The Lebel rifle of the Gauls was the first small-caliber rifle in the world to use smokeless gunpowder.
In comparison, the German 1871 rifles used sea gunpowder, so the caliber of the rifle reached 11mm.
"Your Majesty, the Empire has already begun the development of a new rifle. It is estimated that we will soon be able to develop our own new rifle. If the Ming Empire was not in a hurry, they could wait for a while. I am confident that the German Empire will be able to provide the Ming Empire with the most advanced rifles in the world!”Minister Baland said proudly.
Indeed, the Germanic people were extremely talented in mechanical engineering. In the industrial field, it was a global leader.
And this was what the Emperor of Guang Dong was drooling over.
" Yes." Emperor Guangchang nodded." Minister, I believe in the industrial strength of the Germanic Empire. However, the dynasty needed to order a batch of weapons to train the troops. Therefore, I hope to order 30,000 1871 rifles first. However, in terms of price, I hope that you can give me a further discount. After all, the Type 1871 rifle would soon be outdated. At that time, many of your country's armies alone would be eliminated.”
"Of course, Your Majesty, I will try my best to get you the best price!”Minister Baland smiled.
The 1871 rifle was originally priced at 200 marks. With the upcoming replacement, a 20% discount was not a problem.
"In addition, other than the Type 1871 rifle, I also wish to purchase 300 Maxim heavy machine guns. 100 37mm rapid-fire cannons. 40 77mm Mountain Cannons. 100 77mm light field cannons and 50 105mm light howitzers.”The emperor continued.
These weapons were prepared for the two infantry divisions of the new army.
"Your Majesty, there is no problem at all. We can give the Ming Empire the lowest price for these weapons. Maxim heavy machine guns, 2000 marks each. 37mm rapid-fire cannons, 3,000 marks each. 77mm mountain cannon, 5000 marks each. 77mm light field artillery, 7000 marks each. 105mm light field artillery, 10,000 marks each! Adding on the 30,000 rifles, he only needed 7,100,000 marks.”Minister Baland immediately gave a price.
The Emperor of Guang Dong frowned. 7.1 million marks was not cheap!
The exchange rate in this era was roughly one pound equivalent to 7.3 grams of gold, which was equivalent to four taels of silver, which was equivalent to five US dollars, which was equivalent to two gold marks or 20 marks, which was equivalent to 25 Francs, which was equivalent to nine rubles and ten yen.
7.1 million marks was equivalent to 1.8 million taels of silver.
The Emperor of Guang Yue had just received tens of millions of taels of silver from Li Lianying, and he had inherited twenty million taels of silver from the treasury.
However, there were many things that he would have to spend money on.
Just the two infantry divisions of the new army alone had a total of 37,000 soldiers, and their monthly salary had reached 200,000 taels of silver. In a year, he would need a total of 2.4 million taels of silver!
"Minister, this price is too expensive. We are old friends and have bought so many weapons from you. Can't Cheng Cheng give us a discount? In my opinion, just five million marks!”said the emperor of Guang Dong.
Minister Baland's expression changed drastically. The Emperor of Guang 'an was too harsh with his price.
"Your Majesty, we have no profit at this price. We can lower the price a little, but not too much. For example, 6.5 million marks!" Minister Baland said.
Emperor Guang Yue shook his head." This price is still too high. I will also raise the price a little. 5.5 million marks!"”
At this moment, the two of them no longer looked like emperors and ambassadors. Instead, they were like hawkers in the market, starting to bargain.
In the end, the two of them reached an agreement on the price.
The Ming Empire bought the weapons and equipment mentioned above from the Germanic Empire at the price of six million marks, which was 1.2 million taels of silver.
"Your Majesty, other than these weapons and equipment, is there anything else your country needs? As long as it could be imported, the Germanic Empire could provide it to the Ming Empire!”Minister Baland asked.
"Minister, in addition to these weapons and equipment, I also hope to purchase a full set of mechanical equipment needed for a medium-sized arsenal from the German Empire. There was also the equipment for the gunpowder factory. In addition, he would also buy the equipment needed for the advanced steel factory!”The Emperor of Guang Dong threw out a huge order.
Minister Baland's breathing quickened.
"Oh my god! This was a big deal! No matter what, they had to take down the Germanic Empire!”Minister Baland made up his mind.
"Your Majesty, we have all the equipment you need. However, the price is not cheap!" Minister Baland reminded.
The emperor nodded. He knew that it would cost a lot of money.
However, if they wanted the Ming Empire's military to not be choked by others, they had to invest heavily in this area.
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