Chapter 34: Treading on Three Boats

  Inside the Tianjin Governor's Office, Li Hongzhang was playing with a box of safety matches. Ding Ruchang and Sheng Huanxuan stood by waiting. Li Hongzhang was at an age where he was rich in wealth and power, now sitting in a high position, his ambition had grown even more inflated. Now that he had forced Zuo Zongtang out of Jiangnan, especially Shanghai, there was no one left to rival him. Li Hongzhang was about 1 meter 80 centimeters tall, with a medium build. His face was ruddy and full, his whiskers were black and shiny, his eyes were deep and piercing, giving off an aura of majesty without being angry.

  At this time, the newly appointed governor of Jiangsu, Ding Rìchāng, who was somewhat comical in appearance, said: "Your Excellency Zhōngtáng, what's so special about this small match?" "Don't look down on this small match, but it's something that our great Qing dynasty can't produce. The Westerners have already left us far behind, and thinking about this makes me anxious." "Now with Your Excellency Zhōngtáng in charge, our great Qing nation will soon change its appearance." Ding Rìchāng flattered and fawned.

  Li Hongzhang put down the match and said, "Ri Chang! Do you know why I let you take charge of Jiangsu Province?" Ding Shichang smiled obsequiously: "It's because of your great kindness, sir. I'm deeply grateful and will definitely work hard for you!" Li Hongzhang frowned in dissatisfaction: "Fool!" Ding Ri Chang nodded hastily: "Yes, yes! I'm foolish!" Sweat broke out on his forehead. Li Hongzhang said: "Foreigners have set up a match factory in Shanghai. They're making a profit and will build more factories. In this situation, how can we just sit back and do nothing?"

  "Please instruct, Lord Zhongtang!" Ding Rìchāng became even more mysterious. Shèng Huáixuān, with a clever and astute mind, said: "Lord Zhongtang, now Hú Xuěyán has opened a trading market in Pudong, and the market is booming. It's said that recently he also opened a glass factory, producing glass and glass mirrors that are rare treasures, and many foreigners are scrambling to buy them. Hú Xuěyán is truly brilliant." Lǐ Hóngzhāng looked at Shèng Huáixuān with a satisfied smile and said: "We can still catch up, the imperial court has already agreed to let us open factories in Shanghai."

  Li Hongzhang replied, "Ri Chang let you take the post of Governor of Jiangsu Province, it is to support Huaixuan with all one's might and open factories. Now Western countries hope that the Qing Dynasty will reform and buy new machinery and equipment, we are just showing our grand vision, do you understand?"

  "Venerable Minister, I will definitely assist Huaixuan with all my might and complete your important task." Ding Ri Chang hurried to express his sincerity.

  Sheng Huaixuan said, "Venerable Minister! I won't let you down."

  Li Hongzhang said, "Not long ago, Zuo Zongtang entrusted Hu Xueyan to give the Empress Dowager a batch of mirrors and glass. The Empress Dowager was overjoyed after seeing them and asked to replace all windows in the Forbidden City with glass. The princes and nobles below will follow suit, and with Hu Xueyan's help, Zuo Zongtang will be unstoppable. You may not know that Hu Xueyan's glass factory is now exclusively supplying Beijing, and no one else can buy from it." Then Li Hongzhang had someone bring over a mirror.

  "This mirror, as big as a palm, shows a bright light like mercury. 'You see! This mirror can't even be produced by foreigners, what does it mean? It means that our great Qing dynasty has hidden dragons and crouching tigers.' 'Yes, sir!' 'This time you go to Shanghai, the first thing you have to do is to find a foreigner to negotiate with, let the foreign match factory produce a batch of special matches for me, I want to give them to the Empress Dowager, this matter you must do beautifully!' 'Minister, subordinate will definitely complete the mission!'"

  Li Hongzhang replied, "Your proposal to first set up a machinery factory is a good one. The Qing Empire cannot always be controlled by foreigners; we must also produce foreign machines ourselves. However, the silver taels provided by the imperial court are limited. If you can bring in more silver, it will be a great achievement. I have placed my hopes on you, Shi Xiangyun, to initiate the modern industry of the Qing Empire. We cannot shirk this responsibility." "Your subordinate remembers your words, sir. I will devote myself fully and die without regret!"

  Entering September, Jiangnan is still hot and steamy. Sheng Huai Xuan disembarked at Songjiang Wharf, standing on the wharf to gaze out at the bustling trading market across from him, his eyes burning with a passion that arose in his heart. This year, Sheng Huai Xuan entered his thirties, his energy and life experience reaching maturity. Now that Zhong Tang has high expectations of himself, Sheng Huai Xuan decided not to disappoint everyone's hopes, and make a big stir. The foreigners' sharp tools, Sheng Huai Xuan had studied them somewhat. How to use foreign things for Chinese purposes, creating the Qing dynasty's modern industry, he was full of ambition.

