Chapter 2360
Compared with the speed at which Haihan officials develop and build overseas colonies, private businessmen are obviously moving faster. As long as merchants have tasted the benefits of Haihan's business system, most of them have already developed a keen business sense and know exactly how to ride on Haihan's external expansion.
In 1636, Wang Tom led an armed fleet to Seoul, and half-coaxed and half-forced the Korean King Li Zhu to sign an alliance treaty with Haihan. Since then, Haihan merchants began to focus on North Korea, and slowly Slowly began to establish trade channels between Zhoushan and Seoul.
In addition to Seoul, the city with the strongest commercial atmosphere in North Korea may be Busan. Therefore, soon some Haihan businessmen noticed this seaport city located at the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, and were delighted to discover that Busan had not yet been established due to historical reasons. Not subject to strict supervision by the Korean court, there are plenty of business opportunities for foreign businessmen to freely explore. For businessmen trained through the Haihan business system, Busan is simply a treasure that needs to be developed urgently.
Therefore, in the past two years, Haihan merchants have entered this area one after another and are operating a variety of industries here, especially the service industry and navigation industry that Haihan merchants are best at. Chain restaurants like Mingwolou run by Haihan merchants are not uncommon in Busan, there are at least three or four of them.
The business style of these restaurants is mainly based on Haihan cuisine that pays attention to seasoning and cooking techniques. In addition to the chefs transferred from China, all kinds of seasonings and spices, and even some ingredients and drinks are shipped all the way from Zhoushan. .
As a result, the operating costs will of course remain high, which will increase the consumption level of the restaurant. However, the operators have put a lot of effort into publicity, packaging Haihan cuisine as a good thing that can only be enjoyed by the upper class of society, and inviting some more in the early stage. Local celebrities serve as spokespersons, and they have successfully created an image of high-end dining in Busan.
When North Korea was invaded by the Manchus last year, many wealthy people in the north chose to flee to the south for refuge. Busan was undoubtedly an excellent choice. Not only was it very prosperous, but if the situation continued to deteriorate, you could also go out to sea to escape the war. The arrival of these wealthy people also brought a lot of wealth to the Haihan merchants who were engaged in the service industry. People like Mingyuelou took advantage of this opportunity to make a lot of money, and the profits were even far greater than those in Haihan.
"Does your restaurant often have guests from other countries? For example, Japanese." Wang Tom asked.
The shopkeeper quickly responded: "Yes, yes, almost every day!"
According to the shopkeeper, there are about a dozen Japanese business shops of various sizes in Busan, and there are nearly a thousand Japanese businessmen who frequently travel here, including some with strong financial resources. These people are not necessarily interested in the taste of Haihan cuisine. Rather, they regard entering places like Mingyue Tower as a symbol of status. For example, when entertaining partners or local officials, Haihan Restaurant is definitely the first choice to show off one's economic strength.
In addition, the various drinks shipped by Haihan are also Japanese favorites. Haihan's wine-making technology is considered very advanced in this era, and there are many varieties to choose from. There are many high-quality grain wines and fruit wines, which are a must-buy for Japanese people who like to drink. Moreover, Haihan's wine packaging is very exquisite. High-end wines are filled in customized porcelain bottles or glass bottles. The resulting recognition is also one of the reasons why customers are willing to spend money.
In view of the Japanese people's increasing consumption ability of wine, it is said that some businessmen have built large-scale wineries locally and are preparing to use local materials for brewing to reduce the cost of wine.
Wang Tom thought that these businessmen were indeed very flexible and could run a prosperous business in Busan without official organization at all. He immediately asked the shopkeeper to find a reliable person to take him around the city of Busan after dinner.
How could the shopkeeper miss such an opportunity to curry favor with a nobleman? He quickly recommended a candidate to Tom Wang: "If you are looking for a guide who is familiar with the local area, I will boldly recommend someone."
The person recommended by the shopkeeper is his own nephew. He has been in Busan for a year and a half. He is usually responsible for purchasing ingredients and various supplies needed for the restaurant, so he is relatively familiar with all aspects inside and outside the city.
Tom Wang nodded and said, "Can you speak Mandarin?"
