Sun Mo was startled. He never expected the Empress to ask such a question!
After pondering for a moment, he slowly said, "Most impoverished villages are so due to a large population, scarce land, and mountainous terrain. Before the grain tax was increased, the common people could manage. But since the grain tax was added, their lives have become increasingly difficult."
"Therefore, to change the current situation, I believe we should reduce taxes for three years, allowing the people to recuperate. Secondly, we should reclaim more land and plant more crops, which should solve the problem of having enough to eat and wear. Lastly, we should seek business opportunities and create local specialties to sell to various vassal states!"
Zhao Jiaqi nodded. Sun Mo spoke logically. Not only could he identify the problem, but he could also devise solutions in such a short time, which was truly commendable!
"Indeed, impoverished villages are in such a state. Given the devastation this region has suffered, instead of just three years of tax exemption, let's extend it to five years. Three years will be used to improve the people's livelihoods, such as food, housing, building schools, and repairing roads. The remaining two years will be dedicated to vigorously developing business opportunities, ensuring the villagers' pockets are full of silver. When they are prosperous, your troubles will naturally lessen!"
Five years of tax revenue would not impact the national treasury in the slightest. However, for Hedong Prefecture, it would be akin to rebuilding the entire prefecture. This would lay a solid foundation for Sun Mo's future work, preventing him from being troubled by taxes and allowing him to focus on practical matters, thereby improving the lives of the common people.
Sun Mo's admiration for the Empress was like a ceaseless, surging river. He immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed repeatedly, his forehead striking the bluestone bricks with resounding thuds.
"What are you doing? Get up quickly!" Zhao Jiaqi was startled by his actions and urged him to rise. "When you are well, the villagers will be well. When you are all well, the court will be well. This is a two-way street. But remember, you must be a good official who cares for the people and not betray the Emperor's expectations!"
Sun Mo took her words to heart. After he sat down again, his initial nervousness around the Empress gradually eased. As they chatted, he realized that the Empress was not the tyrannical figure rumored to be, but rather understanding and considerate of their needs.
They then discussed the issue of abundant mountains and forests. Zhao Jiaqi believed that after utilizing local resources, reforestation was essential to prevent soil erosion, otherwise, it would be a misguided decision.
As they were discussing, Chunfen arrived to report, "Madam, Chen Yusheng is here to see you!"
Chen Yusheng... Zhao Jiaqi sighed softly. This person was surely here to inquire about going to the capital. However, resolving his matters sooner would be a relief for both him and herself.
"Please invite him in!" Chunfen went to fetch him, while Zhao Jiaqi continued her discussion with Sun Mo. Chen Yusheng, who was waiting outside, overheard them discussing planting trees and then felling them for furniture and crafts. He understood only half of it and frowned slightly before following Chunfen into the front hall.
"You're here. If you have something to discuss, please sit down!"
Chen Yusheng shook his head. He had come to ask one question and would leave immediately afterwards, so there was no need for casual conversation.
"Madam, when can I go to the capital?" he asked directly, without any preamble.
Zhao Jiaqi replied, "You can go anytime!"
"Then I shall depart tomorrow!" He was eager to avenge his father and could not wait. As long as his father's revenge remained unfulfilled, he could not sleep, his father's image constantly appearing in his mind.
Zhao Jiaqi nodded and calmly said, "When the time comes, have the yamen runners escort you to the capital. Find the Prime Minister and ask him to arrange things for you. Don't hesitate to tell him if you need anything!"
"Alright!" His simple acknowledgment concluded the conversation.
As he was leaving, recalling the news he had overheard at the door, he reminded Zhao Jiaqi, "If the Empress is worried about cutting down too many trees, she can use bamboo instead. Bamboo regrows and its products are no less inferior to wood!"
His remark enlightened both of them. How had they not thought of this? It was a good idea.
Zhao Jiaqi casually asked him, "Can you make handicrafts from bamboo?" Fearing he might not understand her meaning, Zhao Jiaqi quickly added, "I mean, if I give you a design, can you make it from bamboo?"
Chen Yusheng chuckled and shrugged, "What's so difficult about that? I can make it with my eyes closed after seeing it once. Let alone making things, I can even carve flowers and birds on bamboo. It's just that... if people can't even afford to eat, who has the spare money to buy these things!" His previously learned skills now had no practical application, which was rather lamentable.
Zhao Jiaqi and Sun Mo exchanged glances. Was this not a case of a pillow appearing just when one felt like sleeping? Now, even if Chen Yusheng wanted to leave, Zhao Jiaqi could not let him. From a discussion between two, it became a discussion among three. By the end of the afternoon, they had devised a plan, which made her recent efforts worthwhile.
After deliberation, they decided to establish a bamboo workshop with the local government as the parent factory. Once sales improved, they would encourage nearby villagers to open workshops, thereby providing them with a starting point. Chen Yusheng, who had arrived looking dispirited and unhappy, was now filled with excitement as he knew his future direction and where to go.
"Madam, I will start after I return from the capital!"
Zhao Jiaqi smiled and nodded firmly, "Good. You go to the capital first. Lord Sun will build the workshop here. When you return, you can begin. You will receive one-third of the profits from this parent factory, one-third will go to Lord Sun, and the rest will go to the government."
Both Chen Yusheng and Sun Mo were so delighted to hear that the Empress was willing to give up profits that they were stunned and felt a sense of elation. They immediately stood up and bowed, "Thank you, Madam, for your favor. We, along with brother Chen, will surely make the workshop a success!"
Zhao Jiaqi naturally trusted them and smiled, "I will design some blueprints in the next few days. Lord Sun, prepare the materials, and when you return, you can organize the workers to start production. Let's strive for our bamboo handicrafts to become popular even in the vassal states!"
"With the Empress here, we have a guiding force, and our products are bound to be a hit!" Sun Mo said, and the three of them exchanged smiles.
That afternoon, Zhao Jiaqi locked herself in the study and, drawing upon the limited handicrafts in her mind, sketched out over a dozen designs. She also wrote a business plan. Although the people of Hedong Prefecture were not wealthy, other prefectures were. If they were going to do this, they had to create their own style, not just focus on earning money from the vassal states. They should also earn money from their own country.
That evening, Zhao Jiaqi sent the blueprints to the residence of the newly appointed prefect, Sun Mo.
The next day, Sun Mo sent several yamen runners to escort Chen Yusheng to the capital. He wished to witness Wang Wenquan's execution, otherwise, he would never be at peace. As Chen Yusheng departed, Zhao Jiaqi and Fan Zehao also left in a carriage. Before leaving, Zhao Jiaqi specifically instructed Sun Mo, "I entrust Chen Yusheng to you. I do not seek great wealth for him, but only his peace and stability in this life."
Sun Mo replied, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will bear this in mind and will not let him fall into danger. I will treat him as my own brother and constantly look out for him."
"That would be even better. Remember, do not let him do anything irreversible!"
"Understood, I will supervise him!" Having finished her instructions, Zhao Jiaqi returned to the inner city with Fan Zehao. The matters in Hedong Prefecture were all settled. However, Zhao Jiaqi would still pay some attention to Chen Yusheng.