You, a tyrannical ruler, roam the heavens; you cannot understand my joy.

Benefits versus costs are always the most central debate topic in the imperial court.

Just then, a loud and slightly urgent voice rang out from the back of the civil servants' column, drowning out the surrounding whispers.

Everyone looked over and saw that the speaker was a clerk named Zhou from the Ministry of Revenue's Department of Finance, who was known for his shrewdness and was in charge of the nation's finances and accounting.

"Gentlemen!"

Zhou Langzhong took half a step forward, his voice echoing in the hall: "I also deeply agree with the benefits of cement."

"However, what Vice Minister Wu said earlier is absolutely right. The court is spending money everywhere these days; how can we allow such a money pit to be opened up again?"

"I have a method that can rapidly expand cement production and greatly replenish the national treasury—truly a win-win situation!"

Dr. Zhou cleared his throat and said loudly, "Cement is a vital national asset, and its production should be firmly controlled by the imperial court."

"But why spend so much money recruiting these workers?"

"Our Great Song Dynasty has its own established precedents..."

"Conscripting laborers!"

He paused, and seeing everyone's attention focused on him, he raised his voice: "We can follow the old system of river works and city labor service, with the Ministry of Works determining the amount of cement each prefecture needs to produce, and then allocating the labor quota to the localities according to the population and land area."

"Local officials would conscript laborers to work in the workshops in shifts. In this way, the imperial court would not need to pay wages, only provide the minimum rations, and could even allow the laborers to bring their own food rations!"

"The cement produced, aside from official use, may be sold exclusively by the imperial court, with the highest bidder winning!"

"This alone brings in well over a million a year!"

"It can solve the immediate crisis and also lay the foundation for a strong nation. Isn't that wonderful?"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent for a moment, then erupted into an even louder discussion.

"Conscripting laborers? This..." Some officials hesitated.

Conscripting laborers was a common practice of dynasties throughout history, but its drawbacks are well known to anyone with even a basic understanding of history.

Local officials often took advantage of this to their advantage, with the rich bribing their way out and the poor burdened with heavy debts, which could easily delay farming and cause public resentment.

"I fear there is something inappropriate in Zhou Langzhong's proposal," an official dressed in the ceremonial robes of the Censorate immediately objected, his face solemn. "The conscription of laborers has existed since ancient times, but it is mostly carried out in times of emergency, such as flood control, city construction, and border defense."

"Although cement production is for national use, it is ultimately a business of industry and commerce. To use this as a pretext to impose heavy corvée labor and compete with the people for profit is probably not the way of a sage emperor to care for the people."

"Although there is some peace in various places now, people's livelihoods are still difficult after last year's war, floods and droughts."

"Forcibly conscripting laborers, leaving their homes and farmland uncultivated, will inevitably breed resentment if corrupt officials press them for change. This will damage Your Majesty's benevolence and undermine the foundation of the nation!"

"Imperial Censor Liu is mistaken!" another official standing near Zhou Langzhong retorted. "What do you mean by competing with the people for profit?"

"The cement produced is ultimately used to build bridges and roads, and to strengthen city defenses; the beneficiaries are still all the people of the world!"

"Besides, serving in the military is the duty of every citizen!"

"Is it benevolent governance to let those displaced people idly roam and waste public funds?"

"Be dutiful? Does that mean the imperial court can conscript laborers and then ignore their lives, forcing them to bring their own food and work like oxen and horses?"

Imperial Censor Liu angrily said, "Zhou Langzhong's methods, while seemingly saving the court money, are in reality a case of draining the pond to catch all the fish, forcing the people into labor, damaging the court's credibility, and depleting the people's morale and vitality!"

"Imperial Censor Liu, please be careful with your words! I am only concerned with the public good. How could I possibly be driving people into service? I am simply acting in accordance with regulations!" Physician Zhou's face turned bright red.

"Enough! What kind of behavior is this in the imperial court!" A high-ranking official in purple robes shouted in a deep voice.

