thank you im almost a lvl 40
im pretty new at the asian dynasties
Port consolate in age 1 allows you to age for 680 food. Also this reduces all building costs which allows you to make more villies. The besieros are decent units, and the fishing boats are nice too.
I suggest using ports in age 1 and 2 then switching to French in age 2 or 3 to get the gather upgrade and the crates. The ottomans are ok late game for the bombards and hussars.