Gu Yongyuan only brought Rui Si with him. He boarded Wells' carriage, and Murba followed, running all the way east, straight to the docks.

Wells' ship was a three-masted speedboat, with a huge hull and large sails that drooped, giving it a sense of majesty.

The armed blonde sailors on the deck watched curiously as Gu Yongyuan and Mo Ba boarded the ship. Next to the boat, the blue sea meets the blue sky, and seagulls soar in the sky. The panoramic view is delightful.

At Wells' order, several topless sturdy sailors quickly brought a wooden crate from the lower deck. A handsome white youth quickly opened the crate, revealing the straw lining inside and neatly arranged rows of new rifles.

The white youth took out a rifle from the box and handed it to Gu Yongyuan, the corners of his mouth slightly curled up, and his face was disdainful. Obviously, in his eyes, how much does this strangely dressed foreigner know about firearms?

Although Gu Yongyuan was not an expert in firearms, he could still tell at a glance that these rifles were obsolete models from the Napoleonic era. He picked up a few and examined them, and found that some of the rifles were even smoothbore rifles without rifling. Although they were much better than the shotguns commonly used by the Qing army, they were still a firearm that had been phased out in the Western world.

This is understandable; Even a few years later, the Hunan and Huai armies were equipped with outdated models, and the number of truly advanced rifles was limited. Most of the rifles they use are still older models.

Gu Yongyuan looked at Wells with a smile and asked, "Mr. Wells, I don't know how you plan to set the price?" ”

Wells has a pair of sharp eyes. Originally an opium trader, when he heard that the Taiping Rebellion broke out in the Qing Dynasty, he used opium ships to smuggle a batch of firearms. As soon as the ship arrived in Shanghai, the purchasing power of the Little Sword Society was limited. Originally, he planned to go to Tiandu and sell these guns to the Taiping rebels at a high price. However, when Wells heard that there was a Spanish-speaking Qing official in Shanghai, he naturally wanted to try his luck and see if he could extract more money from the government army.

As everyone knows, after meeting Gu Yongyuan, things are not as simple as he imagined. Gu Yongyuan's comments on the London stock market made him think deeply. Although he may not necessarily follow the money-making method implied by Gu Yongyuan, this sentence undoubtedly gave him a lot of inspiration.

Originally, he planned to start at the price of thirty taels of silver per rifle, but when Gu Yongyuan asked with a smile, Wells was unable to answer for a while. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "One shot, twenty taels...... per shot. ”

Taking the rifle handed back by Gu Yongyuan, the white young man who had placed it looked up in surprise. He was well aware of how shrewd and frugal Mr. Wells was.

Gu Yongyuan was a little depressed. Those are quite cheap. According to the current market of the firearms trade in the West, even the most advanced rifles are only a few pounds, which is equivalent to a little bit of ten taels of silver.

Seeing Koo's seemingly indescribable smile, Wells was sure that the young official was well versed in market movements. However, no matter how you look at it, he can't sell it to him at a low price. Another major buyer, the Taiping Rebel Army, may be willing to pay thirty taels of silver or more.

"It doesn't look like we have reached a consensus on a deal yet." Wells said with a wicked grin.

Gu Yongyuan smiled faintly and said, "In the words of us Chinese, even if the transaction is not successful, friendship still exists, right, Mr. Wells?" ”

Wells laughed, "yes, yes, I'd love to be friends with Ambassador Gu." Although the guns could not necessarily be sold cheaply to Koo, Wells was very interested in the young officer.

Gu Yongyuan continued: "Even if your country's most advanced Enfield rifle will become obsolete within twenty years, the future trend will be rear-loading magazine rifles. ”

Wells didn't quite understand, but could only smile politely and nodded. However, the white youth next to him suddenly brightened his eyes. His lips moved slightly, and he couldn't help but ask, "Ambassador, do you have any sketches of these breech-loading rifles?" Wells glared at him, but the young man ignored him. As an apprentice at a small arms factory, he had previously considered embedding magazines in rear-loading rifles. However, after several failed experiments, he was kicked out of the factory for starting a fire.

Gu Yongyuan's gaze swept over the white young man's face, and he smiled faintly, "The pioneer must persevere, my idea is only superficial, I hope you can verify it!" As he spoke, he gently patted the white boy on the shoulder.

