Ming Zuo

Chapter 1146 Larger Layout
Shandong at the end of August is still extremely hot.

At this time, mountain climbing is the best choice.

How about Dai Zongfu when Qi Luqing is gone.

Mount Tai, which is close at hand, has become the favorite place for people around.

Zuo Menggeng, dressed in plain clothes, walked up the stone steps slowly.While admiring the beautiful scenery, he discussed major issues with Anthony Van Diemen.

After the elimination of the Zheng family, the division of forces in the East Sea is very important.

After seeing the strength of the Xia Kingdom's navy, Anthony Van Diemen was very worried that the Netherlands would become Xia's next target.

"There is no absolute conflict of interest between Xia Guo and the Netherlands. I always believe that our two countries can work together to create a more brilliant future."

Zuo Menggeng had a clear attitude and gave Anthony Van Diemen a reassurance.

But this also made him a little confused.

Mingming Xia's actions against the Zheng family and Dongying showed a strong expansionist nature.

Why can it tolerate the Netherlands sharing the interests of the sea?

"Europa is thousands of miles away. No matter how powerful the Xia Kingdom is, it will be difficult to influence it. In today's world, only China and Europa can be in charge. Xia Guo very much hopes to have a sincere friend in Europa. I believe this , whether it is Xia Guo or the Netherlands, it is very important."

Anthony van Diemen got it.

Zuo Menggeng obviously felt the power of the booming development in Europe, and knew that European countries would definitely shine on the world stage in the near future.

The rise of Europe will inevitably conflict with Xia's interests.

But Europe is too far away, and Xia Guo has no way to change anything with his own strength.

At such a time, having a firm ally among the European countries can gain many advantages.

And the staunch ally he considers is the Netherlands.

"Based on the relationship between us, I think it is better to be open and honest. Taiwan has always been an inherent territory of China. You Dutch established a stronghold on it, which actually violated our Chinese interests. I sincerely hope that the Dutch To be able to withdraw from Taiwan and maintain the friendship between us.”

Zuo Menggeng had a clear attitude when he came up, and wanted to control Taiwan.

This approach made Anthony Van Diemen somewhat dissatisfied.

"It has never been recorded in any documents that Taiwan is China's territory. Dear His Highness King Xia, I think we can jointly develop Taiwan."

The conflict of interests is obviously not so easy to calm down.

"How can you allow others to sleep soundly on the side of the couch?"

Zuo Menggeng showed his sharpness, pointing directly at the core.

Taiwan is on the side of the mainland and is the barrier of the mainland.The Dutch gained a firm foothold on it, making Xia Guo sleepless.

This contradiction is irreconcilable.

He said it so bluntly that Anthony Van Diemen hesitated.

From a fundamental point of view, the development of trade with the Xia Kingdom over the years has allowed the East India Company to earn a huge amount of wealth.If Xia He turns to hostility, the loss will be immeasurable.

However, it was difficult for the Netherlands to gain a firm foothold in Taiwan. If it was easy to let it go, he would have no way to explain it to the shareholders of the East India Company.

What Zuo Menggeng said was the truth.

He really felt that he could become a deep ally with the Netherlands, and he didn't want to go to war with the Netherlands.

The deep meaning of each, but only he himself understands.

Although the Netherlands is now the world's leading maritime power, the Dutch sailing ships are all over the world.But in general, the Netherlands' national strength is limited, and it can't afford any big waves.

At least compared with those later powers, the Netherlands is undoubtedly much more moderate.

This country is more focused on business, less interested in colonization and war.

In this way, the conflict with the Xia Kingdom was greatly avoided.

In addition, as Zuo Menggeng said, Xia Guo needs a friend in Europe who can help Xia Guo get involved in Europe and interfere in the historical process there.

Among the European countries, the Netherlands is undoubtedly the most suitable.

Without interrupting the rise of European powers, history cannot be changed and China's interests cannot be safeguarded.

Starting from this larger pattern, it is necessary to choose to maintain friendly relations with the Netherlands.

Right now, the biggest point of conflict between Xia Guo and the Netherlands is Taiwan.

Here, Zuo Menggeng will not back down no matter what.

The withdrawal of the Dutch from Taiwan was the starting point for Xia Guo and the Netherlands to maintain their interests.

He didn't want to choose the means of war, so he had to put forward suitable conditions.

"The Netherlands can act as a mediator in the war between Xia and Dongying. No matter what agreement Xia and Dongying finally reach, the Netherlands can treat it equally."

As soon as this condition was raised, Anthony Van Diemen's heart couldn't help beating wildly.

Regarding the dispute between Xia Guo and Dongying, the East India Company has already made predictions within the East India Company.

In view of Japan's lack of sea power, everyone believes that Japan can only succumb in the end.

At that time, Xia Guo's series of harsh conditions will inevitably be converted into amazing wealth.

Now Xia Guo allowed the Netherlands to join, which shows its sincerity.

Anthony van Diemen began to think desperately whether such an exchange would be suitable.

Unexpectedly, Zuo Menggeng's second offer of friendship came.

"From now on, Dutch merchant ships can travel in the territory of Xia Kingdom without restriction, and all ports in Xia Kingdom are open to the Netherlands. Dutch ships pass through the Taiwan Strait and enjoy the same treatment as Xia Kingdom merchant ships, without charging any tolls."

This condition is tantamount to lifting all the restrictions on the entire Eastern Sea at once.

From now on, Dutch businessmen can be regarded as returning to the sea and swimming freely.

Judging from these two conditions alone, it seems that it is not impossible to withdraw from Taiwan.

But Zuo Menggeng always likes to overwhelm others when doing things.Either don't do it, or do it if you want to do it.

The third condition he put forward finally made the Dutch completely surrender.

"I plan to send a national mission to the Netherlands within one year. I will submit the credentials of establishing diplomatic relations to the ruling country of your country. At the same time, I will set up an embassy in Amsterdam, send an ambassador, and ask Mr. Diemen to inform the country in advance."

Anthony Van Diemen trembled all over, even though he was used to wind and rain, he couldn't hide the surprise on his face at this moment.

What Taiwan, what stronghold, what land, in the face of this condition, nothing counts!
Why did Zuo Menggeng's proposal to formally establish diplomatic relations make Anthony Van Diemen so happy?

This also starts with the situation facing the Netherlands today.

Since the Dutch Revolution, the Netherlands has been freed from Spanish rule and established an independent country.

But the problem is that this de facto independence has not received the corresponding legal treatment.

Because of Spain's relationship with the Holy Roman Empire, the Netherlands is not recognized by other countries on the European continent.

This brought great trouble to the independence of the Netherlands.

Who told the Dutch to believe in Protestantism? It is considered a heresy by most countries on the European continent.

No matter how powerful the Dutch are at sea, they are still hindered without the corresponding legal status.

If China, the world's recognized top power, recognizes the independent status of the Netherlands, then all the shackles currently placed on the Netherlands will be completely disintegrated.

This is Zuo Menggeng's sincerity.

In the face of this sincerity, it is obviously worthwhile to withdraw from Taiwan and maintain a good relationship with Xia.

(End of this chapter)