Qingdao Town.

It's called a town, but it's actually more prosperous than a county town.

As the largest port in the north, it is a transit station for the sea trade of the five countries of Qi, Jin, Song, Goryeo and Wa.

Although Wanyan Zonghan and these people kept making small moves, Wanyan Wu Qimai always wanted to make friends with Qi State, so he opened the port of Dalian for this purpose.

However, the Jin State was a slave system, and those who could do maritime trade business were all nobles of the Jin State and the Liao State.

As for the Bohai people, the unified perception of the top level of the Jin State is that it is both used and prevented.

As a result, the Bohai people were the first to join the Jurchens and fight the world with the Jurchens against Liao, but after the Liao State was destroyed, they became third-class people, and their status was not as high as that of the Khitans of the Liao State.

Han Zhen held the Sheng slave in his arms, and the Zhao Fujin sisters followed him left and right, and the family strolled through the bustling streets.

On the streets, cars and horses are sparkling.

Truckloads of goods are transported from the port to the town, and then sent to Shandong, Henan and other places through the expressway.

Maritime merchants from Goryeo, Wa, and Jin can be seen everywhere.

More often than not, it was Arabs and other merchants from the Western Regions.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, the Silk Road on land was not cut off, but there was such a roadblock in the middle as the Western Xia, which did have a great impact on the land Silk Road.

Western Xia commerce was not well developed, and the land was poor, and the main financial income was green salt, and heavy taxes were imposed on passing merchants.

Although the Silk Road was profitable, the Tangut people were too ruthless in collecting taxes.

But if you want to cross the border, you need to pay a tax of 30% of the total price of the goods, which is a tax, it is simply a robbery.

With the rise of maritime trade, gradually few people were willing to take the land route.

Ninety percent of the trade between the East and the West depends on sea trade.

The prosperity of the Central Plains has also attracted a large number of people from the Western Regions to settle here.

At present, there are 100,000 people from the Western Regions who have settled in Tokyo, Quanzhou, Guangzhou, Jimo and other places.

Shengnu stared at the big curious eyes and looked around.

Suddenly, the little guy exclaimed: "Daddy, Kunlun slave, such a tall Kunlun slave!" ”

Looking in the direction of her finger, she saw a man more than two meters tall, with dark skin and a hemp rope tied around his neck, the other end of which was held in the hands of a black-robed merchant from the Western Regions.

Kunlun Nu is a general term for dark-skinned barbarians in the Central Plains in ancient times, and they are not necessarily black Africans.

For example, the Kunlun slaves in the Sui and Tang dynasties, most of them were people from Vietnam, Southeast Asia and other places.

By the time of the Song Dynasty, due to the development of navigation technology, they could reach as far as the Red Sea, which led to the gradual emergence of black Africans.

As soon as the Kunlun slave in front of him saw his facial features, he knew that he was a black African.

It seems to be suffering from gigantism, tall and tall, but thin like a bamboo pole, walking on the street at the moment, attracting many passers-by to watch.

Han had the cabinet issue a decree prohibiting human trafficking.

However, the population mentioned in the decree is the Han'er, and barbarians like Kunlun Nu are not among them.

Han Zhen ordered, "Bring that Western Regions merchant here." ”

"Yes!"

As soon as Lao Jiu beckoned, several guards immediately rushed forward.

Surrounded by three or five soldiers in armor, the Western Regions merchant did not panic.

Before and after Han Zhen, I saw him bow and salute, and said in fluent official dialect: "Merchant Abnu, I have seen Xianggong." ”

Han Zhen was interested and asked, "Which country?" ”

Abnu proudly said: "Allah, I am from the great Abbasid dynasty." ”

Abbasids?

Han Zhen frowned slightly, he didn't even know much about the history of China during this period, let alone the Middle East.

