My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

That evening, a special dish of steamed whale meat was added to the imperial meal at the camp.

When cooking, Zheng Zhilong specifically instructed the imperial chefs to select the most tender part from the whale's back.

Therefore, the fish served is white in color, firm in texture, delicate in taste, and delicious in flavor, with a slight hint of the sweet and fishy taste of sea fish. It is somewhat similar to high-quality mackerel, but even more succulent.

After tasting it, Zhu Cilang nodded to himself.

He knew that this was definitely the best part of the whale; ordinary soldiers would probably be given pieces of meat that were marinated and tasted worse.

Even so, it remains an extremely valuable source of animal protein.

Considering that many Ming soldiers rarely even have oil or meat on a daily basis, the improvement in physical strength and morale would be obvious if they could regularly supplement their diet with whale meat.

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang put down his chopsticks and looked at Chongzhen, who was in the main seat.

Emperor Chongzhen was clearly quite satisfied with this novel seafood and was enjoying it immensely.

"Father."

Zhu Cilang spoke up.

"Your Majesty, I have an idea that I would like to present to Your Majesty for your decision."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen swallowed the food in his mouth, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and asked with great interest:

"Oh? What are your thoughts? Feel free to speak."

Zhu Cilang cut straight to the point:
"Today, Father Emperor witnessed the killing of this giant whale. The amount of meat it produces is truly astonishing. One whale can yield tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of catties of meat. If our Great Ming could establish a dedicated naval force to patrol the seas year-round, specializing in whaling..."

"The amount of whale meat obtained each year would be astronomical! If this meat can be properly processed and transported to the front lines of the Nine Garrisons, or even supplied to the capital region and used to provide relief to disaster victims, then the soldiers of our Great Ming Dynasty will be stronger and the people's meals will be more abundant. This is a good policy that benefits the country and the people!"

After hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen did not immediately agree. Instead, he frowned slightly and sighed softly.

He put down his chopsticks, his tone carrying a hint of practical consideration:

“What you say, how could I not know? This whale is indeed a mountain of meat, but its drawbacks are also obvious. How can such a huge amount of meat be kept fresh? If it is to be transported to Liaodong and Xuanda, thousands of miles away, it will probably rot and stink before it even reaches its destination.”

"If we use salt to preserve it, it can certainly be preserved for longer, but to preserve a giant whale, we would need tens of thousands of kilograms of salt! Salt is a state monopoly and is very valuable. In addition, there are the costs of long-distance transportation. All things considered, the cost is extremely high, and it may not be worth the effort."

"I have considered this matter before, but I ultimately felt it was difficult to implement."

Emperor Chongzhen's concerns were reasonable, reflecting his careful assessment of costs and feasibility as a ruler.

However, Zhu Cilang was prepared for this.

He said with a confident smile:

"Your Majesty's concerns are very valid. This is indeed a critical problem. However, I have recently come across a method that may solve this predicament."

"This method does not require a large amount of salt for curing, and it can preserve fish for many years without spoiling, with a shelf life of up to one year or even longer!"

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen sat up abruptly, his face instantly filled with extreme shock and disbelief!

He stared wide-eyed at Zhu Cilang, as if he had heard a fairy tale.

How to preserve meat for a year without it spoiling, and without using salt?
This was simply beyond his comprehension! He instinctively felt it was impossible, but looking at Zhu Cilang's firm and confident eyes, he swallowed back the doubt that was on the tip of his tongue.

He took a deep breath and asked in a low voice:
"What kind of method could have such a miraculous effect?"

Zhu Cilang smiled, but did not immediately explain the method in detail. After all, Chongzhen would not understand the production method of canned food, because it involved concepts that were beyond the era, such as canning, sealing, and heating sterilization.

So he simply nodded affirmatively:
"How dare I deceive Father? Although the principle of this method is strange, the operation is not extremely difficult, and the required materials are not rare. As long as Father nods, this matter will be entrusted to me. Once the Southern Tour arrives in Nanjing and a suitable workshop and craftsmen are available, I can begin to test it. After success, I will report to Father for inspection."

Emperor Chongzhen stared at Zhu Cilang for a moment, and began to believe him to some extent.

A surge of joy and anticipation welled up inside me. If we could truly solve the age-old problem of long-distance meat preservation, what would that mean?
This means that the empire's army can obtain a stable and high-quality supply of protein, that the supply of materials in remote areas will be greatly improved, and that the whale hunting industry may really become a disruptive strategic industry!

After all, whales don't need to be raised; they grow naturally in the ocean and can be caught. They are truly a treasure bestowed by heaven!
"Good! Good! Good!"

Emperor Chongzhen exclaimed "Good!" three times, his emotions running high.

"In that case, this matter will be entirely entrusted to you! Whatever you need, I will grant it! If this matter is successful, Lang'er, you will have performed an unparalleled service for our Great Ming!"

