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Chapter 294 "Coup Day's Secret"
Du Wei remembered, when he went to the Northwest, he was almost empty-handed! There wasn't a single soldier from the imperial capital, not even a single gold coin! It was purely due to his own efforts that he was able to create such a situation in the Northwest! But now that he planted the tree, Prince Son wants to pick the fruit with just a few words?
How can there be such a cheap thing in this world?!
Moreover, he still hasn't gotten the 10 million gold coins he just took out!
"I know you're a little reluctant." Prince Son faintly smiled: "I'm not asking for it from you right away. After all, I know you must have spent a lot of money to develop this new weapon. So I won't take it for free … … How about this, I'll pay 10 million gold coins for the manufacturing process of this new weapon, how about it? In addition … … I'll also pay 6 million gold coins for that flying broom. Hehe … … I'm very interested in that 'Decepticon Air Force' of yours. If you can create an air force of tens of thousands … … The cavalry advantage of the prairie is nothing! "
At the end, his voice couldn't help but become excited.
Tens of thousands?
Hearing this, Du Wei secretly thought to himself: How can this flying broom be so easy to get? Even with the manufacturing process developed by Master Alley, he still had to rely on the mutant walnut seedlings he made with the Time Elapse Spring Water. Up until now, he only had a few dozen brooms in the warehouse.
Tens of thousands? Don't even think about it!
Besides, the pilot of this flying broom must be someone who knows magic! At the very least, they must be a magic apprentice! Otherwise, they won't be able to fly without the use of magic. There are only a few hundred mages in the entire continent, and adding in the magic apprentices, there are only a few thousand … … How can there be an air force of tens of thousands?
Prince Son doesn't understand the logic behind this. Do you think it's that easy?
But … … 10 million for gunpowder and 6 million for flying broom … … This guy sure knows how to think! Using such a method to pay me back sixteen million, and even taking away my two trump cards, the gunpowder and the flying broom?
Is there such a cheap thing in this world?
Thinking up to here, Du Wei sneered in his heart.
"Your Highness, I'm afraid this won't work." Du Wei sighed with regret.
Wrinkling his brow, Prince Son glanced at Du Wei and bitterly smiled: "What's wrong? My dear Duke of the Tulip Family, do you think my price is too low? Yes, I know you've suffered some losses. However, I'm not well-off financially right now. After all, I haven't been in power for a long time. There are many things that need to be stabilized, and there are many places where I need to spend money. The military expenditure is huge, and I'm already preparing for the future war. I'm reorganizing the armaments, and I don't have much money on hand … "
"It's not about money." Du Wei shook his head. "Your Highness, listen to me carefully."
His face was very sincere, but in his heart, he thought, 'You want to blackmail me, but can't I blackmail you?'
He thought so in his heart, but the expression on his face was sincere. He took a deep breath, took a step back, and bowed deeply. "Your Highness, think about it. My current title was given to me by you. I, Du Wei, am very proud of you. Everyone knows that. The reason I made this weapon is nothing more than to deal with the Northwest Army and the prairie people. It's not that I don't understand the principles you speak of, it's just that it's not that simple to put it into practice. "
Du Wei's words were so sincere that Prince Son didn't get angry at the rejection. Instead, he smiled warmly at Du Wei: "Oh, tell me, what's wrong?"
"Let's talk about the flying broom first." Du Wei smiled bitterly: "Your Highness, don't think it's that easy for me to get more than 20 magic students to ride a broom and fly all over the sky. Speaking of which, this Decepticon Tiger squad was built purely on gold! This squad is only a small scale and can be used as a surprise attack. But according to what you said, it's absolutely impossible to build it on a large scale! Let's talk about this flying broom first. This magic tool is extremely difficult to make. " With that, Du Wei didn't hide anything and simply went through the process of making the broom.
After all, Prince Son is also someone who learned magic from the court Mages. His own strength isn't bad either, so his knowledge of magic is naturally not low. As soon as Du Wei explained, he immediately understood. This flying broom is indeed too expensive to make.
