At this time, the pirates did not know that the convoy that passed in front of them would be their most promising victory.

Because when Cheng Chumo led the entire caravan back to Guangzhou, everyone's weapons were immediately replaced with rifles that had just been installed.

Just when Cheng Chumo was still leading the team members to familiarize themselves with the use of rifles, Li Zhi was once again sent to Guangzhou by Li Shimin.

Today, many of Datang's projects rely on trade tariffs to continue to sustain.

And in all trade, maritime trade became the most important.

Among them, the ocean trade, which can only go back and forth once a year, is the absolute main force of maritime trade.

Li Zhi was sent here to quickly solve the problems encountered in the ocean trade.

In order to be able to ensure that the income from ocean trade remains stable.

When he came to the outside of Guangzhou, Duan Zhixuan, Zhang Lei, Cheng Chumo, Ruan Hongxi and others, who had already received the news, had been waiting here for a long time.

A few people didn't have too many greetings, and they went directly to the Jin King Pavilion.

As soon as everyone sat down in the largest box of the Jin King Pavilion, Duan Zhixuan was the first to speak: "Your Highness is really timely.

Xia Guan has just taken someone to count the taxes of this sea trade, otherwise I am afraid that he will not have time to drink with His Highness. ”

Li Zhi said: "This king is here because the sea trade was not completed on time.

Originally, I was worried that something would happen, but I didn't want to meet a messenger to Chang'an halfway. ”

Zhang Lei, who was on the side, said: "Your Highness, this voyage is indeed not smooth.

Not only did the deal with Persia and the Great Food seriously delay time, but when he returned, he encountered a large number of well-trained pirates. ”

After listening to Zhang Lei's words, Li Zhi turned his gaze to Cheng Chumo on the side.

Then Cheng Chumo described the process of going to Dashi in detail.

Li Zhi frowned immediately after listening to Cheng Chumo's description.

He was able to say, "Even if there is a war between Persia and the Great Eclipse now, it is difficult for such a large number of pirates to gather in a year.

I think General Cheng's analysis is good, there should be a certain country behind these pirates. ”

Zhang Lei opened his mouth and asked: "I don't know how I'm going to deal with this matter?" ”

Li Zhi did not answer immediately after listening to his question.

He motioned for everyone to eat the food while seriously thinking about countermeasures.

The Arab region is too far away from the Tang Dynasty.

With the current traffic conditions, it takes too long to get there.

In this way, Datang will definitely not be able to garrison troops there for a long time, even if it wants to completely control a small country, it will be difficult to do so.

In this case, all Datang can do is to uproot all the forces that attack the Datang caravan.

Only by giving all the forces in that area enough deterrence can this situation be completely eradicated.

Thinking of this, Li Zhi said to Zhang Lei: "The next time the caravan departs, the sailor will send more warships to escort it."

If they encounter an attack by pirates, they will divide part of their forces and chase them to the opponent's lair.

No matter who forces stand behind it, they must be completely subdued. ”

After listening to Li Zhi's words, Zhang Lei first nodded and agreed.

Then he opened his mouth and asked, "Your Highness, does the sailor need to send someone to garrison the Great Food Region for a long time?" ”

Li Zhi shook his head and said, "The distance between the two places is too far, and it is too difficult for the water division to supply weapons.

At present, we should focus on deterrence, and we should not risk going into the country alone. ”

Cheng Chumo on the side spoke: "Now the entire Great Food and Persia region has been in constant turmoil.

The caravan's cargo was difficult to complete the transaction quickly, should a longer route be opened? ”

After hearing this, Li Zhi said: "It is still necessary to explore new routes.

But be sure to be safe, and it's best to explore slowly along the land territory.

There is no need to rush this matter, and it is mainly based on understanding the human geography along the way. ”

Now Datang's route has been opened to Egypt.

Datang's trade with African countries is also mainly transited through Egypt.

The reason why this trade wasted so much time was that Egypt was now at war with the Great Eclipse.

Although Li Zhi's historical achievements are not good, he also knows that Africa at this time did not have a sense of existence.

Therefore, although he did not stop Cheng Chumo's proposal to continue to open up routes, he did not have much expectations for new routes.

After Li Zhi's words were finished, Zhang Lei and Cheng Chumo nodded and agreed.

Duan Zhixuan spoke again at this time: "Although the sea trade seems to be booming now, the risk of doing business at sea is very great.

Not to mention that caravans on long voyages will often encounter pirates, and even merchant ships going to the vicinity of Datang are also frequently robbed. ”

After hearing this, Zhang Lei spoke: "The caravan that the sailor participated in escorting has never encountered an attack by pirates.

The merchant ships that were attacked were simply the result of choosing to travel alone in order to save a sum of money on escort costs. ”

Li Zhi opened his mouth and said: "After all, the escort of the sailor is only a temporary move.

In order to make maritime trade truly develop, it is necessary to effectively ensure the safety of shipping routes. ”

After listening to Li Zhi's words, Zhang Lei said with some embarrassment: "I have sent the warships of the sailors many times to take the initiative to find the traces of pirates.

But the pirates seemed to have known about the sailor's movements, and their few lowly attempts were all fruitless. ”

After hearing this, Li Zhi frowned and said, "The warships of the sailors are much larger than ordinary merchant ships.

It is indeed relatively easy to recognize each time it appears at sea.

I wonder if Zhang Dudu ever thought of asking the soldiers of the sailor to imitate the traders to go to the places where pirates often haunt how many times? ”

Zhang Lei's eyes lit up after listening to Li Zhi's words.

I only heard him say to Li Zhi excitedly: "This method has never been used.

Wait for the lowly to send someone to try it tomorrow, and I can't say that it will really be able to attract the attention of pirates. ”

Li Zhi reminded: "It is best to go directly to the dock and hire merchant ships.

The sailors have begun to equip themselves with rifles, believing that a wave of pirates can be quickly dealt with without too many personnel. ”

Zhang Lei nodded immediately after hearing this, he was already looking forward to the scene when he encountered pirates.

Just when Li Zhi finished explaining these things and was ready to eat with peace of mind, Zhi Xuan mentioned one thing again.

I only heard him speak: "The Eastern Route has been running for a short time.

However, merchant ships still preferred to trade with the coastal state capitals in the Tang Dynasty.

At most, it was to Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje.

It is said that although the Japanese kingdom has been unified, there are many large and small feudal states, and it is difficult for merchants to trade with it. ”

After hearing this, Li Zhi said: "It's okay, after all, it also speeds up the trade of my Datang." ”

Zhang Lei asked on the side: "In that case, will the Eastern Route still be opened?" ”