[Red Mansion] I want to be the chief assistant

When I came back, there were only one boat full of people, but when I set off again in the spring, there were already three full boats of gentlemen and ladies.This is not because Angus's appeal is so great, but because he never forgot to bring the giant fleet of big men when he promoted.For such a fleet, their trust is still very high.

It is said that due to the large number of people, many of them were lucky enough to board the big man's fleet.

"Dear Mr. Angus, why didn't you buy another boat?" The woman who spoke had kind eyes behind the fan, as if she was the noble lady Angus had seen at the banquet before, her full name was Margot Ritter Byron.Angus didn't know how she did it, but now she is Mrs. Mill and successfully boarded the ship to the Far East.

But it is not difficult for Angus to guess her current situation. After all, compared with the noble lady covered in jewels she saw before, Mrs. Mill's dress is a little more plain, but the cheerful expression in her beautiful green eyes seems to have left The caged birds are almost overflowing.

"With all due respect, Mrs. Mill, have you made up your mind to go to the Far East and never come back?" Angus was worried. He didn't know why his subordinates believed her lies obsessively, and turned a nobleman The young lady was put up as the widow in her mouth.In short, it was too late when he found out.

He can imagine that his name is notorious in the upper circles of the UK, but he has done this once and basically saved enough capital.After obtaining the nationality, he will naturally not go back, no matter how ugly it sounds, it won't reach his ears anyway.

Miss Mary smiled slightly, and she stroked her curly hair that had been carefully groomed against the wind, and said with a smile: "Dear Mr. Angus, I know what you are worried about, please allow me to express my concern for such a Thank you." She bowed slightly, and then continued, "I know that the future world may not be beautiful, after all, there has never been an utopia in this world.

However, you also said that His Royal Highness the princess in that country can stand up and take care of the family business for his elder brother.So, no matter what, the emperor must have encouraged women to take to the streets. It is not difficult to see from his political actions that he has actually been improving the status of women. "

At the beginning, she only knew a few words about the Eastern Empire from other people's mouths and Angus' brief introduction, and now she knows better than anyone on this ship. Miss Mary's intelligence and the efforts she put in during the process can be seen.

Miss Mary never expected that she could find a higher status in the new world than in England, nor did she feel that she could live a stable life relying on the inheritance left by her parents.

To be precise, in order to be able to leave that home, she generously left most of her property behind.

Originally, her father was the eldest son in the family, and her mother was also an aristocratic lady with a large dowry.This time, she only kept a small part of the cashable wealth by her side, and entrusted all the rest to reliable people. Once the news of her departure from the mainland spread, she would donate it.Not a penny will be left to the so-called family members.

Thinking of this, she felt a burst of joy in her heart.

"So, you have determined your goal!" Angus sighed, and he remembered what His Majesty the Emperor once said. Those who firmly work towards their own goals are worthy of respect.He decided to help this admirable lady, "You just asked me why I didn't buy an extra boat."

He turned his head, gestured to the huge fleet beside him, and said with a smile, "If I buy more ships, wouldn't Madam miss the opportunity to visit the imperial fleet?"

The disappearance of a widow in a middle-class cabin did not attract much attention. When someone asked about it, the sailors would reply blankly: "Oh, you mean Mrs. Mill, she probably went to other places. You should visit the ship, you must know that the three ships under Mr. Angus have different styles, but they are worth seeing."

At this time, Mrs. Mill had already boarded a large ship in the imperial fleet under the recommendation of Mr. Angus. After boarding the ship, she knew why the lucky ones in the mouth of the passengers had that share. lucky.

Soldiers and sailors wearing different uniforms on the ship come and go, and some people on the deck are painting, without the intrusion of wind and waves, that person is immersed in the world of art and cannot extricate himself.All the people couldn't help but lighten their steps when they passed by him, so as not to disturb him.

When she was being led past him, she glanced at it, and saw countless sails on the painting, big Han envoys in wide robes and wide sleeves, and bustling crowds on the pier.Having heard of the grand event that the Earl of Windsor went to greet in person, she immediately knew that this painting described exactly that historic scene.

