Compared with the domestic turmoil in the Ming Dynasty, the dignitaries are more concerned and concerned about the conquest of the Japanese country recently.
Everyone's private discussions concluded that the emperor and the court were very likely to make up their minds. As long as the European countries could accept the proposal, calmly withdraw from the Japanese islands, and redefine their sphere of influence, then it can be said that the Ming Dynasty's invasion of Japan was inevitable.
Even if Britain, France, the United States, the Netherlands and other countries do not agree, or only partially agree, apart from shaking the attitude of some people in the court, they should not be able to change the result of sending troops.
In this case, the powerful people will naturally consider the distribution of interests after the war.
For the Ming Dynasty, the land of Japan is a typical place where military value is greater than political value, and political value is greater than economic value. Although the total amount of benefits that can be obtained is not large, who can refuse to easily "rob" the money?
Most of the famous companies such as Mitsubishi Foundation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Kobe Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., and Nakajima Aviation Co., Ltd. still exist today, or they still appear.
These companies have a long history and developed rapidly during the Meiji Restoration. Although Japan collapsed after gambling on the national destiny and returned to the state of feudal separatism, the basic industrial needs of each feudal lord and the injection of Western influence allowed them to continue developed to this day.
In addition to these famous enterprises and companies, there are also some industrial bases in various counties and cities. Even if there is no heavy industry, there is still more or less light industry.
Now, the dignitaries of the Ming Dynasty have focused on these large or small pieces of fat, thinking about how to divide them up in the future.
No matter how small a mosquito is, it is still meat, and even one yuan of money that was robbed for nothing is still earned.
In the past few days, some nobles and wealthy businessmen who were close to Zhu Lingjing successively sent out their cronies and confidants to explain and discuss their respective intentions and goals, hoping that she could provide assistance and coordinate the future distribution of interests.
For example, Pingdu Household, whose Lichang Industrial Group is mainly engaged in light industry, and only a few heavy industries are involved. They are eyeing Wakayama County, hoping to occupy a major position in taking over the ownership of local factories and companies.
"The attitudes and intentions of all parties have been stated one after another, and they have been considered over the past few days. We can probably make a general decision about today's dinner." Zhu Lingjing looked at her nails and said casually: "You have to be there too, in formal attire. Regular clothes.”
"Understood." Zhou Changfeng nodded.
Oh ho! Is this really being brought to a long experience? The day has finally come.
It is not difficult to get in touch with people from the upper class, and you can meet them occasionally, but it is not easy to integrate into their circle. If there is no one to lead you in, you will probably have to wait for them to come to you on their own initiative.
In the Ming Dynasty, which has its own national conditions, there are many powerful and wealthy people, and you can come into contact with them from time to time in ordinary life. However, the social status of distant members of the royal family such as Zhu Lizhuo is indeed not low, but it is only relative to the common people. They are still thousands of miles away from the small group of people who influence the Ming Dynasty's national decision-making. Zhou Changfeng said this The knowledge is very clear.
Zhu Lingjing's willingness to take herself to such a dinner means true recognition and acceptance, and it is also the starting point for her to officially move to the decision-making level.
Zhou Changfeng, who was neatly dressed, hesitated to bring his own saber before leaving. Would it look too high-profile if he did? Wouldn’t it be too low-key not to wear one?
But in the end, he slung it across his waist, then straightened his clothes, aligned the leather belt around his waist, and waxed his leather boots until they were shiny.
The dinner was held at Tonghui Hotel, located on the west side of Tongjimen Avenue. What Zhou Changfeng didn't know was that when he led his army to fight the British and Indian troops in Demaji last year, the dignitaries of the capital had already held a celebration banquet here.
The sun was setting in the west, and the sky darkened, showing a deep blue-black color, dotted with stars.
When Zhou Changfeng arrived by car, the street lights were on time, and the neon lights of shops and buildings flashed one after another. If you look down from the sky, you can see that the entire city turned into a sea of lights in an instant.
The recent poor public security situation has led to an increase in the number of escorts accompanying dignitaries. Many cars have several cars full of guards in front and behind them.
Standing at the door of the hotel, Zhou Changfeng was a little at a loss. He was unfamiliar with the place, and Zhu Lingjing had not made it clear before that he could enter directly with the invitation.
At this time, a sound of footsteps and a familiar voice came from behind, "Oh, it's quite early."
Luo Fu, who was also wearing navy uniform, walked slowly over, but when he saw the Yanling knife slung around his waist, he couldn't help but be startled, "Why are you bringing the knife? You're not going to kill anyone today."
