BDSMST -Chapter 178 Forming the Ocean-Going Fleet

The success of the Flying Fish was like a boulder thrown into a still lake, sending ripples across the empire.

The news spread to the capital at lightning speed. It shook not only the imperial court but also one particular person—Bai Yutang, the wealthiest royal merchant in Great Xia, head of the Bai family, and the biological father of Bai Ling’er.

Half a month later, a horse-drawn carriage, understated in appearance but lavish inside, quietly arrived at Woniu Village. Bai Yutang, a man who had dominated the seas of commerce with unmatched cunning, had come personally.

Inside the council hall, the atmosphere was delicate.

Bai Yutang held a cup of Woniu Village’s locally grown tea, but his eyes repeatedly glanced toward his slightly uneasy daughter, Bai Ling’er, sitting beside Jiang Suisui. He was here partly for the Flying Fish, and partly for the daughter he felt he owed so much.

“Madam Gu, General Gu,” Bai Yutang began directly after setting down his cup, “I’ve reviewed the blueprints and the sea trial report of the Flying Fish. This is a national treasure and a commercial marvel. I wish to negotiate a major business venture with Woniu Village.”

Gu Yan remained calm, glancing at Jiang Suisui. In Woniu Village, matters of business and development were usually handled by his wife.

Jiang Suisui smiled lightly. “Master Bai, please go ahead.”

“I wish to cooperate with Woniu Village to form a true ocean-going fleet,” Bai Yutang’s eyes gleamed with commercial acumen. “A fleet of at least five Flying Fish ships. They would carry our Great Xia’s silk, porcelain, and tea to unknown seas and return with gold, spices, and endless wealth.”

The proposal aligned perfectly with Jiang Suisui’s vision—but she did not respond immediately.

“Master Bai, you must know how massive this endeavor is,” she said slowly. “Constructing a single Flying Fish already consumes astronomical resources. Five ships could drain the treasury of a medium-sized country. Can the Bai family afford this?”

“Money is not the problem,” Bai Yutang replied nonchalantly, though with unmistakable confidence. “The Bai family has no shortage of wealth. As long as Woniu Village provides the technology, my family will cover all construction costs!”

“And the safety of the fleet?” Gu Yan’s deep, steady voice cut to the heart of the matter. “Ocean voyages are perilous—storms, reefs, disease can be deadly. Not to mention pirates. I’ve heard the distant seas are home to ruthless pirate bands, far worse than the small raiders along the Yangtze.”

“This brings me to my second point,” Bai Yutang said, glancing at Gu Yan with a hint of admiration. “I will need General Gu’s Woniu Militia as a foundation. I want you to train them into a true ‘Sea Wolf’ unit. They will be the fleet’s sword and shield. My family will cover all costs—salaries, equipment, insurance.”

Bai Yutang’s plan was meticulous and generous. He assumed nearly all the risks and expenses, asking only for Woniu Village’s expertise and manpower.

Yet Jiang Suisui shook her head.

“Master Bai, we will not treat this as a mere business transaction.”

Bai Yutang froze. He had expected negotiation, not outright refusal.

“Why?”

“Because this is not a business—it is an exploration,” Jiang Suisui said, standing tall, her voice calm but resolute. “We seek more than gold and spices. We want to find lands like Leo’s homeland, bring back new crop seeds, and provide people everywhere with more food. We want to chart the seas so future generations can sail freely. We want to share our culture and technology while bringing back theirs.”

She looked at Bai Yutang, then at her daughter, Bai Ling’er.

“Thus, this fleet cannot belong solely to the Bai family, nor solely to Woniu Village. It will be a joint enterprise,” Jiang Suisui proposed. “Woniu Village contributes Flying Fish technology, training systems, and ocean logistics—including medical and food supplies—worth 30%. General Gu contributes the militia’s combat strength, 20%. The Bai family provides all funding, 50%. All profits, discoveries, technologies, and species will be shared according to these ratios. The fleet shall be named The Explorer.”

Bai Yutang fell into thought.

His instincts as a businessman urged him to control everything, yet Jiang Suisui’s vision of a “shared enterprise” and her words stirred something within him.

He glanced at his daughter. Ling’er, thriving in Woniu Village, radiated a confidence and vitality he had never seen in her in the capital. She had helped design the Flying Fish, which would carry the hopes of a people to distant seas.

Perhaps that was more valuable than money alone.

“Very well!” Bai Yutang finally decided, slapping his palm on the table. “We’ll follow Madam Gu’s plan! Together, we will pursue this exploration!”

Turning to Bai Ling’er, he offered an awkward but heartfelt smile. “Ling’er, your father will give you the largest share of the fleet as your dowry, alright?”

Bai Ling’er blushed, lowering her head. “I don’t want a dowry. I just want… to sail with the fleet. I want to see the edge of the sea for myself.”

Her request stunned everyone present.

Bai Yutang looked into his daughter’s eyes, seeing her unprecedented determination and desire, and realized she had truly grown up.

The agreement was signed swiftly. With the Bai family’s immense capital injected, Woniu Village’s shipyard instantly transformed into a high-speed construction engine. Four new Flying Fish ships began simultaneous construction.

Gu Yan also began selecting the elite members of the militia, preparing them for the harsh training required for naval combat.

All of Woniu Village was enveloped in the excitement and bustle of a new era about to dawn. A great age of seafaring was about to begin in their hands.