A fierce battle, more precisely, is that there is no such thing as a fierce battle at all.

Everything was so fast that it didn't give the defenders a moment at all, and by the time they entered the inner city, a large number of model battalion captains roared into Venice under cannon fire, and it was all over.

Soon......

Erdan and Donkey Ball, who were still in shock, were called away.

"Please go to General Qiu quickly."

Erdan and Donkey Ball glanced at each other.

They were silent.

But the person who came urged: "Please go quickly, General Qiu has been waiting for a long time." ”

Immediately, Erdan and Donkey Ball reluctantly went to Qiu Song's cabin.

At the moment, they were still shocked.

Because everything fell short.

They thought of a lot of possibilities.

For example, the Ming army won a miserable victory, and the Ming army returned with a feather.

Or maybe both.

Even if the Ming army were able to break through the city of Venice, which was one of the strongest cities in Europe, they believed that it would take at least a few months of siege to make it possible.

And in those months they had plenty of time to use the Pope's influence to get what they wanted in this war.

But in just a few hours, the artillery fire suddenly stopped.

All...... Return to peace.

Ships are still moored at sea.

In the city of Venice, although there is still a lot of gunsmoke, the flames that can be born have been extinguished.

The second egg and the donkey ball gave birth to fear for no reason.

In their minds, it was like a heavenly punishment against the Venetians.

Yes, heavenly punishment!

It's a pity that it is not the all-knowing and all-powerful gods who worship and worship them who launch the heavenly punishment and rain of fire and rain in the sky, but a group of ...... The Orientals who were originally used by them.

Erdan only felt that his boots were extraordinarily heavy, as if they were filled with lead.

He didn't have time to imagine what to do next.

When the two of them appeared in the cabin with white faces, they found that more than a dozen old men in gorgeous clothes had appeared in the cabin.

These people all showed panicked expressions, bowed down and stood, and did not dare to come out.

Qiu Song was obviously very impatient, and as soon as he saw Erdan, he immediately said: "Wait for you for a long time, quickly, translate it for me, what are they talking about?" ”

Erdan and Donkey Ball looked at each other and smiled bitterly.

But Qiu Song's face is not good, and it is ...... Seem......

The second egg had to talk to the man who was in charge.

Then, Erdan said to Qiu Song: "This man's name is Tommaso Mosenigue, and he is the governor of Venice. On behalf of Venice, he asked the general for peace. ”

"You're here to beg?" Qiu Song frowned and said.

Erdan said: "It should be more accurate to use peace." ”

Qiu Song glanced back at a scholar behind him.

This Shuzuo was ordered early on to be responsible for communicating with Erdan and Donkey Ball. As a result, I also learned some Latin and French.

Of course...... I only know a few simple words, but I have not yet reached the point of mastery of using them, and I can only judge them by a few words.

At this time, this Shuzuo nodded at Qiu Song.

It means that there is not much difference in the translation of Erdan.

Qiu Song said: "If it is a begging surrender, it is acceptable, I don't understand what peace is." ”

Erdan had no choice but to communicate with this Tommaso Mosenigge.

Tommaso Mosenigge had a pained expression, but he finally nodded and chattered again.

Erdan said: "General, the governor said that Venice has been established for seven hundred years, and seven hundred years ago, starting from the first governor......"

Qiu Song suddenly became impatient again, and said with a stiff face: "Don't talk to me about this, I don't care how many years it is." ”

Erdan had no choice but to say, "So what does the general want to ask?" ”

Qiu Song didn't think about it and said, "Silver...... Do you have? ”

Qiu Song is so direct, but Erdan is no stranger to his rudeness.

Then Tommaso Mosenigge shook his head like crazy and muttered something?

Erdan said: "He said no." ”

Qiu Song's eyes widened angrily, and he said angrily: "What can you beg for without silver? ”

"But...... There is gold...... They are willing to ...... Redeem their city. ”

Qiu Song was still unhappy, and said angrily: "Redemption? Why redeem? ”

"The meaning of ransom ......"

Qiu Song said: "I know that this is the meaning of the ransom, and what I mean is ...... I have taken the city, and everything in this city is ours, so why should they spend money to redeem it? ”

Second egg: "......"

After a pause, Erdan struggled to find the right words: "...... in Europe"

Obviously, Qiu Song doesn't like to listen to it.

Qiu Song interrupted him: "Now Venice is the territory of the Ming Dynasty, and I don't understand your rules, so don't talk to me about these rules." I only listen to my big brother's rules! ”

The second egg had no choice but to start muttering to this Tommaso Mosenigge again.

Tommaso Mosenigge had a sad expression and tried to bargain.

Erdan said: "What does the governor mean...... If this is the case, then in the city of Venice, there may be a violent resistance, which is not good for the general. ”

Qiu Song pursed his lips and said, "Then you tell him, Qiu someone......... lest they not rebel. ”

Tommaso Mosenigge was directly silenced after listening to Erdan's relay.

Venice began to be a state, more than 700 years, with the prosperity of commerce, the city-state began to grow, has always been domineering, where has it suffered such humiliation?

