The conversation between Chu Ze and Xia Houzhe was reported to Emperor Chu.
The Emperor's expression remained indifferent, his emotions unreadable, as if he were listening to a trivial matter, showing not the slightest concern.
"How accurate is your speculation?"
Song Zhiyuan walked slowly alongside him and replied, "I have always been concerned about the fire at the charitable estate. If it indeed covered up that person's whereabouts, the fire would effectively erase all traces. Should he escape to a small island across the East Sea, it would be like finding a needle in a haystack. The manpower and resources needed to unearth him are currently beyond our capacity."
It's been two or three years since efforts to train the naval forces and open sea routes were discussed, yet nothing has been fully accomplished. After all, our ships haven't even been built, and the silver invested hasn't made much of a sound; how could we possibly penetrate the East Sea?
