Soon, the imperial court issued a formal notice on the implementation of converting rice into mulberry in Zhejiang.
In the Governor's Mansion of Zhejiang Province, Hu Zongxian gathered everyone together to discuss the next strategy.
Before he started, Hu Zongxian turned his gaze to Ma Ningyuan and asked in a deep voice: "How did you deal with the things you caused yourself earlier?"
"Teacher, the student went to the Inspectorate yesterday and told the Inspector He the cause of the matter. Later..."
Before Ma Ningyuan finished speaking, He Maocai stood up from his chair and tried to smooth things over: "Mr. Governor, I already know the cause of the matter. In the final analysis, the villagers were at fault in this matter. Planting seedlings without permission, despite the imperial ban!"
"Not only that, they also openly resisted the personnel sent by the government! Mr. Ma only sent people to the scene after receiving the call for help from his subordinates. It's just that the method of doing things was a little rough. It was all a misunderstanding."
"Yes, teacher! I have made corresponding compensation to those villagers. I will never make mistakes like this again in the future! If I make it again next time, the student will directly resign from the official position."
After Ma Ningyuan finished speaking, he turned his gaze to Hu Zongxian who was sitting at the top and made a decisive decision.
When Hu Zongxian saw that Ma Ningyuan was very sincere in admitting his mistake, and also made such a guarantee in front of everyone, he couldn't help but sigh and said slowly.
"Oh, that's all. Let me teach you a lesson. If you do it again next time, I will never let you go lightly, teacher!"
"Thank you teacher, thank you teacher!"
Ma Ning saw that Hu Zongxian had temporarily forgiven him, and couldn't help but be overjoyed and said excitedly.
As Ma Ningyuan's teacher, Hu Zongxian naturally knew the nature of his students very well. He was afraid that he would not be able to complete the task of changing rice into mulberry.
When the imperial court pursues the blame, the governor of Zhejiang Province will bear the brunt of the investigation. This is because he is worried about his teacher!
It was precisely because of this that Hu Zongxian could not make up his mind to deal with his student.
"Okay, now that the previous matter has come to an end, let's talk about how to implement the change from rice to mulberry."
Hu Zongxian turned his eyes to everyone present and said.
"Your Majesty the Governor, based on the previous personal experience of the Governor, many people in Zhejiang are opposed to changing rice into mulberry!"
Gao Hanwen was the first to stand up and put forward his views to Hu Zongxian.
"Well, yes, that is indeed the current situation."
Hu Zongxian agreed with Gao Hanwen's views and nodded.
"Since the people are resistant to changing rice to mulberry, there are only two ways left to go. One is to force people to change rice to mulberry, and the other is to let the people see the profits behind this through subtle influence and take advantage of the situation. , so that people can spontaneously switch to planting mulberry seedlings."
"This first path takes the shortest time, and the risk is greater. If you are not careful, it will trigger civil unrest, and it is easy to lose more than you gain! The second path is the safest, has the least risk, and is also the easiest to implement. Yes, but it also takes the longest time.”
Gao Hanwen looked around at everyone and said slowly.
"But now, the imperial court has issued a task. At least half of the fields in Zhejiang must be replanted with mulberry seedlings by the end of this year. We don't have that much time to slowly guide the people!"
"What's more, those common people are all a bunch of unruly people! They are not willing to understand the difficulties of the government at all. If you ask me, just take the first path!"
After Zheng Michang finished speaking, he also put forward his own ideas.
"That's right, you can't be polite to those unruly people at all! If you are polite to him, he will slap his nose in your face and take the opportunity to make more demands from you. This kind of culture must not be promoted. Otherwise, how can the work of the imperial court be carried out? Go down?"
Seeing Zheng Michang speaking, He Maocai on the side also followed suit.
Hu Zongxian, who was sitting at the top, also frowned after listening to the discussion of his subordinates. At present, the court has a tight time schedule to change rice to mulberry, and the task is heavy! If some extraordinary measures are not implemented, I am afraid that the set tasks will not be completed by then.
