Chapter 292 The Vision of the Age of Exploration

Smart people are everywhere, and everyone soon realized that this overwhelming wealth came from that fleet; it was they who had brought back this massive quantity of spices.

Suddenly, no one could sit still, including the nobles of the formerly conquered nations. Although they had lived comfortably over the years, who would ever complain about having too much money?

In just a few short days, Gao Yuan received over a dozen waves of visitors in the royal palace.

Gao Yuan knew that although these people came under the guise of New Year's greetings, they were actually trying to fish for information regarding the source of the spices.

Regarding this matter, Gao Yuan had already held several meetings at home with his group of women.

Zheng Wan was the first to voice her opposition.

"I don't agree with telling them. The profit margins are too high. If we hand this over to them, they won't necessarily be grateful, and the government treasury will lose a massive chunk of income instead."

Song Yao also supported Zheng Wan's opinion.

"I don't agree either. Our expenditures will only increase from here on out, so such a source of income is vital."

Wu Xu, on the other hand, supported Gao Yuan's idea, though she had other considerations.

"I feel we can use this as a condition to completely bind these people to our war chariot. As for those who aren't particularly obedient, we should instead ban them from going to sea."

As expected of the Empress; this tactic of allying with one faction to strike another was played with masterly skill.

Zhao Xiyao remained silent, but Yang Xin had already seen through Gao Yuan's intentions. She asked tentatively,

"Husband, do you want to initiate the Great Age of Discovery and then rely on the Maritime Trade Office to take the choice cut of the cake, right?"

Gao Yuan finally broke into a smile. He thought to himself that as someone from the future, she would naturally understand the interests involved. He spoke up,

"Overseas trade will be a source of unimaginably vast profit, more than we could ever consume on our own. I hope to use these massive profits to attract more and more people to join in;

This way, even if we only rely on the Maritime Trade Office to collect taxes, the future benefits we can enjoy will be beyond imagination. I can even assert that the profits earned by the Maritime Trade Office in the future could exceed thirty percent of the world's tax revenue."

In fact, Gao Yuan was still being conservative. If the Maritime Trade Office got up and running and he established something like an East Daqian Company, the annual plundered profits would be far more than just thirty percent.

Gao Yuan's conclusion stunned all the women. They hadn't expected maritime trade to be so lucrative.

Xian Ying looked at Gao Yuan, her seductive eyes fixed on him.

"Husband, since they can all do maritime trade business, can our family do it too?"

Gao Yuan knew what was on this woman's mind. He laughed,

"Don't even think about this area; I have other arrangements."

Hearing him say this, Xian Ying was clearly a bit unhappy and pouted. Seeing this, Gao Yuan continued with a smile,

"Military affairs will only increase from now on, and I'm already stretched too thin. Therefore, I want you to take over the Hidden Guards."

Upon hearing Gao Yuan say this, Xian Ying immediately beamed with joy and repeatedly cast seductive glances at him. Her enchanting appearance caused a surge of heat in Gao Yuan's lower abdomen, making him want to deal with this vixen right then and there.

During today's family meeting, Zhao Xiyao had remained silent the entire time. It wasn't until that night, after the two had returned to their room and shared an intimate moment, that she leaned into Gao Yuan's arms and asked softly,

"Husband, do you intend to have Yang Xin take charge of the overseas trade sector?"

Gao Yuan sighed inwardly. She was indeed his bedfellow, one of the people who understood his mind best.

"That's right. Compared to the others, Yang Xin understands maritime trade best. Furthermore, my future goal isn't just to do maritime trade."

Zhao Xiyao smiled slightly.

"I actually guessed as much, but I don't know what else you have in mind?"

"Colonization!"

"Colonization?"

"Yes, colonization."

For the next hour or so, Gao Yuan described to Zhao Xiyao the vastness of the world, what colonialism meant, and how to plunder the wealth of the entire world.

"The world has vast amounts of resources and wealth. We can first plunder the resources of other places, while our own resources will be saved for future generations."

Zhao Xiyao looked at Gao Yuan with eyes that were practically sparkling with admiration.

"Husband, you are truly far-sighted, having already considered things so far ahead."

Gao Yuan quite enjoyed the adoration of the world's number one beauty.

Who would have thought that such a grand plan would be finalized on a bed in the sleeping quarters of the Nanyue Royal Palace?

Early the next morning, after Gao Yuan finished his workout and shower, he called Xian Ying, Gao Zhong, and Wan Sanqian to his study. He pulled out a pitch-black iron token.

"Xiao Ying, this is the token to command the Hidden Guards. Hidden Guards everywhere are to follow orders upon seeing this token. I'm handing it over to you now."

Gao Zhong and Wan Sanqian understood immediately. By calling them here today, Gao Yuan was essentially conducting a face-to-face transfer of power. Their level of respect for Xian Ying—this concubine who had previously seemed rather inconspicuous—instantly changed.

Without waiting for Gao Yuan to speak, the two immediately bowed to Xian Ying.

"Greetings, Lady Xian."

Xian Ying's small hand gripped the cold token. She looked at the two respectful subordinates, then at Gao Yuan, and took a deep breath before speaking.

"Both of you are confidants my Husband has cultivated for years; there is no need for such formality. I hope you will work diligently in the future. Becoming lords or ministers will be well within reach, but you must never harbor any ulterior motives that might ruin your prospects."

"We shall remember your teachings, Madam."

After the two left, Xian Ying finally let out a long sigh of relief. She walked with light steps to Gao Yuan and sat gently on the man's lap.

"Husband, I'm really worried I won't do a good job."

Gao Yuan caressed the woman's soft body and said softly,

"You were able to manage the Red Sleeve Pavilion so well before; I believe you will definitely be able to keep the Hidden Guards in perfect order in the future. You must have confidence in yourself."

"Husband, thank you!"

Xian Ying knew that from this day forward, she had truly integrated into this big family.

Among Gao Yuan's wives, Zhao Xiyao managed the overall situation, Zheng Wan and Wu Xu handled government affairs, Song Yao was in charge of the bank, Mu Qing led the Imperial Guard, and Yang Xin would manage maritime trade in the future. It could be said that everyone held power in their hands.

As for herself, ever since she handed over the Red Sleeve Pavilion she controlled to the Hidden Guards, she had become a complete idler, unable to enter the family's inner circle at all.

But from now on, she was finally no longer an outsider drifting on the edge of this circle; she had truly become a pivotal member of the family.

Gao Yuan knew what was on her mind and gently patted her back.

"We are all one family, a family that shares honor and disgrace. Don't worry too much."

"Mhm!"

With money in the government treasury, not only were all outstanding loans and national bonds repaid in full, but a frantic spending mode was also initiated.

Construction on the cement roads, which had been suspended due to lack of funds, resumed. Migrant workers were recruited to repair the aged city walls in various regions, and Zhao Xiyao also ordered the construction of over a hundred county schools and libraries.

Gao Yuan further ordered the military to procure large quantities of dried fruit, dried meat, dried vegetables, and grain, and commissioned a massive number of ox-carts, horse-carts, and wheelbarrows to serve as tools for transporting supplies.

As large amounts of money were spent, workshops everywhere were bustling with activity, and many factories expanded their production capacity. These measures allowed many commoners to share in the benefits of maritime trade.

As for the maritime trade sector, under Gao Yuan's direction, the Mu, Zheng, and Song families finally let word out:

The spices were indeed brought back by the navy. Now that the navy had scouted the route, Gao Yuan was not opposed to letting everyone share in the bounty.