African Entrepreneurship Record

Zanzibar Island.

More than a month after the East African government requested Zanzibar to abolish slavery, an unexpected group of visitors once again visited the Zanzibar Palace.

A steam merchant ship flying the British flag docked at Zanzibar Island. The crowd on the shore was not surprised by this sight. Zanzibar's location meant that merchant ships from almost all nations that sailed the Indian Ocean could appear here, of course, that was before the Suez Canal opened. Now, the vast majority of ships travel via the Suez Canal.

However, the Zanzibar people have not forgotten the former sight of merchant ships from various countries docking at Zanzibar, so the appearance of a British merchant ship was not unexpected.

After the merchant ship was docked, a group of people disembarked from the ship, but they were not here for trade and supplies; they headed directly towards the port authority.

"Are you an official of the Sultanate of Zanzibar?"

"Yes, I am the person in charge of the port, Amin."

"Alright, I am the envoy of the British Empire, and I wish to visit your Sultan. Could you please report it?"

Upon hearing the visitor's purpose, the Zanzibar official did not dare to neglect it and said, "Sir! Please wait a moment." He turned and instructed his subordinates, then took a carriage to the palace to report the situation.

"Hello, I am Ikaramu, the deputy manager of the Zanzibar port of the Sultanate. Sir, may I know how to address you?" Ikaramu, who stayed to entertain the British envoy, politely asked.

Edward did not pay attention to this Zanzibar official. He looked around at the Zanzibar port. Due to undertaking East African trade, the Sultanate of Zanzibar had not declined because of the opening of the Suez Canal; it was still very prosperous, with bustling streets and many ships in the port. However, Edward was not focused on this.

When landing at the port, Edward noticed that Zanzibar port seemed to have more things compared to ten years ago when he was here.

Edward: "That flag, if I'm not mistaken, should be a European flag, right? Why is it erected alongside the flag of the Sultanate of Zanzibar?"

Ikaramu: "That's the flag of the East African Kingdom. The East African Kingdom is an ally of our Sultanate of Zanzibar, so their flag is erected alongside our national flag."

Edward said mildly, "Oh! I see. I've also heard of a new country appearing in East Africa, but due to spending many years in India, the news isn't very up-to-date. This is the first time I've seen their flag."

Ikaramu: "Sir, the ruler of the East African Kingdom is a member of your renowned European Hohenzollern family, and its monarch is Prince Constantine of the former Kingdom of Prussia!"

Edward: "I see; it seems that East Africa has indeed changed a lot over the years! The Germans have also established a colony here. What connection do they have with you? For instance, what business do you specifically do together?"

Ikaramu: "It's mainly agricultural trade. The East African Kingdom is rich in rice, wheat, and specialty products such as sisal."

"Haha!" Hearing Ikaramu's words, Edward couldn't help but laugh, "The Germans are indeed still good at farming this livelihood. I've heard that many Germans in America are the same way."

Edward was not impressed by this East African Kingdom; it was nothing more than a small country reveling in a corner that even the British Empire didn't want.

"After ten years, your Sultanate of Zanzibar's army seems much more formal, as if it has adopted European characteristics. Is that a battery? It's well constructed; it used to be very dilapidated, and there were only a few small cannons."

Ikaramu, sweating nervously, said, "Mr. Edward, actually, that's the East African Kingdom's army. As for the battery, they also constructed it."

Edward: "Oh! Your Zanzibar has already reached the point of being so in sync with the so-called East African Kingdom? Even your own port is defended by them."

Ikaramu could only awkwardly smile and say: "That's correct. After all, East Africa is an ally of Zanzibar. We... still trust our 'friends' more."

Of course, the Sultanate of Zanzibar did not want to hand over its defense to East Africa, but circumstances were beyond people's control, so they could only follow East Africa's arrangements obediently. East African Kingdom, at least, let them have a sip of soup. If they did not listen, East Africa could wipe out Zanzibar now, akin to swallowing bitterness silently.

Edward said sarcastically: "Then your countries really have a good relationship. If only the Indians had your country's awareness!"

At this moment, Amin had returned.

"Envoy, the Sultan has agreed to meet you, please follow me."

...

As Amin led Edward to the Zanzibar palace, a figure quickly made for the East African Kingdom's embassy.

This person was a member of the East African garrison at Zanzibar port. Amin had not only reported to the Sultan but also to the East African Army at the port.

East African Embassy in Zanzibar.

"Mr. Lemons! Just now, a British ship landed on Zanzibar Island, and a group of British people came ashore claiming to be British diplomatic personnel and requested to go to the Sultanate of Zanzibar's Palace. The Zanzibar people who came forward dared not refuse, and they should already be at the palace now!"

Lemons: "Oh! Was it a warship?"

"No, it wasn't. If it was a warship, our army would have intercepted them after they landed."

East Africa had stationed troops at the port on Zanzibar Island, but the East African garrison generally did not interfere with the trade activities of the Sultanate of Zanzibar. Therefore, the army did not intercept the British when they landed. If the British had come with a warship, East Africa would certainly have questioned their purpose.

Lemons: "Ah! Is that so? It seems this time the British are still communicable. Let's go and have a look at the Zanzibar palace."

...

Zanzibar Palace.

Young Said had already made preparations, serving tea to welcome the arrival of the British envoy.

"Sultan Said, I am Edward, the fully authorized envoy sent from Mumbai, the British Indian colony, to Zanzibar!" Edward, dressed in a suit, introduced himself arrogantly to young Said.

