A powerful minister of the Song Dynasty

Chapter 380 Using Work-for-Relief Programs: A Dilemma Resolved

Yan Shu's question drew everyone's attention to the newly appointed top scholar.

Since it's a matter of making money, you should ask Cheng Lin, the person in charge of the Three Departments!
Cheng Lin is pretending to be dead there.

I don't understand why Yan Shu asked Song Xuan a question.

Can he understand?

Song Xuan glanced at him: "How about we get some Chengni inkstones?"

"Chengni inkstone?"

Yan Shu withdrew his gaze:

"As far as I know, Chengni inkstones are made from the sediment of the Yellow River that has been deposited for thousands of years. They were once tribute items and are very rare."

This is the finest inkstone of the Song Dynasty.

They all knew that Song Xuan possessed one, which was a gift from the Emperor.

It's truly the envy of everyone.

Ouyang Xiu once compiled a catalog of inkstones, claiming them to be the best, but they are rarely used by people today.

It's very rare in the market, and most people can't afford it.

Song Xuan further explained, "Since there's so much silt from the Yellow River now, we might be able to make some high-quality products and sell them to wealthy merchants."

"That's not appropriate," Chen Yaozuo shook his head.
"As far as I know, the process of making Chengni inkstones is complex, and very few craftsmen know how to make them."

"That would be even better. We're not selling genuine products, so let the artisans try it out. Maybe they can sell it for a good price."

Song Xuan coughed and said, "If you can't afford a Chengni inkstone, it's perfectly reasonable to buy some high-quality imitations to use!"

"High-quality replica?"

Yan Shu raised an eyebrow, somewhat understanding Song Xuan's meaning.

"Yes, we'll make a batch of imitations to give everyone a taste, and then make some porcelain that the Liao Kingdom needs, and sell them to the Liao Kingdom to make money, since they don't have that kind of technology anymore."

The artisans of this dynasty make porcelain that imitates those of the previous dynasty.

Things like Tang tri-color pottery were simply not popular in the Song Dynasty.

Su Shi and other literati admired the understated beauty of celadon, which resembled "sky blue after rain."

Jingdezhen and Cizhou kilns gradually rose to prominence during the Song Dynasty.

Because the Liao Dynasty considered itself the successor to the Tang Dynasty, they admired Tang tri-colored pottery.

However, after the An Lushan Rebellion, when the Song Dynasty conscripted artisans, less than one in ten were skilled in sancai (three-color glazed pottery).

The artisans captured by the Liao Kingdom continued even simpler craftsmanship.

The Khitan nobility selectively inherited their status based on cultural identity and practical needs.

The craftsmanship of Liao tri-color pottery is truly subpar.

If they hadn't occupied the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun, they wouldn't have been able to build many of these things.

Chen Yaozuo still disagreed: "That would require recruiting craftsmen from all over the country, and the money would have to be more."

Yan Shu agreed with this:
“Money is a minor issue. If this can be implemented, it won’t be a one-off deal, selling everything to the Liao Kingdom, where people also have the ability to pass the imperial examinations.”

"Distant water cannot quench immediate thirst." Chen Yaozuo wasn't deliberately trying to undermine him: "By the time the research is completed, it might be the next year or the year after."

"Indeed."

Song Xuan glanced at Cheng Lin: "This matter still needs to be resolved by the Three Departments."

After the ball was kicked back, Cheng Lin was even more heartbroken.

"I agree with what Scholar Song said."

Under the pressure of everyone's gaze, Cheng Lin could only repeat Song Xuan's words, saying that it was good enough that someone had given her some advice.

"This disaster was too severe, and too much money was spent."

Cheng Lin shook her head and said, "Actually, the national treasury doesn't have much money to use."

Song Xuan glanced at Yan Shu; he probably hadn't told anyone about the work-for-relief method.

Yan Shu also gave Song Xuan a look. Since Song Xuan hadn't brought it up, Yan Shu wouldn't bring it up on his own initiative.

In any case, Song Xuan should submit a memorial to the emperor to state this matter, as a credit for his achievement.

Otherwise, it would have benefited Chen Yaozuo and others.

"Does Magistrate Song really have no other options?"

Chen Yaozuo did indeed see the exchange of glances between the two men.

"I actually have another way."

Song Xuan held up one finger and looked at everyone, saying:
"I just don't know if it can be implemented."

"Oh?"

Cheng Lin's eyes lit up, and she quickly urged:
“Scholar Song, please tell us what you have to say. The autumn taxes have not yet been collected, and the national treasury really cannot come up with a balance of one million strings of cash.”

