/newmessage.php?tosys=1&title=New World 1620

Chapter Errors/Click here to report

The Kingdom of Portugal, once a powerful maritime colonial empire, was originally carved out as a dowry for the princess of the Kingdom of Castille in the Iberian Peninsula, and its name originally means "warm port" in Latin. Unfortunately, for a long time this land was a battlefield between Christians and Moors in the Iberian Peninsula.

Lisbon, the westernmost port city on the European continent. In 1147 A.D., it was captured from the Moors by the Crusaders led by the first king of Portugal, Alfonso I, and officially became the capital of Portugal in 1256 A.D. Lisbon has since led the Kingdom of Portugal to embark on the road of development based on sea and trade.

By the 15th century, Lisbon had developed into a central city connecting Western Europe with the Mediterranean trade route. The great Prince Enrique of Portugal built Lisbon into a solid cornerstone for the Kingdom of Portugal to move towards a vast maritime living space with his far-sighted strategic vision.

Countless Portuguese adventurers and merchants embarked on a route around Africa in search of the Oriental spice homeland and the golden land with unprecedented results. Had it not been for an accidental mistake in decision-making, which led the Portuguese royal family to miss out on an Italian named Columbus, the history of the great geographical discoveries would have to be rewritten.

……

……

Monday, April 26, 1621, fine.

This is the outskirts of Lisbon, where rolling hills and forests in the distance, long town walls, endless green pastures and flocks of sheep make up the tranquil and laid-back nature of this seafront plain.

At the turn of the bay stream, near a grove and a small river, sits a simple baroque wooden castle manor.

A windmill mill slowly pulls the passing sea breeze idling, a few black slaves carefully tending to a flock of sheep in the pasture outside the manor, a few cows leisurely flicking their tails and munching hay by the pen, and farther down the path a line of soldiers with helmets on horseback escorting a carriage towards the manor.

On the second-floor balcony of the manor house, a woman in a Victorian dress with modern art details looks out over the city of Lisbon in the distance.

While sniffing deeply in the fresh air, I lazily shook the extremely meaningless little fan of this season. Yang Wenwen stretched her body boredly, and it seemed that she had not recovered from the jet lag.

It has been more than half a month since I left Porto Heroísbora in the Azores, except for the first few days of being crowded like nervous little rats in the stinky street hotels of Lisbon, the rest of the days are to attend banquets invited by the major chambers of commerce in Lisbon every day.

The smell of the whole city and the fishy smell of the sea breeze make several modern women live like years. Finally, a week ago, the Lisbon aristocracy, who had not been in front of the company, ceded the suburban Lisbon estate to the "American Commercial Mission".

Unable to stand the smell of the 17th-century city anymore, Yang Wenwen and three other ladies took care of their new home in Europe with great efficiency, unloading household items from the ship and high-end goods purchased from Lisbon quickly decorated the entire estate from the inside out.

Unlike the three ladies, it seems that the men have no sense of smell at all, and even Caterina, who is dressed as a maid, looks calm in the streets of Lisbon.

In the study, Su Zining was still rummaging through those worn-out European books, frowning, while constantly asking the female translator Yuan Xinyi.

"Okay, Comrade Lao Su, don't be so professional, the appearance of history was originally produced in the fabrication and imagination of later generations."

Yan Xiaosong, who was sitting on the side drinking wine, lazily threw away a Portuguese book with a sheepskin cover in his hand, with an expression of hatred that iron could not be made of steel.

"Then I also have to see how much they have made up, this is a rare opportunity to trace history. It's okay to learn Portuguese. Su Zining ignored the sarcasm of his companions, and continued to point to a line of words, asking the female translator next to him.

"It is clear that the Portuguese, when dealing with Columbus's lobbying, had made a phased and secret advance on the African route. So they rejected the Western expedition that threatened to distract them or add unnecessary financial pressure. ”

Yuan Xinyi translated the correct meaning of a few lines of words in the book, making Su Zining nod her head constantly.

