New Shun 1730

Without these two legs, the emperor would probably choose to close the door in Sunda and Malacca after going to Southeast Asia.

If the national treasury and the inner treasury want money, closing the door monopoly and opening the trade is the easiest to control. Selling goods in Malacca will facilitate the elimination of smuggling, and the emperor can monopolize the trade of spices, tea, porcelain, etc.

At least 10 million taels of income will be added to the national treasury and the inner treasury each year, and the annual income of Dashun can be increased from 30 million to 50 million.

On this point of view, Liu Yu and the emperor have great differences.

Of course, before the capture of Southeast Asia, the two were on the same road. But once they really crossed Malacca, the differences were inevitable.

These two legs are necessary for Dashun to cross Malacca.

Liu Yu clearly went in a direction that the Dutch could not agree to.

If there were sober people in the Netherlands who knew what the times had changed and really agreed, he would also open his mouth and put forward another condition that the Dutch could not agree to.

But according to Liu Yu's observation, the Netherlands lacked sober people at this time.

The significance of VOC to the Netherlands at that time can be compared to the later Samsung plus Hyundai to South Korea, and the core of VOC is in Nanyang, which is too close to Guangzhou and too far from Amsterdam.

It's like two people facing each other. The Netherlands took off its pants first, lay flat on the ground, and put the most vulnerable thing under it into Dashun's palm. Just like that, he still had dirty words in his mouth.

People who are more sober can understand the current situation, but in this situation, whether it is the Governor of Java or the Seventeen Gentlemen Group, they still have the arrogance of the golden age.

Think about it.

The smartest ones are busy striving for autonomy for each province and reducing inheritance tax and progressive tax; the second smartest ones are thinking about cashing out in the stock market, speculating in finance, and using connections to get the tax-sharing rights of seven provinces; the third smartest ones are thinking about intrigue and making quick money in the colonies.

The elites of the whole country are busy with this, and no one has really considered the future of the Netherlands.

Liu Yu thought, the regular households are poor while the tenants are rich, the farmers and warriors are in trouble, the people who do not work benefit, they see great benefits but do not move, they hear about the beginning of disaster but do not prepare. The Netherlands is going to be finished.

Anyway, Liu Yu felt that if he were the governor of Batavia or one of the seventeen gentlemen, he would not think about resistance or writing letters for help, but actively cooperate and give up interests, and there would still be a basis for cooperation between the two sides.

However, looking at this situation, the Dutch side even finds the most basic "equal diplomacy, equal tariffs" incredible.

The problem is that the Dutch eggs are now in the hands of Dashun, and Dashun is not a weak chicken like the Sultanate of Matalan. Is this the arrogance of being a world hegemon?

Valknier and others were really surprised and stunned by Liu Yu's "rude" request. They thought Liu Yu was crazy. How could he have such a whimsical idea.

Divest trade with China? Both sides agree on tariffs? Really... Unless the shareholders of the company are crazy, they will never agree.

However, in terms of words, he could only do nothing.

Air-to-air diplomacy and international law could not defeat Liu Yu, because every word Liu Yu said was "reasonable".

It was morally reasonable to let Amsterdam impose the same tax rate on Chinese merchant ships as Songjiang Customs imposed on Dutch merchant ships.

"My Lord Marquis, you should think about this matter again. If the trade between the two countries is cut off, it will be a loss to your country at least in the short term."

Liu Yu said calmly: "First of all, I don't grow tea or run a kiln, what does it have to do with me? Secondly, someone will make up for the loss in the short term. The British say that your Zeeland Chamber of Commerce is all tea smugglers. Do you think the British can't take up the market you have vacated?"

"What the British said is not false, right? Will the Zeeland Chamber of Commerce not smuggle?"

It was the "slander and rumor" of the "British" again. This time, the Dutch present had no strength to refute. They lowered their heads, thinking that it would be better to remain silent at this time. The more they talked, the dirtier they would be.

Liu Yu extended his index finger and tapped his head.

"Everyone, wake up and think carefully. Times have changed. Don't be like those seventeen idiots who can't see the situation clearly."

"Let's put it this way. I guess you can't come up with any rules for a while. Let's stop talking for now. I'll come back in seven days."

"By then, in addition to this matter, I want another thing."