"Even if they take it out, will the salaries of the Imperial Guards and officials still be paid?"

"Should we still pay the annual tribute to the Liao Kingdom?"

The Song Dynasty was indeed wealthy, but the problem of excessive bureaucracy had already emerged.

Cheng Lin believed that Song Xuan was intelligent and could come up with ideas.

His timing and methods in wiping out part of the Wuyou Cave forces during the heavy rain were truly something no one had been able to solve for many years.

The Wuyou Cave existed for even longer than the founding of the Northern Song Dynasty.

"My method is to have money contribute money and strength contribute strength."

After saying something pointless, Song Xuan laughed and said:
“I have heard that there are many wealthy families in the capital city with 100,000 strings of cash, and countless families with millions of strings of cash.”

"The imperial court is facing such difficulties; shouldn't we ask these people to express their compassion and extend a helping hand?"

As soon as Song Xuan said this, no one responded.

Isn't this just a disguised way of taxing the rich?
Who can agree to this!

Song Xuan has become addicted to collecting taxes. Who will say they are rich in the future?
The extravagant consumption in Tokyo is all supported by this group of people.

They can spend lavishly to hire a large number of people and make money.

Ordinary people's spending is mostly for making a living, and occasionally they might go out to a restaurant to celebrate.

Of course, some ordinary people would patronize the 72 official stores, but that would be a luxury.

The economy of the Song Dynasty today is not a pyramid, with layers upon layers.

Instead, it's an inverted thumbtack model, where a small number of people at the top always control more money than they could ever spend in several lifetimes.

The vast lower classes are all scrambling for food tomorrow.

"Commissioner Cheng, what do you think of my proposal?"

Cheng Lin coughed a few times, unsure of what to say, and looked at the silent Yan Shu.

"Lord Yan, we still need your advice on this matter."

Yan Shu glanced at Cheng Lin, understanding that he didn't want to offend anyone.

Anyway, everyone knows which group is truly wealthy.

Asking them to cut their losses, or even to cut their losses voluntarily, is to overestimate their abilities.

People would rather spend that money on banquets.

After all, I enjoyed myself and saved face.

Giving away hard-earned silver to the poor is a terrible sin!
Chen Yaozuo thought Song Xuan would come up with some good ideas.

The result is this?
Why don't you just think of it yourself?

Yan Shu then passed the buck to the Empress Dowager, asking her to make the decision.

“You should all write down your insights and solutions, and then send them to the Secretariat-Chancellery for the Empress Dowager, the Emperor, and the Prime Ministers to discuss and decide.”

Yan Shu understood Song Xuan's actions, so he pretended not to know that Song Xuan had come up with the idea.

I deliberately dismissed him once before to temper his mindset and prevent him from always harboring wishful thinking about the imperial examinations.

Now that he has achieved the feat of passing all three levels of the imperial examinations, he should shine brightly in the officialdom.

Yan Shu was more than willing to pave the way for Song Xuan.

He was willing to mentor capable people, which was a blessing for the court.

Even if Song Xuan's methods were different from those of ordinary people, it was because ordinary people simply could not understand his "realm".

This is the tacit understanding between "smart people".

Once Yan Shu set the tone, everyone understood.

I've been traveling around these past few days and I've indeed found that the floods have affected a very large area, and everyone is extremely exhausted.

Finally, a memorial to the throne must be written and submitted together.

Fortunately, some of the relief grain from the imperial court had arrived, which prevented the disaster victims from causing trouble.

Song Xuan didn't rush to write. He stood on the city wall, gazing at the people wading through the water.

The Song Dynasty was far too prone to disasters.

Song Xuan clicked his tongue twice, then sighed again.

The officials standing on the city wall all wanted to gain more political capital for themselves in this disaster, and they happened to be one of them.

Seeing that Song Xuan hadn't started writing, Yan Shu said:

"Twelve Lang, you write your own ideas. I know nothing about you and I don't understand anything."

Song Xuan glanced sideways: "What, doesn't even Prime Minister Yan want to climb up a bit?"

"Shall we take a walk?"

A smile tugged at the corner of Yan Shu's lips:
"Now is not the time. They are all scrambling to go up, while we are all young. Why are we in such a hurry to take on the burden?"

"So I should memorize it?"

"If you were my age and in my position, you wouldn't be in a hurry."

