It's broken, and was picked up by a femme fatale

Chapter 253: The originator of automobiles emerges, and Japan prepares for war

The day before yesterday, a delegation from the South Sea island countries arrived in Incheon and is scheduled to meet with the King tomorrow.

After receiving the letter from Abe Shigetsugu, the Minister of Rites thought:

Since they are all friendly countries, we might as well lump them all together to save the king time.

Of course, the officials were not so straightforward, but rather rather tactful.

Just say he came at the right time and was lucky.

Abe Shigeji was naturally very happy to be able to meet the King of China earlier.

Then, he was surprised again when he saw foreign envoys coming in and out of the inn on their own.

"Can envoys enter and leave the post station on their own?"

Officials of the Honglu Temple were used to it:
“If your Excellency wishes to visit Incheon, please do so.

There are tour guides and interpreters at the post station, and you can pay 300 coins.

If you need to exchange small change, you can go to the bank opposite, the procedure is very simple. "

Abe Shigeji was very interested and immediately hired a tour guide to interpret.

Three hundred coins was too cheap for him.

Unexpectedly, the interpreter was a very young man.

He looks no more than seventeen or eighteen years old.

The interpreter, named Min Lianghao, speaks Japanese Mandarin quite fluently.

Abe Shigeji asked with great interest, "Are you a staff member at the post station?"

Min Lianghao replied: "I am a student of the Foreign Language Department of Peking University and Tsinghua University.

Come to the post house and work part-time as a tour guide and interpreter. You can earn money and practice your Japanese language skills. "

"How many students are there in Tsinghua University and Peking University who can speak Japanese like you?"

"Not many, about 50 people, the most are Maozi and Roman, more than a hundred people."

Abe Shigeji nodded. The Chinese army was attacking Russia and interpreters were probably in short supply.

He said: "Okay! Then please be my tour guide.
Uh, wait a moment, let's go to the bank across the street to change some change."

Abe Shigeji changed into casual clothes and informed the delegation that he was on a secret visit and did not need an entourage.

Abe Shigeji and Min Lianghao left the posthouse and walked into the "Yanxiang Money House" opposite.

Unlike ordinary money houses and pawnshops, the counter of Yanxiang Money House is very low.

Both the service staff and the customers sat down and talked with no obstruction in between.

On one side of the wall are hung today's foreign exchange rates and gold and silver exchange rates.

Foreign exchange includes Shenling, Maozi, Dashi, Dongying, Nanyang, and the former Goryeo, and various copper banknotes in circulation.

The currencies of other countries are based on the value of the Chinese currency.

The day when China changed its name,

Issue new Chinese copper coins, copper dollars, and large and small silver dollars.

10 copper coins can be exchanged for one copper coin.
The front of the copper coin is printed with the portrait of "Confucius", and it is also called "copper plate" by the people.

50 copper coins can be exchanged for 1 small silver coin, which weighs half a tael.
There is an image of "Nuwa creating human beings" on the front, and it is commonly known as "silver coins" among the people.

Two small silver dollars can be exchanged for one large silver dollar. One large silver dollar weighs 1 grams, or 37.5 tael.

The front of the big silver dollar is printed with "Pangu opened the sky", also known as the "silver coin"

10 large silver dollars can be exchanged for one tael of gold.

However, the imperial court announced that gold would not be used as a circulating currency, but only as a reserve fund for the national treasury and money houses.

As for official bulk transactions, silver bills issued by the Bank of China are used.

The issuance of silver notes is anchored to the gold reserves in the treasury.

Every working day, the Commercial Bank of China will promptly announce the amount of reserves.

Of course, there are no restrictions on the use of gold by the public, and people are allowed to choose freely, but at their own risk.

This was the first time Abe Shigeji had seen such a novel and unique money house.

He took out a piece of gold from his arms and asked for exchange.

The old clerk of the money shop checked the quality of the money and gave a relatively fair price.

Abe Shigeji said he could accept it.
So, the bank attendant followed his request.

