Chapter 225 Exploration and Trade

"Next, what is the third thing?"

"Your Highness, it is the construction appropriation for the navy."

Peter approved the 400,000 lei appropriation proposed by the navy department, followed by the municipal construction of Constantinople, the unification of the church, the use of tax revenue, etc. Peter put forward his opinions, and the Senate was responsible for discussion and suggestions, and then revised and implemented.

The status of the Senate became higher and higher, from a simple advisory body to an executive government. They were only responsible to the monarch and obeyed the monarch's orders. When the monarch went to war or died, the Senate was responsible for all daily affairs to ensure national security.

The centralization of power in Europe and Asia is not a concept. Europe is more like monarchical centralization. The concentration of power is determined only by the personal will of the monarch. The laws are half new and half old. If you meet a wise monarch, you will be strong, if you meet a mediocre monarch, you will be weak, and if you meet a foolish monarch, you will die. If Wallachia wants to survive at this junction of Europe and Asia, it must have a strong centralized power to allocate all available resources.

After temporarily handling political affairs, Peter changed into citizen clothes and planned to meet old friends.

In the residence of the chief executive of Galata, Chief Carlo prepared oriental tea and sugar purchased at a high price, and handed them to his fellow villager Ange next to him.

After reaching a trade agreement with Wallachia, Ange, who was about to return, received an appointment from the Republic of Genoa. He became Genoa's resident deputy envoy in Constantinople, responsible for contact and communication with Wallachia.

At this time, Genoa urgently needed to improve its economic and trade relations with Wallachia. After France became its suzerain, its life not only did not get better, but worse. The erosion of French merchants and the arrears of various nobles made them overwhelmed. If it were not for the trade between Wallachia and North Africa, it would be even more difficult.

Moreover, they had received news that the chief of Kaffa City had sold the city to Wallachia without authorization. This means the loss of all Genoa's Black Sea colonies. The trade situation is not optimistic.

In the trade with Wallachia, the orders with the government are the most profitable. Unlike the nobles in Western Europe who owe money and pay it back next time, they basically pay a deposit first and then pay the balance after the transaction is completed. Although this takes a long time, it can ensure that there will be no moths.

In addition, Wallachia likes to import some things that are prohibited from export in Western Europe, such as Merino sheep, high-quality grape seeds, etc., which can be sold at a high price in Wallachia. Some Genoese merchants took advantage of their geographical location and started smuggling.

They used money and relationships to obtain Wallachia's smuggled goods, first placed them in Genoa and Corsica, and then transported them to Thessaloniki and Smyrna after the wind passed. A lot of profits can be obtained by going in and out, and Wallachia can also obtain Western European technology and agricultural seeds to improve itself. It is really a win-win situation.

It can be said that Wallachia has become Genoa's most important trading partner. Some members of parliament have proposed to further deepen the relationship, and Ang's excellent completion of the task made the parliament decide to let him move in Constantinople. After all, being able to know the governor shows that he has a strong connection.

"Come, try this oriental tea. I spent a lot of money to get it."

Carlo invited Ang to drink tea, and Ang was not polite. He took some sugar and put it in. Except for the upper class like them who can enjoy tea and other luxury goods, other people can only envy.

"I don't know what the chief of Galata wants to see me?" Ang asked,

"Nothing, I just want you to go to the governor and see if he can persuade him to deepen the cooperation with the Republic?"

"My lord," Ang smiled bitterly. "You know, the trade treaty signed between the Republic and Wallachia has not even been in place for two years. It's not realistic to continue to deepen it just after it started."

"I know, but think about it. The Republic's main reliance in the Eastern Mediterranean is Galata and Wallachia. Caffa was also sold privately by that traitor. You know, this is not a commodity, it's a city. Without it, our trade in the Black Sea will be greatly reduced. This is undoubtedly a double whammy for the country."

"France can temporarily protect us from being annexed by other countries, but both finance and trade must be picked up, otherwise, even France cannot be saved."

Carlo's words made Ange think about the plight of his motherland. Yes, if he can't share the country's worries, what's the difference between him and the walking dead.

"I will look for someone, but my lord, don't hold too much hope."

"It doesn't matter, just do your best."

The talks in Genoa ended here, and Florence became lively again.

As a permanent envoy of Florence, Mason marveled at the magnificence of Constantinople and also facilitated the trade of Florentine merchants in Wallachia. His friendship with Peter made their family's status in Florence rise sharply. His father Bella entered the ruling group and his younger brother took his place as a senator. Business also improved a lot, and they jumped from a middle-class merchant family to a local upstart. Others could only envy him, because he knew the governor of Wallachia.

"My dear friend, what are you doing?"

Mason turned around and saw that it was Peter, and he greeted him enthusiastically.

"Your Highness, what wind invited you here?"

"It was God's guidance"

Peter and Mason smiled at each other, and then Peter told the purpose of today's visit: he wanted to form a fleet to the East.

If the New World cannot catch up, then go directly to the East. Wallachia's geographical location is easier to reach than Western European countries. You only need to enter the Red Sea through the Mamluks and bypass the Yemen to reach the Indian Ocean. This is half the success. You only need to establish a commercial base in India or Ceylon to continue exploring eastward.

This fleet was entirely funded by Peter himself and the business he established, with a total investment of more than 700,000 lei. The sailors and craftsmen were recruited from experienced fishermen and other coastal areas. Now they were just one short of passing Wallachia to the east. The person who brought the news, Peter thought, was the right Florentine. He also had a yearning for the East. He was the one.

"Your Highness wants me to be your special envoy."

"Well, after thinking about it, you are the best fit. Don't refuse."

Mason felt embarrassed by Peter, and he either refused, or he still had a job, and he still needed to explain the reason to Florence.

"It's still some time before the fleet is assembled. Once you've decided, tell me. This is a once-in-a-century opportunity."

After saying something else, Peter left. Mason thought about it for a long time in bed at night. His yearning for the East defeated the idea of ​​stability. He decided to join this fleet. Even if he lost his life, he could not stop his curiosity.