Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1059 - 113: Sending Ships to Search for America

While officials from both civil and military branches in the capital fretted over Prince Chu's survival, Zhao Yao in distant Swamp Prefecture was occupied with dispatching his fleets across the ocean.

Years back, Zhao Yao had enlisted his maternal grandfather and uncles to construct vessels and recruit sailors. Through the years, they assisted him in developing two remarkably skilled and superior fleets.

These two expert fleets had previously embarked on voyages, yet never strayed too far. Prior to Zhao Yao reaching adulthood and settling in Swamp Prefecture, the fleets had undertaken numerous trips, but only to places like Annan and Johor, steering clear of Mysir.

Throughout the years, the two fleets accumulated vast experience on the seas, sufficient for journeys to Mysir or beyond. Furthermore, armed now with firearms and cannons, they no longer dreaded clashes with pirates or hostile forces during extended travels.

On this occasion, Zhao Yao orchestrated a grand departure for the two fleets: firstly, to see them off properly; secondly, to inform neighboring foreign nations that Prince Han Mansion's fleet was sailing for trade and exchanges; and thirdly, to demonstrate to all his strong support for these fleets.

Indeed, since Great Zhou ended the sea ban, the imperial court had dispatched multiple fleets to Annan and Johor over time for commerce, reaping considerable gains. Today, sea trade between Great Zhou and nations like Annan flourishes. As Zhao Yao put it, the Maritime Silk Road has taken shape.

Apart from the court and official entities, ordinary folks could also dispatch ships abroad for profit. Certainly, from maritime trade alone, the court, government offices, and the masses had all pocketed hefty sums.

At first, those ministers against removing the ban witnessed the enormous riches it generated and promptly fell silent, acting as if they had never resisted. Had they foreseen such vast earnings from lifting the ban, they would have urged the emperor sooner. These past years, they had forfeited substantial opportunities, a thought that still stung them deeply.

Following the sea ban's removal, both central court and regional officials reaped huge benefits, so they ceased opposition and eagerly launched their own fleets to earn fortunes. Possessing private merchant and guard fleets, they boosted Great Zhou's naval strength immensely. Shipbuilding skills advanced dramatically as well.

Earlier, Great Zhou's ship craftsmanship lagged behind seafaring nations like Annan and Johor. In recent years, Great Zhou's techniques had surged ahead, reaching heights those countries could only envy.

The emperor's choice to abolish the sea ban earned widespread praise from officials, soldiers, and commoners alike.

That said, fully opening the seas spurred more smuggling, troubling the court and local authorities. Yet closing the ban over mere smuggling was impossible. Thus, per Zhao Yao's advice, the court installed customs at regional offices and formed sea patrols. Maritime trade laws were enacted too, imposing harsh punishments on captured smugglers.

Returning to the matter, Zhao Yao dispatched the two fleets abroad with dual missions. One aimed for Mysir and then uncharted territories further out. The other targeted even remoter regions to locate the America Zhao Yao envisioned.

For years, Zhao Yao had tirelessly pursued rumors of potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, and similar crops, yet found none. After much reflection, he decided they existed solely in a land named 'America,' necessitating fleet expeditions to discover it.

Zhao Yao personally sketched images of potatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes, entrusting them to the sailors. Should luck favor them and America be found, they must transport these back to Great Zhou. Such crops would bless the populace; introducing them would end famine forever.

Beyond securing local produce, Zhao Yao ordered the crews to broadcast Great Zhou's grandeur. If locals proved hostile or assaulted them, they were to unleash Great Zhou's formidable might.

Amidst the throngs cheering their departure, the two fleets surged forth with immense vigor.

From the dock, Zhao Yao watched the fleets vanish into the horizon, his gaze brimming with eager hope. These fleets, meticulously fostered over time, carried his grand expectations—particularly the one questing for America.