Chapter 609

"In a bountiful year, the supply of grain in the market exceeds demand, causing grain prices to fall. At this time, the government should step in to purchase grain at an appropriate price to prevent prices from dropping too drastically, which would harm the interests of the common people!"

"Conversely, in a year of disaster, harvests are poor, supply in the market falls short of demand, and grain prices begin to rise. At this time, the government can sell the grain stored during the bountiful years at a low price to stabilize the market!"

"This is the macro-control of grain prices in the market to protect the interests of the people. This method is excellent, but what about now?"

Cui Xinghe was instantly rendered speechless.

Gao Yang's voice continued, devoid of joy or sorrow, as if he were discussing something entirely normal.

"The policy is poorly executed!"

"Officials are corrupt!"

"Local finances are in difficulty!"

"Speculators are rampant!"

"And that's not even mentioning officials lining their own pockets and embezzling the grain!"

With every sentence spoken, the expressions of Wu Zhao and Cui Xinghe grew more solemn, even turning pale.

Wu Zhao could not help but speak up, "So, Gao Qing, your meaning is..."

Gao Yang straightened his posture, his eyes appearing to see through everything.

"My meaning is simple: no matter how good a policy is, it requires local officials to execute it. Grain prices change at the slightest touch; what defines a high price, and what defines a low one?"

"Furthermore, in some places, officials fear taking responsibility, so by the time it is reported level by level and a decision is made, the grain price has already changed."

"Not to mention that some wealthy merchants and tycoons exploit the operating mechanism of the Ever-Normal Granaries. For the sake of profit, they collude with officials; when the granaries are buying, they drive up the price, and when the granaries sell at a low price, they sweep up the stock and resell it at a high price, reaping exorbitant profits!"

"Once finances are poor and a famine strikes, the national treasury hits rock bottom, and the money intended for the Ever-Normal Granaries to purchase grain is even diverted for military expenditures!"

"The policy is a good one, but once it reaches the grassroots, if execution is poor, it often changes form and even becomes a hazard!"

These words, like a storm, suddenly swept through the entire Imperial Study. Wu Zhao's expression was grave, and her heart was filled with endless shock.

Gao Yang's words had awakened her!

While this Green Sprouts Law is indeed a good policy, once it reaches the common people at the bottom, can they truly benefit from it?

Could this strategy really be so perfect?

Just like the emergence of the Ever-Normal Granaries—what a great policy that was, yet now it exists in name only, and the reasons behind it are exactly as Gao Yang described.

*Hoo! *

Wu Zhao let out a long breath, then said to Gao Yang, "Gao Qing, I understand what you mean!"

"This Green Sprouts Law seems perfect, but in reality, it will be just like the Ever-Normal Granaries—impossible to implement and likely to trigger even more severe consequences. So, you have buried a massive pit for the Prince of Yan?"

Gao Yang nodded, "Correct!"

"The Green Sprouts Law will also face a very serious problem: the capability of the local officials. If the local officials are outstanding, the people will naturally benefit, and they will also be able to suppress the local clans!"

"Otherwise, this will be a disaster!"

"The people will suffer even more!"

"Secondly, since the Green Sprouts Law involves the government acting as a lender, there must be certain restrictions. If any household can borrow at will, what happens if countless people just take the money for free?"

"This is human nature; one must not overestimate it by even half a point!" ===== CHAPTER 611 =====