Ren Lingyu opened his eyes slightly and said in a calm tone: "One hundred and fifty thousand pounds."
Jose Riquelme suddenly sat up straight, his light blue pupils almost bursting with fire: "Mr. Ren!" He changed back to his original title of Ren Lingyu: "Are you kidding me? That ship cost four hundred thousand pounds!¡±
"Just go with the flow" Faced with Jose Riquelme's accusation, Ren Lingyu smiled calmly, seemingly unaware of the anger in the former's words, "When you and the French ordered this warship, It might have really been priced at four hundred thousand pounds, but it seems to me now that it's only worth a hundred and fifty thousand pounds, that's all."
"You are taking advantage of the situation!" Jose Riquelme gritted his teeth and for a moment, he felt that the smell of blood in his mouth became stronger.
"Maybe." Ren Lingyu nodded, his expression was quite sincere.
"As you know, my other identity is a businessman. When it comes to business, this is the most basic business common sense." His tone was almost persuasive. "And now that there is a possibility of lowering the price, then naturally I You shouldn't let goColonel, don't you think so?" Ren Lingyu's delicate face looked as usual, without any trace of guilt.
In his original time and space, when the Beiyang Navy ordered warships from Chile after the Sino-Japanese War, the Chilean price for just one "Esmeralda II" protected cruiser that had been in service for nearly 10 years was 25 Thousands of pounds, and the down payment ratio must reach 60%! The total price of the "Zhi Jing" Eryuan, which is similar to the "Esmeralda II" purchased by the Beiyang Navy, is only more than 300,000 pounds
"When it comes to taking advantage of the situation, I'm far worse than you Chileans! So today, I'm just repaying him in the same way." Ren Lingyu looked at Jose Riquelme quietly, I secretly thought in my heart.
"I can't accept this price." The look of shock and anger on Jose Riquelme's face gradually dissipated, "Mr. Ren, you are not the only one who wants to buy our warship." After the initial panic, Jose Riquelme regained his composure. Under the pressure, he gradually regained his composure.
"Have you ever thought about it? If we inform the Japanese of your attempt to purchase the Platt, how will the Japanese Navy react? I believe they will work hard even if they spend every last coin in their treasury. I bought this warship at a more favorable pricebecause as far as I know, there is not a real ironclad ship in the Japanese navy's lineup."
"oh?". Ren Lingyu responded calmly. He turned back to his seat in a few steps, faced Jose Riquelme, and gently held the two warship transfer documents signed by Admiral Monte with two fingers. Contract, he asked casually: "Are you Japanese?"
"Yes! Japanese.". Jose Riquelme straightened his back and straightened his back. "As you said. Your navy and the Japanese navy are engaged in an arms race. I think if there is such an opportunity to strengthen oneself and weaken the other side at the same time, then the Japanese Navy Ministry will definitely be very interested. "
Ren Lingyu stared at Jose Riquelme quietly for a moment. Suddenly he smiled. Then he shook his head slightly: "Colonel, you are a good soldier. However, you are not a good businessman."
¡°Sell warships to Japan?¡±. The smile on Ren Lingyu's lips became even stronger. "If the Congressional Army where you are now has captured San Diego, then I believe you can do a good business with the Japanese. Indeed. As you said. If the Japanese know that I am planning on that ironclad ship, they will definitely do it. Stop them at all costs. And naturally you can still do a good business with them"
"But the problem is". He paused. "What you need is really just money?".
Looking at Jose Riquelme, the expression on his face suddenly froze. Ren Lingyu also spoke more firmly: "What you and your Congressional Army need most now is arms! Arms that are enough to establish a ground force that can compete with the Presidential Army's army. And this thing. Now". Ren Lingyu's dark pupils shone brightly. "Only I can give it to you!"
"The Japanese already have a large-scale army. For this warship. I believe that even if they are asked to allocate weapons from their own army to us, they will agree." Jose Riquelme replied. "Is it?". Ren Lingyu raised his eyebrows. "Colonel. You should know that the Japanese will also abide by international public lawof course. The premise is that the British ask him to abide by it."
"And, to take a step back, even if the Japanese really do what you want and are willing to trade their army equipment for warships, then I ask you, can you and the congressional army still afford to wait?" He had no doubt that he would I heard a negative answer - if they really could afford to wait, the Congressional Army would not go to California, a relatively close place to buy arms privately.!
"Colonel, I understand what you mean." Seeing Jos¨¦ Riquelme's face turn from gloomy to defeated, Ren Lingyu changed his tone at the right time: "But please think about it, no matter what you have paid today What a price, but as long as the Congressional Army you serve wins in the end in this civil war, then hope is still there!"
"That's right! Jose, as long as there is still hope" Yan Fu, who had been silent for a long time, looked at Ren Lingyu with shining eyes, but the target of his speech was Jose Riquelme on the other side, "Then All the destroyed military ports can be rebuilt; the plundered warships can be rebuilt! But if you lose, there will be nothing!"
It is difficult for a person who is silent to open his mouth, but once he opens his mouth, his words are worth a thousand dollars!
