1627 Rise of the South China Sea

Chapter 599 The Debate Between War and Peace
The "United Firm" that Shi Diwen mentioned, of course, refers to the Dutch East India Company, which was established in 1602 with the purpose of monopolizing Eastern trade and carrying out colonial plunder.During the nearly 200 years of operation of the East India Company, a total of 1772 ships were sent overseas, and about one million Europeans came to Asia through the ships of the East India Company.Although this company is a commercial organization in name, it actually has many national functions, such as self-organizing mercenaries, issuing currency, signing formal treaties with other countries, opening up colonies overseas and implementing rule, etc.

Of course, it is not without price that the East India Company can enjoy so many privileges. 18% of the company's profits are handed over to the country as dividends every year in exchange for the government's support in various overseas policies and trade methods.

The East India Company won more than just economic benefits for the Dutch Republic in the Far East. After Cohen became the governor of the company in 1619, he began to advocate the practice of opening up borders by force and successfully established a national trade system. North Korea, Japan, Ryukyu, Annan and other countries organize trade.However, the rival Portugal, which originally occupied a large number of colonies in the Far East, was successively deprived of territory under the constant pressure of the East India Company. At its peak in the 17th century, the East India Company had more than 5 employees, dozens of warships, and tens of thousands of armed mercenaries. It was indeed capable of launching wars and destroying some small countries.

Based on the current strength comparison, the East India Company is still ahead of Haihan for the time being, but Haihan's development speed far exceeds that of its opponents, and the areas it controls are relatively more concentrated, so it is easier to occupy a strength advantage in a certain area.If it weren't for the various logistical problems that would be brought about by Laoshi's expedition, as well as the subsequent actual control methods, Haihan would actually have enough strength to take down the Zeelandia stronghold built by the East India Company in the southern part of Taiwan Island.

But in order to solve the Dutchman, Haihan Executive Committee believes that the unstable factor of Shibazhi must be settled first.The threat these pirates could pose to Haihan was far greater than the limited number of Dutch on Taiwan Island.Shi Diwen used the Dutch to promote Haihan's force, and his real purpose was to give Xu Yuzhuo more confidence that Haihan had enough strength and determination to help the Fujian military eliminate Shibazhi.

The Fujian Xu family had joined the board of directors of "Qiong Lianfa" very early, so Xu Yuzhuo immediately understood Shi Diwen's very vivid metaphor: "So the red-haired... Dutch people stationed on Dayuan Island, they also Are they the armed guards of this firm?"

"That's right." Shi Diwen nodded and said: "But even if they are just private armed forces, their strength has far surpassed that of the Ming army. The Dutch conquered many places in Nanyang, all with this armed force. Of course, compared to our Haihan militia, they are still a bit behind."

Shi Diwen was not worried that Xu Yuzhuo would leak out the Haikou he had boasted about. Although the Xu family had business dealings with the Dutch before, they should be very clear about who is the one who can really help the Xu family grow stronger.The Dutch will not sell a large number of standard weapons like Haihan, and they will also train officers and teach combat tactics on their behalf.Of course, the most important thing is that the trade volume between Fujian and Haihan has far exceeded the record with the Netherlands. Haihan has become the largest trading partner of the Xu family. Betray Haihan.

Xu Yuzhuo asked: "If Haihan captures Dayuan Island in the future, how should the sea routes north of Fujian be owned?"

Regarding this issue, the Executive Committee has already issued corresponding instructions. Shi Diwen replied: "We will not impose any restrictions on this, but the premise is that both of us are still in a state of cooperation."

In fact, Shi Diwen only said half of what he said, but it does not prevent Xu Yuzhuo from understanding the spirit of it—the two parties continue to cooperate, then everyone can do sea trade business in Northeast Asia, but if the cooperative relationship is terminated, then sorry, in the future I won't play with you.

As for what kind of situation may lead to the termination of the cooperation between the two parties, Shi Diwen has already expressed his attitude before, and there is no need to repeat it at this time.

