Back to the Ming Dynasty to be a tyrant

This is a difficult question, because there is no way to measure its value in silver for a detailed chart.

For example, hidden reefs, such as whether food and fresh water supplies can be obtained on a certain island, this information is actually insignificant for offshore navigation, but it is a fatal problem for ocean-going fleets.

As for the three major fleets of the Ming Dynasty, each of them is an ocean-going fleet, and even Emperor Chongzhen plans to build other fleets in the future, and it must be developed towards the ocean-going fleet, not the offshore fleet.

With such a large territory and such a wide sea area in Ming Dynasty, the demand for developing an offshore fleet is not great, but the ocean fleet will be the main force for future development.

As a student of the Vertical and Horizontal School, Li Chengyan sees this very clearly, and naturally understands the value of such a chart—a priceless treasure!

The existing sea charts of Ming Dynasty are basically the sea charts drawn by Zheng He during his seven voyages to the West during the Yongle period, as well as the parts that were perfected by the pirates of Ming Dynasty during the Chongzhen period. The sea chart of the barbarians obtained from Song Island.

And the charts from more than 200 years ago have been passed down from generation to generation. Will there be any mistakes and omissions?

No one can guarantee this kind of thing - if something goes wrong, a fleet may be ruined!

No one can afford this responsibility, regardless of whether it is the civil service system or the military system of nobles.

According to Cohen, he obviously still has a more detailed chart in his hand, and he doesn't know how he hid it in the first place.

If the sea chart that Thun said is true, then no matter what kind of sky-high price is given, it is worth it, at least it is worth it for Daming.

But it is impossible for Li Chengyan to directly agree to the price of 100 million taels of silver—even if this chart is really worth 100 million taels, or 1000 million taels.

After pondering for a while, Li Chengyan said: "Mr. Keen, I have to admit that this chart of yours is very tempting to me and Daming.

But you should also be aware that Ming will soon go to war with those British guys, and at the same time go to war with the Mughals.

I think, what does this mean, your heart is very clear? "

Cohen nodded and said: "Of course, there are a lot of army transfers, a lot of logistics transfers, a lot of ammunition consumption, and a lot of, um, opportunities for promotion and fortune."

Li Chengyan said with a smile: "You may not believe it, but in fact, the war this time was all caused by a word from those British guys.

The one who was carried out just now, Clive, the leader of their reinforcements, said that Shah Jahan was the ruler of the world, so the war happened like that. "

Seeing Keen's puzzled look, Li Chengyan explained: "I am the son of heaven, and I am the master of the world. Shah Jahan Hede, the master of the Mughals, dare to presume Self-proclaimed? I, Ming, will naturally raise troops to attack thieves."

Cohen finally figured it out - just because someone pretended to be a sentence and didn't pretend to be good, it led to a bloody case of destroying the country!

Li Chengyan continued: "It is precisely because of this that the conquest of the Mughals will require a lot of troops and supplies, and it will not cost much money."

When Cohen heard this, his heart skipped a beat—are you trying to bargain?Don't forget, I'm a good guy who wants to help you kill the Brit, brother!

Li Chengyan did not disappoint Cohen either: "So, for the price of Mr. Cohen's sea chart, I can bid up to 40 taels of silver at most. If it is more, it is basically unrealistic."

Cohen was immediately confused.

It would be great to be able to use the hands of Ming to kill the British guy.

Just like this time, I cheated the British East India Company. Once the Mughals were also taken by Ming Dynasty, the British East India Company could basically declare bankruptcy.

However, such an important sea chart can only be exchanged for 40 taels of silver, but Cohen was unwilling: "Li, for the sake of our friends, 90 taels can't be less. No matter how little, I won't have any money." The method has been explained to the board of directors.”

Li Chengyan said: "Of course, I won't embarrass my friend—then, 45 taels of silver, plus fifty catties of fushou ointment?"

Cohen shook his head and said, "No, it should be 80 taels of silver, plus a hundred catties of drugs. Even so, I will bear a lot of pressure on the board of directors."

You bear the pressure of a hammer. One of the seventeen gentlemen is a boss, which is equivalent to a company with seventeen big shopkeepers. You are one of them. What pressure do you have?

After complaining secretly in his heart, Li Chengyan continued: "48 taels of silver, plus a hundred catties of happiness ointment. If there is more, I have no place to raise so much silver."

Cohen still shook his head: "At least 70 taels of silver, plus 150 catties of drugs."

Li Chengyan gritted his teeth and said, "50 taels of silver, plus [-] catties of longevity cream! If Mr. Cohen agrees, then we can sign the contract now.

If Mr. Cohen doesn't agree, I can let my Ming's fleets explore slowly, it's just a matter of spending some time. "

Cohen didn't agree or disagree, but changed the topic to another direction: "How many fleets? How many fleets do you have that are as terrifying as demon gods?"

Li Chengyan said carelessly: "East Sea Fleet, South Sea Fleet, West Sea Fleet, North Sea Fleet, plus the Indian Sea Fleet that is under preparation, there are five in total.

Of course, this is what I know so far. As for whether a few more fleets will be built, I can't say for sure. "

After finishing speaking, Li Chengyan showed a look of sudden realization: "By the way, I also have a fleet on Xinming Island in Daming, a total of six fleets.

The equipment and personnel of these fleets are basically exactly the same - they use the same warships, receive the same training, and then guard my Great Ming's thousands of miles of sea. "

After Li Chengyan finished speaking, he looked into Cohen's eyes intentionally or unintentionally.

This time the cowhide is blown so big, will it explode?Will this savage be scared to death?

Cohen did not doubt Li Chengyan's words, but just took a deep breath.

I know of two such terrifying fleets, but according to Li, they have four more of the same fleet!

God, do they want to occupy all the seas God has created with their fleets?

The Netherlands has its own fleet, and the shipbuilding industry is also very developed. Although the three-masted sailing ship is not as good as the main warship in their fleet, the gap is not particularly large-at least it will not be beaten without the slightest chance to fight back. force.

However, it is very difficult to turn the whole of the Netherlands over and gather a fleet like them!

In the fleet of the Ming people, there are twelve main warships, plus various supply ships, the size of a fleet can reach more than 30 ships.

In the Dutch fleet, there are basically three to five main warships, and even if the auxiliary ships are counted, there are less than ten.

In this way, the gap is infinitely enlarged-to deal with a fleet of the Ming people, basically all the fleets of the Netherlands must be sent out!

However, once a conflict occurs, will the remaining fleets of the Ming Dynasty remain indifferent and just sit back and watch their fleets be bullied?

It is impossible to think about it!

After pondering for a while, Cohen said: "Li, I have a bold idea, I don't know if I should say it or not?"

Li Chengyan said: "Of course. But, Haitu?"

Cohen laughed and said, "Since we are friends, we must talk about friendship, right? 50 taels is 50 taels, plus [-] catties of drugs!"

Li Chengyan then continued: "Just now you said you had a bold idea?"

Cohen nodded and said excitedly: "Of course, you have an invincible fleet, and our East India Company happens to have a large number of charts and many colonies.

I mean, we could join forces and loot the world!

For example, those damn Brits, they have a warship named "Mayflower", and they carried the Secession Puritans to North America to establish the Plymouth Colony.

We can rely on your Armada, go to Plymouth, kill those damn Brits, and divide their wealth! "

Hearing this, Li Chengyan couldn't help being moved, but he refused: "Of course, this idea is very good, and the possibility of realization is very high.