The Great Maritime Magnate

The Ming navy was once the finest force of its age, ruling the waves. Then a transmigrator successfully saved it from decline, and the Age of Exploration will be launched by the Chinese… “Everything under heaven belongs to the emperor; all beneath the sky is Chinese territory. Now that the Eastern Sea is pacified and our fleet is ready, I should lead the army east to subdue Japan and west to conquer the foreign barbarians, raising the glory of the Ming and uniting all under heaven. This is my duty as a servant of Your Majesty. As for weighing the pros and cons and offering loyal counsel, that is the responsibility of the lords Xu, Gao, and Zhang. I beg Your Majesty to entrust me with the authority to wage war across the seas. If I fail, punish me. As for governing the realm, that is the responsibility of Lords Xu, Zhang, and Gao. If they fail, hold them accountable. In ancient times, Shun had Yu on his left and Gaoyao on his right, and the world was well governed without his even leaving his seat. I beg Your Majesty to follow the example of Yao and Shun, entrusting affairs of state to us so that you need not trouble yourself with every detail. Then you may rest easy, ruling with serene authority as all nations submit, while we, your servants, will be overwhelmed with gratitude for Your Majesty’s grace!”, Li, Regent of the Realm, *Memorial on Pacifying the Sea* “Today I heard Li Youxi tell the emperor: ‘Your Majesty, I want to go conquer Japan and Europe. Please issue me an imperial decree. And as for domestic affairs, leave them to Xu Jie, Gao Gong, and Zhang Juzheng. Don’t go sticking your nose in. Just sit back and enjoy yourself while we do the hard work. It’s a win for everyone.’ He’s the only one who’d dare say something like that.” *Zhang Juzheng’s Private Notes, Volume Three*