  Sheng Huai Xuan arrived at Songjiang Prefecture Station, and due to travel fatigue, he rested early. The next day, Sheng Huai Xuan prepared to go to the Yihe Foreign Firm to discuss the special supply of matches. He made up his mind to directly show Li Hongzhang's flag, and foreigners would definitely give him face. Considering the match business was so hot, Sheng Huai Xuan decided to buy special supply matches at a price 20% higher than the market price, believing that foreigners would not refuse.

  "Sir! Mr. Sheng Huaiyin requests an audience!" The servant hastily came in to report. "It's my elder brother! Quickly, let him in." Mr. Sheng Huaiyin immediately went out to greet him, "Elder brother! I didn't expect you to arrive so soon, I was planning to finish up the matters at hand before going to pay my respects to you." As soon as they met, Mr. Sheng Huaiyin said politely. "Younger brother, I happened to be attending Old Tai Shan's birthday celebration, and thus delayed in the city for a few days, just in time to welcome you." About the time Mr. Sheng Huaiyin arrived, Deng Zixuan invited Mr. and Mrs. Sheng Huaiyin to wait at his own mansion in Shanghai City.

  Deng Zixuan and Wan'er accompanied Sheng Huaiyin and his wife to the Shanghai City Government's residence for a short stay, and also to welcome Sheng Huaixuan. After Sheng Huaiyin finished introducing them, Deng Zixuan politely said: "Brother Sheng, heaven has entrusted you with great responsibility, it is indeed an imperial favor. Now that Brother Sheng is highly valued by Lord Li, I have heard about it long ago. I am delighted to hear that Brother Sheng has come to Shanghai on official business, so I came to visit." After all, Deng Zixuan was the younger brother-in-law of Sheng Huaixuan's elder brother, so Sheng Huaixuan was still being polite. The host and guests entered the living room and sat down, chatted for a while, when one of the subordinates said: "Sir, is today's trip to the EWO Shipping Company going as planned...?"

  "I'm not going anywhere today, I want to have a good drink with my brother!" Sheng Huai Xuan waved his hand and let the servants retreat. To go to EWO Cotton Mill? How could Sheng Huai Xuan start negotiating factory business so quickly? Deng Zi Xuan's mind turned rapidly, thinking it was impossible. If they were discussing purchasing machinery equipment, they would have to negotiate with a foreign commercial company, EWO Cotton Mill wasn't at that level. So what was he doing at EWO Cotton Mill?

  "Zixuan, what are you thinking? Now that Huaixuan is standing in front of me, it's not like we're outsiders. Come on, share your clever plan!" Huaisilver opened the door and got straight to the point, while HuaiXuan looked at Deng Zixuan with some confusion. Deng Zixuan smiled and said: "Brother Sheng, I'll ask you boldly, what business do you have going to the Ewo Yihang? To be honest, I'm quite familiar with Mr. Charlie, the manager of Ewo Yihang, maybe I can help." HuaiXuan's eyes widened in surprise and he said: "You can't judge a person by their appearance! How did you get to know Mr. Charlie?"

  Deng Zixuan continued, "My second brother-in-law knows that I went to Guangzhou last year and encountered a storm on the way back. The strong wind blew us onto an unnamed small island, where we unexpectedly discovered Song Dynasty porcelain. After returning, I entrusted Mr. Charlie to sell them, earning tens of thousands of taels of silver. That's how my younger brother and Mr. Charlie became friends. Also, when I was young, I secretly learned Western languages with the pastor in church without telling my family. Mr. Charlie saw that I knew Western languages, so he often invited me to visit his foreign firm as a guest!"

  "Haha! I didn't expect my luck to be so good, it seems like this trip to Shanghai will be smooth sailing! " Shen Huaixuan exclaimed with great joy: "Zi Xuan younger brother, the Yihe Foreign Firm has a match factory under its umbrella, and business is booming. Therefore, Master Zhong wants me to negotiate a deal. They want the match factory to produce a batch of special matches for the imperial palace. Since you have a good relationship with Charlie and can speak foreign languages, I'm asking you to come with me to the firm to discuss the details?"

  "Brother Sheng, today is not as good as yesterday, let's set off for the EWO Cotton Mill right away. I think Mr. Charlie will definitely give me face." Sheng Huai Xuan naturally accepted. Then it was Sheng Huai Yin's turn to be surprised: "Brother-in-law, your abilities are not shallow, no wonder Father-in-law invited you to join the family. Now I finally understand." Afterwards, Deng Zi Xuan and Sheng Huai Xuan rushed to the EWO Cotton Mill. The polite conversation when meeting is not necessary to elaborate on, Deng Zi Xuan spoke a few words in English, and the old-fashioned Charlie understood what to do by observing his words and appearance.

