Chapter 438

   After learning about Governor Hoffman’s plan, Sheng Yeyun's thoughts turned thousands of times in an instant, weighing the gains and losses.

After more than 4 years of rapid development of the Sheng family, the patriarch Sheng Yeyun used the identity of "Kapitan" to suppress dissidents, bought mine tea gardens, dominated the market wharf, and his wealth doubled more than tenfold, becoming one of Batavia's best. The big ethnic Chinese have done business in the Indochina Peninsula and Calcutta, India. Of course, they also know the current situation in the South Pacific region.

  After defeating the Dutch, Queensland, Australia, as a newly emerging power, has gone to Africa to establish colonies. Its trade tentacles spread all over the Southeast Asia and Europe and the United States. It is a behemoth that cannot be ignored.

  For the Sheng family, friendship or not guilty of Queensland power is the fundamental interest, which is related to the long-term plan and potential of the family's development.

  Everything you have done before can be shied away from it.

But after all, there is a ghost in his heart. The rapid development of Queensland makes Sheng Yeyun restless. He has also heard about the anecdotes of Queensland Earl in Europe, and has thoroughly studied the geographical location of Somalia and Guinea. As a talented Chinese elite , He is better able to understand the profound meaning of Li Fushou's cloth.

  Go pays attention to cloth, the Earl of Queensland's shot fell in two key places, which can be described as the most important place where the throat is locked, and the eyes can be said to be extremely precise and fierce.

  This made Sheng Yeyun's heart of Li Fushou's fear of Li Fushou increased.

Needless to say, the Somalia region is too important for its geographical location. It guards the Mande Strait, a vital part of the Red Sea. It borders the Gulf of Aden in the north and faces the vast Indian Ocean in the east. It is the only place where Europe connects to Asia.

Crossing the Gulf of Aden from here to the northeast can affect West Asia, and northward can affect Syria, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. The west is separated by Ethiopia and Egypt. Crossing the Suez Canal can enter the Mediterranean. It is simply at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. It cannot be overemphasized.

  Guinea seems inconspicuous, a closer look will reveal that this is a very wonderful place.

From the perspective of the Australia-Europe route, from Australia to Chennai Port in India, from Chennai Port to Xi'an Town in the Horn of Africa, from Xi'an Town through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean to European destination ports, Chennai Port and Xi'an Town It's not a secret that they are two important supply points and transit ports for the ocean routes from Australia to Europe. They are all ten days apart. This is no secret, as long as you have the intention to inquire a little bit.

   But look at it from another angle;

  Ocean-going freighter departed from Xi’an town and entered the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Instead of continuing to head towards northern Europe, it turned to the south along the coast of North Africa to reach Guinea. This voyage took just over ten days.

  After this break, the route across the Atlantic can be opened, and the cargo can be directly sent to New York and the Great Lakes region on the east coast of the United States. This is a longer but more secure route from Australia to the eastern United States.

   Coincidentally, this voyage is also more than ten days.

  In this way, Queensland has gained a foothold in West Africa on the Atlantic coast, which is of great significance.

  Some people would say, isn’t the location of North Africa better?

  Then you have to find out whose territory North Africa belongs to. It is forbidden by the French and regarded as a native Algeria region. The white people of French descent who rule Algeria are called "black feet."

  Some people will say that Algeria is in a better position than Guinea, so why can’t it use the French port?

It is perfectly possible to use French ports, but freighters must pay high fees according to the tonnage. There are entry fees for entering the port, berthing fees for berthing, water diversion fees for entering and leaving the port, and storage and transportation fees for storage and transportation. There is no mention of various ports here. Make things difficult and tip.

  For example, if you do not unload the cargo, or pay a high bribe fee, your ship will stop here for two or three months or six months, and half of the fee must be paid.

  There are a lot of twists and turns in the port and dock, and it is by no means just a simple stop.

  Moreover, the route from Australia to the east coast of the United States is not a matter of one ship and two ships, but a long-term large-volume trade route. It is very important to have your own port.

compare to

  It’s not a problem to take a little more detour. For a sea vessel that has grown accustomed to wandering on the ocean for many months, it is not a problem to spend an extra day. The port efficiency is tight and the cost is not a little bit.

  Take the Loews Canal as an example;

Tolls are very expensive, basically ten shillings for every ton of displacement. A 5,000-ton cargo ship has to pay about 2,500 pounds for one pass. This is paid according to the displacement of the ship, not according to the actual loading of the cargo. Pay.