The shopkeeper hurriedly responded: "I can speak both Mandarin and Korean! Sir, my nephew, Xiaoren, has studied in Danzhou for several years before. He knows the rules and is strict with his words. He will not talk nonsense."
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"Oh? Or is he from China? That's okay, it's him." When Wang Tom heard that he was from Danzhou, he felt a little more intimate at the moment, and he immediately made a decision.
The shopkeeper hurriedly responded. Seeing that Wang Tom had no other instructions, he knowingly said that he was going to the kitchen to order the dishes and voluntarily left the private room. Later, when the waiter came in to serve the food, he presented two bottles of Sanya special wine, saying that it was the shopkeeper's tribute to all the adults.
Shen Xueyi said: "This shopkeeper is very discerning."
Wang Tom smiled and said: "Seeing that our group is accompanied by you, a North Korean official, he can certainly guess that it will be a big deal."
Although the officer's meal on the ship is not bad, with vegetables and meat included in every meal, due to the cooking conditions at sea, the taste is definitely not as good as the dishes in this restaurant. Even though Tom Wang is not a person who pays particular attention to material comfort, he sincerely appreciates the taste of the food and wine here.
After the meal, the shopkeeper came in personally to settle the bill. However, he did not say how much money the banquet cost, but wanted to ask Tom Wang to give the restaurant a gift of calligraphy. As for this meal, it was regarded as a filial piety.
In fact, this request is certainly not too much. The shopkeeper saw that these distinguished guests were having a good time, so he had the courage to make such a request. Another person might have readily agreed. After all, giving an inscription to the restaurant can be regarded as providing support to the country's business.
But the problem is that Tom Wang has some difficulties with the inscription. He is from ABC. When he first arrived in this time and space, he was not particularly fluent in speaking Chinese. Now, although there is no communication problem, writing Chinese characters is not. It’s still a shortcoming that’s not too big or too small. Even the various written reports in daily life are usually dictated by him and transcribed by the combat staff. He only needs to sign and that's it.
It was much more difficult for him to ask him to write an inscription with a brush than to direct a battle. Moreover, he knew very well that his ghostly handwriting was not suitable for publicity. The inscription would later be made into a plaque and hung in Mingyue Tower. , is it considered to be a compliment or a spoiler?
Wang Tom immediately declined the shopkeeper's request and asked someone to settle the bill at the market price. Although the price of this banquet is not cheap, it is not worth mentioning for his wealth. There is no need to be greedy for such a small advantage.
The shopkeeper originally wanted to give it a try, but he didn't persist after being rejected. He quickly called his nephew in and introduced him to Wang Tom and others. "The villain Mu Guang is from Danzhou. I have met all of you, sir!" The young man who spoke was dark-skinned. It was obvious at a glance that he was from the south, and he did have a hint of Hainan Island accent.
Wang Tom said: "I heard that you are familiar with Busan, so you will take us around the city today."
Mu Guang responded: "I wonder what you want to see?"
Wang Tom said: "Our country's local industries and Japanese shops... In addition, if there are any special places in the local area, you can take us to see them."
After the group left Mingyue Tower, Mu Guang followed Wang Tom's request and took them to visit Busan City.
During the Imjin Japanese Rebellion more than 40 years ago, Busan was occupied by Japan for several years, and most of the original city defense facilities were destroyed. After the reconciliation between the two countries in 1607, Busan returned to the embrace of Korea, and it once again became a trade center between Korea and Japan. However, North Korea did not spend any effort to rebuild the city defense facilities that had been destroyed.
On the one hand, the two countries signed a peace treaty and jointly operated Busan as a long-term trade port. Not building fortifications could also show North Korea's friendly attitude. On the other hand, the cost of rebuilding the city defenses was astronomical. At that time, it was just Gwanghaejun Li Hui, who had just ascended the throne, wanted to spend money to consolidate the foundation of his rule in too many places. He was unwilling to invest heavily in building fortifications in the distant Busan that would not be needed in the short term, so he put it on hold.
Later, after Li Zhu seized power and came to power, North Korea became the target of Hou Jin's suppression. Almost all the limited funds in the treasury were spent on the north, and it was impossible to rebuild the city defense of Busan.
