The mage in the late Qing Dynasty

I blanch...Zhao Chuanxin?

Then everyone saw two old guys, Bernat and Jane Simscock, retreating together.

"Eh?" Zhao Chuanxin was holding a cigar in his mouth, his face full of displeasure: "What do you mean?"

In the end, Bernat coughed, took a step forward again and said, "Mr. Zhao, please forgive me for being rude. I'm old and I can't stand being scared."

The then Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Jan Simskok, also stepped forward and said: "Mr. Zhao, I am the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Jan Simskok."

Bernat's English is passable, but Jane Simscock's English is terrible.

Zhao Chuanxin immediately changed from seriousness to joy. He stepped forward like an old friend and pressed each person's shoulder: "Nice to meet you. Zhao has been famous for a long time. I am very happy that you two can come to pick me up. Let's go now. Go see Her Majesty."

"..." Jane Simscock was confused: "Meet the Queen? Why? Didn't you come to The Hague to participate in the International Arms Limitation Commission?"

"You're right, you're right. I've come to the Netherlands. It would be rude if I didn't meet the Queen."

Boy, Jane Simscock doesn't know what to say.

Wilhelmina wanted to see Zhao Chuanxin because she was worried about his murder, and Zhao Chuanxin wanted to see Wilhelmina because she was worried about being rude.

is this real?

Jane Simscock then felt that something was wrong.

"Well, your Majesty is busy with official duties, so I'm afraid he doesn't have time."

"Although I have little education." Zhao Chuanxin looked at Jane Simscock seriously: "But I still know that the Dutch dynasty has been a constitutional monarchy since William II. Without the deputy prime minister or minister, the king cannot The king has no decision-making authority to sign any edict, so what is there for her to do?”

Jane Simscock would not be stumped by this, and he immediately excused himself: "However, our Council of State is composed of members of the royal family and appointed members of the cabinet. This department has political, business, diplomatic, and military experience. "Before the sub-cabinet submits a legal proposal to Parliament, it must submit it to the Council of State for advice. The King is the chairperson of the Council of State, and she is certainly busy."

The fact is that the king rarely presides over meetings.

Zhao Chuanxin was indeed frightened.

His knowledge of the Netherlands was limited to the stars and the moon.

Xingyue's knowledge of the Netherlands was limited to the Morrison Library in the capital.

Both had limited knowledge of the Netherlands.

"Um, does the Queen know that I'm coming to The Hague?" Zhao Chuanxin asked uncertainly.

Jane Simscock shook her head without thinking: "I don't know, but even if I knew, the Queen would not come. You must know that the Queen is the supreme existence of the Netherlands."

This made Zhao Chuanxian very unhappy.

You're awesome, right?

Even the old man has forgotten, right?

Putting on airs like a queen, right?

See how I deal with you.

"Ahem, in my opinion, we'd better go see the queen. What if she blames her? After all, she is the king." Zhao Chuanxin blew out a smoke ring and said.

"No need," Jane Simscock said firmly.

Bernat looked at the two of them strangely.

Only then did he interrupt: "Mr. Zhao, our hotel committee has already arranged the hotel for you. You can stay at any time."

Jane Simscock said: "I see that Mr. Zhao is in good spirits. How about I take Mr. Zhao to visit The Hague and introduce the local customs of the Netherlands?"

Bernat felt that he had ulterior motives, so he did not object.

Zhao Chuanxin was not necessarily that tired because he rested on the freighter before docking at the port.

But he was itching to see the queen.

A little farewell is better than a wedding.

But these two old guys had to drag him shopping.

Zhao Chuanxin said: "Okay then, let's go."

It’s so easy to come here and it’s worth taking a look around.

"Get in the car."

"My legs and feet are good. If I don't take a car, I have to walk or ride a horse." Zhao Chuanxin was not happy to ride in the same car with two old men.

The two of them darkened their faces after hearing this: Who is it?

Jane Simscock stared and said, "Well, I ride a horse too. I'm not too old to ride a horse yet."

