BDSMST -Chapter 189 The First Return of the Overseas Fleet

While undercurrents roiled in the capital, a completely different scene unfolded a thousand miles away at Jinling Harbor.

The sea breeze carried a salty tang, fluttering the colorful flags at the port. The docks were crowded with people, all craning their necks in anticipation, their faces lit with excitement. After a year’s wait, the “Explorers” fleet dispatched from Woniu Village had finally returned.

“They’re here! I see the masts!” someone shouted from the crowd.

All eyes turned toward the horizon where sea met sky. Five tiny black specks appeared on the waterline, gradually growing larger and clearer. They were the five uniquely designed Flying Fish ships. Cutting through waves, water sprayed along the sides of the hulls like outstretched wings. Even after enduring the trials of the open ocean, the fleet remained in perfect formation, radiating an impressive aura.

Jiang Suisui stood beside Gu Yan, one hand on her waist, the other resting on the railing of the viewing platform. Her belly was heavily swollen, only two or three months from delivery. The sea wind lifted her long hair, yet her gaze never left the returning fleet, her calm eyes glimmering with reflected sunlight.

The ship horns blared, their deep, resonant sound echoing across the harbor. The flagship, Explorer One, docked first; its massive anchor plunged into the sea, sending waves cascading outward. The sailors aboard were tanned and exhausted, but their eyes shone with the pride and brilliance of having conquered the stars and seas.

A slender figure in a neat naval uniform appeared on the deck—it was Bai Ling’er. She had grown slimmer, darker, yet entirely transformed. The timidness and unease of the past had been replaced by calm, capable authority. She commanded the sailors to lower the gangplanks, each order crisp and precise.

Upon spotting Jiang Suisui on the viewing platform, Bai Ling’er’s eyes lit up, and she hurried over. She did not begin with details of the voyage but instead glanced anxiously at Suisui’s belly, her concern obvious: “Suisui, are you… are you alright? I heard—”

Jiang Suisui smiled, taking her hand warmly. “I’m fine. You and the children are all fine too. Welcome home, Ling’er.”

That single word—home—brought a warmth to Bai Ling’er’s eyes.

After a brief welcoming ceremony, everyone moved to the harbor’s conference hall. Bai Yutang had rushed over from the capital; seeing his daughter safe and sound left him so emotional he could barely speak.

Bai Ling’er wasted no unnecessary greetings and immediately unfurled a massive nautical map. It was an unprecedentedly detailed chart, marking shipping routes, islands, hidden reefs, newly discovered fishing grounds, and even land.

“We followed Madam’s pre-set route, sailing eastward. We passed through the area called the ‘Eye of the Storm,’ and finally reached Leo’s homeland,” Bai Ling’er traced the route with her finger, her voice crisp and confident. “It’s a land entirely different from Daxia. We exchanged our ceramics and silk for their most precious gems and spices.”

She waved, and several sailors carried in large crates. Opening them revealed glittering gemstones, blocks of ambergris, and sacks of fragrant exotic spices. The merchants present stared in awe at the priceless cargo.

“And that’s just a small part,” Bai Ling’er continued. “More importantly, we brought our technology. The Flying Fish’s speed and design amazed them. Following Suisui’s instructions, I gifted the curved plow and waterwheel blueprints to their king. In return, their king granted us the best trade privileges and even wrote a personal letter of thanks to the Emperor of Daxia.”

She pulled out a wax-sealed letter of unusual material from her bosom and handed it respectfully to Gu Yan.

“They also sent an envoy, hoping to establish formal diplomatic relations with Daxia. The envoy returned with us and is waiting aboard for an audience.”

The weight of this news surpassed even that of the treasure crates a thousandfold. Opening new trade routes and establishing new diplomacy—this was the kind of achievement worthy of historical record.

Bai Yutang’s lips trembled with excitement as he looked at his niece with pride.

Jiang Suisui, however, showed little interest in jewels or accolades. She turned her gaze to Bai Ling’er and asked softly, “Did you find new crops?”

Bai Ling’er smiled, a hint of mystery in her expression. Several inconspicuous burlap sacks were brought forward.

“Found quite a few,” she said, opening one bag to reveal strange-shaped seeds and plant specimens. “The agricultural scholars aboard documented and classified them meticulously. But two items stand out most.”

The two largest sacks were placed before Jiang Suisui. One contained uneven, yellow-brown tubers coated in soil, looking like oversized yams. The other held dried, stalk-like items wrapped in golden kernels.

“What’s this?” Gu Changming asked, stepping forward, examining a tuber.

Bai Ling’er’s expression turned serious. “The people of Leo call these ‘potatoes’ and that ‘corn.’ They say these are staple foods, gifts from the gods. These crops are undemanding, drought-resistant; planting one yields a harvest of many. One acre produces enough for a five-person household to eat for half a year.”

“Really that miraculous?” the attending agricultural officials could hardly believe it.

Jiang Suisui, however, had held her breath the moment the sacks were set before her. She placed a hand on her belly, feeling the child inside stir gently. She understood the value of these two crops more than anyone.

She stepped forward, bent carefully, and picked up a potato. Its rough, earthy texture felt as heavy as a thousand pounds in her hand. She then held a corn cob, peeling back the dried husk to reveal neatly aligned golden kernels.

“Ling’er,” Jiang Suisui looked up, her voice trembling slightly with an emotion even she had not realized, “you have done a great service. You’ve brought the true gifts of the gods back for the people of Daxia.”

Her reaction stunned everyone present.

Without further explanation, she turned to Gu Yan, her eyes brighter and more resolute than ever. “Gu Yan, immediately seal all information about these two crops at the harbor. Transport all the potatoes and corn back to Woniu Village. Label them top secret. Militia will escort them personally—no one is to approach.”

She paused, enunciating each word deliberately: “From today onward, they are more valuable than gold in the treasury.”