Chapter 1031

“Your Majesty, I am only afraid that this is a British ploy to sow discord.”

In the Imperial Study, Cui Shang’an presented the intelligence from Southeast Asia to Xiao Ming. Although news transmission was much faster now due to the advent of the telegraph, when the General Staff received Lei Ming’s battle report, this unexpected event had already been over for half a month, after all, the distance from Indonesia to Guangzhou was three thousand li (approximately 1,500 km).

Xiao Ming grunted softly and threw the battle report on the table. He said, “I would rather believe this than not. I have never felt at ease with the Netherlands. After all, in Europe, the Netherlands is a small country, and its navy has also declined, making it easy for it to compromise under the pressure of powerful nations.”

“But if we go to war with the Dutch, our rubber trade might be interrupted.” Cui Shang’an was a little worried. As rubber became part of every aspect of industry, its importance became increasingly prominent.

Even with the rubber trade with the Dutch over the years, it could not satisfy the Empire’s current needs, so the price of rubber products remained high within the Empire.

Xiao Ming was even more angry when this was mentioned. He said to Cui Shang’an, “Do not believe that there is any friendship between countries. The Dutch know this better than we do. They have made a killing in the rubber trade, and they have not been soft on us with their prices. If I were worried that the Empire’s industrial development would be hampered by rubber, I would have stopped this unprofitable trade long ago.”

In contemporary times, one ton of rubber could be sold for about 15,000, but in this era where rubber was scarce, the Dutch were even more ruthless. They sold each ton of rubber for 1,000 dragon coins, which was almost a gram of gold for a gram of rubber.

Faced with such a huge trade deficit, his dissatisfaction had been long-standing. However, he now had a solution, so he continued, “I have already thought of a solution to this problem. After the Golden Tent is annihilated, the grassland will be the Empire’s asset. There is a small grass near Tian Shan called rubber grass. If the rubber trade is interrupted, we can temporarily use rubber grass to replace it. Moreover, over the years, the Empire has also been establishing rubber tree plantations. Now, Hainan has large areas of rubber forests. Generally, it takes only six years from planting to harvesting, and now that six years have passed, we can begin harvesting. In this way, together with the rubber grass, the Empire’s self-produced rubber can already meet the Empire’s current needs.”

“Rubber grass.” Cui Shang’an’s expression was one of surprise. He found that he still knew too little.

Xiao Ming nodded and explained, “This kind of rubber grass is distributed around the Tian Shan area and grows as vigorously as pasture grass. It has a short growth cycle and can be planted in rotation like pasture grass. It looks somewhat like a dandelion. After the Golden Tent’s surrender, I have already arranged for some slaves to go to Tian Shan to establish rubber grass plantations. I expect that we will see a harvest this year.”

Cui Shang’an let out a sigh of relief. All his worries had vanished. He said with a smile, “After being extorted by the Dutch for so many years, the Empire can finally breathe a sigh of relief. In that case, the Empire does not need to fear them. As long as there is solid evidence, we will completely drive the Dutch out of Asia.”

“Whether it’s true or not, immediately order the Ryukyu garrison to be on full alert. If the Dutch make any moves, annihilate them immediately,” Xiao Ming said coldly.

Cui Shang’an’s expression became serious, and he responded, “Yes.”

…

Zeelandia.

Eric was pacing restlessly in the Governor’s Office. The news of Newland City being captured had already reached here, which made him very uneasy.

Because at the same time the Chinese Empire was spreading the news of its victory, rumors were also flying around about a mysterious letter found on the Governor of Newland.

He could not determine whether these rumors were intentional or accidental leaks.

“Governor Eric, we don’t have much time left. Although this is not what we wanted, we are Dutch and must obey the Parliament’s decision.”

Stephen looked at Eric. Eighteen days ago, he arrived in Zeelandia and announced the Parliament’s new appointment to him.

“A bunch of madmen! You don’t understand the terror of the Chinese Empire at all! The British and French are forcing us to our deaths!” Eric was furious.

Stephen showed a helpless expression. He said, “Eric, as a Dutchman, you must consider the safety of the Dutch people. If we continue to adhere to a policy of closeness to the Chinese Empire, we will be blockaded by Britain at sea and attacked by France on land. Do you think we can withstand France’s attack? The profits from the trade with the Chinese Empire are indeed substantial, but the safety of the country is more important. Now is the time for you to make a decision. I am sure that the letter they found is about the political situation in the Netherlands. If we don’t act now, it will probably be too late.”

Eric’s expression changed repeatedly. According to the Parliament’s plan, they were first to deal with the imperial soldiers in Zeelandia, then gather the warships and soldiers from Manila and Malaysia to attack Singapore. After capturing Malacca, British and French reinforcements would arrive and use Malacca as a boundary to stop the Chinese Empire’s westward advance.

Stephen’s series of words made Eric let out a long sigh. He said, “Stephen, you must understand the consequences of making this decision. The Netherlands will completely lose Manila, Indonesia, and the trade routes in Asia.”

“The British and French have agreed to give us a part of the colonial markets in Africa and America to compensate for our losses. Eric, try to be more open-minded. Asia is too far away from us, while Britain and France are too close.”

Turning around and looking at the bloody sunset outside the window, Eric nodded slightly. He had hesitated about this matter for a long time, and now it seemed it was time for him to make a decision. After all, the content of this letter could very likely expose them, and he could not take that risk.

Before the Chinese Empire could complete its preparations, they had to escape from Zeelandia.

“In that case, we will take action tonight. May God bless us to return to the Netherlands alive.” Eric’s expression became firm. The Netherlands was his country, and his family was in Amsterdam. He could not abandon all of this.

Stephen breathed a slight sigh of relief. When he first arrived, he underestimated Eric’s fear of the Chinese Empire. Now, his mission was finally complete.

At this time, Eric looked at the imperial garrison outside the Governor’s Office and continued, “It is probably impossible to withdraw from here unharmed, but our soldiers cannot die in vain. At the very least, we must obtain the Chinese Empire’s Han-style rifles and machine guns.”

There seemed to be a light twinkling in Stephen’s eyes. “That’s right, these will sell for a good price in Europe. Eric, you will leave a strong mark in the history of the Netherlands.”