Miss Mary has received a strict lady education since she was a child, she can naturally see that the painter is highly skilled, and her two brushstrokes are simply not comparable to his.Then she saw the great musicians she had seen on stage, and the carpenter with sawdust on his clothes.

It must be the carpenter, she thought uncertainly, because these two people who seemed to her to be completely out of tune were chatting and seemed to be having a good time.

When they saw someone leading a lady wearing black widow's clothes over, they stepped back to show their respect, and then continued to chat without being surprised.

"It's relatively quiet here." The visitor led her to the door of a room. He pushed open the exquisitely carved wooden door, and put the luggage in his hand into a wooden frame in the room to fix it.Then he pointed to the left and said, "There is a young boy living there, you would probably like to talk to him." Then she taught her how to use a kerosene lamp and how to do daily life, and then left.

Miss Mary saw off the visitors, and then looked at the room.This place is like an embassy in Europe standing in rotation. Compared with the homeland where she has lived for more than ten years, it is like another world.

The conditions on the ship could not be considered good, but from her point of view, this modest room reflected the artistry of the empire in many small details.She caressed the beautiful patterns on the fixed embroidered pier, and sighed that only a rich enough empire would carve art into every detail of their lives, even a simple box would not Forget about engraving some patterns.

As the person said, considering her widow status, she still received some care, although those people may not know what kind of skills she possesses.

Yes, of course she could see that everyone on this ship had different talents, which also made her misunderstand Mr. Angus' ability.He thought he could influence the officials of these empires, otherwise how would she explain her arrival.

The following days were very regular from nine to five. After being on guard for a while, she found that basically no one on board paid attention to her true identity.She wasn't the only woman on the boat, either.Many people brought the whole family with them, and there were cheerful laughter of children playing everywhere in the dining room and on the deck.

There are two Chinese lessons in the morning and afternoon every day. The guests on the ship are divided into two groups and study at different times.This is a must-learn course, in case they go to the empire in the future and can't even communicate.

Miss Mary was very active. She had originally come late, and she found the boy next door to make up lessons beforehand.Surprisingly, this teenager seems to be not studying very seriously, but he is progressing very quickly.

After a few days of tutoring, the two got to know each other a lot. Miss Mary was a little older, so she couldn't help taking care of this young man who left his family and went to the Far East alone.

Perhaps it was also because of the sympathy for each other, both of them were family members who had lost their loved ones, and they were not very happy in their new home.Now, it is also traveling across the ocean to an unknown world.It is impossible to say that there is no fear in my heart.Perhaps, her care for the young man also meant to support each other and hug each other for warmth.She took care of the boy as if she had also been taken care of.

"This is a waste of your talent." Miss Mary said regretfully, she deeply felt that the mother pushed her child too far, "Fortunately, you still have an uncle who is willing to help you, maybe in the future You can take him to live with him in the Far East.” She also learned that the teenager, Isaac Newton, liked to study, but his mother asked him to go back to work as a farmer.

"I don't know. It is said that it is very difficult to obtain the nationality of the Far East." Newton, who was still very young at this time, said slightly sadly, "I don't want to go back in a few years in despair."

"Isaac, you have to have confidence in your ability." Miss Mary looked at the young boy, and as the older character in the room, she comforted, "Didn't you see those gentlemen complimenting your language skills? , at least you can be an interpreter, or a teacher like gentlemen."

Thinking that he had not received many compliments on board, Newton found a little comfort in his heart.He nodded and said, "Yes, at least it's better than farming."

Children's ability to accept is the fastest. Soon, in an environment full of Chinese, they can already use Chinese to quarrel with the sailors on the ship with a serious face, and they can correct their parents when they return to the room. accent.

Day after day is enough time for the gentlemen who teach Chinese to comment on these students from the West, and say that they like those children the most.After all, they are like a blank sheet of paper, let them scribble.It is also a group that is easier to accept the imperial culture, and the young Newton is the first to be promoted next.

"That young man is probably the hands-on genius that His Majesty called. He usually doesn't see it, and he doesn't study hard, but he can make fun things. He is also very curious. I heard that James is going to annoy him to death?"

These gentlemen were sitting in the small side hall dedicated to them, chatting while enjoying the leisure time before class.

