Chapter 3136
He was angry, but Thomas also knew in his heart that the Su family and his son had a unique advantage that he could not catch up with, and that was their natural Han ancestry.
Su Keyi was originally selected by the Dutch East India Company as the envoy to Sanya, largely because he was of Han origin and could communicate smoothly with high-level Haihan officials.
Su Keyi's subsequent performance fully proved the Dutchman's brilliance in this move. Since Su Keyi took office, there has been no large-scale armed conflict between Haihan and the Netherlands, and trade between the two sides has gradually become normal.
If it had not been for Su Keyi's full mediation during this period, which successfully prevented the Matalan Kingdom from purchasing Haihan weapons and equipment in large quantities, the city of Batavia, which was in danger at the time, would probably not have been able to hold it, and it would have been theoretically fully weaponized long ago. The horse was crushed by the blue army.
And Su Keyi's advantage in the diplomatic field has even extended to the next generation. After his son Su Yongshan was born, he was not sent back to Batavia to be raised, but stayed with him in Sanya.
So Su Yongshan grew up in Haihan since he was a child, and even went to school run by Haihan. Many of his classmates were the children of high-ranking officials in Haihan.
It took Su Keyi many years and countless resources and efforts to develop a network of contacts in Sanya. Su Yongshan already had his own network of contacts before he became an adult. In time, his achievements will definitely surpass those of his father.
To say that the Portuguese are not jealous of this would of course be a lie. But no matter how hard they try, even if they learn Haihan Mandarin and read Haihan newspapers, they still cannot erase the significant ethnic differences, and it is impossible for them to be regarded as "one of their own" by Haihan at some point like the Su family and his son. .
The Su family father and son can find a lame excuse to ride on the Executive Committee's coattails. Although this method is simple, it is difficult to imitate. Thomas knew he couldn't do it, so he became furious.
Simang was very thoughtful and stepped forward to pat Thomas on the shoulder and comfort him: "It only takes a few days to get from Sanya to Hong Kong. This does not mean that they can make the Haihan Executive Committee change their minds."
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Thomas reluctantly smiled and said: "The Dutch probably can't come up with any meaningful exchange conditions, so they are so anxious."
These words are somewhat self-comforting, but they really have nothing to do against the Dutch at the moment. Fortunately, the journey has just begun, and there is still a lot of time to change the situation.
Although the Dutch envoys had some unique advantages, Portugal was not always at a disadvantage. At least in terms of country-to-country relations, Portugal and Haihan have more common interests. Both parties have concluded formal alliances in many fields. This is an advantage that the Netherlands does not have.
After they boarded the ship for a period of time, the executive committee's convoy entered the port.
Perhaps because the schedule was too hasty, the Executive Committee did not hold a large departure ceremony for this trip. Only a few officials headed by Bai Kesi came to the port to bid farewell to the Executive Committee. After a brief farewell, everyone boarded the boat and set off.
For safety reasons, the six executive committee members on this trip did not take the same ship, but took two separate ships.
On the same ship as the Dutch envoy Su Keyi were Ning Qi, Schneider and Yuan Qiuye.
Su Yongshan had been Ning Qi's student when he was in school. Although he had not formally become a disciple, he still had a close relationship between master and disciple. After Ning Qi boarded the ship, he took the initiative to go to the cabin to say hello.
But when Su Yongshan came out of Ning Qi's cabin, he was stopped by someone.
"I am Gong Shiqi from the Security Department, Mr. Su. I would like to take a step to speak."
Su Yongshan looked at the ID shown by the other party, hesitated a little, and nodded in agreement.
Of course he knew what the Security Department was, but he couldn't guess what the other party's intentions were. If you refuse and the other party uses strong tactics, it wouldn't be surprising if you disappear on this ship. Although the probability of this happening is extremely low, there is no need to take this risk. Of course Gong Shiqi did not intend to kidnap him. He just called him to an unoccupied cabin next to him and asked a simple question: "As far as I know, the ship of the Dutch Embassy was announced by the Executive Committee After the trip to the north, you sent me to the dock for repairs, and then you asked our country to take a downwind ship. You won’t tell me that this is just a coincidence, right?”
Su Yongshan naturally would not admit that this move had other motives, and responded sincerely: "Master Gong, whether you believe it or not, this is really just a coincidence."
Gong Shiqi's tone was still very calm: "I personally went to the shipyard to see your ship, and asked the craftsmen. There was only one minor damage on the port side. As long as it is simply repaired, it is not impossible to go to sea. The price is not expensive. The construction period only takes two or three days.”
"However, you took the initiative to replace all the damaged ship plates. This would not only cost twenty times the price, but would also delay at least half a month for the ship to enter dry dock construction."
"I have reason to suspect that you deliberately made such an arrangement so that you can apply for a ride on a free ship."
Su Yongshan argued: "But we will change to our own ship when we get to Hong Kong."
Gong Shiqi said: "It doesn't matter if you don't admit that you have other intentions. Before arriving in Hong Kong, I will keep an eye on you and your son, and you must not do anything that exceeds the rules."
"In addition, I have informed Hong Kong before departure. Once your ship arrives, we will temporarily seal the ship to ensure that the ship will not break down mysteriously again."
After all, Su Yongshan was a little more tender, his face suddenly turned red, and his anger was palpable: "Master Gong, what you are doing is against diplomatic rules! I want to protest to Master Ning!"
Gong Shiqi responded coldly: "I am not a subordinate of Mr. Ning, and my actions are not subject to the control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You can save some effort."
"Also, if Lord Ning asks me about this matter, I will tell him the whole story. I think Lord Ning will make a wise judgment on the right and wrong."
Su Yongshan was angry and anxious, but he didn't know how to fight back against the aggressive Gong Shiqi.
Seeing his reaction, Gong Shiqi was able to confirm that his goal had been achieved, so he no longer embarrassed him, handed over his hands and turned to leave.
Su Yongshan returned to his cabin and told his father Su Keyi what had just happened.
After listening to this, Su Keyi smiled bitterly and said: "Son, he is just testing you. In your haste, your bottom is revealed."
Su Yongshan said: "But the boy did not admit his accusation."
Su Keyi shook his head slightly and said: "He has evidence in his hands. Whether you admit it or not is irrelevant to him. He just wants to confirm his judgment based on your reaction. If we really want to argue, do you think the executive committee is Believe him or believe us?”
Su Yongshan did not argue anymore, but was a little unconvinced: "This person speaks in such a loud tone. If it weren't for the inconvenience on the ship, I would definitely argue with him."
"No, no, no, no! Don't provoke this evil star!" Su Keyi was shocked and quickly dissuaded his son from his bold idea: "That's Gong Shiqi. When you see him in the future, go around the place and don't let him miss you. Thank God!”
(End of chapter)