I

Page 587

"Thank you very much." Lu Tianxiang said along the lines.

After visiting the room, Queen Anne pointed to a certain wall: "This is a jade mosaic that originated in Italy, and is now popular all over Europe. I have specially set up a mosaic studio. Although it is not perfect, as long as I continue to In a few years, it will definitely surpass that of Italy."

"It's really beautiful."

The Chinese envoys couldn't complain, and those jade stones didn't know what material they were made of.The flowers are colorful and colorful, and after being made into mosaics, they are put together into complex patterns on the wall.

What's so cool about this thing?It's even popular all over Europe.

Then, visit the porcelain showroom.

Blue and white porcelain, imitation Ru porcelain, multicolored porcelain... densely packed, everywhere, and there are even porcelain vases half a person's height.

Pan Wei was born in a wealthy family and was familiar with all kinds of porcelain.He couldn't help lowering his head and curling his lips, because many of the collections here belong to the middle and low-end goods in China.

"Hey, what is this?"

Pan Wei walked up to a porcelain plate, which was held up by a wooden base inlaid with gold and silver.

Queen Mother Anne said: "This is a Chinese porcelain plate collected by my late husband. The purchase price at that time was 1040 livres ([-] taels of silver)."

"Can I touch it?" Pan Wei asked.

"Of course." Queen Anne smiled.

Pan Wei carefully picked up the porcelain plate, and the more he looked at it, the more weird it became.

The main pattern of the porcelain plate is a deer and crane pattern, and the background pattern has pine trees, which indeed belong to the Chinese theme.

But the deer, the crane, and the pine tree are so awkward no matter how you look at them.The pattern is divided into two layers, inside and outside, densely packed, and there is not much space left. Chinese people will feel panicked when they see it.

Looking at the bottom of the plate, Pan Wei almost laughed out loud. There was actually the logo of Qumisha studio there.

During the previous visit to Persia, the Chinese mission had seen this kind of logo, and many of the porcelain used by the Persian royal family came from this studio.

Three words: Shanzhai goods!

Persian porcelain craftsmen, in order to earn money from Europeans.Therefore, Chinese elements such as deer, crane, and pine are used, while catering to the aesthetics of Europeans, the patterns are made complicated and dense.Such nondescript things happen to be what European nobles like, and they are willing to spend huge sums of money to buy them as Chinese products.

Until now, the French royal family has been kept in the dark, thinking that this is a Chinese porcelain plate.

Pan Wei pointed to the logo of the Persian studio, winked at Cai Yuncheng, and said to the queen mother with a smile: "This kind of porcelain plate is extremely rare in China, and it is the first time I have encountered it."

Queen Anne was even happier, thinking that her late husband had bought the right one.

Lu Tianxiang said: "This time in Europe, His Majesty the Emperor of our country prepared five pieces of porcelain as a gift to the most friendly country. Thanks to the hospitality of the Queen Mother and His Majesty the King, one of them is going to be presented to France."

"That's really great, please thank His Majesty the Emperor of China on your behalf." Queen Anne said happily.

The old woman couldn't wait, so Zhang Ruifeng asked the female officer to bring the porcelain.

Louis XIV looked at the wooden box curiously, unpacking one layer after another, and it turned out to be a porcelain bowl imitating Ru.

Ru kilns have long since disappeared, but imitation Ru porcelains are blooming everywhere.Especially since Zhao Han lifted the ban, folks can also buy legally, and the technology of imitating Ru porcelain has become more and more exquisite.

The bowl in front of me is the top-quality imitation Ru porcelain, which is also sold at a high price in China, so it is impossible to export it overseas.

There is no pattern, just pure azure color, which corresponds to Song Huizong's saying "After the rain, the sky is clear and the clouds are broken".

Louis XIV was stunned and said for a long time, "I seem to see the clear sky after the rain."

Pan Wei flattered: "Your Majesty has good eyesight. This kind of porcelain is the clear sky after the rain. In ancient China, there was an artist emperor who saw the clear sky after the rain. He wrote poems and let the craftsmen painstakingly develop them. Finally, this kind of porcelain was produced. Plant Ru porcelain."

Queen Anne watched intently, wondering how to return the gift.