Moreover, Du Wei also hid the fact about the Time Elapses Spring Water. Without the Time Elapses Spring Water, even if you have the full set of skills, you still won't be able to grow those mutated walnut seedlings! Just this point alone can be said to be extremely difficult! Walnut wood is already rare on the continent. Otherwise, the Mages wouldn't be so proud of their wands. And according to Du Wei, these mutated walnut trees are ten times harder to grow compared to ordinary saplings. Even if they're successfully grown, the survival rate is only 10% to 20%, which is already amazing.
Prince Son roughly calculated the cost of a flying broom and couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air!
"So to say … … A flying broom, I'm afraid it will cost at least a few hundred thousand gold coins?" Prince Son's face was full of worry.
Du Wei went with the flow and added another sentence: "A few hundred thousand gold coins … … I'm afraid it won't be enough. If you take into account the low passing rate of the finished product … … I'm afraid the cost of a flying broom would reach a million gold coins. "
This number is enough to make anyone despair!
Even if Prince Son is the ruler of the continent, he still knows that such an expensive weapon is absolutely impossible to mass produce. The annual revenue of the Roland Empire is only 70 to 80 million gold coins. After deducting the daily political expenses, military expenses, and so on, there really isn't much left. With this calculation, Prince Son immediately dispelled the idea. However, he still has some doubts: "But Du Wei … … I'm afraid your words are a bit false, right? Since this thing is so expensive, how can you make dozens of them? "
With that, he squinted his eyes and looked at Du Wei.
Du Wei's heart moved and sighed: "It's also because of my good luck. The first batch of saplings of walnut trees were particularly lucky and more than half survived. But this is also accidental luck. After that, more died than survived. I was lucky to be able to make a few dozen of them. Later on, I got greedy and wanted to make more. Unfortunately, I lost money again and again. I didn't know how much money I had thrown in. Your Highness, this matter is extremely difficult to accomplish. It's not that I, Du Wei, am stingy. I am willing to give you the manufacturing process of this thing. If you don't believe me, you can send someone to try and make it yourself. "
The manufacturing process is real, but without the Time Elapse Spring Water, there is no way to make it. Therefore, Du Wei is very confident in his heart.
"Also, even if there are tens of thousands of flying brooms … … I'm afraid it won't be enough! Your Highness, I've made it very clear just now. You should also understand that unless you have a foundation in magic, you have to at least be a magic apprentice! Where on the continent can you find tens of thousands of magic apprentices? "
Prince Son nodded and believed Du Wei's words: "Then what do you suggest?"
Du Wei secretly laughed in his heart, but he also understood that at this time, he must not show the slightest bit of complacency. Otherwise, his fox tail will be exposed. Deliberately putting on a worried face, he pretended to suddenly think of something and said: "I have an immature idea. Hmm, maybe I can give it a try. It might work."
"Speak!" Prince Son raised an eyebrow.
Du Wei stood up straight and gestured with his hands: "Your Highness, to put it bluntly, the biggest advantage of this flying broom is its advantage in the air. On the continent, there is no weapon that can attack the enemy from the air. Therefore, it is a big advantage. But to gain this advantage in the air, it is not necessary to rely on this flying broom … … "
Prince Son's eyes lit up. He is a smart person and immediately said: "You mean … …"
"Hot air balloon." Du Wei smiled: "Your Highness, you shouldn't have forgotten about the hot air balloon my family business made, right? Now this thing has been improved. It can carry the weight of several people and fly in the sky. Although the speed is a bit slower than a flying broom, it is still not enough. But the advantage is that the one operating the hot air balloon doesn't need to be a magician. Only ordinary soldiers with a little bit of training will be enough. The cost of a hot air balloon is also much cheaper than a flying broom. "
Prince Son thought for a moment. The more he thought about it, the more feasible it was. Finally, he nodded: "You are right! Especially the advantage in the air, it is very unique! Humph! If we have such an army that can fly in the sky, we Roland people will no longer have to fear the prairie cavalry! "
After a pause, he suddenly smiled: "Du Wei, this hot air balloon thing, what do you think?"
