The Ming fleet, from south to north, a huge fleet of nearly 100 large and small ships, gradually approached the European continent.
Zhu Youzhen stood at the bow of the boat, dressed in the uniform of the Prince of the Ming Dynasty, and Feng Zhu, Zheng Zhilong, Ao Bai, Li Yizao and others standing behind him were all wearing official uniforms and clustered beside Zhu Youzhen.
Tang Ruowang and other missionaries, as well as some of the Ming Dynasty prisoners in Taiwan, are now neatly dressed and looking in the direction of the mainland with different eyes.
More than a year and a half have passed, and everyone has been adrift at sea for too long, and their hearts have long been impatient, and now they are eager to see through and are impatient.
Zhu Youzhen was holding a telescope in his hand, and he could already see some mountains on the mainland from a distance, and he couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive in his heart.
Before he came, the younger brother of Qianqing Palace did not see him and did not explain anything to him.
He knew very well in his heart that the younger brother's attitude towards him was very entangled, just as his mind was.
Although the Qianqing Palace did not explain to him, but along the way for more than a year, he gradually learned a lot of things, and what he was most concerned about was that the Ming Dynasty wanted to establish trade relations with Xiyi and other countries, and tried to buy a large amount of grain from them to deal with the worsening natural disasters in the country.
With this article alone, Zhu Youzhen is obligated and determined to do a good job in this matter, as for the rest, he selectively didn't see it.
Tang Ruowang has not been back for many years, and at this moment he is full of excitement and indescribable, looking at the approaching homeland, his expression is very inexplicable.
After a while, he turned his head to look at Zhu Youzhen, bowed and said: "Lord, you can dock in an hour at most, and there will be Spanish ministers on the shore to greet you, according to the custom, you can dock temporarily, repair ships, replenish fresh water and food, and at the same time go to Madrid to meet the King of Spain." ” Zhu Youzhen nodded slightly and said, "After going ashore, this king will send someone to negotiate with the Spanish side and arrange a specific itinerary." ” John Tong is not a simple preacher, he knows that many things have to be done in private, and then the big man nods, this is the normal process.
He also understood another thing from Zhu Youzhen's words, that is, he was not Zhu Youzhen's only choice, if he refused to help, Zhu Youzhen had other ways.
Naturally, John Tang did not want this, which was tantamount to his loss of relations with Zhu Youzhen and the envoys of the Ming Dynasty, and seriously affected his missionary work in the East.
"Lord, I will do what you wish."
Tang Ruowang saluted and said respectfully.
Zhu Youzhen nodded slightly, he hated the feeling of being restrained, he couldn't help the one in the capital, but in the face of Tang Ruowang, he would not compromise.
At this time, a lieutenant quietly walked over and whispered in Zheng Zhilong's ear.
Zheng Zhilong looked slightly startled, immediately raised his head, took out a telescope from behind him, and looked at the shore from afar.
I don't know when, on the other side of the originally calm shore, some ships gradually appeared, coming from both sides, and there was a tendency to encircle them.
On the whole, these ships are more than a circle smaller than Daming, and there are fifty or sixty ships, and they look - menacing!
Needless to say, Ao Bai, Feng Zhu, Zhu Youzhen and others picked up binoculars one after another, and kept observing on the other side and at sea.
It didn't take long for everyone's expressions to be solemn, and Zhu Youzhen's gaze suddenly turned coldly to Tang Ruowang.
Even if Tang Ruowang didn't have a telescope, he had already noticed something, his eyes changed slightly, and he said in a deep tone: "Lord Wang, please stop the boat and let me go to meet them, I can find out their purpose, they will not attack you." ” There was a chill in Zhu Youzhen's eyebrows, but he didn't speak.
Feng Zhu's eyes were calm, and after a while, he said: "Lord Wang, we are new to the city, and we really want to agree with the master's family, so we might as well send someone over first to communicate." ” Zhu Youzhen said: "You can arrange it, this king will wait for the letter." ” "Yes."
Feng Zhugong replied respectfully, turned around and left.
After a while, the fleet of nearly 100 ships of the Ming Dynasty stopped, and the combat readiness was improved, and the three small ships left the fleet, sending John Tang and the envoys of the Ming Dynasty to the shore.
On the shore, King Philip IV of Spain and Okundo stood side by side, and the two of them held binoculars to look at the approaching huge fleet.
Spain claims to be the strongest in Europe, both at sea and on the road, but it is not easy to assemble such a large fleet.
"Is the Ming Dynasty strong?"
Philip IV couldn't help but ask again what he had asked Okundo a few days earlier, and this time blurted out more unintentionally.
Okundo had seen the Ming Dynasty's fleet at that time, but it was far from being as formed as it is now, and he didn't see the one in the middle, a huge and formidable monster in the sea.
"Your Majesty, let them stop."
Okundo said lightly.
They had intended to give the Ming a dismount, let them see the power of Spain, and ask them to spit out the Philippines and make adequate compensation.
However, now it's all a pipe dream.
