Opening the Sea Ban

After giving it some thought, everyone had to marvel at the designer's ingenious imagination. "This way, losses during the transport of silver will be reduced."

An Imperial Guard spoke up at just the right moment. "Pan Yun designed it."

When he saw the large characters "Imperial Favor" engraved on the face of the silver brick, even Wang Zhen had to admire Pan Yun inwardly.

Alas, why did she have to be Pan Hong's daughter?

Someone like her ought to have been his friend.

He had no desire whatsoever to become her enemy.

When the emperor saw the words "Imperial Favor," the corners of his mouth also lifted.

Wang Zhen immediately bent at the waist and flattered the emperor. "The grace of a sovereign spreads its blessings in all directions. Even the foreign lands are grateful for His Majesty's benevolence."

Chen Xun, however, noticed words engraved on the side of the silver brick as well. "There seem to be characters on the side too."

The emperor turned it over and saw the two words "people's livelihood" engraved there.

Chen Xun immediately knelt. "Imperial Favor, the people's livelihood—the silver mine of Omori village is truly a gift from Heaven to His Majesty. Heaven itself wishes for His Majesty to turn his gaze overseas and make the Ming Dynasty's might awe the four seas. Congratulations, His Majesty!"

The ministers all followed suit, kneeling to congratulate the emperor and showering him with free-flowing praise until it struck him squarely over the head.

Young and high-spirited, the little emperor laughed heartily. With a grand sweep of his hand, he immediately ordered, "As my ministers advise, broadly lift the sea ban. Have the Imperial Household Department and the Ministry of Works mine the silver deposits together."

The ministers answered in unison. The dispute that had raged