Chapter 215: The Merchant Fleet Sets Sail

The eleventh year of Hongwu, the eighth day of the sixth month.

Dawn was just breaking, and the Long River dock outside Yingtian Prefecture was already bustling.

Dozens of large ships were tightly packed at the dock; the biggest was the improved steamship "Hongwu," its hull lengthened since its launch three years ago, iron plates sheathing both sides of the hull, and its paddle wheel taller than a person.

Beside it were a dozen Fortune Ships and several newly built cargo vessels, their hulls wide and deep‑draft, clearly meant for freight.

Indeed, steam engines could now be applied to large ships, and with plastic, many problems were solved.

People came and went on the dock; laborers carried burlap sacks onto the ships—porcelain, silk, tea, white sugar, and boxes of farming tools.

Officials of the Ministry of Revenue stood by the gangway with the Account Book, checking each item, sweat beads constantly dripping from their foreheads.

Zhu Yong stood on the high platform by the dock, followed by Wang Gui, Zhang Wu and Chen Heng.

He wore a blue ordinary robe, with no hammer at his waist; today he was sending the fleet out to sea, not to war.

"Prince, this is the third batch, right?" Wang Gui asked beside him.

Zhu Yong nodded: "The first two batches were scouting; this time it's a proper merchant convoy—twenty ships, six thousand people, carrying over a million jin of goods."

Wang Gui clicked his tongue: "Over a million jin… how much will we have to exchange for when it returns?"

"The more, the better," Zhu Yong said earnestly. "Big brother said the South Sea has cheap grain; one ship's cargo can be exchanged for ten ships of rice, enough for Yingtian Prefecture for half a year."

As he spoke, the sound of horse hooves came from afar.

Zhu Yong turned and saw Zhu Biao riding in with men, followed by Xu Da, Li Wenzhong, and several officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War.

"Big brother." Zhu Yong greeted him.

Zhu Biao dismounted, walked to the platform, looked at the bustling scene on the dock, and his eyes sparkled.

"Second brother, once this fleet sets sail, Great Ming's grain stores will be secure," Zhu Biao said softly.

Zhu Yong nodded: "The South Sea yields three harvests a year; rice never runs out. Trading porcelain and silk is more profitable than farming."

Zhu Biao smiled and said nothing more.

He recalled that a few days earlier, when discussing this with his second brother, the latter had produced the World Map, marking Champa, Siam, Java, and other places—some he had heard of, some he hadn't.

But the second brother said those regions had cheap grain, which could be exchanged.

He believed him.

The Ministry of Revenue calculated that a ship's load of porcelain and silk sent to the South Sea could be exchanged for grain worth five times the cost.

If brought back to Great Ming and sold, the profit could double again.

That is a trade with no capital outlay.

"Prince, the fleet is ready," the Assistant Minister of Revenue reported.

Zhu Biao nodded, looked at Zhu Yong and said, "Second brother, will you say a few words to them?"

Zhu Yong chuckled, "I'm not good at speaking; big brother, you speak."

Zhu Biao did not decline, stepped to the edge of the platform, gazed at the busy crowd and the ready‑to‑depart fleet, and proclaimed loudly, "Everyone, today Great Ming's fleet sails to the South Sea—not for war, but for trade. This commercial route will become Great Ming's lifeline.

You take out porcelain and silk; you bring back grain and spices. One out, one in, and Great Ming gains a mouthful of grain, sparing the people a bout of hunger."

He paused, then continued, "Prince Wu and I will wait in Yingtian for your safe return; when you come back, I will personally host a celebratory wine!"

Cheers erupted across the dock.

Zhu Biao waved his hand, signaling departure.

Huge sails rose slowly, the steamship began to emit smoke, the paddle wheel turned gradually, churning white froth.

Over twenty large ships left the dock one after another, following the Yangtze eastward toward the boundless sea.

Zhu Yong and Zhu Biao stood on the platform, watching the fleet shrink into tiny black dots until it vanished on the horizon.

"Second brother, do you think this fleet will succeed?" Zhu Biao asked.

"It will. The people of the South Sea have never seen such fine porcelain or such light silk; they will surely trade." Zhu Yong affirmed.

Zhu Biao nodded and said nothing further.

After standing for a long while, he turned and said, "Let's go, report back to Imperial Father."

…

In Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yuanzhang was reviewing the Memorandum.

Seeing his two sons enter, he set down his brush and asked, "Has the fleet departed?"

"It has, Father—twenty large ships, six thousand men and horses, over a million jin of cargo, everything went smoothly," Zhu Biao replied.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, leaned back in his chair, and let out a long sigh.

"Good, Great Ming's ships can finally go to sea. Yong Er, this idea was yours; you told your big brother that the South Sea has abundant grain, right?"

He looked at Zhu Yong and asked.

Zhu Yong smiled, "Father, the South Sea yields three harvests a year; rice never runs out. If we trade goods, the grain we bring back will feed Yingtian Prefecture for a year."

