Chapter 3185
"The plan proposed by the Yangzhou salt merchants just now, you should be checking it for them, right?"
After Dai Yingda and others retreated, Tao Donglai asked Shi Diwen meaningfully.
Although the Yangzhou salt merchants are rich, such far-reaching large-scale operations are no longer within their capabilities unless there is guidance from an expert behind them.
Tao Donglai even had some doubts. Shi Diwen was behind the scenes instructing the Yangzhou salt merchants to act as tools.
Shi Diwen was also very calm about this, nodded and said: "If we can control these two important inland waterways, I think it will be a good thing for the country and the people, not to mention that they are willing to fund the preparations themselves, which can also help the official province. Spend a lot of money.”
Schneider said: "This is not the first day we have been concerned about these two waterways, but there are pits everywhere. If they can be taken down so easily, it will be the Yangzhou salt merchants' turn to take action. Are you helping them, or are you helping them? Are you pushing them into the pit?”
Shi Diwen said: "It will definitely be difficult for them to achieve their goals by themselves. Didn't I just say that they must get official support to have any hope of success."
Yan Chujie said: "Support? The Ming Dynasty will not give up control of these two golden waterways so easily. Unless the troops come to the city and force them to submit, I don't think there is much room for maneuver in this matter."
Everyone was silent. What Yan Chujie said was actually what most people present thought. These two waterways go deep into the hinterland of the Ming Dynasty. In addition to transporting goods, they are also important strategic locations.
The Yangzhou salt merchants want to use the channel to do shipping business. This is no big deal, but everyone knows that they are working for Haihan. If the hydrology and defense conditions along the way are understood, and the Haihan army marches straight in along these two waterways, who can stop it? Can you live there? Who can bear this responsibility?
There is no shortage of smart people in the Ming Dynasty. They will naturally think of such a simple truth. Even if the Ming Dynasty did not stop it openly, it would keep stumbling upon the Yangzhou salt merchants secretly.
Unless the Yangzhou salt merchants directly use armed escorts to use their strength to deter all forces along the way, but doing so will inevitably mobilize troops. Wouldn't it become the situation Yan Chujie said?
Of course, it is not impossible to rob openly, but now Haihan wants not only the territory, but also the hearts and minds of the people. Even if he wants to fight, he must be famous and upright in order to gain the support of the people.
Tao Donglai said: "Lao Shi, since you have expressed your support for them, there must be a better way, right?"
Shi Diwen said: "It didn't originally exist, but now it does. Ming Dynasty has just given us a good reason to take action. Next, it depends on how we use this opportunity."
Tao Donglai said: "The reason you mentioned should be the batch of assassins just caught, right?"
Ning Qi and others did not know the details of the assassin incident, so they quickly asked Shi Diwen after hearing this.
Shi Diwen briefly talked about the emergencies that occurred in Hangzhou in the past two days, and told everyone that it was basically confirmed that the assassin's identity was that of the Ming Dynasty factory guard. Now that the witnesses and physical evidence are conclusive, the case is being jointly investigated by the Ministry of Security and the Military Intelligence Bureau.
Only then did everyone learn that there was actually such a good show on the way into the city today.
Although the assassination operation failed, strictly speaking, everyone was on the verge of danger.
Sending people to assassinate the political leaders of Haihan is undoubtedly an extremely serious act of hostility. As the winner of the last round of confrontation between the two countries, Haihan certainly cannot remain indifferent to such behavior, and must react both emotionally and rationally. Of course, the intensity of the response can be large or small, depending on what Haihan wants to achieve and the attitude of Ming Dynasty.
If the other party admits its mistake and takes the initiative to take remedial measures, arresting those who should be punished and compensating those who should be compensated, perhaps the matter will only remain at the diplomatic level and the situation will not escalate further.
But if Haihan wants to take this opportunity to hit Daming, and the other party happens to be not so willing to bow his head, then things may not end peacefully.
What Shi Diwen expressed just now was obviously that he wanted to use this incident as an opportunity to question the Ming Dynasty. The shipping business mentioned by the Yangzhou salt merchant seems to be a perfect addition to this matter.
After everyone understood the situation, they also felt that Shi Diwen's idea made sense. Only Tao Donglai was thoughtful. He knew a little more information than the others, and he always felt that this was a bit of a coincidence.
Shi Diwen continued: "The report on the assassination is expected to be sent soon. At that time, everyone will sum it up and see how to handle this case."
Chen Yixin was the youngest among this group of people, but he had been on the front line of the military the longest, and he was more accustomed to using strong methods to solve problems. At this time, he expressed his position: "I think as long as the situation is confirmed, it is the official plan of the Ming Dynasty." If the assassination operation is carried out, then we should mobilize troops. Our troops from the Northern Region can land at Dagukou on the Bohai Bay within five days and reach the capital within ten days!”
Chen Yixin was full of murderous intent and obviously did not consider using diplomatic means to negotiate first.
Tao Donglai said: "There is no need to be in such a hurry. I think it is better to wait for the investigation report to come out before making representations to Daming. If the other party is not willing to properly solve the problem with us, then it is not too late to consider other methods."
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While they were talking, a long line of people from all walks of life waiting to see them stood next to them. Seeing this, Shi Diwen suggested that we find time to discuss the matter later, and that he should continue to finish the work that should be done now.
The Yangzhou salt merchants who had just been received returned to their seats, their faces all glowing with excitement.
For them, it is a great honor to be received by the Executive Committee in such a public place and to be able to respond to each other in a decent manner. After returning to Yangzhou, I can brag about this experience in front of my family and friends for at least a year and a half.
Their treatment just now was also seen by the guests present, and many people came over to toast and chat. Regardless of the reason why these Yangzhou salt merchants have received the attention of the Executive Committee, in short, we must first establish a good relationship with them.
At this time, Dai Chengrong, who was dressed in military uniform, also came over, leaned over and whispered in Dai Yingda's ear: "Father, was everything going well just now?"
Dai Yingda nodded and said: "Everyone is still somewhat interested in this plan, and Master Shi is playing drums beside me. I have great hope that it will come true!"
Dai Chengrong said: "You and all your uncles should be invited to watch the National Day military parade the day after tomorrow. If you have the opportunity to talk to adults, please remember to mention this to them."
Dai Yingda said: "Don't worry, this is the top priority of our Salt Merchants and Chamber of Commerce. As a father, I will definitely work hard to handle this matter properly!"
(End of chapter)