Chapter 187: How Can You Tell if I Am Fake (5K)
The Chinese merchants changed into their official robes and hats and filed out of the cabin.
The leaders Pan Zhengwei and Wu Yuanhua were the highest-ranking Chinese merchants, both of whom were from the third rank.
As the leaders of the Thirteen Hongs, the Pan and Wu families donated the highest official titles in the court.
Take the Wu family as an example. The late Wu Bingjian donated an official title of the third rank, and the current head of the Wu family, Wu Shangrong (Shangrong is the business name of Wu Chongyao), is the second rank.
The second rank is also the highest rank of official title obtained by donation among the merchants in Guangzhou, and there is only one person.
According to the regulations of the Qing Dynasty, Wu Shangrong could not obtain the second rank official title. The reason why Wu Shangrong was able to obtain the second rank official title was because Emperor Daoguang believed that he had made great contributions in the peace talks of the Opium War, and he was very pleased and rewarded Wu Shangrong with the second rank hat and feather.
Except for the head of the Wu family, the children of the Wu family basically have official positions of varying degrees.
Of course, in order to obtain these official positions and consolidate the family's status as an imperial merchant, the Wu family has sent tens of millions of taels of silver to the court through gifts, donations, and contributions.
According to the "Guangzhou Prefecture Records", the Wu family has donated no less than 10 million taels of silver, and the donations are the highest in the province.
The situation of the Pan family is similar, but not all the children of the Pan family obtained their official positions through donations.
The Pan family has long transformed into an official career, and there are many children of the Pan family who have passed the imperial examinations, and there are even children of the Pan family who have passed the imperial examinations and served in the court.
The person with the highest honor in the Wu family is Wu Shangrong, the current head of the Wu family, whose honor is Juren.
But Wu Shangrong's honor of Juren was awarded by Emperor Daoguang, and it is not comparable to the honor of Juren that the children of the Pan family obtained by their own ability.
For example, Pan Zhengwei, Pan Zhengwei's honor of Juren was obtained by himself.
Therefore, in the scholar-official circle of the Qing Dynasty, the scholar-officials had a better impression of the Pan family than the Wu family.
It was the first time that Vanderbilt saw the official uniforms of the Qing Dynasty. He was full of curiosity about the peculiar official uniforms of the Qing Dynasty and could not help but reach out and touch the sapphire top bead on Pan Zhengwei's head.
"The official uniforms of the Qing Dynasty are really peculiar." Vanderbilt said to the Chinese businessmen, "Gentlemen, welcome to New York."
His mind is now all on the railway business, and he doesn't care what Liang Yao, his partner, is going to do.
The port of New York is very lively, and the New York State authorities have also learned about the Qing Dynasty's delegation's visit to the United States.
At this time, the United States' position among the powers was very embarrassing. Due to the bad relationship between the United States and Britain, and the distance from the European continent, the European powers did not take the United States seriously.
There is a foreign delegation, or a delegation from a big country, visiting the United States. The American authorities attach great importance to this matter.
The Qing Dynasty took the initiative to visit the United States, which was a very face-saving thing in the eyes of American politicians.
The European powers marginalized the United States, while the United States' national strength was growing day by day. It regarded itself as a world power and was very eager to gain recognition from other powers and great powers in diplomacy, so the United States attached great importance to face.
In the eastern United States, people who were fluent in both English and Chinese were rare, and there was not a single person in the entire state of New York who could serve as a translator.
In the end, it was Yale University in Connecticut next door who recommended Yung Wing, the only Qing Dynasty student in their school.
The news that the Qing Dynasty sent an embassy to visit the United States made Yung Wing, a student studying alone in a foreign country, very excited, but in addition to being excited, Yung Wing felt incredible.
How could the Qing Dynasty, which always regarded itself as the Celestial Empire, take the initiative to send an embassy to visit the United States across the ocean?
In order to make the Qing Dynasty envoys look more pleasing to him, Yung Wing even put away his usual suit, changed into a long gown and rushed to the New York port to wait for the arrival of the delegation.
The port of New York is very busy. Although the New York City authorities have asked the Port Authority to prepare in advance for the arrival of the Qing Dynasty delegation, it still took some time for the ship to dock and anchor.
After the ship stopped, everyone walked off the ship with their heads held high.
The naval fleet responsible for escorting along the way fired a salute at the instruction of the Navy officials at the port to welcome the Qing Dynasty delegation to disembark.
