Zhu Youxiao listened patiently, knowing that these were suggestions made by Shen Tingyang and others who had braved the storms and dangers. How could he not take them seriously?

After listening to Shen Tingyang's memorial, Zhu Youxiao said, "I approve everything Mr. Shen has proposed. Forget about the mound at Longshan Temple. We'll convert it into a permanent lighthouse and assign people to guard it day and night. Even if it costs a little more, it doesn't matter."

After a pause, Zhu Youxiao added, "I have ordered merchants to transport grain from Southeast Asia to Liao. They should use the deep sea, where large ships will reduce the risk. What do you think, Mr. Shen?"

Shen Tingyang thought for a moment and said, "Going through the deep sea can indeed avoid offshore reefs, but this route still needs to be planned and fixed. I think building lighthouses on some small islands is a foolproof measure."

"I agree. Shen Qing will do it." Zhu Youxiao shook his head again and said, "Shen Qing still has shipbuilding work. If he can't get away, you can recommend someone who has been testing sea transportation with you to take it on."

Shen Tingyang lowered his head in thought, a look of hesitation on his face.

"When recommending people from within, don't avoid relatives; when recommending people from outside, don't avoid enemies." Zhu Youxiao gave Shen Tingyang a reassurance at the right time, and also encouraged him, "But as for personal talent, Shen Qing doesn't need to be hesitant."

Shen Tingyang felt relieved and said, "I have a loyal servant named Shen San, who has been tossed around on the sea for more than ten years and has a wealth of experience..."

"That's him." Zhu Youxiao agreed readily and said, "Shen Qing is the director of the Maritime Transport Department, so first appoint him as an ambassador, starting from the ninth rank. Tell Shen San that if he does a good job, his rank will be promoted."

"Your Majesty, I would like to thank you for your grace on behalf of this servant." Shen Tingyang stood up and bowed in thanks.

Zhu Youxiao was in high spirits and talked with Shen Tingyang about sea transportation for half a day. He asked him to go back and write a detailed proposal, and then Shen Tingyang took his leave.

Another great thing is about to be accomplished. The young emperor paced in the palace, feeling happy.

The mirror sales were basically arranged, all through agency sales. Although the profit was less, it was less troublesome and the shipment volume was guaranteed.

It is not impossible to have a monopoly on the market, but the manpower required for publicity and the time required to open up various sales channels are not what Zhu Youxiao wants.

Just based on the cost of producing the mirror, selling it for over a thousand taels of silver is already a huge profit. You eat the meat yourself, but you don't let others have some soup?

Moreover, using the supply amount as a bargaining chip and the defined standard of "righteous merchants" greatly reduced the freight rates and losses of transporting grain and salaries to Liao.

This was not really a trick using the term "righteous businessmen" to deceive people, but rather a prelude to Zhu Youxiao's real move against some unscrupulous and bad businessmen.

Walking to the sand table, the young emperor's attention was involuntarily focused on Liaodong.

Even if the new army cannot win a decisive victory in its first battle after its establishment, it will not suffer a heavy defeat, right?

While the young emperor was circling the sand table from time to time, anxiously waiting for the battle report from Liaodong, the fierce battle around Port Arthur was in full swing.

The Bordered Blue Banner led by Amin, as well as some Mongolian and Han troops, were intercepted and blocked by the Ming army at Dahei Mountain.

Relying on the mountains, forests and fortifications, the Ming army inflicted certain blows on the enemy on both sides of the highway near Beisha City, and then quickly retreated.

Hundreds of people were killed or wounded, but for Amin and his men, this loss was nothing. Although the Ming army's muskets were very sharp and not inferior to bows and arrows, it did not make the Jiannu too vigilant.

Of course, Amin had rich experience in warfare. He left three thousand elite soldiers at Nanguan to ensure the safety of the rear route before marching south to Lushun Fort.

When Amin and his companions saw the defensive arrangement of Port Arthur, they were surprised and amazed. This was a completely unexpected and unprecedented defensive posture.

"How brave!" Zaisanggu is the son of Shuerhaci, the old slave's half-brother, and also the old slave's nephew. Seeing the enemy's posture, he couldn't help laughing.

Amin also laughed, raised his whip and pointed, saying, "You are really brave to fight outside the city."

Jirgalang was the sixth son of Shulhaci and the younger brother of Amin and Zaisanggu. Unlike his two brothers, he was a relatively low-key person. He was raised by Nurhaci and was very close to the emperor's sons, including Huang Taiji.

Jirgalang did not agree with the ridicule of his two elder brothers.

Something must be wrong when things are out of the ordinary. Although he did not see how powerful the Ming army's formation was, he still said cautiously: "My two brothers, the Ming army dares to arrange it like this. There may be some conspiracy or trickery. It is better to be careful."

Zaisanggu chuckled, but didn't blame his usually weak brother. He said, "Sixth brother is right. Let's let the Han army attack for a while. We'll see how powerful the Ming army is."

After a pause, Zaisanggu smirked and said, "I will send five more Niulu to hold back. If there is an opportunity, we will launch a fierce attack."