But when the chamberlains and maids removed the banquet, everyone's expressions became solemn.
¡° Negotiations involving major matters cannot be settled in just a few words, nor can they be settled easily.
The interests and starting points of both parties are different, which means that they want to fight for different things. Naturally, they have to think about how to persuade the other party.
"Two gentlemen, I still say the same thing. Thirty ships is too many. Can there be less?" The young emperor spoke very politely, without any authority at all.
"I also know that we are embarrassing the officials, but this is something we agreed to. People cannot be trusted without trust. We can only come here and think of a way." Shen Han said with a wry smile, "Or do what I mentioned before. Well, the price has increased by 30%, what do you think?"
"No, no, no." Uncle Zhao saw his nephew emperor hesitating, so he might as well be the bad guy himself, "I'll tell you the truth. There are many islands in Japan, and it is very difficult for us to clean them up on weekdays. If these ships If it gets into the hands of pirates, it will definitely be a blow to our Song caravan, and we have to think about our own people."
"But the Fujiwara family are not pirates." I couldn't help but interject, "They are the largest family in Japan, and they also do business with our Song Dynasty. Don't they have a good reputation?"
"The Fujiwara family has a good reputation, but who can guarantee that there are not many pirate groups behind them?" The emperor frowned and said, "Many Japanese daimyo maintain a group of pirates to help them fight against the enemy and rely on robbery. Come and make a fortune. Once the thirty second-class ships are used for these purposes, it will be impossible for us to find out if they have no evidence."
"The Fujiwara family has close to a hundred large ships. If they really want to rob, they don't need to rely on these thirty ships?" I grasped the point very keenly.
"What you say makes sense, but from another aspect, the Fujiwara family is already so powerful. If they increase their strength again, I am afraid it will not be a good thing for the Song Dynasty's caravan and the surrounding small countries." Uncle Zhao went on to put forward another objection.
Father Lauren laughed when he heard this, "Brother Zhao, in fact, this is the reason why you really don't want to sell, right?"
Uncle Zhao and the emperor both smiled. No denial.
Father Lauren pondered for a moment. Said: "Actually, the country of Japan has a very low self-esteem, but it is also very eager to live in a rich place like the Song Dynasty. If things go on like this, if they wait until they become prosperous, it will definitely be a great harm to the safety of the Central Plains. .¡±
"Oh?" The emperor said in surprise and amusement, "Mr. Lauren, are you kidding? How can a mere Japanese island country cause harm to our land of China?"
"I'm just saying it's possible. And within seven or eight hundred years, there won't be any demonic threats to them." Father Lauren didn't want to talk more and said with a smile: "Actually, the danger in the Song Dynasty is not just about Japan. As long as a country is weak, it will be bullied. Only when we become stronger will we not be afraid of anyone."
The two of them could not help but nod as they listened. Although they were a little embarrassed that the Song Dynasty was suppressed and beaten by the Liao Kingdom, what Father Lauren said was true, so naturally he had to accept his opinions with an open mind.
"If the Song Dynasty wanted to develop, it should develop more shipbuilding technology and let merchants continue to sail into the sea to find new worlds. Only if they have this pioneering and enterprising spirit can a country's commerce It is getting more and more prosperous. Only Da Song can get more benefits from it." Father Lauren continued, "So Da Song should think about continuous development, rather than desperately hiding technology, thinking that this way it can sit back and relax! If there is no development, there are many smart people in the world, and sooner or later someone will build a ship that is better and bigger than the Song Dynasty. Only then will the disaster come!"
They had discussed the issue that Lauren¡¯s father mentioned before, but this time it was subdivided into shipbuilding.
The emperor and the Eight Wise Kings thought more carefully, and they didn¡¯t know how long it took before they looked at each other and nodded slowly.
"What you said is good, but the reason is still not sufficient." Uncle Zhao considered it and replied.
I couldn¡¯t help it anymore, so I said again, ¡°Uncle Zhao, if you think in another direction, you will easily figure it out.¡±
"oh?"
"The development of shipbuilding technology is definitely inseparable from the efforts of craftsmen. In order to stimulate the enthusiasm of craftsmen, giving money and honors is the best way, right?"
"yes."
"It's easier to give honors. After they retire and return to their hometown, giving them the status of a gentry will probably be enough for them to be happy. ButMoney is different, which requires a lot of long-term investment. In addition to rewards, it also includes the purchase of various materials, etc. This money is a bit difficult even for a country as wealthy as the Song Dynasty, right? "
"right."
"Then why don't you sell more boats to others and use their money to develop? Anyway, they are not the latest and best boats, so the impact is not very big, right?" I said eloquently, "Even later, you We can use the money we earn to develop the shipping industry, doesn¡¯t this greatly reduce our burden?¡±
"ah?"
The emperor¡¯s eyes lit up, but Uncle Zhao frowned and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this too utilitarian?¡±
"Hey, there are so many feelings between countries!" I sneered, "Could it be that the Liao Dynasty won't bully us just because we are kind to it? Will it not accept our tribute?"
The word "tribute" is really hurtful. The young official glared at me without saying anything. Uncle Zhao gave me a slap on the head and said, "You bastard, won't you save some face for us?"
I stuck out my tongue and stood aside, pretending to be a good kid.
Speaking of which, the reasons that need to be said have been said, and it depends on their decision.
The emperor looked at us and called Uncle Zhao to come behind the bright yellow curtain, and the two began to discuss.
After a while, the two finally came out from behind.
Uncle Zhao coughed lightly, "Okay, we agree to your request."
"yeah!!"
I shouted with joy.
"Don't be too busy to be happy." Uncle Zhao waved his hand, "In addition to the 30% increase in price, this ship will be awarded twice. This year's plan is almost full, and it will not be fully delivered until next year."
Lauren¡¯s father and his master also discussed it for a few words, and immediately came to a unified opinion: "Okay, just follow what Brother Zhao said!"
Thirty second-class ships, the negotiation was successful!