"A clear and detailed resettlement plan for Tang immigrants to Ceylon. Including treatment, contract period, distribution, autonomy rights, immigration batches, mortality indicators, these things must be clear and clear, and it is convenient for us to send people to supervise and implement them."

Looking at the Dutch with a warm smile, he finally said: "I am not a person who talks about empty words and empty benevolence. I also know that immigration is not easy, some conditions are more harsh, and the mortality rate may even be as high as 30%. I can understand this. But it must be written clearly. Is there any problem with this?"

The last sentence made the Dutch feel full of sincerity. Some people who had dealt with Dashun officials in Guangzhou thought that they had finally met someone who didn't talk so much about benevolence.

Many people will definitely die if they immigrate to Ceylon. Although the 30% mortality rate is still a bit low, it can still be achieved if we try hard.

Having said this, Valknir felt relieved. It seemed that Liu Yu had no intention of going alone.

"Okay, Lord Marquis, since you said so, let's talk again in seven days. At that time, we will definitely give you a detailed immigration resettlement plan, and we will also give you opinions on "stripping trade with China" or choosing "trade with a trade license."

"I have arranged for someone to prepare a dinner, please come."

Liu Yu laughed and waved his hand, saying, "I am not used to Dutch food. You should focus your limited energy on major issues. My time is very tight."

"If we can reach a pleasant agreement in seven days, I will certainly be happy to drink and chat with you. Now, goodbye."

He stood up and left without stopping. A group of Dutch people stood up to see him off, sending Liu Yu and others out like a plague god.

After watching Liu Yu's carriage disappear on the street, the group returned to the Governor's Mansion and discussed Liu Yu's request.

Batavia had already made a plan for immigration to Ceylon.

It's just that before, we need to consider Liu Yu's unknown attitude, and we also need to consider that if Liu Yu doesn't understand the mortality rate of tropical immigrants at all, we have to forge some clauses.

But now that Liu Yu said so, we can tell the truth. The treatment must not be too good, and it is only slightly better than Tamil slaves.

Without mentioning this matter, the issue of divesting trade with China has become a topic for everyone to discuss.

Of course, the "five percent" annual income promised by Liu Yu was avoided, so that everyone's words pretended to be rational rather than self-interested.

Valkniel also knew that everyone was waiting for him to express an attitude first, but he just shook his head and said: "Gentlemen, this is a difficult opponent. We are powerless to deal with it, so let's send him away as soon as possible and let him talk to the board of directors and the people of the federal meeting."

"We just need to express our views on this matter objectively, impartially, and selflessly."

"From the perspective of objective, impartial, and selfless, and our understanding of China in Batavia, this matter is beneficial."

The governor said it was beneficial, which means he supported the divestiture of business with China. An annual income of 5% of the equity is much better than the meager salary of the staff.

And the governor also said that this is out of reason, not self-interest.

Seeing that everyone present was excited, Valkner immediately poured a bucket of cold water.

"But, gentlemen, please don't have any hope for this."

"The various chambers of commerce in Zeeland, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam will not allow this to happen."

"The company is a complete system. The funds, profits, and important cash flows from trade with China are part of the rest of the trade."

"It is impossible for the company to divest the most promising business and leave the declining business that must be maintained with a lot of money."

"For example, the garrison in Batavia maintains the monopoly of spices. And part of the cost of this garrison is drawn from the profits of trade with China."

"So, gentlemen, as a giant company, the most dynamic and promising part is taken away for reorganization. What about the remaining unprofitable or even losing money businesses?"

Valkner used a somewhat vulgar metaphor.

"It's like a family with many daughters. There is the most beautiful daughter, who will have no trouble getting married and will receive a huge betrothal gift; there is also the ugliest daughter, who not only has no betrothal gift, but may even have to give a dowry of extremely high value."

"As long as the family does not collapse, all daughters can get married. But if the most beautiful daughter is separated, what should be done with the remaining ugly sisters?"

"Gentlemen, you should be very clear about the importance of trade with China. However, trade with Japan, which is far less important than trade with China, has caused major problems in the company's capital flow. In any case, the company will not allow this proposal."

"Of course, the final decision can only be made by the board of directors and the federal meeting. I am just expressing my views here and reminding gentlemen not to have too much hope for this."

"As for the equal trade requested by Liu Yu, I can tell you clearly that this is impossible. Because this violates the East India Company's monopoly, it means the disintegration of the company."

