Xiao Ruxun frowned when he heard the bishop's words.
These foreigners were not stupid. They knew that they could not fool him with doctrines, so they had to use real money to exchange benefits. They needed to preach, and their target was the huge population of China. What Xiao Ruxun needed was to expel the Spaniards and become the ruler of Southeast Asia, the ruler of the sea!
"Quite direct, Mr. Lee. This should not be the first time your bishop has done this. He seems very familiar with it. He has probably done it many times. Do you do this every time you go to a country to preach?"
Xiao Ruxun looked at Ricci with a faint smile. Ricci lowered his head in embarrassment and said, "Sometimes, this is what we have to do."
"Well, we have to do it. I also understand that this is an exchange of benefits. We both take what we need. I know what you want, but you don't know what I want."
Ricci translated, and the bishop immediately said, "General Xiao, please tell us what you want. As long as the Vatican can do it, we will not refuse."
Xiao Ruxun smiled. She picked up the teacup and took a sip. Suddenly, her expression changed, and she said sternly, "Three years ago, this Marquis sent a ship to the Luzon Islands to bring back my people. However, the Spaniards on the Luzon Islands secretly obstructed me and hid my people!
It is my duty to bring my people back. Those Spaniards obstructed me, which is treason. Luzon was originally a vassal of the Daming, but those ignorant barbarians stole Luzon and hid the people. Do they really think that the Daming has no soldiers or ships?! "
Ricci's heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, Xiao Ruxun was quite dissatisfied with the fact that the Spaniards hid the Chinese people and did not let Xiao Ruxun take them away. He had always wanted to make trouble for them. Three years ago, he did not have the strength, but now that he had the strength, he probably really planned to conquer Luzon Island and deal with the people of the Philippine Governor's Office!
When the bishop saw Xiao Ruxun suddenly getting angry, he turned pale with fright. He quickly asked Ricci to translate. After Ricci translated, he told the bishop about what happened three years ago. When he finished, the bishop turned pale with fright.
Did Xiao Ruxun want the Vatican to come forward and ask the Spanish government to return all the Chinese people on the Philippine Island to Xiao Ruxun? This …
Not to mention that the Vatican and the Spanish Hapsburg Dynasty had a mutually beneficial relationship, both sides were members of the alliance to protect Catholicism and reject the Reformation. Both sides had a good relationship.
When Spain annexed Portugal, it was the Pope who went to announce the merger of the two countries, which allowed the Spanish government to barely gain the orthodox position. On the European continent, Spain had always been a supporter of the Vatican. Both sides had similar interests, so how could they be enemies?
The anti-Catholic forces on the European continent became more and more rampant, and even the banner of religious reform and anti-Catholic alliance was raised. The status of the Roman Curia plummeted, and a considerable number of people no longer believed in Christ and turned hostile to the Roman Curia.
There were even some bold feudal lords who would instruct their troops to use mutiny as an excuse to rob and attack the Vatican, causing the prestige of the Vatican to plummet.
They wanted to expand their business overseas, increase the number of believers, and support themselves. That was why China was chosen. However, they also needed the help of allies in Europe. Although the Papal State had a name, it was only a small country in terms of national power. It could not go against the traditionally powerful forces of Britain, France, and Germany in terms of military power.
It was no longer the era of the Crusades.
Spain was a big force that traditionally supported the Vatican, and it was also a very reliable big force. It was now the hegemon of Europe. One against three, and at the same time against France, Britain, and the Netherlands. Even so, there were still wins and losses, and some people were hesitating. They did not want to hug such a powerful thigh, but instead offend Spain for China. This was not a good deal.
"This … General Xiao, to tell you the truth, the relationship between the Vatican and the Spanish government is quite good. They are our very important supporters. From this point of view, of course we condemn the Spanish government's behavior, but we still hope that we can solve the conflict through dialogue. What do you think?"
Not to mention anything else, Xiao Ruxun's words had already revealed his intention to attack the Philippines. The bishop did not know Xiao Ruxun's military power, but Ricci knew it very well. He had just said that the Spanish were no match for Xiao Ruxun. If they really fought, they would definitely lose, and the Philippines would definitely fall into the hands of Xiao Ruxun.
The bishop was very clear that Spain was their important ally in Europe and could not be offended. On the other hand, China was an important hope for them to regain their prestige, and they could not easily give it up. One was now, and the other was in the future. How should they choose? This was a problem.
Before coming to a conclusion, Xiao Ruxun must not send troops to attack the Philippines because of their matter. Since Xiao Ruxun was willing to say it, it meant that this matter was not irreversible.
If they could persuade the Philippine Governor-General of Spain to release all the Chinese and let them return to China, then Xiao Ruxun would be satisfied. If Xiao Ruxun was satisfied, then there would be no excuse to attack the Philippines. Then, their mission would be completed, and their goal would be achieved.
Good for you, good for me, and good for everyone. How great!
The bishop instantly came to his conclusion.
Then he told Ricci his idea and asked for Ricci's opinion. Ricci frowned and thought about it. He felt that no matter what, it was most important not to let Xiao Ruxun and Spain face to face.
Now that Xiao Ruxun knew that Spain and the Vatican had a good relationship, if they really fought, Xiao Ruxun would expel all the missionaries in a rage and even call for the expulsion of the missionaries in the country. That would be the end.
The key was that he himself would be finished. He did not know how Xiao Ruxun would treat him.
So he nodded and felt that it was worth a try.
"Dear General Xiao, the bishop thinks that war is not good. War will bring many deaths. War is the punishment of God. War should not happen. War is …"
"Old Li, cut the crap and get to the point!"
Xiao Ruxun frowned and immediately lost his temper. Ricci immediately nodded. "The bishop said that he will go to Luzon to persuade the Spanish Governor-General to release all the Chinese there and establish peaceful and friendly diplomatic relations with the Daming Dynasty. Both sides should try to avoid war as much as possible."
Xiao Ruxun pondered for a moment and felt that this was naturally the best. He could send a few ships in private to eliminate the pirates at the invitation of the small country. But if he were to attack the Philippines and rescue the Chinese, it would not be a matter of a few ships or a dozen ships. The movement would be very big, and it might alarm the Ming court, which would not be good for him.
So Xiao Ruxun nodded.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