"When James started painting, he plunged into it and couldn't pull it out. Can you not be bothered!" Another young man with a white face and beardless laughed. It looks like he has rescued him several times!

"Just wait until his picture of envoy's visit to the West is ready."

"It's easier said than done." The young man who spoke first said, "The sea is humid, and oil painting is not easy to dry. I can see that the children's heads are getting bigger when he stares at them. I'm afraid they will accidentally ruin the painting."

"It's going to be dedicated to His Majesty the Emperor, so I'm naturally nervous." The other person thought for a while and said, "Newton's little toy is well done, don't the kids like him very much? I'll send someone to sort out another one later Come to an empty room and put them together to play, so that they don't bother him."

A word or two gave the boy Newton a job, but he was already very popular with those children, and he was not unhappy.

Life on board is very boring, but the advantage is that there is no need to worry about food and drink.The sepsis that Miss Mary worried about didn't happen, and these people were able to grow vegetables on board!The more she got in touch with, the more she was shocked by the wisdom of this nation.The more I believe that my choice is not wrong.

Facts have proved that there are still many people who have the same perception as him, and she can see that many people still have hesitation in their brows at the beginning.But over time, most of them settled down.

Especially during a chat, a sailor inadvertently talked about their lives after arriving in the empire.They were said to be quarantined for a period of time, and then those who were healthy and free from smallpox were vaccinated.She didn't quite understand the meaning of these two words at the time, but the charm of Chinese is that you may not understand new vocabulary, but you will understand it after reading it a few times.It’s just that she doesn’t have much ink in her stomach, and she can’t express it. Faced with Miss Mary’s question, the teacher who teaches Chinese said so.

This is not the point she wants to express, the point is that this country has defeated smallpox!When the entire European continent was still dying of people in several villages and even entire cities due to this disease, the empire had already invented a high-quality and cheap vaccine that would prevent everyone from getting smallpox.

It is said that such a method existed in the Song Dynasty hundreds of years ago, but it was not popularized because it was expensive and inconvenient.It wasn't until His Majesty the Great Emperor discovered a new treatment method that this terrible disease gradually disappeared throughout the entire empire.

The turmoil in Miss Mary's heart can be imagined. After this fact was learned by the Westerners on board, especially those with children, their determination could be seen by James, who didn't hear anything from the window and only knew how to paint oil paintings. .

The strength of a country is indeed strong in all aspects, especially after they gradually accept the habit, they will find that although the doctors on board the ship are good at making all kinds of dark medicines with horrible taste, but compared with It is not difficult to accept these medicinal soups for the simple and crude so-called medical treatment in their motherland.At least, although those medicines are unpalatable, they can really cure diseases!

One recovery can be said to be luck, but what about being cured every time?After a few times, their obedience to those white-bearded old doctors seems to be second only to the gentlemen who teach them knowledge.

In Angus' eyes, the hygiene problem that needs to be gradually gotten used to was solved by the doctors saying that keeping the body clean is the only way to keep healthy.Even the few believers in this group of people silently let go of the cross in their hearts.

During the long journey, they also stopped at many docks along the way.The supplies needed by such a huge fleet are innumerable. Sometimes Miss Mary silently counts, but often she can't count, and her heartbeat starts to speed up.

If it is just for supplies, they are not allowed to go down.But this time the situation is a bit different. The gentleman who came to class today told them with a smile that they will arrive in India in two days. Those who are willing to disembark and visit can register first, and there will be sergeants and special guides later. Take them on a tour.

It has to be said that as soon as this remark came out, everyone started to commotion.

There are special guides and these seemingly tough sergeants, they don't have to worry about safety at all.It is said that if money is tight, people on board can come forward to buy some goods in their names, and then sell them in the empire to make a small profit.

This Miss Mary knew that when she was in England before, except for carrying the visiting envoys, this fleet did not waste her huge fortune. She took out a lot of goods from the empire for trading and made a lot of gold coins .At the same time, I also bought a lot of items, even including different breeds of pigs.

Miss Mary didn't know the thoughts of these imperial officials very well, but this did not prevent her from taking out part of the money with confidence.After the special person collected the money, he wrote down everything clearly, and only after everyone checked that there were no mistakes or omissions did he put it away.

