Brother John naturally thought of this: Zhang Fang must not die! If Zhang Fang dies, who will help them realize their dream of becoming the richest in the world?
John immediately told Zhang Fang, “To ensure the caravan’s safety, I hope you can all equip yourselves with weapons!”
Zhang Fang replied with a difficult expression, “I also want to provide weapons for the caravan, but in our country, merchants are not allowed to possess firearms.”
Furrowing his brow, John asked Zhang Fang, “If my brother accompanies you, won’t that allow you to carry firearms in the caravan?”
“That would indeed be no problem,” Zhang Fang responded, waiting for this opportunity.
John’s brother perked up, asking, “If I go with you, will I get to taste a lot of delicious food there?”
Zhang Fang smiled and nodded, “Yes. We have countless delicacies where I come from! Clothing is just our starting point; in the future, we plan to open restaurants around the world! I assure you, as long as everything goes smoothly, we will definitely develop into the world’s top enterprise!”
The John brothers were delighted by this vision! Zhang Fang was a talented individual, and they believed he could deliver on his promises!
The queen received John’s suggestion and felt it could be incorporated into foreign trade policy. International trade could promote the economic development of their nation and create more jobs, increasing tax revenue. Using royal ships for transportation could also generate income. Therefore, the queen would focus on developing foreign trade, especially enhancing trade relations with countries around the world.
“John, thank you for providing such great ideas! Our nation will grow stronger because of your proposal!” The queen sincerely thanked John.
John responded with gallantry, “Not at all, it’s due to your wisdom! Only under your astute leadership can our nation become the world’s number one power!”
The queen smiled. She wore a new outfit from the clothing banquet, shimmering in the sunlight like a dancing sprite.
John was mesmerized and sincerely complimented, “Your Majesty, you are truly beautiful! You are more vibrant than the rainbows in the sky!”
With a shy expression, the queen felt happy. Wearing the beautiful new clothes uplifted her spirits. It had been a long time since she’d felt such positivity! Ever since her husband passed away, she had been gloomy and filled with sorrow. She never expected that one day, a beautiful dress would restore her confidence and joy!
The queen praised, “That young man from the East is indeed a brave and talented merchant! He has great insight and determination! Their products, from the material to the design, are exceptional! I hope he can engage in long-term trade with our nation!”
John nodded and took the opportunity to make a small request: “In their country, I’ve heard that merchants cannot possess weapons. However, maritime trade is not always safe. Their caravan hopes to purchase some firearms for protection.”
The queen asked, puzzled, “But don’t they want our royal ships to help transport their goods? With our royal ships carrying their cargo, wouldn’t they still feel secure?”
John replied meaningfully, “The marketplace is like a battlefield; they are preparing for potential competition.”
The queen contemplated this. Knowing it was also part of John’s business, she agreed to the matter.
John affectionately walked behind the queen and embraced her.
After successfully securing the clothing orders and firearms, Zhang Fang left Wei Zhanggui to oversee affairs and returned home with John’s brother.
Father Hubert caught up with Zhang Fang on the ship and asked, “Will you return to our nation?”
“Of course. Father, thank you for bringing me here. You’ve helped me find a way for the fabric store to survive!” Zhang Fang sincerely appreciated Father Hubert.
Father Hubert happily remarked, “I’m glad to help you! You are a child chosen by the Lord; He will guide you to complete your mission!”
Zhang Fang bowed solemnly, expressing his gratitude, “Father, if the fabric store survives, the tens of thousands of people dependent on it will also have a future. Thank the Lord, and thank you! You and the others have guided me towards a direction for success!” This would prevent his homeland from deteriorating too quickly.
Whenever Zhang Fang thought about the possibility of the fabric store failing, and how farmers in the Jiangnan region might follow those in the Southwest to grow poppies, he felt chills and anxiety, struggling to sleep.
Ensuring the survival of the fabric store was just the first step for Zhang Fang. Next, he needed to eliminate the Southwest’s poppy fields and contribute funds for the court to research weapons and strengthen national defense!
There was so much to do, and Zhang Fang felt a sense of urgency. At that moment, it echoed the words he shared with Mr. Zhang. He was now racing against the heavens, battling against people, and competing with time.
Zhang Fang desperately hoped to progress quickly! Falling behind would surely lead to punishment; only by developing their nation could the people avoid being insulted and harmed by others.
Father Hubert smiled with satisfaction. He felt his decision to spread the faith in the Eastern superpower was wise! Having taken in a group of children, while his missionary work only bore small fruit, he could now help Zhang Fang and the large group behind him! For him, saving and helping others was the most meaningful thing in the world!
Zhang Fang sincerely thanked Father Hubert, intending to build a church in Jiangnan after returning, inviting Father Hubert to preach there. He also wanted to let everyone know how much assistance Father Hubert had provided, so they could all appreciate this good man.
Full of hope, after disembarking the ship, Zhang Fang and his companions were stopped for inspection by the court. If it weren’t for Father Hubert and John’s brother helping to conceal the truth, the court would certainly have apprehended Zhang Fang for questioning.
Outwardly, these firearms were said to belong to John’s brother. However, the ones using them were actually Zhang Fang and his group.
Zhang Fang had become a target of interest for the court, primarily due to his close ties with foreign merchants and possession of numerous firearms.
During the three months Zhang Fang was gone, Mr. Zhang had lost a considerable amount of weight. He missed his youngest son daily, filled with worry and unease.
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