Charles and his group spent several days in Guangzhou, but to no avail.
Upon arriving in Jiangnan, the soap workshops were again heavily guarded by government soldiers, and they didn't even have a chance to get close.
Left with no other choice, he decided to head north to the capital, hoping to find a breakthrough elsewhere.
Upon arriving in the capital, Charles quickly learned that Prince Rui, Yuntang, was running a soap business, and on a considerable scale.
A thought struck him, and he decided to disguise himself as a missionary and approach Yuntang under the guise of exchanging skills.
One day, Yuntang was checking the accounts of the soap workshop in the mansion when the steward rushed in to report: "My lord, there is a man outside who claims to be a French missionary and wants to see you. He says he has important matters to discuss."
Yuntang raised an eyebrow and put down the ledger: "Missionary? Let him in."
A moment later, Charles was led into a side hall in the front yard.
He bowed and said in fluent Chinese, "Your Highness, I apologize for disturbing you, but I am Charles, a missionary from France."
I've heard you have a great interest in Western artifacts, so I've come to pay you a visit.
Yuntang glanced at him and said indifferently, "Sir, what brings you here from afar?"
Charles smiled slightly: "Your Highness, I have come here today to discuss cooperation with you."
The East India Company is extremely interested in your soap and hopes to establish trade relations with you.
A flicker of wariness crossed Yuntang's eyes, but he remained outwardly calm: "Oh? The East India Company? Haven't you been operating in the Qing Dynasty for many years?"
Charles nodded: "Exactly. But now that the Qing Dynasty is rich in resources, we hope to import more goods, especially novel items like soap."
Yuntang chuckled lightly: "The soap is good, but the formula was bestowed by Her Majesty the Empress, and I have no right to disclose it without authorization."
Charles quickly said, "Your Highness misunderstands. We are not asking for the formula, but rather to buy the finished product at a high price and ship it to the West for sale. If Your Highness is willing to cooperate, the profits can be split 50/50."
Yuntang pondered for a moment, but did not answer immediately.
He vaguely felt that this matter was not simple, but if he could use it to directly open up the Western market, it would be a good way to make money.
Seeing Yuntang hesitate, Charles added, "Your Highness, the East India Company can also provide you with the latest Western technology and blueprints in exchange."
Yuntang's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly calmed down: "This matter is of great importance, and I need to consider it for a few days. Please stay here for now, and I will discuss it with you in detail after I have made a decision."
Charles bowed in thanks and then withdrew.
After Charles left, Yuntang immediately summoned his confidant: "Go and investigate this missionary's background to see if he is really connected with the East India Company."
The trusted confidant accepted the order and left.
Charles returned to the inn and wrote a secret letter detailing the situation of the Qing soap workshop and Yuntang's attitude.
He planned to find an opportunity to send the letter, but the heightened security in the capital left him at a loss.
A few days later, Yuntang received a report from his confidant: "My lord, that missionary is indeed related to the East India Company, but he was unable to find any information in Guangzhou and Jiangnan, so he went north to the capital."
Yuntang sneered: "As expected, you have ulterior motives."
After a moment's thought, he decided to turn the tables on him.
The next day, Yuntang summoned Charles again and said with feigned enthusiasm, "Sir, I have considered it and we can discuss the cooperation in detail."
However, the East India Company needed to first send a delegation to formally negotiate the terms.
Charles was overjoyed and quickly said, "Your Highness is wise! I will write to the company immediately and ask them to send a delegation as soon as possible."
Yuntang nodded: "In that case, I can help you send the letter out."
Charles was overjoyed and took out a pre-written secret letter from his pocket, presenting it with both hands: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!"
Yuntang took the letter and smiled slightly: "Please wait for good news, sir."
After Charles left, Yuntang immediately handed the letter to his confidant: "Quickly make a copy of this letter, send the original out as usual, and send the copy to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to present to the Emperor."
The trusted confidant accepted the order and left.
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, after reading the copy, Yongzheng's eyes flashed with a cold glint: "It seems they know quite a bit about the Qing Dynasty."
He looked at Yuntang and said approvingly, "Ninth Brother has done a good job. I will handle this matter personally."
Yuntang bowed and said, "Your subject is merely fulfilling his duty."
After a moment's thought, Yongzheng said, "Since they want to send a delegation, then I will let them come. However, it will be easy for them to come, but difficult for them to leave."
Yuntang understood and smiled slightly: "Your Majesty is wise."
Two weeks later, Charles received a reply that the East India Company had decided to send a delegation to negotiate.
To be precise, the East India Company was practically rotting away waiting for news from Charles.
Shortly afterward, a delegation composed of high-ranking officials from the East India Company arrived in the capital, ostensibly to promote trade.
In reality, their aim was to gather intelligence on the Qing Dynasty and ideally bring back some of the latest technologies.
Inside the Forbidden City, Emperor Yongzheng sat on the dragon throne in the Qianqing Palace, his cold gaze sweeping over the members of the delegation.
He had already learned of these people's true intentions from the secret reports of his bodyguards.
He then said calmly, "I am deeply pleased that you have come from afar. May I ask what advice you have for me this time?"
James, the head of the delegation, stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Majesty the Emperor of the Great Qing, our purpose in coming here is to express our admiration for the prosperity of the Great Qing and to further deepen trade cooperation between our two sides."
Emperor Yongzheng nodded slightly with a smile: "In that case, I will certainly entertain you all."
The banquet was held in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, with delicacies laid out on long tables and musicians playing melodious court music.
During the meeting, the members of the delegation appeared to be chatting and laughing, but their eyes kept darting around, trying to catch any valuable information.
Eighth Master, Ninth Master, Tenth Master, Thirteenth Master, and others were all present at the table.
Seeing this, they all exchanged a smile—these foreign devils really don't know how to hide their true colors at all.
After several rounds of drinks, a diplomat suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Your Majesty, we have long admired the virtuous and unparalleled Empress of the Qing Dynasty. We wonder if we might have the honor of meeting her at this grand occasion?"
The moment these words were spoken, the hall fell silent.
The ministers looked at each other, their expressions varied.
According to custom, the empress lived deep within the palace and rarely appeared in front of officials, let alone foreign envoys.
Emperor Yongzheng frowned slightly, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
He then thought: My empress should naturally share this feast with me.
Then, a meaningful smile appeared on his lips, and he beckoned to the eunuch beside him: "Go and invite the Empress to come in court attire."
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