Chapter 1796 Sima Zhao's Heart 7
Seeing that the time was almost up, Wei Yixin knew that it was his turn to play! Now that the tycoons are given enough time to communicate, as the master, you can't be too arrogant, not to mention asking for help from others today.
Knowing that the task is very difficult, but at this moment there is only one way to go to the dark; the British Empire has no way out. As the governor of Xiangjiang, he must consider the future of the empire. There is nothing wrong with sacrificing the interests of the colonies; Britain has done it more than once in history, and there are traces to follow!
In fact, it is not only the United Kingdom, the reason why the European capitalist powers have become a big country; plundering overseas colonies to nourish themselves is a major reason. Portugal, Spain; when they ruled, they had colonies all over the world.
In today's world, there are many countries that speak Portuguese, Spanish, and French; there are even more English-speaking countries, which were basically formed during the colonial period. The Portuguese established colonies in Africa, crossed the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, and entered India; reached the South China Sea and Japan, pushed to the Atlantic Ocean, and established large colonies in the Americas; once monopolized the world's spice, gold, and sugar trade.
Portugal was the first country to engage in black trade. Between Africa and Europe, and between Africa and America, Portugal made huge profits from black slave trade. In the 16th century, Portugal looted more than 270 tons of gold from Africa. During the 300 years of ruling Brazil, Portugal looted gold worth as much as $600 million and diamonds worth $300 million.
On the surface, it doesn't look like a lot, but combined with the exchange rate and inflation calculations; it is definitely a huge fortune.
Spain also benefited greatly from the colonies. Spanish territories are found on every continent of the world except Oceania. Tunisia in Africa, the Philippines in Asia, and Latin America except Brazil are all Spanish colonies. In Latin America, 25 million square kilometers of land were incorporated into the Spanish Empire. Spain looted a lot of gold from the Indians in the Americas. In the first half of the 16th century, Spain shipped back 2,900 kilograms of gold and more than 30,000 kilograms of silver from the Americas every year. During the three hundred years of occupation of Latin America, Spain plundered millions of kilograms of gold and hundreds of millions of kilograms of silver.
Compared with the two teeth, the British approach is even worse.
In the more than two centuries after the Glorious Revolution, Britain participated in all-out colonial wars and colonial plunder; it established a huge colonial empirethe Empire on which the sun never sets. Although 13 North American colonies became independent one after another in the 18th century, which dealt a blow to the British colonial system; but the British did not relax their plundering of colonies around the world.
Since the middle of the 19th century, Britain either alone or in conjunction with other capitalist powers has repeatedly launched wars of aggression against China. Gain extensive rights and spheres of influence in China. Using the East India Company to smuggle opium, combined with the gunboat policy, has achieved huge benefits in China.
India is also the largest source of British overseas wealth. According to historical records, only from 1757 to 1815, the British East India Company seized wealth from India amounting to 1 billion pounds. Curzon, who served as the governor of Britain and India at the beginning of the century, said: "As long as we rule India, we are number one in the world; if we lose India, we will be reduced to a third-rate country."
How much wealth Britain has plundered from overseas colonies has not yet been reliably counted.
It's just that there is only Xiangjiang left now, although it can't be as blatant as before; but through the issuance of bonds and other situations, disguised plunder can still be done.
The current situation is very unfavorable for the British Empire. But apart from Xiangjiang, there is only the mainland; as the governor of Xiangjiang, he can only find a way from Xiangjiang; otherwise, it will be very hard to fight against Argentina relying on the mainland alone.
And Wei Yixin has already figured it out, he will take the blame for the big deal; the task of 10 billion pounds of bonds must be completed. For the sake of the country's victory in the war, what does it matter if he is sacrificed.
Regardless of whether it succeeds in the end, just having this idea is enough to show that Wilson is a qualified British person. But as the governor of Xiangjiang, the interests of his country and Xiangjiang conflict; he does not hesitate to choose the former; it is really speechless.
But it also shows in disguise that Britain has never regarded Xiangjiang as one of its own; it is still the same old thinking.
Regardless of whether it was sincere or not, when Wilson and his wife came out, there was still warm applause at the scene. This bit of face still has to be given, and this place is still the Governor's Mansion; otherwise, it will not look good.
