The fact that the Venetians were able to stand as a mere city for 700 years, and even had the strength to compete with the Pope of Rome for a time, was not just about commerce.

It can be said that Rome is the source of legitimacy for the aristocracy of Europe as a whole.

Venice, then, is the money bag of the entire European aristocracy.

The nobility was not professional in collecting taxes in their domains due to the influence of religion and war.

After all, at this time in Europe, there was no professional civil bureaucracy, and in addition to the so-called tithes and other religious taxes levied in Rome, the taxes of the nobility were mostly entrusted to the merchants of Venice in the form of taxes.

If the military and civilians of Europe have to pay taxes, it is basically ...... One was handed over to the Pope in Rome. The other was through the Venetian merchants, in the form of tax packages, which fell into the pockets of the nobility and the Venetian tax collectors.

This form of tax package is usually signed by the royal treasurer and one or more contractors, and the contractor hands over the tax amount to the state treasury in advance to obtain the royal family's tax collection rights, and then collects it from the taxpayers.

However, with the passage of time, because of the frequent wars, many nobles could no longer meet their requirements with taxes in order to fight, so they often chose to borrow from merchants.

Thus, in addition to taxes, trade, and colonial gains, the Venetian merchants ...... There is also a major business ...... Lending.

In Europe in this era, the lending interest rate was ruthless, it was no joke, the interest rate was terrible, and because of religious reasons, ordinary people in Europe were not allowed to borrow, and the lending business was almost monopolized by the pagan group of Venetian merchants.

Not only that, but these money lending businesses were almost usurious by the Venetian merchants.

Because of this, the Merchant of Venice was hated by all Europeans, so much so that more than 100 years later, Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice" was performed and became popular in Europe.

The city of Venice is, in a sense, the equivalent of tax collectors, usurers, traders and colonists throughout Europe.

As the viceroy, Tommaso Mosenigge did not have much power, and the city of Venice was founded by a group of merchants, and although he was called the governor, he was actually only a representative of the merchants.

Therefore, the only thing Tommaso Mosenigge could do was to assist the Ming army, he first had to stabilize the big merchants, and at the same time start collecting ransoms.

Sure enough, after hearing that the Ming army only collected ransom, almost all the big businessmen breathed a sigh of relief.

Of course, this is also a common practice in Europe, the city is occupied, and the ransom should be paid, and it is levied according to the head, and the lives of the whole city are bought up, which is beneficial and harmless for the big merchants.

It may be a big income for the poor, but for the big businessmen, it's just a drop in the bucket.

In view of the fact that Venice was in the hands of the big merchants, the big merchants worked very hard, and they actually began to come forward to maintain order, and even began to organize people to collect ransom from the inhabitants of the city. Of course, this ransom was collected earlier, after all, these outsiders are not sure, so as not to have many dreams at night.

It can be said that everything went very smoothly, almost every street, every household, with the assistance of the merchant group, did not even need the Ming army stationed there, only the mercenaries of the merchant group, that is, the ransom was quickly handed over.

However, this behavior soon caused a split in the city of Venice, and the poor people were forced by the merchants, destitute and resentful.

The merchants ignored this, and when the ransom was delivered to Qiu Song in a truckload, Qiu Song was overjoyed.

"You still have a way." Qiu Song showed a look of appreciation, and said happily: "I thought I was going to rob it." ”

Seeing Qiu Song's smile, Tommaso Mosenigge's tense face finally relaxed a little, and said stupidly: "General, this is what I should do." ”

Qiu Song said: "Good job, next, step up!" ”

Tommaso Mosenigge couldn't help but laugh when he was complimented by Chuzon.

It's just that the second egg in charge of the translator has a more and more obvious contempt for Tommaso Mosenigge on his face.

This is not only due to the fact that the second bastard from the Holy See himself has a deep hatred for heretics like Tommaso Mosenigge.

In addition, the identity of the merchant of Venice is also the object of spurning by Erdan!

Not to mention, Erdan knows very well that Tommaso Mosenigge's behavior is not just groveling, but betraying his own kind.

At this time, Tommaso Mosenigge said respectfully: "The garrison has cut off the trade routes, and the next thing is to sell the grain!" General, please rest assured, I will arrange ......"

Qiu Song waved his hand and said, "Let's go, as soon as possible." ”

Tommaso Mosenigge hurried away.

Erdan frowned, and couldn't help but say to Qiu Song: "General Qiu, what is your evaluation of these businessmen?" ”

Qiu Song glanced at Erdan, and he also saw the disdain on Erdan's face, but he said disapprehantly: "I don't care." ”

Second egg: "......"

He always felt that it was extremely difficult to communicate with this General Qiu.

Looking at Erdan's complicated expression, Qiu Song said lightly: "This is your business, I just want the result!" ”

After a pause, Qiu Song seemed to think of something, stared at Erdan fiercely and said, "There is no news from Rome yet?" ”

Erdan's mood was almost suffocating. He slowly came out of his bitter hatred of the Venetians, because ...... What he had to face was also a difficult choice.

