"As for pioneering, everyone knows what that means. Speaking of which, when can you provide taxes to the imperial government? How much can you provide? The reconstruction of Jinguan City is still ongoing. What else can you provide?"
Wang Liang was stunned when he heard this, and quickly replied: "To answer your question, the Ministry of Revenue said three years..."
Before Wang Liang could finish his words, he was interrupted by Li Yong's increasingly impatient voice: "The past was the past, and the present is the present. The Ministry of Revenue doesn't know the specific situation in Xichuan. If it takes three years to provide taxes, what use is there for me to have you? Or is your talk of building a city and expanding the wasteland all a lie? In fact, you haven't produced anything at all?"
Wang Liang couldn't help but sigh. Fortunately, Xiao Linzi had sent someone to inquire about Lord Li Yong's character. From the "auction of the mansion" incident, he knew his preferences and work style. Otherwise, he would have been caught off guard this time.
According to the plan, Wang Liang said in a loud voice: "In reply to your words, sir, Qinghe is far away in the Ten Thousand Mountains. It is not easy to have output. Now we have to pay taxes to the Ministry of Households and transport the taxes to the Northern Capital. It is difficult for Qinghe Village to do it." After speaking, Wang Liang deliberately paused and continued: "But the reconstruction of Jinguan City is the top priority of our Xichuan construction, and our Qinghe Village should also contribute its own strength. After more than a year of unremitting efforts by this official and everyone in Qinghe, in addition to the common fur and wood in the mountains, Qinghe also has two minerals, crystal and iron ore. The samples of these two minerals have just been handed over to your housekeeper." After speaking, Wang Liang glanced at the housekeeper of the prefectural mansion. He knew that the housekeeper would not touch the whole cart of fine iron ingots, but the two sets of glass tableware prepared in advance, one set was for the housekeeper, and it must be in the housekeeper's room now.
The steward walked over to the governor and whispered a few words. Li Yong nodded slightly and said, "After a year of hard work and perseverance, it's quite impressive to have such an output. Now, tell me what you plan to do."
Wang Liang replied, "Since this is to support the reconstruction of Jinguan City, the output of Qinghe Village should be handed directly to the person in charge of the reconstruction. This will avoid excessive turnover and waste of manpower and resources. Only those in charge can truly put these things to good use. However, although you are in charge of the reconstruction of Jinguan City, you are still very busy. How about going forward, Qinghe Village will be visited every six months and the corresponding output will be handed over to your steward. As your right-hand man, your steward will surely help you arrange these trivial matters."
"Yes, that's fine." The governor nodded and asked, "I heard you fought a battle with the bandits and lost?"
This was written in the official document. Wang Liang was even moved when he found out that the governor had actually read it. "Yes, sir, the bandits are numerous and we are indeed outnumbered. However, without the official document, we dare not recruit soldiers on our own. It is really difficult to support the army by relying on the yamen runners."
"Pedantic!" The governor slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups crackle. "You are pedantic. Even if you're heading to the Shiwan Mountains to open up new land, you still have to pay attention to these things. Well, you're too insignificant to make such a statement. So, go back and recruit some villagers, forge some weapons, and train them a little. How can the government of the great Daliang Empire be beaten around by bandits? I'll report this to the Ministry of War, so don't worry about it. But the important thing is that the iron and crystal mines can't be lost, or I'll hold you accountable. Got it?"
"I understand." Wang Liang's face was full of sadness and joy.
"As for the question of when you can establish a county, I want to see real evidence. When your supplies from Qinghe can arrive in Jinguan City in large quantities, I will write to the Ministry of Revenue on your behalf and guarantee you the position of county magistrate."
"Sir, regarding the selection of the county magistrate..." Wang Liang wanted to explain a few words...
"I don't care who will be the county magistrate. Just decide among yourselves. Don't report bandits or anything like that anymore. Jinguan City can't send any reinforcements. I give you full authority, but I have to produce. Do you understand? If you do, then step down."
After leaving behind all the people he brought with him, Wang Liang rented a shop under the guidance of Liu, the steward of the prefectural office, and opened a "Qinghe Specialty Store". Then, with no money left, he set out on his way home with a large bag of dry food.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com