In other words, even if you load 3,000 tons of cargo, you have to pay 5,000 tons of money, but you have to pay for the overload of 8,000 tons of cargo. Experienced port officials will know at a glance how big the ship is. There is no bargain.

  Sheng Yeyun wanted to break his head, but couldn’t understand why the Europeans would let Li Fushou take over such a good place. Could it be that he was confused for a while?

  He wanted to remind him, but he didn’t know who to tell?

  The British are definitely not good. The French are said to have been to Xi’an. The Germans are not in the mood to care about things outside the Mediterranean. The Italians are only optimistic about Ethiopia and have little interest in other places.

  Not to mention the Ottoman Empire, Egypt was occupied by the British, and he just protested a few times and then there was nothing, let alone the Somali region where birds don’t shit.

  Don’t tell the Russian Teddy Bear that this tsarist Russia, which is highly vigilant by all European kingdoms, is not willing to see the influence of Tsarist Russia appear in Africa, and would rather give it to the Easterners than to the Russians.

  In this era, European kingdoms generally have a good impression of the Manchu dynasty in the East. Since the British and French coalition forces invaded China, the Manchus still pays war reparations on time every year, and there is nothing to say about its credibility.

  And the Eastern dynasty has a long history. The people in the court are easy to talk and respect the Europeans enough. If they are bullied by Tsarist Russia, they will not say anything. What can you hope for such a dynasty?

  A minion like Sheng Yeyun has been kneeling for a long time, thinking that others’ kneecaps are as soft as him, and can’t imagine that China can also occupy an African colony.

  There are people like this in later generations. It’s not uncommon for the so-called forests to be big and have all kinds of birds.

  Somali is a vast desert and Gobi desert. There are only a few oases to meet the needs of human survival and reproduction. The land is barren, there is no minerals, and there has never been an indigenous kingdom. Why can’t the Chinese forces occupy it?

  Think about the prosperity of the Han and Tang dynasties from afar, and those who violate me and be a strong man will be punishable even though they are far away.

  Such fierce iron and blood has disappeared under the education of the slaves of the Manchu Qing Dynasty. Only in the overseas paradise of Queensland, Chinese immigrants can rediscover that trace of blood in their genes, and those strong factors have been thoroughly aroused.

  "Your Excellency, I think this matter should be delayed, and it should be kept strictly confidential to prevent information leakage."

   "Oh...Tell me your reasons."

   "Ahem..."

  Sheng Yeyun cleared his throat and saw that the Governor-General was listening carefully, with a slight disdain on his face passing by, and said with a serious look that I was good for you;

"Keeping secrets is to prevent Queenslanders from getting our hole cards. What can be easily obtained will never be cherished. If we directly throw the land of Borneo to Queenslanders, this can only further fuel their ambitions, believing that the Kingdom of the Netherlands is weak and bullying. Maybe you will get your idea to Sumatra and Guava, which are the core interests of the Governor's House of the Dutch East Indies, and that will be bad then."

  These words

   makes Earl Hoffman’s face suddenly change, which is exactly what he fears the most. The temperature in the room has also dropped several degrees, and it has become deadly silent.

   After a moment of silence, he said dryly; "The Earl of Queensland shouldn't be so greedy, right?"

He was suddenly shocked and looked at Sheng Yeyun cautiously and said, “As a Dutch nobleman, I don’t understand the way of thinking of the Orientals, but the heart of gratitude should be something everyone has. Are your words a bit alarmist? ?"

"My Lord Governor, although I am from the East, I look down on the dregs culture of the East in my heart, and admire the fascinating technology and art of the West, so I don't take the liberty to ask the Governor to give some thoughts to my heart. ."

   "I am very willing to believe in you, dear Sheng, but this is really incredible."

   "This is the governor, there is an old saying in the East called; good medicine is bitter, but faithful words are against ears."

Sheng Yeyun saw that Governor Hoffman was suspicious, and quickly introduced this ancient oriental saying, and then chanted a poem by Qichan of the Tang Dynasty, "Send a Moved Guest" to express his feelings; "Admonishment" If I am willing to offend, I ride into Nanshen. If I follow my emperor's will, there is no courtier's heart."

   means that if you blindly follow the emperor’s will, it is by no means the true intention of the honest and loyal minister.

  This is a metaphor for Governor Hoffman as an emperor, and Sheng Yeyun is the loyal and remonstrative official who was reprimanded. With a sincere heart, he was so pitiful that he almost took a knife and took a look.

