After the old calendar year, Deng Zixuan heard the news that Hu Xueyan was back. Deng Zixuan hurriedly took Wan'er to visit, and in front of Hu Xueyan's mansion, Hu Xueyan, who had a dark face, was in very good spirits. “haha！ Brother Zixuan, the old man has gone through hardships, but I didn't expect you to lose a circle. I haven't seen each other for a year, and I'll tell you the truth, I've had a bumper harvest and returned with a full load! ”

As soon as they met, Hu Xueyan was extremely excited, and did not allow Deng Zixuan to talk, so he excitedly dragged Deng Zixuan's hand into the courtyard. "And voila! This one in our family, the older he gets, the more he looks like an old child, and there is really no way to take him. Mrs. Auntie sighed softly, and then took Wan'er into the courtyard.

"Brother Zixuan, what do you see here?" Hu Xueyan seemed to be a little impatient. Deng Zixuan looked at the cloth bags all over the ground, and opened a cloth bag casually, revealing white salt inside. Deng Zixuan was not surprised, but just grabbed a handful, added it to his mouth and put it down. "Why aren't you shocked at all, this is white money!" "Dude! I was amazed, it took you more than a year to come back, and I knew that you had made a worthwhile trip and found a cornucopia. ”

"It's not just a cornucopia, it's a silver sea of white flowers. Let me tell you, I was on that salt lake at the time, and I didn't close my eyes for three days and three nights, and I even thought I was dreaming. My Great Qing Kingdom is really rich in land and resources, and it is a little petrified gold! Brother Zixuan is right, the barren west is really a mountain of gold and silver, gold and silver, I can open my eyes. Don't hide it from my brother, I have formed a large-scale caravan, I promise to give you 20% of the profit and will never break my promise, look at my contract has been drawn up, just wait for you to sign it! ”

After Hu Xueyan finished speaking, he took out the contract, and Deng Zixuan also unceremoniously signed his name. “haha！ It won't be long before Jiangnan and Jiangbei will eat this cheap table salt. "Brother, you are overjoyed, although we are businessmen, it is our nature to seek profits, but we can't do things that hurt nature and reason" Deng Zixuan was unceremonious.

"What do you mean by that?" Hu Xueyan was suddenly confused. "Brother, you want cheap salt to quickly occupy the north and south of the river and hit the market, but have you thought about it, what should the salt merchants in the south and north of the river do? What about the salt farmers along the coast, do you want them all to go bankrupt? We can't just make money for ourselves and hurt the people, we can't just care about being sinners. A businessman needs not only to be honest but also to have a conscience. ”

Hu Xueyan's face became grim when he heard this, and said, "Brother, your reminder is very timely, I really ignored this problem." If the salt merchant were to go out of business, it would probably cause a riot, which was not my intention. "I have an idea that will make you profitable without hurting anything else!" "What's the idea?"

"When you come back with salt, it's a long way to go, but it's still cheap. The price can be increased by 30%, so that the impact of salt merchants is not large. Because of the good quality of the table salt you ship, you can target the wealthy. This is one of them. Second, the salt you transport is of high purity, and the industrial demand of Western countries is large, and foreigners must buy it in large quantities. If you can open up overseas markets, you can sell your salt to foreigners on a large scale in the future, how about the best of both worlds? ”

“haha！ Brother Zixuan, you are really Bingxue smart, just do what you want, but the foreigners need you to maneuver. There is no problem, after that, we will hold a business association, and foreigners will be allowed to take the bait. As they spoke, the two of them sat down and began to drink. During the banquet, Hu Xueyan continued to be in high spirits.

"Brother Zixuan, I went to the place of Yumen you mentioned. As you said, there are many places where fire oil is coming from the ground up. To tell the truth, three or four meters of fire oil came up. I've drilled 20 oil wells, and I'm producing thousands of pounds a day. "Brother, congratulations on your wealth!"

"I sent someone to transport the oil to Dihua, and Lord Zuo found that the oil can ignite and light very much, so he sent someone to find it. Before I came back, I got the news that Lord Zuo also found fire oil coming out of the ground in a place called Karamay in the north of Dihua, and it is said that it can collect tens of thousands of catties a day, and Lord Zuo has ordered someone to mine it. When it came to Zuo Zongtang, Deng Zixuan couldn't help but ask.

"Dude! I don't know what happened to Lord Zuo in the west! Hu Xueyan said happily: "Lord Zuo can be described as a brilliant victory, he led his troops into Central Asia, chased and beat Agubai, it is said that Agubai fled to the West Asian Peninsula. If it weren't for the imperial court's order, Lord Zuo probably wouldn't let him go. At present, Lord Zuo is sitting in Dihua, and he will be in Dihua for a period of time, and it is estimated that he will come back next year. ”

"I heard that Lord Zuo has recovered a large piece of the country, and Lao Maozi is anxious and protests to the imperial court? But as far as I know, Lao Maozi is very strong, how can he be taken lightly. "Brother! You don't know, Lao Maozi is at war with Turkey and has no time to take care of it. Deng Zixuan was overjoyed when he heard the news, it seems that Lord Zuo's record is not ordinary brilliance.

