Complete the chart using complete sentences. Cause Effect Zheng He's expeditions along the coasts of Southeast Asia and India found entrances to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. The Ming emperor suddenly halted further construction of ships. "The Portuguese wanted to buy silk and porcelain from the Chinese. However, the Europeans' textiles and worked metals were not as well made as those of the Chinese.". The literacy rate in China rose. The discovery of a sea route from Europe to Asia decreased human traffic on roads. The Ming dynasty weakened over time.