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Chapter 1362 Beyond Reach 3
Although the ministers didn't say it aloud, they certainly thought the emperor was being arrogant and reckless. Leaving aside whether the Europeans were willing to back down, just looking west of the Indian Ocean would tell you whether it was worth it.

From the Indian subcontinent to the Ottoman Empire, aside from poverty, there seemed to be little else to offer in terms of special products. The enormous wealth expended on these barren lands to wage war against the Europeans was a stark contrast to the emperor's previous advocacy of compassion for the people, and rather smacked of a warlike ambition to become a supreme emperor.

"As the military commander, you should focus your energy on military issues. You can and must think about other things, but don't let them affect you."

Since my ascension to the throne, I have witnessed countless battles, each with its own purpose; I have never fought a pointless war. The significance of this battle is extraordinary; its success or failure will determine the rise and fall of the empire for the next century. It is normal for some to not understand; there is no need to be alarmed.

Hong Tao knew better than anyone what was happening in the court, and he didn't take Tan Buming's concerns to heart. It wasn't that he underestimated the enemy, but rather that no one truly deserved the title of enemy.

As batches of graduates from the Imperial Household Department, the New School, and the Royal Academy entered officialdom, they gradually squeezed out the quotas for the imperial examination system. The political landscape of the Ming Dynasty had broken away from the control of the scholar-official class and was moving towards a one-man rule where the emperor held absolute power.

With its frequent expansion of territory abroad and rapid economic development at home, the people could not be said to have escaped all suffering, but most of them were able to make ends meet and even in years of disaster, they would not be destroyed.

In addition, people saw more opportunities to change their fate. Compared with the traditional imperial examination, there were now more ways to achieve upward social mobility.

Military merit and academic success remained the main paths to success, but opportunities also abounded in other fields such as working as a laborer, running a plantation, opening a factory, or venturing to Southeast Asia. With dedication and a bit of luck in any field, it was possible to achieve great success.

The current throne is as stable as a mountain, and it is not only based on military power, but also on tangible and visible political achievements.

To be precise, at this moment, the Ming Empire truly achieved centralized power in the standard sense. A single decree issued was mandatory, regardless of the region's prosperity or accessibility; all decrees had to be carried out and executed diligently.

Otherwise, before the relevant departments can hold you accountable, your deputy, your deputy's deputy, or even a minor official in the government office will report the truth and hold you accountable, so that you can quickly make room for someone who wants to do things and pursue their ideals and a sense of accomplishment.

In comparison, the Qin, Han, Tang, and Song dynasties were practically makeshift regimes. If an emperor wanted to do something, he had to consider whether his ministers were willing to agree. If he couldn't manage the situation, he could only endure it.

After completing the reform of the imperial examination system, Hong Tao basically revealed his true colors. He no longer pretended to be humble and open-minded, and did whatever he wanted. Unless someone could give him a reason that he agreed with, he would simply replace anyone who disagreed with him with someone who did. After all, everyone was just doing specific tasks under the emperor's orders, so it didn't matter who was in charge.

However, the results were unexpectedly good. In the past, differing opinions on a policy would often lead to a period of back-and-forth struggles, but now it can be resolved in at most two imperial meetings, and the efficiency has improved significantly.

This nationwide mobilization demonstrates that from the moment the imperial edict left the Forbidden City, there was virtually no buck-passing among different sectors. Whatever the edict said was executed flawlessly, with the aim of achieving even better results and no compromises allowed.

This was also the main source of Hong Tao's confidence in launching a nationwide mobilization and a decisive battle against European and Central Asian countries. As long as there was no internal strife or interference from within the Ming Dynasty, with its population of over 100 million, what reason did the Ming Empire, having undergone more than thirty years of early industrialization, have not to win a decisive victory?

"Your Majesty, an urgent report from the General Staff has arrived!" At this moment, the flat-headed man strode into the hall and handed Wang Chengen the General Staff's badge and the box containing the secret report for inspection.

"...Your Majesty, I hadn't received the battle report when I entered the palace, so I suppose it was just arrived!" Seeing the emperor turn his gaze to him, Tan Buming quickly explained why he hadn't brought it into the palace with him. "...Who sent it?" Hong Tao didn't bother to consider whether this explanation was valid. He gestured for Wang Chengen to open the seal, took out the whale-skin paper inside, glanced at it, and then looked up to ask the Honey Badger.

"Third-class confidential secretary Ma Huateng is waiting for orders outside the palace!"

Honey Badger, actually he should be called Uncle Honey Badger now. In middle age, his beard has grown, his belly has expanded, and his eyes have become more profound; he's long since shed his youthful naiveté. However, his personality and temperament haven't changed much; he remains taciturn when strangers are around.

"Let him in and give us his answer!" Upon hearing this name, Hong Tao couldn't help but think of a face that was both righteous and wicked.

The hundreds of ocean-going cargo ships needed by the Eastern Securities Exchange were obtained by this man from various countries. According to Wang Datou's report, during the demand process, this man fully utilized his talent for deception, using coercion and enticement, making promises without telling a single truth. Although he successfully completed the task, it greatly damaged the reputation of the Ming Emperor.

Whether it damaged his reputation or not, Hong Tao didn't comment, nor was it necessary to. Because of his meritorious advice and suggestions, Ma Huateng was promoted two ranks from fifth-level confidential secretary to third-level. Even if he completed the task perfectly, gaining both face and substance, there was absolutely no possibility of further promotion.

"...Look, it's good news!"

However, this merit has been recorded, and now that he has the opportunity, if he can perform well again, it might be worthwhile to promote him further. Regardless of his performance after reaching a higher position, this will serve as an encouragement to both the astronaut and Tan Buming.

"...Phew, it's finally here! According to Deputy Commander-in-Chief Sergei, Lima and Panama should also be attacked at the same time. If there are no major surprises, this eastern expedition plan will go smoothly."

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! A great victory in the eastern expedition will inevitably attract the attention of the Spanish court, and they might even send troops to rescue us. This would also relieve the crisis at Enniu Port!"

Tan Buming took the scroll and unfolded it. A moment later, his skin turned visibly red, and his breathing became rapid. His worried expression vanished, replaced by a radiant glow.

"Ma Jiyao, take a look at these two battle reports, and then tell me whether the Spanish will return to rescue them." Although the eastern expedition plan he had advocated had been initially successful, Hong Tao was not as jubilant as Tan Mingbu, but instead gave Ma Huateng a chance to show his skills.

"..." Ma Huateng took the battle report and read it carefully, then subtly raised his eyelids to glance at Tan Buming.

"Speak quickly if Your Majesty tells you to, why are you looking at me!" This glance infuriated Tan Buming, but he had no choice but to turn the tables and speak up regardless of whether the emperor had seen him or not.

"Yes, the Deputy Chief of the General Staff's criticism is correct. To hold a high position, one must have a broad mind to match it. Petty calculations may bring short-term gains, but they will not lead to great achievements in the long run. I've read the battle report; do you have any answers?"

(End of this chapter)