? When the British representative heard Vézé's authentic American English, his expression changed slightly.
Especially when Vézé used "a few" to describe his level of English, the British representative's expression became more colorful. Especially when Vézé used "a few" to describe his level of English, the British representative's expression became more colorful.
Compared to the Cantonese translation brought by the British representative, the British accent was easier for Vézé to understand. Moreover, when it came to negotiations, the two sides were very open about their own positions.
The British representative asked Vézé to recognize the Treaty of Nanking. Wei Ze told the Englishman, "You signed the 'Treaty of Nanjing' with the Manchurian Qing, not the 'Treaty of Nanjing' with us. Our relationship with the Manchurian Qing is hostile. Do you think I'm talking to the wrong person?"
"Then what's your attitude?" the British representative asked.
"In terms of trade, we support free trade. Of course, we welcome to do business with countries all over the world. Of course, the United Kingdom is also our trading partner, "Vézé replied.
This immediately softened the British representative's attitude, and the direction of the British communication immediately changed to free trade. Of course, Vézé had no intention of giving preferential treatment to foreign investors, but he also had no intention of making things difficult for them. Vézé put forward the basic concept of foreign trade. First, Vézé would establish and improve China's customs, and implement a registration system. In Vézé's territory, the British would need a permit to enter.
After listening to Vézé's idea, the British representative's face immediately lit up. "What about the rights and obligations of our people?"
Vézé's answer was very formal. "We are pressed for time, so there is no way to formulate a new set of laws, such as the Marriage Law, the Civil Law, the Criminal Law, and the Commercial Law. However, I must make it clear that we have no intention of inheriting the Qing Law. These laws will be gradually formulated and improved. However, when your people come to China, they are obliged to abide by our laws. Of course, within the scope of our laws, they will also enjoy the rights stipulated by the law. What we must make clear is that extraterritoriality must be abolished. There is nothing to discuss about this. If you are dissatisfied with our laws, you can discuss it with our relevant departments. However, after our laws are enacted and before they are amended, any citizen of any country who comes to China must abide by the laws of China. "
Of course, the British were very unhappy about this. However, after they discussed it with Vézé, they soon discovered that Vézé was very "proficient in international practices." For example, Vézé recognized the continuation of the British Consulate in China, which was agreed by Vézé, in accordance with international standards. Moreover, they also recognized the diplomatic immunity of the diplomats of both sides. Different from Manchu Qing's recognition, this was a diplomatic relationship established in the form of law, as well as various corresponding powers. This attitude undoubtedly surprised the Englishman.
As for the trade and tariffs between the two sides, Vézé made it clear that he would set up a new customs office and a new trade settlement bank.
"General!" The British representative had unknowingly used an honorific. "How does such a bank operate?"
Vézé didn't think it was necessary to lie to the British. This kind of systematic lie had limited meaning and effect. "We hope to expand the trade with the United Kingdom, but we don't have that much silver in our hands. Therefore, a settlement bank is a good way. We are responsible for fulfilling the acceptance of our domestic merchants according to the bank settlement. Of course, you are also responsible for the acceptance of your merchants. In this way, we can finally control the tariffs and taxes in the trade. Of course, at this stage, we will temporarily maintain the status quo of the trade. "
Of course, the British representative could understand Vézé's attitude. The control of customs revenue was an extremely important part of the financial revenue of European countries, so it was normal to control it. Therefore, the British representative said enthusiastically, "General, if you don't have the ability to complete these systems quickly, we have the experience to help you establish these systems quickly. We can give you full support, including the bank. "
"We welcome your support in this regard, but I have a more urgent matter. However, I have an even more urgent matter. I want to build an ironworks, a steel mill, and an enterprise that can repair steam engines and new types of ships. Therefore, we hope that you can provide technicians, "said Vézé.
"Oh?" The British representative was stunned. They never expected Vézé to make such a request.
Wei Ze said lightly, "Of course, we are not only making such a request to you. We are also making the same request to France and the United States. Whoever comes first, we will do business with them."
"I can sign the contract with you now," the British representative immediately shouted. "Someone in my family runs a steel company!"
Looking at the British official's excitement, Vézé was amused. "Well, then we can draft a contract now."
In the end, the two sides signed not only a commercial contract, but also a memorandum on maintaining the situation in Guangdong. When Vézé fought with the Manchu Qing forces in Guangdong, the British side remained neutral. Similarly, Vézé had an obligation to protect the safety of the British who did business in Guangdong. Of course, Vézé was not stupid enough to agree to everything. The memorandum clearly stated that if the British were captured by the Manchu Qing, or were in a war zone, Vézé could only guarantee the safety of the British who voluntarily sought refuge with Vézé's troops. He could not guarantee the safety of the British in areas that were not completely under his control.
Even with such a flexible policy, it was considered a very friendly attitude to the British. In the past few years, the Manchu Qing had only implemented a policy of protection for their own people. The state protected its people and tried to minimize accidental casualties in war. These were all things that only the new China would do. The government's army was considered a morally perfect army if they did not plunder. In 1855, only Vézé's army and the Taiping army could do this.
