Having been away from court for several days, Zhao Yan was completely bewildered by the Emperor’s words. While he had indeed been planning to expand the scale of maritime trade, it was still only a preliminary idea; he had not yet drafted a concrete implementation plan, nor had he figured out how to persuade Emperor Deming and the other officials. After all, many officials still viewed maritime trade as a farce, a complete fantasy.
A strange silence descended, making hearts race. The ministers did not dare speak rashly; instead, they all turned their eyes toward Zhao Yan.
Feeling an inexplicable pressure, Zhao Yan wished he could simply continue his leave. His promised eight-day vacation was only half over, and he had yet to shift back into a working mindset.
Chapter 657