Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne

Chapter 1059: Chapter 113: Sending Ships to Search for America

While the civil and military officials in the capital worried about whether Prince Chu was alive or dead, Zhao Yao, far away in Swamp Prefecture, was busy sending his fleet to the seas.

Many years ago, Zhao Yao had asked his maternal grandfather and uncles to help him build ships and gather crew members. Over the years, they helped Zhao Yao cultivate two exceptionally professional and elite fleets.

These two professional fleets had set sail before, but had never ventured far. Before Zhao Yao came of age and arrived at Swamp Prefecture, these two fleets had sailed many times. However, they had only gone to countries like Annan and Johor, never to Mysir.

Over the years, these two fleets had amassed a wealth of seafaring experience, enough to voyage to Mysir or even farther. Moreover, with firearms and canons now available, the fleets no longer feared encounters with pirates or other ill-intentioned people on long voyages.

This time, Zhao Yao made great fanfare in sending off the two fleets: first, to bid them farewell; second, to let nearby foreign countries know that his Prince Han Mansion fleet was heading there for exchanges and trade; and third, to show everyone his emphasis on these two fleets.

In fact, after Great Zhou lifted the sea ban, the court also dispatched several fleets to Annan and Johor over the years for trade, earning quite a substantial profit. Nowadays, maritime trade between Great Zhou and countries like Annan is thriving. In Zhao Yao’s words, the Maritime Silk Road has been established.

Besides the court and various government bodies, even the common people could send ships overseas for business. Not to mention that in maritime trade alone, the court, various government bodies, and the people had all made a significant amount of money.

Initially, the ministers who opposed lifting the ban saw the immense wealth it brought and quickly shut their mouths, pretending they never objected. If they had known lifting the ban would earn so much, they would have suggested it to the emperor earlier. These years, they missed out on quite a bit, which pained them to think about.

After lifting the sea ban, both the court and local ministers greatly benefited, so they not only stopped opposing it, but also actively sent their fleets to sea to make money. They had their own merchant fleets and escort fleets, thus greatly enhancing Great Zhou’s maritime combat capabilities. Shipbuilding techniques also improved significantly.

Previously, Great Zhou’s shipbuilding was somewhat behind countries like Annan and Johor, as these nations lived off the sea. Over the years, Great Zhou’s shipbuilding had far exceeded theirs, to levels they could only dream of.

The emperor’s decision to lift the sea ban was greatly appreciated by the civil and military officials and the populace.

However, completely lifting the sea ban led to an increase in smuggling, causing headaches for both the court and local government bodies. But they couldn’t close the sea ban just because of some smuggling. So, the court, following Zhao Yao’s suggestion, set up customs at local government bodies and organized maritime patrols. The court also established laws related to maritime trade, with very severe penalties for smugglers once caught.

Back to the topic, Zhao Yao sent two fleets overseas with two objectives. One fleet was to head to Mysir and then explore areas beyond. The other fleet was to go to even more distant lands in search of the America that Zhao Yao dreamed of.

Over the years, Zhao Yao had continuously sought news about potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, etc., but had heard nothing. After consideration, he concluded that those crops could only be found in a place called "America," so he had to send fleets to find it.

Zhao Yao specially drew sketches of potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, handing them to the crew. If the crew were fortunate enough and successfully found America, they must bring back these items to Great Zhou. These were beneficial things for the people; if brought back, the people of Great Zhou would no longer go hungry.

In addition to bringing back local specialties, Zhao Yao instructed the crew to proclaim the might of Great Zhou. If the natives were unfriendly or attacked them, they would let them feel the power of Great Zhou.

The two fleets set off in great momentum amidst the crowd’s send-off.

Zhao Yao stood on the dock, gazing at the departing fleets, his eyes full of anticipation. These two fleets were carefully nurtured, and he had high hopes for them, especially the fleet heading to find America.