Dreaming back to 1949, the great powers were there to deceive us

The military is a continuation of politics, and the economy is the foundation of politics.

In order to attract investment from the unscrupulous parties, Hu Zhenhua began to study the economic conditions of the United States and Europe more seriously.

The US economic situation is quite interesting. Immediately after World War II, the country experienced severe inflation, reaching 1946% in 8.3, 1947% in 14.4, and 1948% in 8.1. This was primarily due to the massive investment of resources in military production during World War II, which led to a shortage of civilian supplies. The return of soldiers after the war led to strong consumer demand, and price controls were lifted after the war. These multiple factors combined to drive prices sharply higher.

Inflation, generally speaking, means that there is more money than goods in the market, so the value of money will depreciate relatively.

Inflation in the United States came to an abrupt halt in 1949, with the inflation rate reaching -1.24%. Yes, that's negative! This means that goods were extremely abundant in the market, and prices began to fall.

The reason for the decline in prices is that the United States' industrial production capacity quickly shifted from a wartime state to civilian production, production efficiency improved, and commodity supply gradually increased, effectively alleviating the contradiction between supply and demand and playing a stabilizing role in prices.

In Europe, due to the devastation caused by the war, inflation lasted longer. In 1949, the pound depreciated by 30.5% and the franc depreciated by 20%.

Hu Zhenhua studied for a long time and after much thought, he turned his attention to Europe.

Logically speaking, their economy is in a mess and they are unable to take care of other things.

But the fact is just the opposite. Precisely because of the severe inflation, capital is eager to find a way out and will definitely flow out in large quantities.

Where can they go?

The United States is not suitable because its stock market is weak, there is overproduction, and its economy is in decline.

Africa, a primitive tribe.

In Asia, the national liberation movement is in full swing!

It can be said that world capital is in confusion and does not know where to go.

I just don't know whether they are willing to participate in the construction of this highway.

Hu Zhenhua spread the word and prepared to test the waters first.

……

Carter visited Lixiangyuan again. This time he was a little furious. As soon as he sat down, he slammed the table and attacked Hu Zhenhua.

"Are you crazy? How dare you dump grain on the three major futures exchanges?"

The futures exchanges Carter refers to are located in the United States, namely: the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), and the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

These three major exchanges still play an important role in the futures market.

Hu Zhenhua showed an innocent look and said aggrievedly,

"what's the situation?"

"Why are you so arrogant? How could you not know about the huge commotion caused by their food and oil?"

Hu Zhenhua's innocent big eyes are watery.

"I really don't know! It's true that TA Grain and Oil is a subsidiary of the group, but they have always been responsible for their own profits and losses. I rarely interfere."

Carter looked at that face that deserved a slap and was so angry that he couldn't speak. He never expected that Hu Zhenhua would be so shameless.

Seeing that Carter refused to speak, Hu Zhenhua called Zhuge Lin and ordered him to send an inquiry letter to TA Grain and Oil.

Seeing Lao Hu pretending to be so arrogant, Carter snorted coldly and said expressionlessly,

"Come on! Last night, TA Grain and Oil sold over 400 million tons of grain on the three major futures exchanges!"

Hu Zhenhua pursed his lips, signaling Zhuge Lin to leave, and then said with a smile,

"The U.S. produces 1.6 million tons of grain annually. A mere 400 million tons won't cause any waves!"

"Chairman Hu, you're not just causing a minor stir; you're causing a massive uproar! Overnight, grain prices on the three major exchanges plummeted by an average of over 15%!"

Upon hearing this, Hu Zhenhua quickly sat up straight and asked,

“Is the U.S. food market so fragile?”

Carter: %

He was actually so angry that he lost his temper. 400 million tons only accounted for 1.6% of 2.5 million tons, which was indeed insignificant!

This is like a boxer being pushed down by a baby. It would be embarrassing to tell others about it!

Hu Zhenhua also doesn't think he has this ability. His selling is at most a fuse!

Carter sorted out his emotions and quickly regained his composure.

"Hu, there are so many exchanges in the world, why did you choose the US one? Do you know how many people this will offend? If you were on the streets of the US right now, a farmer might shoot you!"

"Kill me and see who will buy their food!"

Carter didn't want to continue on this topic, so he waved his hand and said impatiently,

"Enough of the small talk. I heard they've already finalized the highway plan, and they're even looking for financing?"

"Yes, the project is expected to have a total investment of 90 to 110 billion yuan. The total length is 3 kilometers, with six lanes in both directions. They plan to provide 10% to 20% of the equity financing."

Hearing this, Carter began to calculate silently in his mind. No matter how he calculated, it was always based on Western cost standards. Your four-lane road would cost 400 million yuan per kilometer to build, while our six-lane road would only cost 300 million yuan per kilometer. Can't find any fault with it, right?

Hu Zhenhua stood up, took a book and handed it to Carter, saying,

In the late Warring States period, Qin was rapidly growing stronger and posing a threat to its neighbors. Han was the first to be affected. To "exhaust Qin," King Huanhui of Han sent hydraulic expert Zheng Guo to Qin in 246 BC. He advised King Zheng of Qin to dig a canal along the Jing River, hoping to drain Qin's manpower, material, and financial resources and slow down Qin's progress in unifying the country.

King Zheng of Qin accepted Zheng Guo's suggestion and appointed him Chief Water Engineer. He appointed Li Si, a guest minister, as Chief Supervisor, and mobilized manpower and materials to begin canal construction. However, soon after work began, Zheng Guo's identity as a spy was discovered. Furious, King Zheng issued the "Edict of Expulsion." Later, due to Li Si's "Remonstration Against Expulsion," the Emperor rescinded the order and ordered Zheng Guo to continue working on the canal.

Hu Zhenhua tapped the "Historical Records: River and Canal Book" and said with a smile,

In the 226st year of the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (10 BC), the Zhengguo Canal irrigation project, which had lasted 280 years, was completed. It effectively irrigated over million mu (approximately acres) of land in the Guanzhong Plain, significantly increasing grain production and transforming the previously saline and barren land into fertile fields. Guanzhong became a land of abundance, with guaranteed harvests regardless of drought or flood, laying a solid economic foundation for Qin's unification of China.

Carter understood what Hu Zhenhua meant. He lit a cigarette and said slowly,

"This highway has the same purpose as the Zhengguo Canal! It will both tire Qin and benefit Qin!"

Hu Zhenhua nodded slightly. He took out a map, spread it on the table, pointed at the mountains, and said,

"If you've ever traveled in the south, you'll know it's a land of mountains and ravines. If we want to build a road here, we'll need to dig countless tunnels, blast countless hills, and fill countless ravines. A budget of 90 to 110 billion yuan simply won't cut it!"

"Also, with only a few cars in the country, how long would it take to recoup the investment in building a highway like this? I don't understand what their decision-makers are thinking. Wouldn't it be better to use this money to develop industry?"

Carter also didn't understand. He stared at the map without saying a word! A good diplomat must understand the local customs and practices, according to National Geographic.

Carter knew that what Hu Zhenhua said was completely true. The terrain here was diverse, and it was not easy to build a road.

Hu Zhenhua handed Carter a cigarette and said with a smile,

"Perhaps they want to use this road to express the superiority of socialism! Or perhaps this road can be used as a national business card!"

Carter was still lost in thought and said casually,

"There's a slang saying, 'Donkey dung is shiny on the outside!' How can a bunch of farmers make long-term plans? They make decisions in the heat of the moment."

Hu Zhenhua raised his eyebrows and retorted,

"A group of farmers defeated the Republican government, which was strongly supported by the United States. Does this mean that we are not even as good as farmers?"

Carter: %