Let you play a corrupt official, are you saying you want to make progress? - Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Zheng He’s Notes on the Western Voyage

“Qin Xuan, what are your thoughts on this?” Wang Zhi inquired.

“Just embarking on a western journey is undoubtedly a positive move. It can boost commerce, which is a lucrative venture,” Qin Xuan replied vaguely, as he wasn’t certain about Wang Zhi’s standpoint.

“You make a valid point. International trade is inherently profitable. But do you know why many people were against continuing the Western Voyages during the Yongle era?” Wang Zhi continued.

“Well, I may not fully grasp it, but I do know that when a group of officials collectively opposes something, it’s either because it threatens their interests or the interests of the common people,” Qin Xuan replied vaguely. Still, he was confident Wang Zhi understood his meaning.

“Yes, the Ministry of Revenue will strongly oppose this matter. After all, when the Emperor embarks on the Western Voyage, the ships that are built can only be used by the guards appointed by the Emperor,” Wang Zhi explained leisurely.

Inside the broadcasting studio, the audience was once again puzzled, feeling that the content of this discussion remained quite profound.

Professor Yang had some understanding of the topic. However, the female leader was still confused. She asked, “Professor Yang, can one make money from the Western Voyages?”

“Indeed, it’s recorded in historical texts that Emperor Yongle’s motives for the Western Voyages were to display his wealth and to seek Emperor Zhu Yunwen.”

“However, this explanation doesn’t hold water in historical research. Speaking of displaying wealth, who would display their wealth for so many years? As for seeking Emperor Zhu Yunwen, that’s even more untenable. When searching for someone, who would do it so openly? The purpose of the Western Voyages was for trade and to exert control over neighboring countries,” Professor Yang explained to the audience.

“If it’s a money-making venture, why do so many people oppose it?” The female leader was still a bit confused. After all, making money was something most people supported.

“Xiaoyan, imagine if there were ten buildings in the station, and if we were to rent out these buildings, it would bring in a substantial profit.”

“However, these buildings are under your care regularly. Then, suddenly, I say that we plan to rent out these buildings, thus revoking your guardianship. Would you be willing?” The station manager asked with a cheerful smile.

He had been researching Ming Dynasty history for a while and had discovered many interesting things.

“Of course, I wouldn’t be willing. If they were in my hands, I could create even greater profits,” the female leader replied confidently.

After saying this, she understood the analogy.

“Station manager, are you implying…?” The female leader said in surprise. She hadn’t expected the situation to be like this.

“I was just offering a hypothesis, a kind of amusement. After all, I’m not an expert. To understand the principle, we’ll have to wait for archaeological research!” The station manager shook his head and didn’t want to discuss this topic further.

After all, there was no definitive conclusion regarding this matter, and there were too many uncertainties. Meanwhile, Qin Xuan was still in conversation with Wang Zhi.

Now he understood Wang Zhi’s intention. “Mentor, do you suggest supporting the Emperor’s Western Voyages?”

“Of course. The Emperor has just ascended to the throne, and his foundation is not yet stable. He needs our support. However, the Minister of Revenue is strongly opposed,” Wang Zhi expressed his thoughts openly.

Qin Xuan got it. Wang Zhi’s intent was simple: the Minister of Revenue would oppose, but Wang Zhi wanted to support the Emperor’s Western Voyages.

“Everyone has their businesses. Some people operate on land, and some on the sea. Naturally, we’d like to lend our support,” Wang Zhi continued to explain.

“Understood, Mentor, but I’m sure this matter isn’t as simple as it appears, right?” Qin Xuan began to inquire. He knew that this matter couldn’t be so straightforward.

“Well, you’re right. There are those within the court who oppose maritime expeditions. Besides, sea travel is highly dangerous. Zheng He’s navigation maps and notes from that time were essential, yet they were somehow lost.”

Upon hearing Wang Zhi’s words, Qin Xuan frowned. Indeed, during the Chenghua era, these valuable items were lost.

“Is Mentor suggesting that we should retrieve Zheng He’s notes? But this cannot be achieved through human effort,” Qin Xuan responded directly. While he knew he couldn’t simply produce the notes.

Wang Zhi shook his head, “Of course, I know it’s not possible. But since you managed to modify the Suifa gun, can’t you also modify ships? In reality, nautical charts are of little practical importance, mainly to silence certain individuals.”

Wang Zhi understood this very well. Nautical charts served the purpose of silencing critics and ensuring that no one could refuse.

“I see. Mentor, I won’t hide it from you. I have thoughts about it. But by doing this, aren’t we providing a convenient excuse for the Emperor?” Qin Xuan raised his concern.

“Haha, I think the Emperor will take that into account. Rest assured, if we can successfully set sail, the benefits will be endless,” Wang Zhi assured Qin Xuan, showing no displeasure at his question. Instead, he considered it a natural query.

If Qin Xuan didn’t want something, Wang Zhi felt uneasy! People always have needs. They pursue their interests if they’re not after money. People found this conversation challenging to understand, feeling too profound. On the stage, Qin Xuan sketched a sea chart based on his memories. After all, Zheng He’s content was already stored in his mind, and bringing it out wasn’t difficult.

Finally, he had drawn a rough route. While it appeared rough, the details on it were incredibly precise. Each point was marked with detailed descriptions of the local customs and culture.

This chart wasn’t overly complex but a treasure to those who understood it. As long as the other party was knowledgeable, they would immediately recognize that Qin Xuan had seen Zheng He’s notes.

“Mentor, please take a look. Is this substantial enough?” Qin Xuan handed the sea chart he had drawn to Wang Zhi.

Wang Zhi glanced at it, and his body trembled slightly. “Qin Xuan, have you seen Zheng He’s notes?” Wang Zhi widened his eyes, full of astonishment.

This was the first time he had been deeply moved since getting to know Qin Xuan.

Wang Zhi couldn’t blame Qin Xuan for his emotional reaction. After all, how could someone as young as Qin Xuan obtain Zheng He’s notes?

“Mentor, whether I’ve seen it or not, is unimportant. What matters is making the Emperor and the court believe that someone has seen it!” Qin Xuan replied confidently.

Wang Zhi was indeed discerning. “Right, you’re absolutely right. It’s all about making others believe it.” He quickly put away the sea chart.

Qin Xuan likely hadn’t seen the notes, and this chart might have been deduced from the collective knowledge passed down through generations. Qin Xuan’s abilities couldn’t be explained by conventional reasoning. After all, a person who could develop the Suifa gun was capable of extraordinary feats.