"The Portuguese, unlike the shit-lucky Spaniards, are more patient and more careful, even planning their maritime strategy every few decades." Su Zining walked to the window with a smile, and the approaching carriage appeared in his eyes, with a mysterious smile on his face, "They need a lot of evidence or proof before they can finally make a choice." Although they tend to slow down the pace, on the whole, their behavior ensures that they try to stay away from risk. ”

"Well, you're finally going to raise your eyebrows this time! Actually informed the Portuguese in advance about the hanging up of the King of Spain. Yan Xiaosong stood up and stretched, and began to straighten his suit, "I'm curious if the people who are waiting for the coming are from the Portuguese Jesuits or the Spanish Inquisition." But I'm sure we'd be burned if we had answered the slightest bit wrong! ”

Su Zining didn't answer, just shrugged his shoulders, and then walked out of the study with the female translator, preparing to go outside the manor to meet the messenger of Lisbon.

……

……

The Portuguese cavalry who were guarding quickly withdrew to rest outside the manor, and two men in hooded robes and a teenager in civilian clothing dismounted from the carriage.

Obviously, this is not a question of guilt.

After a brief exchange of greetings, the two parties walked into the living room of the villa. Caterina, dressed as a maid, was served wine in fine glassware and tea in porcelain cups.

"It is Oriental Wuyi tea, with the special fragrance of green tea and the slight sweetness of black tea." Su Zining picked up the porcelain cup in a chic manner, and then made a gesture of please, "Your country's wine is also very mellow, so please take care of yourself." ”

The two Portuguese men turned their heads to look at each other, slowly uncovering their hoods, and then untied their robes, revealing the sumptuous aristocratic attire inside.

One of these youths was none other than Baron Lopez, who had been in contact with Baron Moreira as an intermediary.

"Honorable two councillors, this is the Duke of Bragança and His Excellency Theodosio of the Kingdom of Portugal!"

Baron Moreira stepped aside, bowed slightly, and introduced another middle-aged man with an ordinary face but a stern expression to everyone in the living room.

Yuan Xinyi quickly translated the Portuguese and let the Duke of Bragança take a few more looks.

Oh? Is he Theodosio II? It's a cautious character, and it's no wonder that he can maintain a delicate balance with the Spanish royal family in the situation of the Portuguese conservative aristocracy.

Su Zining quickly analyzed the character of this future Portuguese revival king's father from the other party's expression.

"Mr. Senator, I feel very guilty that I have not had the opportunity to receive you in person because I attended the funeral of His Majesty King Philip of Spain."

Theodosio II glanced at the boy who was following him, smiled kindly, and took out a pocket watch from his bosom: "This is my son, Joao, fourteen years old. He has always shown great interest in the pocket watches presented by His Excellency Members of Parliament. ”

"Pocket watches are just a tool to record the passage of time, but they can't store childhood. In the end, he will have to live a heavy adult life like us, with never-ending responsibilities. ”

Yan Xiaosong walked over, picked up the wine, looked at the young man in front of him who had completed the independent revival of the Kingdom of Portugal in history, and said playfully.

Duke Bragança quickly narrowed his eyes when he heard the translation, and his sharp gaze swept over the face of the young American congressman several times, and finally showed a knowing smile.

"Well, I admit His Excellency Councillor Yan's pessimistic view of the prospects of the Kingdom of Portugal. So what do I need to change this qiē? The Duke of Bragança lovingly stroked his son's head, and then motioned for Baron Moreira to take him out.

The phrase was spoken in English, and it is clear that the Duke of Portugal, who had been secretly dealing with foreign envoys for a long time, was also proficient in English, which was not liked by European countries in this era.

Only Duke Bragança, Su Zining, and Yan Xiaosong were left in the room.

"I absolutely believe that a country that can make such beautiful works of art is not just about using luxury goods to exchange feelings between two different countries." Duke Bragança pointed to the glass wine set on the table, and deliberately touched the pocket watch in his palm, "I have read the letter of the Governor of García in the Azores, and I am indeed shocked by the conditions of your country, although the whole thing was unilaterally proposed by Garcia. ”

"It doesn't matter, Lord Duke. We can replace it in a better way, and my Government does not have any idea of whether or not it will cause any trouble to the relations between the Kingdom of Spain and the Duke. ”

The implication is that you Portugal are still part of the Kingdom of Spain, and it is already a great deal to be able to associate with you.

Su Zining also sat down with a smile.

"This is just a friendly visit, rooted in the deep friendship between the former Kingdom of Portugal and our national compatriots in the Eastern Empire. We had more important things to do to leave Lisbon, but the beauty of the place impressed the ladies of our mission, who were happy to make a European home here and come on holiday from time to time......"

"Friendship? A group of Portuguese hillbillies have been drying goods in Macao for a few days and have appointed a governor in a grand manner......" After Su Zining finished saying this, Yan Xiaosong on the side couldn't help but muttered in Chinese.