Such a peerless item might not be available for tens of thousands of livres, and the price unit should be calculated in hundreds of thousands.One hundred thousand? 20? 30?

30 livres is 3 taels of silver!

But it's worth it, no matter how much money is worth it, the big deal is to set up a few more official positions, and then let Prime Minister Mazarin sell the officials.

Louis XIV in history was a master of selling officials, who took the initiative to set up countless messy official positions. 1.4 livres can buy the steward of the capital, responsible for managing the timber loaders in the port and squares of Paris; 9000 livres can buy the steward of Rouen, responsible for managing the timber workers in Rouen; It is to use a small stick to pry open the pig's mouth and check the pig's tongue to determine whether it is sick.

At present, the Prime Minister is helping to sell the officials, quietly sharing the spoils with the Queen Mother.

When Louis XIV came to power, a special agency for selling officials would be set up.Since buying and selling official positions is a legal business, the government has reason to levy taxes, ranging from 10% to 25%.

Investing in official positions is like investing in real estate, which can be inherited and transferred.Some popular official positions can not only earn money, but also have room for appreciation. Just pay taxes to the government when the official position is transferred.

There is also taxation for buying and selling official positions, and Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty had to call an expert when he saw it!

After dinner, Queen Anne called the prime minister and asked, "The emperor of China presented a work of extraordinary value. What kind of gift should we give in return?"

Mazarin replied: "You can't give gold back directly, that would be too vulgar. Craftsmen must be summoned to create unique works of art. Only such a gift can show the Frenchness. It's better...how about choosing two of the most vigorous and vigorous BMWs, Rebuild the most magnificent carriage. The decorations of the carriage must have a Chinese style, and must be decorated with gold and inlaid with the rarest and most beautiful gemstones."

"This is a good idea, and I will leave it to you to handle it." Queen Anne said, she had great trust in the Prime Minister.

The common people think that Mazarin is a traitor, but in the eyes of the Queen Mother, Mazarin is a loyal minister.It can not only help her earn money, but also cut off her political enemies and settle those local nobles who oppose the royal family.

As for the life and death of the common people, what does it matter to the Queen Mother of France?

Chapter 757 [Treasure of Rebellion]

The British royal family in exile did not go to Paris.

The main reason is that the relationship between the aunt and sister-in-law is very stiff. The deposed queen of England and the queen mother of France are like sworn enemies when they meet.

In fact, it is also an enemy!

Louis XIV, who had passed away, had been separated from his wife Anne for a long time, and was extremely afraid of his mother.Mother plotted to abolish Louis XIII, but fled to Spain to ask for asylum after she failed.The Duke of Orléans, the younger brother of Louis XIII, was also exiled by the Queen Mother last year because of his participation in the rebellion of the Prince of Condé.

My mother absconded in fear of crime, and my brother was exiled. How could the Queen Mother of England want to go to Paris again?

The family stayed in Rouen without revealing their identities, renting a low-level neighborhood.

After receiving the consultant's salary from the Chinese mission, Prince Charles is not in a hurry to work for the time being.He hung a broadsword by his waist, put his hands in his trouser pockets, and skipped across the streets and alleys.

It is necessary to jump and jump, because if you are not careful, you will step on the dirt.

"Snapped!"

When he came to the tavern, Charles took out a few livres and shouted, "Bring the wine!"

The remuneration given by the Chinese is enough for the prince to drink for a while.

Several people sat at the next table, plotting something loudly.

While drinking, Charles listened attentively, and the more he listened, the more interesting he became.

P. Brussels, who caused the rebellion of the Fronde, was the leader of the resistance movement. Because the uprising was too loud at that time, he was not executed after he was arrested.

Halfway in exile, P. Brussels took a walk, and now he ran back and hid in Rouen.

"This book is called "Apocalypse of China" ("Datong Collection"), which was translated by the British poet Mr. Milton." Brussels held up the pamphlet in his hand, "I saw a French manuscript in Port Grace, which is abolished. It took a lot of effort to borrow a handwritten copy. Do you know that in China, ordinary people can study for free and take part in a kind of examination called the imperial examination. You must pass the imperial examination before you can be an official. Even the emperor of China cannot violate this rule. "

The chaotic party at the same table wondered: "There are only so many official positions. If they all take the exam to become an official, is there enough official positions? If the number is not enough, will the officials' sons inherit them, or the newly admitted scholars?"