"Everything in the company is based on monopoly rights."

"So, I personally support the trade of Kanhe. If you don't accept the humiliating "tribute trade", then this matter is likely to cause a diplomatic dispute."

The enthusiasm of the people in the Council was extinguished.

They supported Batavia as a transit port, but did not support the Dashun officials to disembark for transit.

Kanhe trade cannot be extorted. It can only be said that it is good for Chinese citizens who open hotels, sell vegetables, and open restaurants in Batavia, but it is not very good for them who are at the upper level.

You can neither smuggle, nor bring private goods, nor blackmail, which is far less attractive than the 5% equity annuity for stripping off trade with China.

In the midst of disappointment, everyone wanted to say something, but Valknir signaled that everyone could disperse.

"Gentlemen, I suggest that you carefully revise the immigration plan for Ceylon. Our opponent has a pair of terrible eyes, please do not try to deceive him."

After the others left, Prips, who had gone to the capital to negotiate and preside over trade with China, dismissed the others, leaving only Valknir, and the two wanted to talk privately.

"Mr. Governor, even if you accept Kanhe trade, I think if Liu Yu's goal is reciprocal trade, this matter will not be successful."

"You don't understand the concept of China's Celestial Dynasty."

"You have to know that in Dashun, they called the lions sent by Alfonso VI a 'tribute gift', and Macau also acquiesced in all this; but in fact, in Europe, for the sake of national dignity, the Portuguese said Diplomatic gift."

"Liu Yu must understand the difference between tribute and diplomacy, and he will definitely make this clear in Amsterdam. By then, the Dutch's patriotic sentiment will never accept the term 'expansion trade'. This is about The dignity of the nation and the honor of the country.”

"In order to allow trade, we have gone to the capital before, also in the name of paying tribute. However, we all know that no one will tell the citizens of the Netherlands the truth. If this bad scar is directly pointed out by Liu Yu, then in fact, The joint trade proposal will definitely be rejected by the federal provincial conference."

"But I listen to Liu Yu's opinion, either reciprocal diplomacy and equal tariffs; or unequal diplomacy and accepting tribute in the name."

"He will not allow us to gain fame and gain at the same time."

"I can assure you of this, he is definitely not a person who will suffer. This is not because he beat our mission in Tianjin, so that I have any prejudice."

Phillips, who knew China and Liu Yu far better than Valkenier, knew very well that trade at this time was unequal at the diplomatic level. Dashun's demand for reciprocal tariffs can be regarded as equal diplomacy.

But now the Netherlands, and even the whole of Europe, is filled with a "natural gangster mentality" towards the countries east of the Cape of Good Hope: I can ask you to open the country, but I will not allow you to come to my country to sell goods, only our stuff. Exclusively sold by Indian companies.

This mentality and this method have always been so successful that it has become a matter of course, as if it should be the case.

However, once you encounter an outlier like Dashun, problems will arise.

One is the natural gangster mentality; the other is the pride and self-confidence of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Phillips had been to the Forbidden City to attend a banquet, and he had truly seen the visible pride of the Celestial Kingdom.

And Liu Yu left a rather frightening impression on him. This was a person who could not possibly suffer. Will the Dutch be allowed to want both face and dignity?

Valknier thought for a moment and believed that Phillips and Liu Yu had indeed been in contact for longer, and asked: "So, what do you mean? We can only suggest that the board of directors accept the proposal of joint trade in private instead of Will everyone know about this incident?"

However, Phillips pointedly pointed out that this is not acceptable.

"Mr. Governor, if equal diplomacy cannot be achieved, do you think Liu Yu will choose to let it go?"

"Before, Chinese officials only maintained the appearance of the Celestial Dynasty internally; but Liu Yu, when he could not get any real benefits, would make Europe understand the difference between tribute and diplomacy."

"The initiative in this matter is in his hands. The board of directors can deal with it in a low-key manner, but how can it stop Liu Yu's mouth and make him keep a low-key tone too?"

"As an aristocrat of the Celestial Dynasty, will Liu Yu accept that the Celestial Dynasty does not need lizi but also face? I have been in contact with him and he also wants face, but he does not think that the Celestial Dynasty's face is meaningful within the Celestial Dynasty."

"I'm worried..."

He glanced at the already anxious Governor and expressed his biggest concern.