Exchanged into large silver dollars, small silver dollars, copper coins, and copper dollars.

After leaving the money shop, Abe Shigeji gave Min Lianghao a small silver dollar as payment for his tour guide interpretation.

Min Lianghao immediately said: "Your Excellency gave too much..."

Abe Shigeji said nonchalantly, "No problem! Just consider it 500 wen a day."

Min Lianghao said, "I'm sorry!

I can't break the rules of the inn and charge the guests more money."

Abe Shigeji smiled and said, "Then, just consider it as a reward."

This time, Min Lianghao thanked politely and accepted the small silver dollar.

The two of them walked together on the streets of Incheon.
Stroll around the market shops, scenic spots, teahouses and taverns until the lights come on.

Abe Shigeji purchased a lot of local specialties, and Min Lianghao also helped carry the bags.

Abe Shigeji asked, "When is the curfew in the city?"

Min Lianghao smiled and said, "Since the king ascended the throne,

The curfew has been abolished throughout the country, and the city gates will not be closed for 12 hours. "

Abe Shigeji asked curiously, "Isn't that condoning thieves?"

Min Lianghao smiled and said:
"The king gave every household a piece of land, and as long as they planted the land, they would have food to eat.
Those who don't want to farm can work as laborers and earn more than farming.

Your Excellency, how many people do you think are willing to be thieves?

Abe Shigeji savored the experience and asked:

"There will always be some dissidents, right?"

Min Lianghao said disdainfully:

"Gao Jianwu's old and young are all old and stubborn.
They can’t make it because no one wants to go back to the way things were before.”

The two walked to a night market which was very popular.

Abe Shigeji sat down at the snack stand and ordered some signature snacks and drinks.

After tasting it, they found it tasted surprisingly good.

Abe Shigeji suddenly became interested and started chatting with the owner of the snack stand.

“How much does the boss make in a day?”

Min Lianghao was translating, and the snack stand owner smiled and extended a palm.

Abe Shigeci nodded and sighed, "Fifty cents a night is not bad."

Unexpectedly, Min Lianghao whispered, "The boss means five hundred coins."

Ah!
Abe Shigeji looked at the boss in surprise and asked:

"You sell your snacks at very low prices, how do you make so much money?"

The boss smiled and said, "Three hundred servings a night, and two cents a serving is enough."

300 servings?
Abe Shigeji showed a suspicious look.

There are only two small tables, so it’s not possible to open all night?

As he watched, Abe Shigeji soon understood.

This boss is very calculating.

Small square boxes are specially made with thin bamboo strips to make it convenient for diners to take away.

This way, there is no need to wait for a seat to dine in, which invisibly expands sales.

In a short while, the boss had sold eight or nine servings and packed them for takeout.

Yeah!

What a smart boss! No wonder he was able to sell 300 copies!
It seems that there are smart people everywhere.

After eating and drinking their fill, the two men left the night market and headed for the posthouse.

Abe Shigeji asked:

“Why can’t we see any patrol officers? Is Incheon really undefended?”

Min Lianghao smiled and said, “It’s not that I don’t have any.
It's just that the government arranged plainclothes officers, so ordinary people can't recognize them. "

"Plain clothes? Why do you want to do this?"

Min Lianghao shook his head and said:

"Then I don't know.

However, the public security in Incheon is indeed much better than before.”

Although there were some questions that part-time students could not answer, Abe Shigeji benefited greatly from it.

Min Lianghao sent Abe Shigeji to the post station, and the Japanese envoys breathed a sigh of relief.

If anything happened to Lord Abe, they would be doomed.

Before leaving, Abe Shigeji rewarded Min Lianghao with another small silver dollar.

Min Lianghao said: "Thank you for the reward!
I will come to the post house every afternoon to work part-time. If you need anything, I am willing to serve you!"

Abe Shigeji asked curiously, "What did you do in the morning?"

"I'm a student and I have classes in the morning. In the afternoon I have practical classes, so I can work part-time."

That's it!

Looking at the young man's happy back as he left, Abe Shigeji was worried.

