Chapter 449

Chen Dynasty, Haizhou Port.

The morning sea mist had not yet fully dissipated, like a light gauze enveloping this increasingly busy bay.

The salty sea wind carried its distinctive fishy smell, blowing over the port's forest of masts and the waiting crowd.

"They're back! They're back!"

On the lookout tower, signalmen vigorously waved signal flags, letting out hoarse shouts that broke the port's tranquility.

The crowd instantly stirred.

Everyone's gaze turned to the misty horizon.

Gradually, several blurred black dots pierced the mist, their outlines becoming ever clearer.

It was the Chen Dynasty-licensed maritime trade fleet that had set sail eastward several months ago!

On the bridge of the leading 'Breaking Waves' ship, the ship's captain Chen Hai's bronzed face was etched with wind and frost, but his eyes shone bright as stars, fixed intently on the ever-approaching hometown harbor, his chest heaving violently.

Behind him, the sailors could no longer contain their excitement, rushing to the railings and waving vigorously toward the harbor, letting out cheers mixed with sobs and wild joy.

"We're home! We're back!"

On the shore, the Ministry of Works officials, Maritime Trade Bureau clerks, and merchant representatives who had gotten the news and were waiting early all craned their necks, looking forward eagerly.

When the fleet slowly sailed into the harbor and dropped its heavy iron anchor, people finally got a clear look at these returning voyagers.

The hulls were covered in deep and shallow scrapes and marks of seawater corrosion, the sails looked worn, yet each ship sat deep in the water—this was the most direct proof of their full return!

The gangway was set up on the dock; Chen Hai was the first to set foot on solid ground, his steps even somewhat unsteady.

He drew a deep breath of air scented with his homeland, then turned to the welcoming officials, clasped his fists and bowed, his voice hoarse from excitement:

"Report to all officials! The Chen Dynasty-licensed maritime trade fleet, acting on imperial orders to sail to the Eastern Sea nations, has now returned! All 376 members of the fleet have come back safe and sound!"

Good! Good! Hard work!

A Ministry of Works Secretary, also one of the main officials in charge of this maritime trade affair, stepped forward quickly, firmly helped Chen Hai up, his face full of exhilaration.

"The captain and all the brave warriors have rendered great service! Hurry, rest first—His Majesty will surely bestow great rewards!"

After the brief welcoming ceremony, the unloading and inventory work swiftly began.

Crate after crate, bundle after bundle of goods from Goryeo and Japan were carefully unloaded from the ship.

Lustrous Goryeo celadon;

Sturdy Japanese wakizashi and exquisite lacquerware;

Precious timber exuding an exotic fragrance;

And large quantities of plant materials used for medicine and dye...

Diverse goods piled up in the dock's designated warehouse area, eliciting gasps of amazement.

However, more important than these material goods was the maritime log and record of observations that Chen Hai personally presented, tightly wrapped in waterproof oilcloth.

A quiet chamber in a separate villa.

Chen Wen carefully perused the copy of the observations that Chen Hai had brought back.

Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and Zhao Lao Nian, etc., the core guardians, were all seated, expressions focused.

"……The Goryeo court treated us quite courteously, yet its state is small and weak, squeezed between the Khitan, Jurchen, our dynasty, and the False Song, so it acts cautiously."

Its country also produces copper and iron, but the smelting technique is crude, far inferior to our dynasty.

The ginseng, sable pelts, and sea‑eastern gyrfalcon it produces are indeed top‑grade.

Chen Wen softly read the key passage.

When Zhao Lao Nian heard that the smelting technique was crude, his eyes lit up slightly, but he did not speak.

Chen Wen continued turning pages, his gaze falling on the subsequent records about Japan.

"... In Wa (Japan), the feudal lords are divided; the so‑called 'Emperor' is a mere figurehead, with real power lying in the hands of the 'Kampaku' and the 'Shogun'."

Its people are brave and warlike, skilled at forging swords, yet though the country has many silver mines, it lacks refining methods, often trading in raw silver or sand gold.

Its country is both curious and wary of overseas affairs.

Shi Dun, upon hearing 'brave and warlike, skilled at forging swords,' raised his eyebrows slightly, evidently noting this information.

When Chen Wen turned to the records about sea routes and geography, everyone held their breath and focused intently.

"... Setting out from Hai Prefecture, relying on the monsoon and currents, under favorable conditions it takes about twenty‑plus days to reach the western coast of Goryeo."

"... Continuing east from Busan Port at the southern tip of Goryeo, crossing the Tsushima Strait, encountering headwinds and waves, it takes about ten‑plus days to reach Hakuho Port in Hizen Province, Kyushu, Japan."

Although this sea route is perilous, the main channels, reefs, and sheltered harbors have been surveyed, and nautical charts have been drawn.

The sea route is viable!

The last four words, Chen Wen read them with especial clarity and force.

In the quiet room, a chorus of relieved sighs immediately rose.

The sea route being viable means that the Chen dynasty now has an external passage not limited by the land's light curtain!

The significance is extraordinary!

Good! Great!

Zhang Cheng clapped his hands and laughed.

Now that the sea route is open, our dynasty can directly trade with the eastern sea nations, obtain needed materials, and thereby learn about foreign customs and broaden our horizons!

No longer must we be completely limited by that western barrier!

However, Chen Wen's brows slightly furrowed as he turned to the last few pages of the account.

There are recorded some unpleasant yet equally important information.

"... In the Goryeo capital (Gaegyeong) and the Hakata port of Japan, merchant ships flying the False Song flag were seen."

Their vessels are somewhat smaller, more ornately decorated, often exchanging silk, porcelain, and books for local specialties.

False Song merchants are quite active, maintaining close ties with local wealthy merchants and even some nobles.

"According to a low-ranking Goryeo official who let it slip after drinking, False Song merchants had once probed him for information on our dynasty's maritime regulations, armaments, and types of trade goods..."

Upon reading this, the atmosphere in the quiet room subtly tightened.

"The False Song's reach is not short either."

Qian Gui let out a cold snort.

"They are also actively expanding maritime trade."

Wang Ru keenly grasped the key point:

"Moreover, they are intentionally gathering information about our situation."

"It seems that even though separated by the light curtain and the vast ocean, this invisible competition has already begun."

Shi Dun crossed his arms:

"The strength of the False Song's navy is unknown, but since their merchant ships can reach Goryeo and Japan, their seafaring capability cannot be underestimated."

"In the future, on this vast sea, friction is bound to arise."

Zhao Lao Nian, meanwhile, paid more attention to the technical aspect:

"False Song merchant ships are ornately decorated? Hmph, all show and no substance."

"Our sea vessels were built by the Ministry of Works using the new keel and watertight bulkhead techniques directed by the ruler, making them sturdier and more resistant to wind and waves."

"Next time we go to sea, we can try equipping improved 'whirlwind crossbows' and small catapults to ensure route safety."

Chen Wen lowered the manuscript he was holding and glanced over everyone.

"The opening of the sea route is indeed great news."

"This means we have gained a lifeline—a window to the real outside world through a 'script world' that bypasses the Iron Crow Army's direct control."

"But the movements of False Song also serve as a warning to us."

"The competition at sea has already surfaced."

He stood up and walked to the newly added simple Hai Dong map hanging on the wall.

"Issue the order: all proceeds from this maritime trade, aside from necessary expenses, will be used to expand the shipyard and build larger, sturdier vessels more suited for long voyages—ships that serve both war and commerce!"

"The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War will jointly draft a new naval tactics code to strengthen maritime patrol and escort forces."

"Regarding Goryeo and Japan, we will continue the friendly trade policy, but at the same time we must covertly support forces loyal to our dynasty, gather more intelligence, especially detailed information on False Song's activities there."

His finger pointed to the expansive blue region on the map.

"This sea will become the new battlefield where we contend with False Song, and even with the Iron Crow Army."

"We must absolutely not fall behind!"

"We, your servants, obey your command!"

The crowd responded in unison, their eyes flashing with exhilaration and resolve.

Guests from Hai Dong brought hope, and also new challenges.

The Chen dynasty's gaze will henceforth be turned more toward this boundless blue.