kingnovel Chapter 526 Opening up maritime transport and building seaports
Chapter 526 Opening up maritime transport and building seaports
The system seemed to pause briefly: [Host, is it too early to start maritime trade and build seaports? The Qin Dynasty has not yet unified the six kingdoms. The manpower and resources required to build seaports are enormous, and the garrison forces should not be underestimated. If the other kingdoms take advantage of this opportunity to launch an attack, we may find ourselves unable to defend ourselves on all fronts.]
Ying Wuyou chuckled inwardly, his analysis clear and logical: "Now only four states remain: Chu, Qi, Wei, and Yan. Chu is mired in famine and unable to cope; Qi's King Jian is neglecting all affairs, and Prime Minister Hou Sheng is only interested in amassing wealth, leading to a corrupt and decadent government; Wei's Crown Prince Wei Ji is a hostage in Qin, and the entire nation has been terrified by the thunderous explosion, so they have no courage to provoke us in the short term; as for Yan, since the death of Crown Prince Dan, although King Xi of Yan escaped by chance, he has become despondent and spends his days in a drunken stupor. What threat can he pose to Qin?"
Her words carried absolute confidence and a precise grasp of the enemy nation's situation. The system fell silent, seemingly calculating the feasibility of this strategy.
However, this internal dialogue was clearly "heard" by another person—Qin King Ying Zheng, who was standing not far from Ying Wuyou.
He too gazed at the fireworks, his resolute face appearing profound and unfathomable in the flickering light. When Ying Wuyou's analysis of the current state of the four kingdoms echoed in his mind, a sharp glint suddenly flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes, and a surge of boundless ambition almost burst forth from his chest!
Yes! Who still has the strength to fight?!
Xiang Yan of Chu was troubled by rumors, and his ruler and ministers were at odds; Qi was incompetent, Wei was terrified, and Yan was decadent... Within the four seas, who can stop the advance of the Qin warriors? Jia Yang's analysis hit the nail on the head, coincided with his own judgment of the situation in the world, and was even bolder and more forward-thinking.
Opening up maritime trade routes and building seaports! This would extend the reach of the Qin Dynasty to a wider world, paving a sea route to endless wealth and power for the future empire! Although it would tie down some military forces, as Jia Yang said, the other states were no longer a threat! This risk was worth taking! This blueprint should be realized by him, Ying Zheng!
Ying Wuyou was oblivious to the turmoil in her father's heart. She simply watched the fireworks fade, leaving a faint scent of sulfur, and silently declared to the system, and to herself: "This is an opportunity not to be missed. Land conquest and maritime expansion can proceed simultaneously. Only in this way can the future of Qin not merely be the unification of the six kingdoms, but truly the possession of the stars and the sea!"
Ying Zheng slowly withdrew his gaze, looking at his beloved daughter's petite yet seemingly boundless energy figure beside him. He asked nothing, said nothing, only the lines of his tightly pursed lips curved into a slight upward curve.
"Jiayang," he said in a deep voice, his voice particularly clear amidst the lingering glow of fireworks, "what are your plans after the New Year?"
Ying Wuyou looked up at the tall, imposing man, her father and her staunchest supporter. She took a deep breath and said clearly, "Father, I believe we should open up maritime trade and build seaports. This matter involves national policy, military affairs, and the people's livelihood, and is of great significance. I suggest that the Maritime Transport Bureau be separated from the Construction Bureau under Right Chancellor Meng Tian and upgraded to an independent bureau on par with the other twelve bureaus."
Her words caused a thoughtful glint to appear in Ying Zheng's eyes. In the current system of five chancellors and twelve officials, Grand Chancellor Feng Quji oversaw all government affairs, Chancellor Ying Wuyou was in charge of reform planning, Censor Feng Jie was responsible for supervision and discipline, Left Chancellor Wei Zhuang was in charge of people's livelihood and economy, and Right Chancellor Meng Tian was responsible for military affairs and defense. Maritime transport indeed involved many parties.
