My father Zhu Gaoxu

Chapter 825 Interview?

Zhu Zhanhe and the Venice delegation headed by Barcelona met for nearly two hours and discussed the matter of cooperation.

Venice needs to rely on the strength of the Han to deal with the Ottomans, and the Han also needs to rely on Venice's commercial strength to expand its business to the entire Mediterranean coast. In addition, the two sides now have no conflicts of interest, so the foundation for cooperation is also very solid.

So in this case, Zhu Zhanhe asked people to work with Barcelona to draft a contract. Because it was mainly related to the Mediterranean, the name was called the "Mediterranean Contract."

In this contract, the rights and obligations of both Dahan and Venice were stipulated.

For example, the Han asked Venice to ensure that Cyprus would not fall into the hands of the Ottomans before the canal was opened, and to assist the Han in dealing with the Ottomans in the future.

The Han Dynasty needs to ensure commercial cooperation with Venice after entering the Mediterranean, such as handing over some goods to Venice for exclusive use, and protecting the safety of Venice.

Although the content of this treaty is relatively broad and some details are not too strict, it has become the basis for cooperation between the Han Dynasty and Venice and set a framework for future cooperation.

After the treaty was signed, Basa and the others did not leave immediately. Instead, under the arrangement of Zhu Zhanhe, officials took them to visit the capital, such as the operations of various yamen and the production of some workshops.

Barcelona and the others were not very interested in the government operations of the Han Dynasty, but they were extremely interested in the production of various workshops, especially the textile, ceramics, tea making and other workshops. commodity.

It was not until a month later that Basa and the others left Xijing, and Zhu Zhanhe sent someone to escort them away.

During this period, Helen also found an opportunity to meet Basa and others. After receiving the letter from her parents, she was so excited that she stayed up all night. Then she wrote a long letter to her parents, and asked Basa and the others to take it with them. go back.

In the next few years, official contacts between the Han Dynasty and Venice continued. Not only did Venice send envoys from time to time, but Zhu Zhanhe also organized a delegation to quietly go to Venice and received a warm reception from the Venetians.

In the past few years, Zhu Zhanhe has been paying attention to the progress of the canal excavation. Various financial, material and manpower resources have supported the excavation of the canal. This has also made the canal excavation progress in Dahan very fast. In the fourth year, The canal on the Dahan side has been dug in its entirety.

"Is there no reply from Mufas yet?"

In the Suez Governor's Palace, Zhu Zhantan asked with a frown on his face.

"Report to the Governor, I have sent people to urge you many times, but there has been no reply from Mufas."

Chief Shi Wu Fangcheng immediately stepped forward and answered.

"Hmph, I think Mufas saw us digging the canal. He felt that he had lost face, so he didn't dare to send someone to respond to us, right?"

Zhu Zhantan said with a sneer.

Under his supervision, the southern section of the canal responsible for Dahan has been dug. Now he is waiting for the northern section of the canal responsible for Osman to be dug. This significant canal can be officially opened and put into trial operation.

So Zhu Zhantan sent someone to ask Mufasi about the progress of their canal, but Mufasi never responded.

"Your Highness's guess is very reasonable. Mufas is very happy with his success. He has been secretly competing with us on the canal. They have used more manpower, but the digging progress is not as good as ours. Now we know that we have dug it. , he will definitely not be happy."

Wu Fangcheng nodded in agreement after hearing this.

"The news from Jinyiwei last time is that even if the canal on Mufas' side has not been dug yet, the remaining section of the river should not be long. He will not want to dig the remaining section of the river. Will you reply to us later?"

Zhu Zhantan touched his chin and muttered to himself.

In the past few years, he has served as the governor of Suez. Although he usually seems a bit lazy, he has actually gradually developed it. Now he can be called a qualified governor.

"Probably not. Last time I estimated the excavation progress of the Ottoman side. Even if they recruit slaves, it will probably take another year to dig through it. Mufas can't let us wait for a year, right?"

Wu Fangcheng shook his head and said.

One year was only Wu Fangcheng's estimate. Although they could send people to investigate the progress of the Ottoman canal excavation, they could only make a rough estimate. Only Mufas knew the real situation best.

"Send someone to urge me again, no matter what, I have to get them to give me an accurate letter!"

After Zhu Zhantan thought for a moment, he finally said again.

They must know when Osman can dig the canal so that they can report it to Zhu Zhanhe. Moreover, before the canal is dug, the Han side also has many things to prepare.

"Yes!"

Wu Fangcheng agreed and was about to turn around and leave when he suddenly saw an official walking in quickly to report: "To the Governor, there is a reply from Osman!"

"Oh? What did Mufas say?"

Zhu Zhantan's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he immediately asked eagerly. Wu Fangcheng, who was about to leave, also stopped.

"Governor Mufas did not say when the canal would be dug, but he said that he would meet with you, the governor, and the two sides would meet and discuss it in detail!"