Jose Riquelme's eyes were changing, as if he was making a difficult decision. After a long time, he finally said with difficulty: "Brigadier General, how will you pay for this money?"
"For the first deposit of 50,000 pounds, you can get the check today. As for the rest" Ren Lingyu suppressed the sudden ecstasy in his heart and tried to keep his voice calm, "You still need to go to HSBC Bank Open an account, and I will pay you immediately after your country, us, and la-seyn shipyard complete the relevant transfer procedures."
"As for the ship of arms, I can send a telegram today to inform people over there in the United States. Arrange for the California Congress to release it, but" He smiled slightly, "I'm afraid it will take a few days. And to express my apology, we We can give you an additional 20 Krupp 75mm camp guns."
"I represent the Congressional Army. Thank you for your kindness." Jose Riquelme did not seem to be infected by Ren Lingyu's joy at all. He took out a pen from his jacket pocket and quickly reviewed the two contracts. Filling in the blanks with the details and price of the warship for sale, he dryly directed the conversation in another direction: "What about my two attach¨¦s?"
"Are you talking about the two uninvited guests last night?" Ren Lingyu smiled and took the pen handed over by Jose Riquelme, signed his name on the two contracts, and asked Yan Fu to help take out the official seal of the ship purchase committee and seal it, and then continued: "They will do it today. I can go back with you"
Yan Fu had already sent Jose Riquelme and the two Chilean naval officers who were captured last night out, but Ren Lingyu still stayed in the room.
The setting sun reflected in through the large floor-to-ceiling glass windows, lining his body with a faint golden edge, but also reflected the slightly trembling corners of his mouth, which were also lying flat on his knees. Although he tried his best to suppress it, his hands continued to tremble.
¡°The reason why he didn¡¯t go to see Jose Riquelme off in person was not because he lacked courtesy. It's just because he doesn't know if he can restrain the urge to shout loudly as long as he leaves the sofa for a moment!
His trembling hand slowly touched the contract left for him on the coffee table, and finally stopped at the string of extremely neatly written letters¡ª¡ª"arturo-prat"¡ª¡ªthis was the Battle of Toshima. Later, what Li Zhongtang mentioned in the memorial was "a steel-armored clipper that is big and strong and can travel eighteen miles and three miles!"
Ren Lingyu pursed his lips hard - Teacher, Ding Junmen, Brother Youqiao, Brother Zhengqing and all the officers and men of the Beiyang Navy, I, Ren Lingyu, have finally lived up to his trust. From this moment on, the Clippers cannon. It¡¯s no longer unique to Japanese pirates!
There was a sudden noise from the bedroom door of the suite not far from him. It seemed like something had been knocked to the ground.
"Everyone, come out." Ren Lingyu tried his best to take a few deep breaths. He picked up the remaining tea in front of him and took a sip, looking unfazed again. He put down the tea cup and continued: "It's done!"
The bedroom door was suddenly opened with great force, and four figures of different heights, short, fat and thin rushed out from inside!
"Teacher!" Zhang Jingxing, the tallest among the four, rushed to Ren Lingyu first. His usually gentle and elegant face was now full of excitement, "Congratulations"
Before he could finish his words, Xuanhua next to him quickly covered his mouth, and a glimmer of realization flashed in Zhang Jingxing's eyes. He gently took Xuanhua's hand away, took a step back and talked to Xuanhua next to him. , He Qianting and Yang Licheng stood in a row and bowed to Ren Lingyu neatly: "Congratulations, teacher!"
Ren Lingyu nodded slightly. Although he tried to remain calm, he could not help but smile: "Get up, Ji Ming" He pointed at the water stains and ceramic shards on the carpet. He said to Zhang Jingxing: "Go and call some waiters to come in and take care of this room. In addition, let them serve a few more plates of snacks and bring a pot of tea."
"Yes!" Zhang Jingxing stood up with a smile and strode out the door.
??Everyone served a cup of black tea, and then everyone started talking about the weather.
Ren Lingyu held the teacup and smiled at the overjoyed students in front of him - Zhang Jingxing was still reading the information about the "Platt" carefully, his handsome face full of concentration; He Qianting, who was delicious, was concentrating on the two plates of refried beans and dates in front of him; Xuanhua was chatting quietly with Yang Licheng who was sitting next to him.
Although they were busy in different ways, the look he saw in the eyes of these four students was exactly the same - it was a kind of respect that came completely from the heart, not because of the so-called dignity of teachers, nor because of The connection of interests they had formed with him when they committed that murder was a kind of pure, simple and clean respect, but it was also what he longed for most.
????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Thinking of this, Ren Lingyu couldn't help but chuckle.
"teacher¡¡". The sudden clear male voice broke the silence in the room. The new naval academy teacher with good features and good looks raised his head slightly, his long eyebrows tightly knitted together.
"Huh?" Ren Lingyu looked at Zhang Jingxing with gentle eyes, "Ji Ming. Do you see anything wrong?"
