Great Tang Idyll Volume 01 Chapter 96
Chapter 96: Revealing A Brilliant Trick By Building On A Mountain And Digging In The River
After the mountains and land were bought, Song Jing’gong did not idle around; he hired the people that were there to start construction work on the other side. They were people that did not own farmland so they were not busy during the Spring Tillage. People who had farmland were busy right now.
Song Jing’gong left, and Magistrate Cheng also brought his people and the items back to the administrative office. As soon as he returned, he went into the study room and looked out from the gap of the open window and looked at the land outside. Because the sun was shining there, his eyes became tired after some time. The view in front of him was filled with warm colors.
"My lord, another document came from the rural side." Magistrate Cheng had spaced out for half an hour already when the Magistrate Assistant arrived while holding a piece of paper in his hand.
"Xu’yang you’re here. Xu’yang, why didn't we think that of this? We could have taken advantage of this drought to widen and deepen the Little Luo’shui River, and use the rocky soil to build houses. This way, when the water comes back, boats can sail through the river. 1500 taels of silver was used to buy such a large area. Tell me, how much do you think it costs to rent a warehouse for a day?
Once the restaurant is built, how much money can be made in a day? If it’s rented out to people, how much money can be earned? Goods can be directly purchased at the wharf and then directly sold to others. How much profit will be made? How much toll can be collected when a boat stops there? How much will be paid to the helpers at the wharf each day?"
Magistrate Cheng did not take the document out of the Magistrate Assistant Zhang Ming’sheng’s hand. Instead, when he saw that he came, he mumbled some questions while looking out the window.
The Magistrate Assistant also went with him today, so he knew what the Magistrate was thinking of. If the wharf that was built there was operated according to Mister Song’s plan, it can be said that money will be rolling into their pockets. Because of the drought, the construction can be completed more quickly and smoothly, which can save a lot of money. The construction materials can be obtained from there too, so another fortune is saved. It was possible that all the work can be completed without even using up the 1000 taels of silver.
He also thought about this in his mind. When the people from the Manor wanted to buy the place, countless people were waiting to watch the fun, and even he himself thought that the Manor was going to lose money. He thought that the Zhang Manor was donating the money, and he was grateful for that, but at this moment, not only did they owe them a favor, but the opportunity to earn money was also given away to the Manor. They were truly great masterminds. They took advantage of the drought and turned the worthless land into a source of wealth.
"My lord, I can't figure out how much money the Manor will earn too. The more prosperous this place is, the more they will make. We didn’t see the golden mountain that was in front of us; it’s not like we can take it back again, can we?" The Magistrate Assistant knew that the Magistrate was feeling uncomfortable in his heart, and he was worried that the Magistrate would rip up the title deed and document out of frustration, so he tried to coax him.
"Take it back? How could we dare to do that. It might be possible to use another piece of land to trade with them, but it is impossible to take the mountain back. It’s good like this too. They have to pay taxes when doing business anyway. In the summer, some of the workers will have nothing to do and they go to the wharf to help; they will earn some money too. With boat shipping, the cost of good transportation can be reduced. This river connects to the Jing’shui River, which leads to the Wei River. All routes in every direction will be open and it will be convenient to travel anywhere.
I really do feel sad that this money is earned by other people. The opportunity was given to the Zhang Manor because they were capable and they did give out 1500 taels of silver. Do you think there are other places in the San’shui County that can be used to earn money that other people haven’t discovered yet?"
Of course Magistrate Cheng did not dare to go back on his words. Disregarding his plans to seek discipleship, even if it was just a normal manor that did not have a mastermind, he would not recklessly go against them. At the administrative office, every single person, from the janitor that sweeps the yard to the bailiffs, have received some sort of benefit from the Zhang Manor. It did not take much thinking to realize that if he announced this decision, the people from the administrative office that were working outside will definitely secretly deliver the news to the Zhang Manor first.
The Magistrate Assistant was also aware of this, and he spoke in agreement, "What my lord has said is correct. With a wharf built there, when my lord is promoted, the people here can still benefit from it. As long as the place my lord is sent to is not too far, my lord can always ride a boat and sail back here. My lord can even enjoy the faraway scenery from the top of the mountain or ride a boat while listening to music. If the Zhang Manor creates more good things, they can send it to my lord by boat.
At this time, dealing with the drought is the main task at hand. It will not be too late to ask the Zhang Manor when my lord will help them deliver grain during the summer fall. Even if my lord can’t use it, the new county magistrate that succeeds my lord can use it. Wasn’t it already decided that someone from the court will be sent down to see if they’re willing to work properly, otherwise... "
Even though the Magistrate Assistant did not say the remaining part, Magistrate Cheng understood that he has received enough benefits already and that he should leave some behind for the next magistrate. He planned to promote someone from within the county, but if the Imperial Court did not allow that and insisted on sending someone else down here, then it needs to be watched if that person is able to do work for the San’shui County and listen to orders. If a person from a different county comes, it would be impossible for the person to establish a foothold in the San’shui County.
Once they were done discussing their inner thoughts, both of them felt relieved.
Magistrate Cheng took the document and had a look at it. It was a request sent to the county to get some well-digging equipment. This was simple, so he immediately signed and stamped it.
Just when he sent someone to arrange this matter, Song Jing’gong rushed over again. Preliminary arrangements had been set up at the river already and two people were found to supervise the digging of the river. Song Jing’gong had other matters to discuss with the county magistrate, and this time, he was here to deliver some benefits.
