Vol 7 Chapter 16: Wang Yuhou

The West India Company suddenly became lively. As soon as the news that Manuel summoned Da Gama for the second time came out, many Lisbon nobles immediately heard the news, and they squeezed into not lenient offices. This time it was they themselves, not the servants or brokers who sent them letters, so the whole office was filled with responses from "compliance, lord" and "sorry, lord".
Among these nobles, Elliot Don Antonio enjoyed a special treatment that envied others. As soon as he arrived, he was recruited by the guy who had been sent by Fernando da Gama at the door and waited behind the office. As for the other rooms, others can only bear a little in the office.
Don Antonio is not tall, but his eyes are sharp and full of courage. The descendants of this distinguished family have been working in the nautical office established by Prince Enrique for nearly 30 years, so he is more than anyone It ’s much more familiar.
Although Don Antonio himself did not have any major adventure trips, in his early years he once led the fleet to and from many ports on the Mediterranean and North Sea coasts, and he had also reached the Europeans who were previously on the Atlantic Ocean. The farthest islands in the country, the rich sailing experience accumulated a lot of vivid teaching materials for his later training of sailors, and he wrote these things according to these lessons and published them. Now he is the most authoritative sailing theorist in Portugal.
Don Antonio had met Alexander a few times before, but it was all in the court. This was the first time he met him alone. To Alexander ’s slight surprise, Don Antonio was a rugged and straight person who only greeted each other. Immediately after the sentence, I went straight to the topic. There was no such thing as the nobility of other nobles or the need to start a discussion before opening the topic.
"I can provide you all here," Don Antonio put a prepared document on the table. "This is the money I invested in the West India company. In addition, I can also choose a group of experienced people for you. Sailor, these are all good people, and I can guarantee that they are reliable, at least not because of little things.
Alexander nodded, and of course he knew how important a group of skilled and reliable sailors was. That's why he attached so much importance to the addition of Don Antonio, because in the next plan of Alexander, the nautical firm was very big. Useful.
"Since the king is already tempted, he will pay for us," Don Antonio continued. "I don't know how long you need to go this time, so I suggest that you should consider the possibility in addition to preparing various supplies. There will be such a thing as getting lost, then you should bring at least 2 pastors, in case ... I mean in case something happens to one of them, and you just get lost, a pastor in that difficult situation It is better for the sailors to settle down than the noose. "
Speaking of the nautical office chief, he looked at the map on the table and gave a sigh of sigh, then he looked at Alexandria with excited eyes: "Duke please tell me, the conjecture you said is true Is it true that Amerigo Vespucci really thought it was a land that no one had ever discovered before? "
Alexander nodded slightly, he knew that Don Antonio should have heard about it from the king, but he did not intend to keep it secret. This kind of thing could not keep the secret, so when he decided to stimulate Manuel to reveal to him At that time, I was ready to make this huge discovery public, but this time there was probably nothing to do with Amerigo Vespsi.
"Vespressi did come up with such an idea, but he is not very sure, but it is the James Columbus around me. He thinks this is not a hypothesis but a fact. For this he is on the way to Castile , Probably to get more evidence from his brother Christopher Columbus. "
"Wait a minute, Duke, did you mean that James Columbus went to Castile?" Don Antonio also changed his look like Manuel. "Duke, I think you must know exactly what this discovery means, Although this matter may only be considered a business for you, it is of great importance to our country. If there is really a large piece of land that has never been discovered, it means occupation, so I hope to be able to do it as soon as possible When I saw that James Columbus, and I was a little worried that he would reveal the news to his brother, or Castilian, of course I knew you had no intention of getting involved in this kind of dispute, but I could n’t Not responsible for my king. "
Seeing Don Antonio ’s grim look, Alexander laughed inwardly, knowing that the first step of provoking an Iberian contradiction that could create many opportunities for him finally worked, and Don Antonio ’s prestige was enough to make Manuel Be vigilant, and he will influence many people to exert greater influence on the king.
"Please be assured that I have sent someone to send a letter to James to return as soon as possible, but as far as I know his brother Columbus seems to be having some trouble, Queen Isabella sent someone to arrest and him from the colony Come back, don't know if this matter will help you or the king? "
Don Antonio was a little puzzled at first, and then seemed to understand, then looked at Alexander excitedly: "Duke, you mean this might be a good opportunity for Christopher Columbus to serve us?"