The New York Infantry Regiment's military band, which had been waiting at the port, began to play music to welcome the Qing Dynasty delegation.
Before the Franco-Prussian War, the French Army was a learning object for many countries, and the United States was also one of them.
The New York Infantry Regiment was deeply influenced by the French Army, which can be seen from the uniforms of the New York Infantry Regiment.
The uniforms of the New York Infantry Regiment are similar to those of the French Army. The most obvious difference is that the Shako bucket hats worn by the soldiers of the New York Infantry Regiment are tilted forward, which is more "American", and has already evolved into the Hardy hats of the Civil War period.
Due to the special national conditions of the United States, the United States is a country that pays more attention to characteristics and personality. Even the army that least needs personality can be played with.
The uniforms of the troops in each state are different. At the beginning of the Civil War, military uniforms of different countries such as France, Scotland, Ireland, Poland, etc. can be seen on the battlefield.
In the final analysis, the reason for this phenomenon is that the federal government allows the commanders of the corps to choose and purchase military uniforms and military supplies on their own in order to save money.
Liang Yao's California Infantry Regiment uniforms were also designed by himself. The three companies accompanying the escort of gold were all regular troops of the California Infantry Regiment.
The soldiers of the California Infantry Regiment wore Prussian-style pointed steel helmets with hollow copper balls instead of spikes. The copper balls on the top of the helmets of infantry and cavalry were different in color, green for infantry and blue for cavalry.
The military uniform was a black single-breasted waisted jacket. The difference between the jackets of infantry and cavalry was the color of the buttons, yellow for infantry and white for cavalry.
The jacket was very simple. No matter infantry or cavalry, ordinary soldiers or sergeants had braids, and the cuffs were simply gathered to facilitate the movement of both hands, without any extra decoration.
As for pants, infantry wore gray trousers and cavalry wore gray breeches, supplemented with red piping. The difference was that infantry had one piping and cavalry had two.
The flag bearers arranged the flags on the ship, and then walked in front under the command of the officers, leading the soldiers behind them to walk off the ship in an orderly manner.
The American army, whether regular army or militia volunteers, generally carried two flags, one was the American flag and the other was the regimental flag.
In terms of the regiment flag, the militia and volunteer corps have great flexibility, and they are generally modified on the basis of the state flag.
The regular standing regiment is relatively strict in terms of the regiment flag, with a dark blue background, and the pattern is basically the bald eagle (bald eagle), the national bird of the United States, with the name of the regiment attached.
Liang Yao's California situation is a bit special. Although the regiment flag follows the regulations of the Ministry of the Army and uses dark blue as the background color of the regiment flag, the pattern of the regiment flag is a five-clawed golden dragon with bared fangs and claws.
Therefore, Californians also like to call the California Infantry Regiment the Dragon Flag Regiment.
The visiting delegation of the Qing Dynasty, soldiers dressed in Prussian style, got off the ship one after another, which opened the eyes of the New York citizens who were watching.
Secretary of State Webster was responsible for receiving the "Qing Dynasty Visiting Mission to the United States" in New York Harbor.
As for the American Minister of Foreign Affairs, the United States does not have a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so how can there be a Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Not only does it not exist now, it will not exist in the future, but it did exist in the past.
At the beginning of the founding of the United States, the Articles of Confederation stipulated that the Federal Congress could select committees and personnel for the United States' foreign affairs as needed.
According to this regulation, the Federal Congress of the United States established the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1780. After many twists and turns, in 178, after Jefferson returned from France, Washington, who had just become the first president of the United States, signed a bill to transfer diplomatic power to the State Department.
Jefferson was the first Secretary of State of the United States State Department. It can be said that the diplomatic chair was reserved for Jefferson.
After Jefferson, the Secretary of State was also responsible for the United States' foreign affairs, and there was no change.
Webster, 69 years old, is an evergreen in American politics. He has been active in American politics since he entered politics in 1832.
Webster's prestige in American politics is no less than that of the late Calhoun. Unlike Calhoun, Webster is highly respected, but he is not a person who does not know how to adapt. His political skills and interpersonal relationships are very flexible and changeable.
This is why Webster was able to serve as the Secretary of State of the United States three times.
Webster's welcoming of the "Qing Dynasty Mission to the United States" shows the importance that the United States attaches to the "Qing Dynasty Mission to the United States".
