The nobles Antonio, Joel, and David stood at the port, standing on tiptoes looking at the blue sea. Countless Venetian businessmen and people crowded the port.
News came two days ago that the Adam's fleet of the Eastern Ming Dynasty, which was sailing to Selis, will return to Venice today.
Joel was a little anxious. It was already three o'clock in the morning, and there was no sign of Adam's fleet.
David withdrew his distant gaze and said to Antonio, Joel and others: "Don't be anxious. When the news came, Adam's fleet had already arrived in the Adriatic Sea. No one can harm our merchant ships in our waters." .”
Antonio and others nodded repeatedly.
David’s words were by no means arrogant, but rather a statement of strong self-confidence.
Fifty years ago, Venice took control of Crete.
Twenty-seven years ago, Venice fought four consecutive naval battles with the Republic of Genoa, defeating the Republic of Genoa and becoming a powerful country in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.
Ten years ago, Venice occupied several islands in the Aegean Sea.
Four years ago, facing the provocation of the Duke of Milan, the Republic of Venice occupied Padua and forced the city of Verona to surrender. Its strength was enough to directly threaten the Principality of Milan. .
Today, the Republic of Venice has achieved unprecedented wealth and strength by relying on maritime trade, and has established a huge naval fleet. The number of fleet ships has reached 3,300, and the navy has more than 36,000 people!
Looking around the Mediterranean countries, no one dares to take the initiative to provoke Venice at its peak.
Antonio looked back at the shore. Countless people were waiting for the heroes returning from the voyage. These people regarded Adam, William and others as their idols. They were also eager to sail away and go to unknown seas.
"If Adam can bring a large amount of trade goods this time, going to the East will become the dream of Venetian merchants."
Antonio said with a smile.
Joel raised his hand and pressed his hat that was blown away by the wind: "Indeed, this proves that the voyage route is mature and safe."
】
David's eyes were full of relief and longing.
Adam set sail for the first time, and it took six years before he returned to Venice. The voyage was full of tragedy, but he finally returned to Venice with the help of the Ming Dynasty, bringing with him enough trade goods to drive countless people crazy.
But his first success was ultimately the result of help from outsiders. But if he can bring most of the people back safely the second time, it will prove that the sea route to the East is safe, and the Venetians have mastered the technology and charts of the voyage. And this success will bring far more encouragement and encouragement than the first time.
Oriental Fever will lead the future of Venice!
David put his hands behind his back, scratched his back, and said expectantly: "If we can monopolize Eastern trade, the wealth of Venice will be beyond imagination. With endless wealth, we can completely control the entire Mediterranean!"
Joel looked at the crowd not far away. There stood the Governor of Venice, Micheli Steno, as well as people from the Advisory Council, the Committee of Ten, and the Senate. They seemed to be discussing something.
After receiving the news that Adam was about to return, Michael Steno discussed the next step with the Advisory Group, the Committee of Ten, the Senate and other personnel.
The Council, the Senate and others believe that whether the Republic of Venice should focus on the East needs to see how much Adam has lost and how much benefit there is, and only after a clear assessment can a decision be made. So the most powerful person in the Republic of Venice also appeared at the port, waiting for the return of Adam's fleet.
At noon, the sun shines high.
A little white sail suddenly appeared on the distant sea, and then a ship appeared in everyone's eyes.
The port was boiling, and countless people were noisy.
Many women stood at the port, waiting for the fleet to return, eager to find their favorite warrior at a glance.
Adam enjoyed the sea breeze and felt very comfortable.
This time, he not only brought a wealth of trade goods, but also a complete sea chart for the voyage to the Ming Dynasty. Venetian merchants will rely on this chart to travel to the distant and powerful Daming Dynasty!
William came back after all, not because his determination to preach was not firm enough, but because there were really not enough manpower, and there was a lack of craftsmen who were proficient in Catholic doctrine.
There were countless craftsmen in the Ming Dynasty, but few were willing to help the Catholic Church build churches. It was not that they did not want to earn gold coins, but because the construction of the Ming Dynasty was in full swing. Too many craftsmen were either recruited to Peking or to shipyards and mines. There are also a large number of craftsmen working to build roads, docks, and rivers...
If Catholicism wants to preach, it must have a place to stay and a place to preach. The building of a church requires the infusion of devout faith. Ming craftsmen did not believe in Catholicism, and the churches they built had no soul.
William's return this time was to persuade the Catholic Church to send a group of craftsmen, painters, and sculptors from the sect to the Ming Dynasty again. Furthermore, the Emperor of Heaven does not prohibit Catholic missionary work, but in reality there are many difficulties in missionary work, and it is necessary to personally report to bishops, priests and others to seek greater support.