The time of the two days was calculated very accurately, almost at the same time, the ship was admitted to the dock.Many tourists who disembarked first came from the Angus ship. Many of them would buy tickets to return to the UK after a period of time in India, and they did not necessarily continue to sail eastward.

Guests on a big ship like Miss Mary have to change to a small boat first, and then they can go ashore after the small boat is admitted to the pier.

The feeling of going ashore was not bad, but it was not as exciting as Miss Mary imagined.However, she smiled when she glanced at a group of obviously more excited passengers in front of her.Mr. Angus's boat is not as stable as a big boat, bumps are common, and the feeling of stepping on land must be very good.

"Where is it?" Isaac looked at the busy work scene on the left with his feet on his feet, and asked the guide accompanying them, "Is that someone from the empire?"

"Yes." The guide is a young man wearing loose dark clothes and clogs. In this hot area, most Han people are dressed like this, which is easy to recognize. "A new wharf is being built over there, you know , this pier is too small, so that our boats can't get close to it."

Isaac looked back at the fleet lying on the sea, nodded in agreement, and said, "That's right, sir, you came from the newly built pier over there?"

"Don't call me Mr., I'm not a few years older than you." The young man straightened his clothes embarrassingly, and then said, "Yes, I'm the supervisor on that construction site. I'm here because I'm free. guide."

A few Westerners were at a loss, but the accompanying sergeant, who was knowledgeable, looked at the young man with respect.The current position of supervisor is different from that of later generations. It still belongs to the establishment of the government. He has passed the imperial examination seriously and has official status.And not only that, the position of supervision also requires a certain amount of experience, especially in mathematics, otherwise you can't do it.

The requirements are a little stricter, but also because this position is also a fat job.It's not that they accept a lot of bribes, but that their salary is not only the same as everyone's, but also the money they borrowed from the project.Of course, two sides of the same coin.The risk of this position is also the same in ancient and modern times, and even this world is even stricter.

But, in other words, how many projects can go wrong?Overall, it's a great job.

The young man naturally knew what the sergeants were thinking, so he said with a smile: "Everyone, don't think too much about me. It's just that I grew up in the Gongbu workshop in the capital, and that's what my father did. He knows a little more than others. After passing the scientific examination, he will be stuffed here." He took out a handkerchief, wiped the thin man on his forehead, and said, "I believe in the scientific research institute, but I am not allowed to enter. "

"Research Institute?" Isaac heard the name with sharp ears, moved two steps to the side, and started chatting with the young man.

The young man saw that someone was cheering him on, he was still a young boy, so he introduced him with a smile, and as they talked, the two also showed a look of longing for each other.

After the short trip was over, the young man sent them to the pier, and by the way returned to the pier under construction to continue working.He pulled Isaac reluctantly and said: "Little brother must be admitted to the scientific research institute, which has the most advanced technology in the world." He watched Isaac board the boat and waved, "My home is in the capital , don’t forget to come to my house to play when you go in the future. I will pass the exam later, so I will find you!"

Isaac also looked back and shook his hands frequently with a look of reluctance, and replied loudly: "Definitely!" Seeing that Miss Mary next to her was angry and funny, she had been together for so long on this boat, and she couldn't get along with only one of them for two hours with strangers.

When they came out of India again and drove forward for a while, everyone obviously felt that they were gradually approaching that ancient empire.The stops at the pier have become more frequent, and the daily food has become fresher and fresher.The customs and customs of various places have also begun to show obvious similarities. According to the gentlemen on board, most of these countries have always been vassal states of the empire and have been influenced by the imperial culture for thousands of years. Such a similarity.

And in the port cities of these countries, Han people in Chinese costumes can be seen walking to and fro. Moreover, Miss Mary carefully discovered that these piers were all newly built on the basis of natural ports, with the obvious marks of imperial craftsmen on them.

"Is this also the dock of the empire?" Miss Mary asked curiously, she was becoming more and more interested in the country she was about to live in.

Standing on the side, the gentleman stretched his head to look, and said with a smile: "When we set off, the construction here hadn't started yet. I didn't expect it to be put into use when we came back." He pointed proudly at the garrison on the pier. Honestly, "We have entered the actual control area of ​​the empire, and no one here dares to show our teeth at us."

