"Your Majesty, we are approaching Linzi." Meng Tian reported softly as the caravan arrived at the former capital of Qi.
Ying Zheng lifted the carriage curtain and looked out at the capital city of Qi. Unlike Handan and Ji, Linzi was known for its wealth and was a gathering place for merchants.
However, Linzi at this time appeared particularly desolate.
"What's going on?" Ying Zheng frowned. "Isn't this the wealthiest city in Qi?"
"Your Majesty," Feng Jie rode forward, "since the conquest of Qi, many people have fled. Coupled with post-war reconstruction, all industries are in ruins..."
"This will not do!" Ying Zheng said decisively. "Linzi is an important city and we cannot allow it to decline. Issue the order, I will personally go into the city to take a look!"
Upon entering the city, an even more desolate scene came into view.
The once bustling streets are now deserted, with many shops closed and the few pedestrians who do pass by hurrying along.
Upon hearing the news, Feng Jie rushed over and brought with him all the officials, both high and low, from the city.
"Feng Jie!" Ying Zheng said in a deep voice, "Is this the Linzi you rule?"
"Your Majesty is wise," Feng Jie bowed and said, "I am already thinking of a solution. Look over there..."
He pointed to a construction site in the distance: "That's where we're building a new market. We're using new materials sent by the Grand Commandant, and we're preparing to build the largest trading center in Qi, as instructed by him."
"Oh?" Ying Zheng became interested. "Take me to see."
Upon arriving at the construction site, one sees hundreds of craftsmen busy at work, and the buildings are already taking shape, all constructed of poured cement.
“Your Majesty,” Feng Jie explained, “this place is divided into three areas: the grain market in the east, the cloth market in the west, and the warehouses in the middle. Each market has its own warehouses and accommodations. Once completed, it can accommodate tens of thousands of merchants trading simultaneously.”
"Excellent!" Ying Zheng nodded. "With this, merchants will gradually be attracted, finding a place to settle down and make a living. However..."
"Does Your Majesty have any further instructions?"
“A market alone is not enough,” Ying Zheng pondered. “To bring merchants back, we need more incentives. Issue an order that all merchants doing business in Linzi be temporarily exempt from commercial taxes for one year!”
"Your Majesty is wise!" Feng Jie exclaimed with delight. "However, the imperial taxes..."
"What's a little tax revenue?" Ying Zheng waved his hand. "As long as commerce recovers, there will naturally be income. Besides, didn't I unify the world precisely to ensure that the people live a good life?"
"By the way," he asked again, "are all these houses built with those new, wicked materials?"
“Exactly!” Feng Jie replied. “The Grand Commandant said that if we’re going to build, we should build the best. Look at these walls, they’re sturdier than stone. We won’t have to worry about rats making holes in the warehouse anymore, and the goods won’t get damp…”
As they were talking, they suddenly saw a group of people who looked like merchants looking around in the distance.
Seeing this, Ying Zheng ordered someone to summon them.
"There's no need to be afraid." Seeing the merchants trembling with fear, Ying Zheng said gently, "I ask you, why aren't you opening for business?"
An old merchant, mustering his courage, replied, "Your Majesty, it's not that we don't want to do it. It's just that..."
"What is reality?"
"It's just too unsafe on the road," the old merchant sighed. "Ever since the great war, bandits have been rampant throughout Qi. We get robbed several times on the way to transport goods. How can we do business like this?"
"Oh?" Ying Zheng looked at Feng Jie. "What's going on?"
Feng Jie, sweat beading on his forehead, replied, "Your Majesty, it is all my fault. However, I have already begun to rectify the situation. What do you think..."
He pointed into the distance: "We are setting up post stations along the route and deploying troops to patrol. In a few days, we will be able to ensure the safety of the trade route."
"I'll give you one month," Ying Zheng said. "Within one month, I want to see trade routes running smoothly and markets thriving!"
"promise!"
"Furthermore," Ying Zheng added, "I intend to personally plan several trade routes. They must be wide and sturdy, so that merchants can travel smoothly!"
"Your Majesty..." The old merchant was moved to tears, "You are going to stand up for us!"
"You are all my subjects," Ying Zheng said gently. "The world is unified, and there is no distinction between you and me. I will naturally ensure that everyone lives a good life. You can do business with peace of mind; the court will support you!"
These words caused an immediate sensation in the city.
Many merchants who had been hiding came out to inquire about the new market, and merchants from all over the city rushed over to try and secure a shop.
"It seems there's hope!" Feng Jie exclaimed happily. "Your Majesty's words are more effective than my months of hard work."
“That’s natural,” Meng Tian said with a smile. “The King’s personal involvement is naturally different from yours. However…”
"But what?"
“But words alone won’t do,” Meng Tian said seriously. “Since Your Majesty has promised the merchant, you must deliver on your promise. Otherwise…”
"Understood, understood!" Feng Jie nodded repeatedly. "Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements immediately. Market construction must be accelerated, patrols along trade routes must be strengthened, and the establishment of post stations must be optimized..."
He was about to say something when he suddenly saw billowing smoke and dust in the distance.
"Report!" A scout galloped in, "The convoy transporting building materials has arrived!"
"Perfect!" Feng Jie's spirits lifted. "Have the craftsmen continue construction. This market must be built in the shortest possible time!"
Looking at the bustling construction site, Ying Zheng recalled the former prosperity of Linzi and couldn't help but sigh, "In the end, the world still depends on merchants!"
Turning to Meng Tian, he said, "Pass on my words from today. Tell officials in all regions to treat merchants well and protect trade routes. If any place dares to tolerate bandits, I will hold them accountable!"
"promise!"
Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction, "The Qi region must accelerate its development to ensure the people's livelihood! I want the entire world to be free of hindrance in trade!"
When they left Linzi, the streets were gradually becoming lively again. Seeing the court's determination and receiving Ying Zheng's personal assurance, the merchants were finally reassured and were eager to return to their old businesses.
Many people are so eager to open their shops that they don't even bother with renovations.
...
"Your Majesty," Meng Tian reminded him, "Shall we go to the Wei region next?"
"Not bad." Ying Zheng nodded. "How's the situation on the Liang side?"
"Your Majesty, it is said that the same situation requires extensive reconstruction."
"Then let's go and see!" Ying Zheng's gaze was firm. "I will restore life to all regions. Now that the world is unified, the people should be able to live a good life!"
The convoy headed west and soon disappeared into the horizon.
Meanwhile, a bustling scene is unfolding in the new market of Linzi. This ancient capital is welcoming the arrival of a prosperous era with a brand-new look...
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