Du Wei knows that this is not the time to be polite. Otherwise, he would suffer a loss again. Bracing himself, he said: "Your Highness, this hot air balloon thing has been very popular on the continent for the past two years. But in terms of the manufacturing process, I have never leaked it to the outside world. Although there are some imitations outside, they are far worse than my Tulip Family's! If Your Highness wants to establish an air force, then I am willing to support it. But Your Highness, although I have some money in my pocket, it is impossible for my family to bear the military expenses of the empire's air force. "
Prince Son laughed: "You won't lose out! For this matter, let the military purchase the military supplies. In the future, we will purchase from you … … Hmm, that's not right! It would be best to organize a large workshop that specializes in mass production. Du Wei, you might as well sell me the manufacturing process of this hot air balloon. Otherwise, I'm afraid you won't have enough time to make that many. "
Du Wei also smiled very happily: "Your Highness, the manufacturing process of this hot air balloon thing is not complicated. There is no need to sell it, I will directly give it to you."
Prince Son's face lit up with joy. Just as he was about to speak, his heart suddenly moved. He understood Du Wei very well and knew that Du Wei was not someone who would eat a loss when doing things. So for him to suddenly be so generous, there must be something fishy going on. Just as the words of praise were about to come out of his mouth, he changed his mind and laughed: "Ha! You most likely have some other conditions. "
"It's not a condition, but a difficulty." Du Wei had a wry smile on his face: "Your Highness, I'm afraid this thing won't be able to fly … … One of the key factors is the fuel used to make this hot air balloon! Only a special type of fuel could make the balloon fly with the heat generated from the combustion. Otherwise … … it's just a waste. "
"Then this fuel … …"
Du Wei immediately cut him off: "This fuel formula absolutely cannot be sold!"
Prince Son frowned: "Du Wei, this matter is of great importance. It is related to the empire's military and the fate of the country. If you don't want to part with it, then I can compensate you … … "
Du Wei still shook his head and confidently said: "Your Highness, how about I tell you a story?"
"Story?" Prince Son frowned.
Du Wei didn't wait for him to say anything and directly said: "Once upon a time, there was a person who had many chickens in his house. One day, one of the hens suddenly gave birth to several eggs. This person was so happy that he took the eggs to exchange for money. Once or twice, that's fine. But after a long time, the chicken no longer laid eggs. Because the eggs that it painstakingly laid were taken away by the owner, leaving it with nothing! Even if it didn't lay a single egg, the owner would only lose one or two eggs every day. But because of this, there were many other hens in the house. They were originally going to lay eggs, but after seeing this situation, they were scared and didn't dare to lay anymore. They were afraid that if they laid eggs, they would be taken away by the owner just like the first hen. There were even hens who secretly laid eggs in the future and hid them from their owners. Your Highness, please help the owner of this house calculate. He raised so many hens in his house because he exploited the first hen that laid eggs too much. In the end, he only gained a small profit, but what about his losses? Think about it, if he had held back a little, and took a little less of the eggs laid by the first hen, one at a time, or a little less than half of the number at a time, then he wouldn't have fallen into such a situation! If he was a little more generous, then he would be able to get at least half of the eggs laid by all the hens he raised in his house. That would be a huge amount! Think about it, because of his shortsightedness, how big of a loss would he have suffered? "
What kind of smart person is Prince Son? With his meticulous mind, he immediately understood Du Wei's intention. Smiling, he said: "Good Du Wei, you're beating around the bush. Are you saying I'm too ruthless?"
