In the imperial court, the faces of all the civil and military officials could not hide their excitement.

Zhu Shi, the Minister of Revenue, held a memorial in his hand and reported in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, the goods brought back by the merchant caravan on this voyage have been calculated to be worth approximately 20 million taels of silver. If sold at market price, the profit would be even more considerable."

The caravan has paid 40% of the required taxes, half of which was distributed among the crew and soldiers, leaving the imperial court with 20%.

As soon as he finished speaking, a chorus of exclamations erupted in the hall.

More than 20 million taels of silver, even when discounted, is enough to offset several years of tax revenue for the imperial court.

Some veteran officials who had originally opposed going to sea were now forced to acknowledge the benefits of this move.

“Your Majesty is wise!” An elderly official stepped forward shakily, cupped his hands and said, “This old minister had many doubts before, but now it seems that this overseas trade is indeed a beneficial move for the country and the people. I wonder when we can go to sea again next time, and perhaps recruit more caravans.”

As soon as he said this, voices of agreement arose everywhere.

Many officials stepped forward, speaking with great enthusiasm: "My family's nephews and nieces are also in the porcelain business!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to fund the purchase of a ship and accompany the imperial fleet!" The imperial court became as lively as a marketplace.

Emperor Yongzheng sat high on the dragon throne, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd.

After the murmurs subsided, he slowly spoke: "I am greatly pleased by the high spirits of my subjects. However—"

His tone shifted, and his voice suddenly turned cold and stern: "You have all heard the news that Eighth Brother brought back from this voyage."

The Western nations possess powerful ships and cannons, their firearms far surpassing those of our dynasty. If we rashly invite wolves into our home, the consequences will be unimaginable.

The hall fell silent instantly.

Minister of War Li Xianfu stepped forward and solemnly said, “What Your Majesty says is absolutely right. Westerners are ambitious, and if they knew the true strength of our Great Qing, they might covet it.”

Emperor Yongzheng nodded slightly and continued, "I will not prohibit merchant fleets from going to sea. Anyone with the ability can organize their own fleet, and the court can also send troops to escort them."

However, a large-scale voyage like the last one can only be undertaken after our navy has become strong. Otherwise, not only will our wealth be in danger, but we may also invite foreign invasion.

The ministers looked at each other, feeling unwilling, but they also understood that the emperor's considerations were far-reaching.

Li Xianfu pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the most urgent task is to imitate Western firearms and improve warships. I request that more silver be allocated to expedite the research and development."

Yongzheng's gaze sharpened, and he said in a deep voice, "Approved. The Ministry of Revenue shall immediately allocate 500,000 taels of silver specifically for the research and development of firearms and warships. A separate 'Coastal Defense Bureau' shall be established to coordinate coastal defense and escort of merchant fleets, and shall be managed by the Thirteenth Prince."

Yunxiang stepped forward to receive the order: "Your subject will certainly not fail in your trust."

Seeing that everyone was still hesitant, Yongzheng softened his tone: "My ministers need not worry. Now that the trade routes are open, there is plenty of time in the future. When our military strength is strong enough, we can set sail again. Right now, we should focus on consolidating our foundations and strengthening our nation."

At this point in the court discussion, all the officials had no further objections and unanimously agreed: "Your Majesty is wise!"

---

After the court session, Yongzheng did not return directly to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, but instead strolled towards the Imperial Study.

As he passed through the Imperial Garden, the fragrance of spring flowers wafted on the breeze, slightly easing the solemnity between his brows.

Inside the study, Hongyao's voice could be faintly heard. Yongzheng gestured for his attendants to be quiet and stood silently outside the window.

Hongyao sat upright at his desk, holding "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu, and was arguing with the white-haired Grand Tutor: "Master, you said, 'When besieging an army, leave an opening.' Does Sun Tzu mean to demoralize the enemy, rather than to let the enemy escape?"

The Grand Tutor clapped his hands and laughed: "Your Highness has a keen eye! I deliberately misspoke just now to test you."

Yongzheng stood quietly outside the door, a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

Turning my gaze, I saw Zhaohua propping her cheeks up with her small hands, her eyelids drooping, and her head bobbing up and down like a chick pecking at rice.

He raised the corners of his lips slightly and coughed lightly.

"Father!" Hongyao immediately stood up and bowed.

Zhao Hua suddenly woke up and hurriedly tried to kneel, but Yongzheng picked her up and said, "Why don't you go and rest if you're sleepy?"

Zhao Hua rubbed his eyes and said softly, "Your subject wants to hear the rest before going to sleep..."

Yongzheng chuckled and pinched the tip of her nose: "It's not too late to listen tomorrow."

He looked at the Grand Tutor, "How are the children's studies?"

The Grand Tutor bowed and said, "The Sixth Prince is exceptionally gifted and can learn by analogy; the Seventh Princess, though young, can memorize what she reads. In my decades of teaching, I have never seen such intelligent students."

Emperor Yongzheng relaxed his brows and personally draped a cloak over Zhaohua. He then patted Hongyao on the shoulder and said, "Today, the court discussed matters concerning the West. If you are interested, you can come to the Hall of Mental Cultivation tomorrow to listen in."

Hongyao's eyes lit up: "Your subject will certainly do his best!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries with the Grand Tutor, Yongzheng took Zhaohua's hand in one hand and Hongyao's hand in the other, and slowly left the study, heading towards Yanxi Palace.

Inside Yanxi Palace, Lin Yun was reading books brought back from the West... Hongxi and Hongsheng were playing in the courtyard with their wet nurse.

Lin Yun sat by the window, her slender fingers gently turning the yellowed pages of the book, her brows slightly furrowed.

Although these books cover subjects such as mathematics and physics, the content is relatively basic, mostly based on knowledge from the 17th century.

She secretly thought that if she could compile the basic scientific knowledge of the 21st century, it might help the Qing Dynasty catch up with the West more quickly.

Although she was a liberal arts student and didn't study math, physics, or chemistry in college, she hadn't forgotten a single thing she learned in junior and senior high school.

Just as she was lost in thought, a familiar voice came from behind her: "Yun'er, what are you looking at so intently?"

Lin Yun turned around and saw that Yongzheng had been standing behind her at some point, his gaze fixed on the book in her hand.

She quickly rose and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty."

Yongzheng raised his hand to gesture for her to dispense with the formalities, walked over and sat down beside her, and asked curiously, "Can Yun'er understand these Western books?"

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