xymnovel Chapter 37 Work-for-Relief
Chapter 37 Work-for-Relief
Zhen Mi's words shocked Zhen Yao deeply!
He stared at his daughter in shock, as if he were seeing her for the first time, the daughter he had always regarded as a child.
Such insight and decisiveness are hardly those of a sheltered young woman.
He is clearly a strategist who can bring peace and stability to the country!
Butler Zhen Ping stared wide-eyed at his young mistress, who was still quite young but had uttered such astonishing words.
So, should we really side with the eldest son completely?
However, his foundation was ultimately too weak.
Even though he had established himself in Qingzhou, he was still worlds apart from the Third Young Master.
After all, the powerful families in Hebei, including many gentry families in Yingchuan, all have their hearts set on the Third Young Master!
The eldest son, however, has almost no cards to play.
Zhen Yao slowly sat back on the couch, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.
Either gamble with the fate of the entire clan and invest in Yuan Tan, this "potential stock," in advance;
They will either continue to waver, but are likely to be crushed in the next upheaval.
He made a wrong move.
Any of these could potentially plunge the entire family into an abyss.
"Never mind! Let's go to Qingzhou first and find out what they're thinking."
……
Qingzhou, the prefectural capital of Linzi.
The atmosphere inside the hall was lively.
Holding Yuan Shao's order, Tian Feng loudly proclaimed the rewards and honors bestowed upon Yuan Tan and his subordinates.
Yuan Tan officially assumed the post of Governor of Qingzhou, was granted the authority to command troops, and had his fief increased.
Zhang He, Xin Pi, Guo Jia, and others were all generously rewarded;
Even Yan Liang was not punished because "his capture after a valiant fight was understandable."
Instead, he was encouraged to help Yuan Tan consolidate the defenses.
"This humble general thanks Your Majesty for your kindness! I will certainly do my utmost to repay your great favor!"
Everyone expressed their gratitude in unison, their faces beaming with excitement.
Early followers, especially Guo Jia and Xin Pi, felt particularly honored.
The more secure their lord's position, the brighter their future.
Tian Feng completed the ceremony expressionlessly and solemnly handed the imperial edict to Yuan Tan.
Logically, he should have said some encouraging words on behalf of Yuan Shao at this moment, and then accepted the banquet invitation.
However, he stepped forward, lowered his voice, and spoke quickly in a tone that only Yuan Tan and Guo Jia and Xin Pi beside him could hear:
"My lord, the bestowals and rewards have been completed. I have something to say, but I'm unsure whether I should."
Yuan Tan's heart skipped a beat, but his smile remained unchanged as he gestured with his hand:
"Prefect Tian is my elder, and I will listen attentively to any teachings he may have."
He immediately dismissed those around him.
Tian Feng then got straight to the point:
"Young Master, you have done very well this time, better than many in Ye City expected. The Lord is also pleased to hear the news."
He then abruptly changed the subject, his voice becoming even deeper:
"However, the tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind. You are currently too prominent, and even the Third Young Master has some reservations about you."
"From what I understand, the Third Young Master seems to have recently intensified his questioning of many prominent families in Hebei. The reason for this seems to be that he wants to know the source of your army's provisions and the origin of your ships?"
Tian Feng's family lived in Ye City, so Yuan Shang's big commotion naturally couldn't be kept from him.
With just a little inquiry, one can immediately learn Yuan Shang's purpose.
Yuan Tan's pupils contracted slightly, but his expression remained calm.
Guo Jia and Xin Pi exchanged a glance, both seeing the stern look in each other's eyes.
The thing I feared most has indeed happened!
And it came so quickly, so directly!
Once the Zhen family is investigated, it's estimated that no more grain will be transported from Hebei.
Fortunately, I have been busy with the land reclamation project recently, and I think I will be able to achieve self-sufficiency soon.
Tian Feng took in their reactions, inwardly praising their composure, and continued:
"That's all I have to say. I hope you, my lord, will make preparations as soon as possible. You should know the Third Prince's character; once he has aroused suspicion, he will not give up easily."
These words were truly heartfelt!