Du Wei shook his head: "Scolding you, how would I dare? But Your Highness, to be honest, if you really want it, I will give it to you. But after all, it's the result of my hard work. Naturally, I won't be convinced if I just give it to someone else … … This is the truth, and I will say it in front of you as well! But after all, you are very good to me, so I will give it to you. But what about in the future? I'm just a hen. I'm not going to give birth to just one egg in my entire life under your care, right? Then if I come up with something new, what will you do? Will you open your mouth and ask for it? To be honest, even if the two of us have a good relationship, after a long time, this kind of thing … … If it were you, would you be willing? "
Prince Son frowned and pondered for a while before nodding: "Yes, even if it were me, I would definitely not be willing."
"Also!" Du Wei slowly said: "There are so many magicians on the continent, and there is no lack of geniuses among them! When the magic society was first established, you also had some doubts about the shared spirit we came up with. But later, it was proven that many magicians have their own exquisite research results. It's just that they didn't bring it out. Then, in this world, other than me, Du Wei, there are naturally other smart people who can come up with new things. Who knows, maybe it will be of great use to the country! But if everyone knows that I, Du Wei, came up with something new and it was taken away by the royal family … … Then with such an example, even if the other hens can lay eggs, they won't be willing to lay anymore! Even if they do, they will hide it under their armpits and you will never see it again! Am I right? "
This logic is nothing more than a modified version of "killing the goose that lays the golden eggs" and "draining the pond to catch all the fish". If this was said to an arrogant monarch, such as the previous emperor, Augustine the 6th, then it would be useless to say it out loud. However, Du Wei knows that this Prince Son is a wise person, so this logic should be able to move him.
Of course, it's not impossible for Du Wei to play a little trick to temporarily fool this Prince Regent. However, it's only a temporary solution to the problem of fuel for the hot air balloon. What about after that? When the Prince Regent comes looking for him for gunpowder or some other technology, how can he fool him?
A little trick can only be used once or twice, it won't work if used too many times. It's better to use this kind of positive logic to convince him once and for all.
Besides, Du Wei still has some confidence in this Prince Son. He's not a muddle-headed monarch, but a relatively intelligent and open-minded person.
Although Prince Son was also a little unhappy in his heart, but after thinking about it carefully, he thought it through and said with a faint smile: "What you said is correct. Hmm, since that's the case, you must have an idea in mind, right? There's no need to hide it, just say it out loud. How do you want to do this business? "
"It's very simple. I will sell finished products to the military at a low price. I can act as a long-term supplier to the military and sell a large number of hot air balloons to the military at a price lower than the market price. But … … I won't sell the technology. "
Du Wei said. After pondering for a moment, he continued: "I can give the military about 20% lower than the market price, and I guarantee that the quality of the airships produced by the Tulip Family is reliable! But in return, I want three things: First, you can't default on the payment of the goods. Second, I want you to sign a long-term exclusive supply agreement with me in the name of the Prince Regent. Business is business, and there's a clear distinction between public and private matters. If there's any small dispute in the future, we can have a basis to talk. "
Seeing that Prince Son's face was about to turn gloomy again, Du Wei quickly added: "This matter can be publicized. I think with this as a precedent, there will be more 'hens' willing to deliver their eggs for you to taste!"
After adding this last sentence, Prince Son's face looked a little better. He bitterly pondered for a long time before laughing out loud: "Du Wei! You're really smart! Good, let's say you've convinced me! Let's do it this way! It's just that, since it's the Empire's military procurement, then the quantity will certainly not be small. Are you sure you can provide such a large number of goods? "
Du Wei said: "You don't need to worry about this. I'm also preparing to expand the production scale of my workshop. Since the military wants to purchase in large quantities, I plan to set up a factory based on a new toy I made in the Northwest. "
"Factory?"