"Mr. Webster, this is Mr. Pan, the Minister of Rites of the Qing Dynasty, who is also in charge of the diplomacy of the Qing Dynasty."
After a brief self-introduction to Webster, Liang Yao introduced Pan Zhengwei to Webster very calmly.
Although Webster served as the Secretary of State of the United States three times, he was already very proficient in diplomatic affairs.
However, during his tenure as Secretary of State, Webster mainly dealt with European countries and had never dealt with the Qing Dynasty. Webster did not understand the unfamiliar position of the Minister of Rites.
After hearing Liang Yao say that the envoy of the Qing Dynasty was only in charge of diplomatic affairs, Webster frowned and asked Yung Wing and Liang Yaodao.
"Does the Minister of Rites have a great status and power in the Qing Dynasty?"
Yung Wing was confused and didn't know how to explain the position of Minister of Rites to Webster.
"Let's put it this way. The Qing Dynasty has a population of about 400 million, but there are only 6 ministers with real power, and one of them is standing in front of you now." Liang Yao said to Webster in a serious manner.
Webster was overjoyed to hear this, and the smile on his face was like a blooming autumn chrysanthemum.
"Welcome! Welcome! It is an honor for America that His Excellency the Minister is visiting the United States on behalf of the Qing Dynasty!"
Webster extended a hand of friendship to Pan Zhengwei enthusiastically.
In these scenes in California, Pan Zhengwei was also accustomed to the understanding of the United States. He hummed with full energy, shook hands with Webster very decently and formally, and then asked Liang Yaodao in Chinese.
"How high of an official is the Secretary of State in America? Does he need to kneel down? I only know that the President is the highest official in America."
"Officials of similar status as you don't need to kneel down. Kneeling is not a custom in America, even if you meet the President, you don't need to kneel down."
Liang Yao said.
Not to mention, Pan Zhengwei's awe-inspiring temperament and manners are really like those of a senior official of the Qing Dynasty. Even Liang Yao himself was intimidated, not to mention those American politicians who had never seen Qing officials.
"Speaker Liang, what did the Minister say just now?"
Webster asked Liang Yao very politely, completely ignoring the foreign student from Yale University.
Webster, who has been engaged in diplomatic affairs for most of his life, knew from a brief contact that Liang Yao knew more about the official system of the Qing Dynasty than Yung Wing.
"His Excellency Shangshu was a little unhappy and asked why Mr. President did not come to welcome the Qing Dynasty's envoy. Does he look down on the Qing Dynasty? It would be too arrogant for the United States to neglect the envoys of the Qing Dynasty!
Your Excellency, the Minister, plans to cancel his plan to visit the United States and visit the United Kingdom. "
Liang Yao said pretentiously, then lowered his voice to remind Webster.
"The Qing Dynasty attaches great importance to etiquette and took the initiative to visit the United States. The president did not come to meet him in person, which makes His Excellency the Minister feel very embarrassed."
Pan Zhengwei was also very cooperative, snorted and walked away.
Sure enough, as rumored, the officials of this big empire are very arrogant, Webster secretly sneered.
Although he thought so in his heart, as a mature and experienced diplomat, Webster still apologized to the Minister of the Qing Dynasty with a smile on his face.
"I'm very sorry, Your Excellency. Please allow me to explain. The President is dealing with some very difficult matters in Ohio and is on his way to New York. The President is also very eager to meet with you. I wonder if you have credentials from the Qing Dynasty?"
"The credentials of the Qing Dynasty can only be presented to the president. How can you, a small secretary of state, ask for it?" Wu Yuanhua on the side was furious when he heard this and blurted out in fluent English.
"Who is this?" Webster asked cautiously.
"The Minister of Rites, also known as the Deputy Minister, also serves as the translator for the mission." Liang Yaoxin explained in a matter-of-fact manner.
"It turns out to be your Excellency the Vice Minister. I'm very offended. I hope you can forgive me for my rudeness. This is the first official official contact between the United States and your country. We don't know your country's diplomatic practices. Since your envoy must follow your country's It is customary to submit a letter of credence to His Excellency the President, and we respect your country’s diplomatic practice.”
Webster had a good temper and explained with a smile.
"Mr. President will not arrive in New York until the day after tomorrow at the earliest. Do you plan to rest in New York for two days or go sightseeing around? We can arrange the reception."
