In the days that followed, the wicked man continued to advance and improve the population policy. He personally visited various places to inspect the implementation of the policy and made adjustments based on the actual situation.
During an inspection tour of Chenliu County, the evil man discovered that local officials were not seriously implementing the "addition of newborns" policy, resulting in many families who were entitled to rewards not receiving the subsidies they were due to receive.
The wicked man flew into a rage and immediately dismissed the governor of Chenliu County, replacing him with his trusted confidant. The governor then reviewed all the families who were entitled to rewards and reissued the withheld bonuses. This incident deterred many local officials who harbored illusions, and the population policy was enforced even more strictly.
At the same time, the wicked ruler also noticed some new problems. With the increase in the birth rate, some regions were experiencing a shortage of educational resources. Therefore, he suggested to Ying Zheng that more schools be built and the scale of education expanded.
"Your Majesty, I have observed that with the increase in population, schools in some areas are insufficient, and many children are unable to receive an education. I believe that the nation should establish more schools to cultivate more talent."
Ying Zheng agreed with this and ordered that schools be added in various regions according to population size to ensure that all school-age children could receive basic education.
The wicked man also discovered that medical resources in some areas were facing a shortage. Therefore, he proposed expanding the training of physicians and increasing the number and size of medical institutions.
"Your Majesty, medical care is of paramount importance to ensuring the health of the population. I suggest expanding the Imperial Medical Academy, increasing the number of apprentices trained in medicine, and establishing additional medical clinics in various prefectures and counties to provide basic medical services."
Ying Zheng agreed to the suggestion and allocated special funds for expanding the Imperial Medical Bureau and training medical disciples.
The deepening of population policies has brought about a series of chain reactions. Agricultural production needs more labor, handicrafts need more artisans, commerce needs more merchants, the army needs more soldiers... all of which require a large population to support them.
The wicked man understood that population growth was a systemic project requiring the coordinated efforts of all sectors of society. He began to place greater emphasis on coordinating various policies to ensure that population growth, economic development, and social stability mutually reinforced each other, forming a virtuous cycle.
Under the wicked ruler's meticulous planning, the Qin Empire's population policy achieved remarkable results. In just five years, the national population increased by nearly two million, and the population distribution became more balanced. Moreover, due to improvements in medical and educational conditions, the overall quality of the population also improved significantly.
In the winter of the fifth year, Ying Zheng summoned the wicked man to the palace and highly praised his work.
"My dear minister, your population policy has been a great success over the past five years." Ying Zheng's face beamed with satisfaction. "The national population has increased dramatically, the infant mortality rate has dropped significantly, and the border regions are gradually prospering. All of this is thanks to you!"
The wicked man replied humbly, "Your Majesty flatters me. These achievements are the result of Your Majesty's wise decisions; I was merely an executor."
Ying Zheng waved his hand: "No need for such modesty. I know how much effort you've put in."
He paused, then said meaningfully, "My dear minister, you have first solved the problem of food, and then the problem of population. These two things are fundamental to the state. With sufficient food and population, the foundation of my Great Qin is now solid. Such achievements are worthy of being recorded in history!"
The wicked man bowed deeply: "Your Majesty flatters me. What I have done is merely to fulfill my duty and contribute to the great cause of Qin."
Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction: "My dear minister, your loyalty is truly gratifying. Now, I have an even more important task for you."
The wicked man looked up, his eyes filled with expectation: "Your Majesty, please speak, and I will do my utmost."
Ying Zheng smiled mysteriously: "No rush, we can discuss this later. The main reason I invited you here today is to tell you some good news—the Empress is pregnant again!"
The wicked husband was overjoyed: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! This is truly a great blessing for the nation!"
Ying Zheng smiled and said, "This can be considered a result of your 'adding more children' policy! I hope you will arrange everything at the maternity ward to ensure the safety of the Empress and the princes."
The wicked man solemnly replied, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will personally oversee this matter to ensure that nothing goes wrong."
After leaving the palace, the wicked husband returned to the Grand Commandant's residence and immediately summoned the best medical experts to begin preparations for the Empress's delivery. He knew that this was not only related to the continuation of the royal family, but also the best proof of the effectiveness of his population policy.
Seven months later, the Empress gave birth to a healthy prince. Emperor Ying Zheng was overjoyed and held a banquet in the palace to reward all those involved in the delivery. The wicked husband, as the person in charge, received a special commendation from Ying Zheng.
"My dear minister, the Empress's delivery went smoothly, thanks to your arrangements." Ying Zheng raised his cup in thanks, "I hereby bestow upon you one hundred taels of gold and a thousand acres of fertile land as a token of my gratitude."
The wicked man hurriedly declined, saying, "Your Majesty, this is my duty; I dare not accept the reward."
Ying Zheng smiled and said, "This is not only a commendation for you this time, but also an affirmation of your population policies implemented over the past five years. Accept it; there's no need to be overly modest."
Under the persuasion of the crowd, the wicked man finally accepted Ying Zheng's reward, but he knew in his heart that the real reward was not these material things, but Ying Zheng's trust and high regard for him.
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