Although Venice is a city-state republic, in fact, today's Venice has entered its heyday. Its colonies have spread over many coastal areas of the Mediterranean.

只是今日的战败，实在来的太突然，实际上，丘松越是蛮横，反而加剧他的恐惧。

This group of uninvited guests brought him too heavy a psychological shadow.

Tommaso Mosenigge lowered his voice, grimaced, and began to pray.

Erdan then said: "He hopes that the general will be merciful, and everyone will discuss a practical method, preferably to the satisfaction of both parties." ”

Qiu Song snorted coldly: "I am a rough person, I came here to destroy them, my eldest brother has an explanation, people can not be killed, but gold and silver must be had, this is not negotiable." ”

Erdan didn't want to be entangled in this anymore, so he had to smile bitterly, and then ...... Talk to Tommaso Mosenigge.

Tommaso Mosenigge's face became more and more anxious, he seemed to accept Erdan's words, and after a long silence, he suddenly muttered a few words.

And these words made Erdan show disdain.

Erdan then said to Qiu Song: "Venice does have a lot of gold and silver, whether it is the public treasury, or the Bank of Venice, or even ...... Many merchants have a large amount of gold in their homes...... And the silver that the general desperately needed...... Merely...... But...... The general is afraid that it will be difficult to find out, of course...... If the General can pardon the Governor and his family, he can find a way for the General......"

Qiu Song's eyes widened slightly, and he said, "He came to search for us?" ”

Erdan said helplessly: "Yes." ”

Chuzon squinted and looked Tommaso Mosenigge up and down earnestly.

But he frowned and muttered, "Isn't this going to be a trick?" ”

Erdan thought for a moment and said, "Maybe it's true, they're businessmen...... Even as governors, they were merchants, the most cunning men in Europe, who would betray and betray anyone, even their relatives and friends, for the sake of their property. ”

Qiu Song stared at Erdan and said, "How do you know?" ”

Erdan said: "In Europe, only pious people like us have a sense of morality, and these Venetian pagans have no faith at all. ”

Qiu Song said lightly: "Let him come up with a way, how to clean up this gold and silver." ”

Erdan then muttered to Tommaso Mosenigge again.

Tommaso Mosenigge looked pained but relieved, and the chick nodded as if pecking rice.

In the end, this Tommaso Mosenigge actually came up with a plan.

The first step is to demand that everyone in the city pay their own ransom and seal the treasury and bank coffers at the same time.

After everyone had paid the ransom, they cut off the trade routes throughout Venice, trapping everyone in the city, and not allowing them to trade grain with people.

After that, the price of grain was raised by ten or even a hundred times to ensure that people with moderate wealth would clean up all their wealth in order to survive.

After selling this high-priced grain for a period of time, the wealthy households in the city are searched and are welcome to report it.

Qiu Song was stunned when he heard it directly, and he was really shocked.

At this time, he could already be sure that the governor in front of him was very sincere.

It's just that the second egg and the donkey ball show disdain at the same time.

Erdan said: "The general knows now...... How good are the Venetians at betraying others, they ...... It's just a bunch of ......."

Qiu Song obviously didn't like to hear this, and immediately glared at him, and said with a bit of anger: "Don't scold people, they just love money, what's wrong with this, my eldest brother is the same." ”

Faced with Qiu Song's unkind face, Erdan no matter how contemptuous he was in his heart, he had no choice but to keep his mouth shut.

At this time, Qiu Song commanded: "Tell him that if things can be done, I can ensure that his family property can be preserved, and that his life can be guaranteed." But if I find that there are people in this city who hide gold and silver, then...... His house must have been raided. ”

Erdan nodded helplessly, turned around and communicated with this Tommaso Mosenigge again.

Tommaso Mosenigge glanced at Qiu Song, showing sincere fear and great joy, and nodded hurriedly.

Only then did Qiu Song wave his hand and said, "Escort this person down, teach people to watch him, let him go back to the city first, and give me a good job." ”

When Tommaso Mosenigge heard this, he withdrew as if he had been pardoned.

Erdan was in a heavy mood at this time, but he was a little indescribably comfortable.

In any case, for Europeans, many people have long hated the Venetians.

This kind of hatred is far beyond the scope of Qiu Song's understanding.

So Erdan couldn't help but say, "General, these Venetians...... It's all a bunch of ......."

Qiu Song stared at him coldly, and suddenly said, "Next, it's time to talk about our problems." ”

Second egg: "......"

Qiu Song said: "What kind of Pope of yours do you say will give a rich gift to the Daming fleet, right?" You see, my Daming Sailor, not far away, after more than eight months, during which I encountered so many hardships and hardships, you look at me, I have lost 20 pounds along the way, this is the meat I have raised for more than ten years, and there are many soldiers......"

Erdan squeezed out a little smile with difficulty, he was afraid that Qiu Song would continue, so he hurriedly said, "We will find a way." ”

Qiu Song said: "I know you have a way, but I just want to ask how much gold and silver you can take...... To tell you the truth, if you take less, I don't follow it, and you don't think I'm alarmist. What kind of letter you sent to the city of Rome, you used the clipper of my great sailor, I have entered Rome, but now, I probably know the hydrology and city defenses there, if you dare to deceive me, I will kill Rome! ”

The more Qiu Song spoke, the more excited he became, and finally shouted viciously: "Don't deceive me and be honest! ”

Erdan only felt that the world was spinning, and a cold sweat broke out.

