When Zhu Gaoyu went to sea this time, he not only took away the civilian trade fleet, but also took a lot of things.

For example, engineers at all levels of the artisan battalion, as well as those classified materials, and various research data.

Except for the Chamber of Commerce that did not move, most of the elite forces under his command all set off for Qiongzhou with the fleet.

And the only thing I didn't take away was my wife and children.

Zhu Gaoyu also wanted to take the two of them together, but the old man stayed on the grounds that Queen Xu was reluctant to give up her grandson.

As for the reason for whether it is true, Zhu Gaoyu knows it in his heart, and the old man also knows it in his heart.

The old man was worried that Zhu Gaoyu would leave and would never return to Jingshi in the future.

Perhaps to see his son a few more times in his lifetime, or for other reasons, he forcibly kept his daughter-in-law and grandson.

The fleet sailed all the way downwind and headed for Qiongzhou along the coastline of the Ming Dynasty.

Qiongzhou was the first major supply point for the fleet, and it would rest there for a while before continuing its departure.

Along the way, the flotilla was very merry.

The merchants chatted and bragged, fantasizing about how much money they could make after going to sea.

And the envoys of various countries who followed the fleet back, looking at the huge fleet, were happy and worried.

The good news is that the cargo brought by the fleet can meet the various needs of their national power.

And the sorrow is that in case His Highness can't control the fleet, such a large fleet will cause no less harm than a natural disaster.

According to statistics, there are as many as 100,000 ships, large and small, reaching a terrifying scale of nearly 2,000.

These more than 100,000 people, except for those who follow the boss and shopkeeper, are all strong men.

Western countries, some of the smaller ones, do not have as many people as the fleet.

If the fleet is presumptuous, even if they don't destroy the country, they will be tossed enough.

Zhu Gaoyu didn't care at all about the happiness and worry of the crew members.

He is very short of time now, and he is explaining various problems to the engineers every day.

It is hoped that before leaving Qiongzhou, these engineers will have a wealth of knowledge reserves, and can conduct hands-on experiments and even directly produce corresponding items.

Zhu Gaoyu set off with the fleet this time, and there were a total of four purposes.

First, build supply points along the way to prepare for future plans.

Second, send an experienced detachment to find the American continent, and then find high-yield crops such as corn, potatoes, and sweet potatoes to bring back, so that Zhu Gaoyu can use the ability of space to cultivate and mature them to the stage of planting.

Third, establish trade relations with Western countries, use Ming silk, tea and porcelain, and ruthlessly dig out the pockets of those white-skinned pigs.

Fourth, and this is the most important point, to inquire about the situation of each country and prepare for the next conquest.

The fleet departed at the end of September and arrived in Qiongzhou at the end of November.

The reason why such a long time was wasted was that the size of the fleet was too large, and there were many cargoes pulled, which seriously affected the speed of the fleet.

Although he was very helpless about this, he was given money, and he received money from people to eliminate disasters for others, and if he didn't ask, the reputation established by the Sun and Moon Chamber of Commerce would be ruined.

"This is Qiongzhou, it's different from what I imagined."

"yes, I always thought it was a wild place."

As the fleet entered the port of Qiongzhou, many merchant ship owners who came here for the first time looked at the wide wharf and let out exclamations.

In their minds, Qiongzhou was a poor and remote place, and with the imperial court exiling prisoners here, it should be a mixture of dirt and mess in their minds.

However, the wide pier, the crowds of people, and the singing and dancing greeting procession have greatly changed their impression.

"Your Highness, you're finally back."

As soon as Zhu Gaoyu's ship approached the dock, Haisheng, who had already received the news and was waiting, hurriedly greeted him, and at the same time looked at Zhu Gaoyu with a resentful expression.

"Haha, Lao Hai hasn't seen you for a long time."

couldn't stand the other party's resentful eyes, Zhu Gaoyu said hello embarrassedly.

The reason why Zhu Gaoyu was embarrassed was because he forgot one thing.

When he left, he promised Haisheng that he would solve the food problem as soon as possible.

But when he went to fight the Japanese later, he forgot about this stubble.

Fortunately, Zhang Yue, a virtuous helper, received Haisheng's letter of inquiry, and Zhang Yue directly used the relationship of the Chamber of Commerce to mobilize a batch of food.

