December 26, the third year of Tiande.
Heavy snow in Jinling.
Governor's Office.
"This year has not been easy. If the central government hadn't allocated 100 million yuan, who knows how many people would have died in Qin Mowen's Jingxi North Road and Dong Xiujin's Jingxi South Road."
Yan Shidao read all the year-end reports and said with emotion, "Your Majesty has issued a new policy, saying that this 100 million yuan is the foundation for our four provinces. From now on, we can no longer count on such strong support from the central government."
"Kangping, we need to establish pillar industries. I'm thinking of relying on the salt industry, grain transport, and ironware, which are the industries of the three great families in the past. What do you think?"
Dong Kangping thought for a moment and nodded. "These white salt and ironware can be sold to the four provinces of Yueshan in Dali. With the economic recovery, there will also be a market in the four provinces of Jingdong and Hebei. I have a suggestion. Please consider it."
As for the economy, Dong Kangping had served as the Minister of Revenue for so many years, and Yan Shidao was extremely convinced. "Just tell me, aren't we looking for a way to revitalize the economy?"
"Since the four Yueshan regions of Dali haven't established white salt refining workshops yet, why don't we let these companies go abroad? Let Chen and Zhou send people to those four regions to buy some salt mines and iron ores from Fan Tianning and produce them locally."
"This solves the transportation cost issue and also helps Fan Tianning find a job."
Yan Shidao was silent for a moment, "Will Fan Tianning feel that we have robbed him of his wealth?"
"Hasn't His Majesty already spoken of the market economy? Even as the Governor, Fan Tianning cannot interfere with the business operations of enterprises! Besides, according to Fan Tianning's current layout, he wants to develop the four prefectures in his hands into the direction of light industry."
"For example, in Dali South Road, Zong Shiji was vigorously promoting cotton and introducing textile workshops. In Dali North Road, Gongsun Ce was vigorously promoting mulberry and hemp cultivation. As for the Yueshan Road... I'm a little confused. These two roads are relatively disadvantaged, originally mainly cultivated wheat, and there's nothing special about their industry."
"But according to the latest news, Yueshan South Circuit Governor Xue Donglin visited the Chi Le Chuan Autonomous Region and said he wanted to introduce perfume workshops, which would require extensive flower planting. And Yueshan North Circuit Governor Xi Shuang went to Guanyun City, reportedly seeking cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture to vigorously develop the breeding and farming industry for fragrant pigs in Yueshan North Circuit."
"Governor Zhuo's administration seems to be primarily focused on agriculture and light industry, but porcelain and glass workshops have flourished. I heard they've even discovered a vast iron ore deposit. That iron ore won't be used for civilian purposes, but rather as material for military production."
"I think that since Daxia's territory is so large now, His Majesty will definitely expand the army. We must also apply to His Majesty to rebuild Fenglin Mountain and use it as a base for armament production."
"Plus, we have another huge advantage—Chang'an!"
"The original Wofeng City will be expanded into a metropolis. The plan has been submitted to Your Majesty for approval. If approved, the construction of Chang'an next year will require a large number of workers. The road from Chang'an to Chi Lechuan must also be planned, opening up three main roads: Chang'an to Chi Lechuan, Chang'an to Jingdong Road, and Chang'an to Jinling."
"According to the plan for Chang'an City, it will take at least three years to build, and the cost will probably reach hundreds of millions. This will solve a large number of employment problems, and the people's income will increase steadily."
"I think as long as we do two things well now - expand our advantageous industries externally and seize the opportunity of Chang'an construction internally, it is very likely that we will catch up with the pace of Guangnan and Nandao."
Dong Kangping gave a rough analysis of the current economic situation, and Yan Shidao agreed with him deeply.
"Just follow your plan!"
He stroked his beard and looked at Dong Kangping, his eyes filled with confusion. "You said... Your Majesty invested so much money to build Chang'an. Why is that?"
Dong Kangping had already considered this question. He smiled and said, "Firstly, Wofengyuan is extremely spacious, suitable for building a huge city. Secondly, its location is quite unique. It is tilted towards the north. Once the Changling Mountains are opened, it is only a two-day walk from Chi Lechuan. If you look further north... you will find the Western Xia and Liao dynasties, and to the northwest is Tubo. Perhaps Your Majesty is building Chang'an as a major military town."
Yan Shidao frowned and thought for a moment, "To be honest, transportation in Chang'an is not very convenient. Even though three main roads have been built, there is no waterway for shipping."
"You forget there's an abandoned canal in that area."
Yan Shidao's eyes widened, and he asked in surprise, "Are you saying that His Majesty might restart the canal construction?"
"It's not possible right now. I'm afraid he will only restart the construction of the canal after Daxia's economy is back on track and the country has sufficient financial support."
That’s a huge project!
The amount of money needed to build the canal alone was enormous, and it would require the mobilization of millions of workers. Yan Shidao did not think that it was a waste of money and manpower, because once the canal was completed and connected to the Yangtze River, the north-south shipping would be completely opened up.
The importance of shipping has become increasingly important with the prosperity of commerce, and the economic value it generates is difficult to estimate.
What's more, Daxia now has large steam-powered ships that run extremely fast. The ships can transport travelers and cargo, and they can also transport troops and artillery, which is of extremely important strategic significance.
Yan Shidao's old face was full of smiles. After all, His Majesty put his focus on the place where he was born and raised.
"Why doesn't he bother with stocks anymore?"
"I'm afraid the stock experiment is a failure."
Fu Xiaoguan did not mention stocks anymore. Communication and management could not keep up, especially financial management. It was impossible to update and release information to all shareholders in a timely manner, so he had given up on this thing.
The two then started chatting about family matters.
"Xiu Jin should be back for the New Year this year, right?"
"Well, it should be here tomorrow... Where's Xiwen?"
"I have to come back too. He should be here tomorrow."
"Oh, by the way, my good-for-nothing second son Xiu De came home last night. He brought back some delicious canned food. Tomorrow I'll have Xiu Jin send a few of different flavors for Elder Yan to try."
"Can? What is this?"
Dong Kangping stroked his beard and smiled proudly, "My daughter made this. They store things in glass and tin cans. There are canned fruits—yellow peaches, pears, bayberries, and so on. There are also canned meats that you can eat right out of the box. I tried some last night, and it was pretty good."
There aren't many fruits in winter these days. When Yan Shidao heard this, he showed a skeptical expression on his face, "Can this thing be eaten now?"
"I wasn't poisoned, so why can't I eat it? Xiu De said it'll keep for a year if stored in a cool place!"
"Come on, let's go to your house and take a look at that can!"
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