At this time, the arrogance of the young man in white just now has long been gone. After Gu Yongyuan patted him on the shoulder, he inexplicably felt a surge of power. He said shyly, "Thank you, sir, for your encouragement. ”

Walking side by side with Gu Yongyuan towards the railing, Wells calculated for a while, and finally smiled, "It seems that Ambassador Gu has studied my country's rifles quite deeply, and I won't hide it from you, my other ship is about to arrive." "We'll be in Shanghai soon. It contained two hundred Enfield rifles. I can sell you twenty taels of silver each, and twenty boxes of hats, and a box of twenty taels of silver. Ambassador Gu, I really want to be friends with you. This price couldn't be lower. ”

In fact, another merchant ship in Wells did carry a newly rolled Enfield rifle from his country. However, when Wells actually got his hands on the Qing gun market, he found that these new types of weapons were not as lucrative as he had imagined. They don't sell much more than the obsolete models, and they don't make as much of a profit as the older ones. Rather than this, it is better to sell it to Gu Yongyuan at a slightly higher price and establish a personal connection.

"Enfield? The old fox was finally willing to spend money. Gu Yongyuan said secretly in his heart. He remained silent and smiled, "Let's talk about it when the ship arrives." ”

Wells laughed: "This ship is in Hong Kong, and after unloading the gunpowder transported during construction, it will come to Shanghai." ”

Koo knew that land reclamation and wharf construction were underway in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island, near the western point. Gunpowder for construction? Gu Yongyuan suddenly thought.

At the moment, there is no real industrial safety explosion detonator. The chemistry knowledge he had learned in his previous life seemed irrelevant in this life, but now he saw an opportunity. Ten years later, he could invent a safe explosive, which he could make with the present conditions. And he has done something similar before, didn't he make detonators and explosives twenty years ago?

Gu Yongyuan gradually slowed down and said with a smile: "Mr. Wells, I have some research on industrial explosives used in land reclamation and mining, I have a formula, I don't know if Mr. Wells can help me apply for a patent." "Your country, the United States, and other Western countries?"

Wells was taken aback, he really didn't know if the young official understood anything, but he didn't mind at all. He nodded and smiled: "Of course, I feel very honored to be able to assist Ambassador Gu. ”

...

When meeting with Jiangsu Military and Political Commissioner Ji Erhang'a, Gu Yongyuan was still thinking about Wells. He had already given him the recipe and detailed steps for making a safety fuse from a mercury thunder cap to detonate a detonator. The ingredients are mercury, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, glycerin, baking soda, charcoal powder, and some tricks. These materials can be found in Hong Kong, even if they are not available in Shanghai. These materials are easily available to shipyards, churches, engineering councils, and other institutions in Hong Kong.

Come to think of it, how lucky you are to be born in this era. If he had not been in contact with Western civilization, even if he wanted to make industrial explosives, where would he find the materials?

Gu Yongyuan racked his brain to think about what else he could come up with. He thought about it for a long time, but he didn't find a satisfactory result, so he had to give up. He thought to himself that contentment was a virtue. Greed leads to the fall of a person. He shouldn't become too greedy.

The question now is whether Wells will actually help him with his patent. Gu Yongyuan is 90 percent sure. First of all, if a visionary businessman is considering long-term cooperation, Wells will most likely not know much about him. How could a Qing Dynasty official understand so much? Who knows if this Qing official had influential friends in Britain? If you rashly pursue patent rights, will it lead to ruin of your reputation?

But I stole Mr. Nobel's invention ten years in advance, which doesn't seem to give him the respect he deserves. However, there is no time to do so now.

His meeting with Gilhanga was just an official courtesy. Gu Yongyuan is here to deal with customs affairs. His relationship with Ji'er Hanga doesn't matter. However, Gu Yongyuan is a "yellow belt", the only son of Prince Yong, a big man with yellow banners. It is expected that the blue-clad nobleman will come to pay a visit.

Just as Gu Yongyuan was talking with Ji Erhanga in the reception hall, the janitor came to report that the British consul, Mr. Ah Xinghan, had arrived.

