European Financial Emperor

156 Underwater work in Spain (2)

In the midst of conflict between the Kim clan and the Cho clan in Joseon, even in the shogunate, there was an incident where those in power in the military were dying one by one.

Even in their houses, ghosts often haunted them, and as people fled, even haunted houses appeared one after another.

In other words, the family will collapse overnight.

Hashimoto Iemon, the head of the shogunate, had a lot of trouble.

“Damn it, it’s not enough for the sheep to set it up, so now even the ghosts are going crazy?”

“Isn’t it supposed to be a memorial service?”

“… … It’s a ghost. What did we do wrong to hold the memorial service?”

In fact, from the point of view of the shogunate, it had no choice but to burn and kill all unnecessary powers to lead the country while seizing power and implementing a policy of isolation.

However, it was obvious that such oppressive politics could not last that long.

Even now, a huge foreign fleet called Easterfield is encamped.

“I think it’s time to stop the purge and hold a memorial service.”

“… … Do you want to die too?”

“Well, it’s not.”

“Now is the time to just think carefully about everything. Keep in mind that we can all sink by your negligence.”

Another threat to them now is the restoration of the monarchy.

If the shogunate had driven out the shogunate and established another colony through restoration of the monarchy, or demanded complete port opening, the shogunate would in fact be on the verge of collapse.

This is because the restoration of the monarchy was the most powerful weapon that made the shogunate’s cause of isolation from the country useless.

The shogunate had two choices here.

Will the shogunate continue to control the front of trade and politics as it has been pushed to maintain power, or will the shogunate create a new dynasty on its own?

But for now, the former was a much easier way for the shogunate to maintain power.

Hashimoto Iemon is a bit extreme, but if there are people blocking his path like he is now, he will mercilessly cut them down.

Because that was the path for himself and the shogunate.

“Our policy has not changed. To maintain a good cooperative relationship with Korea.”

“By the way. The two mountain ranges of the Joseon Dynasty’s politics are at odds with each other, so I’m not sure where to put the line.”

For example, it was a situation in which a second power, not Joseon or Japan, or an orthodox royal family, occupied the country.

Even within the shogunate, if divisions like the Kim clan and Cho clan conflicts occurred, it was impossible to predict what the future would be like.

Hashimoto Iemon suddenly felt a sense of fear.

“… … choose one of the two We have to think about integrating it.”

“Integration?”

“If Joseon is completely divided like this, we will have no choice but to watch not only the Westerners lose their territory, but also watch the establishment of a new royal family. You don’t want such a gloomy future, do you?”

“Well, thinking about it, it certainly is.”

“For now, I have no choice but to put aside my stupid thoughts and stick to one thing. Do you understand?”

Hashimoto Iemon had vowed several times that he would disappear after being seized rather than suffering like this.

He was doing his best not to really keep that promise.

***

After signing a bilateral trade treaty with Spain, Easterfield decided to establish a customs free zone in North America to sell oil and minerals.

However, even without tariffs, the price was still not as cheap as expected.

Lee Hwan clearly said that he would partially exempt tariffs, but he did not promise to make the sale price cheaper, so it was not a violation of the law.

However, it was by no means detrimental to the Spanish side by raising the price like this.

Even if you buy crude oil and refine it locally, it is about 15% more expensive than buying it in a customs free zone.

It was Lee Hwan’s policy to sell crude oil at a 15% discount based on the local arrival price, and this was enough to satisfy the heart of Spain.

However, after launching the special tariff-free zone in this way, people from all directions began to gather.

“People come from America, Russia, England and even India. They say how much oil is sold and the drums are running out.”

“Everyone is doing tricks.”

Even if you go through North America, if you can buy oil 15% cheaper, there is no need to go to the Middle East.

Easterfield industry officials wanted to stop selling oil in the tariff-free zone.

Because it was clear that it would be negative at this rate.

“Your Majesty, it would be better to stop selling oil at this point.”

“What do you really need to do?”

“If the market continues to roll in this way, won’t the deficit quickly accumulate?”

“You only need to sell enough oil to avoid accumulating losses.”

“Are you talking about keeping sales at the break-even point?”

“Yes. We set the sales volume of oil differently for each country and sell oil.”

“If you do that, other countries will protest.”

“What if I protest? People who won’t be able to fly properly this winter if we don’t give them oil.”

“Well, that’s right.”

Lee Hwan is a person who can sufficiently weaponize oil.

However, he knew all too well how dangerous it was because he had the knowledge of the future.

The only reason he did not carry out the weaponization of oil was because of the livelihood of the people.

