Chapter 10: The Watertight Bulkhead

“What?”

Cheng Yuanhui was momentarily stunned. “There are other reasons?”

Pei Zheng stepped forward solemnly. “Teacher, I am doing this for the people of Qinghe County and even Jizhou.”

“I have observed along the way that drought is widespread in the southern provinces. In Liangzhou to the west, the situation is dire, and there are many displaced people.”

“The court is mired in factional struggles, and officials like you who genuinely care for the people are few and far between. Relief grain has been delayed for far too long. Even if distributed, how much will actually reach the people after being siphoned off at various levels?”

Cheng Yuanhui let out a quiet sigh. As a classic Confucian scholar who deeply cared for the country and its people, Pei Zheng’s words echoed his own concerns.

“I have heard that rice is abundant and inexpensive in Nanyang countries, especially Siam,” Pei Zheng continued. “I am willing to make the journey, bring back grain, and alleviate the famine, thereby easing the burden on the court.”

Pei Zheng watched as Cheng Yuanhui’s expression softened, sensing that he was starting to believe him. Pei Zheng let out a quiet sigh of relief. His grandiose rhetoric was almost convincing even to himself.

Cheng Yuanhui felt a swell of pride. That his student would risk his life for the country and its people meant that years of teaching had not been in vain.

But the dangers of maritime voyages worried him. “The sea is treacherous. You should send capable servants instead.”

Pei Zheng hesitated. He hadn’t expected his teacher to remain unconvinced even after all this, so he pressed on.

“Teacher, I admit there is also some personal ambition involved. If I succeed, the court examiners will undoubtedly take notice, and even His Majesty might hear of it. It would greatly increase my chances in next year’s imperial exams.”

Cheng Yuanhui’s eyes lit up. He suddenly sat up straighter and clapped his hands. “Indeed!”

The imperial examinations of the Sheng dynasty were not anonymous. A candidate who gained fame beforehand would leave a positive impression on the examiners, significantly improving their chances of success.

If one caught the emperor’s attention, there was even the possibility of achieving the top rank and securing a prestigious position.

Given the Pei family’s extensive connections in the court and careful cultivation of influence, Pei Zheng’s future as a high-ranking official seemed inevitable.

“I see now that it was I who lacked vision. You’ve grown up. Go ahead with your plans,” Cheng Yuanhui said, his tone filled with encouragement.

The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. After all, fortune favors the bold, and the pursuit of official success was no exception.

Pei Zheng bowed respectfully. “Thank you for your support, Teacher.”

As he left, he quietly exhaled in relief. Finally, he had secured permission, sparing his teacher from undue worry that might worsen his health.

His lofty words earlier weren’t entirely false.

In his previous life, he had focused solely on commerce, shuttling between the Western Regions and Sheng. He had naively believed that his family’s protection would keep him safe.

But the immense wealth he amassed became a target, ultimately leading to his demise.

Pei Zheng’s gaze grew sharp, and he clenched his fists. In this life, he would enter the court, seize power, and secure his position.

Of course, his favorite pursuit—making money—would continue. Who said officials couldn’t engage in business?

From Dechan, he had learned that the Nanyang region was rich in exotic goods. He was determined to fill his coffers to the brim this time.

A rare smile softened Pei Zheng’s usually icy expression.

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“Sister, this restaurant is so grand!”

Xu Qianxing exclaimed as he looked up at the towering four-story building.

Xu Sinan stepped down from the carriage and studied the classical structure, nodding. “It’s quite impressive.”

Pei Zheng held his teacher in the highest regard, so it was no surprise he would arrange for the best accommodations.

Glancing at the Pei family’s luxurious carriage, Xu Sinan made a mental note to earn enough money in the future to own one just like it—it was incredibly comfortable.

Pei Zheng sending a carriage to pick them up was unexpected, signaling how seriously he regarded the voyage to Siam.

Dechan, too, was brimming with excitement as he took in the bustling sights of Sheng, marveling at the unfamiliar wonders.

A clean and well-dressed young man emerged from the restaurant with a warm smile. “Honored guests, please come in. Our young master has been waiting for you.”

Wen Yu escorted the trio directly to Pei Zheng’s room.

