novelonline Chapter 884 From Silver Black Hole to Material Black Hole
Chapter 884 From Silver Black Hole to Material Black Hole
Chapter 884 From Silver Black Hole to Material Black Hole
Although Gu Bingtong said that the trip was a grand occasion, the present cannot be judged by the times twenty years ago.
The current Hangzhou city is a big city with a population of one million, not only Ming people, but also a considerable number of Nanyang and Westerners. These people have high-ranking officials and extremely wealthy people. They all have bright hats and mink fur coats, and are accompanied by fragrant carriages.
Especially Westerners who want to make a fortune prefer to put on a show to appear powerful.
It had been twenty years since the Ming Dynasty opened up trade. Hangzhou alone had tens of thousands of Westerners arriving by boat.
The purpose is just two words, make a fortune.
They have explored many ways to make a fortune...most of them were unsuccessful.
Speaking of which, the Ming Dynasty allowed the slave trade, and the human trade itself existed for hundreds of years.
There were also Westerners who brought cheap African slaves and Nordic barbarian women to the Ming Dynasty for sale. However, the traditional culture of the empire was too strong, and most nobles and businessmen did not accept black slaves.
Only people with no identity or status use these cheap guys.
Most of them still like to use their own hands.
Hangzhou,
But these Westerners who came from afar had nothing of value to exchange.
Therefore, they will first go to 'attack' Gu Zuo's son Gu Bingtong, hoping to understand some current developments through him and establish good, at least non-conflictual, trade relations with Nanyang Company.
In fact, the Portuguese and the Dutch also faced the same problems in Southeast Asia and the Nanyang Islands. On the one hand, Western Europe had a huge demand for spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
At the same time, many cities such as Hangzhou, Ningbo, Songjiang, Suzhou, and Nanjing emerged one after another. Westerners who had witnessed the prosperity of the East were not discouraged even though they failed in the slave trade. They were always thinking. How can they promote their products to the people of Ming Dynasty?
To this city, which was more prosperous than Constantinople in the minds of Western merchants, the Portuguese and Dutch had sent official envoys.
So, the business failed.
They were afraid that their silver trade would be interrupted and cause huge losses.
But from the second half of last year to this year, the empire's power center in the north has been making noises about reforming the currency system, which has made many Western businessmen panic.
So they resorted to force.
The first half ended, followed by the second half when the Westerners came to visit.
From this perspective, Gu Bingtong needed those gorgeous stage skills not only to 'fool' domestic businessmen, but also to frighten these Westerners with ulterior motives.
Therefore, most people focus on precious metals such as silver and gold.
In particular, black slaves are not very well-behaved. After hearing some "horrible" legends, no one is willing to buy such slaves.
From low-end leather boots and knives to high-end pianos or various works of art, it cannot be said that this group of businessmen did not use a lot of brains, but there were too few Western businessmen who really opened up the Ming Dynasty market.
They didn't care about the Empire's war against Japan, but only about the new currency reform,
Including those large trading companies that can represent the Portuguese government also have offices in Hangzhou.
It is conceivable that if the Ming Dynasty did not have a strong enough navy, the Portuguese would definitely take action.
The imperial warships in Southeast Asia not only enabled them to learn to communicate in advance, but also realized the unique "human relations and sophistication" of Ming Dynasty society.
Fortunately, they could understand giant ships and cannons, and fortunately there was still a profitable trade like silver.
As the son of Gu Zuo, Gu Bingtong not only understood the history and current politics of Western countries, but he also worked hard to learn Portuguese and Spanish to avoid being deceived by these grandsons.
Sir Aveiro was his 'old acquaintance', but he still wasn't sure.
“The specific details of the new coins also remain secret within the Empire.
You also know that the Emperor's foresight rivals that of any great Roman monarch you have ever known. Some of his thoughts and judgments are difficult for even those who know him best to guess. In particular, currency reform is a brand new thing. To be honest, if it hadn't been for the voices coming from the north, I wouldn't have understood that there were problems with the Ming Dynasty's currency. "
Sir Aveiro was eager,
"Dear Mr. Gu, I fully understand the chaos you are facing. But please also understand that the silver trade is currently the most important trade method between the East and the West. It is not just us, but also the Dutch, Spanish, and all merchant ships from the West. They all spent a huge price to transport silver. Once the silver trade is cut off, or simply faces the crisis of being cut off, the blow will be fatal."
As he spoke, he emphasized, "This is equivalent to murdering them!"
His two palms were upward, grasping tightly and then spreading out quickly. His movements had a kind of exaggeration that is not found in Eastern people.
It was so exaggerated that Gu Bingtong couldn't understand it, "But now there is no evidence to show that what you said is true."
Aveiro wanted to laugh, "Yes, but Nanyang Trading Company has begun to become cautious. You have postponed all trade payments. I understand the routine very well. If the silver is not used, it will inevitably be sold in a certain proportion. Make the exchange. What is the ratio? No one can tell me!"
If this ratio is inappropriate, it is very likely that the goods they buy will actually increase in price.
"We just want to keep it the same," he reiterated.
"This is impossible. Once the empire adopts a new currency, the Nanyang Company will no longer accept silver, and we will not be able to spend it."
