Steel Dynasty - Chapter 824

[Chapter 823 Cao Family]

Family The King of Chu’s fingers were trembling slightly as he took the detailed information sent back from Qingzhou.

The occupation of Guandong by the Chongqing army was a cause for celebration for Qingzhou, but it was nothing less than a nightmare for him.

In the early days of the Northern Expedition, he had always had the mentality of watching the excitement, hoping that Xiao Minghe could defeat the barbarians and both sides would suffer, so that he would have more time to recuperate.

But after the fall of Pingzhou, he was extremely disappointed. It was obvious that he seriously underestimated Xiao Ming’s strength. At this time, he once thought of taking the opportunity to go north to attack Qingzhou.

However, Xiao Ming was obviously on guard against him. There were fifteen Chongqing warships moored at the Jinling City dock, and Jinling City was also heavily guarded.

Although his army had some improvements under the training of the French, it was not enough for him, because after the Northern Expedition began, he once sent dead soldiers pretending to be Japanese pirates to attack the soldiers of the Chongqing Kingdom in Tongzhou.

What made him angry was that three hundred dead soldiers with muskets were defeated by fifty musketeers guarding Tongzhou Pier.

According to the dead soldiers who returned, the muskets of the Dayu soldiers had a longer range and more power than theirs. More importantly, Xiao Ming’s soldiers were very disciplined. Facing their attack, an array of fifty soldiers Not messy at all.

“The Golden Horde is over, who will be next?” King Chu’s eyes were a little desperate. He knew that he was definitely no match for Xiao Ming now.

What’s more, in the process of dealing with the barbarians, two strange weapons allegedly appeared.

Cao Kun accompanied the King of Chu. Different from the humble status he once had, the Cao family now occupies a place in the Chu Kingdom.

In order to resist Xiao Ming, the King of Chu carried out a large-scale reform of the Chu State. On the one hand, he imitated Xiao Ming, and on the other hand, he followed the advice of the French and prepared to imitate Europe.

No matter what it is, the Cao family is now making a lot of profits, and compared to Xiao Ming who strictly prohibited businessmen from participating in politics, the King of Chu is now more tolerant of businessmen.

There are already many big businessmen in the maritime trade among the staff of the Prince of Chu’s Mansion.

“Your Highness, don’t worry too much. Although Xiao Ming defeated the barbarians, he himself was also damaged. Many people died in the battle of Pingzhou. Now that the commander returns to the court, he must rest.” Cao Kun pondered for a moment. said.

“So what? After taking a break, he is still planning to attack. Some time ago, there were some clues about the plan to cut down the feudal vassal. Although he dismissed the plan, in my opinion, it was just a delaying tactic.” King Chu sighed.

Cao Kun once hated the King of Chu because the King of Chu tried to destroy the Cao family and gain the Cao family’s wealth, but it is different now. He likes the King of Chu more than Xiao Ming because he sees the future of the Cao family here.

If Chu State continues to develop, he firmly believes that the Cao family will have extremely high rights in Chu State. Once they grasp the power, the Cao family can use the power to make more money.

Like him, many merchants with such hopes came to the King of Chu, and they were all deeply influenced by Western merchants.

“Your Highness, Cao has an idea.” Cao Kun suddenly said.

The King of Chu was startled for a moment, then showed an eager look, “Come and tell me.”

“At this time of danger, for His Highness Cao, we can only take risks. Does Your Highness remember the Cao family’s bank in Qingzhou?” Cao Kun narrowed his eyes.

“Of course I remember.” King Chu snorted softly. Of course, the Cao family had both sides, and this Cao family bank was a gift to surrender to Xiao Ming.

Cao Kun showed an embarrassed look, “Actually, it’s not just Qingzhou. The Cao family’s banks are now spread all over the northern prefectures. And because of the reputation of the Cao family, many businessmen have deposited their money in my bank. Now I only need an order. Cao The family banker can immediately take the money and flee to Chu State. When the money is gone, the merchants, common people and wealthy families in each government will be in chaos. At that time, Xiao Ming will be busy enough.”

King Chu looked excited, “This is wonderful. , so wonderful, but if this happens, won’t the Cao family become a thorn in Xiao Ming’s side, your Cao family’s business?”

“Your Highness, don’t worry, I will let Zhengyang take stock of the Cao family’s business before that. , then it will be said that the Cao family has lost a lot of money overseas and cannot make ends meet. Now the Cao family is too poor to exchange the money. Maybe then Xiao Ming will not only not punish the Cao family, but also find a way to save the Cao family, otherwise this pair of big The industry and commerce of Chongqing will be a huge blow.” Cao Kun looked confident.

After a pause, Cao Kun continued: “Of course, this is just one of them. Although the barbarians are newly defeated, the skinny camels are bigger than horses. Your Highness might as well send businessmen to the Golden Horde and the Japanese Kingdom. Now these two countries are They are eyeing Xiao Ming. As long as they can hold Xiao Ming back, we can continue to expand the army.”

The King of Chu kept nodding. He had to say that Cao Kun had learned a lot from following the Western merchants, at least this was something he had never thought of before. of.

He said: “If this plan can work, how about I let Cao Zhengtong be my long history?”

Cao Kun was overjoyed and bowed and said: “Thank you, Your Highness, Cao will send someone to Qingzhou when he returns.”

King Chu was satisfied after hearing this .

The nodded.

After settling the matter, Cao Kun left the Chu Palace.

Watching Cao Kun leave, the King of Chu sighed deeply. If it wasn’t to survive, why would he cooperate with the French and these vulgar businessmen…

At the same time, Cao Kun did not return to Cao Mansion, but took the The carriage headed towards Lin’an Pier.

He stopped the carriage in front of a restaurant on the dock and looked around before entering the restaurant.

This restaurant is famous in Lin’an because there are often Western businessmen coming and going. When he arrived at the restaurant, Cao Kun went directly to the third floor and knocked in the room at the end of the corridor. At this time, the door was opened, revealing a Western face. .

“Mr. Manster.” Cao Kun was very respectful to the blond and blue-eyed Westerner.

The middle-aged man known as Manster nodded, with a smile on his face, and said: “Mr. Cao Kun, welcome to your arrival.”

Entering the room, Cao Kun said seriously: “This time, Mr. Manster Come here, I don’t know what order you brought.”

Munster also put away his smile at this time. He picked up the teacup and poured Cao Kun a cup of tea. He said lightly: “The association is now very uneasy and confused about the development of science and technology in Great Chongqing. I am sent here this time for It’s about figuring out the source of these technologies.”

Hearing this, Cao Kun said: “That’s it, sir, but don’t worry, both the King of Chu and our Cao family have sent people to sneak into Qingzhou University, and we are also trying to bribe people from Qingzhou University. As long as the benefits are sufficient for the students who come out, I believe this is not difficult to do,”

Manster said: “Indeed, since the Dutch bought the steam engine from Qingzhou, their parliament is willing to even exchange the position of a count for a Chongqing country. students.”

(End of chapter)