Mythical Three Kingdoms

Liu Bei discovered his own problem, and immediately furrowed his brows before calming down. He looked towards Chen Xi with added gratitude. In Liu Bei’s view, Chen Xi’s words were spoken entirely for his benefit.

Chen Xi looked back at Liu Bei in confusion, habitually nodding his head, then looked inexplicably towards Mi Zhu, completely unaware of why Liu Bei was nodding at him.

”The higher the standing, the broader the vision required. While height can affect vision, those of us who have risen too quickly may fear many under our governance are not accustomed to it,” Liu Bei said earnestly. ”We must set an example for those below us, and must not due to momentary negligence cause endless future troubles.”

At a loss for words, Chen Xi wondered why Liu Bei suddenly became so serious and had no choice but to follow along, saying, ”What Lord Xuande said is absolutely true.”

In reality, Chen Xi didn’t quite understand what Liu Bei wanted to do. After all, he had no issue with perspective; at most, there was an issue with the depth of understanding. Looking at this era through the lens of two thousand years later, it was not to say that it was full of flaws, but one could say it was riddled with holes; how could his vision possibly be obscured by the current systems and thinking.

The others followed suit with their agreements, but Chen Xi did not feel any of them, aside from Liu Bei, needed to do so.

Mi Zhu had adjusted himself already when he first topped the list of the Five Great Merchants. When he completely took control of the business regulations of Qing and Xu, beginning to affect commerce across the entire land, Mi Zhu reached his peak, and his heart soared to its peak along with it.

Despite feeling a bit weak dealing with noble families due to his background over the years, once the noble families entered the business sector, Mi Zhu showed no hints of fear. He handled things straightforwardly; anyone who dared to cause trouble within the guild was squarely dealt with. Mi Zhu had no problem with the audacity required in this capital maneuver, which did not spare anyone.

As for Jia Xu, Li Youu, and Xun Yue, even less needs to be said. Whether it’s the education they received or their former power and influence, they were not to be trifled with. There was a time when Li Youu’s power almost reigned supreme, and if not for Dong Zhuo’s lack of cooperation, a direct battle might have had an uncertain outcome.

”Zizhong, include papermaking in commerce as well. As for how to operate and set prices, that will be up to you. Just make sure it’s profitable,” Chen Xi instructed Mi Zhu.

”Rest assured, I can handle these operations without a problem. You can be at ease,” Mi Zhu nodded. ”As for the reconstruction plan of Fenggao, some residential areas need to be relocated. Most of them I have already acquired in the name of Mount Tai and then moved them to the external city. However, there are still some residents who are hesitant.”

”First, negotiate with them. Those willing to change their residence, let them change and provide subsidies. For those unwilling,” Chen Xi pondered for a while, ”record the reasons for their reluctance. If it’s purely troublesome, hand them over to Boning for handling. How does Lord Xuande feel about dealing with this?”

”Boning should avoid using overly aggressive measures when the time comes,” Liu Bei nodded, approving Chen Xi’s suggestion but still cautioned Mann Chong, since he knew that each community is filled with all kinds of people and can’t be summed up by a single word.

The people of Mount Tai were fierce and simple and knew how to be grateful. These were indeed true, but it couldn’t avoid the presence of thugs and ruffians. Even with the constant patrolling of the urban management troops, reducing these thugs and ruffians’ room to maneuver, when they saw an opportunity to take advantage of the state, it was no surprise they’d turn into crafty people.

”I’ll handle it well,” said Mann Chong, almost writing ’totally under control’ across his face. Remembering the early days of Fenggao’s establishment when it began to prosper and when thugs and idle ruffians disturbed the peace, Mann Chong came and immediately filled the prisons upon his arrival. Those who deserved to be executed were executed, and those who didn’t were heavily punished, greatly improving the public order.

Had it not been for Chen Xi’s suggestion to send these people for labor reform, Mann Chong would have definitely had a bunch of heads hanging at the market square. Once he starts his cleansing mode, he shows no leniency; his speed of beheading could rival the mowing of grass.

”Zizhong, first tell us how you handled it?” Mann Chong asked coldly, already in the zone and probably preparing to promote his new law, ready to display the Cruel Official’s demeanor again.

Jia Xu quietly distanced himself from Mann Chong. He didn’t want to communicate much with Mann Chong in Cruel Official mode, knowing full well the danger this would entail.

”What else could I do? For such a situation, we simply dismantle and rebuild, just changing the place. We take responsibility for the expenses incurred due to temporarily living elsewhere during the relocation period. If the new residence leads to the farmland being too far away, we’d relocate the land as well. As for the trees in front of the house or the courtyard, they are all converted to cash,” explained Mi Zhu, reviewing the entire relocation process.

”There are some other miscellaneous things. Basically, we can ensure, aside from changing locations, the people don’t actually suffer any losses,” Mi Zhu sighed with a helpless expression, but there were always a few families dissatisfied.

”In that case, it falls under my area of work - a bunch of crafty people is all they are,” Mann Chong glanced at Mi Zhu and replied coldly. For him, any illegal matter was to be dealt with according to the law.

”For the future resettlement of refugees, let’s provide housing to them rent-free. If we need to use the land later on, moving them won’t be that troublesome. Of course, the previous set of relocation methods you devised still needs to be maintained,” Chen Xi hesitated a bit before deciding to leave the matter to Mann Chong.

As for the issue of land, in reality, the entire Mount Tai’s land was owned by the Government of Mount Tai. However, Chen Xi did not want to exercise this power because it was not publicized initially, and the homes built were constructed in exchange for labor relief. After the economic situation of Mount Tai was not so tight, these houses were given to the people who worked in exchange for relief.

”Rent it to them for free?” The others hadn’t come around to the idea when Liu Bei first understood and then looked at Chen Xi with a realization, ”That would be good. But remember, it has to be publicized when the time comes, and we must not allow them to sell it privately.”

”That would be good,” Mi Zhu nodded, feeling indifferent as the previous handling of refugees by Mount Tai didn’t differ much except for the leasing part.

”Is the rental term indefinite?” Li Youu pondered for a while before asking.

”After this generation of people dies, should there be a right of inheritance? If both the parents were those we rented to, and after they pass away, leaving behind one offspring, should they inherit both properties or should we reclaim them? If we reclaim, can the people accept it? And what if there are three offspring? If there are no offspring but they designated someone?” Following up, without waiting for Chen Xi to respond, Li Youu unleashed a series of questions. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)