There is the Suez River below. The entire Mediterranean Sea became an inner lake. Although it is vast, because the Ottoman Turks occupied almost half of the coast of the Mediterranean, and for hundreds of years, Ottoman Turkey has pursued a hostile policy towards Europe and blocked the land connection between Europe and the outside world. Only then did European countries begin to pay attention to the ocean. However, with the emergence of various countries' navigation, the traditional European power system was broken one by one. Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, which were originally inconspicuous in Europe, jumped up and became one of the best powers in the entire Europe and even the world at that time.

The success of some small marginalized countries in Europe greatly stimulated the enthusiasm of Europeans for ocean adventures. From the Cape of Good Hope to the emergence of new routes to India, the emergence of the Americas, the success of global navigation, one route has been revealed, and every harbor has been used. It is ridiculous that European countries are keen on ocean adventures and geography, but the Mediterranean, which is closest to them, did not receive enough attention during this period. Even during ordinary times, merchant ships entering the Mediterranean through the Port of Gibraltar in a year have not detoured one-twentieth of the ships entering the New World that entered the Cape of Good Hope.

In fact, this is not because the marine empires did not pay attention to this sea area. It was just that at that time, the seventeen kilograms around the Mediterranean were in the region. Spain and France had other seaports, North Africa, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt and other regions all belonged to the Ottoman Turkish Empire, leaving only an Italian peninsula. However, the southern part of Italy was not a place where trade was prosperous. Merchants entered the Mediterranean trade without profit. In addition to transporting some goods to the poor southern Italy, the Ottoman Turkish Empire did not allow European merchant ships to get close to trade. Even during the period when the Ottoman Empire formed an alliance with Spain and other countries, there was no open seaport. The marine trade in the Mediterranean was almost negligible compared with the ocean trade of the entire world. It was not until the Ottoman Empire gradually weakened and the Suez Canal was opened that the trade in the Mediterranean gradually flourished.

The prosperity of the Mediterranean is closely related to the Strait of Gibraltar. As early as a century ago, the Spaniards realized the importance of the Port of Gibraltar. Some even asserted that it would become one of the busiest ports in the world in the future. It was just a coincidence. A century has passed. The Port of Gibraltar not only did not enter the golden time of prosperity, but instead became even weaker with the decline of the Spanish navy and Spanish maritime trade. Now the Ming Dynasty asked the Spaniard to buy the Port of Gibraltar. This made Atano embarrassed. The Port of Gibraltar was not an important port during this period, and even for Spain, it was not even a medium-sized port. However, Atano could understand that this commercial port might be in a certain section.

The period flourished and became one of the best ocean transit stations, but when should we wait? At least until the Ottoman Empire falls completely, but what after the Ottoman Empire falls? Unless the Europeans become the dominant there, another Arab regime will rise from the ruins of the Ottoman Empire, and the policies adopted may also be closed to Europe. You must know that the Mediterranean is not just the inner courtyard of Europeans. Its coast includes Catholics, Muslims, and many nomadic peoples who are not yet famous. Ah Tano understands that all this is almost a luxury. If the Mediterranean does not completely belong to European civilization for a day, no one is willing to open up the sea trade and do business with the Spanish in the Mediterranean.

A Tano began to hesitate. Although the Port of Gibraltar is a place of importance, it is of no use to Spain now. In the years of war, Spain has consumed countless resources and owed a lot of debts. The fiscal situation of the treasury is in danger of collapse at any time. If the Ming Dynasty can get a fee for purchasing a port, then the financial situation can naturally be slowed down. And now, if there is a Ming navy stationed in the Port of Gibraltar, it would be like an extra amulet for the Spaniards whose navy had long been declining. This business can be discussed. Let's first see how much price the Ming Dynasty can take out. A Tano thought of this and said calmly: "Then, General Liu, how much is your country willing to offer to acquire the Port of Gibraltar?"

Before going to the expedition, Liu Er had already been instructed by Zhu Jun. During this expedition, the Strait of Gibraltar was already a key land of interest. If it could be purchased from the Ottomans and Spain or obtained by signing an agreement, you might as well agree to the price. The Ottomans are a land empire. Suez and Gaza are not a big deal for the Ottomans, which have a wide territory. Therefore, during the negotiations, the Ottoman Empire was willing to cede a small piece of land for the peace of the sea in order to let the Ming Navy help them protect enclaves in the south and western Mediterranean coasts, while the Gibraltar region was happy to cede a small piece of land for peace.

It has a completely different meaning for Spain. Gibraltar belongs to Spain. Secondly, the Spanish can also realize the value of this land. More importantly, although Spain is extremely weak, it still belongs to a maritime country. It does not despise the coastal port areas as Ottomans. Therefore, Liu Er understood that to obtain this land through peaceful means, the Spanish would never agree unless it was issued an increase that made the Spanish excited. He estimated in his heart that Spain owed the Royal Bank of the Ming Dynasty and major banks by at least 800.