He was a high-ranking official, holding great power and influence. When he spoke, the two sides in the debate temporarily fell silent, but their gazes continued to clash fiercely.

Just as the discussion was reaching its climax...

"His Majesty has arrived!"

The distinctive, drawn-out, and penetrating voice of the Grand Eunuch suddenly came from behind the throne, instantly drowning out the noise of the hall like a spell.

In an instant, all the arguments, whispers, and even the flush of excitement or the paleness of anger on their faces receded like the tide.

Almost instinctively, the officials quickly returned to their positions, straightened their backs, lowered their eyes, and adjusted their robes.

The once bustling hall was now completely silent, with only the faint scent of sandalwood incense and the steady, clear footsteps approaching from outside.

Lu Zuo slowly stepped into the edge of everyone's sight, ascended the imperial steps, and sat down on the gilded dragon throne.

The heated debate between "conscription" and "recruitment" is still fresh in our minds.

At this moment, everyone's hearts were in their throats, their eyes focused on the throne, awaiting the emperor's final decision.

Those who supported the recruitment were uneasy, wondering if His Majesty would waver because of the "huge cost" statement.

Those who advocated for conscription secretly hoped that His Majesty would prioritize "national expenditures".

Lu Zuo raised his hand slightly, and the eunuch holding the imperial scribbler standing by the steps immediately stepped forward, unfolded the bright yellow imperial edict that had been prepared beforehand, cleared his throat, and his distinctive high-pitched voice echoed throughout the hall:

"The decree reads: I have received the Mandate of Heaven to nurture all peoples. Considering the hardships faced by the people, I believe that construction is the foundation of the nation."

"Now we have a remarkable cement product, which will benefit future generations."

"Immediately establish government-run cement workshops in the capital region and other key areas to be in charge of production and sales."

"The craftsmen and laborers in the wards must be recruited from good citizens who have no land registered in the register, or whose land is insufficient to support themselves, or who are displaced and homeless."

"The workers are paid on a daily basis, and their food and lodging are provided to ensure their livelihood."

"Local officials should diligently supervise the work, show compassion to the laborers, and ensure that landowners do not abandon their livelihoods for trivial pursuits, nor should they mistreat or oppress the laborers."

"The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue shall discuss the detailed rules and regulations as soon as possible and report back."

"A proclamation was issued, both domestically and internationally, so that everyone may know."

"So be it."

The edict explicitly emphasized "recruiting landless refugees," "distributing wages," and "providing food and lodging."

Each word was like a stone thrown into the "lake" of the court, which had just begun to calm down.

Boom!

The imperial edict, once read aloud, confirmed the emperor's determination to "recruit laborers and pay wages," and still caused a great stir among the officials.

Soft gasps and rapidly spreading whispers instantly broke the brief silence following the reading of the imperial edict.

"Recruiting laborers...and paying them wages? This...this is outrageous!"

"Serving in the military has been a matter of course since ancient times; how can there be any reason for paying wages?"

"If this precedent is set, the consequences will be dire!"

"Your Majesty is benevolent and compassionate towards the people; you are truly a sage ruler!" A few officials also showed excitement and praised in hushed tones.

More than anything, there was worry and confusion.

Throughout history, whether it was building the Great Wall, digging the Grand Canal, or constructing imperial mausoleums, which major project did not involve conscripting laborers?

It has become common practice for ordinary people to bring their own dry rations and return home after completing their service.

At most, the imperial court would provide work relief or some porridge during years of famine or emergency. Such explicit "recruitment" and daily "payment" was simply unheard of!

This not only means that real money will flow out of the national treasury, but also shakes the fundamental order of "the people serving the people" in the minds of many.

"Your Majesty! I have a memorial to present!"

A voice suddenly rang out, drowning out the noise. Everyone looked over and saw it was Zhou Langzhong from the Ministry of Revenue, who had just been vehemently advocating for "conscription".

