Chapter 321

In not too long a while, Jiang Huan came in, travel-worn.

"Go investigate at once — how is the land in Liaodong, and how does it compare to the land of the Central Plains?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. This minister will see to it at once!"

177, Su Qiao: No money!

"But what if the common folk are unwilling to leave their homeland? This Emperor cannot simply force them to relocate, can he?"

Zhu Youjian was once again torn over the number of commoners to be relocated.

Now, with potatoes and sweet potatoes and the like, and with the fertile soil of Liaodong as a foundation.

He was already quite certain that what Su Qiao said — relocating commoners to Liaodong — was truly a deed of merit lasting a thousand autumns.

The Jianzhou Jurchens and Tatars would completely lose their base, and would never again be able to make any waves.

Only, if too few are relocated, I'm afraid the effect won't be achieved!

Su Qiao was very calm — the people of the Chinese nation were the most hardworking and adaptable people in the entire world!

Think of how the Northern Wilderness rose up back then. Now, although there's no need for a Construction Corps, it's still a breeze to gain a firm foothold in Liaodong.

"Your Majesty need not worry — it's actually quite simple. In the future, those who commit crimes, those who are exiled, and so on, can all be sent to Liaodong. Besides, commoners can also be enticed by profit!"

Du Du Yinxi did not speak this time — he could not think of what profit could lure the commoners.

Everyone says Liaodong is bitterly cold. Apart from pearls, wild ginseng, furs, and the like, what else is there?

Even these three items, even in Liaodong, could not possibly satisfy tens of millions of commoners.

"Land!"

"Land?"

"Yes, Your Majesty — land! What commoners value most as their foundation is having their own good fields. Anyone who can have their own good fields and survive — who would be willing to be someone else's tenant farmer?"

"It's only when they can't survive any longer that they sell their fields to tide over a natural disaster, become tenant farmers, and scrape together a living."

The more Su Qiao spoke, the more excited he got. "Just spread the word to the commoners — anyone who signs up can be allocated fifty mu of good fields. Those who already have fields at home can exchange at a ratio of one to ten — one mu of Central Plains land for ten mu of Liaodong land! When the time comes, the commoners will surely flock to sign up!"

After hearing Su Qiao's long discourse, both Zhu Youjian and Du Du Yinxi were somewhat dumbfounded and dazed.

Truly an eye-opener!

It can even be played this way — exchanging land?

"Good, we'll do it as Su Qing says!"

……

On the other side, Jiang Huan also quickly questioned quite a few Embroidered Uniform Guard members who had returned from Liaodong.

And quickly reported back to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Your Majesty, this minister questioned quite a few commoners who returned from Liaodong, or commoners who fled back from Liaodong. The land in Liaodong is indeed fertile — it's just that there are few people, and little is planted, so the output doesn't look high."

Zhu Yuanzhang had not slept all night; his dark circles were rather severe.

Originally, at dawn when the golden rooster crowed, he had grown a bit drowsy.

Now, with Jiang Huan's report, his energy instantly surged back!

Who could blame him — he rose to power by begging for food.

He was most concerned with grain, land, and the people's livelihood and hardships.

"Looks like that boy's words were indeed correct. No wonder that old fellow said, 'Without stepping out the door, one knows the world!' I used to think that scholar was fooling me back then."

Zhu Yuanzhang muttered to himself.

Jiang Huan kept his head lowered, not daring to make any sound.

"Alright, if you have time these next couple of days, send people to make inquiries. If Liaodong's land is fertile, and we use Central Plains land to exchange for Liaodong black soil at a ratio of one to ten — would they be willing to exchange? To leave their homeland and go to Liaodong, where signing up gets you fifty mu of good fields — go ask roughly how many people would be willing to go."

"Yes! This minister will see to it at once!"

Jiang Huan hurriedly replied, turned, and left.

Don't be fooled that Zhu Yuanzhang never read many books — he was, however, very sharp, and saw things very accurately.