Pei Zheng stood with a welcoming smile. “Please, come in.”

After the customary pleasantries, they got down to business.

Pei Zheng looked at Xu Sinan and said, “I have a presumptuous request—I hope Miss Xu will accompany us to Siam.”

Xu Sinan was overjoyed in her heart but kept her composure, lightly furrowing her brows as if in hesitation.

“Young Master Pei, I’m still young, and I know nothing about sailing. Besides, the dangers at sea might worry my parents.”

She had long anticipated that Pei Zheng would ask her to join. After all, she was currently the only one who could communicate with De Can.

Once they arrived in Siam, they would still need her to communicate with the locals.

Xu Qianxing looked at her sister in surprise. Wasn’t she the one jumping up and down to go to Siam? She had deliberately approached Pei Zheng for this very reason—so why was she now hesitating?

“Miss Xu, I can offer compensation. Please feel free to name your price.”

“If your parents are worried, your brother can accompany you,” Pei Zheng added.

Xu Sinan seemed to deliberate for a moment, her face showing a conflicted expression.

Pei Zheng, however, was in no hurry, leisurely sipping his tea.

After a long while, Xu Sinan suddenly slapped the table, as though she had made a great decision.

“Since Young Master Pei has extended such an invitation, I will give my full support.”

Pei Zheng set down his teacup with a smile. “Excellent.”

“Sinan doesn’t require any compensation.”

This statement left Xu Qianxing dumbfounded. Wasn’t her sister going to sea to make money? How could she turn down the silver?

“What does Miss Xu want, then?” Pei Zheng asked, still smiling warmly.

Xu Sinan’s lips curved into a faint smile. Dealing with a clever person was always straightforward—what compensation could possibly compare to her ambitions?

“I haven’t contributed yet, so it’s too early to discuss compensation. Once we reach Siam, I’ll make a simple request, something well within Young Master Pei’s capabilities.”

Pei Zheng nodded with a smile.

Having said that, Xu Sinan stopped pretending and asked seriously, “Young Master Pei, what type of ship are you planning to use?”

For long-distance voyages, the ship was of utmost importance, and as a fellow traveler, she had to take this seriously.

Pei Zheng signaled for Wen Yu to bring over a few blueprints. “I’ve contacted nearby shipyards, and they provided these designs for large vessels.”

Initially, he had wanted to purchase a ready-made ship, but since it had been years since anyone from Jizhou had ventured abroad, there were no suitable ships available, leaving him with no choice but to commission one.

Xu Sinan studied the blueprints carefully, her brows furrowing deeper with each passing moment. Why were all the ships designed like this?

“Is there a problem?” Pei Zheng asked.

He had already noticed yesterday that Xu Sinan was not like an ordinary fisherman’s daughter. She knew far too much.

He even suspected she had approached him intentionally.

However, as long as she was helpful and harbored no malice, he was willing to work with her amicably.

“Why are the bottoms of the ships flat?”

Xu Sinan, who had participated in archaeological studies, had a clear understanding of ancient ship structures.

“Large ships are usually like this,” Xu Qianxing chimed in as she looked over the blueprints, seeing no issues.

Xu Sinan shook her head. “Flat-bottomed ships are suitable for river navigation or coastal waters.

“For long-distance voyages to faraway Siam, you need ships with pointed bottoms to cut through the waves.”

She had studied the treasure ships of Zheng He’s voyages to the West and the Fuzhou ships of ancient times. Without exception, they had pointed hulls.

De Can added that the ships used in his family’s maritime ventures also had pointed bottoms.

Pei Zheng nodded thoughtfully. He wasn’t well-versed in shipbuilding, but perhaps those who grew up by the sea knew more.

“I’ll make a note of it and discuss it with the shipyard craftsmen tomorrow,” Pei Zheng said.

Xu Sinan hadn’t expected him to agree immediately. It was enough that he was willing to consider her suggestions.

“There’s one more thing: the ship must have watertight compartments underneath.”

Everyone froze for a moment.

Xu Sinan felt a bit awkward. Could it be that the concept of watertight compartments hadn’t yet been developed in the Sheng Dynasty?

After all, it was a brilliant invention by ancient Chinese laborers.