If we follow what they said and continue to implement it forcefully, the people of Zhejiang will definitely suffer.
"Teacher, the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau still owes an order of 500,000 pieces of silk! Right now there is a shortage of silk, and this is the palace's business."
Ma Ningyuan on the side also spoke at the right time to remind Hu Zongxian.
"I am wondering if there is any way to have the best of both worlds, which can complete the tasks assigned by the court without disturbing the people too much."
Hu Zongxian picked up the teacup on the side, took a sip and said slowly.
"this……"
Hu Zongxian's question stumped everyone present.
After pondering for a long time, He Maocai suddenly remembered what he said to Ma Ningyuan yesterday, and then his eyes lit up and he said excitedly: "I have thought of a way to solve this matter!"
Everyone was surprised when they heard what He Maocai said.
Zheng Michang on the side was even more surprised. This He Maocai usually kept a low profile and looked very simple and honest. He didn't expect to have such a conspiracy. He really shouldn't be underestimated!
"Tell me, what solution have you come up with?"
Hu Zongxian, who was sitting at the top, was also quite interested in the method He Maocai came up with and asked immediately.
"My Lord Governor, I just thought that after a while, wouldn't it be time for the court to collect land taxes again?"
"Why don't we use this incident to promote the conversion of rice into mulberry?"
"You mean to combine the conversion of rice into mulberry with the land tax that the court will collect next!"
After hearing this, Hu Zongxian also had some ideas in his heart.
"That's right, Lord Governor, this is what I think. When the time comes, those who are willing to change rice to mulberry will be listed on a list by the government. People on this list can harvest less or even not harvest their fields. Tax!"
"Not only that, the government will also publicize these people and even give some rewards!"
"As for those who are unwilling to convert rice to mulberry, the government will also put them on a list. People on this list will be charged double or even more field tax! It is equivalent to passing on all the part of the shortfall. onto them.”
"In this case, the people of Zhejiang will be divided into two camps because of the conversion of rice to mulberry. One side supports it and the other side opposes it. They will no longer be able to gather enough strength to resist the government!"
"If the two sides have different opinions, they will naturally start to fight, and the government only needs to play a role in the conflict."
After He Maocai finished speaking, he looked around for a week before sitting back in his seat.
"Mr. Governor, this method is wonderful! Not only can it reduce the resistance to converting rice into mulberry, it can also make the people suffer less. It is really the best of both worlds."
Zheng Michang followed He Maocai's idea and found that it was very feasible, and the final result was predictable.
"My Lord Governor, in my opinion, this method is feasible."
After Zheng Michang, Gao Hanwen also figured out the key and asked Hu Zongxian for help.
"Well, teacher, students also think this method is feasible!"
Immediately afterwards, Ma Ningyuan also stood up and asked Hu Zongxian.
"Well, if that's the case, then let's act accordingly."
After Hu Zongxian thought for a moment, he agreed with everyone's thoughts.
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
Seeing that Hu Zongxian agreed to the method proposed by He Maocai, everyone was overjoyed and said in unison.
"Right now, the food prepared by neighboring provinces has not yet arrived. Before that, it is up to the government to make preparations in advance!"
Hu Zongxian said, turned his eyes to Ma Ningyuan, and gave instructions lightly.
"Yes, teacher! The students will definitely live up to your trust!"
Seeing that Hu Zongxian left it to him to prepare, Ma Ningyuan had a look of surprise on his face, and then said excitedly.
"Now that the outcome of the discussion has been reached, let's all leave now. I still have official business to deal with!"
After the matter of converting rice into mulberry was resolved, Hu Zongxian couldn't help but feel in a good mood and said loudly.
"Yes, Lord Governor!"
After everyone said this, they stood up and left, leaving Ma Ningyuan alone, hesitant and uneasy.
(End of chapter)
