Chapter 138: Blank Set White Wolf (Second update, please subscribe)
What was the most abundant thing in China in the 19th century?
Of course it’s people.
While South China was facing a severe shortage of human resources, China's population was in serious surplus, which was why Li Fugui and his men were able to exchange guns for people.
There are more people on the island waiting to get on the boat, there just aren't enough boats right now.
Where does the ship come from?
After much thought, Zhu Xianhai turned his attention to the ships carrying immigrants docked in Nanhua Bay. The cabins of these ships have been modified with densely packed multi-layer beds so that they can carry as many immigrants as possible.
Originally these ships were hired on a one-time basis.
But after the simulation in the life simulator, Zhu Xianhai decided to buy these ships.
But he didn't have that much money!
That’s eleven ships!
Depending on the age and tonnage of the ship, their prices range from 20,000 to 40,000 US dollars.
According to Captain Luke's calculations, if he wanted to buy these ships, he would need at least $300,000, which is roughly 60,000 to 70,000 pounds.
Is it a lot?
It’s not much, but Zhu Xianhai really doesn’t intend to pay this money. After all, funds are quite tight now.
Besides, even if he paid the money, it would not be of much use - without a captain and sailors, who would steer the ship?
In the simulator, when the U.S. government banned American merchant ships from transporting Chinese workers in 1862, even if Zhu Xianhai bought a ship, he could not find a captain and navigator who were familiar with the route for a while, because most of those captains and navigators were Americans.
Now, Zhu Xianhai wants both the ship and the people.
And it doesn't cost any money.
"Sir, I believe you have learned on the way that war has broken out in the United States!"
In the banquet hall, Zhu Xianhai looked at the captains and senior sailors gathered together with a smile.
"Here is a newspaper that Mr. Buffett brought from New York. I can read what's in the newspaper..."
Holding the newspaper, Zhu Xianhai read aloud.
"According to the order signed by President Lincoln, from now on, all American merchant ships and crew members must unconditionally accept the Navy's call-up. Anyone who violates this order and refuses to accept the Navy's call-up will be regarded as supporting the rebellion and will be handed over to the court for prosecution for rebellion!"
After Zhu Xianhai read it in English, the captains and senior sailors present all looked at each other and whispered to each other.
"Sir, can you please show us the newspaper?"
"sure!"
This newspaper is absolutely "authentic", but only a few letters have been slightly changed.
The presidential order is real.
The Secretary of War's order was also true.
It’s just that the crime of “treason” was slightly modified. However, this is not a big problem. Even if they meet American officials to verify it, they will get a similar answer - refusing to be drafted is itself a rebellion.
Playing word games... we are the best at it!
Looking at their frightened looks, Zhu Xianhai took a sip of red wine and sneered in his heart.
If a man does not work for his own benefit, he will be punished by heaven and earth.
Americans today... there are only a few native Americans, and they are all just a group of European immigrants. What national consciousness and patriotism are all nonsense.
"Gentlemen, it seems that we must return to the United States as soon as possible. Otherwise, when we return to the United States next time, we will most likely be severely punished by law."
Captain Luke said helplessly.
However, he... is a fugitive himself.
"But, Captain Luke, we all know what it means to be involved in a war."
Captain Spencer retorted.
"I don't want the government to requisition my ship for a few thousand dollars in bonds. I and my sailors will have to fight for the government. The politicians' war has nothing to do with us!"
"But we can't disobey the president's orders!"
"Yeah, this is going to court!"
While the captain and the senior sailor were arguing with each other, Zhu Xianhai interrupted at the right time.
"Gentlemen, the choice before you is very simple - to return to the United States and accept the call to arms, to be involved in this deplorable war, in which you may lose your property and even your life, or to make provision for yourselves."
"For yourself?"
Captain Spencer stood up and said.
"Sir, it seems we have no choice at all."
"As Americans, you certainly have no choice, but as Argentines, Captain, believe me, the orders of the President of the United States have nothing to do with you!"
"What? As an Argentine?"
"Yes, you can go through the naturalization procedures in Nanhua, and once the procedures are completed, you will become Argentines!"
"But sir, where is our ship?"
"Your merchant ships... may sink in a storm or go missing. After all, there are many icebergs in the South Atlantic, and shipwrecks in the ice are common. They will become merchant ships under the name of the American company. All that is needed is to change the name of the ship. Of course, I will inject a certain amount of funds."
Zhu Xianhai gave them a choice very directly.
The ship sank!
Although the sailing conditions these days are much better than those in the 18th century, it is still common for ships to sink into the sea or disappear. If you change the ship's name, no one will be able to find it.
Faced with this choice, all the captains and senior crew members fell silent. They all knew what would await them if they returned to the United States - they and their ships would be drafted into the navy.
Both the South and the North would requisition their ships and men, and they would bleed and die in this war.
In comparison, the choice given by Zhu Xianhai is undoubtedly the most appropriate.
"Sir, you should know that things are not as simple as you say. It is not something that can be done by simply changing the name of the ship."
Captain Spencer's question made Zhu Xianhai laugh.
"Captain, in fact, it is that simple. From now on, these merchant ships will be built at Nanhua's shipyard. I will prepare all the official procedures for you, including the official procedures of the Argentine government."
In Argentina, as long as you have money, nothing is impossible. Thank God, the officials here are corrupt enough.
"Sir, as a Southerner, I certainly want to defend my homeland."
After a moment's hesitation, Luke spoke his mind.
"However, I am well aware that as a merchant ship captain, there is a limit to what I can do, so I want to consider the interests of myself and my crew more."
All right.
Whether they are from the South or the North, for the captains, what they choose first is profit. After all, they are not the navy or officers.
They successfully convinced the sailors without even having to say too much.
Soon, eleven ships were hit by icebergs or storms and sank into the sea. At the same time, eleven more merchant ships were added to the name of the "America Company". From then on, the registration place of these merchant ships became the "South American America Company" instead of American ships.
Of course, these captains will continue to drive merchant ships back and forth between China and South China as employees and shareholders of merchant ships. In addition to transporting immigrants to South China, their mission is also to train South China sailors.
The experience in the simulator taught Zhu Xianhai that everything is most reliable only when it is in the hands of one’s own people!
(End of this chapter)
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