He stepped forward and knelt down. His face was flushed with excitement, but his eyes were unusually firm.

"What does Minister Zhou have to say?" Lu Zuo's voice came from behind the crown, his tone unreadable.

"His Majesty!"

Physician Zhou took a deep breath, raised his head, and said, "His Majesty's compassion for the displaced people, and his intention to provide relief through public works, is as virtuous as the sun and moon!"

"We are deeply impressed! However, governing a country requires more than just benevolence."

"Although the profits from cement are enormous, the establishment of workshops, the procurement of raw materials, and the management of craftsmen all require money."

"Recruiting refugees, on a daily pay basis, is even more costly!"

"As the person in charge of the finances, I am well aware of the difficulties faced by the national treasury."

"The war in the Jianghuai region has been very costly, but relief for disasters, border defense, and the salaries of officials have all been secured."

"With such a sudden increase in regular expenditures, the national treasury is truly struggling to sustain itself!"

"It is not that I am unaware of the hardship caused by conscription and forced labor; the people may suffer as a result."

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures!"

"If the nation is not strong, benevolent governance cannot be implemented; if the people are not at peace, how can Your Majesty's benevolence be expressed?"

"If cement could be produced quickly and used to strengthen the military and secure the nation, then the world would soon be at peace, and the people could truly live in tranquility!"

"This is exchanging a momentary minor pain for eternal peace!"

"Your Majesty, even benevolent governance needs a solid foundation!"

"If the imperial court exhausts its reserves to pay wages, and then faces alarms on the borders or natural disasters, leaving it without money or food, wouldn't that plunge the nation into even greater peril?"

"That's true inhumanity!"

The words echoed in the hall, clear and logical, pointing directly to the crux of the finances. Many officials who had initially only instinctively opposed the "payment of salaries" couldn't help but nod in agreement upon hearing this.

Yes, everyone understands the principle, but where does the money come from?

Zhou Langzhong kowtowed deeply: "My family owns some land, and I wish to send my sons and nephews to work as laborers in the cement workshop, without receiving a penny of wages, only hoping to share Your Majesty's burdens and save the court some unnecessary expenses!"

These words shocked the entire hall!

Sending one's own nephews and nieces to perform forced labor?

Is this Dr. Zhou out of his mind, or is he so loyal that he's become pedantic?

The way many officials looked at him changed instantly.

I originally thought he was just a stingy official who didn't care about the lives of ordinary people.

Hearing him offer to send his sons and nephews to serve in the military, and hearing his argument that "a weak nation cannot implement benevolent governance," many people felt a mix of emotions.

It seems this person is not entirely cold-blooded; perhaps he is so anxious about the national economy and people's livelihood that he resorted to such a desperate measure.

A brief silence fell over the hall.

The official who supported the conscription was speechless for a moment. The other party had even said "sending sons to serve in the military," and arguing further would make him seem unsympathetic to the national crisis.

Just as the atmosphere became delicate, Lu Zuo gently waved his hand from the throne.

"I know that Minister Zhou is loyal to the country."

Get up.

As instructed, Zhou Langzhong rose and stood with his hands at his sides, feeling uneasy, wondering what His Majesty's intentions were.

Lu Zuo's gaze slowly swept over the officials below, each with a different expression. "What Zhou Qing is worried about is nothing more than the court's extravagance and the national treasury's inability to cope."

"This matter is easy."

Easy to hear?

The officials were stunned. What easy way could there be to solve this?

"When did I ever say that this cement workshop would be funded and maintained by the imperial court?"

Ok?

The officials were even more bewildered.

Without relying on the imperial court for funding?

The wages for recruiting refugees, the cost of building workshops, the purchase of raw materials...

Where did it come from? Did it fall from the sky?

"My intention is that all cement workshops established in various places can be 'self-sufficient in profits and losses'."

Self-financing?

This term is quite new to many officials, but given the context, one can probably guess that it means "to be responsible for profits and losses."

