“Wang Chao?” Wang Cang Hai mused aloud. “He does possess a sharp mind. Today, I invited twenty-four individuals to examine the ingenuity of the Mirage Pavilion, with the aim of selecting talent. Out of all of them, he was the only one who noticed the mechanisms. Just now, I tested him on calculating tax revenues, and his quick thinking did not disappoint. To appoint a governor of a county, familiarity with civil engineering and the ability to calculate fiscal revenue and expenditures are indispensable. For other administrative matters, a few competent deputies are sufficient. Besides, Wang Chao has a knack for spotting details and responding adeptly in critical situations—a rare trait. I did worry initially about his humble background as a servant. I feared that he might either harbor self-doubt or become arrogant from sudden fortune. But his willingness to accept punishment without deflection or flattery, coupled with his composed demeanor when dealing with my attendants, has dispelled those concerns. His steady disposition while solving problems proves he can shoulder great responsibility.”
“You have always adhered to the principle of ‘trust those you employ and refrain from using those you distrust,’” Wan San remarked with a smile. “Neither forming factions nor avoiding contentious decisions.”
Wang Cang Hai sighed. “Brother San, you have always treated me with unwavering loyalty, yet I’ve never done anything to favor you. As a friend, I feel ashamed. Let me offer you another toast as an apology.”
Wan San raised his cup and drained it before replying, “You’re being too formal. You’re a virtuous minister, the pillar of the court, upright and impartial. As your elder brother, I am proud of you.”
After a brief pause, Wang Cang Hai said, “As for port shipping, the Wan family runs it exceptionally well. Across the entire Da Yong Empire, no fleet matches yours in efficiency and discipline. The Yellow River project is a century-long national endeavor and a thousand-year feat for the empire. The task of transporting grain and supplies is crucial, and initially, I did intend for the Wan family’s fleet to collaborate with the military ships. However…”
“Cang Hai,” Wan San interrupted earnestly, “I understand your hesitation. You fear the imperial court’s disapproval of a single merchant family dominating such an extensive fleet. That’s why you’re considering supporting the Chen family of Jinlu and the Huang family of Ande to split the market with my Donghai Wan family, isn’t it?”
Wang Cang Hai met his gaze firmly and said in a low voice, “Yes.” He then refilled his own cup, drank it in one go, and, with newfound resolve, added, “But the real reason is this: Recently, through stargazing and divination, I’ve foreseen that within six months, all large inland river vessels capable of carrying over 200 dan (approximately 2,000 kilograms) will be requisitioned as military ships. The imperial court will issue an order banning private vessels from transporting grain.”
Wan San’s expression shifted drastically. “Requisitioning all private ships for grain transport? Could it mean… war?”
Wang Cang Hai sighed deeply before replying, “Yes. Over the past month, the celestial signs have been ominous. The Purple Star at the celestial pole has been shrouded in black mist, sometimes clear, sometimes dim. In the Qi and Lu regions, a green star has intruded into the emperor’s domain, disrupting the alignment of Venus and Jupiter and clashing with the moon’s virtue. Based on my calculations, within six months, Prince Xu—Zhu Gao—will rebel.”
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