"Your Majesty, this matter is all benefit and no harm."
Wang Yan said, "Everything was done by this humble subject in reckless audacity, falsely claiming Your Majesty's sacred favor. There is no need for me to hide it—so many people are engaged in maritime trade, so why can't Minister Hu do it? Why can't this humble subject do it?
"If we keep our heads down and work quietly, we can not only make money, but also build a powerful naval force through the course of maritime trade. We can also find craftsmen to build large ships, perhaps even recreate the Treasure Ships that Zheng He once used on his voyages.
"We need not go far—just to Nanyang. I have heard there is abundant grain there, while we lack grain here. If we begin by trading grain, we can curb Great Ming's grain merchants and even influence the grain transport system. We can earn silver while ensuring the people's livelihood.
"With more grain, we can raise poultry and livestock, and brew liquor as well. Once this humble subject has raised enough poultry and livestock..."
Within Jade Brilliance Palace, Wang Yan spoke with eloquence as he explained to Jiajing the benefits of organizing a fleet to smuggle overseas, the blow it would deal to the armed smuggling groups along the coast, and the control it would grant over the southeast.
Jiajing wanted money. Jiajing wanted stability. Jiajing also wanted greater power.
Everything Wang Yan had described was a solidly beneficial prospect, without the slightest drawback. Even the worst issue—the matter of reputation—had been taken wholly upon Wang Yan's own shoulders. It would be Wang Yan, relying on imperial favor, who had acted on his own authority. It had nothing at all to do with Jiajing, the emperor.
Meanwhile, Wang Yan had demonstrated