With such a huge fleet, it is conceivable that the ancient kingdom of the East, which can only be seen in the pen of a missionary, is not only full of gold, but also powerful and terrifying.
They have vast overseas interests, if this envoy fleet is eliminated today, and the Ming Dynasty sends another one to roam the world, how will they respond?
This kind of consequence is too terrible for them to think about!
Philip IV was more aware of the current situation in Spain, which was already facing financial collapse and owed huge debts, and he had been trying to reduce it, and even considered defaulting on it, but the consequences were too serious, and naturally he could not tolerate damage to overseas interests, especially New Spain, that is, the Americas.
He remembered that the Ming Dynasty was closer than Spain.
Philip IV was silent for a long time, and suddenly said, "We need the friendship of the Ming people." ” Okundo telescopes looked at Akito's huge fleet and suddenly said, "We need their ships." ” Philip IV picked up the telescope, although it was a little far away, but he could see that the ships of the Ming Kingdom were wider and smoother, and they were not as thin as the European ships, and they looked like they were powerful.
"I need to talk to His Royal Highness."
Philip IV Road.
Okundo stepped forward and ordered the fleets that had gone to sea to return.
There were no more than 60 of these fleets, and none of them were the main force of Spain, and in the face of such a huge Ming fleet, there was no possibility of victory.
Free novels bring you joy and joy ---> storyskyline.net
The Spanish fleet was soon withdrawn, and the emissary boat arrived.
Philip IV warmly received John Tong and the envoys of the Ming Dynasty, and said that he had no intention of making enemies, and that he would ensure their safety in Europe, and that he would welcome the arrival of the Ming envoys, and that he would do a good job and give the greatest welcome.
Zhu Youzhen quickly got a reply, and the fleet formed an umbrella shape and slowly sailed into the port of Lisbon.
Philip IV could see the vigilance of the order, and did not care at all, not only withdrew the fleet, but also withdrew the defense on the shore, and personally and very enthusiastically came to greet Zhu Youzhen.
"Welcome, Your Royal Highness."
Philip IV touched his chest with one hand in Spanish etiquette, leaning towards Zhu Youzhen, very sincere and enthusiastic.
Zhu Youzhen was dressed in princely clothes, and although he was very disgusted with these Xiyi people in his heart, he still raised his hand and said, "I have seen His Majesty the King." ” Naturally, there was John Tang in the middle of the translation, and he was very calm, telling the other party as much as possible in words that were familiar to both.
Queen Elizabeth looked at the handsome and extraordinary Zhu Youzhen, her face was full of smiles, she stretched out a hand, and said, "Welcome to Spain, Your Royal Highness." ” Zhu Youzhen watched her stretch out her hand and couldn't help but be stunned.
John Tang said a few words to Elizabeth, and Elizabeth withdrew her hand in a daze, looking a little regretful.
Tang Ruowang turned his head and explained to Zhu Youzhen, "This is a European hand kiss, this is a kind of respect for ladies." ” Zhu Youzhen frowned, understood what Tang Ruowang meant, looked at Elizabeth, and became more and more displeased in the depths of his eyes, this kind of thing naturally will not happen in the Ming Dynasty, that is, it will only happen in this kind of ** country!
Although he didn't like it, he didn't say anything and nodded lightly.
Philip IV looked at Zhu Youzhen, very enthusiastic, and said: "Your Royal Highness, please come with me, I have prepared a sumptuous dinner for you, all of which are the dishes of your Ming Kingdom." ” Zhu Youzhen was stunned, he really didn't expect this, and said politely: "Your Majesty." ” Philip IV almost walked inside with Zhu Youzhen, and at the same time introduced: "The place where we dine is the Kingdom of Portugal, I am the King of Portugal, Your Highness will definitely like it here......"
Zhu Youzhen responded politely to this, and occasionally glanced back.
Feng Zhu followed him, and Zheng Zhilong confronted Okundo, who was talking to Okundo with the help of a translator.
The fleet of the Ming Dynasty needed to be repaired, fresh water, food, and at the same time, various arrangements needed to be made.
These things are quite trivial, but Okundo's words are very happy, and he will do his best to help the Ming Dynasty and treat them as best friends.
Philip IV took Zhu Youzhen and others into the Kingdom of Portugal, and constantly introduced the history of this kingdom, foaming at the mouth and talking endlessly.
The people on the side were amazed, their king had never been so talkative, even Elizabeth on the side was surprised.
Philip IV was a very urban monarch and rarely talked so much.
Zhu Youzhen stood next to Philip IV, listened to John Tang's translation, and then looked at the kingdom that seemed to be brilliant but was actually very small, and shook his head secretly, but he kept a smile on his face, occasionally echoing a sentence.
Philip IV only thought that Zhu Youzhen was a newcomer and recognized his life, so he became more and more eager, and also beckoned some officials to introduce Zhu Youzhen.
Zhu Youzhen saw them one by one, and through Tang Ruowang's translation, he knew that the identities of these people were roughly equivalent to officials such as Hubu Shangshu, Royal Qianzhuang, and the State Administration of Taxation, and these officials were accustomed to money and food.