At the same time, Hai wrote a letter to his brother Zhang Fu, who was fighting in Jiaozhi, to see if he could get some food from his side to support Haisheng's side.

It was also with the help of the two parties that Qiongzhou was able to survive the food crisis.

"Okay Lao Hai, I was so busy at the time that I really forgot about it."

After laughing a few times, Zhu Gaoyu hugged Haisheng cordially and said a soft word, which is considered a loss.

The lord has done this step, Haisheng is naturally not the kind of person who has no eyesight, so he smiled and revealed the matter.

"Your Highness, the iron mine you mentioned has been found, and the students have sent people to mine it, and the output is not bad."

took a ledger from his subordinates next to him and handed it to Zhu Gaoyu.

"This is the account of mining during this time, please look at it Your Highness."

"Oh, is it? I thought you guys were going to take a while. ”

Taking the account book in the other party's hand, Zhu Gaoyu said with some surprise.

At the beginning, his memory had not been strengthened, and some things, but he only had a little impression, and he didn't make it clear at the time where the mine of Jinniuling was.

Unexpectedly, Haisheng and others, with that little pitiful information, really found the mine.

"We searched for the vein, and at first there were no clues, but then I thought the locals would know something, so we increased the bounty and found the clue to the vein."

Haisheng briefly talked about the process of finding the ore vein.

Zhu Gaoyu, who was still thinking about moving the craftsman battalion over and how to solve the iron ore problem, breathed a sigh of relief.

As for the coal mine issue, Zhu Gaoyu already had a plan in his heart.

It is certainly impossible to transport from the native Shanxi and other places, not to mention the distance, and the amount of each delivery will not be too much.

Zhu Gaoyu locked his target on the opposite side of Qiongzhou, that is, the territory of the monkeys.

Although the coal mines there are not as terrifying as the mining areas, for Zhu Gaoyu, they are enough for the initial development.

When the scale needs to be large in the future, Zhu Gaoyu believes that distance is no longer a problem.

Returning the ledger to Haisheng, Zhu Gaoyu said to him: "I won't stay here for a few days, and I will leave after a simple repair." ”

Haisheng is not surprised by this.

With such a large fleet size, Zhu Gaoyu naturally would not rest assured that he would hand it over to others.

Moreover, there is nothing else to do here in Qiongzhou except for the migration of the population, and Zhu Gaoyu's stay here is a complete waste of time.

Zhu Gaoyu pointed to the fleet that was docking in an orderly manner, and explained to Haisheng seriously: "You have always had a headache because Qiongzhou can't develop, and now I have brought these wronged people, oh, no, these merchants have brought them." ”

"This place will become an important supply point for passing fleets in the future, and there will be a huge flow of people."

"What kind of restaurant, commercial street, or even green building or something, you can do it all."

"These merchants are willing to spend money and engage in more special and local specialties."

patted Haisheng's chest, Zhu Gaoyu gave a look, "Anyone with brains can make a fortune, I believe this is not a problem for you." ”

After listening to this, Haisheng couldn't help but grin.

In fact, he had thought of all this a long time ago, and began to make preparations as soon as Zhu Gaoyu left.

Like any hotel, inn, or even a green building, he has already prepared.

Not only that, but he also organized people with craftsmanship to make all kinds of luxury goods with Qiongzhou characteristics and sell them to the sea bosses.

Not only the upper echelons, but also the lower sailors, he also took into account.

Outside the wharf, all kinds of snacks filled a whole street, enough for these low-level sailors to eat cheap and full, a variety of food that is rare on weekdays.

"Your Highness, don't worry about this, the students have long been ready, just waiting for your fleet to bring it."

In the following time, Zhu Gaoyu introduced Lu Fei and others to Haisheng, and explained the establishment of a new artisan battalion.

And gave the two of them the power, as long as it was about the artisan camp, the two of them didn't need to ask for instructions, they could go directly.

If there is anything missing, notify the people of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber of Commerce will do its best to help them solve the problem.

But the flotilla is also in good order under the arrangement of the dock officials.

The merchants, who had been on the ship for two months, and the low-level sailors, stepped off the ship and headed to the docks, which is said to be the place of exile.

