Chapter 444: Maritime Trade Probe

Chen dynasty, Mingzhou (present-day Ningbo) port.

The early summer sea breeze carried a salty, fishy, damp feeling, blowing over the forest of masts inside the harbor.

Unlike usual ships focused on near-shore fishing and coastal trade, today the quay had an especially different atmosphere.

A fleet of five sea-going vessels was making final preparations before departure.

These five ships were longer and sturdier than ordinary sea vessels, with reinforced bows to cope with possible wind and waves.

The sails used the Chen dynasty's Ministry of Works newly developed dense, durable heavy canvas, and the rigging had been optimized.

Most importantly, on the two larger ships in the fleet were equipped with a disguised, miniaturized 'miasma-dispelling device' and an improved compass, as well as a relatively more accurate East Sea chart drawn based on research by Team Zhao Lao Nian combined with some overseas rumors.

Shipbuilders and sailors chanted their work song as they carefully loaded the final batch of cargo—exquisite porcelain, brightly colored silk, a small amount of specially made glassware, and gold and silver ingots used as hard currency—onto the ship.

These goods included fine items showcasing the Chen dynasty's craftsmanship level, as well as practical items convenient for exchange.

On the quay, besides the busy crew, there were officials from Mingzhou's Maritime Trade Bureau, technical clerks sent by the Ministry of Works, and a small number of personnel in plain clothes of the Peacekeeping Bureau with sharp eyes.

An official wearing the green robe of the Maritime Trade Bureau was giving final instructions to the fleet's commander—an experienced, dark-skinned veteran naval officer.

"Commander Liu, by the emperor's secret edict you are specially permitted to go to Goryeo and Japan to probe the possibility of trade. Remember, you represent the face of Great Chen. You must act cautiously, with investigating the situation and establishing contacts as the priority, and profit from trade secondary. In any matter, observe more and look more; do not easily come into conflict with others."

Commander Liu clasped his fists and bowed, his voice loud and clear.

"Sir, rest assured! I will not disgrace the mission; I will surely spread the prestige of Great Chen far overseas!"

He paused, then lowered his voice and said:

"A few brothers from the Peacekeeping Bureau will also record sea conditions, local customs, and……the activities of False Song merchant ships in those places along the way."

The official nodded and patted his shoulder.

"Fair winds!"

At the same time, thousands of li away, False Song, Hangzhou Bay.

An official ship flying the Song character flag was also making similar preparations, only on a smaller scale, with cargo more tilted toward traditional silk, tea, and books.

A commissioner of the False Song Maritime Trade Bureau instructed the leader of the merchant convoy about to set sail:

"……I have heard that in the countries of the eastern sea, demand for our goods has been increasing in recent years. On this trip, besides regular trade, you must also pay attention to whether……merchant ships of other origins are active there. Especially those with novel goods and vastly different styles, you need to inquire more about."

The convoy leader understood, bowed, and replied:

"I understand, sir."

Vast blue waters, the eastern and western exploratory forces almost simultaneously raised sails and set off toward the unknown east.

Chen dynasty, private estate.

Shi Dun strode in, seemingly still carrying the scent of sea wind—he had just returned from a secret inspection of the coastal naval forts.

"Your Majesty, the Mingzhou fleet set out on schedule three days ago. According to the plan, they will first go to Goryeo, then, depending on circumstances, proceed to Japan."

Shi Dun reported.

"The navy also dispatched additional warships, setting up two concealed patrol lines outside the East Sea's regular cruise routes to guard against the unexpected."

Chen Wen stood before a huge map of the East Sea marked with a vague coastline, hearing this he slightly nodded.

"Sea winds and waves are perilous, and people's hearts are even harder to read. This probe carries considerable risk, but if the sea route opens, the benefits would also be great."

Zhang Cheng added from the side:

"According to scattered overseas merchant rumors and fragmentary records left by the previous dynasty, Goryeo, Japan, and so on, while they admire Central Plains culture, each has a complex domestic situation. Goryeo in recent years has had dealings with both the Khitan and False Song, attitudes ambiguous; Japan, meanwhile, keeps its gates closed, but domestic demand for Tang objects—referring generally to fine Central Plains goods—is extremely strong. If we can break through, we would not only obtain overseas rarities, but also expand our dynasty's influence, potentially forming a maritime check against False Song."

Wang Ru also said:

"The Peacekeeping Bureau has already activated some hidden underground agents along the coast and in Goryeo and Japan; they will endeavor to meet the fleet and provide necessary intelligence support. The focus will be on monitoring the overseas activity scope, trade scale, and the closeness of ties between False Song merchants and local dignitaries."

Chen Wen's gaze lingered momentarily on the positions of Goryeo and Japan on the map, then swept over the vast expanse of sea representing the unknown and opportunity.

"The benefit of maritime trade lies in exchanging what each lacks, and more importantly in broadening horizons." He spoke slowly.

"Our dynasty has stood in the Central Plains for fifty years; on land we have strong enemies: to the north the Khitan, to the west various barbarians, and moreover a light curtain stretches across the western frontier, isolating False Song. Landward expansion is everywhere constrained. If we can open another path, seeking allies and resources at sea, we would gain extra room for maneuver, and even……bypass the light curtain barrier to form a pincer against False Song from the sea."

He paused, his tone turning cold.

"Moreover, False Song will not idly watch us smooth the sea route. This probe is also a casting of stones to test the waters, to see just how far their reach extends upon this shared East Sea."

He looked toward Shi Dun.

"How is the training of the newly built Peregrine Falcon warships of the navy?"

A hint of pride appeared on Shi Dun's face.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, it has initially taken shape! Although the numbers are few, the hull is more suited to naval combat, and the equipped oars and crossbow cannons have also been improved; against ordinary pirates and even those old warships of False Song, it is more than sufficient!"

"Not enough."

Chen Wen shook his head.

"The sea is vast; future enemies may far exceed what you and I can imagine. Naval construction must be a long-term state policy, with sustained investment. Tell the Ministry of Works and the Directorate of Armaments to keep researching; I want to see faster, sturdier warships and merchant ships capable of long voyages!"

"Yes!" Shi Dun solemnly obeyed the order.

Just then, Chen Wen's heart stirred slightly.

He had not deliberately cultivated his qi, but the 'Shi Yong' naturally sensed that in the direction of the boundless eastern sea, there seemed to be an extremely faint momentum bearing the meanings of 'expansion' and 'extension', quietly sprouting as that fleet set sail.

Although this thread of momentum was as weak as a candle in the wind, easily snuffed by stormy waves, the 'possibility' it represented stirred a ripple in Chen Wen's heart.

He seemed to see a thin yet tenacious thread extending from the Chen dynasty's coast, attempting to connect with the distant continent.

"Pass the order down,

Chen Wen withdrew his gaze, his tone returning to its usual steadiness.

"If any news comes back from the fleet, no matter how big or small, report it to me immediately."

"At the same time, strengthen control over the coastal prefectures, strictly guarding against False Song or Khitan spies who might take the opportunity to scout our coastal defenses' strengths and weaknesses."

"We, your servants, obey the edict!"

After the crowd withdrew, Chen Wen once again turned his gaze eastward.

The situation on land is intricate and tangled;

And this game at sea has just placed its first piece.

The probing sails have already been raised; what it will sail toward—friend or foe? Opportunity or trap?

All of this is shrouded in unknown sea mist.

But no matter what, Chen Chao's steps have already moved toward that broader expanse of heaven and earth.