prosperous age

Wei Guangde and the high-ranking officials of the Ming Dynasty were considering how to implement the channel for transporting goods to Europe through British merchants.

Although Ming Dynasty goods could be sold to Europe through Arabs, adding another trade route would certainly benefit the spread of Ming Dynasty goods in Europe.

At the very least, new trade routes and the original merchants will inevitably create competition in Europe.

They will lower prices appropriately to seize the market, so that more people will have the opportunity to access Ming Dynasty products.

Meanwhile, back at the meeting place, Earl Robert naturally held consultations with members of the delegation.

They need to analyze the feasibility of the ideas that come to them on a whim.

British merchants were unwilling to go through the trouble of traveling from Europe to Asia to conduct trade.

In particular, this trade route was controlled by the Portuguese.

Although Drake had completed his circumnavigation of the globe and found a complete route from Europe through the Americas back to Europe.

But so what?
Taking the route to the Americas was still very risky, and they would also encounter interception by the Spanish.

You don't think pirates only exist in Britain, do you? Now, Spanish ships also plunder British merchant ships.

The sea has become a lawless zone.

Correspondingly, Portuguese merchant ships were also heavily involved, profiting from the chaos.

To maintain relations with the Ming Dynasty, it was necessary to send ships to the Ming Dynasty frequently.

This is why Britain always sends its largest and most heavily armed warships on these long-distance voyages.

Only sufficient military force can guarantee their safety when they travel.

"In this way, our merchants only need to enter the Mediterranean to complete trade with Ming Dynasty merchants."

Although the prices will be much higher than buying directly here, at least they can get the goods and make a profit.

Robert was explaining his thoughts, and the other officials listened attentively, each reflecting on their own.

"It does sound feasible, but there are questions about where to conduct the transaction and land security."

Although we have signed a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the Ottomans, there are still many sand bandits in the area of ​​Misri.

They didn't discuss the price; that's a matter for businessmen.

If they can successfully negotiate this trade route with the Ming Dynasty, they will deserve a lot of credit upon their return to London.

Even if no merchants ultimately did it, the mission still secured benefits for British merchants from the government's perspective.

However, they themselves do not cherish it.

"These are things we don't need to consider for now. It's a pity that our goal of winning over the Ming Dynasty and creating trouble in the Far East has not been achieved."

Then another official spoke up.

Britain's initial demand was actually to have the Ming Dynasty fight the Spanish in Luzon, thus weakening the Spanish army's strength scattered in Mexico.

The situation in Europe is becoming increasingly critical, and the strained diplomatic relations between Britain and Spain could trigger a war at any moment.

At that time, Spain will inevitably recall a large number of warships from the New World.

This was certainly bad news for the weak British.

However, the Ming Dynasty was clearly unwilling to get involved.

Even more ridiculous, the Ming people actually offered to sell them firearms.

Although we know that the earliest firearms came from the East.

But so what?
At present, only Europe has the most advanced firearms.

"Actually, we can also take a look at the firearms of the Ming Dynasty. If they are cheap, even if their performance is weak, we can still take them back."

At least, the firearms provided as aid to the Netherlands and other places could be made in China.

At that moment, someone suddenly mentioned it.

This person belonged to the Foreign Minister's faction and had no concrete understanding of firearms.

"Their firearms are inadequate."

Robert said without even thinking.

"All I know is that we purchase firearms from France and other European countries every year, and we even obtain them secretly through smuggling."

Even if Ming dynasty firearms are different from ours and cannot meet our needs, can't we at least provide samples and have them manufacture them according to our requirements?

The diplomat began to speak, even revealing some of the secrets of their operations abroad.

In fact, Britain at this time held an extremely awkward position in Europe.

Unlike the later, mighty British Empire, modern Britain has virtually no standing among European nations, except through exchanges of interests.

Because of its island status, Britain is relatively lacking in resources and has relatively weak productivity.

At that time in Europe, the most productive countries were only France and the newly wealthy Spain.

The Holy Roman Empire was also very powerful, but it was a special federal government, and sometimes it couldn't be viewed as a single entity.

Okay, all this is to say that in the 16th century, especially towards the end of the century, there were already signs of war breaking out in Europe.

Countries have begun to consciously stockpile weapons, since weapons manufacturing is very time-consuming and labor-intensive in this era.

