Chapter 113
It was clear that a lot of effort had gone into creating the booklet. To ensure it was easy to understand, it included both illustrations and text, starting from the basics and going into more detail. The booklet explained the geography, climate, and current situation of the West Qi Corridor, as well as the long-term plan for its development. It outlined the potential benefits the corridor could bring in the next ten or twenty years.
In short, Ming Yu had planned out the future of the West Qi Corridor for the next two decades as thoroughly as he could.
Prime Minister Wen, although already familiar with Ming Yu’s plans, still took the time to read the booklet seriously. His eyes started to blur, so he took out a pair of glasses, which he placed in front of his eyes to read more closely.
These glasses had been a gift from the Emperor. Aside from the Emperor, only Prime Minister Wen was honored to have such a pair. The entire court envied him, and it was said that these glasses came from the Western Regions and were presented to the Emperor by Duan Wang. When reading or studying, the glasses made everything clearer and caused no strain on the eyes.
No one knew if such a thing called “glasses” would ever become commonplace. If Duan Wang ever sold them, everyone would want to get their hands on one.
People had different thoughts. Some were reading the booklets seriously, while others were dismissive.
“What is this nonsense?” someone flipped through the pages impatiently. This foolish prince thinks he can fool us with these little tricks? Does he think we’re all fools?
Ming Yu glanced over and asked, “And you are…?”
“I’m Zou Chang, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue,” the man replied, closing the booklet.
Ming Yu nodded. The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue was in charge of the national treasury and finances. It seemed his opinion of Ming Yu wasn’t very favorable. “Lord Zou, have you finished reading?”
Zou Chang, with his white beard and shaky hands, replied, “What’s there to look at? No matter how many fancy details you add, it’s all just a castle in the air. It may look pretty, but in reality, it’s just an illusion.”
“Uh!” Ming Yu was at a loss for words. He had put so much effort into this, and one sentence from this man dismissed it all. “Lord Zou, why do you say that?”
“Your booklet does have some insightful points, and one can imagine the potential for the West Qi Corridor’s development. But have you considered that all of this is just a dream? Right now, the court is focused on disaster relief, building waterworks, and military expenditures. All of these are huge costs and urgent matters. How could we divert resources to a barren land like the West Qi Corridor, which would require a massive amount of manpower and resources to develop before it could ever resemble what you’ve described?” Zou Chang pointed out the core issue in just a few sentences.
In the court hall, Zou Chang’s words resonated with many of the officials from the Ministry of Revenue and Ministry of War, most of whom were opposed to the idea of constructing the West Qi Corridor.
The Ministry of Finance was responsible for the country’s finances. With natural disasters and human calamities striking the land, the court’s funds were stretched thin. Every day when they opened their eyes, someone was knocking at their door asking for money. This needed money, and that needed money, but the court had no way to provide. It had become a maddening situation for the high-ranking officials. Now, out of nowhere, there was a proposal to build a western corridor leading to the western regions. Could this be done without spending money? Since it would require funds, this matter could not be allowed to proceed.
Ming Yu listened carefully, occasionally nodding in agreement.
Zou Chang continued, “Therefore, I believe there is no need to make changes to the borderlands at this time. What was done before should continue. Wang Ye, wouldn’t it be better to put this matter aside for a few years? Wait until the treasury is more filled, and we have the resources to carry out your plan?”
After this was said, many ministers nodded in agreement. There was no rush to take action; there was no need to start now. The situation in the borderlands had been stable for many years—neither bad nor good. Why disrupt the status quo now?
Ming Yu finally understood, and he spoke up to show his understanding, “So, Lord Zou’s concern is about the issue of funds and resources, is that right?”
Zou Chang nodded, confirming this. The court had no money, and even if they killed him, they wouldn’t be able to provide the funds for the Western Qi Corridor. This was a matter that shouldn’t have been raised. The Emperor had allowed his son to act recklessly, even bringing this matter to the court—purely a waste of energy.
“Does anyone else have anything to add?” Ming Yu asked aloud.
Now, with Prime Minister Wen silent, the Crown Prince neither supporting nor opposing the idea, and the Third Prince initially opposing but silencing his men after promising Ming Yu, the voices of opposition had grown quieter. Those who spoke up were officials concerned about their own interests.
“Lord Zhou is correct,” someone added. “Wang Ye, even if the Western Qi Corridor is successfully brought under the rule of the Great Yan, consider how many soldiers would be required to defend such a narrow and long territory. Not to mention the increase in troops, think of how much more the treasury would be burdened with the necessary supplies and equipment. The situation at the border is already stretched thin with only the defense at Shi Chongguan. Expanding the defense line will only weaken our positions, making it easier for the enemy to invade the Great Yan. If, by some chance, the enemy breaches the defense line and invades on a large scale, how many will be displaced? With the flames of war spreading, the Great Yan’s very survival would be at risk. How would we be held accountable for that? What do you think, Duan Wang?”