"Your subject obeys the decree! I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's high expectations!"

Zhu Cilang bowed and accepted the order.

After dinner, Zhu Cilang did not rest, but went directly to Zheng Zhilong's temporary central command tent set up by the sea.

Upon hearing that the Crown Prince had arrived, Zheng Zhilong hurriedly rose to greet him. Just as he was about to perform a grand salute, Zhu Cilang quickly stepped forward and helped him up.

“Father-in-law, there’s no need for such formalities. There are no outsiders here. Between us, father-in-law and son-in-law, there’s no need for such politeness.”

Zhu Cilang said with a smile, his tone friendly.

Seeing the Crown Prince's amiable attitude, Zheng Zhilong was pleased and responded with a smile:

"Your Highness's kindness is deeply appreciated. In that case, I will presume to accept it."

He then ordered his personal guards to serve tea, and the two of them sat down on simple wooden chairs in the cabin, one as host and the other as guest.

Although Zheng Zhilong's residence could not compare to the spacious and luxurious cabins of the imperial ship, it was still quite comfortable.

Thick Persian carpets covered the floor, and the tables and chairs were made of fine rosewood. Several ink-wash nautical charts and some strange objects that seemed to come from Southeast Asia or the West were also hanging on the bulkhead, showing the owner's refined taste and extensive experience.

However, compared to the cabins used by the Crown Prince and the Emperor, the furnishings here were deliberately kept low-key and practical, showing that Zheng Zhilong knew his duty as a subject and dared not overstep his bounds in the slightest.

Zhu Cilang didn't exchange many pleasantries. He picked up his teacup, blew on the floating leaves, took a sip, and then put it down. He looked directly at Zheng Zhilong and said frankly:

“Father-in-law, during dinner just now, my father and I discussed the matter of whaling and we felt that it was a very worthwhile endeavor.”

"There are no outsiders here now, and I would like to hear your honest opinion. Based on your decades of experience at sea, if our Great Ming Dynasty were to establish a fleet dedicated to whaling, operating at sea year-round, do you think it would be feasible? What are the key points? And what difficulties need to be considered in advance?" Upon hearing this, Zheng Zhilong's expression immediately became serious.

He knew that this son-in-law of the crown prince was no ordinary man; since he had come alone late at night, he must be serious.

He hesitated for a moment, not immediately answering whether it was feasible or not, but briefly considering it.

"Your Highness."

After a moment, Zheng Zhilong finally spoke, using a more intimate yet respectful form of address.

"As for feasibility, with the existing shipbuilding technology, naval foundation, and my network of contacts at sea, building a professional whaling fleet is by no means a pipe dream."

"However, if we want to accomplish this and maintain it for a long time, rather than just for a moment of curiosity, there are several hurdles that must be overcome."

He first held up one finger:
"Firstly, ships. Our navy's warships, such as Fujian ships and Guangdong ships, are sturdy and large, which is conducive to naval warfare and troop transport. However, they are somewhat cumbersome for professional whaling, and the internal cabin structure is not designed for handling huge amounts of whale meat and oil."

"Professional whaling requires specially designed ships with a longer and more robust hull to facilitate chasing through the waves; the deck must be extremely open and flat to facilitate towing and dismantling of the whale."

"The ship must be equipped with large winches and pulleys to lift objects weighing tens of thousands of kilograms. It also needs a special oil-boiling stove, a meat-curing tank, and a cargo hold large enough to store salt, fresh water, and finished products."

"Such vessels would likely need to be specially ordered from top shipyards in Fujian and Guangdong, at a considerable cost."

Then, he raised his second finger:
"Secondly, the fishing grounds and methods: whales do not always stay near the shore. To obtain a good catch, it is often necessary to go deep into the ocean and track whale pods."

"In this case, the fleet needs to be able to operate independently far from the coast for extended periods, which means greater carrying capacity, more precise navigation, and extensive experience in dealing with rough seas."

"Moreover, the enormous size of whales makes them difficult to drag back to shore for processing. They often need to be initially broken down, rendered into oil, and pickled at sea immediately after being caught."

"This process is extremely complicated and arduous, and it requires a high degree of stability and wind and wave resistance of the ship, so a large ship is needed as a 'workshop ship'."

Then, the third finger.

"Thirdly, regarding weaponry and security, what Your Highness saw today was the use of artillery and mines in an effort to achieve quick results. However, this is not a long-term solution. Artillery ammunition is expensive and can easily damage the whale's body, affecting the value of its grease and baleen."

"Professional whaling should primarily rely on specially made giant crossbows and explosive harpoons, supplemented by knives, axes, hooks, and forks."

"Even so, fighting a giant whale is still a dangerous and perilous undertaking. Therefore, the crew must be extremely skilled in swimming, bold and careful, and be equipped with a sufficient number of small lifeboats, signal rockets, and other supplies to deal with unforeseen circumstances."

