The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Emperor Chu listened to Song Zhiyuan’s words and remained silent for a moment. He also didn’t believe that Ning Xiaohong had returned, but if the person hadn’t come back, who knew if they would send some minions to stir up trouble everywhere and cause him inconvenience?

However, as the saying goes, if the mountain doesn’t come to me, I will go to the mountain.

If the opponent doesn’t appear, can’t one go and find them?

“If he doesn’t return, I will dig him out,” Emperor Chu stared intently at the nautical chart.

Song Zhiyuan felt a jolt in his heart and said, “Is His Majesty planning to let the Navy go to Awao Island based on this nautical chart?”

“Is it not possible?”

“Your Majesty, not to mention that the Great Qing’s naval fleet has just been established and is still immature, with ships still under construction, setting sail already poses a great risk. You know too, last spring Long Siyan took a team out and has not returned to this day. According to coastal residents, once they set sail, given the rapidly changing sea weather, the routes are hard to navigate accurately. It could take several years for them to return, or at least three to four years before we see any ships return. Doesn’t this highlight the risk?”

Emperor Chu became somewhat displeased, saying, “You think I’m taking a risk?”

“I dare not!” Song Zhiyuan smiled bitterly and said, “I believe Long Siyan’s voyage is still without news. He took products from our Great Qing to trade and also received your imperial command. Perhaps he might have the opportunity to find that small island.”

Emperor Chu snorted.

“Your Majesty, this nautical chart’s route hasn’t been traveled before. To venture there rashly is likely to lead to misfortune rather than fortune. Building ships and the Navy is an enormous expenditure. You should cherish these naval forces.”

“Song Yunzhi!” Emperor Chu’s face turned dark, “Are you questioning my command or implying I’m brutal, disregarding the lives of those naval forces?”

Song Zhiyuan pulled up his robe and kneeled, saying, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I wouldn’t dare to question you. I’m just sensing that intentionally going after that young imp under unknown circumstances is somewhat unworthy. After all, this route has never been traveled, and the risk is extremely high. If they encounter a maritime disaster, wouldn’t the loss be significant? Then we would have to wait several more years to rebuild the Navy.”

Emperor Chu glared at him with a cold expression.

Unsatisfied, unhappy.

Song Zhiyuan didn’t evade it; even if the other party thought he was disrespectful, he had to advise him. Just taking such a navigational chart and charging forward involved vastly high sea risks. Furthermore, whether the chart is genuine or not is unknown.

Secondly, incurring significant losses to cross the sea and apprehend that lad might resemble actions that kill the goose that laid the golden eggs—it doesn’t seem worthwhile.

“Song Yunzhi, you are becoming increasingly audacious.”

Song Zhiyuan smiled bitterly, “Your Majesty, you are like an old child, becoming more and more willful.”

Eunuch Zhou’s forehead was sweating profusely, thinking, my Prime Minister Song, shouldn’t you refrain from adding fuel to the fire? If His Majesty truly gets displeased and penalizes you, it’s all over!

Fortunately, even though Emperor Chu was angry, he still retained his reason and, with a heavy snort, said, “Stand up; you’re of an age now, isn’t kneeling bothering your knees?”

“Your servant thanks His Majesty for the grace; indeed, I’m getting old.” Song Zhiyuan bowed, pretending to struggle as he rose from the ground, even patted his knee.

Eunuch Zhou: Quite the act.

He looked at the Emperor again and found his expression had indeed softened a little, saying, “Then what, ignore that boy and let him grow freely?”

“Your Majesty, since there is a navigational route, why not send someone to travel this path first and explore a bit?” Song Zhiyuan suggested, “As for growing freely, don’t forget, even if we find it difficult to go there, would it be easy for the other side to come over? Wouldn’t they still be cooped up?”

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chu’s face lightened slightly.