Zhao Xuening looked at Marek's expression and smiled.
He had almost guessed the conditions that the British side could offer, and believed that Marek must have some cards that he had not yet revealed.
The so-called bottom line, in the face of the situation, can be continuously broken downwards. With Daiying's current isolation status being targeted by the whole of Europe, Zhao Xuening believes that he can test Daiying's "bottom line".
"Let's not talk about other things. Most of the Netherlands' colonies are west of Bangladesh. However, my army is larger than your army in India. This means that I sent troops to help your country capture so much of the Netherlands. of colonies and got nothing?”
"This issue cannot be viewed that way either."
Marek shook his head and said: "To be honest, our cooperation this time will greatly weaken the Netherlands. They will definitely not accept this outcome. By then, you think it is more likely that they will launch an attack on Britain." Some, or is it more likely to take revenge on Lan Fang?"
"They're all pretty big."
"But I can assure you that London has basically made a decision to launch military operations against the Netherlands and completely defeat the Netherlands. In other words, if you help Britain in the Eastern battlefield, Britain will also cut off Nigeria in Europe. The possibility of Deran taking revenge on you.”
Zhao Xuening was silent for a while.
He knew that Marek wasn't bragging.
Because there were four wars between the Netherlands and England.
The fourth time, if nothing else goes wrong, will officially begin this year, and the Netherlands will face a disastrous defeat. The face and foundation of the Third Colonial Empire will be basically swallowed up by Britain, thus forming the foundation of Britain's Fourth Colonial Empire. .
They really planned to take action against Netherlands.
In this way, the extent of the two sides' actions may be reversed. The British side may deploy stronger military forces and face stronger enemies.
Therefore, although their demands are a bit greedy, their demands are not unreasonable.
"Okay, since you are going to attack the Netherlands, then I believe you for the time being. If this is really the case and the Netherlands is in ruins, then follow your plan. But if this is not the case, I will not easily Let this matter go."
"That is natural. Please believe in the UK's sincerity in this matter."
"Okay, let's leave this matter as it is for now. I think the UK has also contributed to this matter. However, Malacca's taxes should not be included in the agreement. After signing the agreement with you, I cannot make a price. Well, this is not a good thing for me.
In order to control Malacca, I paid a lot of money and fought many battles. My soldiers paid for it with their blood and lives. Now if you want me to agree to the conditions, I have corresponding conditions. "
"You say."
"Either hand over the Netherlands' saltpeter factory in Chapra to me, or sign an agreement with me similar to the Malacca Agreement. The sales volume of saltpeter will be increased and the price will be fixed. No unilateral price increase or decrease is allowed, and the share cannot be reduced at will. , otherwise, I will make reciprocal countermeasures."
Marek looked embarrassed.
It was impossible to give up the saltpeter factory to Zhao Xuening.
The Netherlands also took a fancy to the saltpeter factory in Chapra. Britain also needed it and hoped to monopolize the development of saltpeter in this area so as to control the pricing power and manipulate the European powers.
This is one of the core interests identified by London. If Zhao Xuening gets it, it will be a big problem.
The supply of saltpeter must be in the hands of the British.
As for pricing…
If Zhao Xuening can do without the saltpeter factory, then it is not impossible to give him a slightly discounted price.
One is the core interest and the other is the peripheral interest. Marek actually knows which one is more important.
There is a bottom line drawn by London on his side. If he doesn't cross this bottom line, he can negotiate many things. But when it comes to negotiations, how can he reveal all his cards at the beginning? Can't you hide it bit by bit?
What if people are satisfied before the trump cards are revealed?
However, it seems that Zhao Xuening is not an easily satisfied person, so Marek also guessed that Zhao Xuening was not letting go of rabbits, and was also squirming hard towards his own bottom line, and even wanted to rub it but not go in, thinking Take advantage of it a little more.
The situation was like this, and Marek felt that Zhao Xuening would not agree if he didn't let go.
So he was silent for a while, then nodded pretending to be bitter.
"This can be regarded as London's bottom line, and even exceeds London's bottom line. Mr. President, you are really strong."
"Is this the bottom line?"
Zhao Xuening smiled and said, "I haven't finished speaking yet."
"ah?"
Marek looked at Zhao Xuening in shock: "What else do you want?"
"I want direct trade with London."
