Author: Zero Romance

Chapter 3171

At the same time, on the Zhoushan ship sailing on the Qiantang River, senior Haihan officials who were unaware of the situation in Hangzhou were enjoying today's dinner together.

Although the Zhoushan is almost the largest warship of this era, the space in the ship's officers' dining room is still very limited. It can only accommodate a large long table, which can accommodate about twenty officers to dine here at the same time.

In addition to the function of the officers' mess, this space can also be used as a conference room or combat command room during wartime. When necessary, it can even be turned into an operating room to treat the wounded.

The content of the dinner cannot be said to be very rich, and it is almost all Huaiyang dishes with a lighter taste. At their current age, they have long lost interest in big fish and meat. Fresh ingredients, exquisite cooking, and healthy meal combinations are the only way to

more in line with their needs.

It is said that the chef in charge of the dishes was specially invited from Yangzhou to be responsible for the meals for the executive committee and his party on their way from Zhoushan to Hangzhou. His cooking skills were highly praised by everyone.

The wine that goes with the meal today is Shaoxing Huadiao, which is also one of the most famous local specialties in the Donghai region. However, people who have lived in the south for a long time usually drink sugar cane wine such as Sanya Special Brew, and they are obviously not used to the taste of rice wine.

Just taste it and stop.

Shi Diwen, on the other hand, has long been accustomed to local tastes, and enjoys a slow drink.

"These meals on the ship, as well as the reception banquet in Hangzhou tomorrow, were all organized by the salt merchants in Yangzhou. They didn't make any special requests, they just hoped that we could take time to meet with us while we were in Hangzhou."

After speaking, Shi Diwen made a gesture, and the adjutant ordered the last dish of the day to be delivered to all the senior officials present one by one - a private gift list from the Yangzhou salt merchant.

With their current status, in fact, no matter how valuable the Yangzhou salt merchants sent them, or organized a few banquets, the impact they could have on them was extremely limited, and even such small things would not be brought to the table at all.

Come up and say.

Although Shi Diwen has just joined the executive committee, it is impossible that he does not know this "rule" that Haihan's senior management has tacitly acknowledged. If he talks about this matter separately, there must be another reason.

Tao Donglai smiled and said: "The Yangzhou salt merchants have given you many great benefits, and they can actually persuade you to come forward and speak good words for them."

Shi Diwen said calmly: "A considerable part of the funds for the construction of the executive committee and the official offices of major yamen in Hangzhou were donated by Yangzhou salt merchants."

"In addition, the section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Canal from Hangzhou to Yangzhou needs dredging work, and the Yangzhou salt merchants also paid a lot for the cost."

"This person has contributed a lot of real money and is very enthusiastic about supporting the country's construction. It should be reasonable for us to take some time to meet him, right?"

Tao Donglai smiled and said: "Then you can just say patriotic businessmen, and you are still going in such a big circle."

Having said that, Tao Donglai took the gift list and glanced at it casually, then nodded and said: "When you get to Hangzhou, you can see the arrangements."

Of course, the Executive Committee is not unaware of the conflict of interests between Yangzhou Salt Merchant and Donghai Region. Shi Diwen’s ability to promote the implementation of various large-scale projects in Donghai Region is not without the strong support of Yangzhou Salt Merchant Group over the years.

relation.

Even the Zhoushan battleship that everyone is riding on now used funds from salt merchants to a greater or lesser extent during its construction and research and development.

Of course, even if Yangzhou salt merchants are the richest in the world, such a huge amount of donation is not a joke. If people spend such money, of course they still have something to ask for.

Nowadays, in the military and political system of the Donghai Region, there are quite a few officials with a Yangzhou salt merchant background, including many military attachés like Dai Chengrong who have gained real power. Of course, this is due to Shi Diwen's secret support.

When Yangzhou salt merchants had needs, Shi Diwen would naturally become their voice in Haihan officialdom.

After dinner, Shi Diwen did not arrange any other matters, and everyone went back to their cabins to rest. After arriving in Hangzhou tomorrow, there will be a very intensive variety of public activities that require everyone from the executive committee to attend. With their current age and physical condition,

, you must have enough rest beforehand.

Back in the cabin, Tao Hong conveniently asked his father: "The Yangzhou salt merchant has spent so many resources and asked Mr. Shi to come forward to speak for him. Isn't he just asking for an interview?"

Tao Donglai asked: "What do you think their goal is?"

Tao Hongfang said: "Children think that what they want is nothing more than money and power. After spending so much money, of course they have to find ways to earn more from other places. If there is power blessing, the efficiency of making money will be even greater.

Get twice the result with half the effort.”

Tao Donglai nodded slightly and said: "What you are thinking about is actually almost the same as being a father. Everything will be clear after we get to Hangzhou."

Tao Hongfang said: "But it doesn't seem to be very peaceful over there in Hangzhou. If there are assassins among the people tomorrow, it will be difficult to guard against them."

Tao Donglai said: "If the Ministry of Security and the army can't even handle this small situation, and if the executive committee hides and doesn't show up if there is even the slightest risk, then what else can we do to compete with the Ming Dynasty for this world? Don't worry, no

Something will happen."

Although Tao Hongfang did not object, there was still a look of worry on his face. Obviously, he was not as open-minded about unknown risks as the experienced Tao Donglai.

In another cabin on the ship, Shi Diwen was summoning his subordinate Ji Yuanqing.

Shi Diwen took a sip of hot tea, put down the tea cup, and asked Ji Yuanqing: "How is the situation in Hangzhou?"

Ji Yuanqing bowed and responded: "Dai Chengrong's troops have entered the city and are working with the Ministry of Security, the Military Intelligence Bureau, and the local police to gradually conduct searches throughout the city."

"The search operation is directed by Gong Shiqi of the Security Department. However, only one team of assassins has been captured so far, and efforts are still being made to track down the whereabouts of several other teams of assassins."

Shi Diwen pondered: "Do you think they can catch those fish that slipped through the net before tomorrow's intrusion into the city?"

Ji Yuanqing said: "In view of my humble position, although many people have been dispatched in Hangzhou, if the opponent does not take the initiative to expose them, the possibility of catching them tonight is very slim."

Although Ji Yuanqing was not optimistic about the situation, Shi Diwen did not have any dissatisfaction on his face. He nodded slightly and said: "The factory guards of Ming Dynasty have been planning for so long, and the people they sent must not be mediocre. If they can rest assured

Hiding for one night, it is really not easy to find in such a big city of Hangzhou."

Ji Yuanqing said: "Although the factory guards of the Ming Dynasty are cunning, they are just our defeated generals after all. How could they have thought that there would be people in the Ming Dynasty court who would also inform us! No matter how many tricks they have, they are just playing tricks in the end.

That’s it!”

Shi Diwen said: "Having said that, you can't be careless in the slightest. Yuan Qing, if anything goes wrong tomorrow and causes the death or injury of any adult, you will be punished by death. Do you understand?"

Ji Yuanqing said in a deep voice: "Please rest assured, sir, everything is under control. I will never allow accidents to happen! If there is any mistake, I will come and see you!"
Chapter completed!