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Along the way, noble relatives gave money, and Charles II enjoyed it when he had money, and went into exile when he ran out of money.

The quality of life of this family is either noble or beggar.

Charles smiled eccentrically and said, "Mother, stop fantasizing. The Medici family and the Duke of Savoy are unlikely to give us any support. Of course, we can get some money. The last thing they need is money."

Maria's sister, married to the Duke of Savoy.

Maria's mother was from the Medici family.

"Mom, brother!"

The exiled princess Elizabeth suddenly rushed in, surprised and said: "I heard from the nobles in the city that the Chinese envoys are in Portugal and have brought a lot of Chinese noble knights. If we can get help from China, maybe we can restore the country!"

Maria's eyes lit up: "It is said that the emperor of China was once an exiled prince. He had the same experience as us! Those who came to Europe are only Chinese envoys. I am afraid they dare not make their own claims. But we can go to China and persuade China The emperor, let him send an army to defeat the rebel Cromwell!"

Charles, who was drunk, also became excited: "China should be very interesting, and it must be interesting along the way. Maybe you can go to explore primitive islands."

Maria was very speechless to this son, heartless, and didn't care about restoration at all.

In fact, even if Charles became Charles II, he was still so heartless.

He has superb political means, can always resolve crises easily, and is humorous and tolerant.But as long as it doesn't interfere with his enjoyment of life, he doesn't care about anything.

As a king, his wife was infertile, and he didn't bother to divorce and remarry, but he had more than ten sons with his mistress.The legitimacy of the illegitimate child is too low, and he will definitely not be able to succeed, and he doesn't care about it.Anyway, enjoy yourself until you die, and let your younger brother return to the country to be the king after death.

The family soon left Spain by boat and went to Portugal to see the Chinese envoy.

Maria went to seek help, but Charles simply wanted to visit China. The prince, who has been in exile since he was 12 years old, is used to the world. He does not hope for anyone, and his philosophy of life is to enjoy life to the fullest.

……

lisbon.

The Chinese mission has been staying for more than half a month, attending banquets twice in three days, during which they also took time to conduct consultations and negotiations.

On behalf of the Chinese court, Zhang Ruifeng signed the Treaty of Lisbon with King Joao IV:

First, China recognizes Portugal as an independent country and recognizes João IV as King of Portugal.

Second, Portugal recognizes Macau as Chinese territory, and the two countries no longer have any disputes over Macau.

Third, the ports of China and Portugal, including overseas ports, are open to each other and give each other preferential tariffs.

The treaty is short, but absolutely fair.

China became the first country in the world to recognize the independence of Portugal. Joao IV was ecstatic. On the day the treaty was signed, he sent diplomats to European countries.

He wants to announce the news and let the whole of Europe know!

"Mr. Messenger, has the Chinese prince married a wife?" King Joao IV asked expectantly.

Marriage is very important in Europe, Joao IV has a headache because the European royal family disdains marriage with Portugal.

His eldest son can only marry the daughter of a nobleman in the country.

His eldest daughter and second daughter are twins, the eldest daughter has died, and the second daughter is still unmarried.

The three daughters have also reached the age to marry, and they are also not interested in the European royal family - this Princess Catalina later married the British Charles II.At that time, Charles II, who had just been restored, was not recognized by European countries, so he happened to be a match with the Portuguese princess who was not wanted.

Zhang Ruifeng was noncommittal, and politely evaded: "His Royal Highness, the crown prince of our country, already has a marriage contract."

Joao IV persevered and asked, "What about the other princes? As long as they are Chinese princes, my two daughters have reached the marriageable age."

Zhang Ruifeng said: "This... I need to return to the country to give a performance to Your Majesty."

"Don't worry," King Joao IV said with a smile, "my youngest daughter, Catalina, is not yet 15 years old, and she has time to wait for news from the Chinese royal family. When Mr. Envoy returns to China, I will send diplomats to follow and discuss the two issues. the marriage of nations."