Yan Shu stood with his hands behind his back:

“But you are still young and don’t have any outstanding qualifications yet. You are outstanding in the county magistrate only in suppressing the bandits in Wuyou Cave, but you haven’t done much in other government affairs.”

"Now the opportunity has come. You, Song Twelve, are doing this for two reasons: first, to help the people get rid of disaster as soon as possible, and second, for your own future."

"Do you really intend to slowly accumulate official rank, only to find yourself with much more energy when you get older and enter the central government?"

“I know you have a lot on your mind. Since you’ve come to this, just go for it. You’re still young anyway.”

"Even if there are mistakes in the methods used to repair the Yellow River this time, you can continue to study them next time."

Song Xuan nodded, indicating that he understood.

The next morning, Yan Shu arranged for Chen Yaozuo to continue taking measurements to prepare for the project.

Especially in hot weather, much of the water will disappear.

It will also make it easier to fill the breach when the time comes.

The primary task now is disaster relief.

Song Xuan went back with Yan Shu.

Along the way, I saw troop transport ships coming and going, and disaster victims would gather around Tokyo.

We are not allowed to enter yet.

Zhong Lijin is busy with his colleagues providing relief to the people. As a Buddhist, he is very dedicated to this cause.

They even require that chopsticks not tip over when cooking porridge.

As Song Xuan watched the increasing number of disaster victims eating, he noticed that there were quite a few people from the capital city of Tokyo pretending to be disaster victims.

"If disaster relief continues like this, the price of food in Tokyo will probably rise rapidly."

Yan Shu also noticed it.

Both genuine and fake disaster victims were mixed in.

Some brokers were even scrambling to drink the porridge, while casually asking the disaster victims if they were selling their children or daughters-in-law.

Although there was no slavery system in the Song Dynasty and most people were hired, once someone entered a brothel or similar establishment, they could no longer be considered hired.

The group didn't say much, but went straight into the city. Yan Shu made a point of checking out the place where they were selling grain.

Song Xuan didn't even need to guess; grain prices were bound to rise, and by a significant margin.

Because the price of a shi (a unit of dry measure) of grain is usually around 700 wen, which is about 6 wen per jin (a unit of weight).

On ordinary days, it was no problem for a day laborer or servant to buy ten catties of rice. Even in the bitter cold of winter, when the imperial court provided relief to the people, it would give them twenty coins a day.

Twenty coins is a minimum subsistence allowance, enough to maintain basic survival in Tokyo.

Song Xuan glanced at the grain price: "It's already seven hundred coins per dou!"

Ten dou equal one shi, which used to cost only seven hundred wen, less than one guan.

With grain prices rising sharply, it has become extremely difficult for ordinary people to buy grain.

Song Xuan now understands why so many people are pretending to be disaster victims.

I simply can't afford to buy food with my meager savings.

If we can take advantage of the imperial court, we should.

Yan Shu also saw the grain price, and he sighed inwardly.

Prices always go up whenever there's a disaster.

Before the cultivation of Champa rice, during famines in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, the price of rice was once inflated by merchants to 120 or even 180 guan per shi (a unit of dry measure).

It was so rare that there was no market for it, and people even resorted to cannibalism.

Afterwards, the imperial court planted Champa rice in the south and other places, which alleviated the food shortage. After the bumper harvest, the price of grain remained stable, making it affordable for ordinary people.

This situation occurred again in the Northern Song Dynasty, in the first year of the Jingkang era.

The Jin army besieged Tokyo, and due to the severe war and shortage of supplies, the situation was only partially replicated.

Undeterred, Yan Shu continued his investigations and found that grain prices were indeed rising steadily.

Judging from what the waiter said, it seems the price will be changing every day.

Because of the swelling of the river, many places have become turbulent.

The grain reserves in Tokyo are dwindling, and the situation can only be alleviated if autumn taxes from Jiangnan and other regions are transported to Tokyo on a large scale.

Another reason is that the current Prefect of Kaifeng, Chen Yaozuo, and the Magistrate of Kaifeng County, Song Zhuangyuan, are both absent. Taking advantage of the fact that the government has no restrictions on price increases, everyone is naturally raising prices.

We'll make as much money as we can while it lasts. If all else fails, we can wait for Song Taisui to come back and demand a price reduction, then we can lower the price even further.

Song Xuan listened to the waiter's words with a sense of helplessness.

Treating people differently based on their status is an age-old principle.

Yan Shu's expression was also very grim. Now, not only would it be difficult for the disaster victims outside the city to fill their stomachs, but it would be even more difficult for the million people in the capital city of Dongjing.

