The Australian Revolution of 1828

Two days later, Luo Bingzhong approached Han Qingyun again with a new proposal. Based on their previous experience, this one was clearly more in line with Han Qingyun's wishes and much more reliable.

Han Qingyun expressed his approval and praise, saying, "Bingzhong, judging from this plan, you do put your heart into your work."

"I was in charge of the Immigration and Trade Department before, so you didn't get much experience, which made you seem hesitant and timid. If you're ever unsure of what to do in the future, come to me, and I'll personally stand up for you."

Immigration is a matter of great importance, concerning the safety and development of Hanyang Prefecture. As long as Luo Bingzhong doesn't cause trouble out of personal motives, Han Qingyun will choose to support him.

Luo Bingzhong seemed to understand the meaning behind the words and immediately expressed his stance, saying firmly, "Your Excellency, I guarantee to complete the immigration work and will never let you down in the future."

With these words, it can be considered as making a solemn pledge.

To further encourage Luo Bingzhong, Han Qingyun directly praised him, saying, "I know your character well; you're a man of your word, never ambiguous."

"Since you've said that, I don't want to discourage you. Just work hard from now on, and that will be enough to repay my trust."

We've said our piece, good or bad, now it's up to Luo Bingzhong to see if he's got the talent!

Luo Bingzhong's attitude was also quite sincere. He once again assured Han Qingyun, saying, "Chief Censor, it is my blessing that you can trust me."

"If I fail to complete the immigration work satisfactorily, I am willing to offer my head in resignation."

Since they've already offered their heads, Han Qingyun couldn't continue to encourage them. He changed the subject, saying, "What do I need your head for? Just give me a perfect report card."

"The Immigration Agency's proposal is feasible, but it needs to be discussed at a meeting. I will convene a meeting of all agencies this afternoon. Please invite the Director-General of the Trade Agency to attend this meeting as usual."

This plan requires the cooperation of various government agencies, and it's definitely not enough for Han Qingyun to make the final decision alone; the relevant procedures still need to be followed.

The position of Director-General of the Trade Office is crucial, as he not only oversees trade activities such as exports and imports in Hanyang Prefecture, but also commands a formidable armed fleet.

To say that I can be completely at ease is basically impossible.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Han Qingyun found an excuse to split up the Immigration and Trade Bureau. The two bureaus checking and balancing each other was not a bad strategy.

Although the director was recommended by Luo Bingzhong, he was ultimately chosen from the Immigration and Trade Department, and was naturally close to Han Qingyun.

Perhaps this is the real Han Qingyun, someone who both uses and guards against.

However, these words had a different effect on Luo Bingzhong. The sense of accomplishment he felt from suddenly being promoted from a lower-level to a decision-making position was incredibly exhilarating.

Luo Bingzhong was in a good mood and completely forgot his displeasure at the split of the Immigration and Trade Bureau. He readily agreed and said, "I will go and inform them right away."

Watching Luo Bingzhong leave, Han Qingyun then instructed his attendants to notify the various government offices. The offices of the various government offices were not far apart, all located in the front hall of the Governor-General's Mansion, resembling a small palace.

At 2 p.m., the conference hall of the Governor's Office was filled with the heads of various government offices. Han Qingyun glanced around before bringing up the matter to be discussed, saying, "Since my father's death, things in Hanyang have been delayed quite a bit."

"We bear the heavy responsibility of developing Hanyang, and we must not slack off. We must prioritize development and shoulder the burden of Hanyang."

"Only in this way can we remain invincible!"

In short, this was essentially a direct demand for achievements from various government agencies.

As Han Qingyun's key figure, Luo Bingzhong stood up and said in response to Han Qingyun's speech: "Chief of the Army, my colleagues at the Immigration Agency recently discussed a plan. For the development of Hanyang, immigration is the key."

"At present, the total population of Hanyang is more than 6, which is far from meeting the labor needs of various industries. I hope that the Chief Justice and all colleagues can take a look."

As soon as he finished speaking, he handed the proposal to Han Qingyun with both hands and bowed.

Han Qingyun gestured to the attendant beside him to bring over the proposal. He pretended to glance at it before handing it to Dai Zhicheng, the director of the Civil Affairs Bureau, on his right, and said, "Take a look and share your thoughts."

The immigration work in Hanyang Prefecture has been ongoing; it's just a matter of how many people are being relocated.

Director of the Home Affairs Department, Dai Zhicheng, hadn't thought much of it, assuming it was just following the usual practice of no more than 10000 people per year. He was taken aback by the Immigration Department's ambitious plans and said, "Director Luo, your plan is overstated!"