After temporarily opening up a channel of communication with the British, Vézé began to worry about who should be in charge of foreign exchanges and foreign trade. After thinking about it, Levis and the two hundred or so Huizhou merchants who followed Levis to the south and decided to follow Vézé would be more useful.
After summoning Levis and Li Yuchang, Vézé discussed the matter with them. When Li Yuchang saw Vézé, he wanted to kneel down, but Levis immediately stopped him. Kneeling was not allowed in the army, and there was no longer a hierarchy of titles such as "master". No matter what everyone thought, they were used to being called "comrade".
Li Yuchang was also aware of this, but after seeing Vézé, he got used to it. After being stopped by Levis, he also remembered the rules. Vézé stepped forward and extended his hand to Li Yuchang. Li Yuchang immediately came over, bowed, and shook hands.
Levis saluted, and Vézé returned the salute. After that, the three sat down.
"Comrade Li Yuchang, sit on the chair obediently. Can't we concentrate on our business? Don't bring up the Manchu Qing rule of sitting half on the chair. "Looking at Li Yuchang's cautious sitting posture, Vézé said.
"Yes! Yes! "Li Yuchang said as he sat deeper into the chair.
Wei Ze frowned. "Comrade Li Yuchang, I'm against being high and mighty to anyone or anyone else. Do you know what I'm thinking about you being so cautious with me?"
Li Yuchang said with a little fear, "This … I don't know."
Vézé frowned and said, "I think that you will let your subordinates be so cautious with you and only sit half on the chair. You are my relative. Do you think that you should be the first to follow the rules that I set? "
Li Yuchang immediately stood up. Before he could say anything, Vézé waved his hand. "Sit down obediently!"
Levis couldn't stand it anymore. "Uncle, just sit down! Do you really have to treat yourself as an outsider? "
This sentence poked at Li Yuchang's worries. He suddenly looked like he was about to cry. "Commander-in-chief, you are such a benevolent ruler!"
Vézé said, "If you think that I am a benevolent ruler and that we are on the same side, then sit down. Don't embarrass me. Sit! "
This time, Li Yuchang finally sat down on the chair seriously. It was naturally comfortable to sit down seriously. His expression immediately relaxed.
Vézé leaned back in the chair and said slowly, "It's like this. I know that Huizhou merchants are more moral. You guys claim that doing business is based on trust. But let's be honest. If there is a huge profit in front of you, you can't help but want to take it. I can understand that, but I can't accept it. That's why I like Huizhou merchants because you have seen money before. You won't be blinded by it. I have an errand to manage money and business, which I need someone to do. That's why I invited Comrade Li Yuchang. I don't know if you are interested in this job. "
After listening to Vézé's introduction, Li Yuchang didn't immediately show his joy. Instead, he said with a serious expression, "What do you want me to do?"
Vézé relaxed a little and said in a gentler tone, "Manage the customs trade! Even when we do business with foreigners, we have to collect taxes on imports and exports. This is a business that involves a lot of money. If someone wants to use this authority to gain some financial benefits, it's a very easy task. However, Comrade Li Yuchang, you should be very clear about our current situation. We are short of money. If someone were to cause any trouble here, I would definitely not let them off. Even if it's you, Comrade Li Yuchang, I will not let you off. However, since you are my relative and have followed me to Guangzhou, I can trust you, and you can trust me as well. If there's anything you want to say, you have the guts to tell me. That's why I'm asking if you are willing to do this job. "
Hearing Vézé's gentle tone, Li Yuchang's expression didn't relax in the slightest. As a businessman, he had too many dealings with the government in terms of tax collection. He knew very well how complicated and complicated the business of tax collection was. Furthermore, no matter how gentle Vézé's tone was, there was not the slightest bit of gentleness in his words. Li Yuchang believed that if Vézé said he would kill someone, he would kill someone.
After thinking for a while, Li Yuchang said, "Since you trust me and feel that I won't be moved by a little bit of money, then I will try my best to do it. As for whether I can do it well, I don't dare to say. "
Seeing that Li Yuchang had expressed his stance, Vézé said, "Comrade Li Yuchang, the rules in our army are like this. One is if you don't have the ability or the conditions are limited. If that's the case, we will at most be dismissed. However, if you violate the rules and regulations, then it's your own problem. When that happens, we will unceremoniously dismiss you from your post and investigate you, or send you to court for trial. Given the current situation, we definitely have to learn how to do things. We haven't done these things before, so we won't believe you if you say that you can get things done immediately. Let's get things done first and summarize the problems we encounter in the process. That's why I asked Comrade Levis to participate in this matter. I want to use the system construction that he has learned. I invited you here because I want to use the experience you have accumulated in business. You should cooperate well and get this done. "
Hearing Vézé's clear purpose, Li Yuchang couldn't help but sigh. "Commander in Chief, you really think of us as your own people by saying that!"
Hearing this, Vézé felt that it was more reliable. He said, "Not only our own people, but more importantly, comrades. Those who share the same ideals are comrades! Right now, I believe that Comrade Li Yuchang and I have the same ideals, which is to fight for a new China! Then, Comrade Li Yuchang will be in charge of this job! I will write a transfer order for you right now. You can go to the personnel department to complete the handover procedures. After that, you will be part of the customs office under the political department! "
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.