The mention of accountability was no idle threat. If things went wrong, the situation could indeed unfold as described.
Ming Yu didn’t know who had spoken these words, but the Third Prince leaned in and quietly informed him that it was Marquis Ding Yuan, Great General Xue Lun.
This man had been brave and combat-oriented in his youth, making notable contributions to the country and earning a noble title. It was clear that this man had strong concerns about the lack of military defense in the borderlands, which was why he spoke out against the plan.
Ming Yu listened attentively, without any sign of dissatisfaction. This caused Xue Lun to be surprised. Not only him, but many others in the room were also impressed by Ming Yu’s composed demeanor.
Wasn’t this emperor’s son supposed to be arrogant and domineering? He seemed to accept the harsh words without losing his temper, a perfect display of accepting criticism. Many couldn’t tell if this was genuine naivety or if he was feigning innocence.
Everyone present was an experienced official, having been in the court for decades. What kind of people hadn’t they seen? Never before had they witnessed someone so calm when confronted with such sharp questioning.
Ming Yu smiled. “I understand what Marquis Xue means. You are primarily concerned that the Western Qi Corridor might not have anyone to defend it. If we build it and cannot guard it, it would be pointless. In fact, the weak defense along the expanded front line might cause even greater losses. Have I understood correctly?”
Xue Lun nodded in agreement.
Ming Yu glanced around the hall, seeing that no one else had anything to say, and smiled. “Since both Lord Zou and Marquis Xue have raised concerns that everyone seems to share, and they represent the main obstacles to today’s discussion, I will address these two concerns. After that, there shouldn’t be any major problems, right?”
A collective gasp filled the hall. The ministers whispered among themselves. Had Duan Wang gone mad again? How could he claim to solve such problems with a simple statement? He seemed to think of himself as someone important. The treasury couldn’t provide the funds, and there were no extra soldiers for the border. Even the Emperor couldn’t fix these problems—how could a young prince just say he could resolve them? His arrogance was off the charts.
Not long ago, they had thought Duan Wang’s demeanor was polite and humble, but now it seemed he had gone beyond that and lived up to the worst rumors about him.
“Fourteenth, there are no wild claims in the court,” the Emperor’s voice cut through the murmur. “Be careful with what you say. You must be accountable for your words.” The court was buzzing with noise, and the Emperor couldn’t take it anymore. He had to remind Ming Yu to think before speaking.
Though the Emperor had heard Ming Yu mention before that he would find a way to pass the decision for the Western Qi Corridor, he hadn’t expected him to make such an outrageous claim. Was this really something that could be solved by one person? If it were that easy, the court would have already come up with a solution.
Ming Yu bowed to the Emperor and confidently said, “Father, rest assured, I am certain of my plan, which is why I dare to speak like this.”
The Emperor felt a headache coming on, unsure whether he should trust Ming Yu’s words or if he should have placed his hopes elsewhere.
Ming Yu winked at the Emperor and asked, “Does Father still not believe in me?”
The Emperor raised his hand to his forehead, exhaling deeply. “Then tell me, what solution do you propose?”
Ming Yu responded with a bright smile, standing in the center of the grand hall, all eyes on him. Since the Emperor had spoken, he would now explain his plan.
“I know the treasury is empty. What I don’t understand is, why hasn’t the Ministry of Revenue thought about increasing revenue and cutting unnecessary expenses? Is it really honorable that the state cannot even manage to produce any silver? Look at the situation in the Great Yan, where the finances have been in deficit year after year, yet no one is trying to think of ways to change or improve. They follow the same old routine, which leads to stagnation and no way out.”
Upon hearing this, Zou Chang’s face alternated between pale and flushed, nearly choking on a mouthful of blood. The officials from the Ministry of Revenue, including the Minister, also looked visibly upset.
“Your humble servant… Your humble servant is ashamed. It’s just that these past years have seen frequent natural disasters and human calamities, which have affected the tax revenue. That’s why… that’s why we find ourselves in this situation today.” Zou Chang said after taking a deep breath.
The Great Yan’s economy relied heavily on agriculture, with most of its operations funded by agricultural taxes. Furthermore, the Emperor had set a tax rate of fifteen percent from the very beginning of his reign and had strictly forbidden any additional tax levies. This had remained unchanged for decades.
