Seeing that Ma Sanbao was about to say something, Wang Chengen continued, "Remember this well: if His Majesty thinks you are a promising talent, he will give you a chance. But also remember this well: if you don't perform your duties well, don't complain. His Majesty doesn't care about background when employing people, but he also doesn't like mediocre people."

"My lord, I know what I'm doing," Ma Sanbao said hastily, trying to please him. "I've been working diligently these past few days, fearing only that I might fail His Majesty's favor. I dare not say anything else, but I've certainly been conscientious, and I'm sure I can complete the tasks His Majesty assigns me!"

Despite Ma Sanbao's confident words, Wang Chengen was not displeased; on the contrary, he showed a look of satisfaction.

This is how you should serve His Majesty. If you're always trembling with fear, how can you expect to accomplish anything?

These were probably things that Wang Chengen had been unconsciously influenced by the emperor. So, when considering things, including personnel selection, he would often favor the personalities that His Majesty liked.

Wang Chengen then asked, "How are the fleet's preparations going?"

Ma Sanbao immediately replied, "Reporting to the Grand Master, the fleet is fully prepared, with all supplies, baggage, and personnel in place. They are all waiting in Yingtian Prefecture, awaiting His Majesty's decree before setting sail to join the waiting navy. We will then proceed to Taiping Port in Changle, Fuzhou, to anchor and await favorable winds to set sail."

Wang Chengen nodded in satisfaction. This Ma Sanbao was quite clever and seemed reliable. He probably wouldn't disappoint His Majesty.

"Then this matter is settled. Think it over carefully," Wang Chengen said earnestly to Ma Sanbao. "The court has spent a considerable amount of money this time, and His Majesty personally oversaw the planning of this matter."

"The entire court is watching these plans closely."

Ma Sanbao was well aware of his responsibilities and knew he couldn't afford to be negligent in any way.

If he does this job well, it will be a real meteoric rise to success. If he messes it up, he might just grow old and die in some forgotten corner.

Read for free.