Brussels explained: "In China, official positions cannot be hereditary!"

"Official positions cannot be hereditary?"

Everyone exclaimed, because the voice was too loud, everyone in the tavern looked over.

Milton left earlier than the Chinese envoys. After returning to England, he found that his republic was gone.

He didn't blame Cromwell for dissolving the Parliament, because the Lord Protector was also difficult to do. The nobles, the Parliament, and the army each had their own demands, and Cromwell was caught in the middle in an embarrassing situation.From Cromwell's point of view, he had to make a choice, and simply slapped the parliament to implement a military dictatorship.

Disillusioned with his political ideals, Milton resigned from his post as secretary and devoted himself to translating "The Collection of Great Harmony".

Milton's version of "Da Tong Ji" contains bourgeois ideas and deletes the content of land distribution.

At this moment, Brussels said excitedly: "Let me introduce the content of this book to you..."

"The Chinese also recognize the 'divine authority of the monarch', but the monarch must be virtuous and must treat people from all walks of life well. This is called 'benevolent government', which means implementing a beautiful and benevolent policy. If the monarch implements benevolent government, he will be recognized by God. The monarch If you don't practice benevolent government, you will be punished by God..."

"The operation of the world follows the 'God's will' (the way of heaven). God is happy to see the people happy and healthy, and the people multiply under God's care. More and more people need a monarch to govern. The monarch's governance is not to exploit the people , but to protect the rights and interests of the people. If you violate this criterion, you will not be a qualified monarch and will be abandoned by God. The ability of a monarch alone is limited, so many officials are needed to assist him..."

"The previous emperor of China lost God's approval because he exploited the people. The current emperor of China got the will of God in his sleep and led the people to overthrow the tyrant..."

"God's will is as follows: first, private property is inviolable, and the king and the church are no exception; second, the people have freedom, including speech, publishing, marriage... These freedoms; third, the people have the right to learn knowledge. Knowledge It is the gospel of God in the world, and everyone should learn to understand it. The monarch and the government should open public schools to spread the gospel of God in the form of knowledge; knowledge to serve as a government official..."

The book translated by Milton has been banned from publication in England because it contains too many private goods and is suspected of tampering with teachings.

But in this tavern, a group of French rebels listened in high spirits.

After finishing the general explanation, Brussels said in a tone of infinite yearning: "In far away China, the monarch is benevolent, the officials are clean, and the people live a carefree life. The beggars on the street have disappeared, and everyone can work. Farmers have endless food to support their families. I heard that even the porters at the docks can buy silk to make clothes with their wages. The Chinese follow God’s will, so they are blessed by God. The land there is so fertile. It can flow out fat, and the grain output is ten times that of France!"

"When the Chinese people encounter difficulties, the officials will try their best to help the people when they know about it, instead of exploiting the people's property... Every spring, the emperor will take the officials to the outskirts to farm together. This is to feel the hardships of the farmers, and it is also Encourage people to work hard."

"The emperor of China is the most wise and wise philosopher king. He has two personal guards, one in white and one in black. The white guards are composed of scholars and officials. They are sent across the country every year to arrest those who harm the people Corrupt officials. The black guards are composed of knight officials, and they are also sent to the whole country every year to arrest those bullies who harm the people.”

"So, there are fewer and fewer corrupt officials and bullies in China, and they have almost disappeared. The white guards and black guards are always troubled by not being able to find bad people to punish, because China is governed by the emperor and only good people are left..."

Distance produces beauty, as is the case with people, and so with countries.

The darker French society is, the more French people believe in such nonsense.

A rebel couldn't help hearing this, put his hands on his chest and said, "God, it would be great if we lived in China. Your Majesty the kind and wise Emperor of China, may God bless you always in good health!"

Another chaotic party wondered: "I heard that the Chinese are all heretics, do they also believe in our god?"

Brussels said: "Jesus is one, and also ten thousand. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, although different, are in fact one. The God that Chinese people believe in is actually the incarnation of Jesus, but it is called differently. In China, Jesus is called Heaven, God, and Emperor of Heaven, and the will of Jesus is called the Way of Heaven.”

