Capon stew, stewed cod, copper pot stew, king cakean authentic Portuguese Christmas dinner was served, which made Sebastian's stomach satisfied and warmed his heart.
"As for Brazil, it's easier to explain." But what warms people's hearts even more is Mr. Zhao's words: "Just ask the people, if Guyana is exchanged for Brazil, will they exchange it?"
"Of course it's a replacement." Sebastian said without thinking, "Everyone knows it's a good deal."
First of all, Brazil at this time was far smaller than that of later generations. The area ruled by the Portuguese was limited to a narrow coastal strip from Salvatore to Rio, and it was still discontinuous.
??But Guyana in this era was completely owned by Spain and had not yet been torn apart by the great powers. So the Guyana mentioned by Zhao Hao is actually a geographical concept - the Guyana Shield. It included the five parts of later Spanish, British, Dutch, French and Portuguese Guiana, that is, half of Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the Brazilian state of Amap¨¢.
If you don¡¯t say anything else, just look at the posture of the five companies competing for Guyana, and you will know the attractiveness of this land.
First of all, among the areas of the Americas that have been explored so far, Guinea is the closest to Europe and the Iberian Peninsula.
Secondly, ocean currents and monsoons allow ships from Europe and West Africa to always land in South America here.
Finally, there is fertile and vast land and rich natural resources.
Therefore, Guyana is a corner of the natural triangular trade and is very suitable for developing a plantation economy.
In comparison, the current Brazil is not only small and remote, but also has to pass through the terrible equatorial windless zone. It is the product of compromise due to the Papal Meridian. Therefore, for the Portuguese, it is of course a dream to switch to Guyana, which is bigger, closer and better.
The only problem is that Guyana is a Spanish territory
When Sebastian raised this question, Zhao Hao laughed loudly and said: "It doesn't matter, we still have accounts to settle with the Spaniards, and they will naturally pay the price when the time comes."
"Actually, we can directly ask for Guyana when the time comes, but firstly, it will be more far away from us. Secondly" After a pause, Mr. Zhao held the goblet and looked at Sebastian sincerely and said:
"We hope that your country will become a stronger ally, which is more in line with our interests. Therefore, we must not only relieve you of your burdens and burdens, but also help you gain a foundation for becoming stronger again. Guyana is the best gift we can give to our allies. A good gift. Of course, your country¡¯s share in international trade is indispensable! Can your Majesty now believe that we sincerely want to help our friends?¡±
"Uh" Sebastian burst into tears. He didn't know whether it was because there were too many onions in the dish or because he was moved by Zhao Hao.
He was deceived by Zhao Hao, and felt that the other party was deceiving him, but he also felt that Mr. Zhao was very reasonable, and he could not refute it.
Back then, with the instigation of the great nobles, he mobilized the whole country to invade Morocco. Isn¡¯t it because for Portugal, the maritime strategy of spreading scarce manpower over tens of thousands of kilometers of routes is somewhat unsustainable. That¡¯s why we hope to change our national policy and concentrate on developing colonies like the Spanish did, gain more wealth and manpower, become bigger and stronger, and create greater glory?
It seems that this "Secret Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance" has just helped Portugal achieve its strategic transformation?
Although it is forced.
But as Young Master Zhao said, as long as you don¡¯t say anything, who will know that you are being forced? It seems that Mr. Zhao doesn¡¯t care about his propaganda in China, so he can try his best to put gold on his face!
Thinking of this, Sebastian shed tears of emotion, raised his wine glass, touched it lightly with Zhao Hao, and choked with sobs:
"Thank you very much, you will always be my big brother"
"You will always be my biological brother." Zhao Hao smiled and clinked glasses with him, and both of them drank.
With Sebastian completely letting go of his worries, the atmosphere of the banquet finally became cheerful. Xiao Sai had not been so happy for a long time. After drinking a few more drinks, he showed off his unrestrained Peninsular spirit. He jumped into the field and started dancing with the band.
According to the etiquette of the Ming Dynasty, Pintuo came to Zhao Hao with a wine glass to toast.
Mr. Zhao stood up and clinked his wine glass with him, nodded meaningfully to him, and showed a satisfied smile.
Pinto suddenly felt as if he had eaten ginseng fruit, and every pore in his body was smooth, and he quickly drank the wine in a respectful manner.
"Professor Ping, sit down and smoke a cigarette?" Zhao Hao smiled and handed him a cigar, and picked up one himself.
Pinto quickly picked up the lighter and lit a cigarette for the young master.
Zhao Hao signaled that he would also give him?Compared with the local emperors in Nanyang, they know the strength of the Spaniards better. No one knows better than them how terrifying that invincible armada is.
This year the Duke of Alva¡¯s army sent to Portugal was not as powerful as the armada led by the Marquis of Santa Cruz last year.
However, the Duke of Alva conquered Portugal, and the Marquis of Santa Cruz was completely wiped out in Leyte Gulf
Now that terrifying fleet is approaching Malacca, and its scale is bigger than the Battle of Leyte Gulf! How could the Portuguese not be afraid?
Many officers and soldiers in the city are already discussing privately whether to surrender as soon as the Ming people arrive or to escape in advance
In extreme suffering, the Portuguese waited for the messenger from the Ming Dynasty, but they did not expect that it was a native with red hair and a high nose.
Some people still know the messenger, it is Colonel Pinto who was captured by the Ming Dynasty more than ten years ago.
What¡¯s even more surprising is that Pinto actually brought an autographed letter from Sebastian I.
Their king is actually still alive and has summoned the governor and local council chairman to Sin Chau to meet! (Remember the website address: www.hlnovel.com