Chapter 0009 Reform

He thought that Xiao Ming was here to pursue the insufficient reserves of the iron thorn

Outside the city gate, the edict of the governor's office, once posted, immediately sparked discussions among the common people

Leaving the Governor's Office, Xiao Ming did not return home, but instead went to the Equipment Division

Xiao Ming looked at the person, who was none other than Pang Changshi mentioned by Luluo. Xiao Ming assessed him; he had a fair complexion and was dressed like a scholar, with eyes that appeared somewhat dull and lifeless, just as he remembered.

At that time, Xiao Wenxuan had just ascended to the throne and was greatly wary of the Prince Ning, who was known for his virtuous reputation. He immediately dispatched troops to subdue the Prince Ning. Tragically, the Prince Ning, who was still buried in the drum, was killed by soldiers placed in the Prince's residence by the powerful families, leaving no evidence of his death.

A few days ago, Pang Yukun went to Dengzhou to inspect the accounts, and he has just returned

Just as he reached the door, he collided head-on with a middle-aged man in a green long gown, who had a black scarf wrapped around his head.

There is such a good opportunity, what are you all waiting for? Go home and start cultivating the land; whoever cultivates first will own it.

Pang Yukun scratched his head; ever since the establishment of this governor's office, Xiao Ming had never come here. Although he learned from the soldiers upon entering the city that the Prince of Qi had captured thirty barbarian cavalrymen yesterday

The structure of the governor's office is quite simple, consisting of only three sets of black desks and chairs, with some documents placed on the desks and chairs

"Chen Bingcao, from today onwards, this instrument department is directly under my command. You only need to obey my orders, and you may disregard the commands of others entirely," Xiao Ming said after a moment of contemplation.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will attend to it right away," Pang Yukun said, bowing.

With the establishment of the Salt Transport Office, it should be possible to make up for this portion of the tax revenue, and I will consider other methods to increase the government's income.

In the governor's office, Xiao Ming personally watched as Pang Yukun wrote the announcement and issued the decree before he left the governor's office

Pang Yukun was quite surprised and doubted whether he had heard incorrectly. He asked again, "Your Highness, what did you say!"

Upon arriving at the fief, he had indeed proposed these policies before, but at that time, Xiao Ming, who opposed him, was merely opposing for the sake of opposition. This led to a persistent state of chaos in the governance of Qingzhou and the other six states.

Is this true or false? The common people are very skeptical

Your Highness. Officer Chen Wenlong approached upon seeing Xiao Ming.

Indeed, the Department of Instruments is very important. Starting today, you are to gather the skilled artisans in the city, categorize them according to their crafts, and have them join the Department of Instruments.

Sitting down in front of the table, Xiao Ming said: "This king wishes to discuss matters regarding the Salt Transport Office and the land with you."

Your Highness! This official has failed in his duties, and I humbly request Your Highness to impose punishment!" Chen Wenlong exclaimed in shock, bowing deeply as a layer of cold sweat broke out on the back of his forehead

In the past, Xiao Ming greatly disliked Pang Yukun, as at that time, Xiao Ming had not done any good deeds. Now, when discussing political affairs with Pang Yukun, he realizes that this bookish person is not a bad individual and is quite knowledgeable.

Chen Wenlong let out a heavy sigh of relief, "Your Highness is wise, and I share the same view. For instance, in agriculture, if there are suitable tools, it is sufficient to cultivate more land"

I understand. Since that is the case, we will temporarily not pursue the lands of the powerful. The focus should be on mobilizing the common people to cultivate the wasteland. You will be responsible for this. This year, the corvée labor of the common people will also be exempted.

Now, Pang Yukun mentions Ning Wang, implying that Xiao Ming should not follow in Ning Wang's footsteps

On the city wall, Lu Fei gazed thoughtfully at the common people outside the city, reflecting that the King of Qi was indeed different from the past

This is indeed possible, but Your Highness, the craftsmen of the Instrument Department also need to eat, this...

The two stood still, and the man bowed, saying: "Your Highness"

This land belongs to this king; there is nowhere this king cannot go. Your arrival is timely, as this king has matters to discuss with you.

Continuing to write a letter to the Emperor, the Emperor had previously reprimanded the King of Qi in his correspondence. Now, seeing the King of Qi so serious and discussing state affairs with him, he feels quite perplexed

Pang Yukun found it somewhat difficult to comprehend; in the past, he would typically gather evidence of the Qi King’s wrongdoing and then go to the Qi King’s residence to give him a scathing reprimand

However, regarding the issue of the powerful families, Pang Yukun is still clear-headed. He stated: "Your Highness, the local aristocratic families are interrelated through marriage, possess great strength, and are intricately connected. Moreover, they have many powerful officials in the court to protect them. If we rashly confiscate their lands, it is likely to cause trouble. Your Highness should not forget about the Prince of Ning from back in the day..."

At the age of thirteen, the first task of Prince Ning was to confiscate the lands forcibly occupied by the powerful. However, within three months, there were already officials in the court accusing Prince Ning of treason.

Pang Yukun was stunned; the series of political orders from Xiao Ming left him completely bewildered

Returning to the palace, he pondered the issue of land reform in detail, contemplating throughout the night. By morning, he had formulated a plan and set out early for the governor's office

In this era of low literacy rates, it is indeed rare to have a few literate individuals to assist oneself, making it essential to make full use of resources and to utilize the talents of people to the greatest extent possible

In possession of the technological crystal, Xiao Ming needs to find a place to leverage the advantages of technology, and that place is the Equipment Division

Coming to his senses, he said: "There is no issue with the salt transport office and the reclamation of land, but if taxes are reduced, the expenses of these six provinces are likely to exceed their revenues."

He then said: "What do you think should be done about the powerful who encroach upon the land of the common people?"

In his memory, Xiao Ming always spoke to Pang Yukun in this tone, and Xiao Ming imitated him.

This machinery bureau is state-run, and the craftsmen within it are among the finest in Qingzhou. Xiao Ming now aims to develop and expand this machinery bureau, not only focusing on forging but also ensuring that various types of industrial machinery will be produced here in the future. This is the function he has assigned to the machinery bureau

... ...

At this moment, five swift horses galloped out from the northern city simultaneously, carrying the government orders to the other five states

If Your Highness has any instructions, please speak clearly. Pang Yukun asked, following behind Xiao Ming.

However, based on his understanding of Xiao Ming, he still found it somewhat incredible

After taking a shower, Xiao Ming got dressed with the assistance of the green radish and purple aster.

"You have misunderstood. This prince did not come to blame you; rather, this prince does not endorse the narrow-minded assertion that all forms of craftsmanship are inferior, and only scholarly pursuits are esteemed. In this prince's view, these skilled crafts are not mere tricks of dexterity; on the contrary, this prince believes that such craftsmanship is beneficial to the labor of all trades" said Xiao Ming

This king commands you to immediately organize the officials of the fief to establish a salt transport office in Dengzhou and Laizhou, and to announce this to the six states. From today onwards, the government encourages the people to reclaim wasteland for farming. Those who cultivate the land shall own it, and they will be exempt from taxes for three years. The land reclaimed will be passed down through generations, and those who possess land will have their taxes reduced by thirty percent starting today.

Xiao Ming narrowed his eyes; the Ning Wang mentioned by Pang Yukun is his second imperial uncle, who was known as the virtuous king in Chang'an in the past

The announcement from the governor's office cannot be false; the Prince of Qi has been in his fief for five years, and now he finally understands the importance of caring for the people