Bernat blinked his cloudy old eyes: "Haha, I am indeed old. This gloomy weather is wet and cold, but I can also sacrifice my life to accompany the gentleman."

There is a word that specifically describes the weather in The Hague - Gray sky.

Zhao Chuanxin put on his coat and rode a pure black tall horse.

This horse's mane is curly like a braid, its tail hair is thick, and there are slender spur hairs under its limbs. It looks very handsome.

Seeing Zhao Chuanxin looking at the horse that was sitting down, Bellenut introduced: "This is a Friesian horse, a horse breed unique to our Low Countries. It can be used for driving and riding. It is a very brave and powerful horse. horse."

Zhao Chuanxin activated the heart of the Holy Spirit, leaned over, touched the horse's face, and whispered a few words in its ear.

Then the black horse raised its head and swung its tail, looking happy and excited, neighing incessantly.

Zhao Chuanxin waved his hand: "Let's go."

He didn't see any driving movements, and the horse kicked forward with small steps.

Without running in, the human and horse become one almost instantly.

There are many horses in the Netherlands, and there are many people with excellent riding skills.

Bernat and Jane Simscock were stunned when they saw it.

This may be the control ability of a veteran in battlefield fighting, which is really shocking.

However, Zhao Chuanxin was surrounded by a group of Dutch businessmen before he took a few steps.

Xingyue whispered in his ear: "Some of these people carry guns, but according to my judgment from the chemical elements they secrete, their heartbeats and expressions, they have no ill intentions towards you."

Zhao Chuanxin said: "Stop."

The dark horse stopped immediately.

Someone said: "Mr. Zhao, I am Joseph Linden, the manager of Aksu Company. Nice to meet you."

Others said: "Mr. Zhao, I am Antonio, the manager of Philips..."

"Mr. Zhao, I am Gerald Heineken from Heineken Brewing Company. Our brewery is located in Amsterdam..."

Zhao Chuanxin looked back and saw Bernat and Jane Simscock shrugging at him.

Zhao Chuanxin misunderstood and quickly smiled at the merchants wearing top hats and carrying civilized sticks: "Ah, thank you all for coming to the port to greet me despite your busy schedule. How can Zhao be so virtuous? I'm really ashamed." , Hahaha, let’s eat, drink, whore, gamble and smoke together some other day..."

I can tell you that the people of the Netherlands are really passionate.

Young wife Wilhelmina was really thoughtful. She couldn't come herself, so she sent the Prime Minister and some well-known business people to greet her. Both the official and the private sector have lost face.

What he didn't know was that these Dutch companies, which would become famous in later generations, had just started. For example, the Akerman Company, which made man-made fibers, was now just a small workshop.

Moreover, they were not sent by anyone, they came by themselves.

As we all know, the Dutch are good at doing business. At some point in the past, almost all the people were doing business.

Who makes their land environment poor? The rural population density in the northeastern region is low because it is mostly barren sandy soil, while the clay soil in the west is slightly stronger. However, because low-lying countries often suffer from natural disasters, there is almost no land for farming and they can only do business. Woolen cloth?

Until the original embankment - the sea wall - was built on the seashore.

They built these major water conservancy projects much later than Dujiangyan, which was built by Li Bing and his sons during the Warring States Period in China, and even later than Dayu, who led the people to dredge rivers in ancient times.

However, in terms of the area of ​​dammed and drained land per capita, the Netherlands ranked first in the world both historically and at the beginning of the twentieth century.

The fact that the Netherlands is able to farm now is the result of hundreds of years of hard work.

Zhao Chuanxin didn't understand this, and he didn't know that these merchants had more than simple motives. He also waved enthusiastically: "Thank you, thank you..."

As he spoke, he rode out of the crowd.

A group of merchants were left looking at each other in shock.

I blanch, what do you mean?

We came all the way to welcome you, and we haven’t even told you our purpose. Are you leaving now?

They asked Jane Simscock in the back: "Prime Minister, where is Zhao going?"

Jane Simscock says: "Visit The Hague."

The merchant asked again: "Where can I find Mr. Zhao?"