“All policies are being implemented in a line that does not harm the livelihood of the people. If we are still black, we cannot stand still.”

Easterfield is a country that never tolerates the tyranny of external forces.

There was no need to do so, but by showing off the power of the Easterfield Federation, he was trying to maintain the current absolute influence.

Lee Hwan always gave options to neighboring countries and dealt with them mercifully. Even if it is a hostile force.

“From now on, oil will import a certain portion of the North American customs zone and sell it differentially at a tax-free price.”

“Yes, my lord!”

“In the future, the management of this tax-free oil will be thoroughly managed by the Kingdom of Easterfield, and if it is found that it is embezzled or used for personal purposes, it will lead to a life worse than death.”

“How can I control the amount?”

“It’s semi-fixed. For the time being, the amount of duty-free oil is never adjusted. However, make it flexible to change according to the king’s command. Of course, make sure to set upper and lower limits for changes.”

Taken from readwn.com

Making duty-free oil was, in another sense, like making slaves to crude oil.

Spain will have the largest share of duty-free oil, and if that happens, competing countries will be competing for more than Spain.

As Lee Hwan quietly watched the fight, he only had to adjust the amount of duty-free oil.

next day.

Due to the king’s order, a bill related to duty-free oil was introduced.

While the administration adjusted the appropriate amount of duty-free oil, it also assumed the range of fluctuations in the price announcement.

Tax-free oil was also systematically nailed to fluctuate when oil prices rise.

Then the neighboring countries came in contact one after another.

“Your Majesty, we have sent delegations from France and England!”

“The hyenas who have already smelled are starting to flock in.”

When the concept of duty-free oil came up, it was already expected that people would gather like a swarm of bees.

How the conditions would become a competition, Lee Hwan was paying attention to it.

Lee Hwan summoned the British and French delegations at the same time.

“It is an infinite honor to have an audience with Your Majesty!”

“Raise your head. It was hard to come a long way. I sincerely hope for good results here today.”

“thank you!”

“Then let’s unpack the news package you brought with us.”

Lee Hwan decided to hear whose condition would be more extreme.

The first to speak was France.

“In France, we plan to give out one of the foreign territories that the Easterfield Federation wants at random on the condition that we increase our stake in tax-free oil a little more.”

“Is it a foreign territory of France?”

France’s list of overseas territories was not as robust as expected.

However, the territories spread out widely in North America and the like are quite large, so if you decide to sell overseas territories, you will be able to get a lot more land than you think.

However, assuming that it was due to the influence of Easterfield, it was not a condition that had merit for Lee Hwan as I thought.

This time, Lee Hwan decided to listen to the British condition.

“Speak the British envoy.”

“Yes, my lord! We England can give you guidance.”

“… … Whole India?”

“It is! If you wish, I can give you the entire territories of Asia.”

It was difficult to understand the news that he would hand over all of the overseas territory he had gained while pooping for porridge until now to Lee Hwan.

But they had a good reason.

just war.

‘The extreme inflation and debt rise caused by the war will be difficult for even Britain to handle.’

Now, asking Yi Hwan to take all the colonies by the British was a big step backwards concept for Lee Hwan advance.

If the battle between Britain and Russia ended in vain like this, it was obvious that Britain’s long-term recession would continue unless Russia backs down.

Lee Hwan was able to read the English language without difficulty.

“Are you going to give up all your foreign territory? However, there is a high possibility that Asia can be exposed to Russia’s south at any time. If we make a mistake, Easterfield may also have to go to war, so why do we need to secure territory?”

“If your Majesty’s intentions are judged that there is nothing more to be gained in Asia, we do not have to recommend it. However, I can assure you that Russia’s South Korea will never happen if Russia and the UK continue to fight.”

The messenger was saying that Britain would act as a buffer in the fight against Russia, so you should treat Asia as you set your mind.

Lee Hwan was a little troubled at this point.

It was because, according to their words, Lee Hwan could quickly occupy Southeast Asia.

However, his thoughts were different.

“done. We do not want such a large territorial expansion. Our Federation seeks to expand its territory as peacefully as possible. In the line of avoiding friction with the natives as much as possible. However, such a powerful territorial expansion will eventually lead to a fight.”

“Ah, then… … .”

“Anyway, I knew your intentions very well. The rest will be decided in consultation with my servants. If you have nothing more to say, go away.”

Lee Hwan thought the scale was over.

However, it seems that their scales are not over yet.

The French envoy bowed his head and shouted.

“majesty! We will give Eastbank a monopoly on financial sales to the French Central Bank!”

“… … monopoly?”