Zhu Youzhen is not an ordinary young man, he has only said some things from the enthusiasm of Philip IV, and he quietly accompanies him.
Maybe John Tang explained something, Philip IV didn't have that grand ball or anything like that, he took Zhu Youzhen around, and greeted him for a long time, so he let him rest, and half an hour later was the dinner.
Philip IV arranged for Ju to be taken away, and he sat in a somewhat dark room, with Queen Elizabeth standing beside him, and Okundo and many other officials in front of him.
The prime minister and others did not come, and it was clear that some forces represented by the prime minister and the parliament opposed the peace between Philip IV and the Ming Dynasty, and were making silent protests.
Philip IV ignored it, he was still a strong monarch, sat in his chair, silent.
Beside him sat Elizabeth, who was three years older than him, thirty years old, but still had no children.
In front of Philip IV stood Okundo, as well as several governors and similar chancellors of the Exchequer, the Minister of Trade, and others.
After a long silence, Philip IV raised his head, swept his gaze over everyone, and said, "What do you think?
” The governor of the Netherlands looked at Philip IV and said, "Your Majesty, I have gone to see it, the fleet of the Ming people is very strong and solid, the artillery is larger than ours, and the range is expected to be longer. ” A seemingly ordinary official said, "I asked the soldiers who came back, and they said that the artillery of the Ming Dynasty was quite fierce, with a range half as far as mine, and there were many arsonist ships, a huge fleet of 100 ships, unless there was a relative force to attack, it was all big fish eating small shrimp." ” The bearded admiral said: "The Ming people are not Ottomans, they are not so easy to defeat, they are obviously more civilized, not so aggressive, this time, it is a friendly trade come." ” Philip IV was expressionless, pondered for a while, turned his head to look at Okundo, and said, "General, what do you think?"
” Okundo looked at Philip IV, blinked, hesitated for a moment, and said, "It's not difficult to keep these hundred ships. ” Philip IV sat up straight and waited for him to continue.
The others, including Elizabeth, were shocked and looked at him with intently fixed eyes.
Being bullied by the Ming Dynasty in the East and losing their popularity, this is their great shame, if they can teach the Ming Dynasty a lesson and restore their dignity, they are naturally willing to do it, and their hearts are more inclined to this.
The crowd looked at Okundo and waited for him to continue.
But Okundo didn't open his mouth again, as if he didn't see the eyes of the others, and looked straight at Philip IV, without any intention of continuing.
Philip IV was stunned and immediately came to his senses.
Indeed, it is not difficult to keep these hundred ships, and it is easy to kill the elder brother of the Ming Dynasty, but what about the consequences, there is such a terrible enemy on the other side of the east, and their overseas colonies will be sleepless day and night.
At the same time, they had equally many enemies in Europe, and if they could not gain the friendship of the Akito, the Franks, England, and even the Netherlands would follow.
Spain's strength is weakening, they don't need enemies, they need helpers, allies.
Moreover, this ally is thousands of miles away, there is no threat, and it is still strong.
Philip IV did not dare to leave the last bit behind, he stood up with a smile, and said: "Well, what are we waiting for, let us feast our friends from the Far East, I have many things to talk about with him, and I am full of interest in the mysterious, rich East." ” A group of people had no opinion and accompanied Philip IV out.
On the other side, Zhu Youzhen and others were also discussing secretly.
Zheng Zhilong was born as a pirate, and he saw some of Spain's arrangements in his eyes, and sneered: "This Spain harbors evil intentions, I'm afraid it will do something to us." ” Ao Bai saw Zhu Youzhen's face change, and then said, "Don't worry, the prince, we also have arrangements, they are not so easy to get, they want to eat us and break their big teeth!"
” Through this period of time, Ao Bai and others also figured out the strength of the Spanish Navy, if it is raised after a period of time, there will indeed be a very strong navy, but in Lisbon, it is not enough for them to stuff their teeth!
Free novels bring you joy and joy ---> storyskyline.net
Zhu Youzhen looked at the confident looks of the two, and then said: "Well, I also noticed that the Spanish king was insincere, and seemed to be interested in finding out something, perhaps, he really didn't give up on us." ” Feng Zhu listened to the words of a few people, and said, "Then we can't go to the Papal States, we have to find out Spain's attitude as soon as possible, and see if there are any conditions for reaching a treaty, if not, let's go to Franks." ” The Franks were another great power in Europe, supporting Protestantism, which was not against Spain, and the war never stopped, but for the time being, it turned from a national war to a proxy war.
Zheng Zhilong agreed, and said: "Father-in-law, the last general proposed that you can go over by land and stay in Lisbon. ” Feng Zhu was stunned, thinking that this was a good way to learn more about Spain and Europe, and couldn't help but look at Zhu Youzhen.
Zhu Youzhen just pondered for a moment and said, "Well, let's deal with the present first." ” When they came, they thought about many things thoroughly, but when they actually went ashore, they found that they had no clue about many things. 2