This not only includes the cost of purchasing ships and weapons, but also the financial holes, military uniforms, caps and helmets ordered from the Ming Dynasty, etc. It is precisely because Spain's financial difficulties and owed a lot of foreign debts to the Ming Dynasty that Liu Er felt that purchasing land was not impossible. He weighed for a moment: "The land within a radius of one thousand miles of Gibraltar belongs to the Ming Dynasty, and used it to build a military port, station a navy, and the leader of the gang Spain cruised in the waters near the Mediterranean. The Ming Dynasty offered a price of 3 million taels of silver. In addition, in order to show the traditional friendly relations between the Ming Dynasty and Spain, after defeating Portugal in the future, the Ming Dynasty will support Spain's demand for the entire Iberian Peninsula after defeating Portugal in the future, the Ming Dynasty will support Spain's demand for the entire Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula includes Portugal and Spain. The price offered by Liu Er really made Spain very excited. Not to mention how tempting the three million taels of silver had for the Spanish finances that were not enough to make ends meet, the Ming Dynasty supported Spain's unification of the Iberian Peninsula, which was definitely a condition of being moved by supporting Spain's annexation of Portugal. Although the war continued and there was no glimpse of the eight characters, for Spain, the Ming Dynasty's participation in the war sent such a vast navy. No matter what the situation was, with the continuous support of the Ming Dynasty, the victory of the anti-Dutch alliance was always inevitable. Spain consumed so many resources and killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the battle. It would be better if Portugal could be compensated.

A Tano was disgusted. At first, he asked the price of the Ming Dynasty with a stern attitude. However, the price of the Ming Dynasty was too "high. Since the invincible fleet was destroyed and Portugal's independence, Spain's strength has plummeted. The long-cherished wish of many Spanish people for the recovery of Portugal and the establishment of the Spanish Empire. Now the opportunity is right in front of you. How can A Tano let it go? However, the skill of negotiation is to pay back the money by raising prices all over the sky. A Tano pretended to be untempted and said: "General, there seems to be too much land within a radius of 100 kilometers of Gibraltar Port. I think

"These are not the problems we have now." Liu Er was very troubled about the negotiations: "If your country has the intention to sell, our Ming Dynasty will naturally send a special official from the Ministry of Rites to negotiate with your country.

Atano then smiled and said, "It makes you laugh. Since that's the case, please come from your country's envoys. Spain and the Ming Dynasty are traditional ally. We established a deep friendship when we were in Luzon. We welcome any envoys from the Ming Dynasty.

Then the two of them turned to the Netherlands. In terms of the movement of the Portuguese fleet, when talking about the Netherlands and the Portuguese fleet, Atano couldn't help but frown and fell into concern for the Alliance fleet: "General, I have a bad premonition when you can leave for Pies Island. Those damn Dutch and Portuguese crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, probably the goal is to go to Pies Island. We have been trying our best to deal with the two Sicily and Sa.

The Kingdom of Ding contacted, and according to their intelligence, half a month after the Alliance fleet left the port and headed to Pies Island. A fleet passed by the southern shores of the two Sicily islands. They did not stagnate on the Italian Peninsula. Only a few Wang people from the Kingdom of Sicily saw them passing by. According to the fishermen's description, this fleet should be the Netherlands and Portuguese fleet on the Strait of Gibraltar. They were traveling eastward, and their purpose was definitely Pies Island."

Liu Er listened carefully through Fengze for a moment: "Since that's the case, I guess it's still time. When my Ming Navy rests here, I will set off for Pies Island the next day."

In the basement built by a huge rock, Bai Cheng looked calm and flipped over the old wooden boxes. Several boxes were pried open by his personal soldiers, and the dazzling gold and silver utensils were revealed. Bai Cheng stretched his eyebrows and couldn't help but say, "This time, it was indeed not in vain. The person came immediately moved out all these jewelry and went to the city to search for some cars and horses to load them, and be prepared to retreat at any time."

"Zuzhuan a general hugged a fist and turned around and left.

Bai Cheng said again: "Come and register."

Several clerks were first dazzled by the dazzling brilliance of these countless jewelry. Bai Cheng shouted and immediately came to his senses. Personal soldiers had already set up several tables at this authentic entrance. The tables were full of pens, ink, paper and inkstones, just waiting for the treasures that were moved out to be registered one by one.

"Sir, how do you deal with this person?" A general next to him glanced at the stunned bishop and said to Bai Cheng.

The princess turned a deaf ear to the voices on the side, but looked at the vast basement in a daze. The idea he had accepted was that this place was the tomb of the Orthodox Maids of all generations, and no one was allowed to approach or enter here. It is said that even if the previous Maid died, his body was transported into the coffin by the successor Maids and a few deaf and dumb blind men. Who would have thought that this place was a huge treasure, and the exquisite ornaments and the statues carved from gold made the bishop understand that these should be left by the Byzantine Empire back then.

