bayedsolid Chapter 279 The Germans Come to the Door
Chapter 279 The Germans Come to the Door
Thanks to Tesla, the pioneer of electricity, and Shen Lian's occasional "reminders," China's generator sets now far surpass those of the world. Factories in Shandong specializing in generator production are working day and night, yet still cannot meet the demand both domestically and internationally.
Shenlian has now stopped exporting altogether, as it doesn't even have enough for its own domestic needs! They'll wait until they have a surplus before considering other options! At the same time, they've started planning to build a branch factory in central Sichuan.
This generator factory was also invested in by Shen Lian. Tesla also holds a 10% stake based on his patents. With just that 10% stake, Tesla receives at least tens of thousands of taels of silver in dividends annually.
This not only made Tesla extremely grateful, but also greatly inspired other scientists.
This was also Shen Lian's way of repaying Tesla; this talent was simply too important. The radar technology he was about to master was priceless and obviously couldn't be made public. Shen Lian could only find a way to compensate him elsewhere.
His high-voltage power transmission technology and electric motor technology are also sources of continuous revenue.
Based solely on the electricity sector, Shen Lian was confident he could amass a fortune comparable to that of a nation. He planned to establish world electricity standards a hundred years ahead of schedule.
Of course, Shen Lian will hand over these industries related to people's livelihood to the imperial court in the future.
Just like building the Second Ring Road in Beijing, he was merely setting an example for the imperial court and local businessmen. He already owns quite a few businesses, and he'll definitely have even more in the future.
If things continue like this, it's not a good thing for the royal family to monopolize too many industries. One family's wealth isn't enough; his goal is for the entire nation to be wealthy.
"Your Majesty, the German ministers Welf and Jason request an audience again!" Little Zhang reported as he arrived.
"Arrange for them to have an audience this afternoon!" Shen Lian nodded. He had been keeping these Western envoys waiting for over a month; it was time to finally see them.
Shen Lian knew perfectly well why these people had repeatedly sought an audience with him. They were all after his new weapon.
Such important military and national affairs could not be decided by court officials on their own; Shen Lian had to handle them.
“Viscount Welf and Jason of the German Empire pay their respects to Your Majesty!” In the afternoon, Welf and Jason walked into the Renshou Hall with excited expressions.
Ever since Shen Lian destroyed Japan and returned home, envoys from various countries have been eager to meet him. Unfortunately, none of them have succeeded.
They were the first to be received, which left the two of them with no reason to be happy.
"Minister, please rise! Jason, we're old friends, no need to be so polite!" Shen Lian waved his hand.
"Your Majesty! With the approval of His Majesty the Emperor of the German Empire, in order to strengthen friendly exchanges between Germany and China, our diplomatic relations have been elevated to the ambassadorial level."
“If Your Majesty grants your permission, I will serve as the first Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to China!” Welf immediately gave Shen Lian a sweet treat.
Although Shen Lian wasn't a diplomat by training, he had read a lot of news in his previous world. He also knew that relations between countries were divided into several levels, with the ambassadorial level being the highest.
The Qing Dynasty originally maintained diplomatic relations with Western countries at the ministerial level. This time, Germany immediately elevated their relations to the ambassadorial level; it seems the Germans are in a great hurry!
“Thank you very much, Your Majesty Wilhelm II! I am also very pleased to elevate the relations between our two countries to the ambassadorial level!” Shen Lian nodded with a smile.
He accepted the olive branch extended to him, of course. His future plans would inevitably involve the Germans.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Welf handed over the new letter of credence and turned to sit down. Shen Lian also instructed the palace maids to serve tea to the two of them.