"Even in other sea areas, no one would dare." Miss Mary boasted sincerely. The greatest danger of sailing lies in the mysterious and unpredictable ocean weather. Besides that, there are pirates who appear on the sea.She has heard many times that she must remain vigilant even if she encounters her own peers when sailing.Because behind the flag that hangs high to represent merchants, no one knows whether there are skulls or not.

The fleet of this ship has a complete chart produced by Lin Yu, as well as experienced weather observers from Qin Tianjian. Combining their knowledge and the experience of veteran seamen, a few ships were lost in two trips. Ships on the periphery of the fleet suffered few casualties.

Not to mention pirates. Seeing such a fleet from a distance, even serious businessmen were scared and ran away.

Standing on the deck and following Mr.'s finger to see the people stationed on the pier, the so-called actual control range is worth it. This is what these countries are in name. The country is a vassal of the empire, but in fact it lives under the guns of the imperial sergeants. How much sovereignty is retained today is still a matter of debate.

Lin Yu built such a large fleet on purpose, not because he had money to burn.It can be said that this fleet is similar to Zheng He's voyages hundreds of years ago.Naturally, there is one difference, that is, Lin Yu did it more thoroughly.

Wherever he went, if the wharf over there could not hold a large ship, the leader of the fleet would kindly take out a pre-drawn edict of the Han emperor, expressing that the empire would help the subordinate countries to establish communication with the empire. The bridge: 'Don't alienate the friendship between the two countries! '.

Seeing the edicts written by these literati, Lin Yu couldn't help but sigh with emotion, what a shame!Sometimes he has some doubts. He made such a move in the Wa Kingdom, and all the courtiers under him have tasted the sweetness. This is the beginning of letting themselves go.

Look at the strategy they have drawn up, it sounds nice.The empire provided money and technology to build the wharf, and the princes and ministers of the subordinate countries only need to thank them for their long live.Of course, the wharf belongs to the empire, and the benefits generated by mooring at the wharf also belong to the empire, especially for the port cities that have arisen because of this, it is reasonable for the empire to collect a part of the business tax!Regardless of the inland empire, the empire is still very generous, right?

Since the subject country has the property of the empire, it is also appropriate for the empire to send troops to protect it.While protecting the empire's property, the powerful imperial soldiers also protect the safety of you and others.That being the case, it is right for you to bear part of the resulting military expenses, right?

Under such an edict, even if the kings wanted to say something wrong, facing the guns raised by the imperial army, they could only knock down their teeth and swallow their blood, and they had to smile all over their faces to express that they were right. Yes, long live my emperor, long live, long live!

What can he do if he refuses to accept his softness? The pitiful fate of the Wa country next door has been spread to the ears of princes and nobles in all neighboring countries through businessmen. Even the specific compensation figures have been published in newspapers. How can there be fakes?Compensation is one item, and what happened to the Wa Nu Wang family after they went back made them even more terrified.

Originally, he lived well in the capital of the empire. To be honest, the Wa Nu King, who was still gaining weight, was ashamed and indignant because he had become an "unprecedented shame in history" of their family not long after returning to the capital of the Wa country. committed suicide.

No one thought it was the empire that did it. After all, if you really wanted the family's life, why would you feed them with good food and drink until the envoys arrived.Now that the ransom has been collected and the person is released, there is no need to kill anyone.They are all neighbors, and no one knows what the situation in the Wa Kingdom is like. It was the Tokugawa family who saw that the prestige of the king's family had declined unprecedentedly, which made it worse.

I have to say, it was really a good time to pick.When Lin Yu received the news, he put it aside without even looking at it.He said to the people around him: "Since the people are already dead, don't let them make too much trouble inside." This was probably a rare mistake of his, originally thinking that it would make them fight with each other, He happened to be reaping the benefits.Unexpectedly, I underestimated the tolerance of this nation for failure.Originally, he was neglected by the gentry and officials because he had no real power. Later, he was a prisoner and signed a treaty, and was sold at a low price by the empire.

