"Penglai Island...? Where did you hear that name from?"
Upon hearing this name, Liu Hong was momentarily stunned, then looked at Yuan Shu with amusement.
"Your Majesty, those navigators all say that the legendary Penglai Island is covered in gold..."
Yuan Shu also told Liu Hong the legends he had heard about the Penglai Island.
Liu Hong couldn't help but laugh and said, "You people really dare to dream. That's just a legendary place. There's no such thing as Penglai Island in this world."
"Uh~!"
Upon hearing the emperor's words, Yuan Shu stood there in astonishment.
His return was not only due to Liu Hong's summons, but also because he wanted to find the Penglai Island that people talked about, in order to prove his reputation as a pioneer of navigation.
Today, the emperor has spoken with absolute authority, saying that there is no such place. Yuan Shu suddenly felt as if he had lost his goal, and a sense of loss immediately filled his entire being.
"What? Does the highway feel like it has nowhere else to go?"
Seemingly sensing Yuan Shu's aura, Liu Hong couldn't help but ask with a smile.
Yuan Shu said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, it is indeed true. On this vast ocean, without a destination, one doesn't know where to go..."
Facing the emperor, Yuan Shu, like the straightforward men behind him, said whatever he thought, completely lacking the tact and subtlety of scholars.
Liu Hong smiled, "I do know of some overseas islands. Although they are not as beautiful as Penglai Island, they are still some rare and wonderful places..."
"real?"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shu and the others' eyes lit up, and they all raised their heads to look at Liu Hong expectantly, having already forgotten the rule that one should not look directly at one's sovereign.
Under the eager gazes of the crowd, Liu Hong picked up the sea map drawn on the desk.
"This is a map of the sea that I have compiled from historical records of overseas geography. There are still many unknown islands in the South China Sea territory of our Great Han!"
As he spoke, Liu Hong handed the nautical chart in his hand to Zhang Rang, who was standing next to him.
Zhang Rang took the map of the sea area with both hands, and then quickly walked up to Yuan Shu.
"This is……"
Upon receiving the map of the sea area, Yuan Shu's eyes immediately lit up when he saw the marked Yizhou, Luzon, Indonesia, and other places on it.
He had never imagined that there were so many places overseas from the Han Dynasty.
The dejected aura that had been emanating from Yuan Shu vanished instantly, replaced by a renewed sense of hope and high morale.
Sensing the change in Yuan Shu's aura, Liu Hong's eyes crinkled into a smile.
"So, is the highway going anywhere?"
Upon hearing the emperor's question, Yuan Shu immediately knelt on one knee and loudly proclaimed, "I humbly request Your Majesty to bestow this map upon us!!"
"Very well, since you have such ambitions, I will present you with this map of the sea!"
Liu Hong nodded, emphasizing the word "gift" in his words, which meant that, apart from this picture, the islands on the picture were at Liu Hong's disposal.
"Thank you so much for Your Majesty's grace!!"
Yuan Shu naturally understood the meaning behind it, and his originally tanned cheeks became somewhat rosy due to his excitement.
"Don't thank me yet!"
Liu Hong waved his hand and then said, "This sea map is far too rudimentary. The places marked are only general directions. You will have to figure out the specific channels and routes yourself. The dangers involved are beyond description!"
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, we are going there precisely because of the danger. If there is no danger, we will lose the fun we should have!" Yuan Shu said resolutely.
"Good! Facing danger bravely and overcoming danger, you all truly deserve to be called the valiant men of our great Han Dynasty!!"
Upon hearing Yuan Shu's words, Liu Hong, who was behind his desk, couldn't help but stand up and look at Yuan Shu and the others with admiration and joy.
What I praise is the spirit of these adventurers who are not afraid of risks and dare to explore new frontiers; what I am happy about is how fortunate I am to have so many passionate men helping me.
"Zhang Rang!!"
"This servant is here!!"
The emperor's sudden call to name Zhang Rang made him tremble, and he hurriedly stepped forward respectfully.
"The Cabinet shall draft an edict to bestow upon Yuan Shu the title of Marquis of Haituo, and upon Ji Ling, Chen Xi, and others who have made contributions to the sea voyage, to be granted two earls! Furthermore, stone tablets shall be erected in all ports along the coast, inscribing the names and deeds of Yuan Shu and others upon them, so that the world may admire them!"
Liu Hong's authoritative and powerful voice echoed in the hall, clearly reaching everyone's ears.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Zhang Rang replied respectfully, then hurriedly ran outside.
"Your Majesty, we are deeply grateful for Your Majesty's divine grace!!"
Upon hearing the emperor's bestowal of honors, Yuan Shu and the others were overjoyed. They all knelt on one knee, bowed deeply to Liu Hong, and swore allegiance.
In this world, all people seek is fame and fortune, and today the emperor has bestowed both upon them. This favor is enough to make them offer their utmost loyalty.
Liu Hong raised his hand: "Get up, everyone!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!!"
This time, everyone was much more orderly, standing up in unison and looking at the emperor with reverence in their eyes.
Liu Hong then said in a deep voice, "Roads, Luzon and Indonesia are not like Yamatai. The Great Han does not have much energy to go there at the moment. You can only rely on yourselves on this trip. If you need anything, just let me know, and I will do my best to meet your needs."
“This map of the sea area is sufficient; we dare not trouble Your Majesty and the court!” Yuan Shu replied loudly.
"Sigh, things are different overseas than inland, it's always good to be prepared!!"
Liu Hong smiled and waved his hand, then said, "Not long ago, the Imperial Guard replaced the weapons and equipment of two thousand men. Although they are a bit old, they are still much better than what you used before, and they can provide you with some protection."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"
Upon hearing that weapons and equipment would be bestowed upon him, Yuan Shu was overjoyed.
The Imperial Guards were the emperor's personal troops, so their weapons and equipment were naturally top-notch. Although they were old equipment, they were far superior to the long swords and short bows they used in Yamatai.
Of course, most importantly, since the emperor had bestowed the equipment of the Imperial Guard upon us, he had already regarded us as his personal guard.
This is a tremendous honor.
Liu Hong waved his hand, then glanced at everyone and said, "I have something to say to you all!"
The crowd replied in unison, "We humbly accept Your Majesty's teachings!"
Liu Hong lowered his voice and said loudly, "When you go overseas in the future, you must always remember that behind you is the mighty Han Dynasty to support you. Anyone who dares to offend or disobey will be punished by having your swords drawn and all the enemies beheaded!"
"Your Majesty's decree will be obeyed!"
Yuan Shu and the others responded loudly, their blood boiling with fervor.
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