How many more disaster victims could there be?

The imperial court was also in a state of great difficulty regarding this matter.

Because natural disasters are not just one event; they can trigger a series of problems.

Looking at the messages arriving from all directions, Liu E also seemed somewhat helpless.

The Yellow River breaches its banks every year, and the imperial court has to spend a lot of manpower, material resources, and financial resources to save it.

But the Yellow River doesn't care whether you stop or not; it just comes up and strikes you.

Liu E sometimes felt that Heaven was truly not kind enough to the Song Dynasty.

She hadn't heard of any major disasters in the Liao Kingdom.

Although the two countries were brotherly states, the Liao Kingdom would always take advantage of the Yellow River breaches to carry out some small actions from time to time.

As the current supreme ruler of the Song Dynasty, Empress Liu heard that Yan Shu and Song Xuan had returned to report, and she went to the front lines of the flood to gather information.

So Liu E immediately sent someone to let them in.

Lü Yijian and others were also present.

Both Yan Shu and Song Xuan were quite good-looking.

She has always presented herself in an excellent image.

However, once the two entered the main hall, they could clearly smell a slightly unpleasant odor.

Even Song Xuan, who looked like a man from the Song Dynasty, had a stubble beard.

He was wearing a newly bestowed crimson robe, which was covered in mud splatters and white sweat stains.

"Your Majesty and Your Highness have a good audience."

The two greeted each other with their hands clasped in unison, which made Liu E, who was already feeling somewhat sorry for them, truly unhappy.

For officials who follow the rules, the Empress Dowager always comes first, and the Emperor second.

But before them stood two people: one was the emperor's childhood companion, and the other was the emperor's personally selected top scholar.

In such a setting, according to etiquette, the emperor's political status was inherently higher than that of the empress dowager, so what the two of them said was not wrong.

"You two have worked hard. How is the situation in Huazhou?"

"Your Majesty, it is more serious than expected."

Yan Shu took out the pieced-together water map and the memorials submitted by his ministers regarding this matter, and handed them all over.

The eunuch Yang Huaimin personally led others to unfold the water map, which was then shown to the prime ministers and officials of the Three Departments.

Wang Zeng looked troubled. He had already overestimated the extent of the flood, but looking at the actual situation, he realized that he had been too optimistic.

It's actually more troublesome than I imagined.

“During your absence, I and the ministers have been discussing this matter. Some say it can be blocked, while others oppose it, saying it is not feasible.”

Liu E's eyes were still glued to that painting:
"You've all come back from on-site inspections, so tell me, can this hole in Huazhou be sealed off?"

"Your Majesty, it is possible to block it, but with a budget of 500,000 guan, only a small amount can be blocked."

Yan Shu directly raised the question:
"After our discussion on the spot, no one could convince anyone else, so we each wrote a memorial and asked the Emperor, the Empress Dowager and the ministers to discuss it."

Empress Liu E had assumed that 500,000 strings of cash would be more than enough, as was customary, but she never expected the flood to inundate so many places.

Just resettling disaster victims and stabilizing food prices will cost a lot, not to mention the materials needed to plug the breach.

Empress Liu looked at the memorials submitted by several people skilled in water conservancy, took out Song Xuan's name from them, and ordered someone to distribute the rest of the memorials to prime ministers such as Wang Zeng.

Lü Yijian first read Chen Yaozuo's memorial, which detailed the severity of the disaster and the urgency of the project, requesting the court to increase funding.

Then, by utilizing the existing resources of the government, they requested support from other prefectures and conscripted people to participate in corvée labor and construction projects.

At the same time, it is also necessary to divert the flow, which means reducing unnecessary expenditures of local governments and using the saved funds for river management.

For example, encouraging government departments at all levels to refrain from holding banquets for a month.

Most importantly, the tribute taxes from Hua Zhou were reduced or exempted, and this portion of the money and grain was retained locally and invested in disaster relief and water conservancy construction.

Lu Yijian read it through again carefully. He felt that Chen Yaozuo's memorial was quite comprehensive and offered a conventional solution.

Then he exchanged them with the others.

Cheng Lin proposed that wealthy households donate their own rice to cook porridge for disaster relief, hoping to inspire other officials and wealthy households to follow suit.

Finally, it requested a halt to all civil engineering and construction activities, and the exemption of taxes and labor service for the affected states and counties.

Wang Zeng had also read most of it. He wanted to see Song Xuan's, but the Empress Dowager showed no intention of letting anyone else see it.