"When the workshop is first established, the imperial court can lend a small amount of capital, or the local government can find ways to raise the funds."

"Once the workshop is completed and put into operation, it will be allowed to sell the cement it produces."

"After receiving the money, the costs of raw materials, fuel, wages of craftsmen, and daily expenses are deducted first."

"After receiving the money, the costs of raw materials, fuel, wages of craftsmen, and daily expenses are deducted first."

"Of the surplus, 30% was handed over to the imperial court, 30% was kept in the workshops to expand production, improve techniques, and make up for any shortfalls, and the remaining 40% was distributed as 'bonuses' according to the amount of effort put in by the craftsmen."

Lu Zuo's voice was clear and steady, but it was like a series of boulders thrown into a calm lake, stirring up not ripples, but raging waves!

Producing and selling our own products?

They would hand over a portion of their profits to the imperial court, and keep the rest for their own development and bonuses?

This...this is no longer a government-run workshop.

This is clearly...

"Your Majesty! This...this law is unprecedented!" a seasoned and prudent minister exclaimed.

"Brilliant! Brilliant!" Another quick-thinking young official's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but exclaim softly.

Ignoring the astonishment of the crowd, Lu Zuo continued to explain, "There are three advantages to this."

"Firstly, displaced people were able to find employment."

"If a workshop is responsible for its own profits and losses, it will be motivated to produce more cement, which will require more craftsmen."

"If migrants are employed and paid, they can settle down and make a living, and will not have to take risks, so that the local area can be at peace."

Secondly, the imperial court reduced expenses and increased revenue.

"When the workshop was first built, the imperial court spent very little money on it."

"Once it is operational, we can reap 30% of the profits without having to bear the huge daily operating costs."

Thirdly, work efficiency is expected.

"If the workshop's profits are linked to its own and the craftsmen's income, then the person in charge will be dedicated to its management, and the craftsmen will work diligently, resulting in daily increases in cement production and daily improvements in craftsmanship."

After the three points were spoken, the hall fell completely silent.

Everyone was stunned by this peculiar line of thought, their minds racing as they tried to process its implications.

Self-financing... Profit sharing... Profit-sharing incentives...

This completely overturned their understanding of "government-run"!

In the past, whether it was salt, iron or textile manufacturing, the government allocated funds, officials managed the industry, and the products were handed over or monopolized. If the government subsidized the industry, the officials and craftsmen would receive the same pay regardless of their performance.

However, according to His Majesty's method, the workshop suddenly became a "monstrosity" that had to fulfill the official task of "settling refugees and producing cement" while also earning money to support itself and even become rich!

But upon closer reflection, this method...

It seems that it can really solve all the problems raised by Dr. Zhou!

The imperial court doesn't have to keep spending money; on the contrary, it can collect money.

The migrants have jobs, food, and money.

If the workshop wants to make more money, it has to work harder, and then there will be more cement...

"Your Majesty is wise! This plan is brilliant!" After a few breaths of silence, someone finally reacted and shouted excitedly.

Immediately, voices of approval rose and fell.

"Turning the burden on the court into a source of revenue, and further motivating artisans, achieves multiple benefits in one fell swoop—truly a sound strategy for governing the country!"

"With everyone responsible for their own profits and losses and finding their own way to make a living, the officials in charge will not dare to slack off, the craftsmen will not dare to be lazy, and the production of cement will surely be inexhaustible!"

"In this way, we can avoid wasting national funds, provide shelter for displaced people, and quickly produce cement to meet the country's needs. Your Majesty is truly a genius!"

The officials who were just worried now mostly had smiles on their faces. The more they thought about it, the more ingenious they felt the method was, and they exclaimed, "Brilliant!"

Even Zhou Langzhong, who was kneeling on the ground, was stunned. He opened his mouth, realizing that His Majesty's method of "self-financing" seemed to have truly bypassed the financial hole he was worried about...