Chapter 238: I have something to offer you, it's called cement
County Magistrate Zhang Yu and Chief Clerk Tian Chang also showed some joy, one was full of admiration, and the other had a look of inquiry.
Shopkeeper Yun and the others had different expressions. Some people who had originally looked down on Xiao Ying also restrained themselves a lot and fell into deep thought.
"Mrs. Xiao, this plan is brilliant!"
While everyone was thinking, Ning Yuanze had already spoken, his eyes full of excitement and excitement.
"Zhang Xiancheng, Tian Zhubu, write this down and let's do it."
"Your Excellency is wise!" Zhang Yu and Tian Chang immediately echoed in unison, agreeing unanimously.
However, Tian Chang quickly added, "Sir, this method is good, but it still seems difficult to solve the problem of too many disaster victims. Even if these 3,000 people are deployed to various villages and towns, what about those who will flee later?"
Ning Yuanze said seriously: "Then we can only build a new village."
Zhang Yu immediately interjected, "If another 3,000 disaster victims arrive, based on 300 people per village, that means we'll have to build ten more villages. My Lord, that's a lot of money."
What’s more, there might be more than three thousand people. It gives me a headache just thinking about it.
"Yes." Tian Chang also looked worried. "We can build a village with thatched houses, but the disaster victims who work there usually build roads and walls, and we have to spend money to buy materials."
In short, all it takes is spending money, but no income.
Ning Yuanze said: "There is still some money in the county government office, which should be enough."
Zhang Tian and the others didn't say anything more after hearing this. After all, they couldn't ask these businessmen for money for everything.
"Master Ning, I have something that may help you out in your urgent need."
At this moment, Xiao Ying spoke again, and once again attracted everyone's attention.
Ning Yuanze was also very surprised. Mrs. Xiao even had a way to solve this?
The root of this matter is not about anything else, but that the county government needs more money.
The government has never competed with the people for profit. It usually collects income through taxes and grain, and has to hand over a portion of it to the court. This has led to most county governments being relatively poor.
If he hadn't seized property when he took office, he probably wouldn't have been able to equip even the thousand soldiers, let alone resettle the disaster victims this time.
"Mrs. Xiao, please feel free to tell me what you have to say. I'm all ears."
Ning Yuanze was full of anticipation. He no longer dared to underestimate Xiao Ying. What if the other party really had a way?
The others also showed curiosity, wanting to know what other methods she had.
Xiao Ying did not offer any direct advice, but instead said, "This matter is of great importance. I hope only the three of you will know about it."
This was because she didn't want Manager Yun and the others to know about it, as it would immediately cause dissatisfaction among these people, and they might even suspect that she was being mysterious.
Ning Yuanze became a little cautious. He gave a wink, and Zhang Yu and Tian Chang immediately asked Manager Yun and others to leave.
Ning Yuanze didn't speak again until only Xiao Ying, Ning Yuanze and the other three were left in the room.
“Mrs. Xiao can speak now.”
Xiao Ying didn't keep the secret any longer and said directly, "My three lords, I know of something called cement. It's great for building houses. It's cheap, easy to make, sets quickly, and is very hard."
"Overall, it's much cheaper and more cost-effective than using glutinous rice mortar, and can be used to pave roads and build city walls."
"If the three of you obtain this item, you can not only use it to pave roads and build walls, but you can also sell it to others and even report it to the court."
"This way, we can earn a good income and no longer have to worry about the county government not having enough money."
This was a decision she made after careful consideration. She couldn't handle this on her own, so she had to find a reliable partner.
And who is more reliable than the government?
It happened that the county government was worried about paving the road and building the wall, and she proposed it at this time, which was sure to gain the other party's attention.
Sure enough, Ning Yuanze and the other two were stunned on the spot, their cheeks flushed with excitement and their eyes full of disbelief!
They knew too well the value of this thing called cement. If it was really as good as Xiao Ying said, it would definitely cause a stir in the entire Yue Kingdom's construction industry!
Nowadays, the Yue Kingdom uses glutinous rice mortar to build its city walls. Although this material is good, it is extremely expensive.
Because glutinous rice is very expensive and is related to people's livelihood, the more glutinous rice is used, the less people can eat.
If cement does not require sticky rice and is as hard as sticky rice mortar, then it can definitely replace it!
This is also a good thing that kills two birds with one stone!
"Mrs. Xiao, are you serious? Is this thing called cement really so useful?"
Ning Yuanze couldn't wait to ask, and was even more excited than when Xiao Ying proposed to resettle the victims.
If the county government could obtain the method of manufacturing cement, it might be able to make a lot of money from it.
Yes, it can also be reported to the court, which is another achievement!
Xiao Ying nodded and said, "I just got this thing not long ago and have already successfully made it. If you are interested, I will have someone send some over shortly."
"That couldn't be better."
Ning Yuanze was overjoyed. He didn't expect that Xiao Ying had already succeeded in making it. It seemed that her words were more credible.
But he quickly calmed down. Mrs. Xiao would definitely not give away such an important thing for nothing, and he was embarrassed to take it for free.
He secretly wondered the other party's purpose. Could it be that he wanted to cooperate with the county government?
This woman is even braver than he imagined!
"Madam Xiao, are you going to give such an important thing to the county government just like that?"
After considering for a moment, he asked.
Xiao Ying knew the main event was about to begin, and remained calm. "Such a good thing that benefits both the country and the people should be donated for free. However, researching this item has cost a lot of time and money, and it's not just my work."
"So I would like to cooperate with you in the cement business, but I don't know if you are willing."
Ning Yuanze thought to himself, as expected, Madam Xiao really wants to do business with the county government!
He thought quickly and then said, "If this thing can really replace glutinous rice mortar, I will report it to the court, and the court will definitely reward you."
"As for doing business, I'm afraid it won't be up to you and me by then. This thing will be controlled by the court, and I'm afraid they won't allow others to produce it."
Xiao Ying said, "Even if it's controlled by the imperial court, the county government must have the manufacturing license. Otherwise, wouldn't the imperial court be able to deliver the materials for paving the roads and building the walls? Wouldn't ordinary people be unable to use them? That would go against my original intention."
"Your Excellency can definitely take the initiative to fight for it. After all, it was you who reported this to the court. I believe the court will agree to this request."
"If not, then the reward for this woman will be changed to cooperating with the county government on this business, even if it can only be sold within Xizhou or even Yun'an County."
"In short, I don't want to give up. I think you wouldn't want such an important thing to slip away from your hands."
This matter is not only about making money, but also about her connection with the county government.
With this relationship, everything will be much easier in the future. At least she has a backer in this small piece of land in Yun'an County.
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