Ji Erhanga hurriedly said goodbye, Gu Yongyuan accompanied him out of the hall, smiled and persuaded: "Let's wait for the good news of your victory." ”

Ji Erhang Ah Lianlian expressed his humility, knowing that he was different from Daotai Wu Jianzhang. Ji Erhang'a was born in Shangsanqi, but the Yong clan to which Gu Yongyuan belonged has always been the patriarch of the blue-inlaid banner. But since the Kangxi period, during the Yongzheng and Qianlong periods, the Yong family gradually grasped the power of the Eight Banners from other banner owners. The position of banner lord became more of a title, with little actual power, and many banners lost their lord.

Even so, Jirhanga did not dare to put himself on an equal footing with the next owner of the blue-inlaid flag.

After seeing off Ji Erhang, Gu Yongyuan personally welcomed Mr. A Xinghan into the reception hall and presented the high-grade Biluochun he brought from the capital. The atmosphere was friendly and warm.

After chatting for a while, Mr. Ah Xinghan adjusted his expression and said, "Your Excellency, on behalf of the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, I formally propose to your country the establishment of a Customs Control Commission. The following documents are available for your review. ”

Gu Yongyuan smiled in his heart; It seems that they are not idle either. They had already secretly discussed, and now they joined forces to put pressure on him.

Gu Yongyuan was reviewing the documents handed over by Mr. Ah Xinghan, and Mr. Ah Xinghan continued: "As long as your country agrees to our proposal, the tax system of Shanghai Jianghai Customs will immediately return to normal, and the tax collected will be remitted to us on a monthly basis. ”

With a smile on his face, Mr. Ah Xinghan said, "Of course, Your Excellency needs some time to think about it, and we will provide you with plenty of time. ”

Mr. Ah Xinghan has an implicit message. Of course, he is saying that if you delay for another day, the silver tax will flow away day by day, and the loss will be borne by you.

In the letter brought by Mr. Ahinghan, as in the future, the three countries called for the establishment of a Customs Commission. Each country appoints a representative to supervise customs collection and jointly manage customs affairs.

Putting down the document, Gu Yongyuan smiled and said, "Your Excellency, in customs affairs, I believe that neither your country nor any other country is qualified to make such an impudent request. Please Mr. Consul to leave, let's discuss. "The situation goes a step further when the consuls express their intentions in good faith."

Mr. Ah Xinghan's face froze, he stood up, and said firmly: "Your Excellency, if your country does not agree to our proposal, then there is no basis for negotiation. ”

Gu Yongyuan smiled faintly, "Even if I have to bear the loss of taxes for a year, I will not agree to your conditions." Do you really think that the resistance of the Wind Sword Society can withstand it? When the county seat of Shanghai is captured, "our country will impose punitive measures on all merchants who evade taxes, and I hope that you will convey this to your compatriots, and at that day, all the responsibility will be borne by the consul." ”

Mr. Ah Xinghan snorted and strode away.

Gu Yongyuan knew that the negotiations had just begun, and both sides took a tough stance. This set the tone for the negotiations that followed. He could not show the slightest impatience.

It's November in the Gregorian calendar. If a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached early next year, good progress will be made.

...

It was late at night, around the third watch, and the red lantern was hung high in front of the envoy's tent.

Gu Yongyuan didn't expect Wells to come knocking on the door so late, especially at eleven o'clock. This is not the style of a savvy businessman. In addition, he brought a lawyer named William Boulder. Wells also brought a bunch of documents, including an agreement for Koo to grant Wells a patent, as well as a partnership contract.

According to the partnership contract provided by Wells, this contract will take effect immediately if the patent application for the new explosives is successful. Wales will invest £100,000 to set up factories in the UK, France, the US and Germany. In return, Koo will use the patent to acquire a stake in the company. Wells invested £100,000 to hold 80% of the shares, and Koo Yongyuan held the remaining 20%.

At dusk, Gu Yongyuan faintly heard a loud explosion coming from the beach. Little did he know that Wells was experimenting with a new industrial detonator formulation.

Clearly, Wells was aware of the huge business opportunity involved. So, he hurriedly prepared various documents and rushed to visit overnight.