"According to the dress code, regular uniforms should indeed carry a sword." Zhou Changfeng felt helpless, then pointed in the direction of the door and asked, "Should we continue to wait or go in directly?"
"You come with me."
"By the way, why are you here too?"
"Why can't I come?" Luo Fu smiled and pointed at himself, "Recognizing people based on official position does not apply here."
After depositing the exclusive Yan Ling Dao awarded by Ying Tian Martial Arts, the two verified their identities and walked straight into the magnificent hotel lobby.
The dinner was held on the sixth floor. Many people had already arrived, and many waiters were coming and going, arranging tableware and fruits.
Zhou Changfeng was surprised when he stepped out of the elevator, because this was completely different from the banquet he had imagined with dozens of tables.
At first glance, there are only about twenty tables, but the environment is very unique, and the distance between each table is just right. It is neither too close or too far, nor too far.
Next to it, a young woman with a good face and a blouse stood beside a lyre without sitting down.
Under the guidance of the waiter, the two came to an Eight Immortals table made of ebony wood.
"This is your seat." The male waiter handed over his hands and left.
Zhou Changfeng glanced at the table at the back right. If he guessed correctly, that was Zhu Lingjing's exclusive seat.
He turned his head to Luo Fu and asked, "How many people are coming today?"
The latter just took a piece of orange and casually replied: "It's not too much, it's not too much. Eleven or two, they are all important figures in politics, military and business between the government and the public."
In such an interest exchange conference that goes straight to the core, the participants are undoubtedly closely connected partners, and at least temporarily their interests converge and are on the same front.
In fact, Zhou Changfeng has always been particularly curious about what kind of existence Zhu Lingjing is now, how high her political status and influence are.
After waiting for a cup of tea, around 6:15, the big guys who were usually rare to see finally arrived one after another.
The young man at the front is very tall and looks to be in his thirties. He is quite elegant and seems to be gentle?
"Look, this is Yu Yongyu, the Pingdu Bo of the day. He's okay with his own people, but he's notoriously petty towards outsiders, and he'll retaliate for his anger." Luo Fu introduced in a low voice.
Behind him is a middle-aged man who looks equally approachable. He is slightly stout and his first impression can be said to give people a sense of simplicity.
"Xu Zhiyan, who rose from scratch to become the president of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang Shipbuilding Industry Group, is a master of business. A few hundred years ago, he was probably on par with Shen Wansan. There are many large and small shipyards in Ningbo, Hangzhou, and Wenzhou. They are all under its banner.”
"I think I've heard of it." In Zhou Changfeng's impression, Zhu Lingjing had talked about this person to him, and Xu Zhiyan and Xu Zhanming were related.
In addition to its main business of building civilian ships, Jiangzhe Shipbuilding Group, which includes almost all shipyards in Zhejiang Province, also accepts a large number of orders from the navy. It is good at building small and medium-sized ships. At least one-third of the destroyers, minelayers, and minesweepers of the Ming Dynasty Navy , gunboats, and torpedo boats are all produced by its shipyards.
After that, nine more people came one after another, and Luo Fudu introduced them to Zhou Changfeng one by one.
What surprised the latter was that it was obviously a gathering of dignitaries who were close to Zhu Lingjing, but there was also a princeling present, and he was a 100% die-hard princeling - Donggong Zhanshi Wu Zhengren.
Are you here to listen openly?
"In terms of appearance, aura, and demeanor, these powerful people seem pretty good to others." Zhou Changfeng thought for a while, turned his head and whispered.
Luo Fu on the side snorted and replied: "Indeed, but it's just a perception. In fact, they are all ruthless people who eat people without spitting out their bones."
He glanced at him and said jokingly: "Aren't you the same? You are usually kind, but in fact you can be more ruthless than anyone else."
Recalling his experience in the Caozhou disaster area not long ago, Luo Fu felt that Zhou Changfeng was also a resolute and decisive character, which completely fit the rumored image.
After everyone arrived and took their seats, the main character of this dinner arrived belatedly.
Zhu Lingjing, dressed in black and purple clothes, came slowly on high heels, with several hairpins with pendants tied in her bun.
Everyone present, whether standing or sitting, stood up straight, cupped their hands, and saluted.
"Today we are talking about happy things, why bother to be polite, just be more relaxed." Holding a folding fan, Zhu Lingjing walked calmly and unhurriedly to the square table that was reserved for just her.
As far as the seating arrangement is concerned, there are a total of eighteen tables. She has one table to herself. Zhou Changfeng, Luo Fu and a middle-aged man share a table, and they are located in front and left of Zhu Lingjing.