The donkey ball, which had been silent on the side, was almost fainting.

People are what they bring.

But where did I think that the other party seemed to be too strong.

The reason why I agreed to the so-called gift was that I didn't even think about honoring it.

After all, in all the possibilities they preset, whether it was the defeat of the Ming army or a crushing victory, Rome was the one who picked peaches.

Can ...... now

Reality is often beyond imagination.

Qiu Song said: "Why don't you speak?" Aren't you very good at talking? ”

Erdan struggled to calm down, took a deep breath, and then said weakly: "I...... I'll figure it out. ”

Qiu Song said with a cold face: "I have seen the world, don't take some small favors to perfunctory, I am also a reasonable person, but ...... Don't be unreasonable. ”

Erdan hurriedly said: "Yes, yes, yes." ”

At this time, he was already sweating, and for a while, he was six gods without a master, and he didn't know where to go at this time.

War?

The strength of the opponent's artillery and the essence of the soldiers were obviously far beyond his imagination.

And?

Their attitude towards the Venetians was so fierce that they wanted to knock the bone and suck the marrow, and it was impossible not to bleed much.

The second egg lost his soul and walked out of the cabin with the donkey ball.

Both of them looked anxious.

Now, even if they sacrificed, they had obviously become sinners through the ages.

Donkey Ball hesitated for a moment, and said to Erdan, "Do we immediately communicate to Rome and ask them to get ready?" ”

Erdan shook his head and said, "Do you think Rome can withstand their attack?" ”

Donkey Fairway: "Is it possible to ......"

Erdan smiled bitterly: "We can't afford to take such a risk. ”

The donkey ball was silent for a long time before he said gloomily: "Do you really let these heretics blackmail us?" ”

Erdan lowered his head, thought for a while, and then said, "Let's communicate with Rome first, and then talk to this general." But ......"

Speaking of this, he paused, put a wry smile on his face, and sighed: "This General Qiu is the same as the Venetian merchant, and he is only afraid of ......."

Donkey Ball also had a bitter face, and almost burst into tears.

The ruthlessness of this group of Orientals is really beyond his imagination.

……

"General."

A Shuzuo cautiously entered the cabin and began to mumble, hiding himself aside and whispering from the conversation between Donkey Ball and Erdan.

Adjutant General Liu Tao stood aside, his face was a little cold, and he said angrily: "These people ...... They even dare to insult the general, they invited us here, we came with the stars and the moon, and now they want to bite us back, the general...... In my opinion, it's better to ...... Simply go into that Rome ......"

Qiu Song's expression remained unchanged, and he even said calmly: "No need, eldest brother explains, as long as we have money, as long as the money they give is enough, there is no need to be rude, if you are rude, you are not a hero, and those who can earn money are heroes." ”

Liu Tao: "......"

Qiu Song looked at the unwilling look on Liu Tao's face, but said patiently: "I can't help it, my mood is the same as yours, but since the eldest brother said this, he naturally has his reasons, we came so far, not to kill, but to ...... Take a look at my big brother's tips. ”

He actually took out a bag and handed it to Liu Tao.

When Liu Tao heard that it was the tip of His Royal Highness the King of Wuhu County, he immediately showed a solemn expression.

He immediately took it with both hands, held the bag in his hand, and carefully took out a piece of silk.

The silk slowly opened, and it was actually three words.

Money, money, money!

Liu Tao: "......"

It's simple enough, it's brutal enough!

Qiu Song said: "Now you understand. The eldest brother was afraid that I would be disobedient, so he taught me to wear this bag on my body at all times, so as to remind me all the time that everything else doesn't matter, it matters to make money. ”

Liu Tao had no choice but to say: "I understand." ”

Qiu Song explained: "Gold, silver, even copper...... We all want it. Tomorrow you will take a troop of men and horses to Nareana. There is also much silver and gold there, and as for Rome, let it not be extraneous. Their path has long been figured out by the eldest brother, and he will always find a way to satisfy us. ”

"Humble understood."

This Governor Tommaso Mosenigge was very efficient.

I have to say that in the area of making money, this governor from a merchant family is obviously a professional.

The first step is to use the ransom method, which is actually to drain the pockets of all the poor, and the second step is to borrow high-priced grain and squeeze out all the small merchants who have some wealth.

Next, it is aimed at those big businessmen, and these big businessmen and super-rich are precisely the most conspicuous.

Of course, being able to do this also has a lot to do with the well-developed commerce of Venice.

For 700 years, Venice had almost no external troubles, which is why it has become a gathering place for all merchants, and a large amount of wealth is stored here.

The Bank of Venice, which was established more than 200 years ago, has also attracted a lot of capital.

The Venetian merchants were a strange group of people who not only made huge profits through trade and warfare, but also derived their real wealth from managing their wealth for the European aristocracy.

Thus...... This Venetian merchant is also known as the tax collector.

(End of chapter)