True, in the course of the experiment, two workers were injured in the explosion. One of them was seriously injured and was estimated to require significant medical expenses. Wells, however, didn't care. He was just worried that someone else might get a head start on the invention. It should be noted that although detonators appeared several years ago, the issue of safely igniting explosives has always been a challenge. Few people believe that this is the emergence of a new type of explosive. The new invention brought by this Qing Dynasty official was essentially a priceless gold mine. Currently, in Europe and North America, the length of railways is growing exponentially, and the construction of railways requires a lot of rock blasting and excavation, not to mention other potential applications of this explosive in various fields.

Not to mention other uses, Australia is currently in the midst of a gold rush. The supply of industrial detonators to Australia alone could generate astronomical profits.

Gu Yongyuan flipped through the partnership contract, and Wells looked at him anxiously, unable to hide the anticipation in his eyes.

"Mr. Wells, I am very grateful for your generosity. However, I would prefer you to invest only £10,000 and share the equity with me. I don't want to be a minority shareholder. ”

Hearing that Gu Yongyuan only opposed shares, Wells was obviously relieved. After thinking about it, he said: "Time is money, and even if I don't say it, I'm sure the envoy understands that setting up branches in multiple countries now will bring the greatest benefits." Your Honour, I am willing to offer you 40% of the original investment of £100,000, would you accept this offer?

Wells has a little trick up his sleeve here. Even if he gave Gu Yongyuan 60% of the shares, he would probably accept it. Although Koo Yongyuan seems to have acquired thousands of pounds of assets out of thin air, Wells is more concerned about how much profit he can make from this investment than whether his partner will benefit more than him.

The initial proposed bid for a 20% stake was just an act of distraction. If you increase the discount to 40% all at once, you will feel like you have picked up a big bargain. It's a psychological cue that, as a successful businessman, Wells is very good at using it.

If Koo wasn't fooled, Wells wouldn't mind actually sharing the shares with him.

Gu Yongyuan just smiled and said, "Mr. Wells, I wonder if you agree to give me eighty percent of your shares?" ”

Wells was taken aback, not expecting such a bold request from the young man. He didn't know how to answer for a while, and before he could react, Gu Yongyuan smiled and said, "40% is fine, let's cooperate happily." He smiled and held out his hand and looked at Wells.

Wells was overjoyed, hurriedly shook hands with Gu Yongyuan, and sighed: "Happy cooperation, happy cooperation." Then, he turned to Boulder's lawyer and said, "Prepare a new contract." He was well prepared and had a pen, ink and paper on hand.

After a while, Wells suddenly realized that he had been imperceptibly influenced by the young man. He couldn't help but smile wryly. This new partner is not easy!

In fact, Gu Yongyuan did not plan to make much money from this venture. He just needs an unobstructed channel to connect with the West. Working with such a powerful British businessman as Wells would undoubtedly make his future career much easier.

Perhaps, Wells is the European representative that fate has given him.

Gu Yongyuan felt that he was still quite lucky.

Wells, the new millionaire in Britain, did not realize the role he played in the minds of his new partners. Instead, he eagerly stood by Boulder's attorney and instructed him on how to draft a new contract. He's busy and happy.

When he saw Gu Yongyuan's signature on the contract, Wells was slightly stunned.

Gu Yongyuan smiled and said, "Mr. Wells, from now on, you can call me Gu Yongyuan." ”

Wells quickly tempered his astonishment. He had heard that the status of merchants in the country was very low, and that many ethnic groups were not allowed to trade. It seems that this young man is also the same kind of person, not to mention that he is still an official.

The words were replaced, but their original meanings were retained.

Wells seemed to understand everything, smiled, hugged Gu Yongyuan, and said, "Dear Gu Yongyuan, I wish our cooperation a fruitful one." Then he turned and snapped his fingers, and the lawyer's office magically pulled out a bottle of red wine and three goblets on the sandalwood table. He poured three glasses of wine.

While clinking glasses, Wells continued: "Yes, as a sign of goodwill, I have brought you some firearms from the East at a low price. A thousand old rifles, two hundred new ones, and two hundred boxes of copper plates. "Hats, a total of 15,000 taels of silver, I only charged a little freight."

