Chapter 3479
Takahashi Nan calmly accepted the Governor's thanks, but he would not take it seriously just because the other party said a few kind words in person. You must know that just a few days ago, the Portuguese came to Hambantota and asked the special operations division to withdraw from Ceylon. At that time, their attitude towards Takahashi Nan was not as humble as it is now.
If the Dutch had not broken out halfway, the relationship between the special warfare division and the Portuguese colonial authorities on Ceylon Island would probably be at a tense stage, and there might even be small-scale conflicts.
The Dutch attack on Colombo virtually resolved the conflict of interests between Haihan and Portugal. At least at this stage, the Portuguese still need to rely on the protection of the special operations division, and they will definitely not dare to offend Takahashi Nan easily again.
Afterwards, many dignitaries in the city also stepped forward to salute Gao Qiaonan to express their gratitude.
Gao Qiaonan looked around, but did not see a certain "acquaintance", so he took the initiative to ask the Governor of Ceylon about this person: "Your Majesty, Mr. Dalot visited our military camp a few days ago. We had a great conversation, why didn’t you see him?”
Dalot was quite disrespectful to Takahashi Nan when he visited Hambantota. Now that Portugal owes a huge favor to the special forces division, Takahashi Nan naturally wants to slap him in the face to set an example.
Unexpectedly, the governor responded: "In order to protect his homeland, Mr. Dalot participated in the battle to defend the city. Unfortunately, he was shot and killed in the battle the day before yesterday."
The Governor was obviously very clear as to why Takahashi Nan took the initiative to ask about Dalot. He immediately told Takahashi Nan that Dalot was not an official and his remarks did not represent the official attitude of the Portuguese and Ceylon authorities. The alliance between the two countries is unbreakable and should not be affected by personal words and deeds.
After hearing such diplomatic rhetoric, Takahashi Minami could only smile. Everyone was gone, so there was no point in saying some nasty words to the Governor of Ceylon at this time.
Takahashi Minami also had to admit that the other party was right about at least one thing. The relationship between the two countries should not be affected by personal words and deeds, and country-to-country diplomacy should not be motivated by personal grudges.
This little feud can be regarded as over, and it is an acceptable result for both parties.
The Governor's Palace in the city is far away from the fighting area, so it is relatively well preserved and has not suffered obvious damage.
However, a barricade has been built outside the gate of the Governor's Palace. It is obvious that the defenders have prepared for the worst. Once the city defense is breached by the Dutch, they will probably have to retreat to the Governor's Palace for the final resistance. After all, this is the strongest building in the city. The design elements of a fortress were added during construction, so it can still resist for a while.
The Governor of Ceylon prepared a banquet for the arrival of Gao Qiaonan. However, after almost half a month of war, the food available now is indeed not rich. It only contains bread, roast chicken and some seafood. .
The Governor of Ceylon ordered someone to carry out a waist-high wine barrel. While the servant was opening the wine, he enthusiastically explained to Gao Qiaonan: "This is the last barrel in my official residence. It comes from Porto Douro." The best wine from the river. If you and your army fail to arrive in Colombo in time, I will definitely open this barrel of wine before I die in battle and prevent it from falling into the hands of the Dutch!”
Takahashi Minami didn't know that Porto, a Portuguese city known as the "wine capital", didn't know that the best local Portuguese wine was produced on the slopes of the Douro River, but he knew how to appreciate good wine and immediately raised his glass happily.
After taking a sip, Takahashi Minami praised the wine sincerely. He had also drunk Western wine before, but most of them seemed to be on the sour side. This wine was obviously sweeter and had a higher alcohol content. Takahashi Nan then took the initiative to ask whether other wines were added to this port wine for blending.
The Governor of Ceylon expressed his appreciation for his wine tasting ability. To transport this wine from Europe, it could only be transported by long-distance sea transport. In order to prevent it from deteriorating during transportation, a small amount of brandy with extremely high alcohol content was specially added. , so the taste will be different from ordinary wine.
"Since the general likes it, when the wine shipped from China this year arrives in Colombo, I will order someone to send a few barrels to the general."
The Governor of Ceylon took the initiative to express his intention to build personal relationships, and Gao Qiaonan readily accepted it, so as to pave the way for the next topic to be discussed.
Now that the conflict with the Dutch has come to an end, it is time to discuss Hayhan's status and rights in Ceylon.
"The purpose of our army stationed in Ceylon Island is to escort Haihan merchant ships to and from the Middle East. Our country has no intention to occupy the entire Island of Ceylon, nor will it harm your country's interests in Ceylon Island. In view of the good relationship we have always had with your country Relations, I hope that the Governor-General can represent your country and accept our country to enter the island of Ceylon.”
"This will not only help increase the scale of trade in Ceylon, but also help maintain regional peace and protect the common interests of our two countries in Ceylon. I believe the Governor should be very clear about the many benefits this will bring to your country. , and make a clear decision.”
After drinking for three rounds, Gao Qiaonan took the initiative to introduce the topic, explained to the other party Haihan's purpose of stationing in Ceylon Island, and sought the other party's approval. Takahashi Nan had discussed this matter with Conceicao before, but the final decision rested with the Governor of Ceylon.
Of course, whether the Portuguese recognize it or not will not change Haihan's determination to enter Ceylon. But at the diplomatic level, we still need to go through the procedures that need to be followed and talk about the situations that need to be said.
In this way, even if Portugal objects to this, Haihan has fulfilled his obligation to inform, and he will not be in the wrong for whatever happens next.
After listening to the translation, the Governor of Ceylon did not immediately respond to this topic, but talked about another matter: "As far as I know, your country also has contact with the Kingdom of Kandy on the island, and you are not planning to intervene between our country and Kandy. Mention the conflict between kingdoms?”
Takahashi Minami responded: "We are only following normal diplomatic relations and engaging in trade activities with the Kingdom of Kandy. There is no situation like what you said. If you want our country to join the blockade and sanctions against the Kingdom of Kandy, then please I’m sorry I can’t help you.”
The Governor of Ceylon said: "Our country is at war with the Kingdom of Kandy. According to the covenant signed by our two countries, military equipment cannot be sold to the warring parties of the allied countries. I hope that your country can at least abide by this clause and not cause trouble to our country. .”
Obviously, the Governor of Ceylon also had his own intelligence channels. He probably received some rumors and believed that Haihan would quietly sell arms to the Kingdom of Kandy.
Although the military strength of the Kingdom of Kandy is far inferior to that of the Dutch, if it does receive supplies from Haihan, it will also become a big threat to the colonial authorities.
Takahashi Nan grinned and said: "If your country is willing to recognize our country's rights and interests in Ceylon, it will help our country control all kinds of materials sold to the Kingdom of Kandy. I think this will be a good thing for all parties."