Chapter Thirty-Nine: New Rules, New Policies

The events in Lanshan County sent shockwaves throughout the entire city of Beining.

For the downtrodden commoners who had long suffered under oppression and exploitation, this moment was one of pure jubilation. Meanwhile, those officials who had previously harbored hopes of resisting the new policies or thought they could skirt the rules completely abandoned their schemes; no one dared to report false land figures any longer.

"Your Highness, I was too soft-hearted before, causing you so much trouble. I am guilty," Zhuge Xuan said, his face filled with remorse, within the Prince of Chu’s estate.

Qin Xuan smiled dismissively. "Strategist, you are simply unaccustomed to handling such administrative affairs. You need only understand the old saying: 'Oppressive government is fiercer than a tiger,' and the path forward becomes clear."

"Sometimes, a new policy may seem like nothing more than ink on paper to those who draft it. But when implemented at the grassroots level, it concerns the lives of tens, hundreds, or even millions of people."

Zhuge Xuan’s heart stirred. He bowed respectfully and replied, "I will take these words to heart!"

Qin Xuan’s current efforts to survey the land, categorize it, and distribute it to the people were aimed at ensuring every farmer had fields to till, thereby bolstering Beining’s food reserves. Under the old system, all fertile land was controlled by the elite, leaving the commoners to toil until death without even being able to pay their taxes.

"The world is driven by profit, yet I believe that by dispersing wealth, one gathers talent," Qin Xuan mused. "Strategist, draft a proclamation. First, effective immediately, all taxes for commoners in Beining are waived for three years, and they are to be granted fertile land for cultivation."

"Second, for any merchants coming to do business in Beining, the tax rate shall be set at three percent."

"Third, any merchant who encounters extortion or theft within Beining shall be protected by the city government. If the lost goods cannot be recovered, the government will provide compensation at their market value..."

"Fourth, any..."

As Qin Xuan reeled off the new regulations, Zhuge Xuan frantically recorded them, his heart reeling with shock. He could hardly imagine how many people would flock to the city once these rules were announced. Qin Xuan was not only offering minimal tax rates but also creating a secure environment for commerce. For years, the Da Qi Empire had been plagued by factional strife, with the ruling class squeezing the lifeblood out of the lower classes, leaving both the commoners and the merchants unable to survive.

"Take these regulations and refine them with others. I have only provided the general direction; the specific details require your careful deliberation." As the lord of the city, Qin Xuan could not micromanage every single policy, or he would be overwhelmed.

"I understand, Your Highness." Zhuge Xuan was now deeply energized, eager to find people to help him flesh out the new laws.

Just then, Zhao Luoying entered the hall. "Your Highness, the large iron pots you ordered two days ago are finished. Would you like to go see them?"

"So soon? Let’s go!" Surprised, Qin Xuan gave Zhuge Xuan a few final instructions before quickly departing with Zhao Luoying toward the workshop district in the north of the city.

This area had once been a ruin but had since become a temporary shelter for refugees. After Beining stabilized, Qin Xuan had it renovated into a dedicated workshop district—effectively, a modern industrial park. It now housed all the city’s trades: blacksmiths, tailors, woodworkers, and more.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" As Qin Xuan arrived, the blacksmiths knelt in unison. Most of them were former refugees, which made their loyalty and respect for him all the more profound.

"Everyone, please rise. There is no need for such formality." Qin Xuan smiled warmly and walked quickly toward the massive, newly forged iron pot. It was five meters in diameter and a meter deep, with a perfectly rounded body—a testament to the craftsmen’s superb skill.

"Excellent, truly excellent." Qin Xuan was delighted. "Do not rush to make more of these pots yet. Instead, focus on crafting the iron tools from the blueprints I sent over yesterday. If there is anything you don't understand, ask me now."

With Beining in need of reconstruction, Qin Xuan intended to upgrade every sector starting from the grassroots. He had drawn up designs for more efficient and scientific farm tools based on memories from his previous life, all in preparation for the coming spring. He was particularly focused on the coal stove. Five days prior, his men had discovered coal and iron deposits near the western mountains of Beining—a discovery of monumental importance. With these resources, the city could not help but prosper.

"Your Highness, I understand the design for the coal stove, but since the body is circular, using iron sheets is quite labor-intensive. If we were to replace them with copper, we could significantly improve efficiency," a man in his fifties said tentatively. He was the most respected among the blacksmiths, known for his vast experience and skill.

"I remember you—Gao Xiong, is it?" Qin Xuan had a good impression of the man. Seeing that the Prince of Chu remembered his humble name, the old man was visibly moved. "Yes, it is I. I am honored that Your Highness remembers my lowly name."

"You are too modest." Qin Xuan smiled. "Your suggestion is excellent. I will have the materials sent over shortly." He paused and addressed all the blacksmiths. "You should all learn from Old Gao. If you have any good suggestions, feel free to bring them forward."

The blacksmiths were stirred with excitement. They were people at the bottom of the social ladder; when had they ever been asked for their opinions? And for those opinions to be adopted by the Prince himself? To them, this was a feeling of being respected—a sensation that no amount of gold could buy.

"I hereby announce that Gao Xiong is appointed as a First-Rank Master Craftsman, with the status and benefits of a Seventh-Rank official. From now on, Old Gao is not just a blacksmith; he is an official of Beining."

The sudden declaration stunned everyone present. Gao Xiong, in particular, trembled, tears streaming down his weathered face. He had lived through enough hardship to have grown numb, but in this moment, he felt reborn, ready to serve Qin Xuan with his very life.

"Your Highness, what about us? Can we become officials too?"

"Yes! Our craft may not be as refined as Old Gao's, but in our hometowns, we were considered the best!"

With the precedent set, the blacksmiths grew fervent. This was exactly the reaction Qin Xuan wanted. He spoke loudly: "Not only does every blacksmith have the opportunity to become an official, but every craftsman does as well. As long as your skills are truly exceptional, I will have the government office evaluate you, assess your rank, and grant you corresponding official positions and benefits."

This artisan system had been germinating in Qin Xuan’s mind for a long time. In this world, only those who studied for the civil service or joined the military could change their destiny. But education was expensive, and military service meant risking one’s life. As a transmigrator, Qin Xuan knew that the advancement of productive forces relied above all on the workers—the very people standing before him. Only by raising the social status and treatment of craftsmen could he encourage more people to pursue these trades, thereby fundamentally altering the social structure and accelerating progress.

Looking at the passionate faces of the blacksmiths, Qin Xuan could already see the dawn of a brilliant and prosperous future.