At first, things were manageable. However, with wars year after year, military expenditures had increased, and the tax revenue barely covered the expenses. In recent years, the southern regions had suffered natural disasters, leading to a reduction in tax income, and the costs of disaster relief had been enormous. They were left with no choice but to borrow from one area to cover another, living off future earnings.
Ming Yu shook his head, seeing how limited people’s perspectives were. “So, the solution is to increase revenue. What I propose with the Western Qi Corridor will create far more value than agricultural taxes. The opportunity is right in front of you. If you don’t seize it and instead try to block it, I don’t understand what you’re thinking.”
Zou Chang was infuriated, but he managed a sarcastic smile. Talking about increasing revenue was easy, but actually doing it was no simple feat. It wasn’t something that could be solved with a few words.
The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue couldn’t help but speak up. “Duan Wang, you are mistaken. It’s not that we’re blocking it. Even if we didn’t oppose, we simply can’t afford the silver needed. Your Highness’s own records state that the cost of building the Western Qi Corridor is substantial.”
Ming Yu chuckled, “I don’t need the treasury to pay a single coin. I’ll handle it all by myself. What do you say? Are you still going to block it?”
The officials exchanged glances. If the treasury didn’t need to provide any funds, where would Ming Yu get the money from? Even if the Emperor had a private reserve, it wouldn’t be enough.
Zou Chang, angered beyond measure, laughed bitterly. “If the treasury isn’t involved, then we have nothing more to say.”
“Good!” Ming Yu clapped his hands and respectfully said to the Emperor, “But I do have one condition, which I hope Father will agree to. The other ministers are here as witnesses.”
The Emperor nodded. Having become accustomed to Ming Yu’s unconventional approach, he wasn’t surprised by anything Ming Yu said anymore. “Speak.”
“I will take full responsibility for the Western Qi Corridor and won’t require a single coin from the national treasury. However, once it succeeds, I don’t want everyone flocking to claim a piece of the pie. I’ve invested both money and effort into this, so I’d prefer not to end up empty-handed. Even if the profits are handed over to the court, they should at least be after ten years. The earnings over these ten years will be considered my return on investment,” Ming Yu said with a smile, rubbing his hands together.
Even if he took out a loan for this, he would find the wealthiest party to lend him the money. He looked at the Emperor with sparkling eyes, “Father, if you have some spare funds, you could invest as well. I’ll give you a share of the profits and pay back both principal and interest.”
The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, as if swatting away a fly. “Go away, don’t even think about it,” he said, then turned to the ministers. “What do you all think?”
Zou Chang was the first to stand. “Since Duan Wang has said this, I have no objections. I support it!”
Xue Lun also stood up. “If Duan Wang can solve the issue of defensive troops himself, I have no objections either.” He glanced at Ming Yu, clearly eager to hear his response.
“Troops are no problem. I won’t use the soldiers from Shi Chongguan. Instead, I’ll recruit them myself. The number of soldiers will depend on the defense needs of the Western Qi Corridor. Of course, these soldiers will still fall under the jurisdiction of the court,” Ming Yu explained his plan.
He also clarified that he wouldn’t personally take control of the military power; that would remain with the court. This was to avoid any complications. A prince was forbidden from commanding troops, except for those assigned by the Emperor. Recruiting troops privately was strictly forbidden. By making it clear now, it would prevent others from raising objections later if this plan passed.
In fact, Ming Yu had previously trained young men in the village and organized a small guard to defend the area. This was essentially a form of private recruitment, albeit on a smaller scale. The recruits could train locally and, in case of an enemy invasion, they would be able to defend themselves and fight back.
“Recruiting soldiers on their own?” Xue Lun asked in surprise. “What does this mean?”
Currently, the military system in Great Yan followed the military household system. This meant that if a family was a military household, all its descendants had to serve in the army. However, ordinary civilians could not become military households, limiting the recruitment of soldiers and causing a shortage in reserves.
Ming Yu explained, “That’s right. As the name suggests, it means that civilians who meet certain conditions can voluntarily enlist in the army. In times of war, they can take up arms and fight. During peaceful times, they can still work the land. Of course, these people wouldn’t be considered military households; they would still be civilians. When the country is at peace, or if they grow old or are injured after a few years, they would receive compensation and return home.”
“This—” Xue Lun was astonished. He had never heard of such a thing. Military households served in the army and fought in battles, which was a given. They had no land and relied solely on their military pay. The children of military households were trained from a young age with weapons, ensuring they could fight when needed.
But what Duan Wang suggested—sending ordinary civilians to fight in battle—wasn’t this just a joke?
If you love what Ciacia is doing, then consider showing your support by supporting a cup of tea for her at Kofi. If you can’t wait for the next release chapter, subscribe to advanced chapters membership on her Kofi to get access to up to 10 chapters!