"Dude! I want to go south, I wonder if my brother is with me? "Great, I've wanted to go to Guangzhou for a long time." Hu Xueyan was overjoyed when he heard this. A few days later, Deng Zixuan personally operated and held an exhibition on loan in Britain and France. The fair was a great success, and trading companies in the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and Germany signed purchase contracts with Hu Xueyan. Such pure salt is simply unavoidable for Western countries.

A few days later, Deng Zixuan and Hu Xueyan and his wife took a small steamer and sailed on the sea. Hu Xueyan is in a very good mood, perhaps he has been isolated from the world for a year, and there are many topics. "Brother Zixuan, I heard my wife say that the train in Fuzhou City is very good, do you want to stop in Fuzhou for a while, so that the old man can also learn something." "Since my brother is interested, we will spend a few days in Fuzhou."

"I didn't expect Sheng Huaixuan to pick up a big bargain, this kid has a very sensitive sense of smell, I heard that he is building roads very fast, and the whole line will be opened to traffic by the end of this year." "Yes! Sheng Huaxuan is indeed a talent, and the Qing Kingdom needs such a talent! Seeing that Hu Xueyan was a little disdainful, he continued: "Brother is also a talent, you are the uncrowned king of the business field." "Brother Zixuan, you are the real talent, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipotent, if you want to say that the uncrowned king, it is none other than you. Sheng Huaixuan: If it weren't for your guidance, he wouldn't have achieved today's results. The Governor of Liangguang and the Governor of Huguang joined hands to lay the railway, and it is said that it was difficult to move forward, and even the exploration was not completed for more than a year, what does this mean? ”

"Dude! You have an overreputation, I just use the energy of you and Sheng Huaixuan to make suggestions, the strength of the brother is to understand the Western countries close to the water, some things are completely copied, there is nothing unusual. If you want to talk about the achievements, you and Sheng Huaixuan are both contemporary wizards of the Great Qing Kingdom. "Brother Zixuan, I'm not praising you to your face, facts speak louder than words, your greatest ability is to keenly grasp business opportunities and a sense of smell beyond ordinary people, which is not something ordinary people can do."

Hu Xueyan continued: "Brother Zixuan, I want to ask a question? "Dude, but it doesn't hurt to say it!" "You say you want to be chic, but I don't think that's the case. In the past few years, I haven't seen you spend all day drinking, and I haven't seen the lights and wine, surrounded by left and right. I haven't seen it even if I was touring the mountains and rivers. I've seen you busy every day, what the hell do you think? Deng Zixuan said with a smile: "Brother, I can't hide it, I am anxious when I see the ships and weapons of foreigners, I see that the Great Qing Kingdom is so backward, and I am anxious to see the foreigners showing off their martial arts and Yang Wei in the sea and land of the Great Qing Dynasty." How I hope that this land will grow day by day, and that one day we will be able to build our own ships and weapons. Brother, I'm just beating the side drum, and the hope is pinned on you and Sheng Huaixuan, this is what I think now, I wonder if my brother can accept my explanation? ”

"You gave me Chaka Yantian, which shows your heart and courage. But it's really hard to get rich in business. People are afraid of being famous, pigs are afraid of being strong, and danger and wealth are always with you. Do you think it's easy for me, to accompany you like a tiger, but I have no way out, so I have to go on. Brother Zixuan, you can have such ambitions, brother, I'm afraid I can't let you get your wish. "Dude! Don't be discouraged, maybe one day you will raise your eyebrows and even shine! I'm sure you'll see that day. Hu Xueyan shook his head helplessly, knowing that Deng Zixuan was comforting him.

The small passenger ferry successfully docked at the Fuzhou wharf, and the group stared at the wharf. The dock was bustling and lively, and a man walked up to Deng Zixuan and took out a badge, and Deng Zixuan knew at a glance that it was Wanchuan's people. The man stepped forward and said, "Mr. Deng, this is the letter that your disciple Deng wants to give you, please take a look." Deng Zixuan unfolded the letter and read it carefully, and informed him that he and Lord Shen had gone to the capital. The letter did not mention what they were doing in the capital, but focused on the situation of He Tao and other trainees on the warship.

The man saw that Deng Zixuan had read the letter and took his leave. Seeing that Hu Xueyan was puzzled, Deng Zixuan said: "Brother, it was a letter left by my son, and it is unfortunate that Lord Shen went to the capital." Since Lord Shen is not at home, I don't think I should disturb the Shen Mansion. "My brother is right, let's find an inn to stay, anyway, we're passing by." The group stayed at the most haode inn in Fuzhou to relieve the fatigue of the journey.