In fact, the current Rome has already quarreled a lot, and it has reached the point of chatter about compromise or death war.

The tithes levied by Rome allowed the entire city of Rome to accumulate a huge amount of wealth, but this did not mean that they were willing to give it up.

But the strength of the Ming army is far beyond their imagination, even Venice, a fortified city that has stood for 700 years, was wiped out overnight, who can ensure the safety of Rome?

Under Qiu Song's impatient gaze, Erdan had no choice but to say, "It may take some time." ”

Qiu Song raised his eyebrows and looked at him and said, "You didn't play any tricks, did you?" ”

Erdan's heart jumped, and he quickly shook his head and said, "No ......"

Qiu Song interrupted him and said arrogantly: "Even if you play tricks, you are not afraid." Of course, if you want to go back on your word, don't fulfill your agreement, and don't give these 'gifts', then I will simply give you a month to prepare for our acquaintance! Within a month, the Pope, who will not attack Rome and teach you, will have enough time to gather men and horses to fight me to the death. ”

After hearing this, instead of being happy, Erdan was even more shocked.

Only he knew that his back was already covered with dense cold sweat.

When an enemy tells you, I'll give you ten turns, then this person is either a fool or an existence that you absolutely can't provoke.

And it is obvious that the other party is suspected of being the former, but 100%, it is by no means the latter at the same time.

Erdan's face froze for a moment, and then he hurriedly stabilized his mind, and reluctantly withdrew a little difficult smile and said: "I will repair the letter again and go to Rome, please believe me, I will definitely facilitate this matter." ”

The second egg has now been gorgeously transformed into a peace faction. Even many of his letters to Rome almost constantly exaggerated the strength of the Ming army. Because no European in the world understands better than him that this fleet is an existence that Rome cannot afford to provoke, it is better to find a way to raise money.

Venice City ...... Food suddenly began to run out.

After that, food prices began to rise in the city.

The grain has long been sold out in ordinary grain stores, and now it has become the monopoly of the Governor's Palace.

On the first day, it rose sevenfold. On the second day, it rose to a fifteen times. On the third day, to forty-five times.

In this way, on the first day, everyone just took out all the money and tried to buy food to satisfy their stomachs.

But on the second day, things changed.

Tommaso Mosenigge was one of the great merchants, one of the best of the Venetian merchants.

For by the second day, the poor had little way to buy food, and the small merchants ...... In fact, it can be maintained by buying grain.

It's just that...... For small businessmen and ordinary wealthy people, such a high price of food makes them even more fearful.

Because no one knows for sure what the price of food will be tomorrow.

Therefore, almost all people, the first choice is to buy grain, and to buy grain by all means. Almost all of them took out all their wealth to buy food for storage.

Sure enough, the price of food continued to rise, and within a few days, almost all the small merchants and wealthy families ran out of money.

And the big businessmen are almost all watching from the sidelines, for them, even if the grain rises a hundredfold, a thousand times, they will not be embarrassed by the grain.

For them, they care more about...... Smooth!

This rush for grain is obviously out of place for them.

Until...... When the price of food suddenly began to be restored, all the small merchants almost wailed.

bankrupt and spent all the wealth of tens or hundreds of times the food. Overnight, it suddenly began to fall, and at the same time began to supply in large quantities. Even, the Ming army began to implement a certain poor law, and those poor people who had been hungry for many days suddenly began to distribute black bread. Although this black bread was barely 200 grams per person a day, it made all the small merchants lose their wealth overnight.

The whole city of Venice began to be filled with a feeling of resentment, the poor people who had been extorted ransom by the great merchants, the starving commoners and artisans, the small merchants who had lost everything.

In the midst of this complaint, Chuzon arrived at the Doge's Palace with his guards, and then, after a night of careful arrangements with Tommaso Mosenigge, the next morning, suddenly, a large number of lieutenants began to go out, according to the map provided by Tommaso Mosenigge, and overnight began to surround the mansions of the great merchants.

In the city of Venice, an atmosphere of slaughter began to emerge.

The lieutenants rushed directly into the mansion and began to search.

At the same time, the Governor took people with him and began to take reports.

Obviously, this effect is very good, because the contradictions between the big merchants and the commoners, the small merchants and even the servants have accumulated. Many people already hate these big businessmen, not to mention, if it is valuable information, they can also provide a certain bounty.

All of a sudden, the vaults and goods that had been hidden were unearthed one by one.

All the great merchants were invited to the Doge's Palace, and they were asked to give clues about their money at once, and only by giving all the gold and silver could they save the lives of the family.

But if you refuse to let go and are reported by others, then it will be a situation where both people and money are empty.

They are big businessmen, not ordinary small landlords.

The rich man could secretly find a jar of gold and silver in his own garden and bury it.

But such big businessmen, their wealth is too much, it is impossible for one person to hide this wealth like a mountain of gold and silver.