Good guys, as soon as everyone got out of the dock, they were fiercely surprised.

Outside the dock is a lively market town, on both sides of the street, all kinds of shops open doors, Xiao Er is smiling at the door waiting for guests.

In addition to the shops, there are also various food stalls on both sides of the street.

All kinds of seafood and fruit snacks are placed everywhere.

The fragrant seafood roasted on the charcoal fire is even more hooked.

And the flower building where the sound of warblers and swallows came from afar, made these men who had been on the ship for two months swallow their saliva.

"Where are you from, these girls, you can't abduct and sell my Han family women, otherwise I won't be able to spare you."

Zhu Gaoyu, who changed into casual clothes and walked around the street with everyone, looked at the lively and prosperous flower building in the distance, and asked Haisheng with a serious face.

"Your Highness, rest assured." Haisheng arched his hand and said: "Students can't do that hurtful thing, let alone persecute their own sisters." ”

Haisheng pointed to the flower buildings in the distance, and explained in a low voice: "The British Duke is fighting in Jiaozhi, and some time ago, when the students were communicating with him about the food problem, they overheard about it and captured a lot of enemy women. ”

"There's still a war going on over there, and it's too troublesome to send them to the imperial court."

"The student thought of the future plan of the exchange with His Highness, and thought that these ladies might not be able to use it, so they bought it at the official price."

Knowing that these women were from the monkey's side, Zhu Gaoyu nodded reassuringly.

What is the situation of the flower building on the local side, he can't control it for the time being, but in his territory, the women of the Han family are not allowed to engage in this industry.

After all, in his future territory, there will be many people of different races coming, and Zhu Gaoyu will not allow his sisters to be bullied by others.

Therefore, in order to avoid all this, Zhu Gaoyu strictly stipulated that Han women were not allowed to engage in this kind of work.

"Brother Tingyi, hurry up, it's too late, the girl is going to be picked up."

Zhu Gaoyu took the people around him and planned to go to a grilled fish stall with a very strong fragrance, and when he tasted it, a shout suddenly sounded behind him.

Zhu Gaoyu didn't care at first, the ancients usually called words, and it was very normal to shout like this.

However, as soon as he lifted his footsteps, he jerked his head back.

Tingyi, if he remembers correctly, the word of a certain Shaobao is this.

King Haisheng entered Wushan and the others, and when they saw Zhu Gaoyu suddenly stopping, he turned his head and seemed to be looking for someone, and they all looked around in confusion.

"Childe, are you looking for someone?"

Wang Jin looked left and right for a long time, but did not see the familiar, and asked Zhu Gaoyu suspiciously.

Except for Zuo Jun, he has been with Zhu Gaoyu for the longest time, so if there are any familiar people, he will definitely be able to recognize them at a glance.

Zhu Gaoyu waved his hand and looked left and right, but there were too many people, and he didn't hear anyone shouting just now.

"Yu Qian!"

I really couldn't find it, Zhu Gaoyu shouted.

"Well, I'm here, don't worry, I'll be right away."

As soon as Zhu Gaoyu's shout fell, a young man dressed as a scholar held a seafood flatbread, nibbling on it while waving his hand to signal that he was there.

This is a young man who is plainly dressed and has a somewhat thin body.

At first sight, Zhu Gaoyu was a little disappointed.

The young man in front of him is not as imposing as he imagined, but very ordinary, no different from ordinary scholars and students, and even a little simple between his eyebrows.

There is a big difference between it and Zhu Gaoyu's image of Yu Shaobao, who wants to leave his innocence in the world.

However, as the saying goes, people should not be disguised.

Besides, Yu Shaobao in front of him is only 14 years old and 15 years old, nodding his head, and he is in a period of juvenile ignorance, and his own momentum has not yet developed.

"Yu Qian, come here!"

Seeing that Yu Qian was about to walk over from the side, Zhu Gaoyu smiled and beckoned him to look this way.

Yu Qian, who thought it was his partner calling him just now, looked at the line in front of him suspiciously, the person who was dressed luxuriously and imposingly.

Especially the young man at the head, he always felt a little familiar, but for a while he couldn't remember where he had seen it.

"I don't know my brother's surname, I always feel familiar, as if I've seen it somewhere."