"My lords, I, Backhouse, have a close friendship with my late father and businessmen in your country, especially Mr. Wu Bingjian of Jardine House. Our Astor family used to be the agent of Jardine House in the United States.
It would be a great honor for the Astor family to receive you all. "
Backhouse stepped forward and offered his courtesy.
Many old wealthy people and old aristocrats in New York earned their first pot of gold from trade with the Qing Dynasty.
To be precise, it was the opium trade. What Lao Asi did in his early years was the business of reselling Turkish opium to Guangzhou, so he made a lot of money.
However, as the Qing Empire intensified its anti-smoking efforts and was squeezed by the British East India Company, American businessmen whose backers were not as tough as the British businessmen had to temporarily withdraw from China's opium market.
At present, the only major commercial bank in the United States whose main business is the opium trade is Qichang Foreign Company.
Backhouse and a group of wealthy New York merchants and aristocrats were not so much courting the Qing envoys visiting the United States as they were courting the Qing's huge market.
This is a market with a population of more than 400 million, a market that makes the British salivate.
"Are you Backhouse? I have heard a little bit about the Astor family. As far as I know, the Astor family is a family that doesn't keep its word, is extremely stingy, and likes not to pay back money it owes.
Our Qing Dynasty is a country that attaches great importance to morality, and we do not want a person with moral defects to entertain us, as this will tarnish our reputation.
We had a great time chatting with Mr. Liang and Mr. Fan on the road. The two gentlemen are also very noble in character. We plan to stay at Mr. Fan's house temporarily. "
Backhouse's proactive attentiveness reminded Wu Yuanhua of the time when he went to the United States to collect debts last year. The feeling is that your family will not pay back the money it owes?
John's rogueness left a deep impression on Wu Yuanhua. As the saying goes, like father, like son, and vice versa.
"Mr. Fan?" Webster felt a little confused.
"I boasted to the ambassadors on the ship that I had purchased a new estate by the Hudson River. The ambassadors were very interested in my new estate."
Vanderbilt said.
According to the plan, he was originally responsible for receiving Liang Yao and the Chinese merchants as a landlord.
Vanderbilt's eyes swept over the American dignitaries and New York dignitaries who came, including the Astor family, the Livingston family, the Van Rensselaer family, the Schuyler family, the Beekman family, the Jayin family, the Bey family. The Yards, the Morrises, and other families.
These self-esteemed families usually looked down on Vanderbilt, who was born a farmer and sailor. Arrogant people were humbled in front of even more arrogant people, which made Vanderbilt feel very happy.
He didn't know what Liang Yao and these Chinese businessmen had planned, but he still decided to help make the aristocratic families in New York feel uncomfortable.
The unhappiness of New York's wealthy merchants and aristocrats was Vanderbilt's greatest source of happiness.
"In this case, we respect your adults' decision."
Webster walked up to Vanderbilt with a stick of civilization and said to Vanderbilt: "Mr. Vanderbilt, the diplomacy between the United States and the Qing Dynasty is very important. Please be sure to entertain the Qing Dynasty's visit." US Mission.
If the two countries can achieve a diplomatic breakthrough, both I and the United States will remember and thank you for your contribution to American diplomacy. "
Webster, who is old, is not in good health. A walking stick is an optional decoration for those politicians in their prime, but for Webster, it is an indispensable necessity, that is, his walking stick.
Although he is in poor health, Webster is still passionate about his work.
"Mr. Webster, I will do my best."
Vanderbilt took off his hat and questioned Webster.
He did not refuse the request of a conscientious Secretary of State.
Webster has a good relationship with almost everyone, and Vanderbilt can't say he hates this smooth old politician.
Webster nodded with relief, and then introduced the American politicians and New York dignitaries on the dock to the Qing Dynasty's envoys.
"This is Mr. Corwin, the Secretary of the Treasury."
"Corwin, the Minister of Revenue."
"This is Mr. Conrad, the Secretary of War."
"Conrad, the Minister of War."
"This is Fish, the former governor of New York and the representative of the Whig Party."
"Fish, the former governor of New York."
"This is Hunter, the current governor of New York."
"Hunter, the current governor of New York."
As Webster introduced, Liang Yao translated to the "envoys of the Qing Dynasty's visiting mission to the United States" and attached the corresponding official titles in the Qing court to facilitate the understanding of these "envoys".
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