The next day, the two boarded the small train in Fuzhou, and now in addition to transporting goods to the Mawei Shipyard, another function of the small train is to receive a large number of dignitaries and dignitaries from other places. A few more cars have been added to the line, and the small coaches are very beautiful, and the windows have been installed with bright glass, which seems to be a blend of curiosity and sightseeing. "It's really comfortable and intoxicating to take the train, not to mention that foreigners' things are really rare." Seeing Wan'er and Mrs. Excited, Hu Xueyan couldn't help but sigh.

"Brother, when the railway from Fuzhou to Shanghai is opened, it will be really enjoyable." Deng Zixuan understated. Hu Xueyan craned his neck and looked out, his eyes didn't seem to be enough. Arriving at Mawei Station, this group of passengers got off the train, and the passengers waiting for the return trip flocked to the train. “haha！ The Mawei Shipyard has expanded again, and Shibetsu is really impressive for three days, and I am afraid that in two years I will not be able to recognize each other. "Yes! Mawei Shipyard is developing too fast! It's changing with each passing day! The two stood on the station and sighed again.

The director of this kung fu Mawei shipyard heard that Hu Xueyan and Deng Zixuan were coming, and hurriedly came to greet them. There is no need to go into detail about the meeting, the director personally accompanied the tour of the steam airport factory and the vehicle factory. According to the director of the factory, the vehicle factory has begun to produce vehicles. Rail production continues to expand and fully supply the needs of the Fuzhou-Shanghai railway line. In addition, the director proudly said that the steam locomotive will roll off the assembly line by the end of the year. During the visit, Deng Zixuan was always very calm, and Hu Xueyan was very excited.

Back at the inn that day, the two had a drink. "Brother Zixuan, I was in a dream, I didn't expect that we would be able to produce steam locomotives by ourselves, I feel a little like a world away." "Brother, in fact, there is nothing difficult, what foreigners can do, Chinese can also do. The key is to dare to think and do. "What would it be like if trains were running everywhere in the future?" Hu Xueyan was stimulated by alcohol. Seeing Hu Xueyan's intoxicated face, Deng Zixuan couldn't help but be happy. Because Hu Xueyan was so excited that he drank high, he rested early.

That night, He Tao and more than a dozen other trainees who had been promoted to officers came to the inn to meet Deng Zixuan. "The lord is above, please accept the next bow!" He Tao led the students to kneel and bow. "Get up! Don't be inhibited. Tell us about your situation! He Tao said: "My lord, my subordinates have been promoted to the first mate of the Yang Wei battleship. "The subordinate was promoted to the second officer of the Weiyuan!" "Subordinates are promoted to ······." Everyone introduced it, and their young faces flashed with vigor, as if they were eager to try.

Looking at the future elites on the sea and the warriors who will gallop across the ocean in the future, Deng Zixuan's heart fluctuated and said: "Yes, you have performed very well. But don't forget to practice your skills, and the heavy responsibility of defending the sea frontier will fall on your shoulders in the future, and you must be warriors galloping across the ocean. "The Lord's teachings, never forget without teeth, and always remember them in your heart." Everyone spoke in unison. "I want each of you to be successful, and I want my students to be glorious. And one more thing, in times of crisis, you have to step up. "Please rest assured, I will obey the call of the lord at all times!"

Zuihou Deng Zixuan left He Tao and said: "He Tao, you have a great responsibility, everyone needs you to contact, and there must be no mistakes." In addition, you need to keep abreast of their movements and provide timely feedback. "I understand the lord, the personnel are carefully selected, and there will be no mistakes." "My people are always in contact with you, the imperial court is currently going to build the Beiyang Naval Division, and if it is possible, it will infiltrate the Beiyang Naval Division." "Yes! Keep in mind your subordinates! ”

In a few days, Deng Zixuan successively summoned the cadets who went on the ship, and also summoned the new cadets studying at the naval school. What kind of fruit can be sown from the seeds, Deng Zixuan has no bottom. It is unknown how much of a role they can play in the future, but Deng Zixuan knows that once they are unveiled, they will be used for themselves as the elite of the Qing Navy, and they will achieve their goal.

The little steamer continued to cleave the waves, and a few days later entered a beautiful bay and stopped at a makeshift pier. "Brother Zixuan, this is the Hong Kong Island you said, the scenery is indeed beautiful, the terrain is excellent, and it is a sheltered harbor." Hu Xueyan looked at Hong Kong Island Road. "Brother, the British covet this place, they want it all their dreams." "The British plot must not be allowed to succeed!" "That is, I wanted to build a dock here and use it as the base camp of the Nanyang fleet in the future." "You're ambitious! I wonder where your fleet is? "In the future, there will be not only an ocean-going fleet, but also an ocean-going fleet, so that my fleet will appear in Western countries." "Brother Zixuan, I wish I could see that day!" "You'll see me, promise!"

The small steamer entered Lingdingyang and soon docked at the Baishitan Wharf in Dongguan. When Tang stayed on Hong Kong Island, the news spread to the city of Guangzhou. At this time, Qin Fan, Pei Gejin, and Bai Sheng's wife Biying, who rushed to hear the news, stood on the pier and looked forward to it.