Could it be that I'm going to write something slightly offensive?
After all, whenever a natural disaster occurs, it's either the Empress Dowager or the Emperor who take the blame, or it's these high-ranking officials who have to take the blame.

"Tell me everything."

After Wang Zeng and the others finished looking at it, their biggest impression was that the company was short of money!

Everyone says that a breach can be plugged.

However, the disaster area is extremely large, and a lot of money is needed.

The budget approved by the imperial court was simply not enough.

"Short of money?" Liu E asked Yang Huaimin to bring up all their memorials for careful review, and to discuss how to raise funds.

Discussions continue.

Xu Shen, the judge in charge of finances, proposed a method: to mint a large coin, with one large coin equivalent to ten small coins in circulation.

To reduce costs, these large coins can also be cast using a mixture of copper and iron.

When Liu Bei entered Shu, he used the strategy of issuing 100 coins to quickly restore the economy, and soon the strength of Shu was restored.

As for Sun Quan's "Daquan Wubai" and "Dangqian" coins, there's no need to mention them; he was simply imitating others and issuing currency indiscriminately.

Liu E nodded, thinking that if Liu Bei could use it, then the Song Dynasty could too.

"Song Zhuangyuan, you are also a Zhuangyuan and the author of Romance of the Three Kingdoms. You are quite familiar with Liu Bei's affairs. What do you think of Judge Xu's method?"

Xu Shen was the top scholar in the imperial examination and was an old acquaintance of Chen Yaozuo.

He once visited Chen Yaozuo when he was a commoner, and Chen Yaozuo valued him and thought he was a promising talent.

In matters like these, the prime ministers are usually the last to express their opinions.

"Your Majesty, I don't think this is a good idea!"

Song Xuan's blunt words made everyone feel that he was too outspoken.

Xu Shen glanced at Song Xuan, wanting to see what insightful opinion he had.

"Oh, I wonder what brilliant idea Scholar Song has?" Liu E didn't expect Song Xuan to be so disrespectful.

"This move is like drinking poison to quench thirst. In Sichuan, a bushel of rice was worth fifty coins. After the issuance of the 100-coin coin, a bushel of rice was worth tens of thousands of coins."

"If the currency of the Song Dynasty becomes worthless, how can we get other countries to use Song currency?"

"The money in people's hands is worthless, and with this crisis, rice prices will rise sharply again."

"Under this double stimulus, I'm afraid the Song Dynasty will be plagued by constant uprisings."

Xu Shen frowned: "How can you make such alarmist claims?"

"Am I exaggerating?"

They were unfamiliar with the term "inflation."

"Although this move made the national treasury full in the short term, the people faced the predicament of soaring prices of seeds and farm tools, which forced many people to abandon their land and become vagrants."

"In the fields of handicrafts and commerce, prices were unstable, transaction risks increased significantly, business became extremely difficult, a large number of shops went bankrupt, commercial activities came to a standstill, and the foundation of the nation was shaken."

"Ultimately, the common people will suffer, and the Song Dynasty regime will also face a serious crisis."

"The excessive issuance of currency is like drinking poison to quench thirst; I'm sure all of you gentlemen are well aware of this."

After Song Xuan finished speaking, Wang Zeng immediately waved his hand and said, "It's really not feasible to use a large sum of money that can be worth a hundred."

Xu Shen really wanted to say that he was fighting ten times as well, and that the harm he caused was not as great as fighting a hundred times as well.

At least it can temporarily gather money.

Song Xuan is exaggerating, especially considering how small the territory of Shu Han is.
The Song Dynasty has a much larger territory than it, so it can definitely be put to use.

Empress Liu finished reading the memorial while the officials were debating, but she did not hand it over to Song Xuan.

“This move is really inappropriate. I just read Song Twelve’s suggestion. He wants to use the name of disaster relief to carry out large-scale construction projects, which is quite different from Cheng Lin’s idea.”

Liu E's words surprised everyone.

Wang Zeng squinted, carefully considering what Liu E had said.

Large-scale construction?

"Such a suggestion from the top scholar Song seems rather unrealistic!"

As Cheng Lin's subordinate, Xu Shen was still willing to support his superior.

The imperial court is short of money right now, where would it get so much money to carry out large-scale construction projects?

Just now you said my suggestion would shake the foundation of the country, but you, Song Twelve, are no less adept at this!

"Where is it unrealistic?"

Song Xuan sat in the chair, looking quite tired, and said:

"Your Majesty, my suggestion is to provide work relief instead of financial aid. How can you only say half of what you mean?"

