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Chapter 1254 Strategic Contempt

Those research results were the highest military secrets of the empire. Not only foreigners, but even the emperor's confidants like Wang Chengen were not allowed to ask about them. For this reason, all those involved in the project had to sign a very strict confidentiality agreement. How come they suddenly became an appreciation item for entertaining foreign monarchs and could be displayed at will?

"I will send someone to give you the authorization letter, and the person in charge of the exhibition will also come to the college to contact you. Confidentiality measures must still be taken, but not the finished product and its efficacy, but the principle and specific process flow.

Don't be afraid, feel free to introduce it, and even talk about the future use of it. I have confidence not only in you, but also in the industrial base of the empire.

Do you know what it means to be strong? To be truly strong, you don’t need to worry about whether someone is chasing you or being surpassed. You just need to look up into the distance and move forward with firm steps without hesitation.

Descartes' serious tone made Hong Tao laugh. Once upon a time, the vast majority of civil and military officials, including senior military generals, were opposed to allowing these scholars from European countries to participate in confidential projects. There was only one reason: those who were not of our race must have different hearts and could not be trusted.

But after a few years, such voices almost disappeared. There was only one reason: European scholars worked harder than Ming scholars, working day and night, and never found anyone deliberately leaking secrets, let alone those who were not of the same race would have different hearts.

The reason is still two words: interests. Researchers have no national boundaries or ethnicity in their minds, and they are even indifferent to family and relatives. Achievements are their lifelong pursuit and their interests.

The scientific research environment created by the Ming Empire is absolutely unique in the world, far ahead of the second place. Let alone finding similar ones, the investment and foundation of other countries in this regard are not at the same level.

At this time, the laboratories and confidential projects in the Royal Academy were no longer foreign, but became the only step for them to realize their ideals and self-breakthroughs, as well as the only way to ensure the quality of life and improve their reputation.

No one would destroy their own life and future in a sober state. This is not a value that can be measured by money. If someone wants to do this, they will immediately jump out and do their best to stop it, and will not allow others to destroy it.

There was no possibility of leaking secrets when showing the latest scientific research results of the Ming Dynasty to the Prince of Orange this time. No matter whether there were European scholars among Hendrik and his entourage, and no matter whether they had talent or not, they could not tell the principles and production processes from a few finished products. The only thing they could feel was fear.

That's right, Hong Tao's actions were not a gesture of goodwill, but a deterrent. Just like the United States showed the world the atomic bomb in 1945, people who saw it could only feel fear and disbelief. At that time, all they could do was to temporarily surrender, and then step up research and imitation in private.

What Hong Tao needs is fear. To establish a new world order, relying solely on the military will bring down the country, and relying solely on theory will tire people to death. The most effective way is not war, but fear.

When everyone realizes that there is a high probability of losing if a war breaks out, they will be more inclined to use words rather than violence, and will be patient in reasoning and willing to take the initiative to give in and compromise.

Having patience and tolerance, and being able to sit down and have a good talk is a good start. As long as you take the first step, the rest will be relatively easy.

As for whether the whole world will take some ulterior means to steal and poach the Ming Empire after knowing that it has a powerful weapon, that is inevitable. But there is no need to always look back and set up obstacles for fear of being caught up by others. The correct countermeasure is to keep moving forward without looking back and always be at the forefront of the world.

Of course, when being a gentleman, one must not forget to be a villain. Hong Tao has more experience in this regard. The Army and Navy Statistics Department, the Ministry of Rites Foreign Affairs Department and the Royal Advisory Office are all used for this purpose. Their personnel, equipment and experience are also at the forefront of the world.

There are also the East Factory and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to assist in the country. Not only can they deal with the enemy as they come, but they can also take the initiative to attack and eliminate all people and things that are detrimental to the empire.

Just one week after Hong Tao taught in person at the Royal Academy, the Prince of Orange's car arrived safely at Dagukou.

Other major personnel accompanying the visit included Jan Pietszoon Cohen, Chairman of the East India Council of the East India Company of the United Provinces of the Netherlands and Governor-General of Batavia; Peter Christopher Sant, Chairman of the Council of the Netherlands West India Company; and Cornelis Beek, Mayor of Amsterdam.

The uniqueness of the Dutch can also be seen from the composition of the accompanying personnel. There are not many government officials. Businessmen make up the majority, or in other words, they are both businessmen and government workers. This shows the status of businessmen in the Dutch Republic.

As the emperor and master of the empire, Hong Tao naturally could not go to the dock to greet him in person. The visitor was only a prince in title and a consul, which was one level lower than the king in any way. Based on the principle of diplomatic equality, it was most appropriate and convenient for Grand Secretary Silva to come forward, at least there would be no language barrier.

For the same reason of courtesy, Prince Hendrik could not rush to the capital after getting off the ship at Dagukou, but had to stay in Tongzhou for a day. In addition to resting, it was mainly for both parties to further finalize the visit schedule so that both the host and the guest could prepare in advance.

But that afternoon, after settling the prince and his party, Grand Secretary Silva rushed into the palace. He came to report the details and brought the general purpose of the other party's visit.

"Not only did I have a private conversation with Governor Cohen, I also accepted His Royal Highness's invitation to attend the welcome banquet hosted by the Ministry of Rites. According to my observation, His Royal Highness's visit may be a bit reluctant, and the main envoy must be someone else."

Silva had lived in the Ming Dynasty for more than 20 years. His clothing, taste, language and other aspects had changed dramatically, but his fat was particularly stubborn and had hardly shrunk at all. The several hundred meters of walking from the palace to the Yangxin Palace made him out of breath, and sweat flowed down his temples in the winter.

However, no matter how hard it was, it did not hinder his talent for observing people's words and expressions. After just a few hours of greetings, he discovered a rather unusual situation.

"Someone else? This prince is not even afraid of the Spanish army, who else can threaten him?" When Hong Tao first heard this speculation, he was a little skeptical.

"This threat is not that threat. If I am not too old and blind, it should be the guy named Cornelis Beek. I have asked Governor Cohen about this matter. Although he did not give a clear answer, he revealed some details about this guy, which further confirmed my guess."

(End of this chapter)