Red Mansion: Seizing Jiangdong, starting with pirates

Chapter 275, Baochai's Reunion

The loan agreement had already been drafted:
"The British Empire will lend Fang Yong £6000 million, payable in five years at £1200 million per year, with an annual interest rate of 2.8%, starting from £6000 million."

This money cannot be used for anything else; it must be used to purchase industrial equipment for the British Empire, hire personnel, and so on.

Fang Yong has the right to supervise.

Repayment will begin five years later, and ports will be opened to trade, with tax rates halved.

If the loan cannot be repaid within five years, then the entire tax revenue of Suzhou will be used as collateral.

It has to be said that calling this agreement a "tyrannical clause" is an exaggeration; it's more like a treaty that sells out the country.

Under the gaze of everyone.

Fang Yong signed his name on the agreement without hesitation.

Earl Sweet, who was watching from the sidelines, burst into laughter at the sight, and even wanted to jump up and celebrate.

"Congratulations, I believe this is the best decision you've ever made."

Bishop Mored on the other side chimed in, "A fair deal, God will bless you!"

Fang Yong smiled and glanced at Bishop Morey, saying, "Thank you for your blessing. Actually, I am a devout believer in the Lord."

Bishop Mored was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Really? That's wonderful!"

Fang Yong said, "I'll discuss the doctrine with you in detail when I have time!"

After seeing the group off, Fang Yong began preparing for the procurement related to the loan.

The loan is not the goal; the real goal is to use the funds to make him stronger.

This time, Fang Yong is prepared to race against the world.

He wanted to complete industrialization in the shortest possible time.

Since Heaven has given him this opportunity, he will never allow this country to suffer the same humiliation as in his previous life.

Historically, there are precedents of countries rapidly industrializing. However, rapid industrialization inevitably involves significant sacrifices.

In this respect, Fang Yong has more advantages than others.

The system's advantages are certainly not to be ignored, but that's only one aspect.

On the other hand, Fang Yong has a forward-looking vision and is clear about the opportunities of each era.

At the same time, he still has relatively ample time to catch up.

In addition, the land is rich in resources, which allows Fang Yong to rise rapidly without any restrictions.

The most pressing issues at present are undoubtedly the mining of coal and iron ore, as well as the construction of steel mills and machinery manufacturing plants using entirely new technologies.

Fang Yong focused on purchasing and hiring machinery and personnel in this field.
This is the most fundamental and important thing in industrialization.

Once these basics are perfected, the rest—flintlock muskets, cannons, and steel warships—can be manufactured.

Of course, popularizing education is also of paramount importance.

Foreigners cannot be relied upon for long; sooner or later, we will have to rely on our own people to operate these industrial facilities.

However, given the current situation, achieving universal education remains quite challenging.

Fang Yong planned to start with the military, focusing on training a group of officers to gradually acquire new knowledge and lay a foundation for their future.

The wedding with Princess Sofia is scheduled for a month and a half from now.

During this time, Princess Sofia will learn some wedding etiquette and Chinese.

Upon learning of Huang Wenzhou's return, King Zhongshun immediately sent people to host a banquet for him.

During this time, he subtly probed Huang Wenzhou about matters related to the salt industry.

Huang Wenzhou appeared unaware of the situation.

He told King Chungsun that he would henceforth be primarily responsible for liaising with the British Empire and would no longer be in charge of salt affairs.

King Zhongshun thought to himself, "Foreigners? What use are they? Has he been neglected by the King of Wu?"

King Chungshun did not become alarmed by Huang Wenzhou's withdrawal.

He actually thought it was a good thing.

If Huang Wenzhou doesn't come back, then he can easily manipulate that honest and simple-minded He Shi.

King Zhongshun then comforted Huang Wenzhou, leaving Huang Wenzhou somewhat amused and exasperated. Time passed, and a few days later…

Inside the palace, at Chengqian Palace.

Baochai was blindfolded, and Fang Yong, supporting her arm, guided her into the hall.

Baochai couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, who are you going to see?"

Fang Yong said, "Take off your blindfold."

Upon hearing this, Baochai removed her blindfold.

In an instant, the two figures in front of her made her freeze on the spot.

Although the two people no longer looked as elegant and noble as before.

Aunt Xue and Xue Pan both became extremely thin. Although they had recuperated for a period of time and their appearance was no longer frightening, they were still very different from before.

Even so, Baochai recognized the two of them at a glance.

It was her mother and brother.

"Mother!" Baochai burst into tears and threw herself into Aunt Xue's arms.

"My son!" Aunt Xue couldn't help but shed tears. She was both happy and emotional. Even the tall Xue Pan standing next to her couldn't help but shed tears.

Fang Yong watched quietly, and only spoke after the others had vented their emotions.

Fang Yong had already found a house for the group to settle in.

He arranged for Xue Pan to take on a procurement job within the palace.

This was a lucrative position. It was originally supposed to be handled by Xue San. Xue San was the same person who had helped Fang Yong smuggle horses from the grasslands.

He was Xue Da the Cripple's subordinate, shrewd and experienced, but later, due to his old age, he could no longer travel long distances, so Fang Yong arranged for him to handle procurement matters within the palace.

Now, assigning this task to Xue Pan is merely a formality; in reality, most of the power remains in Xue San's hands.

After all, Xue Da Shazi had a reputation for being a fool, so Fang Yong was still a little uneasy.

Aunt Xue was eternally grateful to the other party.

Xue Pan also showed no dissatisfaction.

It seems that the trials and tribulations he has undergone during this period have indeed changed him a lot.

In addition, Xue Pan made another request.

He said he met a good friend in prison, and it was thanks to the friend's support that he survived to this day, so he asked Fang Yong to release this person as well.

Fang Yong did not refuse; to him, the matter was simply too trivial.

After he learned that it was Song Yun, he ordered his men to do it.

As for who Song Yun is?

Fang Yong had long forgotten.

A month goes by in a blink of an eye.

The weather is gradually getting warmer.

Wei Xing of Zhejiang has won a series of victories, relentlessly pursuing Xu Shaobao and conquering more than half of Zhejiang.

It seems this guy wants to earn all the credit for the next three generations at once!
Zhou Shuan's journey on the grassland did encounter some obstacles.

Tuolei united with many other grassland tribes to rebel against Zhou Shuan.

They used the terrain to their advantage, gradually mounting their attacks without lingering in battle, which was very troublesome.

While Zhou Shuan wouldn't necessarily fail, it would be difficult for him to defeat these people all at once. He could only advance little by little, at a relatively slow pace.

Prince Chungshun's Mansion, afternoon.

As usual, King Chungshun listened to music in his palace.

Qi Guan sang softly.

Suddenly, the Prince's mansion was surrounded by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Imperial Guard.

(End of this chapter)