Zhao Zhen raised an eyebrow; he was well aware of Song Xuan's plan.

That's really great, killing three birds with one stone.

Liu E smiled and said, "It's alright. Song Twelve, just explain your approach. If it works, we'll make it a national policy."

"national policy!"

Not only Xu Shen and others didn't believe it, but even the usually composed Wang Zeng showed a look of astonishment.

Is Song Xuan's method really that effective?
Empress Liu E truly felt that Song Xuan's method was extremely effective in addressing the specific circumstances of the Song Dynasty.

There's no need to even incorporate these people into the local militia; once the project is finished, these people can take their savings and go home.

They can even do some small business.

In this way, the growing problems of the Xiang Army can be effectively alleviated.

Otherwise, excessive military spending would deplete the imperial treasury, leaving little money for repairing the Yellow River.

Song Xuan stretched out his finger and said:
"Work-for-relief" is a strategy in which the government funds the construction of infrastructure projects, and the people receiving relief participate in the construction projects to obtain stable income, thus replacing the direct emergency relief.

This explanation, however, piqued everyone's interest once again.

Because no one had ever done this before, the Song Dynasty's approach was to incorporate disaster victims into the local militia, provide them with basic living allowances, and prevent them from rebelling.

After the relief efforts, these people will be made to do hard and tiring work.

Now, Song Xuan is simply combining the two previous operations into one, doing them simultaneously.

Wang Zeng quickly realized what was happening.

Song Xuan played a very fickle and unpredictable game.

He treated the grain that should have been used for relief as payment, and also gave them money as "rewards" for their work as motivation.

At the same time, these disaster victims were organized to work, so that they would not be left idle to cause trouble for the government.

Song Xuan held up his index finger and said, "The benefits of this work-for-relief program for everyone are:"

First, by organizing recipients of aid to participate in project construction, the aim is to ensure they receive necessary income and basic living security, thereby achieving the purpose of aid.

"Second, a number of public works and infrastructure projects will be built in the areas where the policy is implemented, which will play a long-term role in the local economic and social development."

"Third, it can alleviate the problem of surplus labor in the areas where the policy is implemented to a certain extent, which is conducive to social stability."

"At the same time, it inspires the people to believe that they are needed by the government, and that they can also earn some money to support themselves, so that they won't be left with nothing and take risks, or turn to the path of crime."

"That's why I say that the work-for-relief program has the effect of killing three birds with one stone."

"What do you think?"

With Song Xuan's definitive explanation, even Lü Yijian had to admit that Song Xuan was indeed very clever.

If the method of replacing work with relief is established as a national policy, then if the Song Dynasty were to suffer a disaster in the future, and the officials in charge of this matter were to follow this model, they would most likely succeed.

The other thing is whether God will help him and stop the disaster.

"This method is wonderful."

Zhang Zhibai stroked his beard and gave Song Xuan an admiring look.

Although Xu Shen wanted to speak up for his superior, after Song Xuan's further explanation, he understood that Song Xuan's method could indeed be implemented.

Especially now, with the floods in places like Huazhou, a large number of people have been affected.

Just feeding these disaster victims would require a lot of investment, not to mention the need to conscript additional laborers and soldiers to build dikes.

Indeed, there are differences between top scorers.

"Using disaster victims to build dikes is truly a dilemma."

Lu Yijian glanced at Song Xuan, and he admired Song Xuan's brains.

It's a pity that I can't use them!
He glanced at Yan Shu again, somewhat puzzled by the good relationship between Song Xuan and Yan Shu.

Why didn't Yan Shu bring it up himself, but instead let Song Xuan say it?

Doesn't he dream of entering the central government and becoming prime minister?

Because this is not the way a normal person thinks.

Which scholar-official wouldn't want to become prime minister?

Lü Yijian believed that given their relationship, Song Xuan would certainly not hide it from Yan Shu.

That's what he couldn't understand.

"good."

Wang Zeng quickly understood the reasoning behind this, and in this way, when various disasters occurred in different parts of the Song Dynasty, they were able to follow suit.

In this way, the imperial court still saves money.

The people will not rebel because they cannot survive.

"Does the top scholar of the Song Dynasty intend to use Huazhou as a model to implement this strategy?"

“Not exactly.” Song Xuan pointed to Yan Shu, who was resting nearby: “There’s Privy Councilor Yan and many other officials skilled in water conservancy who can work together on it.”

