Travel through the Qing Dynasty and become emperor

Chapter 223 Financial Empire
Of course, Americans have always been more sensitive in terms of commercial interests. While they welcome the Chinese delegation, they are cautious about the Chinese actively subscribing for US bonds.

Li Hongzhang's visit will last for [-] days. During these [-] days, the delegation he led gave Guan Xuqing a perfect answer.Although there is the support of national strength, the outstanding demeanor and prestige of Li Hongzhang's old statesman are also attributable to him.

The banking and mining industries in the United States intend to enter China. Li Hongzhang also met many people in this field, such as Mr. Morgan and others. Due to traditional factors in China, it is difficult for foreign companies to do business if they do not have a senior official background in North Korea. Well done, now take this opportunity to leave a good impression on Li Hongzhang or establish a good personal relationship in the United States, which is very important to these capitalists. Many valuable experiences, one of which is very important: only the organic combination of money, labor and land can generate wealth.

The Chinese delegation's trip to the United States exceeded the mission. Li Hongzhang brought his delegation back with honor. Guan Xuqing followed Li Hongzhang and others' trip to the United States through newspapers every day. He was impressed by the extraordinary welcome given by the Americans. I already knew it in my heart.There is no direct conflict of interests between China and the United States, and military conflicts are even more out of the question. The Americans have no reason to be enemies instead of friends with such a powerful rising country.Again, no one naturally likes to fight unless you violate his interests.

Guan Xuqing was worried about Sheng Xuanhuai and Yan Shiming who had just returned to China, and immediately started preparing for the currency reform. This was his first step on the road of imperial financial reform. His short-term plan was to realize large-scale circulation of banknotes within this year, and eventually replace them with banknotes. Traditional silver dollars and copper plates.But there is no doubt that the resistance to this kind of reform is huge, and it is difficult for Chinese people to accept banknotes with traditional concepts.

Holding a hundred-dollar bill with Franklin's face in his hand, Guan Xuqing said lightly: "Compared with resistance, the benefits of banknotes are much greater. I have decided that the Imperial Bank will issue banknotes on a large scale at the end of the year to replace Silver dollars and copper plates currently in circulation in the market."

"The currency system of the Americans, as well as the new business methods of banks, the issuance of loans, the absorption of deposits, the circulation of finance, and even stocks are completely different from those currently practiced in China. It may be difficult to operate." Sheng Xuanhuai said cautiously.

"People's things are all there, and anyone can see them. The key is how to digest and absorb them. The current domestic silver standard policy can no longer adapt to the development of the times, so it must be eliminated. Banknotes cannot be achieved overnight. The month can gradually put banknotes into the market and gradually increase the circulation, and the common people also need to have a process of acceptance. The Imperial Savings Bank can not only focus on the spare money in the hands of the common people, but also consider absorbing private capital. For example, we can let the veterans of the Shanxi Bank and Huizhou merchants headed by Hu Xueyan buy shares in the Imperial Bank, so that our capital will suddenly inflate?" It seems that Guan Xuqing has already thought deeply about this issue. .

It's really a word to wake up the dreamer. If Sheng Xuanhuai was still confused by the funding problem, now Guan Xuqing's words opened his mind.But immediately another question arose: "These businessmen are all chasing profits, will they agree to take shares?"

"They put their money in the country's bank and just enjoy dividends every year. If they are not willing to do such a good thing, then they are not shrewd businessmen."

"Your majesty is wise, I will handle this matter immediately." Sheng Xuanhuai's face showed rare excitement, and he felt that the time for him to display his ambition had finally come.

"Xingsun (Sheng Xuanhuai's word), let me ask you, what is the most profitable and riskiest thing in the world?"

Sheng Xuanhuai thought for a while, shook his head and said, "I'm stupid, I don't know what the emperor is referring to."

"War. War is also a kind of investment. War requires a large amount of money to be invested. Just like doing business, if you win the war, you can earn back several times from your opponent. This is the highest return, the greatest risk, and the highest return. The fastest way to invest. So I want you to pass a series of financial reforms to raise a large amount of war expenses for the country. The current war is not fought for military strength, but for money, you know?"

"My subject understands. What does the emperor mean to hit the stick?" After saying this, Sheng Xuanhuai found a trace of displeasure flashing across the emperor's face. He shouldn't ask more about such important national matters.

"Once the war breaks out in the future, I will ask Far East Co., Ltd. to invest 500 million yuan in insurance for the war, and I will take a big gamble with the European and American powers." Guan Xuqing clenched the dollar bills in his hands.

"Xingsun, now you hold the Imperial Savings Bank and the Imperial Investment Bank for me. You want to sharpen these two banks into the two fists of the imperial economy, and be ready to overthrow the economic order of our enemies at any time."

"twitter."

Zhao Bingjun, who had just been appointed as the director of the Military Intelligence Bureau of the Imperial General Staff, suddenly appeared in front of Guan Xuqing, which made the emperor a little surprised and angry. "Have you finished your espionage training?" Guan Xuqing's dissatisfaction with Zhao Bingjun was in his words.

"The training tasks of the three phases have been completed, and the servants rushed back to Beijing without being summoned. They really have to report important military information to the emperor." Zhao Bingjun secretly glanced at the emperor with a pair of fox eyes.

"It's not enough to send a telegram if there is any serious matter. You, the bureau chief, must come back and report in person."

"The spies of the European Department of Military Intelligence have recently received reliable information that the British will soon take action in the Strait of Malacca. It is said that the British aim to occupy the entire Southeast Asia and completely block the Chinese navy within the Yellow Sea. .” Zhao Bingjun looked at the emperor with concern.

"I have known for a long time that the British will strike there, and I am about to take Malacca from them. A few years ago, our fleet was able to defeat this maritime overlord. I believe this history will repeat itself." Guan Xuqing was confident. Full say.

"Yes, with the emperor's wise command, the British fleet will definitely end in failure. But"

"Well, when did you become a mother-in-law?"

"It is said that the British have developed a new type of sea warship. The keel has been laid in Portsmouth Harbor, and it will be ready to go to sea soon. The power part of this warship is equipped with 18 three-expansion steam boilers, 4 Sen The steam turbine unit can reach a maximum speed of 21 knots, and the ship is equipped with ten 305mm caliber main guns, with a total tonnage of [-] tons." Zhao Bingjun noticed that the emperor's face had changed a little, so he stopped Dare to go on.

"You mean this warship is more powerful than our Zhonghua 1?" Guan Xuqing's brows were already locked together.

"Yes, even the combination of Zhonghua No. 1 and No. 2 may not be its opponent."

"What's the name of this warship?"

"Fearless class!"

(End of this chapter)