"Yes, teacher, please take a look." Zhang Jingxing nodded simply and put the "Platt" line map he was holding on the coffee table. He continued: "Teacher, please take a look. The hull of this ship is covered with steel armor, and the steam engine used has reached 12,000 horsepower and has a speed of 18.3 knots. Although it is not as good as the new Japanese pirate speedboat mentioned by the teacher in "Japanese Military Preparation Strategy" It has 15,900 horsepower and a high speed of 23 knots. However, if you consider that our Beiyang Navy and the Japanese Navy fought in formations during sea battles, the gap of these few knots is actually not significant, and the ship's ground protection is far greater than that of the Japanese Navy. On the ship. But"
His clear eyes were already filled with a layer of haze, "Among the artillery equipped on this ship, the main gun is the French 238mm Canai gun. As the teacher said, the caliber and style of the main gun of our Beiyang ships are different. Similarly, supplying ammunition after purchase is a headache. What's more important is that these eight 4.7-inch secondary guns, although they are also called quick-fire cannons, have a rate of fire of only 1 round/minute, which is relatively low. The 10 rounds/minute of the Armstrong cannon on the new Japanese pirate ship is almost a world of difference! In addition to the eight 4-inch Armstrong fast-firing cannons on the Japanese pirate ship, there are also four 6-inch fast-firing cannons on the Japanese pirate ship!"
"Teacher" Zhang Jingxing continued anxiously: "The so-called fast boats and fast guns are all about two words. And compared with the new Japanese pirate ships, this ship is still far behind in terms of fast guns. Far from it.¡±
"Ji Ming is determined." Ren Lingyu looked with admiration at the fact that the disciple in front of him, whom he valued the most, could remain so clear-headed even when he was overjoyed. This student really won't let himself down.
"As Ji Ming said, this ship-to-ground artillery won't make me happy in Beiyang, so it's a long-term plan" He tapped the blueprint lightly with his knuckles, "Let's take advantage of it before it is delivered. -Seyn Shipyard negotiates and it is imperative to replace the ship¡¯s guns for this purpose!¡±
"Change guns?" Xuanhua and He Qianting couldn't help but look at each other, while Zhang Jingxing let out a sigh of relief, but Yang Licheng, who was sitting alone next to Xuanhua, still looked like he was in a state of deep thought.
"That's right, change the guns! Let's switch to Armstrong's 6-inch and 4.7-inch rapid-fire guns!" Ren Lingyu said with certainty - this was not his whim. In the history he has mastered, the Japanese's "Three Scenes" When the "ship" was still under construction, the secondary battery was replaced from the reserved French rapid-fire cannon to the Armstrong rapid-fire cannon with a higher rate of fire - and this was one of the many reasons why the Japanese won the battle at Dadonggou.
"I will send a telegram to the country today, asking Lord Zhongtang to tell Lord Xue Shuyun to go to France to meet us. The imperial court has clearly ordered that Lord Xue will be the main party in this ship purchase, with me as the assistant" He looked at several people The slightly dazed student calmly said this sentence that even he himself did not believe, and then continued: "Master Xue has always understood the overall situation. I think if I tell the truth, it is necessary to change the gun. I believe Mr. Xue will also support it, Sheng Ji" He suddenly turned to Xuanhua who was listening intently.
"The students are here!" Xuanhua was stunned for a moment, then agreed loudly.
"Yes." Ren Lingyu nodded and said to him: "At that time, I will recommend to Mr. Xue that you will be sent to La Seyn Shipyard to supervise the gun replacement. What do you think?"
Xuanhua's face immediately turned red, "Student", he suppressed the excitement in his heart, "I will definitely live up to my mission."
"Well, that's good." Ren Lingyu nodded with satisfaction - although Xuanhua's talents were also valued by him, this person was Zhang Peilun's son after all, although he and Zhang Peilun were also called A close friend, but I didn't think about it, but I always felt that there was an extra layer between Xuanhua and him than Zhang Jingxing and others
"Take your time, as you go abroad for a long time, you will always have the opportunity to slowly put him in your pocket." Ren Lingyu immediately addedHe turned his eyes to the student who had been silent all this time and said, "Shou Zheng, I have been thinking for a long time. What are you thinking about?"
Yang Licheng, also known as "Shou Zheng". But when Ren Lingyu greeted him, this usually neat-looking naval management student was still in deep thought and was not even aware of Ren Lingyu's greeting.
"Shou Zheng!" Xuanhua, who was sitting next to him, couldn't help but stretched out his hand to touch him, and Yang Licheng raised his head with a confused expression.
"The teacher is calling you!" Xuanhua reminded hurriedly.
"AhTeacher!" Yang Licheng bowed his hands to Ren Lingyu as if waking up from a dream, and said hurriedly: "The student is distracted."
"It doesn't matter." Ren Lingyu waved his hand casually - his most impressive impression of this student was only two words, neat and unusually neat. Whether it was his clothes or his appearance, he had always kept them extremely neat. clean.
"What are you thinking about?", he asked casually. Yang Licheng was almost the least valued one among the six followers he chose this time, so he did not expect this student to say anything profound.
"I'm thinking about one thing in school, two words." Yang Licheng had returned to his usual cleanliness at this time.
"Oh?" Ren Lingyu raised his eyebrows, "Tell me about it."
"Yes!" Yang Licheng bowed and said: "The students are thinking about heroes, and the current situation!"