In fact, the maritime trade of the Han Dynasty had already made great progress when Emperor Wu of Han conquered the Baiyue, and even opened up sea routes to the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as the Strait of Malacca.
It can be said that during the Han Dynasty, ocean trade was already very developed, but for various reasons, it did not attract the attention of the imperial court.
Since ascending the throne, Liu Hong has been busy sorting out government affairs, reforming malpractices, and managing affairs in all directions, and has indeed not paid much attention to maritime trade.
Now that he has learned that these merchants intend to build a fleet of ships in the north, Liu Hong cannot help but feel a sense of anticipation for the dawn of a great maritime era for the Han Dynasty.
Although this idea seems somewhat far-fetched, Liu Hong believes that with the increasingly prosperous commercial activities of the Han Dynasty and the growing number of merchants, it is not impossible for the Han Dynasty to achieve maritime hegemony through maritime trade.
As he thought about it, Liu Hong couldn't help but chuckle as he sat there.
Seeing this, Zhang Rang, who was serving nearby, was surprised and began to think about it carefully.
"Zhang Rang!"
"Yes, sir!"
Zhang Rang, who was still thinking, quickly and respectfully agreed.
Liu Hong said in a deep voice: "Immediately order Zhuge Gui, the Prefect of Langya, and Zhang Yong, the Prefect of Donglai, to recruit a large number of sailors and shipbuilding craftsmen within the two prefectures, and to be ready to serve at any time."
He then ordered the Grand Minister of Agriculture to, together with the Royal Merchants, jointly invest 3 billion coins to build a royal port and a royal shipyard in the two prefectures.
"promise!!"
Zhang Rang accepted the order and quickly turned to leave.
Seeing that the emperor attached such importance to maritime trade, the merchants of Hejian were overjoyed.
The group exchanged glances and nodded in unison. Then, Zhang Qian bowed to Liu Hong.
"Your Majesty, after discussion, we are willing to contribute 500 million coins to help the court build a shipyard in Donglai. We hope Your Majesty will grant our request."
"Very well, very well. Since you are all so generous, I will naturally not refuse your kindness. Here's what we'll do: in the future, Donglai's share of overseas trade will be allocated to you first."
Liu Hong was very satisfied with how compliant these businessmen were and generously gave them some benefits.
"We are very grateful for Your Majesty's great kindness."
Everyone was overjoyed to receive the emperor's promise in person.
After the group of merchants left, Liu Hong summoned Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Zhang Zhao, and others to discuss future maritime development.
Zhang Zhao, who grew up in Xuzhou, undoubtedly had more authority to speak on maritime trade.
Zhang Zhao stood up and said, “Your Majesty, maritime trade can not only promote the economic development of coastal areas, but also increase communication between our Han Dynasty and the surrounding countries, reaching some areas that cannot be reached by land, and spreading the prestige of our Han Dynasty to all corners of the world through the sea.”
This approach, which allows for both economic development and the promotion of national prestige without any conflict, truly deserves vigorous development.
Tian Feng nodded and said solemnly, "That's right. I have read through the local gazetteers of the counties and prefectures along the southeast coast, and they mention a lot about overseas lands."
Those places were mostly undeveloped areas, rich in various resources such as spices, medicinal herbs, jewelry, and metal ores, as well as large areas of fertile land.
If our great Han Dynasty can communicate with them, it will greatly benefit the development of our great Han Dynasty.
Xi Zhicai also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, our Great Han is the central country of the four directions, and has the responsibility to educate the people of the four directions. I believe that while engaging in maritime trade, we can follow the policy of garrisoning the borders and carry out land reclamation and education for the people in those overseas lands."
The group of young people also chimed in, each expressing their own views to Liu Hong.
In short, overseas trade offers enormous benefits and advantages.
Looking at the people in front of him, all of whom shared such a positive and pioneering political vision, Liu Hong was delighted.
"Very well. After you all return, you may write a memorial according to your own ideas. After I approve it, send it to Luoyang for all officials to discuss."
"promise!!"
After receiving their orders, everyone dispersed.
Back at his residence, Zhang Zhao excitedly took out paper and pen and wrote down his analysis and thoughts one by one.
As one of the representatives of the new generation of young officials, Zhang Zhao knew very well that perhaps in a few years, they would officially step onto the political stage of the Han Dynasty.
With a new round of five-year plans ahead and the future development of maritime trade, Zhang Zhao, who has been by the emperor's side for a long time, has already foreseen the development direction of the Han Dynasty for the next ten years or so.
Like Zhang Zhao, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, Zhou Yi, and others also passionately wrote down their ideas and plans in detail in memorials to the throne.
The heavy snow fell all night, but fortunately, the coal and coal stove reserves in Hejian were plentiful, so the soldiers on the northern expedition did not suffer from frostbite due to the cold weather.
The morning sun pierced through the dark clouds and shone brightly on the snow-covered ground.
Liu Hong walked out of the room in a great mood and stood on the snow to begin his morning exercise.
After completing a set of Five Animal Frolics exercises, Liu Hong's forehead was covered in a fine layer of sweat.
After breakfast, Xi Zhicai, Tian Feng, Ju Shou, and others came to pay their respects, bringing with them the memorials they had written the night before.
"Yes, not bad, all very good."
Looking at the memorial outlining everyone's plans for future maritime development, Liu Hong nodded in agreement.
After writing "Approved" at the end of the memorial, Liu Hong ordered his men to take the memorials to Luoyang.
After exchanging a few casual pleasantries, Liu Hong looked at everyone with a smile.
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