The emperor is biased and wants to kill me, but you chickened out when the army is at the city gates

Chapter 39 New Regulations and Policies

The incident in Lanshan County instantly shook the entire city of Beining!

Those people at the bottom of society who have suffered from oppression and exploitation cheered and jumped for joy at this moment.

At the same time, those officials who had previously harbored illusions or thought they could resist the new policies completely abandoned their petty thoughts, and no one dared to falsify the amount of land anymore.

"Your Highness, I was too soft-hearted before, which caused you so much trouble. I am guilty."

Inside the Chu King's residence, Zhuge Xuan said with remorse.

Qin Xuan smiled, not minding at all: "Strategist, you're just not used to handling these political affairs, but once you understand the saying that 'oppressive and abusive government is more ferocious than a tiger,' you'll naturally know what to do."

"Sometimes, a new policy may just be a blank sheet of paper for the policymakers."

"But if it's implemented at the grassroots level, it involves the lives of tens of thousands, or even hundreds of thousands or millions of people."

Zhuge Xuan's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly bowed and said, "Your humble servant will remember!"

Qin Xuan's purpose in surveying and classifying land and distributing it to the people was to ensure that they had land to cultivate, thereby increasing the grain reserves of the entire Beining City.

Otherwise, according to the old system of Beining City, all the fertile land was basically controlled by the power class, and the people worked themselves to death but could not even pay the land tax.

"The world is bustling with activity, all driven by profit, but I believe that people will gather when wealth is distributed."

Qin Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "Strategist, draft a proposal. First, for the next three years, all taxes for ordinary people in Beining City shall be abolished and they shall be given fertile land to cultivate."

"Secondly, for all merchants who come to Beining City to do business, only three-tenths of the one thousand taels of tax will be levied."

"Third, if any merchant encounters extortion or loses goods in Beining City, the Beining City government will be responsible for handling the matter. If the goods cannot be recovered, the government will compensate the merchant at the original price..."

"Fourth, all..."

As Qin Xuan recited the new regulations, Zhuge Xuan kept taking notes while his heart was filled with shock.

He couldn't imagine how many people would flock to the area once these new regulations were announced.

Qin Xuan's new regulations not only set the lowest possible tax rates, but also greatly contribute to creating a new and safe business environment.

In recent years, the Great Qi Empire has been plagued by internal partisan strife, with the ruling class constantly pressuring the lower classes and exploiting them. Not only are ordinary people struggling to survive, but even most ordinary merchants are unable to make ends meet.

"You should find someone to think about these new regulations carefully. I've only given you a general direction, but you need to consider the specific details."

Qin Xuan was, after all, the lord of a city, and it was impossible for him to detail each of these regulations one by one; otherwise, even if he had three heads and six arms, he wouldn't be able to handle it all.

"Wei Chen understands."

Zhuge Xuan was extremely excited at this moment, and couldn't wait to find people to study the new law together.

Just then, Zhao Luoying entered the hall and said, "Your Highness, the large iron pot you ordered a couple of days ago has been completed. Would you like to go and take a look?"

"So soon? Let's go!"

Qin Xuan was surprised for a moment, then gave Zhuge Xuan a few more instructions before quickly following Zhao Luoying to the workshop area in the north of the city.

This place was originally ruins, but later became a temporary shelter for refugees.

But after Beining City stabilized, Qin Xuan had the area transformed into a workshop area, which was essentially a modern industrial park.

This place is home to all the workshops in the city, such as blacksmith workshops, clothing workshops, woodworking workshops, and so on.

"Meet the prince!"

As soon as Qin Xuan arrived, all the blacksmiths in the blacksmith's workshop knelt down in unison.

Most of them were refugees, so they respected and supported Qin Xuan even more.

"Everyone, get up, there's no need to be so tense."

Qin Xuan smiled gently, then strode over to the huge iron pot that had just been made.

This iron pot is five meters in diameter and one meter deep, with a perfectly round body, demonstrating the exquisite craftsmanship of these artisans.

"good, very good."

Qin Xuan was overjoyed: "Don't rush to make any more of these iron pots. First, make the ironware based on the blueprints I had sent you yesterday."

"If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me now."

Beining City was in dire need of reconstruction, so Qin Xuan's idea was to start by upgrading and transforming the city from the ground up.

Yesterday, based on his memories from his previous life, he drew some more convenient and scientific farming tools, all in preparation for next spring.

Qin Xuan valued the coal stove the most, especially this small item.

Just five days ago, the people below found coal and iron mines near the mountains west of Beining City, which was undoubtedly great news.

With these two mines, it would be difficult for Tianning City not to become wealthy.

“Your Highness, I understand the coal stove, but the body is round, and it would be too much work to make it out of sheet metal. However, if we use copper instead, it would greatly improve efficiency.”

An elderly man in his fifties stepped forward somewhat nervously. He was the most prestigious among the group of blacksmiths, and also the most experienced and skilled.

"I remember your name is Kaohsiung, right?"

Qin Xuan had a strong impression of the old man. When the old man saw that the dignified King of Chu could actually call him by name, he was moved and said, "It's me, it's me. Your Highness actually remembers my humble name."

"You're too modest, sir."

Qin Xuan smiled and continued, "Your suggestion was excellent. I'll have someone send the materials over later."

After a pause, he addressed all the blacksmiths, saying, "You should all learn from Master Gao. If you have any good suggestions, you are welcome to make them."

The blacksmiths were all deeply moved. They were all small people at the bottom of society. When did it become their place to give opinions?

Moreover, it was adopted by a high and mighty prince.

But now, this young prince not only readily accepted Old Man Gao's suggestion, but also encouraged everyone to do it together, which made these blacksmiths feel respected for the first time.

This feeling is something that money can't buy.

"I hereby declare that Gao Xiong is hereby appointed as a first-rank craftsman of the blacksmith workshop, enjoying the treatment of a seventh-rank official. In other words, from now on, Gao Lao will not only be a blacksmith, but also an official of my Beining City."

Qin Xuan's sudden announcement stunned everyone present.

Especially in Kaohsiung, an old man's face trembled constantly, and tears streamed down his face.

Having lived most of his life and experienced too much human suffering, he had long since become numb, but at this moment he felt as if he had been reborn, wishing he could give his life for Qin Xuan.

"Your Highness, what about us? Can we also become officials?"

"That's right. Although our skills can't compare to Master Gao's, they are still highly regarded in our area."

"..."

Having learned from past mistakes, these blacksmiths became increasingly enthusiastic.

Qin Xuan wanted this effect, and said loudly, "Not only do you blacksmiths have the opportunity to become officials, but all craftsmen have the opportunity. As long as your skills are truly outstanding, I will have the government send people to assess you one by one, then rate you, and then grant you the relevant official positions and benefits."

This system of craftsmen had actually been brewing in Qin Xuan's mind for a long time.

In this world, only studying and joining the army have always been the only ways to change one's fate.

But education costs money, which is not something ordinary families can afford. As for joining the army, that's something you have to risk your life for.

But Qin Xuan, being a time traveler, knew that the progress of productivity was inseparable from workers, and workers were actually the so-called craftsmen in front of him.

Only by improving the social status and treatment of artisans can we encourage more people to participate, thereby fundamentally changing the structure of society and accelerating social progress.

Looking at these passionate blacksmiths before him, Qin Xuan seemed to see the most glorious and dazzling scene of the future.