Therefore, to this day, Busan's city defense is still incomplete. It does not have decent towers, walls, and moats like Seoul. The Haihan fleet sailed into Busan Port without being blocked or interrogated at all. Wang Tom has no doubt that if Japan launches another offensive here, it should be able to win it without any blood.
In sharp contrast, the scale of the local seaports and terminals is growing at a speed visible to the naked eye. In addition to Japanese merchants, there are also quite a few Han maritime merchants who come here to engage in trading activities. In addition, occasionally there are Portuguese and Dutch merchant ships arrived here.
According to the data available to Mu Guang, there are currently more than 100 local commercial institutions run by Han people. Of course, these include both Ming merchants and Haihan merchants, with a ratio of about 70 to 30.
"There are so many merchants in the Ming Dynasty, so have you been suppressed by them when doing business here?" Wang Tom asked casually.
Mu Guang said with a smile: "I don't dare to borrow their courage! Thanks to the Executive Committee, the local government is now facing us, not to mention that the Golden Shield has already arrived here. Even if they have to use force, those Ming Shang is not our opponent.”
To be honest, Ming merchants must have entered Busan much earlier than Haihan merchants. However, most Haihan merchants were also Ming people before, so their identities were not so clearly distinguished in local business competition. It was not until Haihan's influence in North Korea became stronger and stronger in the past year that some Haihan merchants began to take the initiative to hang two-color flags outside their shops to identify themselves.
After Golden Shield Transport extended its tentacles to Busan, Haihan merchants became more confident. They all know that behind this so-called armed escort agency is the Haihan Army and the Ministry of National Defense. Where there is a golden shield escort, there is no need to worry about being bullied by other forces using strong methods. Even the local tycoons who used to charge gray fees to Haihan merchants have now taken the initiative to restrain themselves. They must have learned about the golden shield's means of escorting through some channels.
Wang Tom heard this and asked with great interest: "Will Japanese businessmen receive the same treatment when they come here?"
"No one accepts money from Japanese businessmen, and the government is also very jealous of them. This is probably a habit developed over decades." Mu Guang said helplessly: "People here are still a little groveling to the Japanese. I think it was back then. Afraid of being killed by the Japanese.”
According to Mu Guang, although almost half a century has passed since the Imjin Japanese Rebellion, the shadow left by Japan's invasion of this area still seems to have not completely dissipated. Businessmen from Japan still enjoy various privileges in Busan, and the local government is unlikely to interfere in related matters. If a Japanese businessman commits something locally, at most they will just pay money and be expelled, and they will rarely be arrested. Punishment situation.
But after Haihan's army sent troops to attack Hirado last year, the attitude of these local Japanese businessmen towards Haihan became much more respectful. After all, in just a few days, the Haihan Army annihilated the Hirado Navy Fleet, known as Japan's No. 1 Navy, plundered Hirado Castle and then burned it to the ground. No one would be willing to take the initiative. When offending such a powerful person, the safest approach is to remain in awe.
Wang Tom heard this and asked again: "Are there any Japanese businessmen from Hirado here?"
"Yes, but not many. They are basically people who stayed here when the accident happened last year and did not go back." Mu Guang said with a smile: "These people are easy to recognize. They usually look at us as if they are ready to bite at any time. . But they want to continue doing business here and don’t dare to offend us publicly. The villain likes to see them angry and helpless.”
"According to the information you have, what kind of business are Hirado merchants engaged in locally? Are there any shady transactions?" Wang Tom continued to ask.
Mu Guang responded: "These merchants of the Hirado clan are keeping their tail between their legs now, for fear of being caught with some excuse to expel them from Busan, but I have not heard of any shady business they are doing, selling to Busan The things are just local products from Kyushu Island.”
Wang Tom felt a little relieved after hearing this answer. He had suspected that the weapons sold by the Hirado Domain to the Manchu Qing were transferred through North Korea, and Busan was obviously an excellent trade channel. Although the information held by Mu Guang may not be completely reliable, Wang Tom really does not want to see anyone from North Korea involved in the arms smuggling trade between Hirado and the Qing Dynasty.
(End of chapter)