All the people who came over were tycoon-level figures, and the area of the Governor's Mansion was limited; there was no need to deliberately arrange a host. Not only will it not have any good effect, but it will also create distance. As for the purchase of British treasury bonds by ordinary people, they can completely entrust major banks to operate. For this point, the person in charge of the financial department, Qiao Ante, has already made plans.
Wei Yixin stood in the middle of the stage and said with a smile: "Ladies and gentlemen; hello everyone! I am Governor Wei Yixin. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come to the dinner."
"First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone."
"The reason why Xiangjiang is so prosperous is inseparable from everyone's hard work. As the governor, I see a prosperous scene; I am very proud of it."
"But it is undeniable that Xiangjiang is able to achieve today's situation; London has also made outstanding contributions."
"There is an old saying in China, don't forget the well digger when you drink water. Now that the Argentines dare to provoke the British Empire, it is unbearable; they must be dealt with severely. But then again, the imperial army belongs to the labor expedition; logistics supplies A series of issues such as this require the active cooperation of all sectors of society.
"I hope you can help and stand with the British Empire to deal with the Argentines. As long as we work together, the British Empire can fight any enemy."
Wei Yixin came to Hong Kong as early as 1960, and studied languages at Hong Kong University for two years, which gave him a preliminary understanding of Hong Kong. In 1963, he was transferred to Kyoto, China, and served as the first secretary of the British Agency in China, and had a preliminary understanding of China as a whole. In 1965, he was transferred back to the British Foreign Office and served as the first secretary of the Far East Department. In 1968, he abandoned his official position and went to school to become a teacher. In 1973, he received a doctorate from the University of London; in 1974, he returned to work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for three and a half years.
Later, due to the sudden death of Sir Youde, then Governor of Xiangjiang, the British government decided to take over the post of Governor with Wilson.
Wei Yixin is no stranger to Huaxia Mainland and Xiangjiang; therefore, he just gave a speech and used vernacular throughout. Wei Yixin is definitely the one with the best Chinese language among the many governors in Xiangjiang. You can switch between Mandarin and vernacular at will, without any sense of disobedience!
The use of vernacular is also to shorten the distance with rich Chinese businessmen; let the people of Xiangjiang see that he still knows the city very well.
But many people at the scene, including the richest man, were not very impressed with Wilson.
First of all, the time for Xiangjiang's return has been determined. Given the current situation in the UK, they dare not challenge the Chinese mainland at all. In other words, in less than ten years, Britain has nothing to do with Xiangjiang. The future state of the British Empire has nothing to do with them.
Even if you want to immigrate, you don't have to go to the UK; Australia, Canada, the United States, etc., there are too many places to choose from; there is no need to hang yourself on a tree.
Of course, if Britain wins the war decently, it will naturally be considered; but as long as you have money in your pocket, there is no problem where you want to live in the past.
At this moment, Wei Yixin's intention was very obvious, he just wanted to get money out of everyone's pockets.
The war bonds purchased last time have not yet been paid, and it seems that it is far away; everyone is not stupid, and the money is not blown by a strong wind; why should it be given to the British directly.
Bao Zixuan didn't expect that Wei Yixin went straight to the point; he didn't give everyone any time to think. However, from this point, it is not difficult to see that No. 10 Downing Street puts a lot of pressure on him; or Iron Lady is also waiting for news, wanting to know how the situation in Xiangjiang is.
In fact, Wilson also had his own considerations, not only because of the pressure from London, but also because of his understanding of local businessmen in Hong Kong.
The governor of Xiangjiang looks at the high position and weight, but at the moment Chinese businessmen may not necessarily buy it. It is not so easy to proceed step by step; businessmen are master negotiators, far better than him as a diplomat.
Many businessmen in Xiangjiang are Tai Chi experts, but they dare not fall into a stalemate. It's better to be straightforward and not leave a way for both parties to retreat; the effect will be better instead.
Native British businessmen don't have to worry; even if they are selfish, it depends on when.
Today's British Empire is in a state of war; at this time, if you still think about your own pettiness, it is no different from betraying your country.
If they lose the war, the British businessmen will definitely lose the most; especially the people in Xiangjiang, they will definitely not have good fruit to eat. At this moment, I am not serving the country, but helping myself; smart people will do their best!
Just now, Qiao Ante's suggestion was very targeted; therefore, Wei Yixin walked directly towards Baozixuan without any hesitation.
