Rebirth of the Ming Dynasty: Sixth Generation of Glory, I don't want it

Chapter 527 So Expensive

"How much does a treasure ship like this cost?"

Zhang Sanfeng did not answer but asked instead.

"Selling it to foreign merchants would cost hundreds of thousands to millions, there's no upper limit."

Zhang Xin gave a rough number.

"So expensive?"

Zhang Sanfeng smacked his lips.

"Previously, treasure ships were all made of wood, but that changed later. The entire ship frame was made of iron and steel, which increased the cost a lot. In return, they were much more durable. If a ship was not damaged, it would only need a major overhaul every five years. In the tenth year of Yongle, people's requirements for seagoing ships were different from those in the past when they were purely for business. People who had worked for more than ten years had made money and always wanted to show off. I remember that the most expensive custom-made treasure ship at that time cost five million."

Zhang Xin knows almost everything about these.

"What's the cost?"

Zhang Sanfeng asked again.

“The cost is probably half.”

"That's not much money, is it?"

"The original intention was to encourage everyone to trade together so that the common people could find jobs. A treasure ship needs at least three to five hundred crew members to maintain it. The quantity of goods shipped out for sale is huge, so all the workshops have to recruit workers. In the end, the rich make big money, and the common people can also find jobs. The court earns half of it to maintain the shipyard expenses."

“The shipyard expenses are so high?”

Zhang Sanfeng really had no idea about this.

"Master craftsmen are very expensive. In addition to supporting the shipbuilding masters, they also have to support their families. Even if a shipyard has no orders, it must at least support 5,000 people, including food and accommodation."

Zhang Xin explained.

"Afraid of leaking secrets?"

Zhang Sanfeng understood. This was a bit like Sun Biyun's situation, where all the disciples had to live on the mountain.

"One is that they are afraid that some of the shipbuilding techniques will be leaked, and the other is for their safety. In the past, some people overseas have tried to kidnap the boatmen and take them out to sea."

Zhang Xin was very glad that she did a good job of keeping it confidential at the time.

To date, some core shipbuilding technologies are still in the hands of the imperial court.

“How many times do I have to run to earn back this money?”

Zhang Sanfeng was very curious.

This initial capital of hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars is not something that ordinary people can afford.

A shipwreck is no different from any other disaster. If you are unlucky, you will all be lost.

"In the early years, if you went out once and returned safely, the money you earned was enough to buy several more boats. Now there are more people doing it, and it may take two or three years to make back the money. However, the risks at sea are not as great as before, so many people still do it."

"What if I don't know how to do business and make no money?"

Zhang Sanfeng got to the bottom of it.

"He doesn't know how to do business. He just bought a boat and can sell it for more money. The orders at the shipyard are already lined up for several years."

Roll up your sleeves and interrupt.

"Yes. In short supply."

Zhang Xin affirmed.

"Tsk tsk tsk, it's a sure win, it turns out you're smart at making money."

Zhang Sanfeng shook his head.

"If Your Highness had not done this back then, the Emperor would have had to fight for several more years just to capture the capital, and he might not have been able to take it down."

Zhang Sanfeng couldn't bear to see Zhang Xin teasing him.

She didn't think much of it at first when she followed Zhang Xin, because Zhang Xin just got things done quietly.

But after she married Wei Guan, when Wei Guan spoke of his great admiration for Zhang Xin, she realized how important what Zhang Xin had done before was.

"I see. Your Highness is indeed the smartest man in the world!"

Zhang Sanfeng did not refute this time.

"Your Highness, is the real person speaking sarcastically?"

He rolled up his sleeves, glanced at Zhang Sanfeng and asked Zhang Xin.

"Ha ha ha ha----"

Zhang Xin laughed.