"The Governor of García of the Azores has done a very beautiful thing for our friendship!" Duke Bragança pondered for a moment, and finally lifted his guard and showed a frank expression, "Well, I need a clearer intention. We can all reap the benefits of this! ”

"It's very simple, just a few letters from His Excellency the Duke and a few messengers to accompany this Councilor Yan to the East." Su Zining stood up, politely handed a glass of wine to the Duke of Portugal, and then turned his gaze to Yan Xiaosong, "Our government signed a secret alliance agreement with the Ming Empire in the east not long ago, you should understand what this means?" ”

God, the most powerful and wealthy empire in the world is actually allied with the United States?! Oh yes, they're a people, it's very likely...... If Portugal can stand with the Americans......

Duke Bragança's eyes lit up, and his hand holding the wine glass trembled a little.

"Also, in view of the terrible equipment of your guards, I will be glad to introduce you to your trade agent in the near future, an American merchant who has many toys that are more fun than pocket watches......"

After Su Zining finished speaking, he drank the wine in his hand with a mysterious smile.

The Duke of Braganza's face flushed slightly, for he had long known from the letter of the Governor Garcia about the kind of musket that could shoot many bullets in an instant, and how the Americans despised the soldiers of the garrison in the port of Azores. Maybe Garcia has a lot of exaggeration, but just from the craftsmanship of pocket watches, the self-confidence of these Americans is definitely confident.

Garcia's long letter described Angra Sansípa's experience made the Duke of Bragança, who considered himself the top nobleman in Europe, a little uncomfortable. The two extremely "noble, elegant, and concise" U.S. congressmen in front of him made him feel faintly inferior since he entered the room and took off his robe.

But in any case, I came to meet today under the cover of going out hunting, and I did receive an unexpected harvest!

"Alright! Let the merchants deal with the businessmen's affairs, and shouldn't we have a banquet? I heard that your mission is about to leave for the Netherlands, so I should have a beautiful farewell party! What do you need during your stay in Lisbon, just tell Baron Moreira outside! ”

The Duke of Bragança also drank the wine in one gulp, a happy smile on his face.

Hehe, that's it! Su Zining put down the wine glass and stretched out his right hand.

The Duke of Portugal was stunned for a moment, but under the hint of the other party's smile full of special meaning, he also slowly stretched out his right hand.

The two hands were clasped together and shook gently, and the Duke of Portugal's heart finally became steady.

……

……

The Duke of Bragança, father and son, had been gone for hours, but in the manor's study, Baron Moreira Lopez was still engaged in difficult negotiations with "U.S. government officials."

"Oh God, you need thirty galleons to the East?! This can't be, it takes too many sailors and supplies, it's simply a fleet! Although we also have merchant ships docked in East Africa, West Africa and India, they are not a force that His Excellency can directly mobilize! And how could they make a long voyage to and from the East and Brazil. ”

Lopez sighed with a bitter look on his face.

"Your Excellency Baron Moreira, can't the letters and messengers of Your Excellency the Duke impress the greedy merchants?"

Yang Wenwen blinked her eyes and fanned the small fan on her chest, looking disappointed.

Lopez took a deep breath, bit his lower lip fiercely, his pale face twitched slightly, and it took a long time before he sighed: "Dear Miss Yang Wenwen, you know, this must require a large amount of money to be paid, otherwise it will ......"

"Oh, understand, understand...... Your trouble is my fault. Yang Wenwen stood up and turned her head sadly.

Oh, my God! How can I do that...... Poor Baron Moreira blushed at this point.

"I can use my family's ships!" Lopez drank all the wine in his hand in one gulp, gasped, and saluted the lady who was about to leave, "They are docked in Pernambuco, Brazil, and Mozambique, East Africa, and I can have someone bring the letter there!" And, as long as your country can settle to make up for the loss of trade with the Portuguese merchants, I can ask the Noble Confederation to convince those chambers of commerce to send messengers as well! ”

"You are such a noble nobleman!" Yang Wenwen "cried with joy", and then walked away "shyly".

When did this become so good at pretending?!

Su Zining and Yan Xiaosong, who did not insert a word from beginning to end at the critical stage, sat in the study for almost an hour after Baron Moreira took his leave.

Look at the martial arts

Genius remembers [Aishang Novel Network] in a second biquge.info provides you with wonderful novels to read.