  Two people were speaking in English, and Sheng Huai Xuan couldn't understand a single sentence. Charlie cooperated very well, after negotiating the price, Deng Zixuan agreed to supply matches to the palace at a price one percent higher than the market price. When Sheng Huai Xuan heard that Deng Zixuan not only successfully negotiated the business but also increased the price by only one percent, he was overjoyed. The two parties agreed to produce samples in two days. After saying goodbye to Sheng Huai Xuan, Deng Zixuan went directly to the match factory.

  Found James, who hadn't seen Deng Zixuan for a long time, and gave him a big bear hug. The enthusiasm was beyond words. Business was booming, and production scale was expanding continuously. According to the agreement, the production line would be doubled, and James' salary would increase by one-third. How could he not be thrilled? "Dear Deng, you are too great! You are a business genius of the Qing Dynasty!" James praised sincerely. "Mr. James, I heard that you brought your wife and children here!"

  "Mr. Deng, I'm planning to stay in the Qing Empire permanently!" exclaimed James with excitement. "I represent one of our clients and welcome you. When I have time, I'll come visit you. But today, I've brought another great business opportunity for you!" said Deng Zixuan. The matchstick business was so hot that James wasn't surprised to hear this. Then the engineer was called in, and Deng Zixuan requested that the special matchsticks be made thicker and longer. Especially, the matchbox must be beautiful and have a gorgeous pattern. As for the matchsticks inside, they could be reduced by one-third, which would make the cost of the special matchsticks the same as ordinary ones, but with an additional 10% profit.

  That afternoon, the samples were ready. In the evening, Deng Zixuan entertained Sheng Huai Xuan at home with Sheng Hua Yin, Jin Er and Wan Er as company. When Sheng Huai Xuan held the beautiful matchbox and struck several matches in a row, he couldn't help but say: "Brother Zixuan, you are really omnipotent, just like magic, I want 10,000 boxes first." Deng Zixuan smiled: "If Brother Sheng thinks it's okay, I'll give you an answer tomorrow, and they can produce them within half a month."

  "The foreigners' speed is indeed fast! If it were our workshop, I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to get it done in a few months. Brother Zixuan, I bid you farewell!" Sheng Huai Xuan stood up with his hands clasped together in respect. "Brother Sheng, don't be so polite, we're all family, no need for formalities!" "Huai Xuan! We are indeed family, this is only proper, come, let's drink wine!" Sheng Huai Yin acted as if he were the host, not considering himself an outsider.

  After three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes, Sheng Huai Xuan opened his conversation box and said: "Elder brother! To be honest, I came to Shanghai this time to investigate the establishment of a machinery factory. The high-ranking officials have a long-term vision, if we want to get rid of the control of foreigners, our great Qing dynasty must have its own industry, we must produce machines ourselves, it is the most urgent task at present. Brother Zi Xuan, I can see that you are a talented person, you are familiar with foreigners and understand their language, I would like to hear your opinions?

  Deng Zixuan smiled slyly and said, "Brother Sheng has spoken too highly of me. Since Brother Sheng thinks so highly of me, I'll muster up the courage to say a few words!" "Please, do go on!" Sheng Huai Xuan cupped his ear to listen intently, and Sheng Hua Yin also perked up her ears. For some time now, Deng Zixuan had been dangling something in front of him that made his heart itch with curiosity. Deng Zixuan laughed and said, "Brother Sheng, looking at the world at large, Westerners have advanced technology and have left the Qing Dynasty far behind. To be frank, the imperial court was forced to open up the country due to internal and external pressures. In reality, the imperial court is worried that Western thoughts will affect their ruling position, they're not truly accepting the advanced things from foreigners!"

  Sheng Huai Xuan was secretly shocked, not expecting this young man to have such insight. He said: "Young Master Zi Xuan is indeed a keen observer, and it's rare to find someone with such insight in the Qing Dynasty." Deng Zi Xuan smiled and said: "To say that Lord Li is the Jingying of our generation, Minister Zhong's courage to change the backward situation of the Qing Dynasty is unprecedented. I highly appreciate the idea of saving the country through industry. Our Qing Dynasty has abundant resources and talents, given time, we will surely make foreigners look at us with new eyes."

  "Too well said, young brother Zixuan! It's a pity we didn't meet earlier!" Sheng Huai Xuan exclaimed. Deng Zixuan continued: "The Grand Minister has made up his mind, but he is facing great difficulties. Brother Sheng bears the heavy responsibility, and I suppose you are worried about the silver?" "Young brother Zixuan, you have hit my weak spot. Currently, the imperial court's allocation of silver is less than half, and the rest can only be raised by me. Alas, I am also at a loss now. Do you have any good strategy, young brother Zixuan?" Sheng Huai Xuan asked somewhat impatiently.

  Deng Zixuan said confidently: "Sheng brother, can a living person be killed by holding back urine? We can do joint state-private ownership and operate with shares!" Sheng Huai Xuan heard this and stood up suddenly, muttering to himself: "Joint state-private ownership, operating with shares?" He walked a few steps on the ground and said: "Zixuan younger brother, tell me more about it!"