Bai Cheng glanced at the bishop and raised his eyebrows: "Since he has revealed the secret here, we promised not to kill him. Keep the secrets in the knife toilet, and bring him with you and bring him back to the Ming Dynasty.

"See the order." The general grabbed the back of the bishop's robe and gently lifted it. The princess's bones were not as big as two, and he suddenly lifted them off the ground. He then came to his senses and remembered his situation. He hurriedly said: "General", General, I have not seen anything. I                                                                                     �

"Take it down." The general put down his concubines and instructed several personal soldiers to tell him.

Bai Cheng found a box to sit down. As soon as they attacked Rostowstone City, they kept asking people to lead the way. Now that the matter has been resolved, the stone in his heart has been put down, and he felt a little weak all over. A personal soldier brought a cup of hot wine: "Sir, it's too late to make tea. This is the wine found from the Duke's mansion. Brothers have heated it up for you, so you can drink some to relieve your fatigue."

Bai Cheng nodded, thinking that there were many good things in the duke's mansion, and even the luminous cups containing wine were brought. He took a sip and felt that the hot wine seemed to be a bit scented by birds. He frowned and put the luminous cup down and said to several generals who followed: "This is not a place to stay for a long time. After the Russians learned about the fall of this city, they will definitely mobilize troops to attack. These red-haired people are not afraid of the generals. We have 50,000 elite soldiers. The main forces of the Russians are all arranged to fight the Ottoman in the west. I am afraid that they will not be able to draw many troops for a while, but one group of them will be

It is also very troublesome to call it. Wang Xincheng, please report more brothers everywhere. If there are Russians coming, if there are fewer people, you can block them yourself. If there are many people, report immediately. In addition, ask people to wait near the port. When will the Ming Navy come to pick them up, and immediately report it. It is surrounded by enemies, so that the brothers will be more obedient. The red-haired people in the city will take care of them. When things are urgent, they can also be used as hostages. We are ordered to attract the main Russians to return westward and make them have no time to take care of Siberia. Of course, transporting this batch of treasures is also a big deal, and there must be no mistakes."

"Yes, the Governor ordered that the brothers naturally dare not slackew." A guerrilla officer smiled. The Dragon Cavalry Regiment came from afar, and I don't know how much suffering they suffered. The officers present were actually looking tired. At this time, they forced themselves to be energetic and knew that now was not the time to slackew.

Bai Cheng said: "It would be better to do this. Let some soldiers rest first. After the resting soldiers are full, they will get up and replace them. Let the kitchens of each battalion burn more hot water, soak their feet for their brothers, and send some people to find some coal and firewood. It was cold this time, and finally arrived here. The soldiers could not sleep in the open again and were eroded by the severe cold.

"Okay, everyone will go back to the camp to see the soldiers. The red-haired people should also be careful. By the way, Yang Longzhen, you can take a team of people to the port of this city to see if you can recruit some ships. Let's load these treasures on the ship first. When the navy comes to pick them up, we can leave immediately without delaying time."

That Yang Longzhen nodded, Bai Cheng sighed: "Our Dragoons came out to experience the first time they went out to experience the formation. It is absolutely not worthy of people's attention. This mission, even the soldiers of the Dead Dragoons must complete it properly. Do you understand?"

"I understand." The generals and schoolmen agreed and then said goodbye.

The Siberian offensive was extremely smooth. It was originally deserted. There were two Cossack cavalry troops stationed in total. However, they were just cavalry and had a small number. How dare they fight against the endless more than 200,000 Ming troops? They could only keep retreating and sending letters to Moscow, hoping that the Moscow side would transfer its troops to reinforce.

The Ming army was divided into three groups and advanced in one direction. Some garrison soldiers were left wherever they passed, and some migrating population was left, just like sowing seeds. The 50,000 Liaodong Legion Cavalry Battalion, the Beiping Legion Cavalry Battalion, and the Liaodong Legion Mongolian Cavalry Battalion were broken into pieces, and patrolling and spying on this vast land. As an exciting reconnaissance, in one month, the entire Siberia was almost included in the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

However, immigration was too few than Guangbao's land. The Ming Dynasty recruited some immigrants from the pass, and some were imprisoned prisoners. They were free and had to move into Siberia to become a member of the Xinjiang Construction Corps. The Ming Dynasty also began to gradually establish a hundred-household office here, and there was a camp of the Xinjiang Construction Corps' 100-household office almost every 100 miles. The court meant to implant migrant personnel into Siberia in the form of hundreds of households and spread them on Guangbao's land. After all, the land is vast and sparse and the conditions are very harsh. If there are too few people living there, it is easy to be dangerous. However, if there are too many people, immigration will not cover the entire Siberia, so the establishment of the Xinjiang Construction Corps' 100 households.

The weather is so cold, and my hands are frozen.
Chapter completed!