Jane Simscock hesitated for a moment, but answered truthfully: "You can go to the Coolhouse Hotel to find him later."

Then, the two rode horses to catch up with Zhao Chuanxin in front.

Zhao Chuanxin took a quick look at the flowers.

There are many houseboats parked in the canal. It seems that not all Dutch people are wealthy.

On both sides are many old houses that are one or two hundred years old, red brick buildings, trapezoidal spires, and exquisite and elegant appearance.

There are also bars, restaurants, and gift shops lined up in rows.

Windmills are placed in front of many shops for decoration.

Bernat caught up and explained to Zhao: "Mr. Zhao, the city of The Hague was founded in 1248 by William II, Earl of the Netherlands at the time. He built a castle in the woods next to Haian. In order to facilitate the coronation ceremony. However, he was killed in the war before the castle was built. The castle, which is now the Knights Hall, was later used for political activities. After that, the Dutch nobles used The Hague as their administrative center. Theoretically, the capital of the Netherlands is still Amsterdam, but the administrative center is The Hague. This is due to traditional habits..."

Zhao Chuanxin took out the silk handkerchief, wiped the corners of his eyes, and said hypocritically: "Ah, William II died before he was born, making the hero burst into tears."

Belenat: "..."

Can you be more fake?

In front is the Mauritshuis Museum. There is a square square outside the museum, with a majestic full-length statue in the center.

Jane Simscock introduced Zhao Chuanxin in chatty English: "That is the founding father of our Netherlands, William of Orange. He once launched an uprising against Spanish tyranny and finally allowed the Netherlands to gain independence. He was an amazing man. "

Zhao Chuanxin looked at the art gallery and said, "Let's go in and take a look at the art of the Dutch people."

Jane Simscock seemed a little worried, but after thinking about it, she said: "Okay."

The Netherlands has a very strong history, but in modern times it has been manipulated by foreign powers. In modern times, due to the Industrial Revolution, it has become a small country with advanced technology and wealth. Therefore, the Dutch people have some distinctive character traits from top to bottom.

Do not follow the crowd, be cautious and suspicious, do not participate in political conspiracies and movements, handle problems step by step and emphasize rationality, do not rush for success, be simple and pragmatic and do not seek pomp and limelight, do not blindly follow authority and despise power, and do not yield to pressure.

Especially don't like to be given orders.

Therefore, although Jane Simscock was wary of Zhao Chuanxin's reputation as a "butcher", he was unwilling to succumb to Zhao Chuanxin's lustful power.

He felt that he was willing to accompany Zhao Chuanxin to the Mauritshuis Royal Gallery purely out of etiquette. He had been to this place countless times.

Zhao Chuanxin can be regarded as a painter. His breakthrough in painting skills came after 1904. His physical function gradually strengthened, coupled with daily practice in Lugang Town, which gradually brought his painting skills to new heights.

When he came here, he suddenly felt a little shocked.

Bernat said: "During the Renaissance, European painting art entered its most prosperous period, and many painting schools emerged, such as the Florentine School, the Venetian School, the German School, the Flanders School, and the Spanish School. Until the 17th century The Dutch School of Painting did not appear until the 19th century. At that time, Belgium and the Netherlands were of the same family. At that time, the Dutch School of Painting was a completely different art school in terms of ideology, subject matter, and style compared with other European painting schools. The painting school more or less bears the imprint of luxury, splendor and extravagance of Baroque art, but the Dutch School of Painting, whether it is landscapes, portraits or still life paintings, all show a simple and unique style, Mr. Zhao is the leader among them. , please look at this painting by Rembrandt, the most famous painter in the Low Countries - "Night Watch". This treasure belongs not only to the Netherlands, but also to Belgium..."

Because Berenart is Belgian.

Jan Simscock was not happy when he heard this: "Night Watch belongs to the Netherlands, but anyone who takes the initiative to split away is not considered the Dutch people."

The Dutch have always been obsessed with Belgium's independence, which had a great impact on the Netherlands.

William II of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (not William II during the republic period, but William II during the dynasty period) conducted a deep self-reflection due to the independence of Belgium and the vigorous revolutions in Europe, and then established a constitutional monarchy.

