Emperor Chu didn’t press on with the issue of Song Zhiyu’s betrothal to Commandery Princess Dongyang, after all, it was a marriage he decreed, and saying too much would be akin to slapping his own face.
And slapping his own face? Not happening!
He diverted the topic back to road construction, asking if this venture, if vigorously promoted, would be feasible.
It would certainly be feasible.
Song Zhiyuan was well-prepared and walked with Emperor Chu to the map of the Great Qing in the Imperial Study, a map much more detailed than those available in the market outside.
Song Zhiyuan didn’t elaborate much, just drew a road on a few mountain tops and provided an explanation.
"If we construct another road from here to the strait, it should save ten days compared to the official road. Moreover, quite a few mountain strongholds are entrenched in these mountain tops, some with generations skilled in weaving and sericulture, along with remarkable bamboo carving crafts. They live by the mountains, and their mountain goods and game also constitute a significant source of livelihood."
Emperor Chu was somewhat surprised: "Weaving?"
"Exactly, it’s just that the road is not accessible, making it difficult for some merchants to reach. If the road were opened, coming and going would be much more convenient," Song Zhiyuan said. "This is but one example; many places don’t even have official roads. If we build roads, whether for military campaigns or trade, it will yield twice the result with half the effort."
Since ancient times, roads have led everywhere; a nation with developed paths naturally has developed transportation.
A gleam flashed in Emperor Chu’s eyes as he rubbed the Large Ring on the back of his hand.
He aspired to become a wise and praised monarch throughout history, naturally aiming to do everything favorable to the development of the Great Qing, such as in the economy and the military.
The economy is the cornerstone of a nation’s prosperity, while the military is said to fend off enemies, making the nation a fortress not easily invaded. A nation must have a formidable reputation to deter external threats.
Becoming a powerful nation is not achieved merely by boastful words; all these require silver, training and maintaining troops need silver, and the people need to be well-fed and clothed, living in peace and contentment, so they won’t constantly think of rebellion.
Hence, these roads, they must be built.
"Draft an imperial decree, disseminate it to every county, and construct the roads. Soldiers in each garrison, when not cultivating fields or reclaiming wasteland, should also be involved in road construction. If manpower is insufficient, common people can be requisitioned during the agricultural off-season."
Song Zhiyuan clasped his hands: "I abide by the decree."
This issuance was not a mere statement; how to build the road, where to build from, how to measure the distance, and considerations of manpower and financial resources—all these required capable individuals for calculations.
This also provided Song Zhiyuan an opportunity to accumulate political achievements and even gather his own followers.
"This Yan Zisheng is also partaking this year, is he one of your disciples?" Emperor Chu pointed at a name in the documents and said, "He does seem to have some competence in getting things done."
Yan Zisheng’s proposed project for economic prosperity surprisingly involved trade with foreign nations, focusing on maritime transport.
Song Zhiyuan humbly replied: "Among my disciples, he has the grandest vision."
Emperor Chu was taken aback, such high praise?
"You think so highly of him? Do you think he might follow in your footsteps and become the top scholar of this autumn imperial examination?"
Song Zhiyuan smiled wryly: "Originally, I did, but after this debate, not anymore. Even my mother says I’m going to be proven wrong."
Emperor Chu was stunned, what does ’proven wrong’ mean? Overturned a cart?
"It means that I’ll be contradicted by my own words, because this autumn imperial examination now includes Cui Changxiao."
The two exchanged glances, their eyes landing on the name Cui Changxiao and the lengthy economic strategy essay attributed to him, and what he had expressed left them with no choice but to acknowledge.
Truly worthy of Cui Changxiao!