“Excellent!” Zhang Jing stepped forward and helped Wang Du to his feet.
With a sweep of his hand, he declared:
“After returning, Minister Wang shall take charge of the remaining four thousand brothers and place them all under the Ministry of Works.”
“At present, the Ministry’s foremost task— Is to quickly survey and measure the land, cooperate with local officials in resettling the people, and distribute farmland into the hands of the common folk.”
Although Cheng Yu had previously appointed more than ten county magistrates, each assisted by several hundred personnel, such arrangements were still far too slow when dealing with millions of people.
More than ten days had already passed.
Yet, according to Zhang Jing’s information, fewer than eighty thousand households had been successfully resettled.
Meanwhile, the territories under the Qihuo Army’s control contained at least eight to nine hundred thousand households.
“This subordinate accepts the command!”
Wang Du’s eyes brightened as realization dawned upon him.
He respectfully bowed and accepted the order.
Only now did he understand why his lord had reserved four thousand men without assigning them elsewhere.
They had been intended for him all along.
“My lord,” Watching Wang Du’s departing figure, Cheng Yu spoke with a grave expression.
“According to reports from Wang Can and my own observations, a problem has become apparent.”
“The existing cultivated farmland within the four commanderies is insufficient to support all the people under our rule.”
“If we wish to settle everyone— Then land reclamation must begin as soon as possible.”
“That is indeed a difficult problem.” Zhang Jing frowned slightly.
“How about issuing a proclamation explaining the situation and encouraging the people to organize reclamation efforts themselves?”
“Any newly reclaimed land, regardless of size, shall be exempt from taxation for five years.”
“After five years, the land will be officially surveyed.”
“Any excess beyond the allotted amount can then be reclaimed by the government. What do you think?”
“My lord is wise.” Cheng Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully, a gleam appearing in his eyes.
“However, would five years not be too long?”
“And when the time comes, next year’s tax revenues may be greatly reduced.”
“Zhongde worries too much.” Zhang Jing shook his head.
“Without substantial rewards, how can the people be expected to work with enthusiasm?”
“If the current reforms continue at their present pace— Then nearly a million people may miss the spring planting season and still fail to obtain farmland.”
“As for tax revenue…” Zhang Jing looked at Cheng Yu meaningfully.
“Do you think it is easier for us to purchase grain from other provinces, or from our own people?”
“At the end of the day, it is only a matter of wealth.”
“It is far better to let our own people benefit from it than to enrich merchants from elsewhere.”
In these chaotic times— Grain was the ultimate hard currency.
As long as there was grain, people’s hearts could be stabilized.
Even if only half the population of the four commanderies chose to reclaim land on their own initiative, Zhang Jing would wholeheartedly support it.
As for money— In Zhang Jing’s eyes, it held little value compared to food production.
“My lord’s vision is vast. I am humbled.” Cheng Yu bowed respectfully.
Only now did he fully realize that his lord was not as merely benevolent as he appeared on the surface.
And the scope of his foresight— Was far beyond Cheng Yu’s own.
……………
Half an hour later, A proclamation was dispatched from Wuyan and spread throughout the four commanderies.
The people who were waiting to receive land immediately began discussing it excitedly.
Many were eager to participate.
“Have you heard? The General has issued a proclamation!”
“It says we can reclaim wasteland ourselves. Any land we clear will be tax-free for five years, as long as it’s within the four commanderies!”
“Of course I’ve heard. But I’m from Chenliu. I’m completely unfamiliar with the northeastern four commanderies. Where would I even find land to reclaim?”
“You may not know, but I do!”
“How about it, brother? I know a place where we can definitely clear several hundred mu of fertile land. Want in?”
“By heaven, you’re a lifesaver! Take me with you!”
“Fine. Let’s gather a few more households and register with the local government office. We’ll need soldiers accompanying us, otherwise we’ll all starve before the fields are ready.”
“Very true, brother. Come on, let’s find more people!”
“…”
After hearing about the five-year tax exemption, the people simply could not resist the temptation.