Everyone suddenly became enlightened, with such expressions.

In order to translate "The Collection of Datong" and make "The Collection of Datong" more grounded in Europe, Milton actually came up with this kind of theory that is easy to be burned to death.Fortunately, he has a good relationship with Cromwell, otherwise he would definitely be wanted and arrested at this moment.

"What should we do?" another rebel asked.

Brussels said: "In China, a perfect society where everyone is happy is called Datong (transliteration). We should form a Datong party to expel the greedy and brutal prime minister and force the queen mother to return to the king. If your majesty is a wise monarch, then we will We should support His Majesty and learn from China step by step. We need to build public schools so that more people can study. We also need to establish an imperial examination system so that smart and kind scholars can become officials. If His Majesty the King is also cruel and stupid, then learn from the Chinese emperor and revolt to overthrow The rule of a king, choose a nobleman of high moral character to be king."

As soon as this remark came out, the rebels immediately talked about it.

"I have heard that the Prince de Condé is very wise and kind."

"The Duke of Orleans is not bad either. His Excellency the Duke chose to break with the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is a bad man, but His Excellency the Duke is a good man. Perhaps, we should go find the Duke of Orleans. He is exiled now and must need our help."

"I still think Prince Condé is better. His Royal Highness is an invincible general. If he becomes king, he will not be afraid of Spanish invasion."

"No, no, no, the Duke of Orleans is a direct royal family, so he is more qualified to be a king. The Prince of Condé is just a branch of the royal family, and his legitimacy is not enough. At that time, the Duke of Orleans will be the king, and the Prince of Condé will be the prime minister. Happy days."

"What you said is too far away. The top priority is to oust the prime minister and force the queen mother to return to the king. His majesty the king is only in his teens, and he has done nothing bad. Everything is caused by the queen mother and the prime minister. I believe your majesty, As long as His Majesty is in charge, he will definitely become a benevolent and wise monarch!"

"..."

A group of chaotic parties, talking louder and louder, the whole tavern can hear clearly.

But no one went to inform. Rouen, as the nearest big city to Paris, is a key target of the Prime Minister to squeeze oil and water.The common people here hate Prime Minister Mazarin to the core, and gossip about stories about the Prime Minister sleeping with the Queen Mother.

Prince Charles was very happy to hear that the King of France was his cousin, and the two had met.

Charles is very clear about the situation of Louis XIV: smug, pretentious, extravagant and lustful, greedy for enjoyment... If one day he takes power, it is hard to say whether he will be a benevolent monarch, but he will definitely start to make more money for enjoyment.

As for the Duke of Orleans, it was Charles' uncle, a fellow who was not very bright.The cause of the first conspiracy to rebel was that Richelieu forced him to marry someone he didn't like, so he decided to leave Richelieu to Qianfan, and took Louis XIII's bird seat by the way.He participated in the rebellion several times before and after, all of them were on the side of the losers, and they were all fooled into rebellion.

Charles scanned the rogues, and none of them seemed to be able to get anything done.

But, the dialogue between the rebels made him more interested in China.

When the Chinese mission visited Paris, "Da Tong Ji·Magic Edition" had already spread in London.Then it spread to Port of Grace and Rouen, France, where not only the rebels regarded it as a treasure, but even French scholars secretly studied it.

Chapter 758 [Knight Tournament]

Louvre.

The queen mother and king of France are preparing for a knight tournament.

There are not many high-level entertainment activities these days, nothing more than banquets, dances, concerts, hunting in the countryside, and knightly tournaments.

Horse racing or something is not very popular yet.

The prosperity of horse racing has to wait for the restoration of Prince Charles.The British "jolly king" laid the foundation for modern horse racing, and many horse racing rules were formulated by him himself.

Two grand banquets have been held, and a concert has also been organized. Seeing the Chinese guests seems not to be very interested, so Prime Minister Mazarin proposed to hold a knightly contest.

"Your Majesty, Ambassador, please take a look." Cai Yuncheng took out a booklet.

Lu Tianxiang glanced at it and said that she couldn't understand French.

Zhang Ruifeng asked: "What book is this?"

Cai Yuncheng said: "The Collection of Great Harmony."

Zhang Ruifeng looked strange: "The Collection of Datong written in French? Where did you get it?"