Chapter 97 Trade Agreements
To study ancient Greek and Roman culture, Wallachia, which is the closest place, is very convenient. Some of the ancient Greek books found their way into libraries and universities, and influenced the development of local Wallachian culture.
Alexey used what he saw and heard on the battlefield to write a history of the Wallachian campaign. It mainly talks about Wallachia's foreign wars from 1391 to 1393, and is written in the style of the Song of Roland. The war plot inside is even more unforgettable.
The dynamic economy and culture are the manifestations of Wallachia now. Wallachia has not been this good for a long time. Some people still refer to the present as the golden age. After all, the gap before was too great, and they were still a little uncomfortable for a while.
Laresh is now in a mixed mood. He is happy that after his efforts, Genoa has agreed to reach an agreement with him to provide cotton, but he is worried that his funds are not enough to remove the necessary ones.
The cotton provided by Genoa was purchased from Egypt and Syria. In order to give Wallachia a little color, they played a bundle sale. If you want to buy cotton, you must buy it all, and pay the full price.
The cotton was worth almost 720 lei, but Laresh only had 300 lei in his hands. What to do about this?
At this time, he thought of a place where the problem would definitely be solved.
Bank of Constanta, the largest bank in Wallachia, not only has abundant funds, but also has low interest rates. Many businessmen will take out loans here, but if they can't repay the loan, they should be prepared to buy property in urban areas.
Laresh walked into the bank, where there were already many people handling business, including loans, remittances, and currency exchanges. The sound of writing and talking never stops. Although it makes people a little irritated, it is bearable.
Laresh sat down at a counter, and an accountant-like person was waiting for him.
"Do you want loan exchange or exchange?"
"I want a loan, 500 lei."
The accountant calculated it and said to Laresh. "500 lei, three months, 10% interest."
Laresh was a little surprised. This condition was much better than he thought. Although he had to pay 10% interest, it was already very good at this time when interest rates of 20 to 30% were normal.
Laresh didn't hesitate and signed his name immediately. Successfully obtained a purse containing 500 lei.
With this money, he can start his business plan. And banks also get their own revenue.
The loan business will soon surpass the currency exchange business and become the bank's first source of income. Because of the toughness of its backend and debt collectors, almost no one will not pay back money. This ensures that the bank will not suffer losses.
The prosperous port made the two city-states unable to bear it any longer. They reached a private agreement that if force was to be used, it would be half and half.
Before that, they jointly went to see Archduke Mircea.
"The Republic of Genoa pays tribute to the esteemed Archduke!"
"The Republic of Venice pays its highest respects to the respected Archduke!"
Seeing these two envoys, Peter beside him sighed in his heart that he still came.
That's right, how could they not take such a big fat guy like Wallachia seriously?
"I think you should know about my son, Peter Bartland, co-ruler of Wallachia."
The two envoys saluted Peter, the Genoese envoy Francesco was all too familiar with. He had dealt with this lord before and was a very difficult opponent.
"Welcome to your arrival. I wonder what the special envoy is here for?"
The Venetian envoy Parma Sal took the lead in expressing his friendly wishes to the Archduke and hoped that Wallachia could sign a trade treaty with Venice.
"Your Highness, Venice attaches great importance to trade with your country. In order to promote the relationship between the two countries, I suggest that the two countries sign a trade agreement, which is very beneficial to both countries."
Mircea thought for a moment and finally turned her eyes to Peter. Peter saw this and began to speak politely.
"Wallachia welcomes friendly trade with any country. Wallachia already knows your country's intentions and believes that a satisfactory agreement will be reached soon."
Francisco was right, Peter still adopted the dragging strategy. But it also shows that the lord is beginning to relent, and he only needs to continue lobbying to agree.
As for why they brought Venice, it was because Genoa believed that its strength was still insufficient and needed another strong country to join.
Florence, Milan, these are not good, the economy is good, but the military is too bad, looking around, there is only Venice.
Moreover, Venice's strength in the Eastern Mediterranean is absolutely dominant, and nothing can be hidden from his eyes. If that's the case, then join.
Francisco continued to lobby Wallachia's government officials, using his financial power to persuade the Archduke to sign a trade agreement. The same is true for Venice. At the same time, it is also negotiating with Peter. In addition to interests, it is also the deterrence of force. As everyone knows, this will have the opposite effect.
If they want it so much, then give it to them. However, the specific details of the treaty still need to be discussed and discussed.
Peter talked with the envoys of the two countries respectively. During the conversation with Genoa, Peter showed his dependence on Genoa in the Black Sea trade and insisted on the principle that he would not sell land to them. Francisco could only accept this. After all, Vlach Asia was so anxious that he signed with Venice and that was it.
During the conversation with Venice, Peter showed a scared look. Praising Venice's achievements while keeping silent about what they did served Parma very well.
Wallachia then signed trade agreements with the two countries respectively, and merchants from the two countries could enter each other's markets. However, Venice's taxes were a little higher than Genoa's, which made Parma a little uncomfortable. Thinking that Genoa had paid something different to get it, he wanted to tell the Great Council about this and let them make a decision.
If they want this, give it to them, but Peter won't let them get it so easily. If you want something, you have to pay the price.
Peter also found out clearly that Venice mainly trades in the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea mainly trades with Genoa. Since Genoa wants Venice to join, let's do it. I don’t know who regretted it in the end.