The officials who came in reported again.

"He wants to see me?" Zhu Zhantan was stunned when he heard this. He had been in Suez as governor for so long. Although he often interacted with Mufas, it was mainly through letters and official documents, and he had never met him before.

"No, Your Highness. Mufas is cunning and cruel. It would be terrible if he takes advantage of the opportunity of meeting to harm Your Highness. Therefore, Your Highness must not take any personal risk!"

Wu Fangcheng immediately stood up and objected.

He has been assisting Zhu Zhantan for so long, and has often dealt with the Ottomans. In his impression, these Ottomans have basically no morals to speak of. In addition, the canal on the Han side has also been dug, Mufas It is possible that he took this opportunity to attack the big man, so he did not approve of Zhu Zhantan going to see Mufas.

In response to Wu Fangcheng's objection, Zhu Zhantan touched his chin and thought for a moment, then suddenly raised his head and asked, "Did Mufas say the place and time of the meeting?"

"Yes, the other party has asked you to meet in Hezhongbian Market in three months."

The reporting officer replied again.

"Riverside Market? He knows how to choose a place!"

Zhu Zhantan said to himself with a thoughtful expression.

"Your Highness, you don't really want to see that Mufas, do you?"

Wu Fangcheng knew Zhu Zhantan very well, and when he saw the other person's expression, he immediately frowned and asked, if something happened to Zhu Zhantan, he, a long-time historian, would definitely be in trouble, so he strongly disagreed with Zhu Zhantan. Take the risk.

"Wu Changshi, actually it would be a good idea to go see Mufas. Then we can talk about the canal in person and find out what the Ottomans really think!"

Zhu Zhantan smiled at Wu Fangcheng and said.

“But what if the Ottomans don’t have good intentions?”

Wu Fangcheng still asked worriedly.

"This is simple. Mufas only told the time and place of the meeting, but he did not say that he was not allowed to lead the army. I will go to Duke Cheng and ask him to lead the army to accompany me. Then the Ottomans will be honest That’s fine, if you’re not honest, we can just take the opportunity to attack. Anyway, they’ve almost finished digging the canal. At worst, I’ll help them finish it off!”

Zhu Zhantan smiled proudly at the end.

The Ottomans were uneasy and kind-hearted towards the big man, so how could the big man not be the same towards the Ottomans? If Osman honestly abides by the original agreement, it will be difficult for the big man to find an excuse to send troops.

"This……"

Wu Fangcheng heard that Zhu Zhantan wanted Zhu Yong to lead an army for protection, so he hesitated and finally nodded.

"Well, if Duke Cheng is willing to lead a large army to accompany him, His Highness's safety can be guaranteed, but you still have to be careful. After all, the Ottomans are too cunning, and there may be some conspiracy behind them."

"Don't worry, Cheng Guogong and I are not vegetarians either!"

Zhu Zhantan laughed, and then immediately asked people to prepare carriages and horses. He was going to discuss going to the border market with Zhu Yong immediately.

Zhu Yong is also training troops here. The invention of new gunpowder and the emergence of various new firearms have caused his Shenji Battalion to also change their equipment. For example, guns and artillery are all rifled, which makes the range and accuracy greater. increase.

The only pity is that although there has been some progress in the research of bullets and artillery shells, they have not yet reached the point of practical use, so now they are still dominated by muzzle-loading guns and muzzle-loading cannons.

Zhu Zhantan came to the military camp and quickly met Zhu Yong, and then he told him his purpose of coming.

"Even if I lead the troops to escort you, it would be a bit risky for you to go see Mufas, right?"

Zhu Yong pondered for a moment after hearing this, and then said to Zhu Zhantan.

"Brother Yong, there is a risk of falling to death even when riding a horse, not to mention such a big thing, it is worth taking some risks, and in my estimation, Mufas doesn't have the guts to break up with us yet!"

Zhu Zhantan waved his hand and said with a nonchalant expression on his face.

"That's not necessarily the case. In the past few years, Osman has been doing small operations on the border. We have competed several times overtly and secretly. Although we have taught the other party some lessons, it has not deterred the other party. Therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility of Mufas going all out. .”

Zhu Yong shook his head very cautiously and said, these years of guarding Egypt have made him more stable and he must consider all aspects carefully.

"Isn't that better? We can also take the opportunity to attack the Ottomans. When the time comes, morality will be on our side. With the divine machine battalion in your hands, Brother Yong, and combined with various new firearms, we will definitely be able to break through Cairo again. Last time It was you who defeated Cairo!"

Zhu Zhantan slapped his thigh and said excitedly. He had long wanted to see the power of various new firearms in actual combat.

"No, I have to ask Zhan He for permission on this matter. It's convenient now anyway, and I'll get a reply within half a month at the earliest!"

Zhu Yong finally said again.

(End of this chapter)