Zhao Xuening said slowly: "Once I annex the East Indies, it will be equivalent to a complete break with the Netherlands. Now, in addition to local sales, a considerable part of the Japanese trade routes I control are sold through the Netherlands' trade routes. Went to Europe.
Now let’s not talk about whether I can continue to maintain this trade relationship with Japan. Even if I can maintain it, the Netherlands will not allow me to continue to use their trade channels. Therefore, I need the UK to make a commitment to undertake this part of Japanese goods. It is guaranteed that Lanfang will not be too damaged in this regard. "
"This... I don't think it's a big problem. London also wanted to start trade with Japan, but it didn't succeed."
Marek pondered for a moment and then said: "If you can guarantee to continue to maintain trade relations with Japan and provide a stable supply of goods, London should be able to negotiate with you in terms of trade, which is not difficult."
"That's pretty much it."
Zhao Xuening nodded.
Marek also showed a relaxed smile.
"In that case, is our agreement initially reached?"
"Don't worry, I still have conditions."
"besides?"
Marek's body trembled: "You...what else do you want?"
"Don't worry, I'm not asking you for it. With your stingy looks, I know I won't get anything. I'll find someone else to ask for it."
Seeing Marek's frightened expression, Zhao Xuening smiled and pointed to the north: "I want the Philippines."
"………………"
Marek was speechless for a while.
After a period of strange silence, Marek looked confused and puzzled.
"What do you want from the Philippines? The East Indies are so big, have so many interests, and such important routes. These will be recognized and protected by Britain. Doesn't this satisfy you?"
"Of course, I am determined to win the Philippines."
Zhao Xuening said sternly: "The relationship between Spain and Britain has never been good. It was in the past and it is still now. Moreover, at this stage, they are still getting together with the Russians to threaten Britain. I will capture their colonies and attack their power. For Britain, , should be a good thing.”
Marek blinked.
"In terms of the result, it is indeed a good thing. London should be happy to be able to attack Spain, but... do you think the East Indies are still not enough for you? And if you attack the Philippines, Spain will definitely not accept it. , will definitely start a war with you."
"So, I need you to help me."
Zhao Xuening said with a smile: "Anyway, you have decided to launch an operation against the Netherlands. Why not also attack Spain and take care of the Spanish navy? Isn't it good?"
Just right?
Just right, you say?
Do you think that when you send troops to fight, you go to the vegetable market to buy vegetables?
Just fight if you say so?
Do you know that the decision to send troops to the Netherlands was made after many quarrels in Parliament?
Marek almost rolled his eyes angrily.
Fortunately, he was well-educated. He suppressed his anger and said with a forced smile: "Mr. President, is this a little too difficult? Our agreement is for the Netherlands. It is not good to rashly bring Spain in. "
"First of all, Spain is already very weak. As far as I know, you defeated the Spanish Armada two hundred years ago, didn't you?"
Zhao Xuening said slowly: "If it doesn't work, I will take a step back. You don't need to go to war with Spain in Europe, but if Spain comes to Lanfang, then I ask you to fight them with me."
"this……"
"Does this also need to be considered?"
Zhao Xuening spread his hands and said: "First of all, it's hard to say whether Spain can gather an expeditionary army and how long it will take to gather an expeditionary army. And even if they come, I may not lose. As long as I can handle it, then There is no need for you to come from India to support me.
But if necessary, I cannot cope with their navy, so I need your support. I hope this can be written in the agreement. As long as you agree to me, then I will immediately arrange military operations and fully help you bring Ned down. Lan's power was completely destroyed.
This should be a good thing for you. Isn't Spain also working against you in Europe? I don’t know much about it, but I still know that Spain is not friendly to Britain. Wouldn’t it be good to teach them a lesson and weaken their strength? "
Marek thought seriously about this for a while.
It took him a while before he gave an answer.
"Although I am solely responsible for negotiating with you, this matter involves a third country and I cannot make a hasty decision. Let's do this. We can discuss and confirm other conditions first. I will send someone back to London immediately to inquire about this condition. what do you think?"
"Okay, I'm not in a hurry. When will you agree to my conditions, when will I send troops to Batavia?"
Zhao Xuening leaned back on the chair again, with a relaxed look on his face: "That's not all I am bad at. I just have a hard time trusting others. Mr. Marek, don't think there is anything wrong with me. In this area, Surviving on the sea is a necessary skill.”