"I still plan to use the disaster victims who came to Tokyo to carry out small projects such as repairing the Bian River to accumulate experience, so that any mistakes or omissions can be better improved."

"Indeed, more and more disaster victims are gathering outside Tokyo."

Liu E nodded. She had originally wanted to talk about grain prices, but with Song Xuan's suggestion, she decided not to bring it up in public.

Otherwise, it would inevitably ruin Song Xuan's plans.

Liu E thought this tactic was quite wicked.

Song Xuan has just formulated national policies that will be recorded in history and methods for repairing the Yellow River. Now, he is willing to use his own reputation as bait to ensure the survival of a large number of disaster-stricken people and stabilize grain prices.

Liu E also wanted to play a positive role in this.

Who wouldn't want a good reputation in history books?
Especially in disaster relief efforts.

Therefore, Liu E listened to everything Song Xuan said in his memorial.

“Your Majesty, this method of providing work relief is good, but in the early stages, money is still needed to do the work.”

"Take 200,000 strings of cash to get things done first."

Empress Liu wouldn't throw all the money away at once: "We'll talk about it when we've used it all up. The imperial granaries should have enough grain, right?"

"Your Majesty, it's not enough." Xu Shen quickly shook his head: "Grain prices have been rising again and again, and even 200,000 strings of cash can't buy much grain."

"Your Majesty, I have something to say."

"speak."

Liu E naturally agreed to all of Song Xuan's requests, especially since his suggestions were all good.

“When I was inspecting outside, I visited the Deqing Army’s warehouses. Much of the grain supplied to the army had become old, rotten, and inedible.”

"Now that the people are short of food due to the disaster, why not take out the grain stored in the granary to supply the army?"

"These old grains should be distributed to the people so that they can save their lives."

"Once the autumn harvest is completed and the grain is replenished in the granary, the Imperial Guards will be able to eat fresh, high-quality grain again, which will solve their immediate problem."

The grain in the Deqing army's granaries was rotten and outdated, so it wasn't well taken care of; anyway, the treatment of the Xiang Army was just so-so.

However, the imperial granary is used to supply the Imperial Guards, and it would definitely not be just ordinary old grain as Song Xuan said.

Liu E nodded. She was actually reluctant to touch the military provisions, as it would be a troublesome matter if the Liao Kingdom took the opportunity to threaten them.

She also understood the principle that supplies must be prepared before troops can move.

"Xu Shen, how much grain is left in the Taicang granary?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, it is approximately 600,000 bushels."

Xu Shen only recorded a rough number.

Compared to the Tang Dynasty, the weight of a *hu* in the Song Dynasty had been reduced by half, to around sixty *jin*.

If you add other leafy greens, some oil, and meat when cooking, half a pound can last a day for one person.

If you only eat rice, even two pounds a day would only make you feel half full.

With the stored grain in Taicang, it will be enough to supply the market for a period of time.

Liu E did a simple calculation and then said:

"There is no time to lose. We should open the granaries and distribute the grain first. When we distribute porridge tomorrow, we should first explain to the people this method of self-help."

"Yes," Wang Zeng replied.

"Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

Liu E sat in the chair, looking at Song Xuan, who was capable of settling things for her.

Although Song Xuan looked a few years older from all the hard work, this was the first time she felt that the people under her command were useful and could make her feel at ease.

"If not, then I will have to send someone to take Song Twelve back to rest."

Liu E realized what was happening and called out again, "And Uncle Yan Tong."

The policies that Song Xuan just mentioned are excellent, and they need to digest them.

“Your Majesty, it’s not just Scholar Song’s strategy that’s good; the others also have their merits.”

Lü Yijian quickly spoke up for Chen Yaozuo.

Even if Song Xuan's policies are brilliant, it cannot be denied that the ideas of others are also quite realistic.

"Yes." Liu E nodded.

"Then let the two of them go home to rest and freshen up, and we'll continue our discussion there."

"Here."

Song Xuan and Yan Shu stood up and expressed their gratitude to Liu E.

Yang Huaimin immediately came up to see Song Xuan and the others off.

"Eunuch Yang, please wait. I can't even stand the smell on myself."

"What nonsense are you spouting, Scholar Song?"

Yang Huaimin said without any hesitation, "I'm just a servant, how dare I look down on Scholar Song!"

Yang Huaimin's statement was also based on Liu E's attitude towards Song Xuan.

Even if it were something like Yang Huaimin serving Song Xuan by taking off his boots and bathing him, he would never object.

