Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

The ocean-going fleet stopped in India for three days and set sail again in the early morning of the fourth day, heading towards the Kingdom of Wuzhao.

Leaving the Indian colony meant leaving the sphere of influence of the Chu Kingdom, and there were no official anchorages for the remainder of the voyage until reaching the Wuzhao Sea.

Fortunately, the expedition had ample supplies, enough to sustain tens of thousands of people at sea for at least five months.

Jiang Mengxuan and Shen Lang stood side by side at the bow of the boat, gazing at the rolling waves on the sea, each with their own thoughts.

"The battle with Wu Zhao will determine the future of the Chu Kingdom. Whether the Chu Kingdom can extend its influence to the Western Continent depends entirely on the performance of its naval officers and soldiers."

"Madam, you can rest assured. The three newest battleships, Dinghai, Jinling, and Chang'an, are more than enough to tear apart the coastal defense system proposed by Wu Zhao."

In fact, even sending three second-class frigates would be enough to destroy the entire Wu Zhao Navy.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Mengxuan was very curious: "I find it very strange that Li Hong would issue such a bizarre policy as the sea ban. He shouldn't be doing something so illogical."

Shen Lang: "This is because Li Hong is very clear that in terms of naval warfare, Wu Zhao Kingdom is even inferior to Xi Huang Kingdom."

The purpose of issuing the maritime ban was to prevent a possible renewed invasion by the Western Phoenix Kingdom.

This was also to prevent coastal residents from fleeing, because people living closer to the sea had more opportunities to connect with the outside world.

This was something Li Hong would absolutely not allow. For an autocratic emperor, consolidating his power was paramount; nothing else mattered.

Therefore, the more ignorant the populace was, the more advantageous it was for Li Hong's rule.

Jiang Mengxuan remained silent. In fact, if she thought about it carefully, if she hadn't met Shen Lang, even if she could bring about the revival of the Chu Kingdom, she would probably just be the next Li Hong.

While the ignorance of the people may benefit the ruler, it also jeopardizes the future and vitality of the entire dynasty, inevitably leading it into another cycle of history.

Now, Jiang Mengxuan is determined to completely break the cyclical pattern of dynasties and create a true citizen empire...

As the Chu Kingdom's ocean fleet gradually approached the Wuzhao Sea, Shengjing City was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a joyous atmosphere.

Even in the outer city of Shengjing, it had been carefully tidied up and made exceptionally clean.

The emperor's sixty-seventh birthday is approaching, which is a momentous occasion and cannot be taken lightly.

Everything must be done to the best of our ability, so that on the Emperor's birthday, everyone in the capital can share in the boundless grace bestowed upon them by the Emperor.

A bowl of steaming hot millet porridge.

It was already mid-October, and Li Hong, accompanied by Yong, was inspecting the Wanfulou, which had cost tens of millions of taels of silver to build.

"Your Majesty, look, these jade steps are all carved from the most precious spiritual jade. Even without candles at night, they can emit a crystal-clear holy light."

"And those windowsills, all made of the finest glass, provide excellent lighting. During the day, they can illuminate the Wanfulou building completely. There are a total of 999 pieces, symbolizing His Majesty's long life."

"Your Majesty, look at those porcelain pieces again. There are twelve in total, all made from the most precious red clay from the Southern Continent. They may not look like much on their own, but when you look closely at them together, they form the four characters 'Long Live the Emperor.'"

"By the way, that stage is made of huanghuali wood, specially used to invite actors to perform. On the day of His Majesty's birthday banquet, guests from all directions can clearly see the actors performing on the stage."

He Yong excitedly described the opulent scene of Wanfulou to Li Hong.

Li Hong listened with a beaming smile and repeatedly praised it.

After looking around, the two stood in front of the three-story pavilion and looked down.

He Yong continued, "Your Majesty, I personally supervised the construction of the exterior of Wanfulou. Not to mention anything else, just look at that dragon-spitting fountain..."

However, a great deal of effort was put into ensuring that on the day of the birthday banquet, the dragon head would emit clouds of smoke, enveloping the entire Wanfu Restaurant in a fairyland-like atmosphere, which would surely greatly satisfy the guests.

Li Hong nodded: "You're quite thoughtful, servant. I'm very satisfied. By the way, how are the birthday banquet arrangements going?"

He Yong: "Your Majesty, everything has been arranged. All officials of the seventh rank and above in the capital will visit, and second-rank officials from the provinces will also arrive at the palace on the same day to celebrate Your Majesty's birthday."

"At that time, tables will be set up according to the officials' ranks. Just outside Wanfulou alone, we can arrange 130 tables, ensuring Your Majesty has a lively and festive occasion."

Upon hearing this, Li Hong nodded with satisfaction.

Although he relies on health-preserving exercises, Li Hong looks to be under forty years old, in the prime of his life.

But in the end, he is already an old man approaching seventy.

Older people are most afraid of loneliness and most fond of the warmth and comfort of everyday life.

Wasn't Li Hong's purpose in holding such a grand birthday banquet simply to create a lively atmosphere?

"And don't forget the banquets held by the common people," he added. "I can't let them suffer during my birthday celebrations."

He Yong: "Your Majesty, please rest assured, this servant has made all the arrangements."

As for this endless banquet, it's just like the saying "Whoever takes so-and-so's head will be rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold"—just listen to it and forget about it.

Even if one dares to set up a stall, would the other dare to come and eat there?

It's nothing more than a means for the emperor to enhance his reputation.

Unexpectedly, Li Hong suddenly asked, "How did you arrange everything?"

Just as He Yong was about to speak, Li Hong added, "To be honest."

He Yong: "Every citizen in the city will receive a bowl of millet porridge, and the soldiers and their families will receive an extra pound of meat per household."

Li Hong remained silent, his smile gradually freezing as he silently watched the busy figures coming and going from Wanfulou.

He Yong was taken aback: "Your Majesty, did I do something wrong?"

Li Hong replied, "On such a rare day of joy for me, you only give the people millet porridge? That's far too stingy. Go and inform the government offices to give each household an additional two liters of wheat flour."

He Yong: "Your Majesty is compassionate and loves the people. You are truly a wise and sagacious ruler. This servant will certainly handle this matter well."

In reality, Li Hong had no real compassion for the common people; he made this decision purely to save face for himself.

The emperor's desire to save face is just a figure of speech; the rice and flour for millions of people in the capital still need to be provided by Yongzheng.

"Well, don't forget later. I'm sure you won't let me down."

After Li Hong finished speaking, he chuckled and circled the attic before heading downstairs.

Just as he left the gate of Wanfulou, Cheng Geli from the Ministry of Rites came to report: "Your Majesty, the envoys from foreign vassal states have arrived in the capital, and the imperial palaces and villas are already full."

Li Hong asked, "How many foreigners came in total?"

Cheng Geli: "A total of seventy-eight foreign states."

Li Hong was taken aback: "Three are missing. Which three didn't come?"

"The State of Jiang did not send an envoy, nor did the State of An, nor the State of Jin."

"Make a note of these three foreign country names. We can deal with everything after my birthday banquet."

"Slave takes orders."

Chen Geli acknowledged and took his leave.

As soon as he left, Li Hong immediately said to He Yong, "He Yong, it seems that someone thinks they have found a new patron and doesn't intend to take Wu Zhao seriously anymore. What do you think we should do?"