Fort Zeelandia.
The cold north wind blew past. Count Claire tightened his windbreaker. Rhodes stood beside him, recounting his observations from Qingzhou.
“Overall, this Prince Qi’s fief is developing somewhat unevenly. They have strong military industry, but civilian industries lag far behind Europe. The people of Qingzhou are more enlightened than elsewhere but still can’t compare to Europe,” Rhodes recalled.
Claire frowned. “This Prince Qi really lives for war. He puts excessive funds into the military but neglects the nation’s foundation. We Dutch do the opposite—invest too much in social welfare and civilian life, ignoring the war threat. That’s why we’re in this predicament.”
“Looks like we could actually complement each other,” Rhodes said self-mockingly. “But do we really agree to withdraw troops from Fort Zeelandia? That leaves our merchant ships without protection.”
After hearing about the negotiations and Rhodes’s tour of Qingzhou, Claire’s expression relaxed. He said, “Rhodes, you’re better as a merchant than a politician. This Prince Qi is extraordinary. This is just his bargaining tactic. He’s testing our limits with minimum demands. If he truly left us no room, he wouldn’t waste time with you.”
Rhodes paused. As a Dutch trade company employee, his ambassador title was just for dealing with neighboring countries. He shrugged and said, “I don’t see it that way. This Prince Qi is tough.”
“The stronger side always is. But I think it’s worth one last try. We’re both nobles; maybe we have common ground.” Claire smiled. “Let’s go back to Dengzhou. This next talk will decide everything.”
Rhodes sighed. “Count, why do we negotiate? Maybe war costs us nothing.”
“No, you’re wrong. We’d lose more.” Claire’s gaze was deep. Looking down at Sakai holding a matchlock, he said, “Japan’s ambitions grow daily. The beast we raised will swallow us. Meanwhile, the British are expanding eastward. They’re too strong for our fleet. We need an ally.”
Rhodes nodded. “Then may God grant us luck this time.”
After speaking, Rhodes left the governor’s office and entered the city.
“Ambassador Rhodes, what now? Are we going to war? We’re impatient,” Sakai licked his lips, his sharp eyes flickering dangerously.
Rhodes said, “We have no plans to fight Prince Qi. He’s very strong.”
Sakai’s eyes shifted. “So you’re continuing negotiations? That’s a foolish decision.”
“Watch your words, Sakai. We pay you well, but not to interfere with our decisions.” Rhodes’s tone carried a stern warning.
Like Claire, they sensed Sakai was trying to meddle in Dutch decisions in East Asia. Behind him was the shadow of Nobunaga Yamada, who hoped the Dutch and Great Yu would go to war.
Perhaps Claire was right—they should be more wary of Japan’s expansionist ambitions.
After two days of preparation, Claire led the fleet north again. Seven days later, they returned to Dengzhou’s offshore waters.
Qingzhou.
After New Year, the government offices quickly resumed work. In fact, with the lack of entertainment, the Great Yu New Year celebrations lasted only three or four days. After the festivities, people stayed home, warming themselves by coal stoves and unwilling to go outside.
During the New Year, Xiao Ming actually had a rare break. He accompanied Fei Yue’er wandering Qingzhou city leisurely, until news arrived again from Dengzhou.
“Count Claire?” Xiao Ming mused on the noble title. Even in Europe, ‘count’ was rare. To the Dutch, Claire was a respected figure.
Over a month had passed since the last negotiation. Claire’s personal arrival in Dengzhou seemed to want to conclude the talks.
After some thought, Xiao Ming told the courier, “Go ahead and tell Count Claire that I will personally come to Dengzhou to meet him. Let him stay there a few days for now.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The courier nodded and left.
After the courier left, Fei Yue’er said, “Your Highness, are you going out again?”
“Yes. This negotiation is crucial. If successful, it will avoid a war.” Xiao Ming said.
Fei Yue’er understood the gravity and said dutifully, “In that case, I will have the servants prepare your things.”
“Don’t you want to go?” Xiao Ming smiled, surprised.
“Me too?” Fei Yue’er was a little surprised.
Xiao Ming nodded. “There may be many matters to handle in Dengzhou, and it will take some days. Why not come with me? That way you can see what the Dutch are like.”
Fei Yue’er happily replied, “Yes, Your Highness. I will prepare immediately.”
With that, she hurried back to the chamber to pack.
Seeing this, Xiao Ming smiled helplessly. Fei Yue’er was deeply influenced by Great Yu’s traditional Confucian values, believing women should stay at home.
If he didn’t mention it, she wouldn’t offer herself. Now that he did, she was delighted.
After preparations, the next day Xiao Ming set off for Dengzhou under the protection of five thousand musketeers. Three days later, he returned to Dengzhou.
“Your Highness, Count Claire is already waiting at the government office,” Yang Chengye reported as soon as they entered Dengzhou city.
This time, the Dutch sent no soldiers to the city gates. Only Rhodes and Claire, accompanied by four soldiers, entered the city.
Nodding, Xiao Ming said to Fei Yue’er, “Princess consort, rest at the temporary residence. I will meet the Dutch first.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” Fei Yue’er said softly in the sedan chair.
Following Yang Chengye, Xiao Ming returned to Dengzhou government office after two months. There he saw Rhodes and a slightly overweight but dignified European man.
“Respected Prince Qi, this is Count Claire, Governor of Dutch affairs in East Asia,” Rhodes said respectfully.
As Xiao Ming sized up Claire, Claire also studied Xiao Ming. Then he said, “It’s an honor to meet you, Prince Qi.”