nucmednet Chapter 248 January Period
Chapter 248 January Period
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Liu Ye's offer was very attractive, and Van Bommel couldn't deny that he was somewhat tempted. Working for the East India Company was for a decent wage, and since he could get the same in Ming China, and even better pay, why not?
Just as he was beginning to waver, Liu Ye added another incentive: "If you can help persuade your sailors to serve my Qiongzhou camp, I can pay you an extra reward, calculated as a year's salary; if you can help me defeat Zheng Yiguan, this reward can be doubled!"
Van Bommel's expression became more complex. He pressed his hand to his forehead, using it to cover his eyes and brows, trying to conceal his joy so that Liu Ye wouldn't look down on him. In his heart, however, he was shouting: "God, this is equivalent to three times the annual salary, and it's even higher than the highest salary that Batavia can offer! I can earn in one year what I used to earn in three or even four years! Giving up this opportunity would be the work of a complete idiot!"
After outlining his terms, Liu Ye calmly observed the expressions of the two men. Judging from Van Bommel's expression, he was completely swayed, and it was only a matter of time before he agreed; while Putmans looked constipated, his face contorted with inner turmoil.
Van Bommel didn't hesitate for long before making his decision. He said seriously to Liu Ye, "From today onwards, you are my new boss. I can help you persuade the hundreds of captured soldiers to join the fight. But I have one condition: you must pay the salary on time as promised, and I need to see a deposit equivalent to one-fifth of your annual salary within three days."
“No problem.” Liu Ye was very pleased to have won over this veteran captain.
Compared to the young and impetuous Gao Jie, who was also a sailor by training, Van Bommel was a seasoned captain of a Dutch warship, with far more experience in commanding battles. He had also dealt directly with Zheng Zhilong more often, and undoubtedly possessed considerable expertise in dealing with the Zheng family. While Gao Jie was like a blank canvas, easier to learn from, and more capable of accepting and absorbing new warships, naval guns, and entirely new combat methods, using Van Bommel's experience to compensate for Gao Jie's lack of high-intensity combat experience was an ideal choice.
"Ten years for an army, a hundred years for a navy"—Qiongzhou Army and Navy developed on two legs. Moreover, the characteristics of its modern military meant that both its army and navy were unique in the entire 17th century, with no ready-made models to follow; it was a process of trial and error. In expanding its navy, more support from maritime powers could shorten the formation time and avoid many detours.
Putmans hesitated for a moment, but still refused Liu Ye's proposal: "I'm sorry, although your offer is very generous, I am not prepared to agree."
Speaking of compensation, Putmans was more worried about the 100,000 rials stored in Zeelandia, a slush fund he had amassed by smuggling goods during trade using his power. If he lost his position as governor, wouldn't it be much easier and more comfortable to return home with this money and enjoy a life of luxury than to continue working as a mercenary under a different boss?
Liu Ye was somewhat prepared for Putmans' rejection, but he still didn't expect him to refuse so quickly.