Xiao Ruxun laughed heartily as he listened to Chen Longzheng's story of his wavering. He was overjoyed and immediately asked the chef of the Marquis's Residence to prepare a bowl of noodle soup for Chen Longzheng, to relieve Chen Longzheng of his homesickness.
Chen Longzheng smiled bitterly as he continued to narrate his experience.
Ignoring Chen Longzheng's wavering, the governor of Genoa expressed his warm concern and greetings to Chen Longzheng. He asked about Chen Longzheng's hometown, the situation of his country, and the purpose of his visit. Of course, the most important thing was the country and the purpose of his visit.
The Europeans present were all very interested in this, or rather, this was what they were most interested in. They all wanted to see the country that was full of milk, honey, and gold.
Chen Longzheng followed Xiao Ruxun's instructions and said, "Our ship is here to establish peaceful and friendly diplomatic relations with your country, to establish a stable trading partnership. We hope that our two countries can have more friendly contacts and development, and we welcome your country's merchants to do business in our country."
After this speech was translated by Ricci, it immediately attracted the attention of the governor of Genoa and the bankers. They all panted and asked, "Could it be that the people of China want to establish diplomatic relations with us and are willing to trade with us for a long time? Official? And they allow us to travel to China? Or even live there? "
Xiao Ruxun said, "Of course, as long as they can bring enough money. The four major port cities did not restrict foreigners from living there. They just did not allow them to sell their land. Houses could still be bought. As long as you have money, you can come and live there."
Chen Longzheng followed Xiao Ruxun's instructions and nodded. This was the common body language of humans all over the world.
In fact, Chen Longzheng himself did not understand why Xiao Ruxun wanted to establish a trading relationship with this bunch of white people. Xiao Ruxun only wanted to establish a peaceful and effective stronghold in Europe. At least for the next few decades, Genoa would be relatively peaceful and safe. It was also the trading center of Europe. If he did not establish a relationship with them, was he supposed to establish a relationship with the British? Weren't they afraid of being robbed by the Spanish Navy?
Of course, the most important thing was that this place was safe and peaceful, and the economy was booming. This would attract a large number of adventurers to come here. Just like how people from the mainland of China rushed to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, all kinds of talents were currently gathered in Genoa. Chen Longzheng and Ricci could recruit the talents they needed here, and also obtain the latest scientific and technological advancements in Europe. Places with a prosperous economy were also very well-informed.
Xiao Ruxun then told Matteo Ricci, "Talents in machinery, blacksmiths, people who know how to make firearms, and even clockmakers, you can get them to me. I have my uses for them."
After hearing Xiao Ruxun's words, Ricci had no choice but to obediently do as Xiao Ruxun requested. He also knew that Xiao Ruxun needed these people to work for him, to build a more complete firearms facility. However, he was asking for too much. He only had thirty thousand troops, and the current scale was enough for him to produce the cold weapons and firearms that the army needed. Why would he need so many people?
The officials of China did not value technical and scientific talents. This was a fact that Ricci discovered after living in China for a few years. However, Xiao Ruxun was different. He valued these talents very much. Every technical talent under Xiao Ruxun could get a good salary and bonuses. This also made many craftsmen happy to work for Xiao Ruxun. At least, that was what Ricci thought.
The governor of Genoa and the bankers expressed that they wanted to have a more friendly and in-depth conversation with Chen Longzheng. They also announced that they wanted to buy all seven ships of high quality goods that Chen Longzheng had brought. The price is negotiable. You can name your price. If I can't afford it, I'll admit defeat! Although we aren't as rich as China, we don't lack money! We can afford silk, porcelain, and tea!
The bankers who had accumulated a lot of wealth didn't lack money. Spending large sums of money was their daily life. Of course, they were also very good at making money. The bankers were all evil spirits who would eat people up without spitting out the bones.
Especially in front of the Chinese. In front of this group of proud Chinese people, they couldn't show that they were poor and let the Chinese laugh at them. This wouldn't do. We need face! We need dignity!
Only money can show our face and where our confidence lies!
Therefore, we need to spend large sums of money. We need to let the Chinese know how much money we have! Only then will they take us seriously!
Little did they know that in Chen Longzheng's eyes, these fat fellows were all just rich pigs. Waving money around to get the Daming's respect? Dream on! How could the Celestial Empire be measured by a small country that had just gotten rich? How could a country with thousands of years of history be coveted by the likes of you? No matter how rich they were, they were just a bunch of country bumpkins and inferior people!
Chen Longzheng despised these fellows from the bottom of his heart. He couldn't stand seeing them flatter each other anymore. Therefore, he decided to show off the elegance of China and let these bumpkins see what the Celestial Empire was like!
Therefore, the climax of the banquet arrived. Chen Longzheng expressed that he wanted to show off the calligraphy of China. He wanted to write a letter and present it to the governor of Genoa. After Ricci's explanation, he said that this was an art unique to China. He used Chinese words to express the beauty of a painting. It was very shocking. The words of the Chinese were the only ones in the world.
The governor of Genoa, who had never experienced the beauty of China's culture, asked — could China's art be compared to Da Vinci's paintings?
Matteo Ricci pondered for a moment. Objectively speaking, Chinese art and our art are two completely different things. Their art is filled with the precipitation of history. Their history is very long, and it feels very profound. If you really want to compare it, it's like comparing Michelangelo's sculpture to Da Vinci's painting. There's no way to compare them. Both are very precious works of art.
After he finished speaking, Chen Longzheng had already asked the accompanying clerks to prepare the Xuan paper, brush, and ink. He barely found a table that could be used — these bumpkins didn't even have a desk that could be used!
At this juncture, Chen Longzheng didn't forget to curse in his heart. There was no helping it. He had too many things to say. However, this was someone else's territory. As an outsider, he shouldn't overpower the host. If he didn't want to speak, he would just write! Let these bumpkins experience it!
Then, Chen Longzheng spread out the four rolls of Xuan paper, preparing to write his pride that had been passed down for a thousand years.
Under the gaze of the foreigners, this elegant Chinese gentleman rolled up his expensive and gorgeous sleeves. With one hand behind his back, he raised a writing tool called a "brush", which was completely different from a goose feather pen. He dipped the brush in some black liquid that was similar to ink. He held the brush with one hand, and the way he held the brush was very unusual. Just by looking at it, one could see the bearing of this Chinese gentleman. Calm, elegant, handsome, and charming!
Many women had developed a strong interest in this elegant Chinese gentleman. Chen Longzheng had thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a face full of righteousness. He was quite a good looking man.
Chen Longzheng took a deep breath and calmed his mind. Then, he started writing in one go.
Brilliant China
Land of Etiquette
Celestial Empire
Congratulations from all over
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