Chapter 199 – Myriad Phenomena

The White Coral Island was not far from Jinhaiwei. There were about twenty islands of various sizes in the archipelago, with large ones like White Coral Island, Seagull Island, Changle Island, Moon Ying Island, and several others, along with smaller islands. The largest island among them was White Coral Island.

Peaks rose up on the island, with cliffs rising out of the sea, mountains and sea interconnected, the horizon merged into a single color. From afar, one could see the pines and cypresses amidst rolling waves, deep ravines and gorges, herds of deer roamed through the woods, flocks of birds circled overhead, their calls never ceasing. On the sandy beach, seabirds searched for food, while seagulls flew around.

The “Taiping” led the fleet slowly into the cluster of White Coral Islands, where there was indeed an encampment of five thousand soldiers from Jinhaiwei already established. Additionally, Pei Dongyan had also brought over three thousand Imperial Guards here for protection and to garrison.

Preparations had begun a month in advance, and now, a large military camp had been built against the mountain. In the center stood a magnificent and spacious pavilion, its splendid glazed tiles shimmering in the sunlight. The entire pavilion was built against the mountain, overlooking the sea and embracing the scenery, spanning seven floors. Hanging above it was a plaque inscribed with the emperor’s own hand, bearing the name “Myriad Phenomena.”

Xie Yi leaned against the railing on the ship, saw the Pavilion of Myriad Phenomena, and smiled slightly, saying to Xu Chun beside him, “So it’s hung here?”

Xu Chun laughed and said, “On a night filled with stars, ascending this tower to take in the scenery, the sea and sky seem close, the stars arrayed in majestic order, myriad phenomena within one’s heart, emotions surge.”

Xie Yi smiled and said, “When we ascend to the heights later, those ministers skilled in poetry and prose should compose poems and essays accordingly.”

He turned around with a smile and looked for Zhuang Zhan, “The top scholar’s words are splendid and his scope vast; he has another occasion to display his talents.”

Zhuang Zhan had been assigned two consecutive poetic tasks by the emperor. He was indeed exceptionally talented, but at that moment, looking at the spectacular and brightly adorned tower, he felt somewhat displeased.

He then bowed and said, “This White Coral Island is originally a military camp. Although it is said to welcome the imperial presence for a grand inspection, such large-scale construction of a pavilion here on this uninhabited island, with green tiles and vermilion pillars, vermilion doors and colored eaves, using expensive glazed tiles, built in an extremely short period of time, merely for this one grand inspection, is undoubtedly an excessive mobilization of forces, wasteful of military resources, and a needless expenditure of state funds.”

After he finished speaking, Xie Yi retracted his smile, expressionless and indifferent.

However, Zhuang Zhan seemed oblivious to the emperor’s displeasure and continued sternly, “Your Majesty has always advocated frugality. During your tour of Jinhaiwei, you have consistently required simplicity throughout the journey. In my opinion, this Pavilion of Myriad Phenomena should not be praised. Otherwise, if everyone emulates this in the future, to flatter Your Majesty, they would construct odd sights and build pavilions along the way, purchase treasure ships, and delight the imperial eyes. Over time, the trend of extravagance would inevitably grow, and sycophants seeking favor would fill the court…”

Xu Chun, who had just been lectured by Fang Zijing, was still feeling rather upset despite his righteous arguments. At that moment, seeing Zhuang Zhan spouting off again, a mix of old and new grievances surged in his heart. He stepped forward and said, “Who did Scholar Zhuang call a sycophant seeking favor?”

His eyes were naturally round and bright. As he approached with a fierce aura, Zhuang Zhan, who was not usually afraid of trouble, found himself unable to say that Xu Chun was a sycophant seeking favor, especially after seeing the massive mechanical factory earlier that day and stepping onto the ship made by the court itself. He felt somewhat guilty.

Xu Chun shouted loudly, “Firstly, who said this place is uninhabited? During times when whales and sharks rise and spears and arrows clash, the White Coral Islands are a strategic location in the East Sea territory, which has always been our dynasty’s territory. However, it has repeatedly been occupied by pirates, red-haired foreigners, and others. If we do not build a pavilion and set up a monument here, and station troops, it would have long been taken by others! If we lose our territory, how can we face our descendants in the future?”

