Wang Yining was unaware of the emperor's far-reaching calculations. But considering the immediate benefits, he had to admire the emperor's shrewdness, even though he didn't know the term "investment promotion" that would be used in later generations.

"Don't worry, sir," Wang Yining replied respectfully. "More than half of the shops in the larger towns have already been surveyed, and all will be complete in a month at most. When spring arrives, the renovation of some shops will also be included in the work-for-relief program."

Yuan Keli smiled and nodded, saying, "Farming alone is not enough to rebuild Liaodong quickly. Only when commerce flourishes and goods flow back and forth can Liaodong's economy recover."

Wang Yining nodded in agreement. This was what was said in the newspaper. Farming is the foundation, and only by vigorously developing industry and commerce can the economy be boosted more quickly.

The court's suggestions were the same not only for Liaodong, but also for other places. However, during the reconstruction of Liaodong, the Chamber of Commerce was given greater preferential treatment.

It can be foreseen that it will not only be the China Chamber of Commerce that extends its tentacles into Liaodong. The Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce and the Maritime Merchants Association will be the most powerful competitors.

Only with competition can the government take the initiative and allow major chambers of commerce to make more concessions to the people of Liaodong when rebuilding Liaodong.

The rules have been set, and shops will be auctioned, first to large chambers of commerce and then to small businesses, and anyone can participate.

The best locations naturally belong to the big chambers of commerce. It all depends on whether you have a long-term vision and more capital.

"The resettlement of the returning Liao people is also being counted and planned, and we will strive to complete it before the spring plowing." Wang Yining reported without waiting for Yuan Keli to ask.

A large number of Liao people have returned home. Currently, those who have been resettled include those who took refuge on coastal islands during the war, those who have continuously fled to the recovered areas, and those who have been newly liberated.

According to the established priority principles, retired officers and their families can choose any village or town, even vacant houses in the city; the people in the recovered areas are ranked second, as they also contributed to the war; the newly liberated people can only be ranked at the end and will be arranged wherever there is vacant land.

Due to time constraints, the Liao people who returned home from the interior could only be assigned by the government and had no freedom of choice.

Of course, except for the rich, if you want to buy a house in the city and run other businesses, the government can't interfere except for registering you for citizenship.

As for reclaiming wasteland that was not measured as arable land by the government, the court also had preferential policies: no taxes for two years, and two for every ten reclaimed.

Similarly, officers and soldiers who participated in spring plowing enjoyed a preferential treatment of "three for every ten cultivated." When they retired, this amount was added to the amount of land they were given.

It can be seen that the main idea behind the series of preferential policies introduced by the imperial court was to ensure that labor was not in vain. Whether you were a commoner or a soldier, working was not in vain, which was always beneficial to you and could also stimulate greater enthusiasm.

In fact, many people have seen the emperor's temperament and character. When he raises his hand to call for action, as long as you respond enthusiastically and actively participate, you will always benefit.

There are many such examples, the Maritime Merchants Association and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce being the most typical. One monopolized maritime trade, the other the northern border trade. Both served the emperor well and contributed to the country, and they were treated with no ill-treatment.

Yuan Keli admired Wang Yining's work very much and was thinking of letting him go down to rest, but Wang Yining told him his doubts.

He had worked under Yuan Keli for many years, and they had a good relationship. If Wang Yining didn't ask him, who else could he ask? Besides, some issues were difficult to discuss publicly.

"Separating the military from politics isn't exactly a new policy," Yuan Keli pondered for a moment before saying, "Not having civilian officials or eunuchs oversee the military in Dongjiang Town is already a break from tradition. But to say there's no control over the generals, you don't understand the issue thoroughly enough."

After a pause, Yuan Keli continued, "In fact, since the establishment of martial arts, Wansui has already begun to control the army in another way."

Wang Yining said, "Your Excellency, are you referring to the factory guards stationed in the army, who played the role of military supervisors? I think there is a difference."

Yuan Keli smiled and said, "The Imperial Guards only supervised reporting and indeed did not have the power to oversee the army. Then tell me, how many civil servants or eunuchs actually understand military affairs? If they were given the power to interfere with military command and operations, wouldn't it be easy for them to make mistakes?"

"Yang Hao, Yuan Mingtai, and Wang Huazhen all used scholars to lead the army. These are profound lessons that must be learned!" Yuan Keli sighed softly and said, "The fact that the Liao Dynasty was pacified so quickly shows that the Wansui's military strategy was successful."

"How dare I criticize Wansui's strategy?" Wang Yining hurriedly explained, "It's just that after the separation of military and political power, if soldiers commit crimes in local areas, it will be difficult for local authorities to deal with them."

Yuan Keli shook his head and said, "How do you know it's up to the government to handle it? The government is undergoing reform, and so is the military. Food, wages, and military law are managed by officers directly appointed by the court and the Ministry of War, and the commander-in-chief has no right to interfere."

Wang Yining blinked and immediately understood.

For a stable army, first, there must be sufficient food and pay, and second, strict military discipline. Since the imperial court held these two powers, even if the commander-in-chief had evil intentions, it would be difficult to accomplish anything.

Moreover, all military officers had to go through the process of martial arts training to be redistributed. It was easy to imagine whether they would be loyal to the court and the emperor, or to their superiors.

The commander-in-chief has the power to command, but it depends on the order you issue. If you want to rebel, even if the court doesn't send troops to suppress it, how many officers and soldiers below you will obey you?

Of course, nothing is absolute, and nothing is perfect. But the emperor's actions have minimized the possibility of rebellion.

"Don't worry, just take care of your own affairs and do your job well, and don't worry about anything else." Yuan Keli said gently, "Although the new Governor Wu is talented, he is not very familiar with Liaodong. I still have to rely on you local officials."

"That's for your convenience." Wang Yining bowed and replied, "My dear ancestor, please go to bed early and take good care of yourself."

Yuan Keli stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "There's one more thing I need you to do. Marshal Mao will be coming to Beijing in a few days to report on his work. When he passes through this city, we need to give him a grand reception. An official who has made such great contributions to the pacification of Liao should not be neglected."

Oh, Mao Wenlong is going to Beijing to report on his work, before Yuan Keli and Xiong Tingbi?

Wang Yining was a little surprised, but he immediately understood.

In terms of trust, Yuan Keli and Xiong Tingbi were clearly superior to Mao Wenlong, which is why they stayed in Liaodong. However, whether Mao Wenlong would return to his post after his report was still uncertain.

With Yuan Keli and Xiong Tingbi in Liaodong, even if the emperor felt that Mao Wenlong was not suitable to stay in Liaodong, he would not worry about anything major happening.

Wang Yining respectfully accepted the task, turned around and took his leave, barely noticing a glance at the secret memorial box on the desk.

This thing is very powerful. The emperor will not grant this power without his trust. Directly communicating with the emperor through letters is enviable but also terrifying.

………………