New Ming Empire mixed in America

"I will seriously consider the issue of Alaska, but I need a large number of skilled workers to build warships. This requirement is added to the contract."

Li Mingqi had an idea of ​​how much money he could spend to buy Alaska, so he didn't panic at all.

However, upon hearing the additional suggestion that Li Mingqi needed skilled workers, the Tsarist Russian diplomat suddenly frowned and said:

"You have to know that the skilled workers who build battleships are an important treasure of a country. How can we..."

"I would give you the money for a battleship if you could bring me the skilled workers I need to build a battleship."

"If we can transport skilled workers to meet the needs of starting two warships at the same time, I will give the money for the two warships."

Li Mingqi smiled and looked at the team of Tsarist Russian diplomats who were involved in a heated discussion because of his offer, and added with a smile:

"If I can send skilled workers to start working on three warships at the same time, I will also give you the price of one more warship after paying for the three warships and share the profits with you."

After Li Mingqi said this, the diplomats of Tsarist Russia looked at each other, and finally the leading diplomat asked hesitantly:

"How many classes of battleships do you need workers for?"

Li Mingqi's eyes lit up after hearing this.

Since the other party asked this, it meant there was something interesting about it, so he immediately answered:

"In order not to embarrass you, I only need level 3...level 2, yes, skilled workers who can build level 2 battleships."

When Li Mingqi said this, he temporarily raised the level, which was used for future bargaining.

In fact, his bottom line is only workers who can skillfully build third-level battleships.

You must know that third-level and second-level battleships are not just as simple as opening a few more gun windows or adding a few more masts.

The difference between a third-tier ship and a second-tier ship is often one gun deck.

Like the two Spanish third-class ships that Li Mingqi acquired, which are currently serving in the Xinming Royal Fleet, their decks are three layers.

But there is a prerequisite, that is, these two battleships are third-class ships coming back from the Far East. They are the main battleships to maintain the stability of the colonies, so the artillery deck is three-tiered.

The rest of the third-class ships incorporated into the fleet generally have two artillery decks.

But the second-level ships are different. They are generally used as the main force of the fleet or the flagship of the squadron.

But soon, something happened that stunned Li Mingqi.

The Tsarist Russian diplomat shook his head in disappointment, and then advised Li Mingqi:

"I think skilled workers with experience in building first-class ships are a good choice. If your conditions include such workers, I believe this matter will be easier to negotiate."

After hearing this, Li Mingqi quickly picked up the tea cup to cover up his momentary gaffe.

He had always known that officials in Tsarist Russia were corrupt, but he did not expect them to be corrupt to such an extent.

"If the price is right, I will consider these workers."

Li Mingqi pretended to ponder for a moment and gave an answer.

Upon hearing these words, the Tsarist Russian diplomat's eyes lit up and he said enthusiastically:

"We have plenty of workers, but I would like to calculate the price based on the price of a British battleship. Well... the price of a first-class ship is... one hundred thousand pounds!" Gu

"One hundred thousand pounds? Why don't you go and grab it?"

Li Mingqi shouted without thinking, because as far as he knew, the Queen class that served in 1840 only cost 77,729 pounds.

Now these Tsarist Russian diplomats actually told him that they wanted 100,000 pounds, and they still calculated the price of Tsarist Russian warships based on the price of British warships.

"Your Majesty, please don't get excited. Although you may know the prices of some battleships, please don't forget that the construction price and sale price of battleships are different. Now we only increase the price by half, which is already a conscientious price."

The tone of the Tsarist Russian diplomat was very sincere, but this could not fool Li Mingqi.

"What I need is only skilled workers to build battleships, not designers and chief engineers to design battleships. Your price is too high..."

Li Mingqi had a new understanding of the greed of these Tsarist Russian diplomats, which simply challenged his patience.

"You don't need engineers? How can you build a warship without engineers?"

Unexpectedly, these diplomats would give this answer. Li Mingqi was stunned and asked:

"Do you include engineers among your workers?"

The diplomat nodded and said: "Why not bring an engineer? If it is a designer, we cannot agree to the price, but the engineer will have no problem."

Li Mingqi's face instantly put on a smile. If these Russian diplomats had insisted, he might have agreed.

Just kidding, he has already made up his mind that the currency he will use to pay his bills is either aluminum crown coins or imitation pound notes, so why does he care about the price?

But to be honest, he didn't expect to gain some engineers unexpectedly.

Li Mingqi is not too fond of those designers, because now he does not need sailing battleship designers, what he needs are shipbuilding engineers with rich experience.

But Li Mingqi still underestimated Tsarist Russia's low regard for its own people. Originally, he thought that only soldiers were called "big gray animals."

When you think about it, even these workers seem to belong to this category, which makes Li Mingqi feel like he has found a treasure.

The extremely high prices for skilled workers made the smiles on the faces of these Russian diplomats never disappear.

After negotiating the additional terms, price negotiations for Alaska began.

As for Li Mingqi's wealth, these Tsarist Russian diplomats were not worried at all about whether they could sell it at a good price.

"We think the price of three million pounds is very reasonable."

The Tsarist Russian diplomat crossed his hands on the map and continued to confuse:

"Its area is as high as 1.71 million square kilometers, which is larger than your current empire. And to the west is the Bering Strait, which connects Asia and North America."

"Think about it, there are not only minerals there, but also rich animal fur resources, and the scenery there is very beautiful..."

Looking at the diplomats talking eloquently, Li Mingqi finally understood what it meant to tell lies with his eyes open. It is true that Alaska is large, but there are many mountains and glaciers in the territory, not to mention that the temperature there is not suitable for survival.

"Three million pounds is too expensive. This shabby place called...Alaska only comes with the purchase of shipbuilders, so it can't be too expensive!"

Li Mingqi directly spoke and reversed the relationship between land and workers, and then gave his offer:

"One million pounds, then the price of the workers depends on how much you can deliver..."

"No, no, no, one million pounds is too little." Tsarist Russian diplomats shook their heads directly. This price was too far from their psychological expectations.