"At least if you give him some help at this time, it will make him grateful," Alexander nodded affirmatively. "You know that if that land is really like speculation, maybe what is waiting for us is the huge wealth that was simply unimaginable before. There are also many jealous eyes that can make any royal family in Europe jealous, and all of this must have a share of us. "
Alexander spread his hands to Don Antonio to signal the room where several people were in. This is the West India Company that was established from the beginning to open up new Atlantic routes. As Alexander said, the existence of the new land means this emerging The future of the West India Company is even more thorough. Even if it is not a new world, the dazzling gold, brilliant gems and expensive peppers that can be brought back from Columbus can be guessed at the wealth there, and so How could a huge temptation easily give up.
Don Antonio seemed to hesitate a little, but it was only at such an imperceptible moment that he made his decision.
Whether that land is really a new world is not important at this time. What is important is that there is enough wealth to make people coveted. If the new route discovered by Da Gama was large because it was funded by the king from the beginning Part of the revenue belongs to the Portuguese royal family, but the route to the West Atlantic is dominated by the West Indian company. Even if the occupation requires the name of Manuel and has to dedicate some of the benefits to the king, because the investment comes from West India Company, so from the beginning it has a very different meaning from the new Gamma route.
One is that the wholly-funded subsidy can only work for others, and the other is that the two sides cooperate to get what they need.
That is to say, at least in theory, West India Company and Manuel are equal in the "property distribution" of the land.
This means a huge amount of wealth that is unimaginable!
"After I went back, I begged to see the king. I think your guess is the correct Duke, there is indeed a new land that has not been discovered."
Don Antonio replied in a very positive tone, and then he and Alexander showed a meaningful smile almost at the same time.
Manuel I suddenly felt energetic and full of energy.
If the motivation that supported his desire for an expedition to the East was to let Europe know that Portugal has faith and military power that does not lose to strong neighbors, then now he has met with Alexander and Da Gama respectively , Seems to open a door to the new world, and then discover the true self that has been hidden in my heart.
He found that he also had worldly ambitions, instead of just eager to compete with the powerful couple of two kings through a contest of faith, he also hoped that he could use the frontier to fight against the strong neighbors. A good opportunity is before him.
Don Antonio ’s arrival made Manuel even more determined. He repeatedly asked this trusted marine affairs consultant about the success of the expedition, and it might prove that the new land is unowned and whether it is worthwhile there. Exploring the possibility of spending a lot of manpower and resources, after receiving a nearly affirmative answer from Don Antonio, Manuel was so excited that he still rushed into the small prayer room beside the summoning minister, and he knelt in front of the statue of Our Lady. The choked voice took a while to come out while wiping tears.
"This is a miracle, my dear Don Antonio, this is a miracle. Others are too helpless. I don't mean those are not, but this is more like a real miracle." Manuel said something incoherent. He said that he knew that there was no need to hide anything in front of the people he trusted, and that Maria had always been keen to learn from her mother's practice of auspiciousness, which had already aroused the dissatisfaction of many Portuguese nobles.
But Don Antonio was very clever and did not pick up this stubble. What he cared about now was just wanting the support of the king as soon as possible. Alexander said it well. One thing is certain, whether there is a new world or not, there is a share for them .
The king was very excited, and even brought this excitement directly into the bedroom because of the pleasure, which surprised Mary. As far as she knew, Manuel had not been so excited for a long time, and according to her experience, she could The things that satisfy Manuel often do not please her.
So she sent someone out to inquire, and soon got the answer.
"The king summoned Da Gama again? I thought he was out of favor," Maria is a little strange. The fleet commanded by Cabral just left soon, and it is indeed weird to summon Da Gama again at this time. " So what did they say? "
"The king seems to want to open up new routes," the follower replied carefully, and Maria sometimes seemed a little nervous. In this regard, people familiar with their family would feel that she and her sister were somewhat similar. Atlantic route. "
Maria stopped her hand with a comb and combed her hair. She seemed incredulously turned and looked at the entourage standing behind her: "You heard correctly, the king wants Da Gama to go to the new colony?"
"Your Majesty, many people are talking about this now. People are saying that maybe the new colony is large enough to make more people rich."
Maria's face slowly sank. She turned her head to look at herself in the mirror. After a while, she suddenly smashed the ivory comb the mirror.
With a snap, the ivory comb was cut in two.
Manuel was really too excited. He felt that he might have really gotten the gift of God. As long as he thinks about the crown that was originally missed from himself, he always thinks that this is because the orthodox royal heir suddenly fell on his head. It was God who ordered him, and now I heard about the new colony, and just after he missed a Columbus, it seemed that God sent him a second Columbus again, which made him think There is no more obvious evidence than this, proving that he is a person who is under the grace of God.
So Manuel couldn't wait to find Da Gama again after a lapse of two days. This time he told the explorer formally that he decided to consider him as the maritime commander to explore new routes in the Western Atlantic.
