Song Zhiyuan felt that the Emperor Chu was particularly irritable during the early court meeting, as if provoked by something. He issued several directives, disregarding the ministers' opposition, insisting on building the navy, establishing the Marine Department, eliminating pirates, and clearing waterways in preparation for opening maritime trade routes.
This could be overlooked, as the maritime trade routes had been proposed long ago. It was just last year that the Tea and Horse Road was realized, and the courtiers opposed it, causing delays. But everyone knew that once the Emperor decided on something, it was basically set.
For this matter, the supporters and opponents argued fiercely this morning, veins bulging on their necks. If the timing weren't off, those military generals would have loved to grab some melon seeds and watch the spectacle, appreciating the power of the scholars' verbal battles.
