Da Ming: The system granted me immortality; I clock in every day.

Seeing his composure, Song Yin couldn't help but raise his voice.

"Lord Li, this is an incredible achievement! The military report says that the Ming navy encountered a combined fleet of 120 warships from the Dutch in the Strait of Malacca."

As Song Yin spoke, his eyes gleamed with fervent light.

"Our Red Barbarian General unleashed his heavy artillery, shattering the barbarian formation from ten miles away. Although those barbarian ships were sturdy, they were as fragile as paper in front of our cannons."

"In this battle, more than fifty enemy ships were sunk and thirty were captured. The commander of the barbarians was so frightened that he raised a white flag and signed a surrender document on the spot."

"From this day forward, the Strait of Malacca will be under the control of the Ming Dynasty's navy, and all foreign ships passing through will be required to pay transit taxes to the Ming Dynasty!"

The Strait of Malacca is a vital waterway connecting the Western and Southeast Asian seas.

Bringing this place under the control of the Ming Dynasty is tantamount to seizing control of the lifeline of wealth circulation in the world.

Such unparalleled achievements in expanding territory and establishing maritime power for a century were actually accomplished by this seemingly powerless, green-robed censor in front of us, with ease and nonchalance.

"Not only that."

Song Yin swallowed hard and continued.

"The navy seized 100,000 taels of gold, 3 million taels of silver, and countless spices and rare treasures accumulated over the years in Malacca, a foreign capital city."

"These spoils are currently being loaded onto the treasure ships and are being transported in a grand procession to Quanzhou Port!"

After listening, Li Changqing nodded slightly and placed the military report on the table.

"The soldiers risk their lives outside, so they must bring back something to show for it, so as not to fail the Emperor's trust."

He stood up, walked to the window, and watched the drizzling autumn rain washing the bluestone slabs in the courtyard.

"Lord Song, the trouble at sea has been quelled, and the rules of Quanzhou Port have been established. My duties as the Imperial Inspector are now complete."

Song Yin was taken aback, his ecstatic joy freezing on his face. He hurriedly asked, "Does Lord Li mean... that we must return to the capital to report?"

Li Changqing shook his folding fan and turned his head.

Those weathered eyes revealed a carefree spirit that detached itself from the pursuit of power.

"Why go back to the capital? The Hanlin Academy is too humid; staying there for too long will make my bones ache. I'll trouble Lord Song to draft this memorial and send it to the capital along with this report of victory."

"I told you that I had contracted malaria in southern Fujian and that my body is now weak and unable to fulfill my duties. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to resign on the spot and live a life of leisure."

"Resign?!"

Song Yin was shocked and completely unable to understand Li Changqing's choice.

"Lord Li, you have rendered such an unparalleled service, and the Emperor intends to reward you handsomely. Upon your return to the capital, not only will you be appointed Vice Minister of the Six Ministries, but you will also be on the verge of becoming a Grand Secretary! How can you retire at this crucial moment!"

Looking at Song Yin's heartbroken expression, Li Changqing couldn't help but chuckle.

To enter the cabinet and become prime minister?

When he was Grand Tutor, he held all the power in the country in his hands.

He was already tired of seeing that kind of breathtaking view from the top.

In the present Ming Dynasty, the coastal borders are secure, trade routes are unimpeded, the emperor is wise and decisive, and there are capable ministers like Song Yin who are well-versed in practical matters to manage the court's accounts.

This enormous machine is now on the right track, and there's no longer a need for him, the immortal, to whip it from behind.

"Lord Song."

Li Changqing patted Song Yin on the shoulder, his tone carrying a hint of world-weariness.

"The fame and fortune in officialdom are like the clouds and smoke of autumn; they will dissipate with a gust of wind. I am but a scholar who craves a life of leisure, and though I possess a few clever tricks, I have done a few mundane things for the court."

"Now that the matter is settled, I can finally leave in peace. From now on, the heavy responsibilities of the court will depend entirely on Lord Song."

Looking at Li Changqing's resolute expression, Song Yin knew that this man had his own methods and that he was not someone Song Yin could dissuade.

He sighed deeply, took a step back, and bowed deeply to Li Changqing.

"Lord Li is a man of noble character and integrity, who regards fame and fortune as worthless. He is truly a remarkable person of our time. I will certainly report your achievements to the Emperor truthfully. The gates of Quanzhou Port will always be open to you."

A few days later.

A newsletter filled with reports of brilliant victories and Li Changqing's resignation was delivered to the capital.

Emperor Chengping, Zhu Youzhen, looked at the resignation letter and remained silent for a long time in the Qianqing Palace.

He knew, of course, that this "Li Changqing" was not someone who had been contaminated by miasma.

This mysterious minister was like a celestial being hidden in the clouds.

When the Ming Dynasty needed it most, it sent down a thunderous rain, and after it was over, it turned its back on the dynasty without any hesitation.

"Granted."

Zhu Youzhen ultimately marked the resignation letter with red ink.

He knew that high-ranking positions and generous salaries could not retain such a person.

As long as he remains on this land of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty will always have an invisible pillar of stability.

It was late autumn of the fifth year of Chengping.

Beside an ancient road outside Quanzhou city.

The withered yellow leaves danced in the wind, covering the ground.

Li Changqing changed out of his official robes and put on a very ordinary blue cloth robe, a bamboo hat on his head, and a bamboo cane that he had casually broken off.

He brought no attendants, nor any valuables, only a cloth bundle slung across his shoulder.

He turned around and took one last look at the bustling city of Citong, and at the faintly visible giant sails on the distant sea.

The Age of Exploration in the Ming Dynasty was rising like a blazing sun.

"This game of chess was very enjoyable."

Li Changqing smiled slightly, turned around, lowered his straw hat a little, and strode towards the winding ancient road ahead, its destination unknown, as the autumn wind blew.

The years of longevity seem endless, and he has already experienced the world's fame and fortune.

In the years to come, perhaps I can go to the Western Regions to see the desolate desert and the lone smoke rising from the sky, or perhaps I can go to Sichuan to taste the strong liquor there.

Or, go to the misty Jiangnan region, find a small town, and open a teahouse.

Listen to the stories told by passing merchants about the legends of this land.

The wheels of history roll ever onward, stirring up clouds of dust and the vicissitudes of time.