Ran Fang had no intention of hiding the matter in Liuguang Pavilion, but now that Ying Zheng had exposed it, there was no trace of embarrassment on his face.
Instead, there was a faint smile on his face. He knew that Ying Zheng was quite concerned about Wan Gen's incident. Since he said he didn't care, he would just pretend that nothing happened.
It's just that he didn't expect that this majestic emperor would have some things that would hinder his face.
"Your Majesty, I have nothing to say about this matter."
"Since Your Majesty wants me to solve the problem of military supply, you can't let me create money out of thin air, right?"
"Then someone has to come up with the money, but I have just become an official, and even the salary for the soldiers has to be paid out of my private treasury, so I have to make this move."
"Firstly, it is to replenish the national treasury, and secondly, I am here to enable those wealthy merchants and armored men to contribute to the Qin Dynasty."
"Nowadays, the Qin Dynasty emphasizes agriculture and suppresses business. Those wealthy businessmen have always kept their tail between their legs. This time, I give them a chance to spend money. It is something that His Majesty has personally used. I think they will be very grateful."
“It’s a win-win thing, why not?”
This statement was completely from the perspective of Da Qin. Everything Ran Fang did was for the development of Da Qin without any selfish motives.
But Ying Zheng knew what the truth was.
However, only Ran Fang can do this, and he has no intention of criticizing Ran Fang.
"I am very pleased that I have such a heart."
But Ran Fang, who was standing behind Ying Zheng, had some doubts in his eyes.
He couldn't help but asked aloud: "Isn't what you said a little too biased?"
"Now that Daqin has insufficient food, more people need to invest in food production. Isn't it a good thing?"
"This emphasis on agriculture and suppression of business is just for the better development of Da Qin."
Ran Fang knew that this idea was not just Fusu's, but everyone in the court felt this way.
Since Shang Yang's reform, Great Qin has moved towards the path of emphasizing agriculture and suppressing commerce, and Yingzheng has no intention of changing it in a short period of time.
"Food is the foundation of the country, and there is no problem if you want to invest in food production."
"There are only so many places in Guizhou that can be cultivated, and the land in Daqin will not change. If we want to increase grain production, the most important thing is not to increase the number of people growing grain, but to fundamentally change the current situation of planting. This requires development. It’s plantation agriculture.”
"Your Majesty must also know that farmers have obtained short-blade plows, which has greatly improved their planting technology."
"Increasing grain production will facilitate the development of other industries. Only in this way can Daqin's economy steadily improve."
“So we can focus on agriculture, but we must also promote the development of other aspects, such as business.”
"Only commerce can fill the national treasury. Otherwise, it is impossible to improve Daqin's economy by relying solely on agricultural development."
Today's technological level is limited, and it would be good if people could have enough food and clothing.
Even Ying Zheng knew that although Ran Fang talked about it like this, how could it be such a simple thing in practice?
I couldn't help but feel that although Ran Fang's words were reasonable, he had never understood the real sufferings of the people in this world.
"I don't think so, but now the people are naked, how many people can have enough food and clothing?"
"Although this is easy to say, it is probably very difficult to achieve."
Ying Zheng has the people in his heart, and he has seen them with his own eyes every time he went on patrol, so when he said this, there was still a sense of powerlessness in his eyes.
This kind of look was something Fusu had never seen before.
He always thought that his father was thinking about seeking immortality and how to dominate the world.
But I never thought that in my father's heart, he still cared deeply about the people.
"Indeed, sir, I once said that although my father ordered the land to be handed over to the head of Guizhou, who among the local officials and merchants would be willing to do so?"
"I'm afraid it will be a little difficult to do what sir wants."
Seeing the embarrassment in Fusu's eyes, Ran Fang knew what they were worried about.
He also knew that even future generations would have food problems, and some countries would need to import food.
However, Da Qin has a vast land with abundant resources, many of which have not yet been utilized, and the technical level is also limited, which leads to this problem.
"In fact, there is a method that can change the current food problem."
"It's just that your Majesty's approval is needed."
After saying that, Ran Fang looked at Ying Zheng, waiting for his answer.
Seeing his cunning expression, Ying Zheng did not agree immediately. Instead, he asked: "What's the matter?"
Ran Fang's eyes were firm and he slowly said one word from his mouth: "Iron."
"If iron can be used in Guizhou, it will be easier for them to farm and they can reclaim more wasteland."
"Moreover, using iron can also improve farming techniques and improve farming efficiency and effectiveness, which is definitely a good thing."
From the moment he said the word "iron", Ying Zheng's face became a little ugly.
Fusu couldn't understand. Ran Fang was obviously very conservative when he was in prison. Why did he become so bold after becoming an official in the court?
"Sir, the remnants of the old country are now watching with eager eyes. If iron is used in Guizhou and they are made into sharp weapons, what should we do to deal with the Qin Dynasty?"
"At that time, my husband also said that he wanted the salt and iron to be returned to the imperial court. It is somewhat contradictory to say so now."
Needless to say, Fusu knew that Ran Fang was worried about them.
But in his opinion, this is not a problem at all.
"That's right."
"But how can iron be made into farm tools and fall into the hands of the remnants of the Six Kingdoms?"
"The purpose of making farm tools is just to increase production, and also to facilitate farming in Guizhou. Then we will give them to them when they are farming, and take them back when they are not using them."
"There are government offices in every place, just let them supervise."
"This not only solves the problem of someone stealing it, but also increases food production. Why not?"
"Not only iron tools, but also cattle can be cultivated by hiring dedicated personnel to increase the output of cattle for Guizhou's use. Wouldn't this improve efficiency even more?"
"In this way, if it is inconvenient for people who farm the land, the area of that kind of land will definitely expand!"
This method is somewhat novel. No one has ever thought that this place can be managed centrally.
The expression on Ying Zheng's face was much better than before, and the look he looked at Ran Fang returned to his previous attitude.
"You are indeed smart."
"Then I will leave this matter to you and Zheng Guo. As for the ironware, I will let Zhang Han discuss it with you."
"As for the affairs of Liuguang Pavilion, I won't interfere anymore."
"But if the army's supply is delayed, I will still punish you!"
"Okay, I still have something to do in the palace, so I'll go back first."
After saying that, he stood up to leave.
With so many things pressing on Ran Fang, there was no trace of nervousness on his face, but a calm look on his face.
"Here."
"I obey the decree."
"Farewell to Your Majesty."
After Ying Zheng left, Ran Fang looked at Fusu who had not left.
He sat casually on the couch nearby, thinking that it was too inconvenient to sit down and stand up. He might as well make some chairs in a few days, so that he could still sit comfortably.
Thinking about it, he turned his eyes to Fusu and asked, "Is there anything else, Mr. Fusu?"
Fusu nodded and followed Ran Fang's example and sat down.
Then he whispered: "The four major salt merchants have all entered Xianyang, but they have not reported to the court or identified themselves."
"If my people hadn't observed carefully, I might have been deceived by them."
"Sir, have you ever thought about why they act like this? Is there some hidden secret?"
