In the bitter winter of Sea Circle Calendar 1517, the people of Chang'an City rejoiced, and a fresh spirit filled Zichen Hall. Yet Chen Yu, seated on the Nine Dragon Throne, and the senior ministers standing to either side, including Liu Bei and Guo Jia, did not relax in the slightest.
They knew full well that Hua Country, a great ship, had only just left harbor. Ahead lay a vast, deep ocean filled with unknowns and storms. Turning the nation's newly consolidated strength into tangible power capable of weathering the towering waves ahead became the new dynasty's overriding priority. Above all, they needed to build an invincible fleet capable of sailing vast distances and defending their maritime borders.
Once court adjourned, Chen Yu kept only Guo Jia and Liu Bei behind in the rear hall's study. Warm spring sunshine shone outside the windows, but a grave sense of urgency filled the room.
"Fengxiao, Liu Bei," Chen Yu said, lightly tapping the enormous desk spread with nautical charts, his gaze sharp. "Hua Country stands in the West Blue, surrounded by water. Sea power is the lifeblood of our nation's fortunes. Though our navy has been reorganized, most of its ships are remnants of the old Flower Country or refitted captured vessels. Compared with Marine Headquarters' main warships, they fall considerably short in performance, firepower, and endurance alike. If we are truly to rise like a dragon across the Four Blues, we must have an overwhelming naval force of our own."
Liu Bei looked worried as he reported, "Your Majesty sees clearly. Building new ships will consume enormous sums of money and provisions. It is a vast undertaking, unlikely to be completed overnight. Spring planting is almost upon us, and repairs to irrigation works and roads throughout the country also require considerable