Zhu Yuanzhang said thoughtfully, "I recall you mentioned the South Sea also has spices, gems, and such?"

"Yes, once the fleet is established, we can open more trade routes—not just to the South Sea, but farther away." Zhu Yong replied.

A flash of light crossed Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes as he said, "Farther places… you mean that… Europa?"

Zhu Yong nodded, "Yes, the places drawn on the map all have good goods—Europa's gold and silver, the Western Regions' gems, overseas spices, all tradable."

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

"Biao Er, Yong Er, do you know what we're thinking?"

The two brothers exchanged a glance and shook their heads.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood, walked to the window, and gazed at the sky outside.

"When we were young, starving on the road, we only wished for a full meal. Later, as emperor, I thought feeding the world was enough.

But after seeing Yong Er's map, I realized the world is vast and there's so much we can do."

He turned, looked at his two sons and continued, "Biao Er, you are the Crown Prince; the empire will be yours. Yong Er, you are Prince Wu, Great Ming's sharpest blade. I'm old now; perhaps I won't live to see the fleet reach Europa."

But you are still young; you can wait.

Zhu Biao, his eyes slightly reddened, said, "Father…"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, cutting him off, "Alright, stop this. Biao, your second brother's idea is good; from now on follow this approach. Keep an eye on the Ministry of Revenue, build more ships each year, and dispatch more merchant caravans."

Store the grain you earn, and save it for years of famine.

"Your servant understands," Zhu Biao said solemnly.

…

Leaving Qianqing Palace, the sky was already near noon.

Zhu Biao said to Zhu Yong, "Second brother, go to the Eastern Palace for a meal; your sister‑in‑law said she stewed lamb today."

Zhu Yong shook his head, "Elder brother, I have to go to my uncle's place; Liu Chun said Uncle has gotten better these past few days, and I want to see."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Alright, go first and give my regards to Uncle for me."

The two brothers went their separate ways.

Zhu Yong led Wang Gui and a few others on horseback toward Cao Guo Gong Fu.

…

Cao Guo Gong Fu.

Li Zhen was sitting on a lounge chair in the courtyard, basking in the sun.

The June sunshine was warm, making everyone feel comfortable.

The old man closed his eyes, a serene smile on his face.

Next to him stood Li Wenzhong, along with a few maidservants.

"Uncle," Zhu Yong entered the courtyard, calling out naively.

Li Zhen opened his eyes, saw Zhu Yong, and immediately laughed, "Yong Er, you're here, sit quickly."

Zhu Yong walked over, sat on the stone bench beside him, and examined Li Zhen closely.

The old man's complexion was much better than three months ago; his face had color, and his eyes were lively.

"Uncle, you look really healthy," Zhu Yong said sincerely.

Li Zhen laughed, "Thanks to Imperial Physician Liu and your concern, this life of ours was rescued."

Li Wenzhong said beside him, "King Wu, thanks to you being there that day; my father kept muttering that you saved him."

Zhu Yong scratched his head, "I did nothing; it's Imperial Physician Liu's merit."

Li Zhen smiled, shook his head, and said nothing more.

He knew what happened that day and also knew what the child intended to pry.

But he didn't expose it.

Some matters only need to be understood in the heart.

After chatting with Li Zhen for a while, Zhu Yong went to see Liu Chun again and asked about the follow‑up treatment plan.

Liu Chun said that if he recuperates another half‑year, Li Zhen will return to seventy‑to‑eighty percent of his pre‑illness state.

Only then did Zhu Yong feel relieved.

…

Leaving Cao Guo Gong Fu, it was already Shen Hour.

Zhu Yong rode his horse slowly toward Wu Wang Fu.

When passing the Eastern Palace, he thought for a moment and turned back inside.

Inside the Eastern Palace, Zhu Biao was reviewing documents in the study.

Chang Wan sat nearby doing needlework, while Zhu Xiongying lay on the floor playing with a small wooden hammer that Zhu Yong had made for him, modeled after the drum‑vessel golden hammer, weighing only two jin, intended for his nephew to practice strength.

"Second Uncle!" Seeing Zhu Yong come in, Zhu Xiongying dropped the wooden hammer and rushed over.

Zhu Yong scooped him up with a grin, "Xiongying, you've grown taller."

"Second Uncle, I can lift the hammer now! I practice every day; I can lift it a hundred times!" Zhu Xiongying said proudly.

"Good, good, training with the hammer must be gradual; don't rush. When you can lift it a thousand times, Second Uncle will teach you the true technique," Zhu Yong said, setting him down and squatting earnestly.

Zhu Xiongying nodded vigorously, "Hmm!"

Chang Wan smiled, putting down her needlework, "Second brother is here, just in time; the meal is almost ready, stay and eat."

Zhu Yong nodded, "Thank you, sister‑in‑law."

…

On the dining table, a steaming lamb pot sat in the middle.

