Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Ocean Trade

After securing an agreement with the Sultanate of Zanzibar, the Hexingen Consortium began to establish a presence in the region. They constructed carriages, tents, and other essential travel tools in Zanzibar to prepare for inland exploration.

Meanwhile, the Dutch ship that had docked at the port of Dar es Salaam continued its journey to East Asia after replenishing its supplies.

In Heixingen, back in Europe, a major construction project was underway near the city of Heixingen itself. Prince Constantine, surprised by the construction, inquired about its purpose. He learned from his son Ernst that the construction was for a school.

Initially, Prince Constantine assumed it would be a typical school, but Ernst explained that it was a military academy designed to train individuals for their East African endeavors. This puzzled the prince, as he wondered why such a school was needed in a rural area like Heixingen.

Ernst clarified that this was not an ordinary military academy and that it would not be affiliated with Prussia. Instead, its purpose was to prepare military personnel for their future plans in East Africa. Prince Constantine had many questions and doubts but ultimately supported his son's vision.

Ernst detailed his grand vision for East Africa, explaining how he intended to establish strongholds in the interior, attract Qing Dynasty immigrants, and create a nation-like entity under German control. This vision extended to parts of Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and southern Kenya.

His plan was audacious, with the intention to use Qing immigrants initially to develop the land and eventually transition to European immigrants while pushing the local indigenous people out of the territory.

Back in Jiaozhou Bay, the German Commercial Liaison Office was established, responsible for product sales, recruiting teenagers from northern China, and managing various trade activities. Ernst also emphasized the importance of language unity, as he would be personally involved in the Hechingen Military Academy.

The office managed trade activities, including bulk commodity trading and the recruitment of workers for East Africa. They collaborated with Berlin businessmen, expanding their presence in the Far East market.

This laid the foundation for a trade route connecting Europe, East Africa, and the Far East. Ernst recognized the initial losses due to the barren state of East Africa but aimed to develop it over time, with support from profitable European industries.

In the midst of these developments, the Berlin Energy Power Company achieved significant progress, providing additional funds for Ernst's ventures.

(end of Chapter 18)