Reclamation of one million acres of fertile farmland in a year?
How is this possible?
Bai Shiyuan looked at Zhao Lin in disbelief.
Zhao Lin said, "Master Bai, please don't look at me like that. The Qingzhou army of 30,000 people worked day and night, and it only took a few months to transform a million acres of fertile land."
Bai Shiyuan was shocked and said, "You used soldiers to reclaim land for yourself? Aren't you afraid that the censor will impeach you?"
Zhao Lin scoffed, "So what? Haven't they impeached enough people?"
Bai Shiyuan was silent.
This guy is so reckless in doing things, but the emperor still favors him so much and protects him everywhere. It's really frustrating to compare yourself with him.
There was a time when Bai Shiyuan was a popular figure in front of Cheng **, but he had never received such favoritism.
Bai Shiyuan was filled with jealousy.
Zhao Lin said, "Three years, ten million acres of farmland. This is your mission. If you fail to complete it, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Chi Qiaoyu patted his chest and said, "If I can't complete it, I will resign without your advice."
Bai Shiyuan could only follow suit and say, "The same is true for me."
"good!"
Zhao Lin nodded in satisfaction and said, "This is just about farming. I have other plans for the development of the two provinces."
"First, continue digging ditches and dredging rivers. Once the autumn harvest is over and there's nothing to do during the winter, I'll use grain as wages to have the people dig the rivers. This time, I'll enlarge the small rivers in both provinces and deepen the large ones, so that the ditches connect to the small rivers, the small rivers connect to the large rivers, and the large rivers connect to the sea, thus creating an uninterrupted waterway."
"Secondly, train the troops. Gather all the troops from the two provinces here. I will personally train them so they can suppress the bandits and protect the people. This will prevent the Qingzhou troops from running around. The Qingzhou army only has 30,000 men. How can they possibly hold down the two provinces?"
"Secondly, we can plant cash crops, such as mulberry, cotton and linen, and see where they are suitable for planting."
"Fourth, attach importance to education. Don't be stingy with money. Money spent can be earned back. Give more money to students who are determined to study and have achieved success, so that they can study with peace of mind."
"Fifth, develop technology. No matter what industry, advanced technology is worth a ton of gold and silver. Try to discover such talents and don't be stingy with your money. If you can't find them, let me know and I'll personally invite them."
"Sixth, discipline officials in the two provinces. Those who embezzle 100 taels of silver will be dismissed from office; those who embezzle 1,000 taels of silver will have their property confiscated and be exiled; those who embezzle 10,000 taels of silver or more will have their property confiscated, be executed, and their families exiled."
"These are the six points I've come up with for now. You should proceed with them. If there are any additional points, I'll let you know."
Zhao Lin finished speaking in one breath, picked up the teacup and took a sip of tea, and said, "My lords, do you understand?"
Bai Shiyuan and Chi Qiaoyu were both stunned. When they heard this, they were shocked and said repeatedly, "I understand, I understand."
Chi Qiaoyu hesitated for a moment and said, "The first few points are all good, but the last one, isn't that the responsibility of the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice?"
Zhao Lin waved his hand and said, "Don't worry about them. As the Governor-General, I naturally have the right to supervise the two provinces. I will make a suggestion to His Majesty and seek His Majesty's approval."
Chi Qiaoyu had nothing to say.
People can write directly to the emperor, what else is there to say?
Bai Shiyuan said, "Isn't this too harsh? If you pay a hundred taels of silver, you'll be dismissed from office. If you pay a thousand taels of silver, your property will be confiscated and you'll be exiled. If you pay ten thousand taels of silver, you'll be beheaded. Others will think you're too harsh on your subordinates, and it'll be bad for your reputation."
Zhao Lin sneered, "This Governor doesn't want fame, just fear. I want them to be officials to stabilize the area, not to make money. If you want to get rich, go somewhere else. These two provinces don't support corrupt officials. Of course..."
Zhao Lin smiled and said, "If you have done something, you can earn some extra money, and this governor will be generous in rewarding you. If you have done nothing and only care about getting promoted and making money, huh!"
Zhao Lin snorted coldly, "I will give him a fine coffin. My Lords, do you understand my resolve?"
Bai Shiyuan and Chi Qiaoyu quickly stood up and bowed together, saying, "We understand!"
Chi Qiaoyu quickly added, "I will set an example and strive to be a good official under the Governor."
Zhao Lin laughed heartily and said, "Lord Chi, there's no need for that. This governor has only one thing to say: if you do well, you will definitely receive benefits. I can directly reward those middle and lower-level officials. Whether it's promotion or wealth, I can make the decision. As for you two..."
Zhao Lin thought for a moment and said, "I can't directly promote you, but I can let the emperor know what you've done. My father-in-law and the chief minister will also have to speak to you. In short, do your job well, and everything will be yours."
Chi Qiaoyu stood up and said excitedly, "Don't worry, sir. I hereby issue a military order. If you fail to do this, I will bring my head to you."
Bai Shiyuan was not so excited, because their Bai family could see the emperor in person, and their contributions would not be ignored. He just said: "I will do my best to complete the goal."
"Um."
Zhao Lin nodded and said, "I would like to remind you both, Lord Bai in particular, that you are both trusted ministers. You are the future pillar of the nation and a capable minister who will govern the country. Don't let trivial matters hinder your progress. I have high hopes for you both and I don't want to see you fall by the sword in the future."
Both of them knew what Zhao Lin meant, and said at the same time: "Don't worry, sir, I understand."
In any case, Zhao Lin's coercion and inducement have achieved his goal. It depends on whether the two will be obedient in the future.
Zhao Lin had very low expectations of them, as long as they worked diligently and didn't cause trouble for him.
As for asking them to be loyal to him and risk their lives for him, that is wishful thinking.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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