Zhu Biao, Zhu Yong, Chang Wan, and Zhu Xiongying sat together, while the newly walking Zhu Wenwen sat in a baby chair beside them, her little hand scooping porridge with a spoon, smearing it all over her face.

Chang Wan, wiping her daughter's mouth, asked, "Second brother, why didn't Guanyin Nu come?"

Zhu Yong replied, "She is in the residence looking after Qiong Jiong; that kid has been quite rowdy lately and insists on coming out."

Zhu Biao couldn't help laughing, "That kid Qiong Jiong is even more mischievous than Xiongying was as a child."

"Indeed, he's also strong; last time he smashed the wet nurse's bowl," Zhu Yong said with a grin.

Talking about the children lightened the atmosphere.

Zhu Xiongying, his mouth greasy from eating, still asked, "Second Uncle, when can I learn the Hammer Technique from you?"

Zhu Yong thought for a moment and said, "When you grow a bit more, first strengthen your power; don't rush."

Zhu Xiongying pouted, but didn't cause any more trouble.

After the meal, the sky had already darkened.

Zhu Yong rose to take his leave, and Zhu Biao escorted him to the doorway.

"Second brother, what do you think of Imperial Father's words today?" Zhu Biao suddenly asked.

Zhu Yong was startled for a moment, then immediately understood what the elder brother was asking.

"Father thinks far ahead; South Sea is only the first step, and there are many more places later. Elder brother, perhaps our generation will truly see the Great Ming fleet reach Europe," Zhu Yong said after thinking.

Zhu Biao nodded, looked at his younger brother's simple face, and suddenly smiled.

"Second brother, elder brother sometimes really can't see through you."

"What can't you see through?"

"You say you're simple, but the things you understand are more than anyone's—whether it's the steam engine, maps, or trade routes, they're all your ideas.

Elder brother sometimes wonders if you were sent by Heaven to help Great Ming," Zhu Biao said softly.

Zhu Yong scratched his head and said simply, "Elder brother, I was just daydreaming; an old man in a dream taught me."

Zhu Biao smiled, patted his shoulder and said, "Alright, go back! Send my regards to Guanyin Nu and Qiong Jiong."

…

Zhu Yong rode back to Wu Wang Fu.

The mansion was brightly lit, and Guanyin Nu was waiting for him in the hall.

On the nearby cradle, the one-and-a-half-year-old Zhu Qiong Jiong was sleeping soundly, his little hand clenched into a fist, with drool at the corner of his mouth.

"Back already? How's Uncle on that side?" Guanyin Nu said, standing up.

"Much better. Liu Chun said that after another six months of care, he'll recover to about seventy or eighty percent of his pre-illness state," Zhu Yong said after sitting down.

Guanyin Nu exhaled in relief and said, "That's good."

She poured Zhu Yong a cup of tea and added, "By the way, the Ministry of Works has brought the steam engine you requested; they said they'll come tomorrow to install it on that little carriage."

Zhu Yong's eyes lit up as he said, "It's been delivered; where should we put it..."

"Just store it in the warehouse. Hu Bo knows it's what you want, so he's cherishing it! No one is allowed to touch it, not even Huan Huan if he wants to."

Zhu Yong couldn't help but chuckle at the words.

If they truly manage to build the carriage, and let those craftsmen continue their research, someday he will surely drive a future-era carriage.

However, this road hasn't been finished yet—how exactly is cement made again...

Zhu Yong fell into thought.

"By the way, Third brother Zhu Shuang has sent a letter," Guanyin Nu said again.

"Lao San, what did he say?"

Guanyin Nu handed over a letter and said, "He says he's bored staying in Xi'an and wants to return to the capital to take a look."

Zhu Yong took the letter and skimmed it roughly.

Zhu Shuang's letter was scribbled crookedly; in essence, he said he has been garrisoning Xi'an for three years and wishes to return to see Imperial Father, Imperial Mother, Second Prince and his wife, and his nephew and niece.

At the end of the letter he added, "Second Prince, I promise not to cause trouble; please tell Elder brother."

That fellow had only just returned for the New Year, and already wants to come back again.

Zhu Yong smiled.

That Lao San had been mischievous since childhood and had been slapped on the palm several times.

Now he's in his twenties, yet still the same character.

"Alright, tomorrow I'll talk to Elder brother," Zhu Yong put the letter away.

…

Night was deepening.

Zhu Yong and Guanyin Nu returned to the bedroom, and the cradle was moved beside it.

Zhu Qiong Jiong slept soundly, his little belly rising and falling.

Guanyin Nu looked at her son and said softly, "Brother Zhu Yong, do you think this child will be like you in the future?"

Zhu Yong thought for a moment and said, "I don't know either. But I hope he won't be as simple as I am."

Guanyin Nu laughed, "Simple is good; simple people have simple blessings."

Zhu Yong also smiled, reaching out to grasp his wife's hand.

Moonlight streamed in through the window, illuminating the three of them.

In the distance, the rolling sound of the Yangtze River drifted faintly, as if narrating something.