Now that the diplomatic treaty has been signed, Portugal has nothing to miss, so Zhang Ruifeng formally bid farewell.

Joao IV said: "It is exciting that the two countries have established diplomatic relations. Please stay a few more days, Mr. Messenger, and I will hold a grand banquet!"

Zhang Ruifeng wanted to roll his eyes when he heard that, for more than half a month, the mission has figured out the situation in Portugal.Overseas colonies were lost one after another, domestic commerce was controlled by the Netherlands, and the local population continued to be lost. Many rural areas were sparsely populated.Under such circumstances, is the king still in the mood to hold banquets every day?

If it weren't for the ability to suck blood in the colonies, the country of Portugal would have collapsed long ago!

Joao IV felt that a grand banquet must be held.

He has been trying diplomatically for years, but has been unable to make progress.Now, a big country has finally recognized the independence of Portugal, how could it not be celebrated?

"Your Majesty, the British royal family in exile asks to see you." The court minister hurried over.

Joao IV wondered: "The British royal family? Who are there?"

The Minister of the Court replied: "Queen Mary, Prince Charles, Princess Elizabeth, Prince Henry, Princess Anne. They... want to meet the Chinese envoy."

King Joao IV understood immediately, and said with a smile: "Arrange them to meet the Chinese envoy."

Joao IV was eager to establish diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom, but Cromwell took the opportunity to force him to sign unequal treaties from all aspects of economics, military affairs, politics, and religion.

Seeing the content of the treaty, Joao IV's lungs were about to explode.

Now is the right time for the Chinese to get in touch with the British royal family.If the British royal family can be restored, Portugal will take the opportunity to establish diplomatic relations with Britain.If it cannot be restored, there will be no loss to Portugal, and it can make Cromwell sick a few times.

The two sides met at the Portuguese Royal Palace.

Prince Henry and Princess Anne are just kids at this time.Only Queen Mary, Prince Charles and Princess Ilya White really showed up.

Maria took a pair of children and pulled her skirt to salute the Chinese envoy: "It is a great honor to meet with the distinguished Chinese concubine and Mr. Chinese envoy. I am Maria, Queen of England, this is my son Charles, and My daughter Elizabeth."

Since the British side is a queen, Lu Tianxiang is just suitable to receive her. She smiled and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I already know what happened to you, and I deeply sympathize with it."

Maria did not ask for help directly, but flattered her and said: "I have always heard that Chinese nobles are elegant and beautiful. Today, I saw Her Royal Highness, and I realized that it is true. Your Highness's beauty can no longer be described in words, and only His Majesty the Emperor of China , to marry such a perfect wife."

Lu Tianxiang smiled faintly. She still had a scar on her face, which was left from the war with the Arabs.Although the scar is very shallow, it can be seen at close range, which somewhat affects the appearance.

This queen in exile doesn't even know how to flatter her.

Lu Tianxiang asked: "I heard that Madam was a French princess before?"

Maria replied: "Louis XIV, King of France, is my own nephew."

Lu Tianxiang asked again: "The ruler of the Netherlands is the wife's grandson?"

Maria replied: "The current Prince of Orange is indeed my grandson, but he was illegally deprived of the honor of ruling the Netherlands by the damn Dutch businessman."

Lu Tianxiang asked again: "Madam is from the famous Medici family?"

Maria replied, "My mother, indeed, was named Medici."

Lu Tianxiang looked at Zhang Ruifeng, Zhang Ruifeng already understood.

They have been in Portugal for more than half a month. Apart from attending banquets and negotiations, they are also frantically inquiring about things about Europe.

The British queen in exile in front of me can be taken in completely, and can be used in many places.

Lu Tianxiang didn't speak anymore, Zhang Ruifeng said: "Your Highness, we are going to visit various countries. If it is convenient, can Her Highness come with us?"

"Of course!" Maria was overjoyed.

Chapter 754 [The Anglo-Dutch War]

"Barring entry?"

