Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 174 Ways to Make Money

In the Baku oil fields, workers are working feverishly. Russia failed to destroy the only oil well before its withdrawal, which has now benefited Iran.

As a new type of energy, petroleum currently has only a few uses, such as kerosene and lubricating oil. Petroleum exploration in various countries is still in its early stages, and development is mostly based on private investment.

After Iran annexed Azerbaijan, it established the National Iranian Oil Company, responsible for exploring, processing, and selling the country's oil resources. At this time, oil technology suddenly made a significant leap forward. Polish inventor Ignazio Vukasiewicz invented the kerosene lamp, and kerosene thus replaced whale oil and candles for lighting.

Iran naturally wouldn't let such a favorable opportunity pass by, and the company expanded its production capacity and encouraged scientific research in an effort to maximize the wealth generated from oil.

The company's general manager, Bijan Fahrizadeh, is closely monitoring the financial income and expenditure. Although kerosene lamps are good, it will take time to see the final situation.

"Manager, good news!"

His subordinates reported the latest situation to him: "We have sold more than 20,000 oil lamps in Tabriz and 30,000 in Tehran."

Fahrizad was delighted; with kerosene lamps, they now had a stable source of kerosene. Their company was about to start making a profit.

"That's not enough. We still need to vigorously promote kerosene lamps, as their lighting is much better than other tools."

Not only in Iran, but the company also sent people to countries like the Ottoman Empire to promote the benefits of oil lamps. The efficient lighting method attracted many people to buy them, and they became important customers of the company.

Royal Investments holds a significant share among a range of government-invested enterprises. Royal funds have repeatedly propelled government projects forward; however, they still need to generate profits, otherwise, how would the royal family sustain itself?

The Banque de l'Indochine was the royal family's largest source of income, and it aggressively expanded its territory in Shanghai, Zhejiang, and other places with a clear objective. It quickly gained control of nearly half of the money shops in Shanghai, and also had remittance and currency exchange business between Shanghai and Guangzhou and Jiaozhi (Vietnam).

As the bank's president, Abdullah's actual work was largely unrelated to banking operations. He primarily oversaw Iran's diplomatic activities in the Far East, while also incidentally expanding the bank's market reach.

The bank's core business is mainly led by Vice Governor Aref. In addition to the bank, it has also established a commercial insurance company to protect the interests of Iranian businessmen.

The current Banque de l'Indochine has eight branches and its assets have increased to 4500 million riyals. The annual profits have made the shareholders very wealthy, but the bank wants even more.

In February of this year, they established a branch in Nagasaki, Japan, which has already opened its doors to the world. Some Iranian businessmen are doing business there, but there have been complaints that the Japanese are passing off inferior goods as superior ones and cheating them with counterfeit products. Even worse, some people who signed employment contracts disappeared the very next day; upon inquiry, it turned out they had all vanished.

This infuriated the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, who submitted a protest to the shogun in charge in Edo. However, they received no further response, a first for them, and complained to Abdullah.

Abdullah was having a headache with this country; this was already the sixth complaint he had received. These Japanese were truly shameless, but he couldn't deal with them right now. He could only instruct the merchants to hire as many Chinese as possible, and he would report the situation to the Shah, striving to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

"Your Highness, the magistrate of Shanghai County has arrived. He has brought someone with him."

This Shanghai magistrate was new, but like his predecessor, he was adept at handling things. Upon taking office, he deposited his accumulated silver into the bank and then expedited all trade with foreigners. In fact, this was a common practice for Shanghai magistrates dealing with foreigners; after all, a treaty had been signed.

Abdullah entered the reception room, where he found Huang Fang, the magistrate of Shanghai, and another person already there. Upon seeing Abdullah, the two quickly bowed in their proper manner.

“Your Highness, I apologize for the intrusion and disturbance caused by your sudden visit to your residence.” Huang Fang continued, “The imperial court has invited Your Highness to Beijing to discuss the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries with Prince Gong.”

So that's what it was about. It seems the Qing Dynasty was still willing to look at the world.

"I believe Shah will be very pleased; the two countries can trade with each other and enhance friendship. By the way, who is this...?"

Another person quickly said, "My name is Zeng Guoquan. I have important matters to discuss with Your Highness."

Abdullah gestured for them to have some tea. He wanted to hear what this man wanted to discuss with him.

“Mr. Zeng, as far as I know, your country is currently fighting against some traitors, who have even reached your capital.”

Zeng Guoquan was somewhat embarrassed by this, but still said, "These people will not cause any major disputes. They are just a swindler who has incited a large group of people to try to overthrow our government. They will be eliminated soon."

By the way, I've heard that many people from your country come here to trade. I wonder if there's anything I can do to help? I know quite a few people in Anhui and Jiangsu.

Abdullah glanced at the other party, who specifically mentioned the Jianghuai region, indicating that they had been exposed and were trying to steal the deal.

"Thank you for your kindness. Our country recently shipped some of our domestically produced fruit to Shanghai, and it was very well received in Jiangning."

Jiangning, also known as Tianjing. The other party admitted it so readily; well, they are foreigners after all.

"Actually, I came here to buy this shipment of fruit. I wonder if you could do me a favor and transfer the fruit to me?"

After saying this, Zeng Guoquan took a silver note from his pocket and placed it on the table. "This is 10 taels of silver, please accept it."

Looking at the silver notes, Abdullah basically understood the situation in Qing China. Most people were still loyal to the Emperor in Beijing, and since Shah had ordered that they would no longer trade with those people after this deal, it wouldn't hurt to agree to it.

"That depends on your sincerity. You should know that the other party spent 500 million taels of silver on this shipment of fruit. But if you really want it, I can have another shipment sent from China."

In Abdullah's view, Qing China must cut off its opponent's weapons supply as soon as possible, otherwise they would not be able to hold out for long under the current circumstances, and as it turned out, he was right.

Although it was unrealistic to come up with 500 million taels of silver at once, Zeng Guoquan said he would write a memorial to the Emperor to make trade between the Qing Dynasty and Iran closer.

Furthermore, in order to demonstrate China's great power status to Iran, the Xianfeng Emperor in Beijing planned to hold a banquet at the Yuanmingyuan Garden with a large sum of money, completely disregarding the current situation of internal and external troubles.

There was no other way; having finally met a country that only trades, how could he not showcase himself? Besides, it might even deepen their relationship.

(End of this chapter)