Yuan Tan took a deep breath and solemnly bowed deeply to Tian Feng:
"Tan thanks Prefect Tian for his invaluable words! This kindness and gratitude will forever be etched in my heart!"
Just then, a minor official from the prefecture hurried in to report.
"Reporting to the Governor! Reports from various prefectures and counties indicate that a large number of refugees have recently flocked to Qingzhou due to the war, and the number has now exceeded ten thousand!"
The state and county government-owned farmland and unclaimed wasteland have all been distributed according to the military-agricultural system, yet more than ten thousand people remain without a place to settle, gathering outside the city, which may cause trouble! How should this be handled? Please instruct me, Your Excellency!
Upon hearing this, the hall immediately fell silent.
Generals Zhang He and Yan Liang frowned. They were experts in battlefield combat, but they were helpless in the face of this civil affairs problem.
Xin Pi and Guo Jia remained silent, pondering the situation. It was truly a case of one problem after another. Just now, the Third Prince was facing a food shortage, and now the issue of displaced people had arisen.
Land and food were precisely the two most scarce resources in Qingzhou after its reorganization.
There was no extra to spare to distribute to the refugees.
Tian Feng turned his gaze to Yuan Tan again, his eyes seemingly searching for information.
He wanted to see what good strategies this eldest son, who had defeated Lü Bu, would have in the face of this internal political problem.
This is a more challenging problem than fighting on the battlefield, which tests the ability of a ruler even more.
Yuan Tan, however, harbored deep resentment in his heart.
Oh dear, I really don't want anyone to have a moment to rest.
I've been busy lately with the land reclamation project.
Even the time to go find Wu Yu has decreased.
Now that I've finally received a reward from my cheap dad, I'm going to give myself a short break.
Go back and fight Wu Yu until dawn.
Then a whole bunch of annoying things happened.
Fortunately, this kind of thing is no challenge for a liberal arts student like him.
Roosevelt had already provided the answer to the problem of homelessness.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Yuan Tan showed no sign of panic.
He spoke slowly, uttering a startling statement:
"Resettlement? Why must they be 'settled' on the land?"
Everyone was stunned. If they didn't farm, how would they feed them?
Yuan Tan stood up, walked to the hanging map of Qingzhou and Xuzhou, and pointed to the long coastline:
"Qingzhou may lack land, but it is not lacking in the sea. As the saying goes, 'Those who live by the mountains live off the mountains, and those who live by the sea live off the sea.' This vast sea frontier is an inexhaustible treasure!"
He turned around and immediately announced:
"Issue my order: establish salt fields in this suitable coastal location! Recruit all remaining refugees as part of a work-relief program to produce salt nearby!"
"Work relief in lieu of work?"
Tian Feng subconsciously repeated the unfamiliar word, his eyes full of doubt.
"good!"
Yuan Tan explained,
"The displaced people were unable to cultivate the land, not because they were unwilling, but because they had no land to cultivate. However, they had strength! So the government hired them to make salt nearby, paying them according to their labor."
This allows them to earn their own food and wages through their own labor, enabling them to survive! This is called "work relief," not simply giving them free food and wages so they can live off others without working!
He went on to explain its brilliance:
"Salt is an essential commodity for the people's livelihood and has historically been controlled by the government or powerful clans, benefiting both the country and its people. Our production of sea salt can serve two purposes: first, it can be sold by the government to replenish the treasury and increase tax revenue; second, it can be exchanged with Xuzhou, Liaodong, and even Jiangdong for the grain, cloth, and ironware that Qingzhou urgently needs!"
The more Yuan Tan spoke, the clearer his thoughts became; a complete cycle formed in his mind:
"Furthermore, the government can set up canteens and warehouses near the salt fields, so that the migrants can use their wages to buy food and supplies, and the money will then circulate back to the government. In this way, money, grain, salt, and labor will circulate continuously, so that the migrants can live, the government treasury can be replenished, and the economy can thrive!"
Yuan Tan spoke at length, but his theory was clearly beyond the comprehension of that era.
The entire room fell completely silent.
It's unclear whether they were shocked by Yuan Tan.
My mind just can't quite process it right now.
A moment later, Guo Jia was the first to react.