"It's a 'factory'." Du Wei nodded: "A business that specializes in manufacturing hot air balloons and related armaments for the military. Hmm … … I've already thought of a name. This new industry will be called: Boeing Aviation. "
Then Du Wei immediately drew up a plan: The production of hot air balloons naturally won't be too difficult. Du-Wei even immediately quoted a price. According to the size of the hot air balloons in his possession, he divided them into three classes and set the price. According to the current technology, the largest hot air balloon can only carry ten people. Du-Wei quoted three different prices, from the highest to the lowest, they were 8000 gold coins, 6000 gold coins, and 1000 gold coins respectively. And the key issue is the fuel, which the military will purchase at a price of 50 gold coins per barrel.
Carefully calculating, Prince Son's eagerness to form an air force made him issue an order of 6 million gold coins in the first year.
After talking about the hot air balloons, Prince Son laughed and looked at Du Wei: "You've already made up your mind, right? Hmm … … Then, that exploding can of fire, I guess you're only selling the finished product and not the technology, right? "
Du Wei smiled and said: "That's right. It just so happens that I've been carefully improving that can of fire to increase its lethality in the future. Also, I've already sold some to Governor Bohan of the Nuling Province. Your Highness, if you want the military to purchase from me, then the price will be 10% lower than Governor Bohan. "
After negotiating these two business deals, Du Wei was very happy.
Although the hot air balloon doesn't make a lot of money … … .The fuel is a consumable! As long as the hot air balloon soars into the sky once, it will consume fuel! And once it's used up, you'll have to find me to buy more! This consumable business is the most profitable! And the same goes for gunpowder!
It's almost the same as getting the military's arms purchase order, and it's also the largest one. How can he worry about not rolling in money in the future?
Neither of them brought up the matter of the Pope's decree again.
Even if Prince Son didn't bring it up, Du Wei wouldn't be so stupid as to bring it up!
The reason why Prince Son wanted Du Wei to buy it was because he didn't want this item to spread out. He didn't want anyone to use this decree to be baptized by the Pope!
Of course, Du Wei wouldn't do that.
He already thought it through. In any case, isn't this Pope selling this item in the name of disaster relief? I'll buy it in the name of disaster relief!
To the public, he'll say: Although the Duke of the Tulip Family is not a believer, he is still grateful for the Pope's kindness. Therefore, he will invest in this item and treat it as a disaster relief for the south. But since the Duke of the Tulip Family is not a believer, there's no need to ask the Pope for a baptism. This item will be kept as a precious souvenir.
Hmm, that's it.
After the business was finished, Du Wei finally felt relieved. Then he accompanied Prince Son and chatted for a while. He talked about the scenery of the Northwest and also talked about how he played with the prairie prince during the negotiations.
Finally, the sky gradually darkened. Unknowingly, the two talked for an entire afternoon. Just when Du Wei was about to say goodbye, Prince Son suddenly let out a long sigh.
On his handsome face, there was a flash of haze. Seeing this, Du Wei's heart skipped a beat … …
To be honest, after coming back and seeing Prince Son, Du Wei always felt that the prince seemed to have changed a lot. In particular, there was a hint of worry between his eyebrows compared to the past. Obviously, there were too many things to worry about. When Du Wei first met him, this Prince Son was a romantic, smart, calm, and scheming person. He could be considered as the number one person in this world! But now, in less than two years, Du-Wei always felt that his eyebrows were less relaxed and carefree, and he seemed to have a little more …. That feeling he couldn't describe, it seemed to be mature, but also seemed to be old.
Just think about it, Prince Son used to be so free and easy. With a smile and hundreds of schemes, he was able to kill his enemies! But looking at him now, that trace of smile in his eyes was a bit more tired.
Seeing that Du Wei was about to leave, Prince Son suddenly sighed and whispered: "Du Wei … … It's been a long time since someone could talk to me about these things … … Hmm, since you're back this time, then don't rush back to the Northwest. In any case, there won't be any major events in the Northwest in the near future. You can stay in the capital for a few more days and go back when spring comes. "
"… … Oh?" Du Wei froze for a moment.
Prince Son seemed to smile, but this smile was particularly strange: "If you stay, there will be a lot of fun to watch. Hmm … … Not many people know about this matter. They don't know about Villa and Drenshan. In another month or so, when spring comes, I will make a big show in the capital for everyone to see! "
"Big show?"
Prince Son's eyes flashed with a hint of light as he smiled in a relaxed manner: "Du Wei, there's a question you've always wanted to ask me, but you've been hiding it in your heart … … Haven't you always wondered why the Shrines suddenly sent out the Holy Order on the day of the coup? After all, my big brother's daughter is the Shrines of the Shrines. In terms of relationship, the Shrines should be on his side. So why did the Shrines openly stand on my side that day? "
Du Wei's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained calm as he quietly looked at Prince Son.
The smile on His Highness's face was somewhat similar to the smile he had on the day of the coup d 'état, when he had calculated the death of the First Prince.
His smile was very gloomy: "Because … … I promised the Pope one thing! This is something that the Shrines have not been able to do for hundreds of years! "
"… … What?" In the end, Du Wei couldn't help but blurt out.
Prince Son's face was expressionless, but his eyes were even more resolute!
"I promised the Pope that I will accept his baptism and officially recognize him as my godfather! As his godson, I will pay my respects to him! The ceremony will be held in a month at the beginning of spring! "
Upon hearing this, even though Du Wei didn't have much loyalty to Prince Son, he couldn't help but shout out: "Your Highness! This is something that absolutely cannot be done! "
Du Wei's face was aghast as he looked at Prince Son in surprise. His heart felt a trace of absurdity: Is this smart guy crazy? How can he make such a promise??
The struggle between the Shrines and the royal power has been going on for nearly a thousand years! The Shrines have always wanted to be above the royal family! But how can the royal family bow down to the Shrines?
The two sides have been fighting openly and secretly, and even now, there is still no clear winner.
But … … Who is Prince Son??
He is now the Regent! Although Augustine the 6th is still the emperor in name, everyone knows that Prince Son is the ruler of the continent! Although he hasn't ascended the throne yet, the throne will be his in the future!
With his status, how can he recognize the Pope as his godfather?
What kind of joke is this? The dignified emperor of the empire, recognizing the Pope as his godfather? This is something that has never happened in a thousand years!! In this way, wouldn't it be admitting that the status of the Shrines is above the emperor?!!
Du Wei's face changed several times – This Prince Son is definitely not stupid. How can he not understand such a simple truth?! How can he make such a stupid promise?!
Prince Son quietly looked at Du Wei: "Are you trying to say that I am the future emperor? This is equivalent to the royal family bowing down to the Shrines? That the power of the gods is above the royal power and will bring great harm to the empire? "
Du Wei's face turned dignified: "Yes … … I do want to say that. But I want to hear it from you because I don't think the Prince Son I know is such a short-sighted person! In order to get the support of the Shrines, you are willing to make such a compromise that will shake the foundation of the royal family! You are not such a person! "
Prince Son seemed to smile as he looked at Du Wei with a touch of warmth in his eyes: "Du Wei, you really understand me. I didn't tell Biliaiah about this matter because I know it will cause a huge uproar. I have already made sufficient preparations to stabilize the situation and hold the power in my hands. If I announce it now, I won't be afraid of people taking the opportunity to cause trouble. Du Wei … … It's good that you can understand my intentions and difficulties! I didn't misjudge you! "
(Begging for votes ~)
(Also, let's talk about this new thing called the "urge to update tickets". As everyone knows, my current speed is already the limit of 9,000 words per day. Even if you make me vomit blood, I won't be able to write any faster. So, the urge to update tickets, many of my brothers voted for the 15,000-word and 20,000-word tickets. To be honest, I really can't write that many words. Such a ticket is really a waste. Friends who voted for the urge to update tickets, please vote for the 5000-word ticket. That way, the ticket will be valid. Otherwise, it will be a waste of your ticket.)
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