"In addition, ocean voyages also require a certain amount of firepower to guard against the covetousness of pirates or Westerners."

Finally, he raised his fourth finger, his tone carrying a deeper meaning:
"Fourth, and also the key, is manpower. Professional whaling is one of the most arduous and dangerous jobs in the world, and it is not something that ordinary soldiers or fishermen can do."

"However, if we draw from the existing elite naval forces, it may weaken our combat readiness. In my humble opinion, we may take another approach. We can recruit poor fishermen from the coast who are familiar with the water and train them rigorously. Alternatively, we can select experienced veterans from the various naval garrisons who are no longer suitable for frontline combat due to injury or old age, and have them teach skills and serve as leaders."

"Based on this, we will establish a brand-new 'whaling navy' or 'imperial merchant fleet' dedicated to this business, and provide them with generous salaries and a share of the spoils. In this way, we can not only preserve the existing naval strength, but also recruit specialists and inspire their willingness to die for the cause."

Zheng Zhilong's analysis was clear, logical, and to the point. It demonstrated his profound maritime experience and revealed his clear understanding of the difficulties and costs in actual operation, rather than simply pandering to others.

After he finished speaking, he quietly looked at Zhu Cilang, waiting for the crown prince's decision.

After listening, Zhu Cilang's eyes showed even greater admiration.

Zheng Zhilong's concerns largely coincided with his own ideas, and he even considered some details more thoroughly.

He nodded and praised:

“My father-in-law is thoughtful and mature in governing the country. Every word he says is reasonable! This matter certainly needs to be considered carefully and proceeded step by step.”

He paused briefly before making a decision.

"In that case, Father-in-law, you will take charge of the overall situation. During the southern tour, you may begin preparations."

"Firstly, we sent people to Fujian and Guangdong to find top shipwrights and begin designing and even trial-producing blueprints and models for a special whaling vessel. The required funds were initially provided by the Crown Prince's treasury."

"Secondly, under your command and in the Dengzhou-Laizhou and Fujian-Zhejiang naval forces, look for and select officers and veterans who are skilled in navigation, willing to take on responsibilities, and have experience or interest in whaling, and compile a roster to serve as the backbone for the future."

"Thirdly, we should extensively collect and organize past whaling techniques, equipment diagrams, and information on whale species, habits, and migration routes. Once the southern tour is over, we can formally launch the project. What do you think?"

When Zheng Zhilong saw that the Crown Prince was not in a hurry to achieve quick results, but rather adopted his opinion and was willing to make long-term plans, he felt much more at ease and at the same time felt a sense of responsibility for being given an important position.

He immediately stood up, bowed, clasped his hands in greeting, and solemnly replied:
"Your Highness trusts me, and I dare not fail to do my utmost! I obey your decree! I will immediately begin to handle this matter and will certainly build a capable and powerful whale-hunting force for Your Highness!"

"Good! With my father-in-law's words, I have nothing to worry about!"

Zhu Cilang also stood up and patted Zheng Zhilong's arm with satisfaction.

"This matter concerns the future of the nation and the people's livelihood. Father-in-law, please take good care of it. Let's stop here for today. It's late, Father-in-law, you should rest early."

"Your Highness, I respectfully see you off."

Zheng Zhilong escorted Zhu Cilang to the cabin door, watching the Crown Prince leave surrounded by guards, his heart filled with turmoil.

He realized that the Crown Prince's ambitions were far more complex than simply providing meat for the army.

Behind this may lie a completely new layout for the marine industry, or even a subtle adjustment to the future strategic focus of the Ming Dynasty. Being able to participate in it and assume important responsibilities is undoubtedly a tremendous opportunity.

Over the next few days, the massive southern patrol fleet continued its southward journey, sailing steadily along the coastline of the Shandong Peninsula, traveling by day and anchoring by night.

After the initial shock and novelty, life at sea gradually settled into a rhythmic calm.

Emperor Chongzhen seemed to have fully adapted to the rough seas and even began to enjoy the feeling of standing by the sea, gazing into the distance. He often discussed coastal geography and local customs with the Hanlin scholars accompanying him on the deck.

Aside from handling daily government affairs and discussing the details of the whaling plan with Zheng Zhilong, Zhu Cilang continued to engage in sea trawling with young nobles such as Zhang Shize, enjoying himself immensely.

On this day, near noon, the outline of land finally appeared in front of the fleet.

The sailors on the watchtower shouted:
"Dengzhou! We can see the Dengzhou Garrison City!"

The news sent a jolt through the entire fleet! After many days at sea, they were finally about to set foot on solid ground again. Whether royalty, officials, or ordinary sailors, everyone was filled with anticipation. (End of Chapter)