The governor's appearance and his speech just now will naturally become the focus of the audience; every move will definitely be focused on.
No need to think about it, it must be going straight to Baozixuan; but this is a good thing for everyone present.
No one wants to pay, but they suffer from no reason and excuses; assuming that the richest man can withstand it, they can naturally stay out of it.
Bao Zixuan did not expect that the other party still refused to give up when he refused to meet in advance. People are afraid of being famous and pigs are afraid of being strong. Now he will not stop wherever he goes.
Wei Yixin said with a smile: "Brother Bao, hello!"
"I've wanted to see you for a long time, but it has been unlucky in the past few years; in addition, the Black Cloud Group has been expanding crazily; causing people to stay abroad. It's not too late, but there are many things I need to ask for your opinion!"
The benefits of prestigious schools are once again reflected. Wei Yixin also graduated from Oxford University, but he was 20 years earlier than the richest man Bao.
On such a formal occasion, he did not use titles such as Mr. Bao and Mr. Bao Zixuan; instead, he directly called himself a junior. It seems that the old boy still knows something about him.
Using official status to force pressure is not a bird at all. Not to mention Xiangjiang's return to the battle, Fujairah and the terrifying strength of the Black Cloud Group alone are enough to make the British Empire fearful.
We all know that Bao Zixuan is more affectionate, and he belongs to the character that people respect me and I respect others. Calling him a student directly can instantly shorten the relationship between them.
It is true that Wei Yixin has been in Xiangjiang for a long time, but before that, he was more behind the scenes and engaged in staff work. I really haven't met Bao Zixuan before; Bao's richest man, who is at the pinnacle of his debut, has long been a guest of the previous governors!
Bao Zixuan said with a smile: "Senior, you're being polite, I'm really sorry! In recent years, there have been many foreign affairs, and the local market in Xiangjiang is really too small; I'm not a quiet person; basically I haven't stayed in Xiangjiang for a few days."
Wei Yixin called him a student, and it was not good to call him the governor; if that was the case, it would appear alienated.
Even in bad times, Xiangjiang is still ruled by the British; the other party is the governor, so face still has to be given.
But the other party didn't make a substantive request, and he couldn't say much; he could only see what the British wanted to do before making a decision.
Wei Yixin: "The last time I went back to school, all the leaders and professors mentioned you were full of praise; for the contribution of my alma mater, Bao Xuedi is much better than us."
Bao Zixuan's donation to Oxford University and MIT is still very purposeful. To be precise, it cannot be said to be a donation, and project cooperation is more appropriate.
Although Yulin Institute of Technology is developing rapidly, its background is really poor. To achieve academic breakthroughs, it is necessary not only to purchase the latest experimental equipment, hire the best professors and mentors, but also actively cooperate with world-renowned universities.
As a well-known alumnus of Oxford and MIT, it is very appropriate to cooperate with the alma mater.
Cooperation is bound to bleed, and for scientific research projects; Bao Shoufu has never been stingy. Unlike the United States, the economic situation in the United Kingdom has been very poor in recent years; this has led to a serious shortage of scientific research funding.
Although Oxford University is a key university~www.mtlnovel.com~, it is limited by the overall economic environment; government funding is also reduced again and again.
In the field of scientific research, money does not necessarily mean success; but without money, even basic projects may not be able to advance.
When all major universities in the UK are not well funded, Oxford has bucked the trend; research funding has increased year by year, of course, all of this is due to Bao Zixuan.
No matter what the purpose is, in short, the scientific research projects of Oxford University can be promoted smoothly; the dedication of professors and mentors has been rewarded; naturally, Bao Zixuan is grateful to Bao Zixuan.
You can't say that if you have milk, you are a mother, but you can't scold the cook with a bowl; if you really make people anxious, they will have a hard life.
This made Oxford University full of praise for the richest man Bao; for fear of offending the God of Wealth.
Bao Zixuan said with a smile: "Senior, I should do everything. As an Oxford student, I never dare to forget what my alma mater taught us!"
At this moment, Bao Shoufu has already made up his mind, so he followed the other party's words; see what the old boy wants to do.
The other party must speak first, and buying bonds is inevitable; whoever makes himself too rich only hopes to have as little as possible. The reputation of the richest man is not necessarily a good thing!
(end of this chapter)