"Yes!"
Li Xin nodded calmly and said, "During this period, the great floods in the Jianghuai region have affected nine prefectures and sixty-four counties. In addition, the rebellion in Dongtai has threatened neighboring prefectures and counties."
The situation in the entire Jianghuai region deteriorated rapidly.
The imperial court faced both the threat of bandits from the northern grasslands and the consequences of the floods in the Yangtze and Huai River basins, resulting in a critical situation with both internal and external troubles.
In addition, after the spring, there was a severe drought in northern Hebei, and the imperial court was already short of funds and grain. How could it possibly afford to spend money in so many places?
Without money and supplies, the crisis of the great flood in the Yangtze and Huai River basins could not be resolved.
Therefore, I petitioned my father, the Emperor, to use the money and grain from Dongning City to relocate refugees from the Jianghuai region to Dongning for land reclamation.
Firstly, it would solve the problem of displaced people caused by the floods in the Yangtze and Huai River basins, thus mitigating the impact of the rebellion.
Secondly, it was to provide relief to the displaced people of the Jianghuai region.
Thirdly, these refugees could also be used to cultivate the frontier and defend against grassland bandits.
Fourthly, it can also reduce the government's expenses.
This is a win-win situation!
"Not bad, not bad!"
Upon hearing Li Xin's words, all the officials present nodded in agreement, praising Prince Xin's brilliant strategy.
Even Emperor Tongxu's face was beaming with a bright smile.
He seemed to see a glimmer of hope, a possibility of resolving the predicament of the great flood in the Jianghuai region!
"Xin'er, well done!"
Emperor Tongxu gave a thumbs up and exclaimed, "If all the vassal kings of my Great Qian Kingdom could be like Xin'er, that would be wonderful!"
To relieve the nation's worries and alleviate its difficulties—this heart is commendable!
Xin'er, your memorial has been approved by the Emperor!
"Feel free to make any requests; Father will certainly give his full support!"
"Thank you, Father!"
Li Xin quickly cupped his hands and said, "In fact, relocating refugees and settling them in Dongning is indeed a good policy."
However, the floods in the Yangtze and Huai River basins cover a very wide area, and it is inevitable that some people will try to sabotage the process.
Therefore, I hope that Your Majesty will issue an edict ordering officials in all prefectures and counties to assist me in relocating displaced people, or at the very least, not to obstruct their migration.
"That's natural."
Emperor Tongxu nodded and said, "Immediately draft an edict instructing officials in the Jianghuai region not to obstruct the migration of displaced people."
"Thank you for your great favor, Father Emperor!"
Li Xin immediately expressed his gratitude.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Li Ming, standing to the side, narrowed his eyes, still pondering Li Xin's actions.
Migrants and displaced people settled and cultivated land in Dongning.
This plan was indeed unexpected!
However, does Dongning have the resources to support so many refugees?
Even setting aside providing relief to refugees, the cost of transporting these people to Dongning alone would be substantial.
It seems that Prince Xin has made quite a bit of money at Qingyu Trading Company during this period!
no!
We must finalize the cooperation agreement!
...
After the court session, the officials praised Prince Xin for his benevolence.
Crown Prince Li Ming walked up to Li Xin and said with a smile, "Third brother is truly benevolent!"
However, transporting migrants involved long distances and was extremely costly.
I wonder how the preparations for money and provisions are going, Third Brother?
"It's still in the preparation stage."
Li Xin cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, in fact, we also need to rely on my elder brother's help in this matter."
"If it weren't for my elder brother's help, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to do so much..."
"oh?"
Crown Prince Li Ming couldn't help but laugh and asked, "Third brother, please speak frankly. As long as it is within my power, I will do my best to support you."
"Brother Emperor,"
Li Xin said with a smile, "We can borrow the ships under the Ministry of Works to transport refugees to Dongning."
"Of course, I've already spoken with Qingyu Trading Company about what we discussed the other day."
Although the words were spoken softly, the details of the transaction were made clear and transparent.
They used ocean-going vessels to exchange for a joint venture with Qingyu Trading Company.
This matter was unexpected for Crown Prince Li Ming.
However, after a moment's thought, Crown Prince Li Ming silently replied, "This matter is easy to discuss."
Third brother, I've been in the capital for so long, but I still haven't met your sister-in-law.
"Come, let's go to my elder brother's palace for a visit today."
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Li Xin immediately agreed.
...
Going to the Eastern Palace to see the Empress Dowager's sister-in-law was naturally just an excuse.
After exchanging pleasantries with his sister-in-law, Crown Prince Li Ming and Prince Xin Li Xin began to discuss the cooperation between Qingyu Trading Company.
The Crown Prince's side provided workshop space and raw materials near the capital, while Prince Xin's side provided production methods and skilled workers.
The two parties collaborated to produce perfumes, Dongning spirits, soaps, and other products, which were sold throughout Dagangan.
The profits obtained shall be split equally between the two parties.
An additional condition of the agreement was that one hundred ships belonging to the Ministry of Works, under the control of the Crown Prince, would be lent to Prince Xin for use in transporting refugees from the Jianghuai region to Dongning.
Furthermore, the Crown Prince's faction must not obstruct the organization of the migration in the Jianghuai region.
Following the signing of the agreement, the two also held a family banquet at the East Palace.
After the family dinner, Li Xin returned home.
The next morning, Li Xin also instructed Hu Sheng to hand over the accounts of Qingyu Trading Company to Crown Prince Li Ming.
Crown Prince Li Ming also ordered the Ministry of Works to send one hundred ships to be at the command of Prince Xin.
Once everything was ready, Li Xin did not linger.
After bidding farewell to his father, he left the capital and headed to Tongzhou Port.
After joining Hu Xueyong's merchant ships at Tongzhou Port, and together with other ships anchored in Tianjin and Yulin, the mighty fleet headed south along the sea route.
The ship traveled at a fairly fast speed on the sea.
Inside the cabin, Li Xin looked at Hu Xueyong in front of him and asked, "Xueyong, how much grain have you purchased during this period?"
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