for the Ming officials. Yan Hong picked up the knife and fork with ease. Just kidding, I still ate pizza before I crossed over. This move stunned almost all the Ming Dynasty officers and soldiers and Yi people present. Sasso was even more surprised and delighted. With Yan Hong's example, Xia Zisu was not convinced and picked up the knife and fork, but she was proficient in swordsmanship, but this knife and fork was far less skilled than Yan Hong. Yun Chuqi used a fork to directly fork the whole steak and gnaw. After Shi Jinxiao tried the knife and fork, he simply put it down, did not use chopsticks, and ate the steak with his hands, without the demeanor of a court jinshi, but Yan Hong saw it very appreciatively. As for Liu Lian, Wang Ting and other Jinyi guards, they didn't join in the excitement and ate with chopsticks by themselves. But for the whole steak, it is really inconvenient to use chopsticks alone, so I also got my hands on it after the last.

In the midst of the staggering, several captains muttered privately and determined the alliance again: "Let's not have infighting for the position of this tax officer, let's choose one person to hold this position." The money is divided equally among several families, and the benefits are evenly distributed. After that, we can monopolize the price, so as not to be made by the Ming Dynasty. Raising prices and snapping up each other will only benefit the people of the Ming Kingdom, and we can't do such stupid things. ”

Several captains made up their minds in a few words, and when the banquet was over, everyone came out, avoided Yan Hong and the others, and swore an oath to God, saying that no one could break the covenant and contact Yan Hong privately, otherwise he would go to hell after death and so on. These people have a relationship with each other on weekdays, and some people are a little contradictory, but at this moment, they are all on the same front.

At this time, Sosa also sent Yan Hong out and escorted Lord Qincha to the pavilion where he had arranged for Lu. Several captains followed. When he arrived at the pavilion, Yan Hong found that Sosago was a wonderful person. This pavilion is completely the pattern of a wealthy merchant house in southern China, if there are a few more housekeepers and maids, it will be a rich man's courtyard.

He couldn't help but praise: "Mr. Sosa, what a good gesture. ”

When Yan Hong was sent to the pavilion, several captains browsed it in the name of visiting, and they didn't say goodbye until Yan Hong was sent into the bedroom. Sosa also wanted to leave a few female slaves she raised to warm the angel's bed, but Yan Hong refused, so she had to send them to Wang Bai and Shi Jinxiao. Sosa dispatched another twenty foreign soldiers to cooperate with the Jinyi guards to be on guard, and he flashed into Yan Hong's bedroom.

The captains who had taken their leave talked to each other as they walked back, cursing Sosa as a devil who deserved to go to hell. If he had become a tax officer, he would not have a good life.

Antonio whispered to Miguel, "Dude Woodlegs, we're going to have to watch out for the other guys." Our alliance is not stable, and I am always afraid that someone will betray us. ”

Miguel nodded, "Yes, Antonio, among these people, I only believe you, my friend!" You can rest assured, in the position of tax officer, I only recognize you, and I don't recognize anyone else. As long as the two of us join hands, we don't have to look at other people's faces. ”

The two recalled their past friendship and returned to their respective residences, Miguel first searched in his own treasures, picked up more than a dozen precious treasures, and then called his first and second mates: "You accompany me to visit the angels." ”

The first and second officers said inexplicably: "Boss, don't you want to contact Mr. Antonio?" ”

Miguel shook his head and said: "Don't be stupid, there is only one person in the tax officer, and the one-eyed brother has improper facial features, which is not suitable." We're going to be ahead, and I want to be a baron. ”

In the night, this wooden-legged Miguel, accompanied by two deputies, quietly walked towards the Qincha Pavilion. Although he has a crippled leg and has difficulty moving at night, he still feels extremely light at the moment, and his walking speed is a little faster than usual.

His first mate, with his nimble eyes and ears, suddenly pulled his captain and pointed ahead. Miguel, who had been weathered for a long time, instinctively reached out and drew his sword, and asked softly, "Who?" ”

I only heard someone in front of me reply: "Calm down, Rao, I'm Antonio!" ”

Miguel scolded angrily: "One-eyed, you treacherous villain, are you going to betray our covenant? ”

Antonio said in a nonchalant tone, "It's not about wooden legs. Carlos and José are already ahead of us. You've got to go fast man, or we'll have nothing left. ”

A short time later, they ran into Captain Carlos and José outside the Chincha's residence. Everyone brought their cronies and took advantage of the moonlight to visit the angels of the Ming Empire, hoping to gain more benefits than others. It's just that meeting in this kind of scene is somewhat embarrassing. The four pirate merchant leaders laughed a few times at each other, and Captain José suddenly asked, "Where is Madame Tulip?" ”

Carlos smiled strangely and said, "Chrissy has gone to visit one of the angel's retinues." Just now, she used ten Kruzado to bribe the guards, and she knew the address of the entourage. Poor woman, who possessed the most menacing weapon, used it against a small grass hut outside the castle. She lost the battle. ”

"Despicable villain!"

"Treachery!"

"Burn the straight!"

The captains didn't care for a moment that something strange had mixed in, and cursed one after another, just hoping that Captain Louis, who was walking in the front, would soon be driven out by the angels. (To be continued......)