"I haven't seen you for several months, and His Highness looks even more noble." Someone praised.
This sentence started, and the dignitaries present all praised him one after another, and the praises were not heavy-handed.
This kind of mutual flattery has no practical significance, but it is an essential process for enlivening the atmosphere.
"Everyone is in good spirits. I guess business has been booming recently." Zhu Lingjing smiled and said, "Let's have a meal first, and then we can discuss it when we have fun."
So, a few seconds after she finished speaking, the musician who had been ready on the side played the expensive custom-made lyre, and the melodious and profound sound of the piano immediately filled the banquet.
Waiters of both men and women filed in with plates and served plates of exquisite delicacies. The presentation is also very particular, and the meat and vegetable dishes are arranged in an orderly manner.
After Zhu Lingjing took the lead in using her chopsticks, others present started to do so.
The atmosphere became lively. These big bosses with extraordinary status and unimaginable power were talking and laughing like ordinary people gathering for dinner. Except for the lack of shouting, such a dinner was still in the ordinary atmosphere. within the scope of imagination.
"I would like to state the order of the Princess Mansion below." The middle-aged man wearing square half-rimmed glasses with thick eyebrows and big eyes lowered his voice and said with a smile: "I have heard of Commander Zhou's reputation for a long time, and I really admire him. "
"We still made a lot of jokes. Senior has given us too much praise." Zhou Changfeng raised his glass in toast, and then downed the warm daughter's red and yellow wine in one gulp.
Although it was their first meeting, Zhou Changfeng knew that this family leader was truly one of his own, and to some extent more important than Luo Fu.
The Princess Mansion naturally has its own official office and subordinate officials. During the Hongwu period, a Family Ling Division was established to take charge of the affairs of the Princess Mansion. There was a family magistrate with a rank of seven, a Sicheng with a rank of eight, and a recorder of affairs with a rank of nine.
However, in the 23rd year of Hongwu's reign, the Family Order Division was changed to the Zhong Envoy Division, and eunuchs were appointed instead of ordinary civil servants.
Now that there are no eunuchs, the court has directly restored the old system of more than 500 years ago.
After three drinks and five dishes, I don’t know who took the lead. The topic gradually changed from trivial chatting about all over the world to serious matters.
Pingdu Bo Yu Yongyu said with a smile: "I have a branch student who has great ambitions. He wants to try to make a living in steelmaking and chemical engineering. This is not an easy task. The water is very deep. I tried to persuade him, but it didn't work. That kid is so stubborn, he felt like he had a chance, so he insisted on giving it a try."
"This is no different from light industries such as making clothes or making food. Smelting iron, steel, and chemicals is very troublesome. You have to do what you can. If you don't have the ability, you have to do it. If you don't succeed, you will make people laugh." Wu Zhengren said in a tone. He replied flatly.
The conversation between the two seemed like a normal conversation, but the actual meaning was completely different.
"'There are younger generations who are determined to engage in heavy steel-making and chemical industry, but the water depth is not easy.' This is to say that all the heavy industry businesses in the Ming Dynasty are occupied by others and cannot be snatched away. He is very dissatisfied."
"'Stubborn and unwilling to listen to advice, but determined to try when given the opportunity', this means that he made up his mind this time, and he must make a fortune while conquering the Japanese country."
"'Act within your ability, and you will be laughed at if you fail.' This is a warning to Ping Dubo not to be too greedy. If you take too many benefits, others will be dissatisfied."
Fang Shujun took a sip of wine and "translated" the encrypted conversation between these dignitaries to Zhou Changfeng.
The latter couldn't help but complained in a low voice: "There are no outsiders here, aren't you tired of talking like this?"
"I'm used to people talking and hearing about it, so it doesn't matter. If you listen more, you'll get used to it."
"..."
Because Wu Zhengren represented the prince's faction, his attitude made everyone a little unhappy, and they felt that he was deliberately suppressing them.
What? After conquering Japan, we are still not allowed to divide it up? How can you mess around with cake cutting?
Even if you don’t expect to get the big prize, is it too outrageous to only give out scattered crumbs?
As a result, the atmosphere in the banquet suddenly became much more tense. Although the dignitaries still had smiles on their faces, their words became more and more sharp.
On one side were the close "own people" and on the other side were the princelings. Zhu Lingjing weighed the situation briefly for a while and said without saltiness: "It's great to have the courage to explore and work hard. As long as it doesn't go too far, I will not be too squandering." I think we should support it.”
(End of chapter)