Shi Diwen was working with Xu Yuzhuo in Zhongzuo City, and Ning Qi in Zhangzhou City was also not idle.The reception banquet that Xu Xinsu prepared for Ning Qi and others in Zhangzhou City was held at his own house, and the guests he invited were not many, and almost all of them were people related to the interests of the Xu family.After Xu Xinsu finished introducing the guests, he said something to Ning Qi: "Everyone here today is from our own family. If Mr. Ning has anything to say, you can speak freely."

After talking with Xu Xinsu on the way to Zhangzhou, Ning Qi thought that although the other party had the intention to cease the war, it seemed that it was not entirely out of intention, and part of the reason was the external environmental pressure brought about by successive years of war.If Xu Xinsu can be managed to relieve these pressures, it is not impossible for Fujian to continue to use troops against Shibazhi.The guests on this occasion today are all the core personnel of Xu Xinsu's interest group. The thoughts of these people will probably determine the future trend of the Fujian war situation. Important task now.

After drinking for three rounds, Ning Qi put down his chopsticks and began to talk about business: "Master Xu, although it's my first time in Zhangzhou and I haven't been in the city for a long time, I have a very good impression of this place, and everywhere I go is orderly. , the people are also polite, it really is a good place with prosperous culture and education, and rich food and clothing!"

Ning Qi's praise is indeed a smear to Xu Xinsu. Although his position is a military officer, in fact, most of Zhangzhou's government affairs are directly or indirectly controlled by him. The local government is well governed, and indeed he is the leader. Xu Xinsu's contribution is in it.Of course, Xu Xinsu couldn't boast in front of Ning Qi, so he said a few words of humility immediately, and there were other sensible people beside him who then stood up and praised Xu Xinsu's merits.

After Ning Qi listened patiently, he continued to express his opinion: "The current situation in Zhangzhou is naturally due to Mr. Xu and everyone here. But please allow me to say a few words that are a bit out of date. Although the current situation in Zhangzhou is good, But the foreign aggression has not yet settled, and it is a little early to think that we can live a life of singing and dancing now."

Xu Xinsu didn't respond immediately, but kept silent.During the meeting, someone answered, "Mr. Ning's foreign aggression is nothing more than the pirates in Penghu, right? These thieves have been defeated for several years, and now they don't dare to come to Zhangzhou to cause trouble."

Ning Qi replied: "You said it was just the current situation in Zhangzhou, but the situation outside Zhangzhou doesn't seem to be the case. As far as I know, these pirates have blocked the air route from Zhangzhou to the northeast, in order to threaten the peace talks with the Ming army... ..."

"Mr. Ning, the word blackmail is a bit inappropriate." The person who answered the conversation just now stopped before Ning Qi finished speaking: "Peace talks are a two-sided matter. If it is only beneficial to the pirates and the Ming army If it is useless, then the peace talks will be impossible to achieve. Besides, the army has always had the upper hand in the battle, so how can the defeated party blackmail the winner?"

While listening, Ning Qi quickly recalled Xu Xinsu's introduction to this person in his mind, and after he finished speaking, he smiled and replied: "If I remember correctly, this is Mr. Chen from Qinglian Academy, right?"

"Chen Qinglian, Mr. Ning, please give me some advice!" The man sat at the bottom and bowed his hands towards Ning Qi as a signal.

Ning Qi also bowed his hand to return the salute, and then continued: "Mr. Chen's words are not unreasonable, but the benefits have to be divided into long-term and short-term. If you only focus on the immediate short-term benefits, you may make wrong decisions and lose long-term benefits. .As for the second point you mentioned, I’m just curious, why did the Ming army, which had the upper hand, choose to cease fighting and negotiate peace with the bandits who couldn’t beat them? Can Mr. Chen explain it to me?”

Chen Qinglian probably didn't expect that Ning Qi kicked the ball back immediately, and he hesitated for a few seconds before responding: "The two prefectures of Zhangquan and Quanzhou have been fighting for years, and the people have suffered a lot because of it. Calm down, isn't that good?"

"Okay, it's certainly a good thing to make people's lives more stable, but the question is, why do you want to feed tigers instead of just killing these robbers?" Ning Qi continued to ask.

Chen Qinglian said: "Wars and wars cost people money and money, and there are countless casualties on the battlefield. If peace can be exchanged through peace talks, what's wrong?"