"With 100,000 immigrants a year, let alone providing them with food, cloth, housing, and other necessities, there wouldn't even be enough silver to meet their needs."

There are definitely dissenting opinions; that's beyond question.

Before coming, Luo Bingzhong had already thought of a solution, saying, "Director Dai, you're right, but these problems can be solved."

"Over the years, we have been making slow and steady progress, and the development of Hanyang has been quite slow. We have vast land, but only such a small population, making it difficult even to protect ourselves."

"Director Dai, what will happen to Hanyang if the foreigners continue their eastward advance?"

Dai Zhicheng controlled all affairs and properties outside the eight government offices, so he had considerable power and responsibility. Naturally, he wanted to take the initiative and said, "Director Luo, you probably don't know how many things the Civil Affairs Department manages."

"If the Immigration Agency does it this way, the registration of 100,000 new immigrants, as well as the implementation of housing, land, loans, education, and medical care, will be in trouble, which may affect the stability of Hanyang."

"Besides, where will the supplies come from? Where will the money come from?"

Director of the Home Affairs Department, Tai Chi-shing, passed the problem back to the Immigration Department, but Director of the Immigration Department, Lo Ping-chung, was no pushover. He responded directly, "Director Tai, we cannot refrain from doing things just because they are difficult; we must solve them."

"Since the Civil Affairs Department can't manage too many things, I think each industry should establish its own corresponding agency."

Dai Zhicheng was already dissatisfied with the Immigration Agency's work being too radical. Now, when he heard that Luo Bingzhong wanted to divide the powers of the Civil Affairs Bureau, he was furious and started arguing with Luo Bingzhong of the Immigration Agency.

The other directors present initially didn't want to get involved, but after hearing Luo Bingzhong's words, they all joined the fray.

The Immigration and Trade Department can be split up, but does that mean the Home Affairs Department is immovable and cannot be dismantled? Furthermore, they can participate in the election of the new director-general—these are all opportunities for interference.

With this purpose in mind, the entire meeting was noisy and argumentative, continuing until 5 p.m.

As the situation became clearer through the argument, Han Qingyun, seeing that the time was right, seized the opportunity and said, "Since everyone feels that the affairs of the Civil Affairs Department are too complicated, I think we should split it into seven agencies: the Medical Services Department, the Education Department, the Housing Department, the Agriculture Department, the Population Department, the Health Department, and the Financial Services Department."

"At the same time, given that the Industrial and Mining Administration has too many responsibilities and too many personnel, it has now been split into the Industrial Administration and the Mining Administration. Meng Xiong, the former director of the Industrial and Mining Administration, will serve as the director of the Industrial Administration."

"The candidates for the newly established Commissioner's Office will be recommended by those present here, and formal appointment documents will be issued after the Governor-General's Office approves them."

Nine offices were separated from the original Immigration and Trade Bureau, Civil Affairs Bureau, and Industry and Mining Bureau. Together with the original eight offices, this formed the basic structure of seventeen offices in Hanyang Prefecture.

The seventeen public offices had clearly defined powers and responsibilities, basically covering all industries in Hanyang Prefecture, laying a solid foundation for subsequent immigration plans.

Director of the Home Affairs Department, Dai Zhicheng, was unwilling but powerless, and could only let Han Qingyun split things up.

However, Han Qingyun also needed the Civil Affairs Department to continue its work, so he reassured Dai Zhicheng, saying, "Director Dai, the Civil Affairs Department has indeed done a lot of hard and tiring work over the years, which the Governor's Office did not take into account."

"From now on, these immigration matters will be handled by the newly established agency. The Civil Affairs Department must continue its efforts and make sure to do a good job in planning the future of Hanyang Prefecture."

With its powers largely stripped away, the Civil Affairs Bureau has been severely weakened. If it continues to reject immigration plans, it may even cease to exist.

After pondering for a moment, Dai Zhicheng ultimately dared not cause any trouble. He lowered his head and said, "Chief Censor, it was my oversight. Director Luo is indeed right!"

A new emperor brings a new court; who can stand against him?

The only way to restore order is to remain in hiding like Sima Yi, and wait until Han Qingyun makes a mistake that plunges Hanyang into chaos and distress.

With Dai Zhicheng as a precedent, other agencies naturally offered their full support.

In reality, other agencies also hope for as many immigrants as possible. Only in this way can the heads of each agency control more human and material resources.

With sufficient manpower and resources, why worry about a lack of money or power?