After only half a day's visit, he had a relatively clear understanding of China.

In less than half a year, this land has undergone earth-shaking changes.

The openness of Chinese politics is reflected in all aspects of society and is far ahead of Japan.

Fortunately, the general was stopped, otherwise, once the war started,
I'm afraid I can't last one hour and twenty-two minutes.

Lying on the bed in the inn, Abe Shigeji was still guessing until he fell asleep. He didn't know what the situation would be like when he met the King of China tomorrow.
When the rooster sings, the world becomes white.

Under the rising sun, Incheon city once again became busy.

Abe Shigetsugu and his embassy, ​​together with the embassy to the South Pacific Islands,

A total of more than thirty people followed the officials from the Honglu Temple into the palace.

As they walked, everyone felt something was wrong.

It seemed that the officials from the Honglu Temple were walking further and further away, and were not heading towards the main hall.

However, guests should follow the host's wishes, so everyone could only follow behind with suspicion.

After a while, everyone's eyes became bright.

Looking at the bare playground, the envoys looked at each other in bewilderment.

What's wrong?

What's the point of bringing us to the martial arts training ground?
Could it be that you want to test the martial arts of envoys from various countries?

Well, actually, they were overthinking it.

Officials from the Honglu Temple led the various delegations to their seats at the edge of the large playground with a smile on their faces.

"My dear envoys, please be patient and take a seat to enjoy your tea. The king will be here shortly."

Ah, then, we'll just have to wait.

After a moment, Abe Shigeji seemed to hear a strange sound.

"Puff puff……"

He listened attentively, and there was no doubt about it.

Moreover, the sound was getting louder and louder, and seemed to be coming towards the playground.

Soon, envoys from various countries also heard it and looked around.

Suddenly, a strange-looking giant appeared.
A black head and a black brain, spewing white air, rushed into the venue with a "puff puff..."

What is this?

Everyone's eyes widened, and some people stood up in shock.

Finally, the big monster stopped in front of the delegation, with smoke dissipating.

A nimble figure jumped out of the monster's belly and walked towards the delegation.

Ah!
The officials of the Honglu Temple sang proudly: "The King of China has arrived!"

Everyone was shocked again, and they all stood up and bowed to the visitor.

"Meet the King of China!"

Lu Yuan laughed loudly: "No need to be polite, everyone! Please take a seat!"

Such a unique debut show really impressed the envoys from various countries.

Lu Yuan sat in the center seat, and officials from the Honglu Temple introduced the envoys from various countries to the king one by one.

Every time a word was said, the envoy stood up and paid respect to Lu Yuan.

When it came to Abe Shigeji, he stood up and bowed 90 degrees.

Because they were wearing traditional ethnic dress, Lu Yuan was not unfamiliar with it.

Two days ago, an envoy was sent regarding the disappearance of the Fujiya cargo ship.

Why would Tokugawa Iemitsu's loyal retainer rush to Incheon again?
After introducing them all, Lu Yuan smiled and said, “China is a country of etiquette.

We have always pursued a policy of good neighborliness and friendship, and hope to maintain everlasting friendship with all countries and nations! "

The delegations of various countries applauded warmly to express their approval.

The colorful sedan chair is carried by people, and naturally there will be messengers to add icing on the cake.

"My lord, what is that thing in the field? Why have we never heard of it before?"

Haha!

This is a good supporting role.

Lu Yuan said with high spirits:
"This is what I just invented, it's called a car.

It can carry people and goods, and it can travel a thousand miles a day and eight hundred miles a night. It is not an exaggeration at all!"

car?

I have heard of horse-drawn carriages, carts, and wheelbarrows, but I have never heard of a car...

The supporting actor then asked, "Your Majesty, please forgive my ignorance, but what is a car?"

Lu Yuan pointed at the large black boiler on the front of the car and said:
"This one uses fire to heat water to produce steam,

Steam can be used to drive the wheels, hence the name "car"! "

Lu Yuan became interested and stood up and said:

"If you are interested, you can get in the car with me and give it a try."