"I understand the truth, but why don't you eliminate these bandits?" Ning Qi's tone also became aggressive: "Mr. Chen also said just now that the Ming army has the upper hand in the battle, so why let these bandits who have fallen into a passive position be spared?" Robbers? Is it to give them some time to breathe, recuperate for a year or so, and gather strength before attacking Daming's city?"

"of course not……"

"Since it's not, then why is there a need for a truce?" Ning Qi interrupted the other party before he could finish his feeble rebuttal: "I also want to ask Mr. Chen how long the truce is going to be, is it three months, five months, or a year? Even if the two sides reach an armistice agreement, will this have any binding force on the bandits? Or do you plan to go to Penghu in person and tell them what benevolence and righteousness are? Is it about trust?"

"What Mr. Ning said is right. What's the point of talking with these bandits? When you're ready, go straight to Penghu's lair and give them a one-pot fight!" With the existence of Ning Qi, someone immediately voiced his support for Ning Qi.

"Our navy is too weak to fight, how can we go to Penghu?" Someone retorted immediately.

"Could it be that my master Ming is afraid of these water bandits and pirates? Why not go there!"

"Shibazhi has dozens of times more seagoing ships than the navy. How do you fight the battle at sea? Forcing the navy to dispatch it is not an act of sending sheep to the tiger's mouth?"

"Just now, Chen Qingnian, who advocated peace talks, also said that our Ming army had the upper hand. When did we become the lamb you mentioned?"

"Enough!" Seeing that more and more people joined the debate and the scene became more and more chaotic, Xu Xinsu finally couldn't help but stop the disorderly debate: "Mr. What head? Shut up for us!"

Xu Xinsu's weight was indeed able to suppress the scene, as soon as he yelled at him, everyone present immediately shut up.Only then did Xu Xinsu apologize to Ning Qi: "Mr. Ning, most of the old man's subordinates are rough and don't understand etiquette, so please don't take offense!"

"It's okay, the lights are not turned on, the reason is not clear, and everyone is willing to discuss, which is actually a good thing." Ning Qi was very magnanimous, and was not angry because of the confusion just now: "As for whether it is war or peace, everyone here Everyone may have their own positions and ideas. What I say here is only representative of Haihan’s attitude, and I don’t intend to impose it on you. If you think it makes sense, then listen to it. If you think it doesn’t make sense, think If you want to debate with me, I welcome it, but please speak in an orderly manner, and don't rush to talk."

After saying these words, Ning Qi saw that all the people present turned their eyes on him, and then he continued: "As for the war in Fujian, our Haihan's attitude..."

When Ning Qi said this, he deliberately prolonged his tone. After everyone's appetite was whetted, he said again: ...As long as the Fujian military is willing to continue the fight against bandits, then we will continue to provide military assistance, and we will gradually open it up. Sales of some advanced weapons.For example, the 'Expedition-class' warships and supporting combat equipment that visited Zhangzhou this time.I think you have seen this new type of warship on the pier. It is no exaggeration to say that the combat performance of this type of warship is much higher than that of the previous "exploration class". It can deal with at least four ships at sea at the same time. An old armed sailing ship of the same tonnage.Didn't someone just say that there are too many boats in Shibazhi?They have a lot of ships, but our ships have strong firepower. In front of the 'expedition-class' warships, the dilapidated old ships of Shibazhi can only become living targets..."

Ning Qi smoothly inserted the advertisement content into this topic, which is also one of his missions in Zhangzhou this time - to sell various new weapons and equipment for Haihan Ordnance Industry, including the "exploration level" combat boat inside.

The hybrid sailboat has been in service for one year, and its outstanding performance and operational stability have also been recognized by the military and the executive committee. In the future development of the navy, hybrid warships will gradually become standard equipment , while the purely sail-powered warships built in the early days will gradually retreat to the second line, or be transformed into supply ships, offshore patrol ships, or simply sold to other armed forces, so that they can make a fortune in addition to recovering the cost.Although it will take a long time for this process of elimination and replacement to be realized, the military can't wait to include the second and last generation of pure sail-powered warships "Expedition Class" on the list for sale.

(End of this chapter)