Ming Zuo

Chapter 864 Ambassador
To maintain national stability, food is the top priority.

Zuo Menggeng has always attached great importance to food production, and devoted a lot of resources and energy to this.

However, the development level of productivity is limited, and today's agricultural production is still in a relatively primitive state.Although the level of yield per mu has increased, but due to frequent natural disasters, there has been a reduction in production from time to time.

However, the population in Xia Kingdom continued to grow.

Because of the stable life and sufficient products, the newborn population has shown an explosive upward trend for four consecutive years.

In addition, the influx of foreign population has accounted for more than one-third of the total population.

The population has increased, but the land area has not increased. Coupled with the impact of natural disasters, food production has not increased.

Under various factors, starting from this winter, food prices began to soar.

This is caused by the relationship between supply and demand, purely market behavior, even if the government deliberately regulates it, there is nothing it can do.

Zuo Menggeng has already felt the great pressure of survival and development.

He deeply understands why Europeans in this era are so keen on pioneering and colonizing?

It is true that under the influence of natural disasters, the inherent land cannot support a large population at all.

Compared with the time-consuming and labor-intensive way of improving agricultural production technology, it is obvious that pioneering and colonizing is more effective.

China cannot follow the Western colonial road, which is not in line with Chinese values.

But in times like these, it's not like there's no room for maneuver.

Just like the Korean War that is just around the corner, it is definitely a good opportunity to expand the territory.

And such an approach will not cause internal controversy, and will not even encounter resistance from the North Koreans.

All kinds of tricks depend on the ability to operate.

Zuo Menggeng's gaze had long been fixed on Jeju Island.

He knew that it was not only an important pasture, but also a natural agricultural base.

Once taken, it can greatly relieve the food pressure.

Now the Manchu Qing side has not yet sent troops. Although there is a lot of turmoil in North Korea, the regime is still stable.

Under such circumstances, Zuo Menggeng did not dare to attack Jeju Island with great fanfare.

Everything that is done now is under the banner of supporting North Korea, so that it has not caused a rebound from the North Koreans.

And once the war starts, facing the crisis of national subjugation and genocide, the North Koreans will definitely not care about Jeju Island.

At that time, it is completely possible to use the name of logistical support to emigrate and develop Jeju Island.Over time, it will be logical to evolve it into the territory of China.

He broke these truths apart and crushed them to the soldiers, and they quickly gained everyone's understanding.

Regarding the dispatch of troops to North Korea, the Fourth Division no longer had any conflicts.On the contrary, they all screamed, full of will to fight.

Three days later, the [-]th Division embarked on board and headed for Jeju Island.

And Zuo Menggeng, who was in Dengzhou, gave the order in the name of the command.

This winter, all ships in Xia State, whether public or private, military or civilian, were conscripted and concentrated in Dengzhou, waiting for orders.

Once the Korean War breaks out, it will be earth-shattering.And to complete Liu Yiyuan's battle plan, the ships needed must be massive.

Relying on the navy's own warships alone can never complete this huge plan.

Therefore, it is inevitable to recruit private ships.

In the face of military affairs, there is no doubt.When the military order is issued, everyone must obey it.

Today's Xia Kingdom is booming, all industries are flourishing, and the people are full of enthusiasm.After receiving the order from the High Command, no one complained, and they gathered their ships and sailed to Dengzhou to accept the arrangement.

Just when the general mobilization started on Xia Guo's side, the Dutch came from afar.

Leading the way is still Anthony van Diemen.

Seeing Zuo Menggeng again made him quite emotional.

"His Royal Highness King Xia, this is the letter of credence submitted by the King of the Netherlands for the establishment of diplomatic relations. I hope that from now on, we can establish a deep friendship with your country, exchange what we need, and jointly safeguard the morality and justice of the entire world."

Hearing Anthony Van Diemen's solemn words, Zuo Menggeng couldn't help but smile inwardly.

Will the Western colonists have morality and justice in their hearts?

Obviously not.

But this is a diplomatic occasion, and the play still needs to be staged.

With a solemn expression, Zuo Menggeng accepted the Dutch credentials.

This letter of credentials was written by the current King of the Netherlands, Hendrik Casimir I, and the text is full of joy.

[I heard that the great king of the East is enlightened and wise, and he can treat our Dutch people with a normal heart, so that our people can conduct business smoothly and have a heart of friendship for exchanges.In my capacity as the ruler of the Netherlands, I would like to pay homage to the great King of the East.I sincerely hope that the Netherlands and the Xia Kingdom will establish an unbreakable friendship and become a country of diplomatic relations with an open heart to each other. 】

It seems that the Netherlands has reached a consensus and is willing to establish diplomatic relations.

Zuo Menggeng received his credentials and expressed his opinion on the spot.

"Our friendship with the Netherlands has gone through the test of blood and fire. At the same time, we both have the same appeal. I believe that the establishment of exchanges between our two countries will definitely promote the progress of the entire Far East."

Anthony Van Diemen led out the people next to him to introduce Zuo Menggeng.

"This is Henkinson Tropp, my ambassador to Xia Guo appointed by the King of Holland."

The Dutchman stepped forward, courteously.

"His Royal Highness King Xia, I hope that through my efforts, you can feel the friendship of the Netherlands."

Zuo Menggeng looked at this person firmly.

In this era of inconvenient transportation and intermittent communication, being able to be selected as an ambassador and stationed thousands of miles away is obviously something special.

In Zuo Menggeng's eyes, this person is tall and straight, standing steadily, his eyes are as gentle as possible, but he can't hide his sharpness, his left hand is always on his waist vaguely.

Obviously, this is a person who is usually used to holding a sword.

Thinking of this person's name again, Zuo Menggeng couldn't help asking: "I wonder if Mr. Ambassador is a relative of General Marton Tropp?"

Hinkinson Tropp stared blankly, then puffed out his chest proudly.

"I really didn't expect that His Royal Highness King Xia also knew about my brother's reputation."

Zuo Menggeng suddenly realized.

It turned out that the family in front of him turned out to be the younger brother of the famous Dutch general Marton Tropp, who came from a naval family, no wonder he was able to hold such an important position.

Three years later, in the Battle of Downs, commanded by Marton Tropp, the Netherlands completely defeated the Spanish navy.

In the hundreds of years since then, Spain has languished and never regained its former glory.

Knowing the identity of Henkinson Tropp, Zuo Menggeng has a somewhat understanding of Holland's thoughts.

"The Dutch sent a competent general to enter our territory. Your foreign ministry should also be cautious about this matter. The ambassador sent to Batavia must be able to stand alone."

Liao Zhongjian and Chonghua also understood that the matter was of great importance, so they hurried back to prepare.

(End of this chapter)