It can be said that it directly changed the destiny of the Netherlands.

Bernat frowned and hummed softly.

He seemed not to take the Dutch Prime Minister seriously.

Seeing that he was silent, Jane Simscock explained to Zhao Chuanxin with difficulty: "A long time ago, there was a militia in the Netherlands. The militia was not just a functional group, but also a cultural and religious group. Members met regularly and organized shooting training and social activities. Of course, they also parade and patrol near the city gates and walls. Each militia group has its own activity venue with a shooting range; in the summer, they usually hold monthly shooting competitions and end with elaborate banquets. Like the guilds, each militia group had its own insignia, and each militia had a set of armor and uniforms. Starting in the 1620s, the custom of hanging large collective portraits of militia detachments arose in Amsterdam. . And this painting "Night Watch" is the culmination of the theme of militia paintings..."

Don't tell me, Lao Zhao really likes this painting.

He even thought that SF Express was not quick and easy.

But then I thought, this is the Royal Museum of Art, isn’t that my wife’s thing?

Forget it.

Zhao Chuanxin was fascinated and couldn't take his eyes away.

Jane Simscock was somewhat proud to see this.

The communication between the two parties at this time is also a process of understanding each other.

The corner of Bernat's mouth twitched, he was a little disdainful, thinking that Zhao Chuanxin was pretending to appreciate it, but in fact he was arty and nonsense.

Therefore, he seemed to be sarcastic, but also seemed to be asking for advice humbly: "Mr. Zhao, this painting is deep and restrained. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a rare treasure. You are so fascinated by it. You must have gained something, right?"

He thought to himself: Let’s see how you make a fool of yourself.

An old onmyoji.

After hearing this, Jane Simscock also touched her chin and looked at Zhao Chuanxin meaningfully.

Zhao Chuanxin came back to his senses, glanced at the painting again, smiled, stretched out his hand and said: "I don't know much about the historical background, but as far as the work itself is concerned, the painter used an asymmetrical method when composing the picture, placing the center of gravity on the picture. For the captain and this team member, the advantage of doing this is that it can make the picture more lively and give the painting a tension that can only be seen in drama. In terms of light and shadow processing techniques, I think this is the reason why the painter used techniques such as chiaroscuro and projection. A combination of realism and romanticism. The main color is dark, but it is decorated with bright firelight and the captain's bright costumes. Even people who don't know how to appreciate it can feel the oppression and tension of war. Back to the focus, as far as I can see. You know, whether we are in China or Europe, when we paint, we inevitably have to arrange according to the social hierarchy, and this painting focuses not only on the captain, but also on the ordinary soldier next to him, which is very rare..."

Not to mention Jane Simscock and Berenart, even the museum guide was dumbfounded - I'm sorry, you really understand.

Zhao Chuanxin kept talking and gave them a vivid art appreciation lesson.

Afterwards, blanch your mouth and blanch it to see if it is useful. It is not your own, which is a pity.

However, Zhao Chuanxin really likes the composition and light and shadow techniques of this painting.

It reminded him inexplicably of the Desert Rangers stationed in front of the Absorbing Han Iron Mine. If he were to paint for them, the composition and light and shadow techniques would be completely in line with the artistic conception of the time.

That kind of tense, serious and mysterious atmosphere, if it were a movie shot, it would be perfect...

Zhao Chuanxin suddenly had the urge to make a movie.

His subsequent development plan for Lubin Mansion actually covers all his properties, and he wants to revitalize all the places under his control.

Movies, theaters, etc. are also an important part.

Works from the same period always have many similarities. Zhao Chuanxin looked at the next painting with a fleeting glance.

Militiamen were a popular subject at the time and were depicted not only in paintings but also in tapestries.

It's boring if you watch it too much, and it's not as amazing as watching "Night Watch".

Maybe some are better than "Night Patrol", but Zhao Chuanxin loves that one the most.

