Chapter 760 34: Gu Clan Watershed, Overseas Expansion

"First, we followed the old route of Srivijaya, through Zhan City and Zhenla, where the fields were filled with rhinoceroses and elephants, and spices covered the markets..."

He paused briefly, waiting for the translator to interpret the place names.

"Then we turned directly west, taking advantage of the trade winds to cross the vast ocean."

"Along the way, we encountered the Black Sea, with waves ten zhang high, the ship's bow plowing through the waves as if cleaving mountains."

"Fortunately, the helmsman used the water compass to determine our position, and the star chart to measure the celestial pole, never losing our course by an inch."

Tongmakani unconsciously leaned forward. Though he had never experienced the ocean, he knew how miraculous it was to maintain direction on the vast waters.

"After six months of sailing, fresh water was running low," Gu Zi continued calmly, "The medical officer then taught us the method of distilling dew—placing a copper cauldron in the cabin to steam seawater, condensing it into fresh water. Additionally, we set up floating fields on the deck, using wooden boxes filled with soil to grow fast-sprouting yellow sprouts, edible in ten days."

Upon hearing about growing vegetables on the ship, the hall was filled with gasps. In this drought-stricken land, their shock at cultivating crops on a moving ship far surpassed their fear of the wind and waves.

As Gu Zi finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent.

Including Gu Yi, who was also observing all of this.

—Indeed, Gu Zi being able to come to this Ghana was due to his involvement.

The reason was equally simple.

The current Ghana Empire was in its golden age, whether in terms of its national strength or its religions, it had an unprecedented influence on contemporary West Africa.

Of course, this was not something Gu Yi deliberately intended.

Everything was just a matter of timing and fate.

The maritime endeavors of the Gu Clan had always been at the forefront of the era, but unexpected incidents were inevitable. Gu Zi's arrival here was merely a coincidence due to too many unforeseen events causing him to stray off course.

This was simply going along with the flow.

In the opulent hall, a courtier continuously whispered to Tongkamani about Gu Zi and others.

Including the state of their armor and those unprecedented large ships.

And Tongkamani listened intently, his eyes filled with increasing astonishment.

After quite a while, he finally looked at Gu Zi again and asked casually, "I wonder what business brings the emissary from the Orient to my Ghana?"

Tongkamani was one of the most renowned rulers in the history of Ghana.

If not, it would have been impossible for him to lead the Ghana Empire to its unprecedented golden age.

He was naturally very wary of these mysterious emissaries like Gu Zi.

Gu Zi was not surprised by this and said nothing more, only mentioning a desire to rest a bit.

Tongkamani arranged an extremely luxurious residence for them.

In the days that followed, he did not summon them again.

However, in secret, the investigation into Gu Zi and the others never ceased, especially regarding those large ships stationed on the coast.

Gu Zi, in turn, did not interfere much.

He was also trying to understand this unfamiliar kingdom.

He only ordered his soldiers to keep watch over the ships, ensuring they were not dismantled.

Gu Zi was very confident in the large ships developed by the Gu Clan.

As long as the ships were not completely dismantled.

They would definitely not understand.

Even if they were dismantled, they might not be able to grasp the essence.

During this time, he also found out quite a bit of information.

In a word—

The current Ghana Empire could be described with one word, and that is "wealthy."

This was a dynasty truly built on gold, where almost everything involved gold.

This indeed made the empire extremely powerful.

But Gu Zi was certain that such an empire, if placed in Kyushu, would become the perfect spoil for the Song, Liao, and Xia kingdoms, given the vast differences in institutions and productivity between them.

This also gave rise to many different ideas in his mind.

Of course, Tongkamani was also learning about Kyushu.

Gu Zi did not hide anything and responded in great detail.

Upon hearing of wars involving hundreds of thousands of troops occurring several times in Kyushu, Tongkamani was completely dumbfounded, as were all aspects of the Gu Clan.

A family that had thrived for a thousand years and continued to prosper.

In their eyes, it was like a myth.

Gu Yi always silently observed all of this without much interference.

He could not do everything himself.

This would only increase the pressure on the Gu Clan, and the consumption of achievements would be considerable, not to mention that everything was progressing in a favorable direction. Tongkamani was very interested in the Gu Clan's large ships!

Indeed, as Gu Yi anticipated.

Half a month later, seeing his craftsmen make no progress on the large ships, he finally summoned Gu Zi again.

This time, his approach was more direct.

He omitted all pleasantries, tapping a massive golden ring on the armrest of his throne, creating a dull sound.

"Emissaries of the East," Tongkamani's voice echoed in the hall, carrying an undeniable authority, "your ships are excellent."

"Now, they belong to Ghana."

"In return, you will receive gold of equal weight." He waved his hand, and attendants brought in several heavy wooden boxes, opening the lids to fill the room with a dazzling golden light.

"Tell me the art of shipbuilding, and it will bring you wealth beyond imagination."

Tongkamani's expression was very serious.