Many people have a natural resistance to the unknown, so they don't move.

However, Abe Shigeji had a request to the King of China, so he "risked his life to eat puffer fish."

He took the lead and followed: "Your Majesty, I am willing to give it a try!"

Lu Yuan smiled slightly and said, "Okay! There is still room for three more people."

He opened the trunk door.

There are two rows, two seats in each row.
There is only one seat at the front driving seat for the driver.

The boiler in the front is too heavy, so the weight of the rear seat must be increased to maintain balance.

Moreover, this car does not burn oil, but high-quality coal.

Due to limited conditions, Lu Yuan built the steam car himself.

It can only be made into such a weird look.

Well, science emphasizes gradual accumulation and does not allow for overtaking on curves.

Because this kind of overtaking is illegal and most of the time there are no good consequences.

In the end, four passengers, with 15 buckets in their minds, sat in the back seat.

With a "bang!"
Lu Yuan closed the car door, and the four passengers' hearts were in their throats.

The king got into the driver's seat, opened the fire door and the brake, and the water in the boiler boiled again.

"Gululu!"

The hot air evaporates and is injected into the air chamber along the duct.

The hot gas in the air chamber pushes the connecting rod, the connecting rod drives the middle shaft, and the middle shaft drives the rear wheel to rotate.

"Puff puff!"

The wheels turn, the car moves forward, and gradually accelerates.

Lu Yuan drove the car skillfully, circling around the playground.

Abe Shigeji's eyes widened.

Looking at the boiler at the front of the car, smoke was belching out with a whoosh sound.

As for the other three passengers, some of them looked pale.

Some covered their chests, some held on to their seats, looking extremely panicked.

Lu Yuan saw the expressions of the four envoys from the rearview mirror.

I really admire Abe Shigeji's performance.

Hey, finally I met someone who is brave enough not to fear death.

After circling twice, Lu Yuan turned off the ignition, pulled the handbrake, and stopped at the starting position.

After he got out of the car, he opened the back door and the three envoys got out of the car tremblingly.

However, Abe Shigeji was in high spirits and came out calmly.

He looked at the humming boiler and exclaimed:
"Your Majesty is truly a god who can create such an exquisite work!"

Lu Yuan said modestly:
“This is a first-generation car, it’s nothing.
In the future, we will build better cars that can seat dozens or even hundreds of people.
Pulling tens of thousands of pounds of cargo, running four to five thousand miles a day!"

Wow!
Everyone was stunned.

Is this a treasure that only exists in mythology?

However, in addition to being shocked, everyone was also shocked by the national strength of China.

With a new understanding, my attitude has become more humble.

The South Pacific Islands are far away from China, and the purpose of sending an embassy this time is simply to sell more goods.

Such as spices, gems, pearls, corals, wood, minerals, etc.

Lu Yuan is very generous. He said he would take as many as you can as long as you ship them by boat.

It was Abe Shigeji's turn to chat with Lu Yuan alone.
He first boasted, then tentatively said:

"Your Majesty is a great leader who has never appeared in the world. Foreign officials believe that it will not be difficult for China to rule the Central Plains!"

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "You can't say that.

Peaceful coexistence and good-neighborliness are the mainstream.

As long as no one offends me, I will not offend anyone!"

Abe Shigeji asked again, "What does the king think of the Beiyang Fleet?"

Lu Yuan suddenly understood.

Japan probably believed that the Beiyang Fleet was the mastermind behind the Fujiya cargo ships.

From this perspective, the problem becomes simple.

“We had some disagreements before, but that’s all in the past.

As long as we don’t invade each other, we can live in peace.”

Abe Shigeji thought for a moment and asked:
"What will happen to the normal trade between China and Japan if someone disrupts it?"

Lu Yuan smiled faintly: "As long as there is evidence, I will not let him go!"

Abe Shigeji took a deep breath and finally asked:
"If our country attacks the Beiyang Fleet, will Your Majesty help us?"

(End of this chapter)