"Zi’jin is here? How’s the work proceeding over there? With the wharf and that place on the mountain, life at the San’shui County will be better in the future. Don't forget to help me thank the people at the Manor on behalf of the county when you go back." Magistrate Cheng greeted him and then asked people to serve tea.
Song Jing’gong sat down, paused for a while, and said, "My lord, the construction work over there has started already. I have come here to ask my lord for help."
"Could it be that you have encountered some difficulty? Tell me about it." Magistrate Cheng couldn't figure out what Song Jing’gong came here for.
"Thank you, my lord, it really is a bit difficult. There is not enough manpower. Does my lord know any places in our county that are suffering so terribly from the drought that there are not many people working right now? I am willing to hire them. If there are any families that depend on women to earn money, they can come to help cook food."
Song Jing’gong selected two kinds of people. According to Zhang Xiaobao and Wang Juan's words, this approach allows them to contribute back to the society. In the future, if there are any other matters, the same approach will be used.
Magistrate Cheng looked at Song Jing’gong and after a while, he spoke, "How is this a difficulty? It is obviously a solution to my problem. If there are more difficulties like this, it would be better. I will immediately send someone to check it out and then send workers to you. They will be better off with another source of income."
"My lord really treats the people as your own children. When the construction is complete on the mountains and for other scenic spots, there will be more jobs for the people in San’shui County." Song Jing’gong continued saying.
"What jobs? Carry sedan chairs up the mountain? That works." Magistrate Cheng could only think of this. These are found at the bottom of several mountains. It didn’t matter how tall the mountain was; it was mainly for entertainment purposes.
Song Jing’gong shook his head. "What my lord is talking about is just an ordinary thing. What I want to say is to let some people embroider some items. When some wandering intellects come by reciting and composing poems, these verses can be embroidered onto a large handkerchief . These handkerchiefs can be sold at the restaurant at the Zhang Manor, and the handkerchiefs from there can be sold here. It should be put on display for five days before it’s sold. This way... "
"This way, when the people here are thinking about their own poems, they have to go to the Zhang Manor to see the poems. For one, they would want to see how much their poems are worth, and the other is to hear other people’s comments. This is a good way to get people to visit both places and also bring friends with them.
Both sides can make a lot of money, and also, those people would need to travel by carriage, so the people in the county who rely on driving carriages can also get a lot of income. But if the person is not good at writing poems, will you wait for the poet to buy it himself? "
Hearing Song Jing’gong’s idea, Magistrate Cheng was shaking from excitement. The business model was designed well; the two locations were so far away but they were interconnected. Not only could the Zhang Manor earn a sum of money, but it could also help many people in the county. It would be great if all other merchants were like this right now.
"My lord does not have to worry that some of the handkerchiefs would not be bought by people. If no one is willing to bid for the handkerchief, then the Manor will send someone to buy it. It is nothing more than stimulating the economy in the county. The poets’ names and addresses will be recorded down, so when the holidays come, another handkerchief will be embroidered and sent to them along with other gifts.
The Manor will find a place to store these purchased items. Regardless of whether the person comes to see it in person, or if the person becomes famous, it is still a type of income. The people at the Manor also said that the route to travel from here to that place on the Manor will be set so the coachmen can drive the carriage on the same road each time.
Pavilions can be built along the road for people to rest at. Next to the pavilions, people who are not doing well in the county seat could set up a stall to serve tea or wine. This is another job opportunity created. Although, the pavilions have to be repaired by the county. "
Seeing that the county magistrate was happy, Song Jing’gong decided to reveal his plans for the future too. He believed that Magistrate Cheng will be able to use it, but if he leaves, then Song Jing’gong will see how the next county magistrate is. If the new magistrate is not good to the Zhang Manor, then Song Jing’gong will definitely not let him have this political achievement.
Magistrate Cheng was not able to say anything else at the moment, so he kept nodding his head in agreement. When Song Jing’gong left, he stood at the entrance of the Administrative Office and watched Song Jing’gong's figure become smaller and smaller as he disappeared in the distance. When he couldn’t see him anymore, he turned around and went back.
As soon as he came back, he rushed to go find the Magistrate Assistant to ask him to find a way to reserve some money. The money could not be used all at once since he still had other uses for it. He had thought about it a bit more and then decided to call the Secretary General Zhao Xiang over to tell him about these things. He planned to promote the Secretary General as the next County Magistrate. If he didn't tell him now and he waited for Song Jing’gong tell him, then Secretary General Zhao Xiang might misunderstand Magistrate Cheng.
Secretary General Zhao Xiang still kept a stern face when he saw Magistrate Cheng. After hearing Magistrate Cheng’s words, his expression changed. If these things were done when he became the magistrate, it would only take one year for San’shui County’s economy grow by several times. Then, it will not take long for him to be promoted, and another new magistrate will have to be selected.
Magistrate Assistant Zhang Ming’sheng was also on the side listening. He also thought about how he would have an opportunity to be promoted when the time comes, so he was happy. However, he suddenly became depressed, and he said, "By then, Sanshui County will be a pot of gold. Probably a lot of people would want to come here to be the county magistrate, what should I do?"
"Xu’yang, just waiting is no good. Once the San’shui County is rich, it will not be as simple as having two auspicious omens to be further promoted. When the time comes, you can go ask the people over there. Perhaps, they would have a new plan”. Magistrate Cheng pointed in the direction of Zhang Manor.
Ooh things are speeding up. Good to see the county being developped and not just the manors estates. I hope to see more of that :)
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