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The governor’s mansion was silent.
Yue Yun’s question drew all eyes to Xiao Ming. After the northern campaign, was Qingzhou preparing for another war? And what was the purpose?
“That’s right! the navy will fight, for sea power!”
Xiao Ming’s words struck hard. He knew the generals had no real concept of maritime rights, which was why China’s navy had fallen behind.
For centuries, land power shaped civilization, and enemies came from the north. It was only after Western cannon and huge ships breached the gates centuries later that people woke up but it was too late.
“Sea power?” Pang Yu Kun and Niu Ben looked puzzled. Niu Ben said, “Your Highness, Great Yu Empire’s enemy is the barbarians in the north. We should continue the northern campaign until they submit.”
“General Niu’s words are reasonable. I hope Your Highness will reconsider,” Pang Yu Kun agreed.
Xiao Ming expected opposition when planning this, but he was determined. Without maritime trade, Qingzhou couldn’t rapidly build wealth.
“War costs money. Without food and bullets, how can we keep fighting north? Don’t forget, the barbarians lost few troops last time. Invading their lands now is like breaking eggs against rocks. Plus, two recent wars with them drained troops and hurt Qingzhou’s growth. This sea power fight aims to open southern trade routes to ease Qingzhou’s development,” Xiao Ming said firmly.
In history, Emperor Wu of Han spent all the treasury defeating the Xiongnu.
Similarly, even if Great Yu Empire spent everything fighting barbarians now, it would be a costly stalemate especially with Xiao Ming’s current resources.
After recent victory, the army was restless; he wanted to cool that down.
Mentioning money, Pang Yu Kun and Niu Ben grew silent—they knew Qingzhou’s army was funded by silver; without it, nothing worked.
Zhan Xingchang thought over Xiao Ming’s idea and agreed, “Your Highness is right. The Emperor has no will to campaign north, and other princes won’t cooperate. Deep grassland incursions alone are unwise. For now, defense against barbarians is best. After building a strong army and finances, we can campaign north.”
Everyone nodded. Pang Yu Kun and Niu Ben finally realized development must take priority.
Yue Yun was displeased with their narrow view. “Do you really think Great Yu Empire is still the world’s center? Ridiculous! Foreign ships roam our seas. You only care about land, but we’ve lost vast maritime territories. Without sea trade, how do we get potatoes, chili peppers, or corn?”
The governor’s mansion fell silent. Yue Yun’s words made everyone reflect. Before, their eyes only saw northern barbarians, but now they understood many nations spread across the world.
Seeing their thoughtful faces, Xiao Ming nodded inside. He wanted to change old ideas because the future belonged to sea powers. Once he amassed capital and upgraded weapons, the northern barbarians would be easy to beat.
Having set the tone for naval strengthening and development, Xiao Ming asked about Bowen Academy’s progress.
According to Lin Wentao, the academy recently recruited more students, expanding departments. He and Lu Tong created a list of technologies to research next.
“Your Highness, here is the list of planned experiments,” Lin Wentao handed Xiao Ming a paper.
Scanning the list, Xiao Ming was pleased. It showed future scientific research in order from simple to complex—basic industrial tech all prepared well.
“Excellent. Use the labs fully and boldly research. The governor’s office will fund you. Outstanding individuals may even apply for personal research funds.”
Lin Wentao and Lu Tong smiled, ready to share the good news with students.
After academy matters, Xiao Ming asked about Qingzhou’s governance.
Pang Yu Kun said, “I have selected officials to Youzhou. Its government is now established. The pastures given to Cao Zhengyang, Ding Wu, and Dai Zixing have been handed over. They’re buying colts for grazing. The merchants’ guild sent representatives to co-manage the pastures.”
He paused and took out an account book. “Though this year’s two grain harvests declined, many households still have surplus. The government bought two million shi of wheat this year. Because of plenty of grain, prices in Qingzhou have dropped.”
“Good. That means people sell their leftover grain,” Xiao Ming said.
Pang Yu Kun sighed. “But low grain prices hurt farmers. Many want to sell to the government, but warehouses can’t keep up. The two million shi storage is maxed out.”
Xiao Ming chuckled, “Don’t worry, that’s good for me. Before, grain shortages meant no brewing. Now with excess grain, we’ll buy it to brew wine, then sell it domestically, to Korea, Japan, even Southeast Asia.”
“That’s a brilliant idea,” Pang Yu Kun laughed heartily.
Yue Yun rolled his eyes, “Pirates plague the seas. This business won’t be easy.”
“Then you navy must clear those sea bandits,” Pang Yu Kun replied, suddenly feeling tricked. He realized Yue Yun had baited him after opposing overseas naval wars.
Yue Yun laughed loudly seeing Pang Yu Kun’s expression.
Xiao Ming smiled wryly and continued, “Also, barbarians love alcohol. When I was in Chang’an, I heard Shanxi merchants bought guild wine at high prices to sell to barbarians. We won’t let them have that bargain. We’ll trade wine for furs and maybe make leather boots for every Qingzhou soldier.”