When the Chinese diplomatic mission came to Spain, it was the first time they encountered a merciless rejection.

Prince Charles said with a smile: "This is normal. Philip IV is known as the 'King of the Earth'. His most embarrassing thing, besides losing the 30-year war, was the independence of the Netherlands and Portugal. He recognized the independence of the Netherlands, That’s because the Netherlands itself is very powerful. As for Portugal, Philip IV does not recognize it, and he always thinks that he is also the king of Portugal.”

Picking up the binoculars carelessly, Charles observed the situation in the port and said, "But you, have signed a treaty with João IV and openly supported the independence of Portugal. As the king of the earth, Philip IV has been disgraced, how could he allow China to The ship docked? Also, the Philippines is the treasure of Philip IV, but China seized Luzon Island by force. Go to war with China!"

Zhang Ruifeng was a little surprised: "His Royal Highness is very familiar with the situation in various countries?"

"What's the use of familiarity? I don't even have a knight around me." Prince Charles grinned, showing no sign of frustration.

This guy is smart, witty, humorous, bohemian, superb riding skills, and heartless. In fact, he is very suitable to be a ranger.As for being king, he's just too out of tune.

Since it was impossible to dock in Spain, the fleet could only continue sailing, planning to visit Britain and France first.

Zhang Ruifeng asked: "Your Highness, can you tell us about the current situation in Europe?"

Charles said: "France is fighting a civil war, known as the Fronde War. Cardinal and French Prime Minister Mazarin, at the end of the 30-year war, borrowed money from merchants to raise military expenses, and paid taxes to merchants as a means of repayment. Since the merchants have levy Tax rights, don’t you collect taxes to the death? The local provinces have been squeezed out, and the French government and businessmen are eyeing Paris. Coinciding with the victory of Prince Condé, the Queen Mother and the Prime Minister took advantage of the victory of the foreign war to arrest the resistance movement The leader of Paris. The people of Paris were angry, and finally an uprising broke out. Prince Condé led the army back to Paris to quell the chaos, and finally ended the civil war."

Such a big thing, unexpectedly in Portugal did not find out.

Zhang Ruifeng was shocked by this: "The king was fighting a war and borrowed money from merchants. Because he couldn't pay back the money, he asked the merchants to collect taxes and deduct them by themselves?"

"Although it's stupid, it's true," Charles said with a smile. "Prime Minister Mazarin's brother is a big businessman, and he made a fortune from it."

Zhang Ruifeng thinks that European countries are very strange. The appointment and dismissal of officials and the collection of taxes are the country's most important weapons.No matter how corrupt the Ming Dynasty was, it would not directly hand over the country's tax collection power to businessmen as a means of repaying loans.

This kind of tax system can only be implemented. In a certain area and a certain type of tax, how much money can be deducted, and then let the merchants collect it at will.

When a businessman encounters such a good thing, how can he let it go?

The government said that the tax can be discounted by 10 taels of silver. Believe it or not, the merchant can collect 100 million taels. 10 taels were handed over to the government to repay the loan, and the remaining 90 taels were all his own.

Of course, this kind of thing also happens in China.

One is that it appeared in the Yuan Dynasty, and the whole country was engaged in a tax package system.

Second, it appeared in the Qing Dynasty.Opium could not be banned, so the Qing government legalized opium, which could not only develop the local opium industry, but also reduce the outflow of silver and increase government tax revenue.After the legalization of opium, the Qing government found that it was unable to collect taxes, so it contracted the opium tax to businessmen, so that it could be collected in full.

Zhang Ruifeng asked, "Did the French Prime Minister Mazarin step down after such a big disturbance?"

"In order to quell public anger, Mazarin has been exiled," Charles laughed. "The Queen Mother still wanted to keep him, which made Prince Condé's plan to seek the prime minister fail. Not only that, Mazarin also arrested Prince Condé, declaring that Prince Condé intends to rebel."

Zhang Ruifeng asked: "So, how did this prime minister get exiled?"