Only France and Spain can barely meet their own military needs.

Other countries can only trade with each other.

In fact, some of the trade between the British and the Ottomans involved the sale of firearms.

Yes, in addition to obtaining firearms from France and the Holy Roman Empire through various means, the British also purchased firearms from the Ottomans.

Therefore, in the eyes of this British diplomat, if the Ming Dynasty could produce firearms according to their requirements, purchasing firearms from the Ming Dynasty would not be a bad option.

If the Ming Dynasty had the capability to produce firearms, then it should have been able to produce firearms that met their needs.

More importantly, he had heard that the Ming Dynasty had a million-strong army.

The number of firearms needed to supply such a large army must have been enormous.

If their military production can meet the needs of the army, one can imagine how much firearms they will produce.

This is no longer a matter that can be summarized by transportation costs; it involves national security.

Yes, the arms trade has never been about cost; it's about pricing based on demand.

If you need it urgently, you have to accept any price, no matter how outrageous.

Otherwise, the outcome of defeat would only be more disastrous.

They were willing to bear high prices and high shipping costs, as long as they could obtain weapons on time and achieve victory in the war.

It was all worth it.

"Let their factories manufacture firearms according to our needs."

Robert was also taken aback. He had only seen Ming Dynasty firearms years ago, and the arquebuses were alright, although they didn't seem as powerful as their own.

In fact, what impressed him most was the three-barreled gun, which was widely used by the Ming army and was almost a close-combat weapon.

Yes, although the three-barreled gun is a firearm, it is actually a close-combat firearm in actual combat.

It is used when the enemy attacks within ten paces of our side, and can strike the enemy with concentrated firepower.

This clearly contradicted the original intention of Europeans in using firearms, and naturally did not leave a good impression.

However, if the Ming Dynasty factories were to produce firearms according to their requirements...

Without a doubt, even if they manage to fill the ships they brought this time, they could bring back a huge amount of firearms to the country, enough to solve Britain's firearms shortage problem for the past two years.

"I will go to see the Prime Minister of Ming early tomorrow morning to discuss this matter with him."

Robert immediately responded.

The Ming Dynasty had the capability to produce firearms, so manufacturing firearms to European standards should not have been difficult.

“Now, let’s discuss which firearms we need to purchase from the Ming Dynasty if they are willing,” Robert immediately added.

Wei Guangde was unaware that the European arms market, which he thought would take a long time to open to the Ming Dynasty, had unknowingly opened a door for them.

The next day, Wei Guangde had just entered the cabinet office and read the first memorial when news came from the Ministry of Rites that the British ambassador, Robert, was requesting an audience.

Did he say why?

Wei Guangde asked the officials of the Ministry of Rites.

He said it concerned trade between the two countries.

The official from the Ministry of Rites immediately replied.

Wei Guangde thought it was the matter discussed yesterday. Although the court had made a preliminary decision, the cabinet had not yet formally reported it to Emperor Wanli.

Regardless of whether the emperor was aware of it or not, the cabinet had to inform him of this matter.

This is a matter of attitude.

Thinking back to yesterday afternoon, the agreement we made before leaving was to meet again in three days.

Wei Guangde couldn't help but shake his head, feeling that the British were being too impatient.

However, the British's anxiety further illustrates the popularity of Ming Dynasty goods in the European market.

Wei Guangde couldn't help but feel a little smug.

Many of the exported goods are closely related to his industry.

Wei Guangde's investment portfolio covers almost everything except for a few traditional export commodities, such as porcelain and silk.

Nevertheless, Wei Guangde nodded and said, "The Ministry of Rites can make the arrangements. Just bring them in when they arrive."

I'd like to see what they want to talk to me about this time.

"Yes, Lord Wei, then I will go back and make the arrangements."

"The official from the Ministry of Rites said hastily."

Wei Guangde nodded slightly, though he was told to leave.

This time, Wei Guangde did not gather anyone else, wanting to see what the British were up to before making any further plans.

About an hour later, Lu Bu came in to announce that the British ambassador had arrived.

"Let him in."

Wei Guangde nodded, then put down his work and left the inner room.

We still have to greet them, after all, we are a country of etiquette.

"Your Excellency the Prime Minister"

After exchanging pleasantries at the entrance of the duty room, they were led to the reception area to sit down.

"What do you mean by this?"