He even lost his composure, clapping and shouting:
"Brilliant! Jia... Jia has read extensively in historical records, and only today does he understand what 'applying knowledge in practice' truly means! My lord's strategy is not a mere figment of imagination, but rather perfectly aligns with the way of the sage kings!"
brush!
All eyes immediately focused on Guo Jia.
Even Tian Feng, who had been silent all along, suddenly looked up.
His eyes were full of doubt.
Guo Fengxiao was known for his ingenious schemes, so it was no ordinary person to be able to lose his composure like this.
Even Yuan Tan was a little embarrassed by Guo Jia's praise.
Does it align with the Way of the Sage King?
You have the nerve to say that? I'm embarrassed to admit it myself.
I knew you, Guo Jia, had high emotional intelligence and could provide emotional value, but your evaluation is a bit too high!
"Fengxiao, why do you say that?"
Yuan Tan asked a timely question, skillfully guiding the conversation. Guo Jia, facing Yuan Tan and also his colleagues, delivered a passionate speech:
The *Guanzi* (a classic Chinese text) records: "Duke Huan of Qi was worried about the poverty of the people in the northern suburbs and consulted Guanzi. Guanzi replied: 'I will issue an order: 'The people of Yinli should be made to weave reeds and taro, and plant chestnuts... All households that have borrowed money should have their doors painted white.' This is a method to enable the poor to repay their debts through labor, and the government will purchase their goods, thus benefiting the people!"
He surveyed the crowd, his voice rising: "More importantly, the chapter on 'The Sea King'! Guanzi said: 'In the kingdom of the Sea King, the salt policy is carefully regulated,' advocating 'government of mountains and seas,' and nationalizing the profits from salt and iron! This will enrich the country and strengthen its military, helping Duke Huan of Qi achieve hegemony!"
Finally, his gaze towards Yuan Tan was filled with admiration:
"In the past, Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan of Qi by implementing the policy of 'state-run salt and iron production and industrial relief,' which enabled Qi to transform from a weak state into a strong one, unite the feudal lords nine times, and bring order to the world!"
Guo Jia took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Yuan Tan:
"Jia never imagined that his lord, a thousand years later, could find himself in a predicament and miraculously achieve a solution, perfectly aligning with the thoughts of the ancient sages! This is no ordinary quick wit, but truly the talent of a king's advisor and the strategy of a hegemon! Jia is in awe!"
boom!
Guo Jia's words, full of classical allusions, elevated Yuan Tan's strategy to a level comparable to Guan Zhong's governance strategies!
If everyone had only thought the plan was ingenious before, now, after Guo Jia's explanation, everyone's hearts were filled with shock!
Who was Guan Zhong?
A renowned prime minister throughout history who assisted Duke Huan of Qi in achieving hegemony during the Spring and Autumn Period!
His policies are a time-tested art of benevolent rule!
Yuan Tan's strategy was actually in line with Guan Zhong's wisdom.
Xinpi suddenly realized, and exclaimed excitedly:
"So that's how it is! So that's how it is! No wonder this strategy is so profound and has such a deep origin! Our lord has truly inherited the wisdom of the ancient sages!"
Although military generals such as Zhang He and Yan Liang did not fully understand Guan Zhong's strategy, they clearly heard the words "talent to assist a king" and "strategy to rule a hegemon"!
This is the highest praise one can give to a subject!
Their gazes toward Yuan Tan were immediately filled with awe and fervor.
At this moment, the one who was most shaken was Tian Feng.
He was well-versed in classics and history; how could he not know the strategies in Guanzi?
However, being caught up in the situation, I was unable to connect the wisdom of ancient books with my current predicament.
After Guo Jia pointed this out, he suddenly felt as if he had been enlightened!
"Guan Shan Hai...work-for-relief...Guan Zhong..."
Tian Feng muttered to himself, and when he looked at Yuan Tan again, his eyes had completely changed.
If crossing the ocean to cut off supplies is the act of a great general, then this is a feat of great skill.
That kind of work-for-relief program is simply the work of a king.
At this moment, all the previous admiration turned into an indescribable sense of awe.