Yu Qian raised his hand and arched it, asking the doubts in his heart.

"The surname is Zhu, and the name is Gao Yu!"

Zhu Gaoyu introduced himself with a smile.

Yu Qian was stunned for a moment, and connected the person in front of him with the image of a certain person two months ago.

"Yu Qianbai..."

After confirming the identity in front of him, Yu Qian hurriedly bowed.

"No courtesy."

Zhu Gaoyu hugged the other party, and then said with a smile: "I think the little brother is more kind, I don't know if I can be lucky, please invite the little brother to have a few drinks." ”

Yu Qian hesitated for a moment, looked at the two young men who found the situation in the distance and also rushed over.

"I still have two friends!"

"It's okay, together."

The group came to the private room of a restaurant, Zhu Gaoyu asked people to serve some wine and food, and talked with Yu Qian and the three of them with a smile.

After chatting, I learned that the three of them were studying in their hometown, and they heard that the imperial court organized a fleet to go to sea.

Thinking of reading thousands of books and traveling thousands of miles, I told my family, spent some money, and went to sea with a businessman in the township, wanting to see the overseas scenery and expand my knowledge.

After understanding why Yu Qian appeared here, Zhu Gaoyu didn't say anything more, invited the three of them to eat and drink wine, talked about what they had seen and heard overseas, and then said goodbye to each other.

"Your Highness, although this son's appearance is a little sluggish, his thoughts and conversations are extraordinary, and if he cultivates it well in the future, he will definitely become His Highness's left and right arms."

sent Yu Qian and the three away, and on the way back, Haisheng made an evaluation of Qian.

As for the other two people, mediocre people, even if they become officials in the court, a county order will come to an end.

"How is it possible, just that kid's stupid appearance, I guess I can't even memorize the Analects, I think Mr. Hai, you are blind."

Before Zhu Gaoyu could speak, Wang Jin on the side laughed.

In his opinion, as far as Yu Qian's stupid appearance, let alone becoming Zhu Gaoyu's left and right arms, if he can lift people in the exam, it is all the smoke from the ancestral tomb.

Hearing this, Zhu Gaoyu couldn't help laughing and pointed at Wang Jin.

"Lao Wang, your vision still needs to be practiced again, what is called being stupid, this is called being wise and foolish."

"Everything about that kid just now is actually pretending, he doesn't want to have too much to do with me."

"Hey, this little cub is quite capable of pretending!" Wang Jin rolled up his sleeves, "His Royal Highness invited him to dinner because he looked up to him, and he even pretended to be like a bird, who did he think he was, Zhuge Liang, I'm going to clean him up." ”

"That's it!"

Zhu Gaoyu stopped Wang Jin with a smile, and said while walking towards the palace with a few people: "This talent, just like a fierce horse, needs to slowly surrender and polish his temperament, this road is still long, there is time, come slowly." ”

Yu Qian's wisdom, how could he not see that Zhu Gaoyu wanted to accept him.

However, he didn't want to follow the king of Yue.

The current strength and power of the Yue King have surpassed the authority that a vassal king should have.

People's desires are endless, and with the promotion of the people below, this king of Yue will definitely have conflicts with the court in the future.

What Yu Qian admired since he was a child was Wen Tianxiang, who took saving the common people as his own responsibility and didn't want to become a sinner who caused chaos in the world.

So for this overture of His Royal Highness King Yue, he pretended not to understand, and even played a pedantic image.

Whether he can deceive His Royal Highness the King of Yue, Yu Qian doesn't know, but he can be sure that what he expressed, His Royal Highness the King of Yue must have a number in his heart.

At the same time, he was also very curious in his heart, he was just a young scholar, and he hadn't even participated in the township test so far, how could this highness fall in love with him as a little person.

Although he has some reputation in the township, but in terms of his image of a smart and clever prodigy, not to mention everywhere, there is no problem with a prodigy like this every hundred miles.

Poor Xiaoqian, no matter how much he digs his brain, he can't even think of it.

The reason why His Highness values him so much is entirely due to the impact of his future performance.

If Zhu Gaoyu didn't come through the crossing, let alone call Yu Qian, he would have asked Guo Degang and no one would care.

(End of chapter)