Cardin, Tony, Berry and others looked at the port with countless people standing in the distance, and they were all high-spirited.
"Falling sail."
Adam gave the order.
More than fifty ships lowered their sails and slowly docked into the port.
The governor, bishop and others stood at the front to greet them. Adam was the first to get off the boat and shouted loudly: "Adam, the Venetian merchant, led the fleet to sail to the east of Seris - the Ming Dynasty, leading a team of 326 people. , seven people suffered a shipwreck, five died of illness, and the remaining 314 people have all returned!"
Governor Micheli Steno was very excited. Looking at the strong and energetic Adam, he loudly replied: "This is a great voyage. Adam, you will become the new nobleman of Venice, and your deeds will be sung forever in Venice." , you are a hero and a warrior! Welcome to bring everyone back, Captain Adam!"
Bishop Francis agreed very much with the Governor's words. Adam is indeed qualified to become a new noble. Not to mention his current financial resources, his spirit is enough to make him a noble!
As long as he wants, he can enter the political circle of Venice. Many people in the Grand Council worship Adam.
Adam's many years of sailing finally yielded rewards beyond his imagination. The once humble and inconspicuous sailor has now become a new nobleman in Venice, attracting much attention!
He deserves all this, and his success will greatly stimulate more people.
Venetian merchants should follow Adam as an example and go out and sail far away!
Francis looked at William as he got off the boat, smiled and said hello, and then said: "God will be proud of you."
Adam looked at the captains disembarking from the ship and said to the governor, bishop and a group of nobles: "This time we brought a very rich trade product to the Ming Dynasty, not only a large amount of exquisite silk, but also beautiful ceramics, delicious food Tea leaves, exquisite copper and iron utensils, strange things, etc. If you want to buy them, please prepare gold coins."
David came over and said with a smile: "Are you planning to sell the goods before they even get off the ship?"
Adam nodded slightly: "The crew are very tired, and they are also eager to receive the money as soon as possible so that they can reunite with their families. I don't want to keep them waiting. If you want to see the goods, just board the ship directly. The quality of the goods is definitely top-notch."
Antonio couldn't help shouting: "If that's the case, then I'm welcome. I have arranged for someone to prepare 30,000 gold coins. This time I want to buy more silk and ceramics."
"Thirty thousand? What a big deal! If that's the case, I won't be polite." 0
Joel was a little anxious.
Father Johnson was a little anxious and looked at Francis: "There should also be some exquisite ceramics in the church..."
Francis was convinced and said: "Let William choose the goods and take out 20,000 gold coins."
Governor Michael Steno grinned: "You have to leave some for me. I don't have that much. I can only give out five hundred gold coins... …”
As a governor, he doesn't have much wealth.
Adam smiled and said: "The Governor, the Bishop and all of you, when we returned home, the Ming Emperor specially prepared some gifts for them."
Michaeli Steno was a little surprised, his eyes sparkling: "A gift from the Ming Emperor? It seems that you brought more than just goods."
Adam nodded heavily: "I also brought another mission, a mission related to the fate of the Republic of Venice."
Micheli Steno looked at Francis, and then at Tommaso Mosenig next to him, who was the most capable person in the council.
Tommaso Mocenig said calmly: "No matter what happens, Venice will face it head on and will never back down."
Adam smiled and said: "It's not that serious yet. Whether it is an opportunity or a challenge, you still need to make up your mind. I will discuss it in detail with you after the goods are sold."
Michaeli Steno, Tommaso Mosenig and others did not ask any more questions.
Cheers kept coming from the dock, boxes of goods were being carried out, the exquisite ceramics looked so beautiful in the sun, the silky satins were mesmerizing, and the fragrant tea leaves were intoxicating...
It was a fruitful voyage.
Adam sold the purchased goods at six times the price, and instantly made huge profits. The accompanying crew also received boxes of gold and silver coins as a reward for their voyage.
Adam is undoubtedly the most successful businessman. He does not monopolize all profits, but leaves a certain profit margin for everyone. Once these goods left Venice and entered other countries, they could make huge profits by changing hands.
In this era, silk itself is a gold coin, it is gold!
This is a symbol of nobility!
No one will refuse these goods, even if the price is higher.
After paying homage to Jacob and Captain Jerome, Adam returned to his home, but the original dilapidated home had become a manor, and there were servants in it.
Lying on a comfortable and warm bed, Adam thought about the past scenes, slowly closed his eyes, and fell asleep with a murmur: "The future of Venice..."