These words finally dispelled Governor Hoffman’s doubts. He said apologetically; “The ancients were able to write such deafening verses more than a thousand years ago. The ancient Eastern civilization is really amazing. I want to You apologize, what you said makes sense."

"My Honorable Governor, I think it is undoubtedly reckless and careless to hand over the remaining land of Borneo to the Queenslanders. You can't expect to throw a piece of fat to a mad dog, and keep the two together after he finishes eating, and Have a grateful heart. After all, a dog is a dog. When you throw out the meat, you have to hold a stick in your hand. This is the way to solve the problem."

Sheng Yeyun's language was extremely vicious, and finally won the favor of the ruler. He continued with a flattering smile on his face; "Even if they get it, Queensland will have to pay a high price, which can make them sensible and keep the rules. The respect and respect for the Kingdom of the Netherlands are the original intention of our efforts for peace."

   "Okay, okay, what you said is very good, I appreciate your point of view." Count Hoffman sighed with relief and couldn't help clapping and laughing.

  Exiting from Borneo is actually his inner thoughts, and it has not yet been discussed and approved in the Governor's Mansion.

  I believe that many people will agree with this proposal, especially the Royal Dutch Navy and Army representatives who have been severely beaten by Queensland, wishing to stay as far away as possible from these guys.

   Living next door makes them restless, for fear that one day they will call the door again. This has become an indelible psychological shadow. If you say that you forget it after you sleep, how can it be?

"This matter is still brewing. If the Government House reaches an agreement on this, I hope I can send a delegation headed by you to Queensland to fight for the necessary benefits for us, including business and other aspects. The more we can get, the more Good." Count Hoffman finally made up his mind.

  Although the Government of the Dutch East Indies has the discretionary power to initiate wars and sign contracts, this matter is of great importance. After going back, you will have to communicate with the cabinet of the kingdom and report to His Majesty the king to obtain permission.

   "As you wish, I am willing to serve you." Sheng Yeyun stroked his chest lightly, performing a knightly etiquette.

  "This is the biggest harvest of my trip. To be honest, I really like your exotic oriental mansion. I hope I can still come as a guest when I have the opportunity."

   "Sheng must sweep the couch and wait."

  Sheng Yeyun replied beautifully. He was able to serve as the leader of the Dutch delegation to Queensland. He was confident that he would strive for the best interests of his family from this. This is exactly his original intention to stir up trouble in this matter.

  As for the grievances between the two sides, Sheng Yeyun can judge his character from the past actions of Queensland Earl Li Fushou;

  The so-called; those who make big things do not stick to the trivial.

  In the face of the overall peace and friendship between the Netherlands and Queensland, I believe this majestic Earl knows how to choose.

  Killing a person is a pleasure, but the original harmonious relationship between the two parties is completely dead, and it is not done by the wise.

  It's always your enemy who knows you, this can't be wrong.

  After a while

  Respectfully sent away the Governor-General, Mr. Hoffman and his party, Sheng Yeyun slowly straightened up with a smile on his face.

The Dutch lost his land in Borneo. It’s none of his business. He is Kapitan of Batavia and not Kapitan of Borneo. There is no plantation and family interests in Borneo, so throw away whatever you lose. !

  The important thing is that in this matter, a real benefit can be obtained for the Sheng family.

  If he can go to Queensland as the leader of the delegation, Sheng Yeyun is confident to draw a big piece of cake for himself, and the benefits are moving!

  Queensland can give too many things, such as Queensland's kindness and acceptance of the Sheng family. This intangible thing is the most important. From then on, the Sheng family can wander between Queensland and the Dutch, and they can go to each other.

Needless to say the economic benefits, such as the franchise of wool finished products in Java, the franchise of the route from Brisbane to Batavia, the franchise of diesel engines, cane sugar, canned food, toffee, food additives, tractors, bicycles ,rubber……

  Each item here contains huge profits, enough to make the Sheng family wealth more somersaults, and become an out-and-out Chinese tycoon in the Nanyang region.

The Dutch and the British have completely different colonial ideas. On the island of Java where the Dutch have colonized for more than 270 years, there are hardly any traces of modern industry. Even oil extraction and surface weaving use traditional techniques. Have natural needs.

  The Dutch do not spread religion, nor the Dutch language, nor European culture, nor build roads, railways, or public facilities. They use this place as a place for producing primary raw materials and spice for looting and colonization.

  So, the locals are not strong at belonging to the Netherlands.

  In the city of Baravia, the Chinese live their own traditional lives in the Chinese community, using their own national language, as is the case with the indigenous people.

  (End of this chapter)