"We are not near the sea, so we can't conduct maritime trade. Transportation is also not convenient, so many businesses cannot be carried out."
"Plus, there are few people here and insufficient labor, so it's really impossible to develop..."
Bai Shiyuan explained them one by one.
Chi Qiaoyu looked at Bai Shiyuan in surprise.
Although he was also very familiar with the situation in the two provinces, his understanding was not as clear as Bai Shiyuan's.
No wonder he was the top scholar and once a favorite of His Majesty.
The current celebrity is Zhao Lin.
Zhao Lin nodded in satisfaction: "It seems that Lord Bai has done a lot of homework."
Bai Shiyuan bowed and said, "After I learned that I would be transferred to Jiujiang as the governor, I specifically looked for information on Jiujiang. Although I haven't read the Beiyuan one, I think the two provinces should be the same."
Zhao Lin said, "Yes, that's right. What are your plans for developing the two provinces?"
Bai Shiyuan thought that Zhao Lin was either unaware or testing him, so today he would let him see how powerful his senior was.
Bai Shiyuan coughed lightly and said, "Before coming here, I have discussed this with my staff many times. There are two ways to develop the two provinces."
"First, reclaim wasteland and plant more crops, and grain production will increase. During this period, the people will face the dilemma of having no food to farm, and the Green Crop Loan that the Governor mentioned could help them."
"Second, find ways to develop local specialties, such as some specialty fruits from the two provinces, and engage in commercial trade."
Zhao Lin sighed, "As expected of the leader of the Seven Young Masters of the Capital, he's very attentive. Unfortunately, it's too one-sided."
Bai Shiyuan's expression changed slightly.
Zhao Lin continued, "Of course, it's not your fault. That's all you know. It's good enough that you can come up with this."
Bai Shiyuan was unconvinced and said, "Please give me some advice, sir."
Zhao Lin smiled and said, "Are you unconvinced? Well, this is what you were supposed to do anyway. I will guide you."
"First of all, when you talk about reclaiming wasteland, have you ever thought about the fact that the common people have plenty of land, but why can't they survive?"
"This..." Bai Shiyuan hesitated.
Chi Qiaoyu quickly interrupted, "Because the taxes are so heavy, there's not much left after paying the taxes on the land. Farming is worse than begging."
"Master Chi is right," Zhao Lin said. "So, simply reclaiming wasteland is not enough. Even if you urge the people to reclaim wasteland, they won't do it because the cost outweighs the gain."
Bai Shiyuan was unconvinced and asked, "What do you think we should do now?"
Zhao Lin said: "Preferential policies."
"First, whoever reclaims wasteland shall own the land he has reclaimed."
"Second, for newly reclaimed land, the first five years will be tax-free, from the sixth to the tenth year, half the tax, and after ten years, the normal tax will apply."
“Third, anyone who reclaims wasteland will be exempted from corvee labor.”
"Fourth, any person who reclaims wasteland and is a refugee who has cultivated the land for ten years will be allowed to become a naturalized citizen and be incorporated into the baojia system."
"Fifth, during the land reclamation process, the government will distribute seeds free of charge. If the land reaches a certain scale, such as ten or twenty acres, free oxen will be provided."
When the five items came out, Bai Shiyuan and Chi Qiaoyu were both shocked.
If these five points were announced, people would flock to the two provinces to open up new land.
However, this is an order that only the emperor can issue.
Although Zhao Lin is the governor, he does not have this qualification.
"Sir, please don't be impatient." Chi Qiaoyu quickly advised, "Although these five points are good, they must have the emperor's will, otherwise it will be easy to be criticized."
Zhao Lin said calmly, "Just go ahead and do it. I will report this to the Emperor and get his approval on these five points."
"If I can get the emperor's order, within three years, I dare not say too much, but at least I can add one million acres of fertile land to Jiujiang Province." Bai Shiyuan said proudly.
Chi Qiaoyu then said, "I can help Beiyuan Province gain tens of millions more acres of fertile farmland."
Bai Shiyuan immediately glared at Chi Qiaoyu.
You are already a governor, why are you still rolling in the towel?
Chi Qiaoyu said, "The Governor-General reclaimed a million acres of fertile farmland in Qingzhou alone within a year. If we, as an entire province, have only just managed to reach the same level of farmland in three years, we might as well resign and start farming."
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