"Portugal has always attached great importance to its friendship with the Xia Kingdom. When we learned what His Highness needed, we made it a top priority. Finally, after an arduous and patient search, we found what His Highness needed."
Shi Baoliao's expression was flattering and honored, and he felt that he could leave a good impression on Zuo Mengeng.
But Zuo Mengeng didn’t know what was going on behind the scenes.
He smiled on the surface and said many words of thanks. In fact, I don’t know how I scold these philistine Portuguese people.
What was the seed sent by Paul?
rubber.
When he first conquered Taiwan, Zuo Menggeng decided to take advantage of the local hot climate and introduce rubber planting.
The importance of rubber is self-evident, it is an absolute strategic material.
But the origin of rubber is in Brazil, the territory of Portugal.
Therefore, Xia Guo sent a purchase intention to Portugal.
The Portuguese were very puzzled by this purchase.
They actually looked for it and found it easily.
But Portugal thought about the use of this plant for a long time, but still couldn't figure it out.
But since Xia Guo specifically wanted to buy it, it obviously had an important purpose.
So the Portuguese kept the things in their hands and did not sell them to Xia Guo.
Now that there are major national interests, the Portuguese can sell them to Xia Guo.
Zuo Mengeng knew this, but he was also happy.
Anyway, I got the rubber seeds.
As long as you plant it and cultivate it carefully, you won't have to worry about it in the future.
How did Paul Shi know Zuo Mengeng's rich thoughts?
He was feeling proud, thinking that he could get closer to Xia Guo with this.
Apart from anything else, I will no longer be afraid of being bullied by the Netherlands in the future.
"You can join the alliance if you want, and we welcome you. Hao Jing, you have to step aside."
Katcha…
In one sentence, Shi Paulo almost died.
"Your Highness, what are you talking about? I... didn't quite... hear you clearly."
"Haojing is Chinese territory, how can it be handed over to foreigners? Come back and show your sincerity."
Paul Shi was anxious.
"We rent Haojing, and there is a contract..."
"We are not as stupid as Ming."
With just one sentence, Paul Shi was rendered speechless.
Everyone knows how the Portuguese got Macau in the first place. Shi Baoliao understood as soon as he heard this, and Xia Guo knew all about the twists and turns.
I really don’t understand why Xia Guo is so hard to deceive, even though they are all Chinese.
But to return the Hao mirror, this...how can I agree to this?
Just when Shi Paulo was thinking of ways to delay, Zuo Menggeng was quite domineering.
"At most three years, if you don't take the initiative to return it, we will take the initiative to snatch it back. At that time, according to the state of war, everyone will be prisoners."
Shi Paulo felt chills all over his body and knew that there was no further discussion.
He was a little confused.
Since Xia Guo took the initiative to extend a hand of friendship, why did he still shout about killing?
How did he know that sitting in front of him was an old goblin who had seen through the fog of history.
"Not a single bit of China's territory can fall into the hands of others. No matter if it is stolen, rented or defrauded. This is the premise of the friendship between Xia and Portugal. Return the Hao Mirror , not only can Xia Kingdom agree to the conditions you proposed, but it can even train troops for you. If necessary, it is not impossible to participate in the war in the name of allies."
Now that the big stick has been swung, it’s time for Tianzao.
The Portuguese had two main requests.
One is to establish state-level diplomatic relations with the Xia Kingdom like the Netherlands.
Although the modern diplomatic system in Europe has not yet emerged, no one is stupid and understands what benefits the Netherlands can gain.
Among other things, Xia's mission appeared in Europe, established an embassy in Amsterdam, and recognized the independent status of the Netherlands. Then in the future, no one in Europe will dare to underestimate the Netherlands.
Don’t think that China has little influence in Europe because transportation is underdeveloped in this era.
The shadow of Genghis Khan still lingers in the minds of Europeans.
Europeans can't tell the difference between Mongolians and Hans, but they have a unified name.
Yellow peril.
If Portugal can be recognized by the Xia Kingdom and establish diplomatic relations, it will at least achieve legally recognized independence.
The Portuguese's second request was to purchase arms.
Time has changed, and the Portuguese firearms really helped the Ming Dynasty a lot.
Even now, the Folang machine gun is synonymous with power in the minds of many people.
But the emergence of Xia State reversed the difference between East and West in the field of firearms.
As long as they have seen the weapons of Xia Kingdom, no one will not be amazed by them.
If Portugal wanted to resist Spanish aggression, sufficiently sophisticated and powerful weapons were obviously a necessity.
Zuo Mengeng made a counter-offer.
Returning the mirror can even help Portugal train its army. If it really comes to a critical moment, Xia Guo can even go out and join the battle in person.
Shi Paulo was a little skeptical about Xia Guo's participation in the war.
After all, Europe is so far away, and it might be difficult for Xia to do it.
But cultivating military talents is very important.
Moreover, in today's world situation, Spain and Portugal, which first relied on colonization to make their fortunes, are in decline.
Especially for Portugal, many of its overseas colonies were robbed.
Portugal is very worried about this, but there is no good solution.
As a small country on the sea, if all overseas colonies are lost, this country may even go bankrupt.
But in the current situation in Europe, everyone is a dog, staring at Portugal's pitiful legacy.
Even if Portugal wants to find a big brother as a bodyguard.
As the saying goes, if you rely on everyone to run, you must rely on yourself...
He must also fall.
At this time of panic, the big brother in the East issued a call for love.
Accept it or not?
If you take it, Hao Jing is gone, but the country can be saved.
Overseas colonies...
I wonder what this eldest brother’s temper is like?
If you don't answer, the country may be gone immediately.
Just when Shi Baolao was hesitant, Zuo Mengeng gave him a second sweet date.
"After becoming allies, the entire Xia Kingdom will be open to Portugal. Except for missionary work, there will be no restrictions on any commercial activities and individual commodities. Xia Kingdom and Portugal can also authenticate each other and enter and exit each other's territory tax-free."
Nowadays, the poll tax is very heavy, and Western countries also count on this to make money.
Cancel the poll tax when entering and exiting Xia Kingdom, and do business as you like...
Paul Shi was smart and decided to follow his heart.
"Thank you very much for Xia Guo's friendship. I believe that even His Royal Highness the King will be moved by your kindness."
When Paul came, he was given full authority to accept his fate.
But for such a big matter as returning Hao Jing, he wisely did not make the decision alone.
Who says that Western officials don’t need to take the blame?
He immediately sent people to Goa and asked Romario Menezes to make a decision.
Calculating the schedule, the people sent back should be able to arrive together with the people coming from China.
When he returned, he received the authorization from the king and the cabinet.
