Chapter 451: Marine Corps

“Hahaha…”

The serious atmosphere in the government office was broken by Xiao Ming’s laughter.

After negotiating for so long, he basically solved the Ryukyu problem without bloodshed and even found a trade route to Europe.

Stopping his laughter, Xiao Ming said to Claire, “I am glad you can accept this condition. If you sincerely trade with my lordship’s territory, I guarantee your future trade in East Asia will not be harmed. On the contrary, you will gain more profit.”

“I hope so. Our goal as the Dutch is trade and profit. As long as Your Highness can guarantee this, that is enough,” Claire also said with a smile.

Nodding, Xiao Ming continued, “Since that is the case, why don’t we sign a trade agreement now to formalize our commitments?”

After saying this, he asked Yang Chengye to prepare paper and pen to write down the results of the negotiation into an agreement regulating the behavior of both sides. Claire did not object.

Then they discussed some details, and finally formed the agreement.

The agreement clearly stated:

First, the Dutch return the Ryukyu main island to the Great Yu Empire, under the lordship of the Great Yu’s Qi Prince. In return, the Qi Prince guarantees the safety of the Dutch Trading Company’s base at Zeeland Castle and the smoothness of the trade routes.

Second, the Dutch Trading Company and Qingzhou Chamber of Commerce jointly establish a foreign trade department in Dengzhou. From now on, all trade must be approved by this office.

Third, Zeeland Castle keeps 2,000 musketeers and four warships, and the Qi Prince’s territory may station an equal number of troops there for joint control. Both sides are responsible for their own military supplies.

Fourth, when Zeeland Castle is attacked by foreign enemies, Qi territory must cooperate with the Dutch Trading Company to resist. At sea, both sides have an obligation to protect their ships from foreign piracy.

…

Line by line, they wrote these terms. Soon, the paper was filled with words. After writing the agreement in Great Yu’s script, Xiao Ming also wrote another copy in Dutch script. This action almost made Claire’s jaw drop.

“Your Highness Qi Prince, how do you know our language?” Claire asked.

Xiao Ming said, “Then why does Rod know our Great Yu language?”

“But he only speaks, he cannot write,” Claire said. Rod’s past was not honorable. In fact, Rod used to be a pirate who learned Great Yu’s language when he was young by following pirates from various countries.

“That is unfortunate. I learned this knowledge from a very knowledgeable missionary,” Xiao Ming used this excuse to answer.

“A missionary? So you learned about the flintlock guns and cannons from him?” Claire was surprised.

Xiao Ming nodded. Since they were cooperating, he needed to give them a reason.

“This must have been a very knowledgeable missionary,” Claire said with a bitter smile. He now really wanted to shoot that missionary.

Xiao Ming chuckled softly and handed the agreement to Claire. In fact, he picked up knowledge quickly, especially memorized things like languages. Since these memorized facts are stored in the technology crystal, words or even sentences pop into his mind immediately.

“Now we should sign. Once this agreement takes effect, war can be avoided,” Xiao Ming said.

Claire’s expression became serious. He took a deep breath and took out a quill from his pocket, signing his name on the agreement.

Ryukyu Island was developed by the Dutch Trading Company, so it was the company’s property. He had the right to handle the company’s assets, as long as the company’s trade was not harmed.

After signing, Claire pushed the agreement to Xiao Ming and said, “Now it’s your turn.”

Xiao Ming took the agreement and signed his name as well. The agreement was now officially in effect. He nodded with satisfaction and said, “I wish our cooperation goes well.”

Claire’s expression was complicated. This agreement was a complete victory for the Qi Prince, but a humiliating defeat for them. It meant the era of Dutch dominance over East Asian trade routes had ended, just as they had lost their maritime supremacy in Europe.

“I hope Your Highness will keep the promises on this agreement. Otherwise, we Dutch will fight to the last soldier,” Claire warned.

Xiao Ming looked serious and solemnly said, “I always keep my promises.”

Nodding, Claire stood up and said, “In that case, we will wait for Your Highness’s arrival at Zeeland Castle.”

“Alright.”

Xiao Ming originally wanted Claire to stay for a meal, but considering Claire’s humiliating mood, he let it go. After all, even losers have their dignity.

After seeing Claire off, Yang Chengye, who participated in the negotiation, looked at Xiao Ming with admiration and said, “I didn’t expect Your Highness to be so learned. I really respect you!”

“Stop flattering me and do more work. Now that the agreement is signed, Dengzhou will become the commercial port for Dutch trade. From now on, goods coming from the Netherlands will be unloaded here, and our goods will be loaded onto Dutch ships here,” Xiao Ming said.

Since Xiao Ming mentioned this before, Yang Chengye had been looking forward to this day. Now two months had passed, and it finally showed progress.

He said, “I will order the courtyard next to the government office to be cleared for the foreign trade department.” After saying this, Yang Chengye eagerly went to do it. He was now more eager than Xiao Ming.

Shaking his head, Xiao Ming walked toward the government office. Now that the agreement was signed, there were still many things to handle. First, he had to take over Ryukyu Island and the fortress named Nikes opposite Zeeland Castle on the island.

After that, his troops would be stationed at Zeeland Castle to jointly monitor the coastal trade routes with the Dutch.

Thinking of this, he immediately sent for Yue Yun. Since controlling the trade routes was naturally Yue Yun’s responsibility.

Not long after returning to the office, Yue Yun arrived. During this time, he had been leading the fleet in training. Hearing Xiao Ming was in Dengzhou, he came to inquire about Ryukyu matters.

“The Dutch surrendered? That is boring!” Yue Yun looked disappointed. Now he was like a fighting rooster searching for an opponent everywhere.

“Not really surrender. From now on, we will be partners, but cooperation also means staying alert. That is the meaning of stationing troops,” Xiao Ming said. “So you will send some warships to Ryukyu. I will also train a batch of marine corps for you.”

“Marine corps?” Yue Yun’s eyes lit up. This was the type of unit he had always dreamed of.