Lu Xuan glanced around at everyone in the hall, then spoke loudly.
"Gentlemen, it's a pleasure to see you all here." Several translators immediately translated Lu Xuan's words. A commotion arose in the hall. However, everyone quickly restrained themselves. After all, although it looked like a banquet, they had no real power, so they decided to listen to what this strange Eastern governor had to say first.
Lu Xuan took a Ming Dynasty musket from the guard. Then he gestured to the guard to distribute the rest.
Most of the people below were experts, and upon taking a look, many of them showed expressions of disdain.
It's absolutely terrible; both the design and the quality are appalling.
"As you all have seen, these firearms are riddled with flaws. They are completely inadequate for my needs in war. Therefore, I need better firearms—more powerful, faster-firing, and safer muskets and cannons. So, I need you to work for me. Of course, I will pay you well."
He clapped his hands lightly. Several guards carried in several boxes.
"Gold, silver, jewels, porcelain... all of these are yours. In return, you give me superior muskets and cannons. Gentlemen, do you have any further questions?"
The group of foreigners looked at each other, hoping someone would step forward and say something. After much hesitation, Field went out.
"Your Excellency, what if we want to go home?"
"Going home? That's easy. I have built a house for each of your families, furnished exactly to suit your national customs. That will be your new home, and you can go back after the banquet."
Field's expression changed slightly, and he instinctively wanted to argue that it wasn't this family. But his wife gently tugged at him. Field immediately understood and fell silent.
However, some people still dared to be the first to act. A British man stood up.
“I don’t care who you are here, but you have kidnapped a citizen of the Kingdom of Great Britain…”
Before he could finish speaking, a guard grabbed him from behind by the throat and dragged him out of the hall. The action was swift and efficient, as if it had been planned in advance.
The entire hall fell silent instantly. Only Lu Xuan's voice echoed.
"I'm sorry, perhaps I didn't explain clearly, but please ask some relevant questions."
"..." What constitutes a proper question? Those present already knew. It was asking questions on the premise of agreeing to work for him.
Were they willing? Of course not. These people, though not nobles, were all well-off in their respective countries. To be suddenly kidnapped and taken thousands of miles away—who could accept that? But clearly, the governor had no intention of giving them the right to refuse. They didn't know what became of the British researcher who was dragged away. But none of them wanted to be experimented on.
"Any other questions?" Lu Xuan's voice rang out again. At this moment, the entire hall remained silent. Field thought for a moment, gently released his wife's hand, and then walked out.
"Your Excellency, I would like to know when we will begin work, where we will be located, and what our specific benefits will be?"
"You see, these are the right questions. Now let's discuss these questions in detail..."
At the end of the banquet, everyone was in high spirits. A group of researchers, 'escorted' by hundreds of guards, returned to their 'home'. Whether they felt comfortable or not, this was their home now.
They didn't need to start working immediately. Lu Xuan gave them a ten-day adjustment period to familiarize themselves with the environment.
Meanwhile, Lu Xuan found Silva, who was preparing for a vacation.
"It's a real shame, Silva. Your vacation will have to be postponed. I have an important task for you to complete."
Silva wanted to refuse, saying he had enough money and didn't want to risk his life. But he dared not say that now. Because before, he had sold himself for a chest of gold.
In other words, he is no longer Lu Xuan's partner, but Lu Xuan's subordinate. Now, Lu Xuan's words are orders.
Whenever Silva thought about this, he wanted to strangle himself. This obsession with gold had ultimately led him astray.
He had considered escaping with his gold and finding a new country to enjoy life. But Lu Xuan had men watching him 24/7. The gold was his to spend as he pleased, but trying to take it with him? Hah…
"Tell me, boss. Who do you want me to kidnap?"
"That's up to you. I need the best shipbuilding craftsmen. As many as you have, is that alright?"
"...European nations are currently engaged in a naval race, and shipbuilding artisans are highly skilled professionals. Moreover, given that my actions were detected during the last mission, the protection afforded to these artisans has been significantly enhanced..."
"Silva, don't be discouraged. I'll give you plenty of help."
In this era, the competition for talent isn't as fierce as it will become later. However, Lu Xuan is very clear that, often, the course of history is actually driven by a very small number of people.
The emergence of new firearms can alter the outcome of a war. The appearance of a new type of warship can even change the landscape of naval supremacy. These scientific and technological talents often remain hidden behind the scenes. However, in this turbulent era, these unknown individuals often hold the key to the progress of the times.
What Lu Xuan needs to do now is to cultivate a pool of technical research and development talent in advance. He wants these people to work and live on his own turf, and then naturally pass on their knowledge.
Farming, in this context, is not simply about infrastructure development. This is not the Tang Dynasty; in this era, the seas are now a battleground for numerous powerful nations. To avoid being swept away on the shore, besides having guns and cannons, a sound and comprehensive research and development system is also essential.
This leads to more demands, higher literacy rates, more widespread cultural education, and even a complete and mature education system.
Food, artillery, and weaponry can all be bought with money. But Lu Xuan wanted to control these technologies himself. This was the core of his farming philosophy.
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Chapter 159 Five-Year Plan (Please Subscribe)
Time flies, and a year has passed in the blink of an eye. Everything in Liaoyang has finally managed to get back on track, albeit barely. Both maritime shipping and land trade have begun to provide stable feedback to Liaoyang.
Meanwhile, shipyards and arsenals had begun experimenting with the independent production of their first batch of ships and munitions. Everything was on track. As a result, Lu Xuan had more money than he could spend. All the ports along the Liaoyang coast were under his direct control. Heavy taxes were levied on all kinds of trade. However, despite the heavy taxes, business was booming.
These ports, without exception, are extremely law-abiding. Taxes are levied precisely according to regulations. In reality, whether in ancient times or in modern times, the most important thing is that the law is implemented flawlessly. Lu Xuan's taxes are higher, but many merchant caravans are still willing to do business here. Because once the money is paid, the business is conducted with peace of mind.
With maritime trade opened, wealth naturally followed. And this wasn't just any ordinary wealth; Lu Xuan assembled a full fleet and completely blockaded the surrounding waters. Piracy, private duels, and robbery were forbidden in this area. Everyone had to conduct business honestly and pay taxes according to his rules. Here, only death and paying taxes were unavoidable.
Countless pieces of porcelain, silk, and tea were shipped overseas, in exchange for massive quantities of weaponry, silver, and various minerals. The General's Mansion had already expanded to include over two hundred warehouses, yet various supplies continued to be stockpiled.
Inland grain merchants also preferred to transport grain here. This was because Lu Xuan didn't ask about prices; he would buy any grain. As for the widespread grain shortages and the countless people starving across the Ming Dynasty, no one paid attention. Everyone only knew one thing: doing business with Lu Xuan meant making money.
As this phenomenon persisted, it naturally spread. A new trend emerged: large numbers of refugees began to flood into Liaodong. There was work and food there. This led to the result Lu Xuan had hoped for: his army expanded rapidly, reaching 40,000 men within a year.