Did he not understand land annexation? He understood it just as well, which was why he had paid attention to Zhu Youjian's side's discussion all night long.

Until this morning, he still hadn't slept!

……

Su Qiao likewise hadn't slept all night, having been dragged around until the morning court session ended before he could head home.

Last night he had just discussed with Su Qiao the matter of dealing with the Tatars, and this morning Du Du Yinxi brought it up in court.

Zhu Youjian sat up above, playing the straight man, proper and methodical.

In any case, the court had now been largely purged, and everyone was of one pair of trousers with Zhu Youjian.

It passed unanimously almost without any effort.

Su Qiao stumbled out of the great hall in a daze.

He didn't take any carriage either. At the street corner, he didn't buy anyjianbing this time, and happened to see someone sellingdouhua.

He hadn't had it in a long time, so he went up and bought a bowl ofdouhua.

He would absolutely never admit it was because the young lady sellingdouhua was pretty.

He was simply craving it.

That's right — simply craving it!

"Hey, did you hear? The top courtesan of Qinhuaihe, Liu Rushi, has come to the capital. Tonight she'll appear at Yi Hong Lou. They say — they say she's going to choose a guest of honor!"

"Really? Why would the top courtesan of Qinhuaihe suddenly come to the capital?"

"Now that the Tatars are about to be finished, and Huang Taiji has even committed suicide, the realm will soon be at peace. Naturally the top courtesan is willing to come. Jin Ling is beautiful, but it can never compare to the capital!"

……

Su Qiao sipped hisdouhua while listening to the chatter of people on the street.

A slight curiosity stirred in his heart.

The news of Huang Taiji's suicide, spreading throughout the night, is now known to everyone in Jingcheng.

That is not strange!

Yet, Su Qiao admitted he felt a itch in his heart regarding Liu Rushi.

In later eras, there were countless works critiquing the famous courtesans of Qin Huai during the Chongzhen era.

Liu Rushi was also listed among them.

"I see the green hills as so charming; I imagine the green hills see me the same way!"

To be named alongside Ma Xianglan, Bian Yujing, Li Xiangjun, Dong Xiaowan, Gu Hengbo, Kou Baimen, and Chen Yuanyuan as one of the "Eight Beauties of Qin Huai"!

This truly made Su Qiao curious.

Yes, I am curious; I will sleep first during the day and go see her tonight.

He drank the tofu pudding in the bowl in one gulp, set the empty bowl down, and took a silk handkerchief to wipe the corner of his mouth.

He handed a few coins to the tofu pudding girl, then Su Qiao turned and left.

Back home, he washed, changed clothes, and prepared to sleep.

Bang, bang, bang...

His head had just touched the pillow when the courtyard gate was knocked again, and a noisy commotion came from outside.

Su Qiao could no longer bear it; he rose, grabbed a window pole, disregarded what he was wearing, and stormed out the door.

"Your Majesty!"

"Su Aiqing, you are..."

Su Qiao awkwardly tossed the wooden pole aside for the moment. "That... Your subject was just about to open the window to let in some air. Why did Your Majesty suddenly leave the palace?"

"Alas, I have long resided deep within the palace and rarely come out; this time I intend to stroll through the capital and take a good look."

Zhu Youjian sighed and said.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Su Qiao was uninterested; he wanted to sleep and wanted Zhu Youjian to get lost quickly.

Zhu Youjian was not a fool after all; seeing Su Qiao's concise words and his wearing of undergarments, he clearly understood he had disturbed Su Qiao's sleep.

So he smiled awkwardly, glanced at Wang Chengen nearby, and quickly found an excuse. "Very well, I originally did not intend to disturb Su Aiqing, but since my great companion was too rough last night, I have come specifically to apologize."

"Oh, this is no great matter."

"Su Aiqing is indeed magnanimous. Su Aiqing has labored heart and soul for the Great Ming; is there any reward you desire?"

"A reward?"

Going to the brothel tonight seems like I don't have quite enough money...