Meeting Minister Zhōu's hopeful gaze, Zhao Yan pretended not to notice. Maritime trade required people with courage and capability, and pulling strings was not going to work with him.
"Minister Zhōu, this matter is not my sole decision to make. There are countless pairs of eyes watching from top to bottom. Your son is welcome to sign up for the selection, but whether he makes the cut depends entirely on his own ability."
Zhao Yan gave a polite refusal.
Chapter 660