"Escape from your current life?"
The old gang leader didn't understand what Tang Huan meant at first, but he vaguely felt that this might be their only chance in this lifetime.
"Yes, in my opinion, your lives are terrible right now. You are living like ants, struggling to survive. I think you can change your way of life."
Want to live a different life?
The old gang leader gave a wry smile.
So many members of the Beggars' Sect have thought about changing their way of life, but no matter what they try, what awaits them in the end is the life they have now.
This is not their fault.
But they were also helpless.
"I want to try to change the South District. It may require a lot of people to work there. I hope that the old gang leader can bring others to participate in it."
"What changes does the Poet Immortal intend to make?" the old gang leader asked curiously.
"Build new houses, construct factories, improve the environment, ensure everyone has a job, eliminate hunger, and enable everyone to live in a clean and suitable environment."
The old gang leader fell silent, then hesitated before asking, "Is this even possible?"
“It may be difficult and take a long time.” Tang Huan changed the subject, “But what harm is there in trying this for you? If you fail, you will just continue as you are now, but if you succeed, you will no longer have to be beggars.”
"Old Master, I think what the Poet Immortal said makes a lot of sense..." said the little beggar who was listening in.
"Yes, we've already lost everything anyway, so we might as well fight it out. I believe the Poet Immortal wouldn't harm us."
"Poet Immortal, whatever you intend to do, I will firmly support you!"
Before the old gang leader could make a decision, the others had already echoed Tang Huan's suggestion.
Seeing this, the old gang leader nodded and said, "I will persuade everyone that they can come here to find me when the Poet Immortal needs us."
"Okay, in addition, I hope that the old gang leader can try to contact other people in the South District, whether they are beggars or poor people. I will provide some job opportunities for everyone, and everyone will receive wages in addition to three meals a day."
"Alright!" the old gang leader solemnly agreed.
Even if it's just three meals a day, many people will participate without hesitation.
Not to mention that the great poet also promised to pay him wages.
Since the old gang leader had agreed, Tang Huan did not linger there any longer.
In fact, Tang Huan was prepared to do this even if the old gang leader didn't agree. The reason he brought it up in front of the other party was just to let the beggars prepare in advance so that they would have the opportunity to participate.
After leaving the South District, Tang Huan did not return directly to the mansion.
After parting ways with Li Daikui and Qin Yu, he entered the palace.
Just after passing through the Meridian Gate, Tang Huan encountered Eunuch Shen.
The other party seemed to have just left the palace to do something, and then just happened to return.
The two then traveled together.
"Lord Tang, you've been in the Southern District for quite some time?"
Looking at the marks left on Tang Huan's body, Eunuch Shen couldn't help but ask.
"It hasn't been long, but the environment there is rather poor."
"Then why did you suddenly enter the palace..."
As soon as he said it, Grandpa Shen realized that this was not a question he should ask, so he immediately shut up.
Tang Huan didn't mind at all and said with a smile, "I've come to see Her Majesty to propose the Southern District renovation plan to her."
"You want to change the South District?"
Old Master Shen looked troubled. "I'm afraid it's not that easy."
"If it were easy, I wouldn't need to do it."
Tang Huan was very determined.
"South District Redevelopment Plan?"
Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Wu Lanxi, who was having lunch, put down her bowl and chopsticks after hearing what Tang Huan had said.
Seeing this, Tang Huan, who had just been eating for a while, also stopped what she was doing.
“Indeed, I have spent a considerable amount of time in the Southern District these past two days, and what I have seen and heard has filled me with shame. I enjoy fine food and live in a large house, while many people in the Southern District cannot even afford a decent meal…”
Wu Lanxi sighed, "The South District does indeed have many remaining problems, but have you considered that it would cost a lot of money to renovate it in the way you suggested?"
"Your Majesty knows that if it weren't for the financial difficulties, Your Majesty would have completed this matter much sooner, as Your Majesty loves the people and understands their hardships. This time, Your Majesty is willing to help you resolve this problem."
"Oh? Is this a reconciliation?" Wu Lanxi asked in return.
"I have made some money in Qihuai County over the years and plan to invest it in the renovation of the southern district."
Wu Lanxi's expression turned serious. "Do you know that this might not yield any results, only a good reputation? Is it worth spending so much money on this?"
"Therefore, Your Majesty needs to grant me one request."
"What's up?"
Tang Huan smiled ingratiatingly and said, "When the southern district is being redeveloped, I will establish some factories there. This will provide many jobs for the people and change their current situation. However, this will put me in a bit of a dilemma. The factories will be built, but the products won't be easy to sell..."
Officials are not allowed to engage in business.
At least not openly; that's the rule of law in Daqing.
Tang Huan did have ways to circumvent the law, but he didn't want to go through that trouble.
What kind of factory are you planning to build?
“Glass, printing, textiles... there are many types to choose from, and it hasn't been completely decided yet.”
"How will the hot pot business compare to before?" Wu Lanxi asked.
Tang Huan said earnestly, "Once the factory is built, the profits will be ten times, a hundred times, or even more than those of hot pot."
"really?"
"It is absolutely true, Your Majesty. I would never dare to lie to you."
Wu Lanxi nodded, "In that case, you can do it with peace of mind. You don't need to get involved in the affairs of the Hanlin Academy during this period, and you can also put the Imperial Academy aside for now and focus all your energy on this matter."
Tang Huan immediately beamed and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Once the factory is completed, I can give Your Majesty this amount."
Under the table, Tang Huan held up three fingers.
Wu Lanxi said coldly, "I want this number."
Faced with Wu Lanxi's gesture of seven, Tang Huan scratched his head and said, "Your Majesty, I'm going to invest almost all the money I've earned in the past few years into the transformation of the Southern District. I can only give you 40% at most."
"Alright, forty percent success, forty percent success. If this succeeds, no one will cause you any trouble."
Wu Lanxi would certainly not stop Tang Huan, and would agree even if she didn't get the 40% of the profits.
However, since Tang Huan was willing to show her goodwill, she would not refuse.
Moreover, Wu Lanxi believed that Tang Huan, who had experience in transforming Qihuai County, would be able to take action more smoothly in the Southern District.
Perhaps, the time will be even shorter.
"I disagree!"
At the dining table, Wu Lanyun suddenly shouted loudly.
The two, who had just reached an agreement, looked at the little princess together. Wu Lanxi asked gently, "Why do you disagree? This is for the benefit of the people."
Wu Lanyun said aggrievedly, "But then Tang Huan can't go to school. He hasn't told me a story for two days."
"This..." Wu Lanxi and Tang Huan looked at each other, not knowing what to say.
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