Tell me more. Ying Zheng's tone was calm, yet filled with keen interest.
Ying Wuyou calmly analyzed: "Maritime affairs involve shipbuilding, which concerns the military industry under the jurisdiction of the Minister of Military Affairs; port construction, which involves the allocation of laborers under the management of the Minister of People's Livelihood; the development of shipping routes, which relates to foreign policy under the jurisdiction of the Minister of National Policy; and the formation of the navy, which directly affects national security. Its complexity far exceeds the mechanical improvement work of the Ministry of Works. If it continues to be placed under its jurisdiction, it will be difficult to coordinate all parties and obtain sufficient attention and resources. Your subject suggests that the Maritime Affairs Department be elevated to an independent department, with the five ministers jointly discussing its affairs. The Grand Chancellor will be in charge of daily coordination, and relevant ministers will cooperate according to their authority and responsibilities in special matters."
Ying Zheng nodded slightly, his eyes revealing approval: "At the grand court assembly three days from now, prepare to present your strategy for maritime transport, including suggestions for restructuring this institution. Feng Quji, Meng Tian, Wei Zhuang, and Feng Jie will all be present at that time."
This reaction surprised Ying Wuyou slightly. She had prepared many reasons to persuade her father, but she didn't expect him to accept this suggestion involving the adjustment of responsibilities among multiple parties so readily. However, she quickly realized what was going on.
Your subject obeys the order and will certainly explain the advantages and disadvantages in detail, so as not to fail your father's trust. She bowed slightly, already planning in her mind how to persuade the other four prime ministers at the court meeting, especially the military minister Meng Tian, who might have concerns about the division of power and responsibilities of the Ministry of Works, and the Grand Chancellor Feng Quji, who was in charge of the overall situation.
Watching his father's departing figure, Ying Wuyou immediately instructed his attendants: "Prepare visiting cards at once and send them, in the name of the State Policy Minister's Office, to the residences of Grand Chancellor Feng and Military Minister Meng, requesting a meeting with the two chancellors tomorrow. At the same time, invite Gongsun Ban of the Directorate of Works and Mo Li, Director of the Bureau of Construction, to come to the palace office tomorrow to discuss maritime transport matters."
Ying Wuyou knew that although she was a princess, she had no special privileges in the Five Ministers system. Grand Chancellor Feng Quji held the most prestigious position, and Military Minister Meng Tian was in charge of military affairs. She absolutely could not use her status as a princess to intimidate either of them.
Fireworks streaked across the night sky like shooting stars, their dazzling light fleeting, as if they had never existed. However, after this brief beauty, a more intense flame ignited in Ying Wuyou's heart.
She walked hurriedly towards Chaohua Palace, as if propelled by an invisible force. Upon entering the study, she quickly sat down, spread out papers, and prepared to begin drafting that crucial memorial.
"Why establish an independent department?" This was the first question she needed to consider. Establishing an independent department meant a redistribution of power and a clear definition of responsibility, which was undoubtedly a major change for the entire country's political system.
Next, she began to consider how to coordinate the powers and responsibilities with the Five Ministers. As important officials of the Qin Dynasty, the Five Ministers were each responsible for different areas. How to cooperate with them in the newly established department to ensure the smooth operation of government affairs was a problem to be solved.
Resource allocation is also a key issue. The newly established company needs human, material, and financial support, and how to rationally allocate these resources to achieve the best results also requires careful consideration.
Time was of the essence; Ying Wuyou had to prepare everything within just three days. The candlelight flickered gently in the breeze, illuminating her focused face. On this night when everyone was staying up late to celebrate the New Year, Ying Wuyou was alone, buried in her work, writing furiously.
After a long period of thought and writing, Ying Wuyou finally completed the first draft of her memorial. She carefully examined her handwriting and nodded in satisfaction. In the past two years, her handwriting had improved significantly; not only were the strokes neat, but the characters were also beautiful, revealing a dignified and elegant temperament.