Charles said: "After Prince Condé was arrested, his cronies rioted in the local area, and the church and nobles also united against the French royal family. The rebels also united with the Spanish army and invaded France all the way. This civil war defeated the French king. The Queen Mother submits. The Prince of Condé is released and the Prime Minister Mazarin is exiled. But the matter is not over."

Zhang Ruifeng became more and more curious, and said, "Please tell me."

Charles said: "The current situation has been calmed down. The Queen Mother of France suddenly became stupid and called back Mazarin who was exiled. Prince Condé was furious and once again joined forces with Spain to attack France. The people of Paris also spontaneously revolted and even drove away King Louis of France. Fourteenth. Mazarin was so frightened that he resigned as prime minister, the anger of the people of Paris subsided, and the king was welcomed back. The rebellion of Prince Condé was suppressed, and he is still in exile abroad."

Zhang Ruifeng sighed: "This French king is really lucky!"

Why is it a blessing that the country has two civil wars and made a mess?

Because Mazarin is a powerful minister, and Prince Kong Dai is a local power faction.After two civil wars, Louis XIV, the young king, was able to get rid of the constraints of powerful ministers and local factions at the same time.Once in power, Louis XIV's dictatorship will reach the peak of all French kings.

Charles looked at Zhang Ruifeng in surprise. He only briefly explained the situation, but this Chinese official could see through the whole situation.

As for the French Prime Minister Mazarin, he will return to Paris to be a demon.In the end, the two brothers begged for a hammer, and the street lamps were hung up by the angry Parisians.

The uprising tradition of the Paris people can be said to have a long history.

In the past few years alone, there have been several uprisings one after another, saying that if the king is driven away, the king will be driven away.

Charles continued: "Britain and the Netherlands are at war. As a British, I hope Britain wins. But personally, I hope Cromwell loses."

"Who does His Highness think will win?" Zhang Ruifeng asked.

"Britain will win, there's no question about it," Charles said.

"Why?" Zhang Ruifeng asked, "Hasn't the Dutch navy always been very strong?"

Charles smiled contemptuously: "The Netherlands is ruled by a group of businessmen, how can businessmen be reliable?"

"Britain will definitely win for three reasons:"

"First, everyone in Britain, from nobles, businessmen to commoners, is extremely angry with the Netherlands. All British people can unite to fight."

"Secondly, the Netherlands sold its capital ship to the UK for profit, and the purchase fee was also loaned by Dutch merchants. The Dutch navy has suffered heavy losses and can only recruit merchant ships to fight. Those merchant ships are not willing to fight at all."

"Third, before the war, the British Navy strictly rectified military discipline. The Dutch Navy, as well as the Dutch merchant ships, have extremely loose military discipline, and they may not obey orders during combat."

When the envoy fleet came to France and docked at Grace Port (Le Havre), news of the Anglo-Dutch war came.

Hmm... Both the UK and the Netherlands said they had won the battle.

The British claimed victory, having killed the Dutch commander-in-chief and sinking 11 Dutch warships.

The Netherlands claimed victory when they severely damaged 35 British warships and lifted the British naval blockade of the Netherlands.

More detailed news came, fully verifying what Charles said.

When the two sides were at war, the British navy was strictly disciplined.

As for the Dutch Navy, the captains of many requisitioned merchant ships did not obey orders at all.As a result, the number of ships was clearly superior, but the siege of the British navy was unable to be launched, and the ship of the Dutch navy commander was exposed.The naval battle had just begun, and the commander of the Dutch navy saw God.

Besides other battlefields, the ships of the Dutch East India Company continued to do their own business in Asia.However, all the ships of the British East India Company were recalled to the mainland and scattered in various sea areas. They attacked Dutch ships when they saw them, and even Dutch fishing boats were not spared.

It's really unreliable for businessmen to rule the country, and the naval decisive battle still thinks about profits.

Port Grace.

When the Chinese envoys got off the boat, a large number of businessmen surrounded them, and the businessmen spontaneously organized to welcome them.