How could Yang Huaimin not know the honor of having a good policy approved by the Empress Dowager on the spot and made into a national policy?

Fortunately, he and Cao Liyong resolved their conflict back then and kept to themselves.

While relaying messages for the Empress Dowager, she established a good relationship with Song Xuan.

Only now can the two of them be so polite.

"Hahaha."

Song Xuan laughed a few times, then waved his hand dismissively:

"No need, I'm going home now. They should have brought my horse from home."

Seeing that Song Xuan insisted repeatedly, Yang Huaimin smiled and accepted the offer.

Although he didn't mind, the smell at the tip of his nose was still quite unpleasant.

Yang Huaimin was somewhat pleased to see the two leave.

Who wouldn't want their friends to grow into their future "backbone"?

Upon arriving at the palace gate, Song Xuan bid farewell to Yan Shu, as he was going home to take a good bath and get a good night's sleep.

Yan Shu also rested at home for a day. Tomorrow, he would follow the arrangements of Liu E and others and perhaps return to Huazhou with the grain transport ships.

Transporting grain by ship can always reassure people.

People suffering from disasters are unlikely to have any thoughts of rebellion as long as they have food to eat.

Song Xuan rode a horse, while his attendants rode donkeys.

With yamen runners clearing the way, everyone could tell that it was Song Taisui returning to the capital.

Many people are clamoring that with Song Taisui back, justice will prevail.

Such statements could mean that ordinary people wouldn't have to eat expensive grains.

Song Xuan turned a deaf ear; how high had the grain price risen yet?
He also wanted to raise grain prices to attract the hesitant grain traders and wealthy individuals to the market.

This makes harvesting easier.

Liu Congde, who was strolling on the street, looked at Song Xuan, a man from the Song Dynasty, and was surprised to see him appear in this way on the walls of Bianjing (Kaifeng).

It's hard not to sigh.

As expected, his own level of skill was inferior to Song Xuan's.

The Yellow River also breached its banks last year, and he was in charge of the repair work, but he wasn't as slovenly as Song Xuan.

He's aiming to become prime minister.

Unlike me, who only thinks about making money.

As for the position of prime minister, Liu Congde dared not dream of it; he would be content if he could one day reach the position of Privy Councilor, like Zhang Qi.

Liu Congde was content as long as someone greeted him with "Greetings, Attendant-in-Ordinary Liu."

"Liu Dalang, why don't we go visit my brother-in-law and find out some information?"

Li Junyou waved his fan and mentioned it briefly.

After all, Liu Congde was greedy and treacherous, wanting to make a fortune by taking advantage of rising grain prices.

He doesn't really care about being a disaster victim; making money is what matters to him.

He wanted to get involved in any business that was profitable.

Putting aside national interests, he was determined to make a fortune for himself because of his connection with the "Grandma."

Only in this way could this relationship not be wasted.

In Liu Congde's worldview, he would only believe that these people were just unlucky, which is why they suffered such a tragic fate.

If they were born into a good family like I am, why would they have so many troubles?
"Good good."

Liu Congde readily agreed and strolled slowly outside.

He believed that Song Xuan, returning so disheveled and exhausted, would surely have freshened up.

When the door opened, Song Kang was shocked to see Song Xuan's appearance:
"Third brother, what happened to you?"

"Could it be that the Yellow River is too strong and he fell in?"

"Second brother, stop making a fuss, lest my wife worry."

Song Xuan waved his hand: "Let me rest for a few days, then I'll go to Fanlou to invite my second brother to have some fun."

"I am not in a hurry."

Although Song Kang was really looking forward to it, he said he wasn't in a hurry.

After all, Song Xuan had written a letter specifically about this matter and sent it to his grandfather back home. His grandfather had replied, but because Song Xuan was not there, no one opened his letter.

Song Kang wouldn't be happy if his grandfather told him to go back earlier.

He had not yet experienced the prosperity of Tokyo; the outside world was still all water.

But this house is really comfortable to live in.

Without Song Xuan having to make any arrangements, the butler had already prepared the bathwater in advance.

After Song Xuan went inside, he leaned against the wooden tub, and the maids took away his dirty clothes.

Just as he was resting with his eyes closed and talking to Cao Qingyao, the steward outside reported that Li Junyou and Liu Congde had come to visit.

"Husband, don't pay them any mind. They must have just received the news. You should take a bath to relax."

Song Xuan patted Cao Qingyao's hand with a smile on his face:

"Their arrival is like a godsend, there's no need for me to send someone to invite them."

(End of this chapter)