1627 Rise of the South China Sea

Chapter 3633

With Bai Kesi's current status and influence, if the gift list contained gold and silver objects, rare treasures, it would be difficult for him to take a second look at them, and he would most likely ask Liang Zhong to take the things back directly.

However, the gift list prepared by the Fujianese was obviously not an ordinary item. Bai Kesi actually looked at it carefully for a long time before he looked up and said to Liang Zhong: "The production plan for manufacturing export warships has been discussed and approved by the Executive Committee today. Next, someone will contact the shipyard to arrange follow-up matters."

"You can notify the shipyard to start preparing materials and arranging work. Japan has placed orders for dozens of ships in one go, and they are expected to be delivered to the shipyard in Fujian to complete."

Liang Zhong looked a little bit incredulous, and quickly thanked Bai Kesi for his care. However, he was so happy that he did not forget the details, and immediately asked Bai Kesi: "This Japanese warship order must have been brought back by Lord Shi Diwen. Do we need to set aside a part of it for several shipyards in the East China Sea region?"

Bai Kesi waved his hand and said, "No need! The production capacity of the shipyards in the East China Sea region has long been saturated. The orders for Zhoushan Shipyard have even been scheduled for two years. There is no time to accept new orders."

"But by then, the technical support needed by Fujian Shipyard will mostly be sent by people from the East China Sea Region. You just need to pay a little attention to the relevant fee settlement."

Liang Zhong was also an old man who had been in the business world for many years. He understood what Bai Kesi meant as soon as he heard it and agreed immediately.

This warship order from Japan was won by Shi Diwen, so it is natural that he and the East China Sea Region would not sit idly by. Even if this order was transferred to a shipyard in Fujian to complete, it would be reasonable for the East China Sea Region to share a share.

Bai Kesi's words pointed out a clear path for Fujian Shipyard, which is to transfer part of the profits from shipbuilding orders to the East China Sea region account by settling technical consulting fees.

As for how much money is given, that is a matter between the two parties, and the superiors generally will not interfere in these minor details.

Of course, this is just a hint. In actual operation, there are more flexible ways available.

After all, Fujian borders the East China Sea region, and the trade relations between the two sides are extremely close. The Fumao Trading Company, which is headed by Liang Zhong, has many channels to transfer this part of the profits to Shi Diwen. It’s just that other methods may require more detours and are not as convenient as public-to-public settlement.

After explaining the matter in a few words, Bai Kesi served tea and sent the guest away. For a visitor of Liang Zhong's level, there was really no need to waste time on some meaningless greetings.

Liang Zhong was also very tactful, and immediately stood up to say goodbye, and was led out by the housekeeper. The purpose of his trip had been successfully achieved, and he could go back to report.

As soon as the visitor left, Bai Letong went into the study and greeted his father, Bai Kesi.

Bai Kesi called him over and asked him to look at the gift list Liang Zhonggang had sent.

Bai Letong was obviously not as patient as Bai Kesi. After taking a quick look, he asked in surprise, "Shares of seven private shipyards in Fujian? Are they transferred to our Bai family? Why do we want to acquire shares of these private shipyards?"

Bai Kesi said slowly: "Don't underestimate these private shipyards. Most of the warships sold to foreign countries in the future will be built by them, and they will have no worries about business for a long time. In time, the shipbuilding scale of these shipyards will not be inferior to the state-owned shipyards of Zhoushan level." Bai Letong said: "I don't doubt the profitability of these shipyards, but... what is the significance to our Bai family? Do you want to control the shipbuilding industry in Fujian?"

Bai Kesi shook his head and said, "I have no interest or energy to intervene. The reason why I accepted this gift from them is, firstly, to maintain the relationship with the Xu family, and secondly, to accumulate some industrial assets for our Bai family."

Bai Letong said, "Father, don't we have a lot of businesses in Hainan Island? We don't need this little bit of soup from Fujian, right?"

Bai Kesi said: "It would be fine if you didn't mention this, but since we are talking about this, let me ask you, now my Bai family's industries are all related to mechanical processing and military manufacturing, but you are going to study literature and educate the world. Who will inherit these industries in the future?"

Bai Letong smiled and said, "Father doesn't have only one son, my brothers can also inherit the family business in the future."

Bai Kesi sighed, "That's true, but I've reflected on it in recent years and always feel that the path left for future generations is still a bit narrow. You see, most of our family's industries are concentrated in Hainan Island, and they are difficult to learn. Future generations may not be able to inherit my legacy."

"If we can get involved in more industries and cover a larger area, maybe the Bai family can develop in the long run. At worst, we can leave more choices for future generations. Those who can't do my business can choose other industries. Le Tong, what do you think?"

Seeing that his father was serious and didn't seem to be joking with him, Bai Letong put away his smile and asked, "Father, are you disappointed with the path you chose?"

Bai Kesi waved his hand and said, "That's not the case. You have loved writing since you were a child. How could I stop you? Your ideal is to educate the world, so I arranged for you to work in the Ministry of Culture and Education. Whether you write textbooks to educate thousands of students, or serve as an inspector to inspect academies all over the world, it's up to you to do it. How can you be disappointed?"

"But when your children grow up, they may not be interested in cultural and educational careers. Will you force them to inherit your legacy and follow your path?"

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

Bai Letong suddenly realized, "I understand now. Father is paving the way for future generations. If someone in the family is interested in navigation and shipbuilding in the future, they won't have to start from scratch... But our Hai Han is a major maritime country, and each region has related industries. Why did father choose to cooperate with the Xu family in Fujian?"

Bai Kesi said: "Due to historical reasons, the Xu family has been subject to many restrictions, both overt and covert, and can only rely on shipping and trade to seek development abroad. If I help the Xu family now, it won't take much effort to save Fujian's shipbuilding industry decades of development time. In the future, if the Xu family develops overseas, our Bai family will also be able to catch a ride."

"This move was not deliberate, but just a matter of convenience. How useful it will be in the future is unpredictable. While I still have the ability, I will place a few more chess pieces on the chessboard and see which of my descendants will be lucky enough to enjoy them!"

After hearing this, Bai Letong realized that Bai Kesi chose the Xu family in Fujian as the target of support because they had no big backers, and if he showed them a little favor, the other party would take the initiative to embrace him.

As for why the Executive Committee wanted to restrict the development of the Xu family, Bai Letong knew a thing or two. After all, the Executive Committee had promised that the Xu family would rule Fujian for generations, but they did not want the Xu family to grow too powerful and annex more surrounding areas, so they imposed restrictions and only allowed the Xu family to develop overseas.

Therefore, the Xu family cherished the opportunity to intervene overseas. Even when the Luzon region went to war with the Spaniards thousands of miles away, Xu Yuzhuo took the opportunity and asked his son Xu Kaiyuan to lead the fleet to join the war in the name of escort.