I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 528 Opening up maritime transport and building seaports 3

"If the Maritime Affairs Bureau continues to be subordinate to the Industrial Affairs Bureau, firstly, the Industrial Affairs Bureau has many complicated affairs and it will be difficult for it to focus on the development of maritime transport;

Secondly, maritime transport involves four major tasks: shipbuilding, port repair, route planning, and naval training. This requires coordination among multiple government departments, including the Imperial Household Department, the Military Affairs Department, and the Imperial Treasury. The Ministry of Works' authority was insufficient to oversee the entire operation. Therefore, establishing an independent ministry was imperative.

Meng Tian read the document with utmost care, especially when he saw the words "naval training" and "strengthening coastal defenses," a glint of light flashing in his eyes. After finishing the document, he pondered and said, "The princess is absolutely right. After unification, coastal defense is of paramount importance. Although Chu is currently facing a famine and unable to advance north, there are many barbarians in the south. If we do not take precautions, it could lead to disaster."

Establishing a naval force is indeed necessary. However, after the Maritime Affairs Bureau becomes independent, how will officials be appointed and dismissed? Where will the funding come from? How should the organization and command authority of the naval force be divided? These are all issues that need to be addressed!

"This is precisely the core of our discussion today." Ying Wuyou nodded, turning his gaze to Feng Quji with a respectful tone, "Prime Minister Feng is in charge of national affairs, and I'm sure he has a deeper understanding of this matter. What is your opinion?"

Feng Quji stroked his long beard, pondered for a moment, and slowly said, "The princess's plan is indeed far-sighted, and I generally agree with it. After unification, everything will need to be rebuilt, and establishing the Maritime Transport Bureau will certainly help the development of the Great Qin. However, the newly established bureau needs to coordinate well with other bureaus, especially the division of responsibilities with the Construction Bureau. This division must be clear and unambiguous to avoid future disputes and buck-passing. In addition, the staffing and salary levels of the newly established bureau's officials must also comply with the regulations of the court and cannot be determined arbitrarily."

Gongsun Ban, who had been silently observing the regulations, finally spoke up: "Your Excellencies, even after the Maritime Transport Bureau became independent, shipbuilding and port repair remain core affairs. I believe that the Construction Bureau can continue to undertake shipbuilding tasks, but a dedicated shipbuilding department should be established, under the dual jurisdiction of the Maritime Transport Bureau and the Construction Bureau; port repair can be handled by the Directorate of Works, with the necessary materials coordinated and allocated by the Imperial Household Department. In this way, the professionalism of the affairs can be guaranteed, and the overlap of responsibilities can be avoided."

Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Seeing this, Ying Wuyou smiled slightly, then turned her gaze to Meng Tian and Mo Li, asking gently, "General Meng, Director Mo, what are your thoughts on Lord Gongsun's proposal? If the Maritime Transport Bureau can become independent, I will certainly petition my father to grant appropriate compensation to the Construction Bureau. After all, a thriving maritime industry would be a boon for the Construction Bureau as well."

Meng Tian had no doubts about Ying Wuyou's suggestion to begin with, and upon hearing Ying Wuyou's words, he naturally agreed without hesitation. Mo Li's lingering concerns also largely dissipated under the influence of Ying Wuyou's amiable attitude. Now, hearing Ying Wuyou's promise in person, his last trace of worry vanished, and he was completely at ease.

Mo Li abruptly stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, bowed deeply to Ying Wuyou, and said loudly, "Your Highness, Lord Gongsun's suggestion is indeed very appropriate. As long as the respective responsibilities and powers of the Construction Bureau and the Maritime Transport Bureau can be clearly defined, I will certainly do my utmost to support the independence of the Maritime Transport Bureau. Moreover, this matter concerns the long-term development of Great Qin, how could I dare to delay such an important matter because of personal likes or dislikes?"

After speaking, Mo Li straightened up, his face revealing his sincere admiration for Ying Wuyou. His respect for her was evident at this moment.

With everyone's support, Ying Wuyou breathed a sigh of relief. Next, the group engaged in in-depth discussions on specific matters such as the organizational structure of the Maritime Transport Bureau, the appointment and removal of officials, and the budget. After more than two hours of repeated consultations, a preliminary plan was finally finalized:

I. After the Maritime Transport Department became independent, it was ranked after the 12th Department as the 13th Department. It was headed by a Director with a salary of 2,000 shi (a unit of grain), who was in charge of all affairs of the Department. It had four subordinate offices: the Shipbuilding Office, the Port Office, the Shipping Office, and the Naval Office. Each office had a Director with a salary of 1,000 shi and a Deputy Director with a salary of 600 shi.

II. The main officials of the Maritime Transport Department shall be recommended by the various departments, and after joint assessment by the Minister of State Affairs, the Minister of State Revenue, and the Minister of Military Affairs, they shall be submitted to the King of Qin for appointment. Among them, the Director of the Naval Command shall be selected from senior generals in the military and nominated by the Minister of Military Affairs.

Third, the expenses of the Maritime Transport Office will be allocated by the Imperial Household Department. The budget for the first year is one million catties of gold, which will be used for port construction, shipbuilding, personnel salaries and other expenses. The budget will be adjusted annually according to actual needs.

IV. The daily administration of the Maritime Affairs Bureau is coordinated by the Grand Chancellor, while matters such as shipbuilding and port repair are carried out in cooperation with the Construction Bureau and the Directorate of Works. Naval training and coastal defense deployment are supervised and guided by the Minister of Military Affairs.

After the plan was finalized, Feng Quji stood up and said in a deep voice, "Since everyone has reached a consensus, I will be the first to endorse the princess's petition at the grand court meeting three days from now, and do my utmost to ensure that this matter is passed smoothly. The unification of the country is just around the corner. We should share the burden for the king and seek happiness for the Qin Dynasty."

Meng Tian also stood up and said loudly, "The Military Affairs Office will fully support the establishment of the Maritime Transport Bureau. I will personally oversee the selection and training of the navy. If any barbarians dare to invade the sea borders of my Great Qin, I will make sure they never return!"

At noon, the meeting concluded. Everyone rose to take their leave, and Ying Wuyou saw them off to the entrance of the government office. At that moment, fine snowflakes began to fall, landing on their shoulders and official hats, melting instantly. Ying Wuyou gazed at the distant, snow-covered Xianyang Palace, its walls appearing even more majestic and solemn against the backdrop of white snow. She let out a soft breath, a great weight lifted from her heart—the first step had been successful; the next three days would be crucial in determining success or failure.

For the next two days, Ying Wuyou stayed indoors, confining herself to her study to meticulously refine the memorial she was about to present to the King of Qin. She consulted numerous classical texts, including records of the tribute routes of the nine provinces in the "Yu Gong" chapter of the Book of Documents, as well as the old maritime trade systems of coastal states such as Qi, Wu, and Yue. Combining these with the geographical environment of the Qin Dynasty and the actual needs after unification, she repeatedly scrutinized and revised the details of the Maritime Transport Bureau's structure, functions, and budget.

She also specifically sought out an old official who had served along the coast of Qi to inquire in detail about the local port conditions, tidal patterns, and sea routes, incorporating this information into her memorial. To give the King of Qin a more intuitive understanding of the maritime transport plan, she also commissioned Gongsun Ban to create a detailed coastal map, marking the proposed port locations, shipping routes, and naval deployment areas.