Young Said, with a beaming smile, asked, "I wonder for what purpose the esteemed envoy is visiting the Sultanate of Zanzibar!"

Edward: "Just last month, we intercepted a slave trade ship from your country heading to the Ottoman. And two months ago, there were two more. We've repeatedly warned your nation, as an important country along the Indian Ocean coast, against engaging in such disgraceful behavior. It's shameful. Therefore, I'm here on behalf of Britain and the civilized world to demand that the Sultanate of Zanzibar immediately stop this backward practice of slave trade, which is against humanity and freedom."

Edward immediately stood on the moral high ground to criticize the Sultanate of Zanzibar.

Young Said's smile froze slightly, recalling what East Africans had said about the possibility of the British using this as an excuse to intervene in Zanzibar. At that time, he didn't quite believe it, thinking it was just an excuse East Africans made up to gain the right to station troops in the Sultanate of Zanzibar. Now it seems the East Africans were straightforward, they truly weren't deceiving him. Fortunately, the East Africans had given him a stern warning previously, otherwise, he might have stumbled today.

Composing himself, young Said cheerfully replied, "Special Envoy Edward, how can you say that? We, the Sultanate of Zanzibar, are also part of the civilized world."

Edward: "Is your nation still attempting to deny this claim? Since its founding, the Sultanate of Zanzibar has been a nation that has made its fortune through the slave trade. Over the past few decades, the slave trade on the Indian Ocean has become increasingly rampant due to your actions."

Young Said: "Your country shouldn't falsely accuse us. We admit the slave trade is part of our dark history. However, your country back then..."

Edward adamantly denied: "We long ago abandoned this sinful business. Now, the British Empire is an advocate against the slave trade, embodying justice."

Young Said: "Uh! Actually, we, the Sultanate of Zanzibar, are also against the slave trade. Moreover, selling slaves in Zanzibar is illegal."

Edward: "Nonsense, if the Sultanate of Zanzibar had truly done so, how would we have caught evidence?"

Young Said, somewhat smugly: "Your country may not be aware, but after I took office, I actively pushed for the abolition of slavery in the Sultanate of Zanzibar. Just a month ago, we fully legislated to ban the slave trade. Any slave-selling activity in the Sultanate of Zanzibar is illegal and punishable by death. Your country is actually overthinking it this time, as we Zanzibar people have resolved this matter ourselves!"

Edward looked bewildered, thinking, what on earth? I just arrived and you're telling me the Sultanate of Zanzibar has already abolished slavery and banned the slave trade!

He unwillingly asked: "You wouldn't have made up this lie out of fear of me, would you?"

Young Said: "Certainly not. We just enacted the law last month, and it's still posted on public bulletin boards nationwide. You can fully verify it or casually inquire about it on the street. I can personally accompany you to verify it."

Edward was about to speak when someone shouted at the door: "Do you know who I am? If your Sultan knows you stopped me outside, the consequences will be beyond what you can bear..."

Edward was somewhat displeased, but Said was delighted upon hearing the voice.

"My apologies, Your Excellency Edward, it appears we have another guest visiting today, disturbing you, I'm very sorry. I'll go and see who dares to shout loudly within the palace."

At this moment, the doorman was listening to Lemons scolding him rather aggrieved, wondering how he, a small doorman, could have offended him.

"Who is shouting loudly?" Young Said came out feigning a stern query.

But he eagerly stepped forward to greet Lemons, whispering: "Mr. Lemons, you're finally here? The British..."

Lemons cheerfully responded: "Don't worry, I will help you with this matter. Let's go inside first."

Before leaving, Lemons took a Gold Coin out of his pocket, handing it to the doorman, saying: "You did well earlier, take it with ease!"

Saying that, he turned and returned to the palace with Said, where Edward sat sipping tea on the sofa.

Young Said: "Special Envoy Edward, I'm truly sorry, this is the envoy from East Africa, Mr. Lemons. There was a misunderstanding with the doorman just now."

Edward: "Forget it, I won't pursue this matter further. Let's continue the discussion on the slave trade."

"Slave trade?" Lemons, suddenly acting, remarked, "Your Majesty the Sultan, hasn't our country already strictly forbidden your nation to abolish the slave trade?"

"Ah, oh, yes, that's right, but Special Envoy Edward may not be aware of this matter..." Young Said cooperatively recounted the earlier conversation with Edward.

Lemons: "So that's how it is. As I see it, it's entirely a misunderstanding. After all, Special Envoy Edward is acting out of goodwill, but your nation has realized this matter relatively late, causing Special Envoy Edward's lack of awareness. I see Special Envoy Edward has traveled a great distance, likely causing considerable delay, especially India, the jewel of the British Empire, and he came all the way from Mumbai. All this for such a small matter seems hardly worthwhile. Sultan Said should express something to this end!"

Finally, under Lemons' mediation, young Said spent a substantial sum to buy peace. As for Edward, he decided to let the matter go in light of the money, since Zanzibar had indeed legally abolished the slave trade. He could report back satisfactorily, but Edward still cautioned: "Your Majesty the Sultan, your country should still be cautious with maritime trade. If it's found to be continuing the slave trade..."

Said: "Special Envoy Edward, if it truly is a slave trade ship, it definitely wouldn't be the work of Zanzibaris. Your country can sink them at any time."

In any case, Said's own slave ships had been converted to "labor" export ships, with complete documentation, and the living conditions of the "workers" had significantly improved, with little difference in appearance compared to regular immigrant ships.