Xu Wen, also holding a mirror, had been looking at herself in it with a smile for the past few days. Xu Lin had passed the imperial examination, one of the six second-place Jinshi candidates, a better-than-expected result. The sons of the Marquisate had no chance of achieving first, second, or third place in the imperial examination. Xu Lin, after his fame, might have to return to Jiangnan for a post. The Marquisate had long ago arranged Xu Lin's official career, but plans were far outpaced by events, and Xu Lin's future path was different.
The Sheng family in the capital prepared a sumptuous banquet for Xu Lin, and Meng Lizhang and Yu Shuyuan were also present. After drinking a thank-you drink, Meng Lizhang said with a smile, "I've picked up a disciple for nothing."
Yu Shuyuan, who was standing by, echoed, "That's absolutely right, Brother Meng. Your disciple is truly remarkable. He'll win first prize in the first attempt."
Sheng Huairen, who was accompanying him, said politely with a cheerful look on his face, "My uncle's achievements are inseparable from Brother Meng's guidance over the past few days. Don't underestimate yourself."
Xu Lin, who was sitting at the bottom, raised his glass again and said, "Master, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your guidance."
Hearing this, Meng Lizhang laughed and said, "Great, great, today is a great banquet, the joy is hard to describe." After saying that, Meng Lizhang drank the wine in the glass in one gulp.
Afterwards, they drank and chatted until the second watch, only to gradually stop. Yu Shuyuan stayed behind to sleep with Sheng Huairen, while Meng Lizhang was helped to the lounge of the family school. Xu Lin had a good alcohol tolerance, and by the end of the banquet, he was only slightly tipsy.
On this day, Xu Lin received an imperial decree from the Eighth Prince. After being led into the palace by the eunuch, he met not only the Eighth Prince, but also the Emperor and the prefect of Quanzhou Prefecture.
After greeting everyone, Xu Lin respectfully took his seat at the bottom. The Emperor first questioned the Quanzhou prefect, Lord Jiang, on several matters, to which Lord Jiang bowed respectfully. The Emperor then discussed maritime transport, and after a few words, he turned to Xu Lin, "Mr. Xu, in your essay, offered a somewhat different perspective on maritime transport. Would you mind sharing more details?"
Xu Lin, whose name was called, quickly bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I would like to express my humble opinion on maritime transport. I believe there are three reasons why maritime transport was previously unsuccessful. First, the heavy losses along the way—not only from the sinking of ships, but also from the loss of food, personnel, and war horses. Second, domestic shipping primarily relied on the transfer of money and grain between the north and the south. River transport, with its thousand-year history, is more convenient, safer, and faster than maritime transport. Finally, there's the issue of profit. River transport supports the livelihoods of millions of people. If we rashly organize large-scale maritime transport, we're sure many will oppose it."
Seeing the Emperor and Lord Jiang nod, Xu Lin concluded, "I believe that the tributes from all nations a hundred years ago are sufficient proof that our great nation is the best among all nations. Other nations sent people to our country, and they were bound to learn some of our skills and techniques. However, we are unaware of the situation in other countries. The sage said that among three people walking together, there must be one who can be my teacher. Isn't it time for us to go out and see more of other countries? As the saying goes, knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. I remember that many small countries came from the sea, and I have heard a lot about the many countries on the sea since I was in Nanjing."
Lord Jiang, stroking his beard, nodded. The emperor said, "Yes, I have the same idea. You must not be a frog in a well." Then he signaled Lord Jiang to tell the emperor the transfer order for Xu Lin.
Lord Jiang, receiving the signal, turned to look at Xu Lin and said, "Xu Lin, you were born in Jiangnan and have been very good at sailing since childhood. You also wrote quite insightfully about the issue of sea transportation in this year's policy paper. Would you be willing to follow me to Quanzhou to jointly develop a sea transportation plan?"
A huge surprise hit Xu Lin on the head. After hearing this, Xu Lin bowed and said, "If the court has such intentions, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."
The emperor nodded with satisfaction and praised Xu Lin, saying, "This boy is teachable!" Xu Lin quickly knelt down to express his gratitude.
The chief eunuch, Zhou Defa, stepped forward to receive the imperial edict and passed it on to the secretary of the Central Secretariat, who in turn passed it on to the Ministry of Personnel. The emperor personally appointed Xu Lin as the prefect of Quanzhou Prefecture and concurrently the director of the Maritime Customs, and he took up his post a month later.
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