Seeing this, Zhu Da on the side reminded loudly: "Your Majesty, the Abbasid country is a big food in black. ”

After knowing that he was about to be in charge of maritime trade, Zhu Da began to do his homework, consult classics, and ask merchants from the Western Regions and Southeast Asia in Beijing.

Hearing this, Han Zhen's face was stunned.

In order to distinguish the different periods of the Arab Empire, according to the different costumes of the Arab Empire, it is recorded as the Great Food in White, the Great Food in Black and the Great Food in Green.

Today, the Black Clothes Diet occupies Iraq, Afghanistan and Egypt.

In the Tang Dynasty, Gao Xianzhi fought in Hengros and ate in black.

In that battle, Gao Xianzhi fought 40,000 against 100,000, although he was defeated, but the black-clothed food was also a miserable victory, the 100,000-strong army suffered 60,000 casualties, although most of the 100,000-strong army was the army of the subject country, but you must know that in the heyday of the black-clothed food, there were only 100,000 caliph guards.

Since then, the national strength of the Black Clothes Food has declined, and the country has been torn apart.

Han Zhen smiled and asked, "The official words of the Central Plains are good, have you been here for many years?" ”

Abnu replied, "It has been ten years since Zhenghe came to China with his father when he was three years old. ”

In ten years, this Arab has been completely sinicized, and in addition to his beliefs, his words and deeds are no different from those of the Han people.

Han Zhen asked again: "Where did this Kunlun slave come from?" ”

Abnu said, "Caught from Nanzhou." ”

At this time, the Central Plains referred to Africa as the South Continent and the North Continent, and the South Continent was the South Africa region.

Thinking of this, Han Zhen asked quietly, "Are you waiting for the big food merchants to travel to and from Nanzhou by sea or land?" ”

"There are more sea routes, but the land routes are too dangerous, full of poisonous snakes and beasts, and thousands of wild cattle, which are more terrible than the cavalry." Speaking of this, a trace of fear flashed in Abnu's eyes.

At this time, sub-Saharan Africa was a real wilderness, with countless poisonous snakes and beasts.

Han Zhen continued to ask: "Are there frequent round-trips?" ”

"It's not much, Nanzhou is barren, except for Kunlun slaves, there is nothing of much value, and I can't go there for a few years."

Abunu's voice changed, and he began to sell his Kunlun slave: "My Kunlun slave is extremely rare, seven feet tall, oily and slippery, and has a fierce face. The status of the prince is noble, and the ordinary Kunlun slave is not in sight, so I can only be worthy of the identity of a nobleman, which can not only ward off evil spirits in the house, but also give the nobleman a long face when he takes it out. ”

Kunlun Nu is not a human being, this is the consensus.

Not only the Song, Jin, and Western Xia, but even the Arabs of the Western Regions felt the same way.

In their eyes, Kunlun Nu is no different from pets such as pigs and dogs.

Han Zhen shook his head: "I'm not interested in Kunlun Nu, but if you have a Nanzhou chart, I am willing to buy it at a high price." ”

"Xianggong laughed."

Abnu sneered.

Han Zhen smiled slightly: "You go back and think about it, in terms of price, you are satisfied." ”

Hearing this, a hint of intent flashed in Abnu's eyes, and he turned his head and left.

After the other party left, Zhu Da said softly: "Your Majesty, this person is just lying, there are many rare treasures such as rhinoceros horn and ivory in Nanzhou, and as long as they are sold back to the Central Plains, it will be a hundredfold, or even a thousandfold profit." The black-clothed food relied on this channel and made a lot of money. ”

"Hmm."

Han Zhen nodded and didn't say much.

That's why, he had to wait until the navy had formed up a combat force before considering forming an ocean-going trade caravan.

As the saying goes, cutting off people's wealth is like killing their parents.

If you touch someone else's cake, you will naturally be retaliated.

At this time, the role of a powerful navy was revealed.

No matter how much you say, it's better to attack the city with a single shot.

Barbarian, fearful of power but not afraid of virtue!

