latelenovela Chapter 144 Sweet pastry
Chapter 144 Sweet pastry
At that time, the United States had only been independent for a little over a hundred years, and was considered a junior partner by Western countries. They were pragmatic, working hard to maintain good relations with European countries while quietly reaping benefits.
Moreover, most Americans today are descendants of businessmen and impoverished aristocrats, who are more willing to lower themselves and do anything as long as there is money to be made.
“Special Envoy Rouki, I know why you've come. But as you also know, many countries are eyeing these factories. I can't deliberately show favoritism!” Shen Lian naturally understood his purpose.
The American manufacturing industry has indeed caught up with, and even surpassed, most European countries, and new inventions are constantly emerging. Their machines are also cheaper than those from other countries.
However, trade and economic exchanges between countries certainly don't only consider the value of products. Currently, the influence of the United States is quite limited.
Moreover, Shen Lian remained wary of the United States. The powerful United States of later generations rose to prominence during World War I and World War II.
Now that I'm here, I can't let the benefits of these two wars go to the United States alone. I also want to rise to power through World War I and II!
Therefore, if possible, it is necessary to restrict the development of Americans.
You guys demand open access now because you have needs, but once you develop, you'll impose all sorts of restrictions and embargoes! Just wait and see if I don't teach you, America, a lesson you're finished.
With European countries acting as a shield, Shen Lian wasn't afraid of arousing American suspicion. And they wouldn't dare do anything.
Sure enough, trade delegations from various countries flocked to the town. The Zhenyuan Marquis's residence was bustling with activity. Shen Lian became a highly sought-after figure in the eyes of these nations.
After a major battle, the Western countries were completely taken aback. This ancient country in the distant East had given everyone such a big surprise.
Why did we have to fight this war? Right, my lord?
This was exactly what Shen Lian wanted to achieve. Since he also wanted to introduce Western technology, he wanted to get his hands on what he could while they were still on guard.
After ten days of discussion, all the projects Shen Lian proposed were snapped up by businessmen from all over the country.
The total investment exceeded 60 million taels of silver. If you add the steel mill, gun factory, cement plant that Shen Lian wanted to build, as well as the railways, highways, and various infrastructure projects that needed to be constructed.
The total investment exceeded one hundred million taels of silver! This news was deliberately leaked by Shen Lian to Western journalists.
This news was quickly reprinted by major Western media outlets, and businessmen from various countries took action, urging their governments to strengthen ties with the Qing Dynasty and improve relations in order to secure more orders.
The pressure quickly reached the envoys' offices in Qing China, and these envoys and ministers had no choice but to visit Shen Lian. They were well aware of who was most important at that moment.
"Greetings, Your Excellency!" Jason led the German envoy, Muran, and his entourage into Shen Lian's reception room.
.
"Welcome, my German friends!" Shen Lian stood up and greeted them warmly.
"Greetings, Your Excellency Marquis!" Even the proud Mu Ran had to bow.
After exchanging pleasantries, Shen Lian took the initiative to start a conversation. "Mr. Special Envoy, you know the current situation. Various countries are putting pressure on me, wanting to secure the most orders. I'm in a difficult position!"
“My lord, we have a solid foundation for cooperation. Moreover, Germany’s manufacturing industry is among the most advanced in the world,” Muran said proudly.
Shen Lian nodded in agreement.
“I know all of this, and I personally admire you Germans very much! If there is any nation in this world that I respect, it must be the Germanic people!” Shen Lian said seriously.
Shen Lian wasn't just flattering him; he genuinely admired the Germans. They were meticulous and serious, and although they might seem rigid, at least they weren't hypocritical. Much better than those scoundrels from America and Britain.
Shen Lian's statement won the favor of the German delegation, and the atmosphere of their conversation became much more relaxed.
“I personally strongly support cooperation with Germany; my previous collaboration with Jason is a prime example. However, you have quite a few competitors this time. If you can't offer the best terms, it will be difficult for me to appease my subordinates!” Shen Lian said with a smile, taking a drag of his cigarette.
"What conditions does His Excellency Marquis require from us?" the German Commercial Counselor asked.
"As you know, our biggest investment right now is in mining and smelting. This is also what all countries value most."
"If you can transfer the latest steelmaking technology and Krupp's complete artillery manufacturing technology, I think our cooperation should be fine," Shen Lian nodded and said.
Mu Ran and the others frowned. Steelmaking technology was manageable. But Krupp's cannons were beyond their control; that was Germany's forte.
If you want to buy it, fine, but want the complete technology? All of them shook their heads!
“These projects are all integrated! If you agree to transfer the technology, the subsequent rail manufacturing plant, power plant, and automobile manufacturing plant can all use your equipment and be built by you.”
"This is a huge deal worth tens of millions of taels of silver. The Americans have approached me several times. I haven't agreed to it yet!" Shen Lian said calmly.
Upon hearing the figure of tens of millions of taels, the breathing of several German attendants quickened. Although these men were also embassy staff, each of them had family backing.
If they could secure a huge order for the family, everyone would benefit greatly. Jason, who was closest to Shen Lian, was also looking at Mu Ran expectantly. If the cooperation went through, he was sure to get the biggest piece of the business.
"My lord, I cannot agree to your conditions at this time. I need to consult with my superiors back home before I can give you an answer!" Mu Ran said with a serious expression.
"That's inevitable, I understand completely. I just hope you can do it as soon as possible, the preliminary planning for our project has already begun!" Shen Lian nodded and said.
"sure!"
After finishing their business, Shen Lian got up to see Mu Ran and the others off!
Watching the group's departing figures, Shen Lian sneered. With so much money, I don't believe you wouldn't be tempted.
In this era, money can buy anything. In a few decades, such good things won't be possible anymore.
"Xiao Tao, what else is scheduled for today?" Shen Lian turned around and asked his secretary.
"Reporting to Your Excellency! There's a groundbreaking ceremony for the Yuntianlou International Hotel at 1 PM. There's also an important meeting at the Education Department at 2 PM," Yan Tao said, opening the folder.
"Okay! I understand!" Shen Lian nodded. This Yan Tao was a member of the Yan family, and to show his favor, Shen Lian brought him along.
After taking control of Shandong, he forcefully suppressed the Kong family. He ordered his subordinates to dig up all the disgraceful deeds the Kong family had committed in history, making them utterly discredited.