The shogunate has coveted the throne for hundreds of years, so why not take this opportunity to act.No matter how bad the reputation is, there is only one chance!

Now that things have come to this point, no matter what, we can't let the country of Wa make too much trouble, which is not in the interests of the empire.What Lin Yu needs is a qualified watchdog, not a mad dog who patronizes and kills each other.

He thought of the Japanese envoys who stayed behind. It is said that they were preparing for the upcoming Han envoys, so they did not go back with the Japanese slave king.It can be seen that Ito is still a scheming person. He stayed in the empire, but he didn't get involved in the domestic mess.Even if the matter of the treaty will be revealed sooner or later, there is now a bigger news covering it up.After a period of time, the time has passed and the situation has changed. Wouldn't he have nothing to do.

Lin Yu's heart turned a few times, and then he called Guan Yunfei. Poor Guan Yunfei finally took a rest for a while, and was busy with the joint affairs of the Ministry of Households, the Ministry of Industry, Honglu Temple, and even the Ministry of War. As mentioned before, the matter of stationing troops abroad.According to Lin Yu, the operation mode of the terminal is to make a front stop for the train.When it is almost universal across the country, it is time to 'help' the dependent country to build a railway system.

In short, the wharf has already been built in India, and he can breathe a sigh of relief. However, the news came that the fleet to Europe was about to return.

"After finishing this period of work, Yunfei can also take a good vacation." Lin Yu had a rare conscience, and said very sincerely, "I heard that although the country of Wa is small, there are also some beautiful places. It's not bad to go and see it."

Guan Yunfei wiped his face, and said: "What is the emperor's order?" The Wa country was beaten and maimed, but His Majesty the Emperor mentioned it again, so there was something wrong.As for the vacation or something, anyway, he doesn't believe it.

Lin Yu just laughed, and then pointed to the map and said, "The more distant the region, the lower the influence of the empire. It is not appropriate to recruit all the people, and it has delayed the country's good time for development." No matter how much he hates this country, There is one thing to admit.As long as they can eat enough, the quality of individual soldiers of the Japanese warrior class is still good. "I want to hire Japanese warriors to form mercenaries, and leave some inconvenient places to them."

It was only then that Guan Yunfei realized why Lin Yu needed to go to the Wa country by himself. It was really such a matter that required him to have an interview with the Tokugawa shogunate.Because it is called cooperation, but in fact it is the eagle dog that turned this country into an empire, and it did not happen overnight.

He is really good at calling people, Guan Yunfei lamented in his heart, but His Majesty's heart is all for the empire, how can he, a courtier, complain aloud.He said: "I just don't know what kind of employment method it is, what about weapons?" Money and food are trivial matters, but this weapon is more sensitive, and Lin Yu needs to make up his own mind, so the sergeants who occupy the military department will be convinced and make trouble. stand up.

"Don't Curry have a lot of standard weapons that have been eliminated for the furnace, don't waste them, they can still be used after cleaning." Those weapons have long been replaced by the imperial army who are used to good things. It is unusable, but in the world, its lethality is still very good, "You have to draw up a plan for the method of employment."

Speaking of this, Lin Yu thought of the Japanese envoy who was still in the country, and said, "Didn't that Ito sharpen his head and want to get a nationality? Go and learn about the situation of the Japanese country with him, and he will know everything. Endless."

These Japanese people will not have any psychological pressure on their allegiance to the Han Empire that defeated them, let alone any treason.Even if Ito encountered a crisis of almost dying during his mission, the people in China who admire him are still like a crucian carp in a river.

Hiring warriors is only the first step. As the empire expands, so will the mercenary regiment. The next step is to hire ordinary people.The training of the mercenaries is naturally provided by imperial sergeants, and the commanders are also led by imperial sergeants, and then interspersed with the imperial army.Is there a better place to put the idea of ​​loyalty to the Han Empire in their minds than a fighting army?

"Wonu King's family is all dead. If the Tokugawa shogunate still wants that position, it has to curry favor with the empire." The treaty has just emphasized the clan relationship between the two countries. If they want to get the rightful The throne, the empire's royal edict is essential.Therefore, Guan Yunfei was not very worried, and said with a smile, "Then let me just go this way!"