Holding the sheng slave, Han Zhen continued to wander around the streets, and said casually: "I won't interfere too much in ocean trade, you are free to play, I only have one request, try to bring back as many crop seeds from the Western Regions and Southeast Asia as possible." ”

"Provincial."

The monkey and Zhu Da bowed in unison.

Although a series of high-yield crops such as corn, peppers and sweet potatoes are found in South America, there are also many unintroduced vegetables and fruits in the Middle East and Europe.

Han Zhen continued: "The shipping route between the Cape of Good Hope and the Americas, you don't have to be in a hurry, take your time, I can afford to wait. ”

The sun sets in the west.

The afterglow of the setting sun casts a golden veil over Qingdao Town.

Han Zhen led the Zhao Fujin sisters to the Zhuolou branch in the town.

Nowadays, with the explosion of the sea mistake business, all kinds of sea mistakes have emerged in an endless stream, and some of them have never even been seen by Han Zhen.

Zhao Fujin naturally ate sea mistakes in Beijing, but they were basically dry goods, and there were few fresh ones.

Sheng Nu pinched a big shrimp in his small hands, learned from his father's appearance, slowly peeled the shrimp shell, and his serious appearance was very cute.

After eating and drinking, the group returned to the pavilion.

Following.

Knowing that Han Zhen had something to do, Zhao Fujin took his sister to the beach.

Han Zhen came to the shipyard with Monkey and Zhu Da under the support of the guards.

Because of his meritorious shipbuilding, Huang Nai successfully became an official.

Now he is the supervisor of the ship and car supervision under the jurisdiction of the Academy of Engineering, and the official son of the seventh product.

Knowing that the official family was coming to inspect, Huang Nai waited in front of the shipyard gate early.

In a short time, a line of cavalry galloped in.

"Wechen greets Your Majesty!"

Huang Nai bowed.

"Aiqing is exempt."

Han Zhen turned over and dismounted, threw the reins of the horse to Lao Jiu on the side, and commanded: "Follow me to inspect the shipyard." ”

Huang Nai was accustomed to the resolute style of the official family, and stretched out his hand to signal: "Your Majesty, please." ”

Today, there are three docks in the port.

One is used for mooring and repairing the Shenzhou warship group, and the other two are used for building new ships.

Walking into the dock, the hot breath came to my face.

On the wooden frame of the deep pit, hundreds of craftsmen are at work.

Huang Nai led the way and introduced: "The first batch of merchant ships, a total of eighteen ships, has been launched, and now they are on trial, and the second batch of merchant ships can also be launched before the end of the year." According to His Majesty's orders, Wechen and his master craftsmen have made many improvements to the merchant ships, so that the ability of the merchant ships to resist the wind and waves has been greatly improved. ”

The ships of the ocean-going trade caravan were tentatively set at thirty-six.

Strong winds and waves at sea are common, and when you go to sea, you basically give your life to God.

Thirty merchant ships came back safely, which was already considered good luck.

It's not that Han Zhen doesn't want to build more merchant ships, but there aren't so many people.

Thirty-six merchant ships, from captains to sailors, to Huo'er, doctors, etc., had three to five thousand men, to say the least.

These three to five thousand people need to be proficient in water, preferably with experience in the ocean.

It is the limit to be able to make up so many people in a short period of time.

You can only run trade while training new people.

At this time, the monkey on the side couldn't help but ask, "How big is the merchant ship?" ”

can follow the official's side, either a heavy minister or a close minister, so Huang Nai didn't dare to hold it up, and replied truthfully: "The merchant ship is between Shenzhou and ordinary passenger ships, twenty-two zhang long, five zhang three feet deep, four zhang two wide, the whole ship is spliced with mortise and tenon joints, which is not weaker than iron nails, and there are tiny gaps between the mortise and tenon joints, so that it can resist wind and waves more." ”

The monkey and Zhu Da don't understand, but Han Zhen understands some.

