323: Chapter 323 Geopolitical Game

It uses a Steam Engine for power, which means it can sail even without wind!

"His Majesty the Head of State."

Zhongli Wei requested Zhao Fusu, "I would like the steam ironship to sail east along the Wei River, enter the Yellow River, and then follow the Yellow River downstream all the way to the Yellow Sea."

"Once we reach the Yellow Sea, we will sail against the current to test the steam ironship's ability to navigate upstream and further test the stability of the boiler."

"If possible, I would also like to ask Xu Fu to sail the steam ironship to Japan to see what problems might arise during long-distance operation."

"Xu Fu, what do you think?"

Zhao Fusu turned his gaze toward Xu Fu and inquired.

"I can do that,"

Xu Fu did not refuse.

He was also very curious to see how much better the steam ironship's performance would be compared to wooden ships in actual testing.

This would determine whether he would challenge the opening of a new route, sailing in a straight line from Cixi Port to Japan.

While the steam ironship was undergoing testing on the Wei River, Zhao Fusu ordered cement to be transported to the Wei River Shipyard.

When the steam ironship set off for Japan, it would also carry a shipload of cement to be delivered to Xu Ning.

After Zhao Fusu returned to Xianyang Palace, a eunuch reported to him, "Shang Ziling, the leader of the Merchant House, seeks an audience."

Thinking of Shang Ziling, the leader of the Merchant House with her exotic flair, Zhao Fusu nodded and allowed her to see him.

Before Shang Ziling even arrived, her fragrance had already reached Zhao Fusu's nose.

He looked toward the door.

A woman dressed in purple entered his Imperial Study.

She had bright, watery eyes with purple pupils. Her curvaceous figure was perfectly proportioned, with every curve and contour so precise it seemed like a work of art meticulously carved by nature.

"His Majesty the Head of State."

Shang Ziling said to Zhao Fusu, "The merchant caravan has been fully assembled."

"Good!"

Zhao Fusu was very satisfied.

This was his first step in reaching out toward the Western Regions.

It was also part of his effort to build a bipolar nation.

Besides wanting the North Pole, he also wanted to occupy the South Pole.

To achieve this goal, he needed to expand toward Southeast Asia.

To avoid any worries about the future, he had to resolve the threats from the Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions and the north.

He also needed to take the opportunity to annex the Kunlun Plateau.

This place was still a barren land; the Tubo Kingdom had not yet been established, and it consisted of loose tribes.

But that did not mean conquering these tribes would be easy.

Climbing onto the plateau was no easy feat in itself.

Without oxygen-producing tools, one could hardly stand steadily under the effects of altitude sickness, let alone fight a war.

The Tang Dynasty was powerful enough, with the Siberian region under its control, yet its reach could not extend to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, forcing it to enter into marriage alliances with Tubo.

When the Tang Dynasty was weak, Tubo even captured Chang'an twice.

From a geopolitical perspective, the Kunlun Plateau had to be taken.

This place is known as the Water Tower of Asia; taking it would provide a complete geopolitical advantage.

Otherwise, they would hold the high ground; it's not easy for you to attack up, but very easy for them to charge down.

Although oxygen toxicity can occur when moving from high altitudes to the plains, it mostly manifests as sleepiness and isn't enough to make one unable to lift a blade.

The biggest disadvantage is that when you are strong, you can't eliminate them, and when you are weak, they come for you.

The fact that Tubo could capture Chang'an twice was because they took advantage of the Tang Dynasty's weakness, charging down from the plateau like tigers descending a mountain!

Considering the geopolitical gambit, the Kunlun Plateau must be secured.

Only after resolving things here would he have more energy to move south to develop Southeast Asia and Oceania, and to send immigrants to the Yindian North Continent and the Indian South Continent.