1627 Rise of the South China Sea

Chapter 3136
Anger comes back, but Thomas actually understands in his heart that the Su family father and son have a unique advantage that he can't catch up with anyway, and that is their natural Han blood.

Su Keyi was originally selected by the Dutch East India Company as an envoy to Sanya, largely because he was of Han origin and could communicate smoothly with high-ranking Haihan officials.

And Su Keyi's later performance fully proved the skill of the Dutchman's move.Since Su Keyi took office, there has been no large-scale armed conflict between Haihan and the Netherlands, and the trade between the two sides has gradually become normal.

If it hadn’t been for Su Keyi’s full mediation during this period, Matalam had successfully prevented the large-scale purchase of Haihan weapons and equipment. At that time, the precarious city of Batavia would probably not be able to hold it, and it would have been theoretically able to be fully weaponized early on. The Ma Dalan army was flattened.

And Su Keyi's advantage in the diplomatic field has even continued to the next generation.After his son Su Yongshan was born, he was not sent back to Batavia to be raised, but stayed with him in Sanya.

So Su Yongshan grew up in Haihan since he was a child, and even studied in a school run by Haihan. Many of his classmates were the children of high-ranking officials in Haihan.

It took Su Keyi many years and countless resources and efforts to manage a network of contacts in Sanya, and Su Yongshan already had his own network of contacts before he became an adult. In time, his achievements will definitely surpass that of his father.

It would be a lie to say that the Portuguese are not jealous of this.It’s just that no matter how hard they try, even learning Haihan Mandarin and reading Haihan newspapers, they still can’t erase the significant differences in ethnicity, and it’s impossible for them to be regarded as “one of our own” by Haihan at certain times like the Su family’s father and son .

The Su family father and son can find a lame excuse to get on board with the executive committee. Although this method is simple, it is difficult to imitate.Thomas knew he couldn't do it, and that's why he flew into a rage.

Simao was very open-minded, stepped forward and patted Thomas on the shoulder to reassure him: "It only takes a few days to travel from Sanya to Hong Kong, which doesn't mean they can change the Haihan executive committee's mind."

Thomas forced a smile and said, "The Dutch probably won't be able to come up with any meaningful terms of exchange, that's why they're in such a hurry."

These words are somewhat self-comforting, but they really have nothing to do with the Dutch at the moment.Fortunately, the journey has just begun, and there is still a lot of time to change the situation.

Although the Dutch envoys have some unique advantages, Portugal is not always at a disadvantage.At least in terms of state-to-state relations, Portugal and Haihan have more common interests. The two parties have concluded formal alliances in many fields, which is an advantage that the Netherlands does not have.

After they boarded the ship for a while, the convoy of the Executive Committee filed into the port.

Perhaps because of the hasty schedule, the Executive Committee did not hold a large-scale departure ceremony for this trip, and only a few officials headed by Beks came to the port to see off the Executive Committee and his party.After a brief farewell, everyone boarded the ship and set off.

For safety reasons, the six members of the executive committee did not take the same boat, but took two boats.

The Dutch envoy Su Keyi was on the same boat as Ning Qi, Schneider and Yuan Qiuye.

Su Yongshan was a student of Ning Qi when he was studying. Although he has not formally worshiped as a teacher, he still has a three-thirds master-student relationship.After Ning Qi boarded the ship, he took the initiative to go to the cabin to say hello.

But when Su Yongshan came out of Ningqi cabin, he was stopped by someone.

"I'm Gong Shiqi from the Ministry of Security, Mr. Su, please take a step to speak."

Su Yongshan looked at the certificate shown by the other party, hesitated a little, and nodded in agreement.

Of course he knew exactly what the Ministry of Security was, but he couldn't guess what the other party was up to.If he refuses with his mouth, it is not surprising that the other party will use strong methods, and he will disappear on this boat. Although the probability of such a thing happening is extremely low, there is no need to take this risk.

Of course, Gong Shiqi did not intend to kidnap him, but he just called him to an unoccupied cabin next to him, and asked a simple question: "As far as I know, the ship of the Dutch embassy was announced by the Executive Committee. After the trip to the north, you were sent to the dock for repairs, and then you asked our country to take a boat with the wind, you won’t tell me that this is just a coincidence?”

Naturally, Su Yongshan would not admit that this move had other motives, and replied with a sincere face: "Master Gong, whether you believe it or not, this is really just a coincidence."

Gong Shiqi's tone was still calm: "I personally went to the shipyard to see your ship, and I asked the craftsman. There is only one damage on the port side that is not serious. It is not impossible to go to sea with a simple repair. The price is not expensive. The construction period only takes two or three days.”

"However, you volunteered to replace all the damaged ship's planks, which would not only cost twenty times the price, but also delay at least half a month before the ship could enter dry dock for construction."

"I have reason to suspect that you made such an arrangement on purpose so that you can use this as an excuse to apply for a ride."

Su Yongshan retorted: "But we will transfer to our own boat when we arrive in Hong Kong."

Gong Shiqi said, "It's okay if you don't admit that you have other intentions. Before arriving in Hong Kong, I will keep an eye on you father and son. Don't do anything beyond the rules."

"In addition, I have notified the Hong Kong side before departure, and when your ship arrives, it will be temporarily blocked to ensure that the ship will not break down again."

After all, Su Yongshan was still a little tender, his face turned red, and his anger overflowed: "Master Gong, what you do is not in line with diplomatic rules! I want to protest to Lord Ning!"

Gong Shiqi replied coldly: "I am not a subordinate of Mr. Ning, and I am not under the control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can save yourself a little effort."

"Also, if Lord Ning asks me about this matter, then I will tell him the whole story. Right and wrong, I think Lord Ning will make a wise judgment."

Su Yongshan was angry and impatient, but he didn't know how to counter the aggressive Gong Shiqi.

Seeing his reaction, Gong Shiqi was able to confirm that his goal had been achieved, and he no longer made things difficult for him, so he cupped his hands and turned to leave.

Su Yongshan returned to his cabin and told his father Su Keyi what happened just now.

After hearing this, Su Keyi smiled wryly and said, "Son, he's just testing you. If you're so impatient, you'll reveal yourself instead."

Su Yongshan said: "But Hai'er did not admit his accusation."

Su Keyi shook his head slightly and said: "He has the evidence in his hands. It doesn't matter to him whether you admit it or not. He just wants to confirm his judgment based on your reaction. If you really want to argue, do you think the executive committee is Trust him or trust us?"

Su Yongshan didn't argue anymore, but he was a little unconvinced: "This man speaks in a loud tone, if it wasn't for the inconvenience on the boat, the child would definitely argue with him."

"Don't, don't, don't! Don't provoke this evil star!" Su Keyi was shocked, and quickly dissuaded his son's bold idea: "That's Gong Shiqi, you can walk around when you see him in the future, and don't let him miss you. I have to thank God!"

(End of this chapter)