The moment that would decide his fate had arrived. The Emperor issued an appointment decree, temporarily dispatching the Admiral to the southeastern coast to inspect the major ports and report on the extent of damage caused by smuggling and piracy. Once the journey was over, he would be transferred to Qingjiangpu to serve as Governor-General of the Jiangnan Riverways.
Upon receiving the Emperor's decree, the Admiral first set up a shrine on the altar table, lit incense and candles, and enshrined the imperial edict. He kowtowed to it nine times before carefully reading the decree.
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal was divided into northern and southern sections, with Yangzhou as the boundary. South of Yangzhou, the dredging of Jiangsu's waterways and the maintenance of its dikes fell under the responsibility of the Governor-General of the Southern Riverways. Zhili's waterways belonged to the Governor-General of Zhili, while the waterways of Henan and Shandong were overseen by the Governor-General of the Eastern Riverways.
Compared to the Governor-General of the Eastern Riverways, the Governor-General of the Southern Riverways governed an area with less silt and thus held a relatively easier post. Every year, the court allocated funds for the Southern Riverworks to repair dikes, with additional appropriations when breaches and floods occurred. Qingjiangpu, where the Governor-General of the Southern Riverways was stationed, was also prosperous. However, successive governors-general had freely engaged in corruption, lowering construction standards and lining their own pockets.
River transport and grain tribute transport had many overlapping responsibilities; both had to ensure that traffic on the Grand Canal remained unimpeded.
While waiting, Nick had made contact with quite a few European sailors. Even if something unexpected happened, he could flee at any time. This news meant that he could continue his travels under the protection of an escort.
Cao Xi was