This is the principle of later generations of aircraft, most of the fuselage of the aircraft, not welded, but connected by rivets, is to prevent tearing caused by vibration and tension in flight.

Later generations of ocean-going freighters used thick steel plates, which were extremely strong, so they did not need riveting technology.

A small change can make a merchant ship capable of ocean voyages, and the wisdom of the ancients should not be underestimated.

The monkey asked again, "How much cargo can it carry?" ”

Huang Nai replied: "It can carry up to 6,000 cargo." ”

In the Song Dynasty, one bucket was five buckets, about fifty catties.

Six thousand Hu is converted into one hundred and fifty tons, which is already very rare at this time.

"Not bad, not bad!"

The monkey looked delighted and nodded repeatedly.

He has done his homework, and now the sea ship of the pseudo-Song Dynasty is only fifteen or sixteen zhang, and it can only carry four thousand hu at most.

As for the sea ships of the Western Regions countries such as Dashi, it is even worse, only about ten zhang.

Six thousand Hu, even if it is not as good as Shenzhou, but it is already proud of the merchant ships.

Han Zhen opened his mouth and said, "What about the naval division's warship?" ”

Huang Nai said confidently: "The naval battleship is built in the No. 3 dock, and the third Shenzhou battleship is about to be launched, and the fourth Shenzhou battleship will be delivered before the beginning of spring." ”

On the Haizhou side, in order to catch up with the schedule, Yu Bozhuang directly requisitioned several private docks and a large number of private craftsmen, but also gave corresponding compensation.

It should be possible to deliver three Shenzhou warships by the end of the year.

At that time, two of the seven Shenzhou warship groups will be used to escort ocean-going trade caravans, and the remaining five will be ready for battle.

The strength of the sailor has increased rapidly, and the money can be spent in the water.

Fortunately, after taking the Central Plains, Han Zhen took a big bite of the war dividends, and the financial aspect was completely able to withstand it.

Accompanied by Huang Nai, Han Zhen went to the No. 3 dock to inspect again, and then rushed to the sailor camp.

"I've seen Your Majesty."

Li Nanjia is dressed in paper armor and is heroic.

Kuang Zixin was transferred to Haizhou Port, and now the sailor of Jiaozhou Bay is under the full responsibility of Li Nanjia.

Although the position is still brigade commander, it is the power of the commander.

The promotion of a soldier is very simple, and it is taken by military merit.

Since the establishment of the Sailor Division, in addition to exterminating some miscellaneous fish pirates, there has only been a surprise attack on Tongzhou.

This bit of combat merit is still divided equally by all the sailors, and it is not enough to be promoted.

Next year, though, will be different.

In the war next year, the role of the Navy Division is no less than that of the Army.

Han Zhen walked into the barracks and asked casually, "How is the expansion of the army?" ”

Li Nanjia followed behind him step by step, and said in a cold voice: "Jiaozhou Bay recruited more than 3,000 soldiers, and Brigade Commander Kuang recruited 5,000 soldiers in the Haizhou area, all of whom are fishermen who are good at water, and with a little training for two or three months, they can form combat strength. ”

There weren't many people in the barracks, and the soldiers were all practicing on ships.

That is, the sailor, the main battlefield is naturally on the ship.

After inspecting the barracks, the two came to the White Tiger Hall.

Sitting on the main seat, Han Zhen glanced Li Nanjia up and down.

Li Nanjia was a little uncomfortable by him, and lowered his eyes slightly.

Han Zhen chuckled and said, "I know that you are holding back the fire for this time, wait a minute, it will be your turn to play immediately." ”

Hearing this, Li Nanjia's eyes lit up, raised his head and said, "Attack the Song Dynasty or cut gold?" ”

Speaking of destroying the Song Dynasty, she is more active than anyone else, and even if Han Zhen says that the military budget is not enough, she is afraid that she will pay for it.

Moving his gaze to Yutu, Han Zhen said domineeringly: "I want them all!" ”

(End of chapter)