“The Great Wall and the Grand Canal, their merits and demerits throughout the ages, will naturally be judged by posterity. How can you rashly conclude that such sights mislead the country? You, a civil official, do not understand tactics. You do not know how many fewer people would die in battle if we occupied this place! What is meant by expanding territory and spreading the virtue and might of the Han family far and wide? Does it rely solely on your mouth? Naturally, it requires building pavilions and ports, developing islands, attracting our dynasty’s fishermen to live here, and stationing troops, thus firmly securing control. This is how we can claim that it has always been our dynasty’s territory!”

Zhuang Zhan was speechless.

Xu Chun sneered and refuted, “Secondly, since this is our dynasty’s military camp and an important military equipment base, the emperor will naturally visit frequently. How could it be only for this one grand inspection? Even if the Pavilion of Myriad Phenomena were not to welcome the imperial presence, it could still serve as a place for military and civilian meetings, living quarters, and sightseeing in the future.”

“Thirdly, the wood and glazed tiles for the Pavilion of Myriad Phenomena were cut and burned by ourselves on the island, self-sufficient. All the craftsmen and soldiers involved in the construction were given ample wages and provisions, so it cannot be considered a burden on the people or a waste of resources.”

“Do you think it’s difficult to burn these glazed tiles? There are kilns in Jinhaiwei for making export-quality powder-colored porcelain, supplying overseas markets continuously. Now, we have mastered the method of burning glass, let alone glazed tiles. After being burned in Jinhaiwei, they were simply transported here by ship.”

“The construction of the Pavilion of Myriad Phenomena achieves three benefits in one stroke. Scholar, please look at the military officers and ministers welcoming the imperial presence on shore. There are also many envoys from foreign legations stationed in Jinhaiwei and major merchants from the West and South Seas, who admire the divine might and come here to observe our dynasty’s exercises. Seeing us capable of building such a magnificent structure on this island in the sea, and witnessing our equally strong ships and powerful cannons, wouldn’t they be awestruck and submit, thereby enhancing our national prestige and deterring overseas covetousness.”

Zhuang Zhan said, “In the past few days, I’ve seen that shipbuilding and cannon manufacturing are excessively costly. I fear there’s too much waste. Every part of the nine provinces needs silver for poverty alleviation, disaster relief, bridge construction, and river management. Now, the Marquis of Linhai spends a huge amount of money on ships and cannons, which does not benefit the people’s livelihood…”

Xu Chun sneered, “Foreigners view cannons and firearms as their foundation, and have devoted themselves to research for a century. Our dynasty has gained the experience of a hundred years in just a few years. This is a great benefit. Shipbuilding and cannon manufacturing are the foundations of wealth and strength, and cannot be neglected. How can we regard it as wasteful due to excessive costs?”

“Isn’t Scholar Zhuang saying that I’m good at accounting? Why, can’t you think of the fact that since I’m so good at accounting, how could I incur losses for nothing? Could it be that you want to bring down this Marquis and thereby enhance your reputation for integrity? This move has already been used by Minister Li; you shouldn’t use it again!”

The military officials burst out laughing without restraint. They were often criticized by the literati officials in the court, but none of them had a sharp tongue like the Marquis of Linhai. At that moment, they were feeling quite satisfied.

Fang Zijing smiled and said, “There’s another person who spoils the mood and pours cold water. Minister Li finally has company. Unfortunately, he’s not here.”

Even the literati officials on the Hanlin side couldn’t help showing amusement on their faces. After all, everyone in the court knew that the Marquis of Linhai and Li Meiyao didn’t get along, and that Li Meiyao was always keen on spoiling the mood, ready to bring up some grand principles to criticize others, making enemies throughout the court, and there were very few people who liked him.

Zhuang Zhan: “…” Although he had a wealth of classics and had thought of several points to refute Xu Chun’s fallacious arguments, he hadn’t expected to be stung by Xu Chun’s sharp and merciless words, leaving his face pale. He couldn’t help but look at the emperor, worried that the emperor viewed him similarly.