Wei Guangde frowned slightly as he saw the two long boxes being carried in by a captain.

He thought it was a gift from the British, since in the past they were always delivered directly to his residence. Why was it delivered here today?

"Your Excellency Prime Minister, these are firearms used in our country."

Earl Robert hurriedly stood up to explain, then walked to the box and opened it in front of the soldiers who had not yet left.

Actually, the box had been inspected before entering the palace. It was not filled with ammunition, and the palace guards were responsible for its security, which is why it was able to be sent directly here.

Wei Guangde sat there without moving, wanting to see what the British were up to.

Earl Robert opened the box, took out a musket, and presented it to Wei Guangde before saying, "Yesterday, Your Excellency proposed that we could sell firearms to our country. However, because the firearms systems of our two countries are different, I did not agree at the time."

However, after returning home, we felt that if your country's factories could produce firearms according to our standards, then business would still be possible.

Therefore, we brought samples this morning to seek His Excellency the Prime Minister's opinion.

Wei Guangde never expected that it was for arms trade.

He reached out and took the musket; it was slightly heavier than the arquebuses produced in the Ming Dynasty.

The main difference is that the barrel is longer and thicker; everything else is the same.

The slight difference in appearance does not actually affect the use of firearms.

"Please wait a moment, Your Excellency. I will send someone to invite the officials from the Ministry of Works over."

In my country, firearms were manufactured in workshops under the Ministry of Works, who were more familiar with them.

As for the transaction, we just mentioned it because we knew it wasn't easy for your country to come all this way, and we'd heard that you have strained relations with Spain in Europe.

Wei Guangde casually remarked, as if it were nothing more than a lighthearted remark.

Then he summoned Lu Bu and asked him to arrange for someone to call Jiang Zhi over, and also to bring some craftsmen and samples of the latest muskets.

This makes comparing the use of firearms between the two countries more direct.

Jiang Zhi arrived very quickly, while the craftsmen took a little longer.

After all, the workshops had all moved to the outer city, and the Ministry of Works certainly had samples of firearms.

Soon, a coffee table was carried to the center of the reception area and placed there, along with muskets made by both countries.

It was only then that Robert noticed that the Ming Dynasty muskets placed in front of him were slightly different from what he remembered.

The gun barrel is longer and thicker.

It was very similar to the muskets they used themselves.

"Take a look, compare them."

Robert only had a general idea, but the accurate assessment would have to be made by the accompanying military officer.

Yes, their mission has a very diverse membership, drawing from a wide range of other government departments.

The group included diplomats, military attachés, and trade officials.

There was even a lawyer accompanying them.

Of course, they are mainly familiar with European law.

According to intelligence from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the British mission also purchased several sets of the "Great Ming Code" to take back and have them translated.

The history of lawyers actually dates back earlier than most Chinese people imagine.

Around the 1st century BC, ancient Rome began to have the name and concept of lawyers.

After the 12th century, France began to establish a system that allowed some legally educated individuals to register as professional lawyers after taking a lawyer's oath.

By the 16th century, English lawyers began to be divided into "counselors" and "solicitors," forming a hierarchical system for lawyers in England.

The barristers are managed by the Big Four law firms, such as Lincoln Law School, and are responsible for courtroom arguments.

Commercial lawyers primarily handle non-litigation matters such as paperwork and client consultations.

Bringing lawyers to participate in international negotiations is naturally to ensure that the treaty remains within the legal framework of both countries and will not be criticized for being illegal.

It is important to understand that at this time, Britain already had a Parliament. Although its power was limited, Parliament had a certain institutional foundation, such as the three-reading system for bills and the power to review finances, but it had not yet become the center of national power.

The Queen still maintains control over the political situation through royal assent and the dissolution of Parliament, while Parliament mainly assists the monarchy in matters such as taxation and legislative proposals.

However, at this time, the de facto principle of "the king is under the law" began to emerge in England. Despite the strength of the monarchy, Elizabeth I respected the common law tradition and judicial independence, and followed the principle of "the king is under the law".

Therefore, all agreements signed by the government with foreign parties need to be reviewed by parliament, and only those that pass the list are considered legal.

What the parliament values ​​most is naturally the earlier legislation.

Such international agreements are generally tacitly accepted as long as they do not violate the law.

Soon, the military officer put down his musket and returned to Robert's side. (End of Chapter)