Gu Yongyuan smiled: "Fifteen thousand taels? I can't afford it, can I owe you? ”

Wells burst out laughing. "Absolutely." Seeing that Gu Yongyuan didn't seem to be joking, Wells gradually became surprised. He originally planned to sell these military firearms to Gu Yongyuan at a low price, so that this new partner could make a lot of profits when he resold them to the central government. However, the new partner seems to have a different plan.

Still, he didn't care about these things. Since Gu Yongyuan is willing to share his patented technology without reservation, and he is also generous in the distribution of shares, Wells naturally wants to repay.

Wells smiled slightly and said, "Mr. Gu, you can use these weapons as collateral for you I gave you." If the patent application fails, it will be considered compensation for you. If the patent application is successful, this debt will be deducted from your income. ” ”。 He paused and added: "I will be leaving Shanghai in a few days, if you need anything, you can rest assured that William, who is one of us and can also speak basic Chinese." ”

Attorney Boulder smiled and gestured as he raised his glass.

Gu Yongyuan and Wells clinked glasses lightly and said sincerely: "Thank you, it seems that our cooperation has really begun." ”

...

With the receipt written in Wells' hand, according to their agreement, the guns and ammunition would be temporarily stored in the warehouse of the Sheng He Trading Company. As long as you have the receipt written by Wells, you can retrieve the weapon from the warehouse through the lawyer's office.

Walking on the thick Persian carpet, Gu Yongyuan found himself parked in front of a room on the second floor. This is Lin Wanxue's room.

Lin Wanxue, as the titular husband and wife, was arranged to live on the second floor, while the other attendants and members of the Red Flower Society lived on the first floor or in a simple room in the courtyard. Although Lin Wanxue was reluctant, there was no way. After all, in the eyes of people like Mo Ba'er, her identity is the little housewife of Xunfang Pavilion. And, because she is Han, her identity must be kept secret.

Standing at the door, thinking about whether to knock on the door, the delicate Western-style wooden door creaked open from the inside, startling Gu Yongyuan. He instinctively took a few steps back.

At the door stood a stunning beauty, dressed in a delicate red veil, like firelight. Her skin is as smooth as clotted fat, and her cherry-colored lips are vibrant and seductive. The overall appearance is an unattainable fairy, but the natural charm adds a touch of enchanting charm. She is gentle and charming, exuding a seductive power that makes people weak and eager to embrace her.

Seeing Gu Yongyuan's reaction, the beautiful woman couldn't help but smile lightly, adding a bit of charm to her already enchanting. Her gaze seemed to melt bones and relax muscles.

Gu Yongyuan couldn't help but feel a little helpless. Every time he was with her, he seemed very childish, completely devoid of the calm and rational attitude he showed in front of Westerners and officials. It seems that she has always regarded him as a naughty child in her heart.

"Do you need anything?" Her voice was as gentle and melodious as ever.

Gu Yongyuan embarrassedly handed over Wells's receipt and said, "A new gift for you." ”

Lin Wanxue took it with some confusion and asked, "What is this?" It was written in a foreign language, which she couldn't read.

Gu Yongyuan smiled and said, "1,200 foreign guns and two million copper caps can be collected at any time." ”

Lin Wanxue was so surprised that her lips couldn't close. She looked at Gu Yongyuan and was speechless for a while.

Gu Yongyuan knew that Lin Wanxue would leave him after all. No matter how he looked at it, he didn't want her armed forces in western Guangdong to be quickly wiped out. However, he is powerless to change the situation. All he can do is help within his capacity with limited resources.

While he didn't need the guns now, he knew he might need them later.

Before leaving the capital, Gu Yongyuan already had a rough plan for his next path. Now, his first task is to complete this task. Once this is done, Emperor Xianfeng will definitely be "overjoyed", and under the mediation of Prince Yong, the ban on the Northeast may be lifted. Even if it weren't, his chances of going to the Northeast would have increased dramatically.

As long as he can go to the Northeast, he can build up his armed forces in a conflict with the Russians. Whether under the guise of military training or secretly organizing local militias, he will eventually cultivate his power in this world. As for obtaining funds for the purchase of firearms and other military expenses at that time, he would naturally find ways to dig from the treasury of the Qing Empire. This is tantamount to "borrowing eggs to lay chickens".