But he saw that although Xie Yi still had no expression on his face, his eyes already held a smile. Unlike the previous time at the Wanguang Academy, when he stopped the Marquis of Linhai from countering, he seemed to be observing the situation calmly, just as he did in the past in the court, watching the ministers argue and debate without saying a word.

Then Shen Mengzhen stepped forward and said, “Scholar Zhuang also has the intention of loyalty to the monarch and concern for the country. We didn’t expect to see such a splendid pavilion on this island, and were indeed puzzled. The Marquis of Linhai has explained it for us, which is also for the greater good.”

Seeing his teacher come forward, Xu Chun knew that he was worried about offending the literati officials, so he didn’t continue to press the issue, reining in his fierce aura. He remembered to bow to Xie Yi before retreating back to the ranks of the military officials.

They saw the Taiping slowly entering the port, while on the island, Huo Shiduo led the Jianrui Camp, Pei Dongyan led the Fengxiang Guard, and various other military officers came forward to welcome the imperial presence. Due to being in the military, most of them wore armor. Xie Yi gave verbal instructions that there was no need for formal court etiquette, and they greeted each other with military salutes.

After disembarking, amidst the thunderous “Long Live the Emperor” cries from the military camp, Xie Yi got into a palanquin and headed for the Pavilion of Myriad Phenomena. Under the guidance of Pei Dongyan and others, the emperor and his ministers ascended to the highest floor of the Pavilion of Myriad Phenomena. A viewing pavilion had been set up on the outer terrace, with dragon chairs and tables laid out. Indeed, it offered the best view, allowing one to see the distant sea and several islands while sitting comfortably.

Everyone respectfully invited Xie Yi to ascend to his seat, and Xu Chun presented a telescope to Xie Yi. Soldiers distributed telescopes to all the high-ranking ministers, and everyone could receive one of these precious items. Many ministers were using them for the first time, raising them to look out to sea, and indeed saw ships densely packed around the islands.

Lei Ming exclaimed in realization, “Why are there foreign ships?”

At that moment, everyone was somewhat agitated. Xie Yi calmed everyone down and said, “Don’t panic. The Marquis of Linhai has already reported to me in advance. This exercise has invited one warship each from the countries of Portugal, Japan, and Russia to participate in the exercise, to enhance national prestige.”

Everyone looked at each other, feeling that it was very inappropriate for the emperor to personally venture into danger. But at that moment, on the magnificent high platform, looking down from above, the warships were far away, appearing small. Below the pavilion, there were heavily armed guards. The emperor appeared composed and calm, and the Marquis of Linhai had a smile on his face, looking quite relaxed. Their hearts settled slightly.

Some military officers, who were well aware of the power of cannons, changed their expressions slightly, and words of advice reached the tip of their tongues. Seeing the pale-faced Zhuang Zhan standing aside, they couldn’t help but recall that the Marquis of Linhai was not someone to be bullied. The emperor was clearly supporting him. Who dared to spoil the mood and pour cold water at this time? Didn’t they see that Duke Wuying was sitting leisurely on the side, watching the naval formation with his arms crossed? They swallowed their words.

They watched as the “Taiping,” which had brought them over, slowly left the port with the “Wansui” and “Qianqiu” warships and headed towards the naval exercise fleet. The sun was high in the sky, and the sea was calm, already in the afternoon, peaceful enough to make one feel a bit lazy.

Xu Chun introduced, “Today, Sheng Changtian is commanding the naval camp to perform for His Majesty. The first item is a target practice with naval artillery.”

“Can His Majesty see the floating target to the north? The bright red one, it’s placed there with a small boat for positioning. Each of the four countries sends one main gunship, firing ten shots. Hitting one target counts as ten points.”

Hearing the command, the four warships turned, suddenly rumbling deafeningly, cannon fire shaking the heavens, smoke and flames forming clouds. The originally calm sea erupted with nearly ten-zhang-high water columns, like startled dragons bursting out of the water. Seabirds that had been flying peacefully took flight in fright, while countless birds flew up from the nearby forest, all racing to the distant horizon.

They were on the high tower, seemingly far from the warships, yet they faintly felt the entire tower trembling.

The power of cannons was so great! The literati officials all changed their expressions.