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Emperor Jing looked solemn and nodded, saying, "That makes sense. Since you are the one who advocates this matter, how much silver do you think it will cost?"
"You know, this is not a small amount. The Ministry of War reported to me yesterday to discuss this matter. Most of it was spent on maintenance, which is much more expensive than the infantry."
"Of course, but I think the money is worth it!" Fang Zhengyi said loudly, "I think at least five million taels will be enough. As long as the first batch of ships are built, the subsequent ones can be maintained by the profits from sea trade."
All the ministers and Emperor Jing looked at Fang Zhengyi in astonishment.
Five million? You want five million?
What if the national treasury is opened by your family?
Emperor Jing looked a little unhappy: "Fang Qing, what is the basis for the five million taels? You are not asking for five million taels without any evidence, right?"
Fang Zhengyi smiled awkwardly.
Isn't it just empty talk? I haven't done any detailed research at the Ministry of War.
Basis? There is no basis at all. In my previous life, I watched TV and saw that the Beiyang Fleet of the Qing Dynasty cost tens of millions of taels to build, and the annual funding was around 4 million taels.
According to this statement, five million taels is not too much.
This agricultural civilization is not very good at maritime affairs, so why should it spend more money to catch up?
The current level of technology is obviously not as good as that of the Qing Dynasty, and the cost will not be much higher. Five million taels should be enough.
However, the explanation must be given in front of the emperor.
Fang Zhengyi clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard a saying that goes, 30 years for the army, 50 years for the air force, and 100 years for the navy."
"The cost of these five million taels should be more than enough for construction. I think we need to make detailed plans with the Ministry of War. If there is any extra money, it should be invested in the subsequent plan to explore the West."
"The road to the west is long, and we don't know the route yet. Five million taels may not be enough. But I think that if we spend five million taels of silver, we can let Dajing see a whole new world. This money is worth it!"
Air Force? What is the Air Force?
The ministers looked at each other in bewilderment. Emperor Jing also looked strange and said, "I understand the terms army and navy, but what is the air force? Who said this?"
"Ah?" Fang Zhengyi was a little confused.
Did I just say Air Force? Did I just say Bald Mouth?
He swallowed and said, "Ah... this is what my father said. He was a fisherman when he was young. This... air force refers to fishing. It takes fifty years of air force on a boat to become a good fisherman... It takes fifty years to be a good fisherman, so it must take at least a hundred years to be a naval officer."
Everyone present suddenly realized that Air Force actually means fishing.
I just passed the Air Force a few days ago...
Zheng Qiao stepped forward and said, "Master Fang, it is certainly feasible for the people to open up the sea, but five million taels of silver for the imperial court to build a fleet is too much. There are so many places in the country that need money. Moreover, we cannot guarantee that we can make huge profits overseas, so we still need to make some calculations."
Emperor Jing's gaze shifted to Fang Zhengyi.
Fang Zhengyi immediately shouted, "I can guarantee it! I can guarantee that there will be huge profits to be made overseas!"
"Oh? Why do you say that?" Emperor Jing's eyes showed great interest.
"I thought about it yesterday. We can install cannons on ships! If Dajing has such warships, our navy will be invincible!"
"With this magical weapon, let alone making money, even capturing King Wu would be a piece of cake. It's worth it no matter how you look at it!"
A sea ship with cannons?
The ministers began to imagine a lot. Many of them came from the south and didn't know much about ships.
But once I imagined that scene, I felt a little chilling.
Two ships, one with guns and the other without... they are not the same thing!
A new species! ?
Gradually, some people's eyes began to turn green!
Some civil officials were not very sensitive to this matter, and when they saw the strange expressions of others, they hurriedly asked in a low voice.
After asking two questions, my eyes turned green!
According to this statement, the West is an open-air gold mountain!
Minister of War Feng Jie suddenly stood up and said loudly: "Your Majesty! I think what Lord Fang said makes sense. It is indeed feasible to install the magic cannon on the ship! If we can really build such an invincible navy, then Dajing will spare no effort!"
Emperor Jing also had some wild thoughts.
Yes...I thought that the huge cannon was extremely heavy and could only be used for siege.
But isn't a ship the best carrier? It can be used wherever it goes!
"Master Li, what do you think?"
After all, Li Yansong was an old minister who had served in two dynasties, the head of the civil officials, and was calm and steady. Emperor Jing still asked a question out of habit.
Li Yansong said in a deep voice: "I think it is urgent to go to the West to search! If we delay any longer, we may lose the opportunity. If we really find the Western Continent, Dajing will soon be a prosperous era! I hope Your Majesty will understand!"
"What Lord Li said makes sense, and I support it!"
"I second the motion!"
Li Yansong's words basically represented the conclusion of the entire civil service system!
I originally thought it was a bit risky, but now that I'm suddenly invincible, am I still afraid to spend money? !
The grand plan is right before our eyes!
The civil servants of Dajing all came from wars. They are full of martial virtues and dare to think and act.
Now that we have achieved great success and have the opportunity to be recorded in history, who would dare to stand in our way?
The civil officials would probably rush forward with their knives in hand and scream! Whoever tried to stop them would die!
Moreover, the others who usually did not get along with Fang Zhengyi did not dare to interrupt.
After laying the groundwork for so long, it seems that my series of operations have finally worked.
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