Judging from all indications, Emperor Xianfeng's body seemed to be even weaker than Gu Yongyuan's previous life. If things don't go well, he dies early, and Concubine Lan doesn't give birth to his heir, then it will be a big trouble. If there is no heir to the throne, all the princes may want to compete for the throne. This situation is more in line with Gu Yongyuan's secret purpose.

Of course, these are just ideas. In fact, he has little control over these things. When he completed his current task, Emperor Xianfeng was happy, and maybe he would give him a position such as the head of the forbidden army, or the position of the six Shangshu. Such a reward would definitely disrupt his plans. Now things, he has to take it one step at a time.

Gu Yongyuan's mind was full of scattered thoughts. He continued: "It's better to leave the eldest brother in Shanghai, there are many things that need to be dealt with by him, and it will be convenient to buy foreign guns and ammunition in the future." ”

It is necessary to set up a representative in Shanghai. But judging by the people he met, none of them were suitable. Although Mo Ba is loyal, his deep-rooted servile mentality means that even if Gu Yongyuan rebels and becomes emperor, Mo Ba may not hesitate to oppose it. Moreover, he is a Manchu, and some things cannot be fully trusted for the time being.

As for the old scholar Du Wenquan, Gu Yongyuan can't do without him. After thinking about it carefully, he thought of Boss Lin. He was a man who put loyalty above life and death. Gu Yongyuan owes him a life-saving grace, and the training in Shanghai can help him learn and understand. Although Boss Lin may be wary of him at first, over time, he should understand Gu Yongyuan's true character.

"Yongyuan, what the hell do you think?" Lin Wanxue looked at Gu Yongyuan in surprise. If in the past she could blame his behavior on his fascination with his beauty, now his behavior is really unreasonable. She didn't quite understand the reasoning.

Gu Yongyuan smiled slightly and said, "Can't I oppose the Qing Dynasty?" I am not only against the Qing Dynasty, but also against the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and your Red Flower Society, because you do not represent the advanced productive forces. ”

Lin Wanxue looked at him stunned. Although she couldn't fully understand his words, she already had a vague idea. This guy seems to have great ambitions in his heart.

Gu Yongyuan continued to smile, took out five thousand taels of silver tickets, and handed them to Lin Wanxue. "I don't have a choice," he said. You are my wife. If I don't help you, who will? Don't you think so? He intended to give the remaining five thousand taels of silver to the lawyer's hall to be used to select bright young men from the church schools and send them abroad for further study. He also planned to give this ten thousand taels to Storm Jade Mountain, which seemed to be very suitable.

"Wife, am I okay with you?" The fragrance wafted, and Gu Yongyuan was a little excited. He smiled playfully, but saw Lin Wanxue raise his eyebrows again.

Gu Yongyuan was taken aback and hurriedly stuffed the silver ticket into his shoes. Although the woman's rouge-stained fingers were tempting, he was far from taking advantage. He hadn't even touched them.

He was as agile as a fox, and he didn't notice the playfulness in Lin Wanxue's eyes.

The Wind Sword Society rebelled and occupied Shanghai County. As a result, there was a large influx of Chinese into the International Concession, which led to a population surge. Almost overnight, there were many small Chinese shops with signboards on Chung Wong Road, giving the area a lively atmosphere.

Gu Yongyuan and Lin Boss sat in the lobby on the first floor of the teahouse, drinking tea while observing the crowd pouring into the international settlement.

Early in the morning, Gu Yongyuan took Boss Lin to the lawyer's office to have a cup of coffee. Mr. Wells has left Shanghai, and all matters have been handled by the lawyer's office.

Turning his gaze to the bandage wrapped around Boss Lin's face, Gu Yongyuan sighed with a hint of helplessness. Last night they were chatting, and Gu Yongyuan mentioned, "You are quite famous in Guangxi, and if you stay in Shanghai for a long time, you may be recognized, so I will find a way for you." ”

As everyone knows, that night, Boss Lin was scratched several times on his face. Although Lin Wanxue didn't know why Gu Yongyuan wanted her brother to stay in Shanghai, she deduced from Gu Yongyuan's words that it would be beneficial to their anti-Qing cause. Therefore, Boss Lin, a majestic figure, is willing to hurt himself just for Gu Yongyuan's words.