Especially those native to the northeastern four commanderies.
Yan Province was vast and largely composed of plains.
Finding uncultivated land suitable for reclamation was not difficult at all.
Moreover— The spirit of self-reliance had long been ingrained in the bones of the people of Huaxia.
Rather than waiting for official resettlement, Many preferred to take matters into their own hands.
And the promise of five tax-free years was simply too attractive to ignore.
…………….
After the Yuanri Festival (New Year’s Day) passed,
Time entered the year 193 CE— Known historically as the fourth year of the Chu Ping era.
Throughout Yan Province, Following the public announcement of the tax-exempt land reclamation policy, the northeastern four commanderies underwent astonishing change.
With each passing day, they grew more prosperous.
Everywhere one looked, The land was alive with bustling activity and industrious labor.
…………..
Wuyan, Governor’s Residence — Eastern Courtyard
“Ah… what a damnable era!”
Using a bar of fragrant warm jade (Soap) delivered by a servant, Zhang Jing soaked comfortably in a wooden bath barrel and let out a satisfied groan before grumbling under his breath.
Possessing memories from two lifetimes, He was not particularly astonished by the warm jade, but it nevertheless brought him immense satisfaction.
“Looks like this thing can be sold.”
Looking at the not-so-attractive but pleasantly fragrant bar in his hand, Zhang Jing pondered:
“A single bar of warm jade should be worth at least several hundred shi of grain. Let’s say five hundred shi.”
He was not joking.
Although it seemed inexpensive, It was actually far from cheap.
Of course, that depended entirely on the circumstances.
At present, the army’s supply of oils and fats was already pitifully scarce, and a portion of it had been diverted to produce this warm jade.
If he didn’t sell it at a high price, Zhang Jing would feel guilty himself.
Five hundred shi of grain— Equivalent to only about ten jin of gold.
“Someone!” Having made up his mind, Zhang Jing called for a servant and instructed:
“Take a bar of warm jade and deliver it to Mister Zhongde. Have him test it, then come to the residence to discuss matters.”
“Yes, my lord!” The servant respectfully acknowledged the order.
……………
An hour later, Wearing a heavy cloak, Zhang Jing strode into the main hall with vigorous steps, looking refreshed and full of energy.
“Congratulations, my lord! Yan Province’s grain shortage may finally be resolved!”
Cheng Yu stepped forward with a delighted expression and offered his congratulations.
Having personally used the warm jade, he had been completely won over by it.
With warm jade available, Cheng Yu felt that all those scented alkalis, perfume sachets, and similar products could simply be thrown away.
“I intend to exchange one bar of this for five hundred shi of grain.” Zhang Jing smiled.
“What does Zhongde think?”
“It can be done.”
Cheng Yu was initially startled by the price.
But after careful consideration, he nodded firmly.
“However, I believe this item should not be sold directly.”
“It must be given sufficient prestige and publicity first. Otherwise, it will be difficult to succeed.”
“Then I’ll leave the matter in your hands, Zhongde.” Zhang Jing nodded slightly.
He also understood that, for the current Qihuo Army, this was a resource of genuine strategic importance.
“This subordinate accepts the task.” Cheng Yu bowed respectfully.
……………
Several days later.
Donghai Commandery, Xu Province.
Qu County.
Outside the residence of the Mi Clan.
“Good sir!” Dressed in fine robes, Xue Fang smiled at the head guard and said:
“Please inform Young Master Mi that Xue Fang, an old acquaintance from Dong Commandery, wishes to meet him.”
“Wait here.”
The guard captain sized Xue Fang up before leaving those words behind and quickly entered the residence to report the visitor.
After some time, Xue Fang was escorted into the estate.
“You are Xue Fang from Dong Commandery?”
A young man of about seventeen or eighteen years old, dressed in an indigo silk robe and wearing a cloak.
This young man was none other than Mi Fang.
He looked at Xue Fang with a slight frown.
Because no matter how hard he thought about it, He could not remember having such an acquaintance.
— The end of the Chapter–
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