After leaving the art museum, there is a rectangular lake not far away. The shadow of the castle reflected in the lake contrasts with the surrounding trees. The Hague's traditional business district stretches along the castle and gardens. Restaurants and bars of different flavors are everywhere, and various grocery stores and hotels are dotted here and there.

Going forward, the streets of the old city are long and wide, and the houses on both sides are mostly three-story and very elegant. The streets here are wider than those in other cities in the Netherlands.

Neighborhoods such as Te Vogelwijk, Statenqualtier, Bersispark, and Bennoldenhout are wealthy areas.

Jane Simscock specially brought Zhao Chuanxin here to let him see the prosperity of the Netherlands.

He looked at Zhao Chuanxin seriously, and said something to Zhao Chuanxin with seriousness and ulterior motives: "Mr. Zhao, we Dutch people yearn for freedom, emphasize equality and fairness, and can also accommodate various religions, philosophies, Lifestyle and race. We focus on welfare, protecting the weak, the poor, children and the elderly.”

"Um..." Zhao Chuanxin lit his cigarette, blew out the smoke arrow, and said in confusion: "I hear there is something in his words. Jane, if you have something to say, please just say it."

"..."

Jane Simscock glanced at Bellenut.

Belenat knew that it was time for him to appear, and many things required the tacit cooperation of the two people.

Bernat rubbed his frozen old face: "Zhao, listen to me Zhao, the Netherlands and Belgium are both very peaceful countries. We practice neutrality and abstention. We do not participate in any wars, and we do not want riots to occur in our own countries.

Here, you can only see an efficient welfare system, people live and work in peace and contentment, and the crime rate is frighteningly low.

As early as the 17th century, gentlemen from other European countries came here by ship and were disturbed to find that the most ordinary people here, who were engaged in the lowest occupations, dared to come forward and talk to them, without any hierarchy at all.

This was ridiculed by other European countries. When the Netherlands was still a province of Holland, maids in the province of Holland dressed the same as their mistresses.

Even now, the queen's maids don't dress up in maid outfits and dress up as much as they want.

Haha, it seems now that we have achieved freedom long ago, but they have taken many detours. But they want to ridicule us for being too liberal.

Time has proven everything.

Zhao, this is the Low Countries; this is the Netherlands.

We don't like to see any violence or gore. "

Descartes once said: There is no other country in the world where he can feel the freedom of the Netherlands. The residents here love freedom more than anything else.

What is said is true.

It really brought a little shock to Zhao Chuanxin.

But Zhao Chuanxin blinked and said teasingly: "Bellenate, I don't know the Dutch because they are active in the Dutch East Indies. But you Belgians, your behavior in China is not as peaceful as you said. "

"Ah this..."

Zhao Chuanxin narrowed his eyes: "I know, I accidentally killed you Belgian soldiers, but they really deserve to die. You insist on neutrality so much, but you want to go to my country to stir up trouble and get a piece of flesh." Do you think this is appropriate?"

"Ah this..."

You call that manslaughter?

Can manslaughter result in a river of blood?

How many mistakes do you have to make?

But Zhao Chuanxin was right.

If the Belgians hadn't coveted the Lu-Han Railway, if they hadn't been thinking about grabbing a concession from Hankou, if their children hadn't discriminated against Chinese people on Chinese soil, would they have died?

Zhao Chuanxin bared his teeth and smiled: "Guys, don't worry, it's easy to be peaceful. Life is short and sleep is endless. Some people will only become peaceful and peaceful when they die. I will make sure to keep you peaceful."

"..."

Next, Zhao Chuanxin and them went to the slum area again.

Zhao Chuanxian found that the biggest difference between rich areas and poor areas is that the middle-class accents are cadenced, while the accents in poor areas are relatively flat and boring.

Apart from that, I really don’t see any discrimination.

When Zhao Chuanxin and others walked to a private house on Transfall Street, Xingyue suddenly reminded him: "I heard an interesting conversation that happened in the house next to it."

Afterwards, the conversation in the room appeared on the glasses.

Man: Humph, your Majesty the Queen wants to divorce me, and I will not grant her wish.

Woman: Why? Anyway, you are not happy living next to her.