Although summoned separately, the conversation between the king and Da Gama quickly spread to the Portuguese nobility like wind.
This made the West India Company even more sophisticated, the nobles scrambled to squeeze copies of the transfer book into the hands of Fernando da Gama, and the merchants tried their best to find out about the new The news of the colony, and then wondering how to catch this big ship that seems to make a fortune.
The old Fernando da Gama was unsatisfied with what was happening in front of him. He never expected that the businessman who had knocked on his door in bad weather and visited him would eventually bring da Gama ’s family today. The change.
Although the businessman named Tiego proposed to use Cretan sugar plantation shares as a bargaining chip to establish a relationship with the Da Gama family, he was surprised. But now, Tiego ’s investment is too much than investment. Cost-effective.
The only thing old Fernando was worried about now was the queen.
From the day of her marriage, Queen Mary insisted that she was the link that held peace between Portugal and her home country.
In this regard, she is much more stubborn and more responsible than her sister, but her attempt to promote the motherland approach in Portugal has caused a lot of dissatisfaction and criticism.
Now Manuel ’s attempt to undermine the papal meridian ruling in order to gain the wealth of the new colony has made many people realize that it is likely to attract the strong opposition of the queen.
Fernando was also concerned that his nephew might become a victim of the king's husband and wife struggle. After all, the queen's maintenance of her motherland was so strong that she certainly would not tolerate things that violated their interests.
If there is a dispute between the king's husband and wife, and Manuel finally chooses to retreat as before, then Da Gama will undoubtedly become the most suitable sacrifice to make up for the couple's rift.
What's worse is that this kind of thing is likely to happen. Even if Manuel finally achieved his goal, he can still do it by da Gama to calm the queen's anger.
Fernando did not want to see this result. In his view, Vasco da Gama is the hope of their family. Whether this maritime family can take advantage of this opportunity is entirely up to him.
So after careful consideration, Fernando da Gamaden visited Alexandria.
Alexander's visit to the old man didn't guess his purpose at first, so he couldn't help but feel a little surprised when he saw that he took out the transfer of the Cretan sugar plantation shares he had signed with Tiego.
He even thought for a while that Fernando was going to play the trick of demolishing the bridge and was going to throw him off alone, which made Alexander turn several thoughts in his mind how to make this old man regret, and he believed that any method Let these uncles and nephews who do not know the current affairs suffer.
But then Fernando's words made Alexander quite surprised to find that this old man is really a kind elder, at least for his nephew, Fernando is really dedicated.
"The Duke took these documents back, I don't need your money, at least don't sell my nephew's money," Fernando gently stroked the documents with his hand, and then he pushed forward to transfer the book to Alexander In front of me, "I know what these things mean, and you must be able to understand my concern and love for Vasco, so I want to use this to exchange your protection for Vasco from you."
"Protect?" Alexander vaguely understood Fernando's purpose. His fingers were tapping lightly on the book, with interest and scrutiny in his eyes. "What makes you feel that your nephew needs protection. Know that he is now in front of the king Celebrity. "
"It was because of this that I asked you," Fernando was a little excited. He stood and looked down at Alexandria, with a gradual burning anger jumping in his eyes. "Please do n’t treat an old man as a blind and deaf person, although I do n’t know what you want What are you doing, but I know all this is your manipulation in the back, even when Vasco has n’t returned from the East, and no one even knows if he will succeed, you sent that Thiegoe to my house, and now I want to I really regretted taking your money. "
"But it's because you collected my money that you will have the scenery of the Da Gama family today ~ EbookFREE.me ~ isn't it?" Alexander's fingers slammed the table and made a muffled sound "Then you Anything else to complain about? "
"No, I do n’t complain, I just hope you can help Vasco, Duke I do n’t know what you are going to do, but I hope you protect Vasco, and I believe you have the ability," Fernando sat down slowly. "I I do n’t want to see him become the king ’s abandoned son to please the queen, which will ruin him.

Alexander was silent, he did not answer immediately, but he was thinking carefully. After a while, he looked up at Fernando and said, "I can't give you any promise now, but I can tell you that I have a great deal for the new colony. Interest. So, if one day your nephew or your family thinks they can serve me, I will be very happy. "
Fernando smiled, but just when he had just stood up, Alexander pushed the transfer book to him.
"As for this, please take it back, believe me, and it won't take long before you will find that you are absolutely comfortable with the money."
Away from Fernando, Alexander looked at the street outside the window with his hands on his cheeks, wondering what is happening in Lisbon. He suddenly thought of the Moors.