Tian Feng slowly rose, straightened his clothes, and bowed deeply to Yuan Tan:
"Young Master... no, Your Excellency! Only today do I realize what it means to be a formidable young man! Your Excellency's insight transcends that of a mere prefecture or county; you are truly a man of vision and wisdom! I, Tian Feng, have learned much!"
This bow signifies that Yuan Tan's talent has completely won over this important Hebei official known for his uprightness and stubbornness!
Who says liberal arts students are useless!
At least when it comes to showing off, it still feels pretty good!
However, after listening to Guo Jia's analysis, Yuan Tan understood.
It turns out that the same methods of governance used by Americans already existed in Chinese history.
Therefore, it is understandable that they want to learn new weapons and technologies, and even learn from those Western barbarians.
As for the art of governing a country, aren't there enough techniques passed down from our ancestors?
Yuan Tan inwardly praised Guo Jia's brilliant assist, but outwardly remained humble, quickly helping Tian Feng up:
"Prefect Tian, Fengxiao, you flatter me! How dare I compare myself to the sages of the past? I was merely forced by circumstances to ponder deeply and only managed to gain some insights by chance. It was truly a stroke of luck that I was able to align myself with the ways of the ancient sages."
Before his departure, Tian Feng solemnly assured Yuan Tan:
"Young Master, I am deeply moved by our meeting today. Your talent and insight far surpass what the gentlemen of Ye City have seen."
However, a tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind; a mound that rises above the bank will be eroded by the current. If Chong'er today does not have the ability to adapt, he may one day suffer the same fate as Shen Sheng.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Tan felt a chill run down his spine.
Tian Feng's words were truly heartfelt and sincere!
Chong'er (Duke Wen of Jin) is a model of how someone who went into exile eventually achieved hegemony, while Shen Sheng was the crown prince who stayed in the country and was killed by slander.
Tian Feng was clearly reminding him that since he had the talent of Chong'er, he should be wary of ending up like Shen Sheng!
He bowed deeply, his expression sincere and earnest:
"Prefect Tian's words of wisdom are invaluable; Tan will remember them deeply and always keep them in mind!"
Tian Feng nodded, said no more, turned around, got into his car, and drove away.
……
After seeing Tian Feng off, Yuan Tan felt a great weight lifted from his heart, but another surge of anger rose within him once more.
He dismissed his servants and went straight to the residence of Wuyu and Wulian.
After days of exhausting efforts and scheming, there is an urgent need for an outlet.
Wu Yu's soft and obedient embrace, and Wu Lian's cherry-like lips, were his best remedy for stress.
The candlelight flickered indoors, creating a vibrant spring atmosphere.
The rain had just stopped.
Wu Lian got up and brewed tea for the two of them.
Wu Yu was drenched in sweat, curled up in Yuan Tan's arms, her fingers unconsciously tracing circles on his chest, a hint of melancholy between her brows.
"Young master..."
Her voice carried a hint of languor, yet also revealed unease.
"Today... someone from Ye City has secretly contacted me again."
Yuan Tan closed his eyes to rest, and upon hearing this, he simply hummed in agreement, indicating that she should continue.
"They are the Third Young Master's men. They want me to find out two things: first, the true source of the provisions for the Young Master's army, and second, who exactly funded the Young Master's ships."
Wu Yu's voice trembled slightly as she pressed her body tightly against Yuan Tan.
"Young master, what should I do?"
Yuan Tan was also taken aback upon hearing this.
I didn't expect Yuan Shang to be so fast; he's already tracked down Wu Yu.
However, since they dared to ask Wu Yu about this today, they will surely learn about the Zhen family from the port staff in the future.
Therefore, this matter cannot be hidden any longer.
But where did they get the confidence to think that Wuyu would still be under their control after Shenpei's death?
Yuan Tan gently stroked the smooth, dark back of the man, and smiled, saying:
"What's the panic? That's all Yuan Shang can do. Now that even your brother is under my command, what else can he use to blackmail you?"
He paused, his tone slightly mocking.
"But since they asked, you should tell them the truth and tell them about my contact with the Zhen family."
(Two chapters have been combined into one today. Please vote with your monthly tickets!)