There is no need to even consider inflation; the Song Dynasty only needs to print money mindlessly.

Because by then, Song Dynasty's copper coins will become a global hard currency like the US dollar. Buying copper mines from abroad, making them into copper coins and then going out to buy copper mines seems a bit outrageous no matter how you think about it.

certainly.

That’s something for the future.

At least now, although the Song Dynasty is thriving, it still has not transcended the order of ancient feudal society.

Productivity and technological levels need to be raised to a higher level, and the steam engine era needs to arrive before greater internal reforms can be accomplished.

"Minister, this snow has been falling for over ten days, completely covering the roads and freezing the rivers. Kaifeng Prefecture has funded the hiring of 13,674 men, spending approximately 2,000 strings of cash a day. It took six days to clear the snow from the entire city and break the ice."

Outside Kaiyuan Gate, on the bank of the Bian River, Bao Zheng, the magistrate of Kaifeng Prefecture, was introducing the recent construction activities in the city to Zhao Jun.

After the reform of national and local taxes, Kaifeng Prefecture, as the capital's government, also had certain financial powers. The expenses incurred by Bianliang's commercial activities and urban management would be paid to Kaifeng Prefecture, thus generating tax funds.

Although this caused a serious drop in the court's tax revenue, it gave the local government money, which allowed it to do many things, such as snow removal, which was a good thing that benefited the country and the people.

"Employing over 10,000 people? That seems like a pretty good daily wage per person."

Zhao Jun said with a smile.

He looked around in the distance and saw ships slowly approaching from the northwest Bian River. There were far fewer of them than in spring, summer and autumn, but this was winter, and in the past, the canal transport was completely stopped in winter.

It now seems that the Yellow River management work and ice-breaking operations are still going well, at least ensuring navigation in Bianliang.

"To be honest, I only make 90 wen a day."

Bao Zheng shook his head.

"90 wen a day? That's a bit too little, but what about the extra 300 guan?"

Zhao Jun wondered, could it be that he started to take action so soon?

This is too fast.

"It's used to buy tools."

Bao Zheng said, "I'm afraid these tools will have to be stored after they are used up."

Zhao Jun thought for a moment and said, "Then leave it to the subdistrict office. Kaifeng Prefecture should set up a sanitation department and hire sanitation workers on a long-term basis to keep the city clean and tidy."

"Um."

Bao Zheng nodded and said, "I will report this matter to the prefect Liu and tell him what the prefect wants to say."

"In addition to sanitation, there are also street planning, infrastructure, urban roads, green environment, business environment, shop rectification, etc., which are all the responsibilities of Kaifeng Prefecture. You have a heavy burden."

"I will not disappoint the court's expectations."

"That's great, Lao Bao. Do your best. I'm leaving the position of Kaifeng prefect for you. I have high hopes for you."

Zhao Jun patted Bao Zheng on the shoulder and said with a smile.

The position of Kaifeng prefect is still quite fluid, and is mainly used to accommodate officials who are about to be promoted to ministers or vice ministers in various ministries.

Bao Zheng was in charge of all the specific affairs of the mansion, which was a kind of unspoken rule to some extent.

Everyone knew that this was actually the intention of the prefect to help Bao Zheng accumulate political experience. In addition, his work ability was obvious to all, so all the prefects of Kaifeng Prefecture gave him the job.

Instead, the chief officer will be involved in the daily affairs of each department in order to join the department in the future.

But even so, Lao Bao is already riding a rocket. From the eighth rank in the fourth year of Jingyou to the fifth rank now, the promotion speed is basically one level per year.

Zhao Jun planned to wait for two years until Lao Bao had accumulated enough wealth, and then raise the political status of Kaifeng Prefecture from the fourth rank to the second rank, which was equivalent to the vice-ministerial level.

He also served as the deputy director of the Political System Council of the second rank. This raised the political status of Kaifeng Prefecture to a high-ranking official and increased the importance of the Kaifeng Prefecture Governor, allowing him to participate in the management of state affairs.

After all, Kaifeng Prefecture is equivalent to Beijing in later generations. If the rank is only the fourth rank, it will be difficult to convince the people in Kaifeng where powerful people are everywhere, and management will also become more difficult.

"Zhiyuan."

Just as Zhao Jun was inspecting the recent developments in Kaifeng Prefecture, a pair of imperial guards came hurriedly from a distance and reported to him, "Your Majesty, please ask the Imperial Court to return to the palace."

"oh?"

Zhao Jun turned around, walked over to the guard and asked, "What happened?"

"It is said that the Western bandits have submitted a letter requesting surrender."

"Haha, Li Yuanhao can't hold on any longer."

Zhao Jun smiled and said to Bao Zheng, "Okay, Lao Bao, you take care of the city management first. I'll go back first."

"yes."

Bao Zheng had long been accustomed to hearing Zhao Jun speak some words that he could understand but not quite understand, and he bowed in greeting.

Zhao Jun immediately sat back in his carriage, and the ceremonial guard returned to the palace in a grand procession.

Ever since he became the chancellor, he had his own ceremonial guard, a proper prime minister's ceremonial guard, with horsemen leading the way and holding signs saying "Silence" and "Keep Aside".

In addition to the protection of the Imperial City Administration, there were hundreds of people following him at all times, and everyone in Bianliang knew his team.

There were even cases where people stopped the sedan chair to appeal for justice, but Zhao Jun resolved all of his cases one by one, earning him widespread praise from the people.

Soon Zhao Jun returned to the palace and went all the way to Chongzheng Hall.

Everyone is here.

He first saluted Zhao Zhen, then sat back in his seat.

"Hanlong, take a look, this is Yuanhao's memorial."

Zhao Zhen knocked on the official document on the table. No one was allowed to enter the Chongzheng Hall meeting, even Wang Shouzhong had to guard outside the door, so Zhao Jun had to go over and get it himself.

He picked up the document, glanced at it, and said with a smile, "As expected. I didn't expect Li Yuanhao to be defeated so badly in this battle. He definitely couldn't hold on."

This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading!