Hyper-Dimensional Player

Chapter 802 68: Opening Maritime Trade and Seizing Yizhou

"Your Majesty plans to assimilate the Tanka people using the belief of the Sea God's Lady?" Lu Qiongxi's instincts were very sharp.

Unlike other witches, the Mazu belief has the function of protecting maritime navigation safety, coastal fishermen praying to Mazu for issues such as early floods, diseases, and shipping.

Historically, the belief in Mazu emerged from among many folk beliefs with official support.

But now, this process has been personally accelerated by Duncan.

It's just a matter of granting a title!

First, Duncan bestowed the title of 'Lady', then elevated it to 'Concubine', and later directly to 'Celestial Concubine'.

As long as he wishes, he can elevate it step by step.

Historically, Mazu's initial title was Lady Ling Hui, followed by multiple elevations, turning into Lady Lingci Zhaoying Chongfu Shanli, then Lady Ling Hui, and finally elevated to Protecting Nation's Renowned Celestial Concubine.

Based on this, Mazu's belief further elevated to 'Protecting Nation, Blessing People, Marvelous Spirit, Zhaoying Benevolent Celestial Empress'.

Regarding this line, Duncan elevates it step by step according to the progress of opening trade routes.

Eating must be done one bite at a time; it's best for signs to appear a few times, so Duncan can conveniently bestow the title of 'Lady of the Sea God' in the future.

Mazu's belief integrates parts of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and Duncan plans to use it to assimilate the Tanka people and other ethnic minority tribes along the coastal areas. Unlike those primitive witch cults, this is considered the mildest folk belief.

"Your Majesty, the people have been brought."

At this moment, a fair-faced eunuch quietly walked in and said in a low voice, "They are waiting outside."

Duncan revealed a knowing expression and nodded, "Bring them in."

Not long after.

Several dark-skinned, capable men were brought in, led by a man around forty, followed by two slightly younger ones, likely relatives. The young men, with bolder hearts, couldn't help raising their heads slightly upon entering, not daring to gaze directly at Duncan, but secretly sizing up the maidens serving beside him. When their gaze fell on Lu Qiongxi and the beautiful lady behind, they couldn't help but show an enamored expression, ensnared by her beauty.

The leading man was very alert, secretly kicked the young man, who immediately realized and hurriedly knelt down.

The Tanka people spend their lives drifting at sea; they have never seen such pampered beautiful women, nor have they seen such milk-white skin in their lifetime.

However, Duncan was indifferent, instead examining the dark-skinned men before him, asking in a deep voice, "Have you been to Yizhou?" (Note: later Taiwan).

The dark-skinned man dared not look up, prostrating respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"It's surrounded by mountains, inhabited by mountain tribes."

Currently, Yizhou remains uncolonized, primarily inhabited by indigenous people, but it was already mentioned during the Three Kingdoms Period.

"Biography of the Three Kingdoms - Book of Wu" records:

Second year, spring, first month, during Wei's construction of a new city in Hefei. An imperial decree was made to establish a school for wine sacrifices to teach the princes. Generals Wei Wen and Zhuge Zhi were dispatched with ten thousand armored soldiers to explore Yizhou and Tanzhou.

Tanzhou resides in the sea; ancient elders claim that Qin Shihuang sent Warlock Xu Fu with thousands of boys and girls to seek the Penglai divine mountain and elixirs, stopping on this isle without returning. Generations later, there were tens of thousands of homes; the people sometimes traded with Kuaiji for cloth, and people sailing from Kuaiji also drifted to Tanzhou during storms. It was located extremely far, impossible to reach eventually, only returning with thousands from Yizhou.

Within the study.

Duncan listened attentively to Lu Qiongxi narrate some anecdotes from the Three Kingdoms Era. This woman is quite learned; otherwise, she wouldn't be able to govern the royal court. Her abilities resemble a less capable version of Shangguan Wan'er, with some talent in politics, though just about sixty value points.

Tanzhou is likely Ryukyu and similar places nowadays, and Warlock Yun Wangji and others have also been searching, with seekers for celestial islands constantly looking overseas.

Yizhou is now Taiwan.

If Duncan plans to develop sea trade, he must first colonize Yizhou, serving as a midway stepping stone and vital supply point, eventually extending to Ryukyu. Ryukyu has Dragon Palace belief, which in this world likely relates to dragons.

As for future expansion into Southeast Asia, there's no rush. As long as the internal affairs remain stable, Malacca can be approached at any time.

"Speaking of which, I have so many eunuchs here."

"Cultivating a Zheng He is probably not difficult; sailing west is imperative."

As Duncan slightly gestured with his eyes, Lu Qiongxi immediately understood, softly clapping her hands, leading several eunuchs in.

No wonder emperors throughout history favored flattering ministers; Lu Qiongxi is truly perceptive, understanding people's wishes. Sometimes Duncan need not express anything; he could merely show a slight interest, and she would detect it, even silently preparing everything.

However, using people like her improperly could become a disaster.

"I will give you ten large ships; they will accompany you to set off for Yizhou."

After some contemplation, Duncan said, "If this matter is handled well, there will be great rewards."

First, mark Taiwan.

Then mark Ryukyu, Fusang, and surrounding areas in Southeast Asia. Although their land isn't vast, there are certainly abundant resources, especially Fusang during this era, which hasn't been fully developed yet, yielding significant gold and silver.

After sending these people away, another eunuch led in a young man dressed as a martial officer, handsome in appearance, excelling in both Military School and martial arts. Upon entering the study, he immediately knelt down.

"Minister Li Yanqing pays respects to Your Majesty."

This man who entered has remarkable looks and extraordinary demeanor, drawing Duncan's attention for a few more looks, even though he isn't an emperor who judges by appearance, this man at a glance feels extraordinary, certainly possessing some talent.