Sir Aveiro was serious, "If this is the case, it will definitely hurt our friendly trade relations." Gu Bingtong didn't like this semi-threatening tone, "So what? If you think it's not cost-effective, you can Don’t trade with us. Find silk, tea and spices elsewhere.”
It would be nice to have somewhere else.
The Portuguese man's expression also changed.
To be honest, they originally liked this Eastern Empire. Although it seemed a pity that she couldn't plunder it, Dongfang Dragon liked silver and they were willing to sell everything for silver.
That's fine too, they can search for silver all over the world.
But if this is gone, what advantage is there?
In fact, Aveiro also blamed himself. He should have prepared for this to happen earlier.
The Eastern Empire discovered mountains of silver on Treasure Island, and silver was no longer scarce for them.
This conversation ended on bad terms.
After Gu Bingtong returned home, he complained to his father Gu Zuo.
Gu Zuo, who was over sixty years old, was opening a secret letter from the emperor. After putting it away calmly, he calmed down.
Among his sons, Gu Bingtong, the second oldest, is considered the smartest. Not only does he not worry him, but he is also helpful to him in many ways.
His role is not just that of an official. It is impossible not to have contact with businessmen. His son is a very suitable bridge.
After Gu Bingtong talked about what was going on outside, Gu Zuo asked, "You didn't talk about the treaty between the Ming Dynasty and the Southeast Asian countries, did you?"
"Not a word was uttered. How can my son be so stupid? Such a treaty is unanimously open to the outside world. These Western pirates probably turned green when they heard it. How could I tell them so early and let them prepare?"
"Yes." Gu Zuo did not hesitate to praise, "Your previous predictions were also accurate. This year is a drought and a war... and Wang Yangming has also reported in detail the fluctuation of grain prices in the south of the Yangtze River in the 20th year of Zhengde. Take precautions. , it is indeed necessary to import food in advance.”
Gu Bingtong chuckled, "It should have been like this a long time ago. Considering the current world situation, the strong are respected. Since the Ming Dynasty has begun to occupy overseas territories, it should do it generously. What can the King of Luzon do? He can't As for the food we worked so hard to grow there, it’s cheaper for them, right?”
Gu Zuochang sighed, "The imperial court has the overall situation of the imperial court to take care of. Besides, if the name is not justified, the words cannot be justified. Even if the country is big, it cannot bully the small country at will..."
Gu Bingtong is from the younger generation, and the ideological burden of young people is always smaller. In his opinion, there are not so many worries. Especially after seeing the evil deeds of Westerners, he feels that the Ming Dynasty is too civilized.
So he said directly, "Father, no matter what the court has to worry about, the decision has been made now. Then the task falls on your head, and on my side..."
"You mean to gather businessmen to occupy land in Luzon?"
"Time is tight, and cultivating the land is not like adding a few machines and manpower to a cotton garment factory to increase output."
Gu Zuo thought about the emperor's earnest instructions and finally nodded, "Okay. Then set up a subordinate grain trading company in Nanyang Company. I will report the process to the emperor and you will promote it. Let them rest assured that they produce The grain produced will be purchased by the trading company, as long as they can grow it!"
"it is good!"
Gu Bingtong was excited. He believed that only through the stimulation of profits and commercial methods could the newly occupied land be digested as quickly as possible. Otherwise, we would have to wait for the immigrants to move in shovel by shovel, and we still don't know how long it would take.
In fact, growing food will not make much money, but making a fortune is inherently difficult, especially today, unlike 20 years ago, when few people were engaged in maritime trade. A few people pooled together capital and bought a boat to go to sea. , as long as the round trip is safe, the profit will be multiple times.
But now there are not many business opportunities. If you can find one, just burn it. There is no need to be picky.
"Don't leave in a hurry." Gu Zuo asked, "What did those Western bandits say?"
Gu Bingtong took it seriously, "Dad, he used words like murder. Based on my child's understanding of Westerners, they are different from us. They are a commercial nation. Now the imperial court's first-hand currency reform will increase their silver trade profits. A major defeat and the signing of a treaty will hinder their spice trade in Southeast Asia. I believe that the ruthlessness and madness of these bandits should not be underestimated. "
Gu Zuo stood up and looked out the window with his hands behind his back.
a long time.
"understood."
Gu Zuo planned to report this situation in a secret report to the emperor, and it would not be a bad thing if he expected the enemy to be lenient.
Gu Bingtong resigned, "Then son went to urge them."
Provide money and people, and find ways to transport overseas materials from Nanyang back, instead of silver that cannot be eaten or worn.
However, this argument is a bit extreme. Silver itself still has monetary properties and can buy things.
It can only be said that in the past, the Ming Dynasty was a black hole that absorbed silver. Now that silver is no longer scarce, it will begin to become a black hole that absorbs materials.
It is said that the Eastern Empire is so rich, but what is also happening is that many people still don't have enough to eat.
In this case, the court would of course make the right choice between exchanging silk for silver or exchanging silk for grain.
====
One chapter first, and another chapter to follow. I’ll write after playing with my family for a while.
Today is the 30th of the New Year. I would like to wish all my book friends a Happy New Year and may you make a fortune in the New Year!
(End of this chapter)