Therefore, there must be a need for hired manpower, there will be special people to provide them with the services of cashiers, and there will be certain faithful servants to look after their treasury.

This is a trembling for these Venetian businessmen who have been deceived. It has to be said that Tommaso Mosenigge's set is very effective, and it can be said that it is specially tailored to his compatriots.

In the end, what the Ming army had to do was to start sealing all the gold and silver, and ...... Abandon all the ship's ballast stones, and even dismantle a lot of heavy objects. Subsequently, he began to be responsible for carrying gold and silver onto the ship.

The gold and silver were carried for half a month, and a lot of manpower, under the supervision of the captains, carried the heavy goods and boarded the ship.

And at this moment, the city that had stood for 700 years, through loans, taxes, colonization, and trade, began to be completely empty at this moment.

Not only gold, but also all silver ornaments, tableware made of silver, which originally came from the trade of North Africa, as well as the silver mines of Greece and the Czech Republic, and a considerable part of it came from the plundering of the Crusaders in the East at that time.

Qiu Song didn't have time to be happy, but Erdan and Donkey Ball came to the door.

For this reason, Donkey Ball made a special trip back to Rome and reported the situation in Venice!

After a heated quarrel, in the end, Rome made a decision.

With the news, he came in a hurry, saw Qiu Song, and saluted Qiu Song first: "General, on behalf of the Pope, I would like to greet you. ”

Qiu Song said simply and directly: "What about the silver? ”

Donkey Ball's face froze for a moment, then he took a deep breath before saying, "We are determined to give ...... to the general."

As he spoke, he took out a list and handed it to Chu Song.

The above are all donkey balls translated in Chinese, Qiu Song can naturally understand it, but when he saw this number, Qiu Song frowned, and said very dissatisfied: "Do you send it called Hanako?" I have come all the way, not avoiding hardships and dangers, charging into battle for you, bleeding and sweating, and you will have this bit of gold and silver? ”

At this time, Donkey Ball was already sweating, and he looked panicked.

Qiu Song said with an angry face: "Your gold and silver are not as good as one-twelfth of what I got here in Venice!" Since you can't afford to see us, then there's nothing to say, let's meet each other. ”

Donkey Ball smiled bitterly, and he pleaded, "General...... We are allies......"

Qiu Song hooked his lips and sneered, and then said: "With this bit of gold and silver, dare you say that you are allies?" If that's the case, you're welcome. ”

Donkey Ball: "......"

Donkey Ball and Erdan glanced at each other, and then ...... Donkey Ball then took another deep breath and said, "Actually, there is another plan. ”

Qiu Song still looked at him with a sneer.

Donkey Ball's hand took out a list from his pocket again, handed it to Qiu Song, and said, "Does the general think it is feasible?" ”

Qiu Song took the list and looked down, frowning.

In fact, he already knew that the donkey ball must be playing tricks, Qiu Song followed Zhang Anshi's side, he had seen this kind of method many times, which time was not a sky-high asking price, and the money was paid on the ground?

The authorization obtained by this donkey ball is certainly not as simple as the first list, this first list is just a temptation! What really pressed the bottom of the box was the one that Qiu Song was holding in his hand now.

It's all left over from his big brother's play!

After Qiu Song carefully scanned the list, he only smiled and said, "Well....this number, it's not impossible...."

Erdan and Donkey Ball did not show the slightest relaxed expression, but a look of pain.

Qiu Song continued: "There is another thing, since everyone is an alliance, it is naturally their own family. Of course, this family doesn't talk to two families, this Venice is a good place, from now on, I Daming will not be polite, occupy this feng shui treasure. It's just that...we still know the rules, and we always have to ask the Pope for a favor, sign an agreement or something..."

When Erdan heard this, his heart was shocked, and he immediately understood that the other party's calculation was made.

These people don't just want to loot and loot, but they've long been ready to stay there. And the reason for attacking Venice was not at all because of their so-called scheme, but because it had been planned for a long time.

These men plundered all the Venetian merchants in order to replace them!

All of a sudden, everything can be figured out.

The reason why the group of Venetian merchants was born in Europe was precisely because in the Middle Ages, as a religious person was not allowed to borrow, and there was no stable civil class, the aristocracy had the need for taxes, and Venice itself was located in the thoroughfare of the Mediterranean, from which it could radiate the whole of Europe and even North Africa and the Near East.

Today, the Venetian merchants have been wiped out, and the next thing is that these Ming merchants have replaced them.

If this is the case, wouldn't it have been in vain to drive the tiger and devour the wolf and try to destroy the Holy See of the Venetian merchants?

Moreover, in the future, these merchants of the Ming Dynasty may be even more powerful, even more than the merchants of Venice.

As soon as they thought of this, Erdan and Donkey Ball couldn't help but shiver, and suddenly felt like a basin of cold water pouring from head to toe, making them shiver all over.

(End of chapter)