Chapter 737 - 25: An Unprecedented Era of Prosperity, The Restoration of Yan Yun

Moreover, with the presence of Ryukyu.

It is worth mentioning that the current King of Ryukyu is still a descendant of Li Chengqian, but he holds no power whatsoever. Thus, the Gu Clan has collaborated with the locals to form a unique management system.

Indeed, it is the system that Gu Yu once contemplated after traveling the world and then concealed in Julu.

This place has now become a transit station for maritime trade in Kyushu.

Including the local populace.

They have now fully assimilated into Kyushu culture and have absolute faith in the Gu Clan.

With all these factors, the profit derived from this Tea Mountain has reached an astonishing figure.

This is completely different from the development in original history.

In the original history, although there were many differences between various dynasties, the words "scholars, peasants, artisans, and merchants" still ran through the entire history.

Even in the Song Dynasty, where the status of merchants was the highest.

This can actually be perceived from many systems.

This can also be understood because the continuous development of merchants is bound to drive the transformation of the entire country.

But the current situation is completely different.

With the infiltration of local forces, once a series of different restrictions are in place, these merchants become one of the tools for national development.

Gu Jin made great efforts for this.

Through the monthly issuance of the "Morning Record," he continuously modified the values of the people across the country.

Transforming their respect for wealth into respect for virtue.

Indeed, in the current Great Song.

Rich merchants may not necessarily be respected, but those who abide by court laws and various systems will certainly be respected.

He even specifically established a department in the Imperial Censorate.

Allowing the public to report merchants who are "without virtue."

He used these methods to restrain the merchants of the Great Song.

Of course, this series of systems cannot be described as perfect.

No matter what system, it can only be used at the time.

But for the current Great Song.

As long as the Gu Clan remains and the Imperial Censorate does not fall, this system, no matter how decayed, is not enough to directly affect the foundation of the nation.

Because the people’s values have gradually taken shape!

This is the truly important thing!

....

The tenth year of the Tongyuan era, April.

Kaifeng.

The Grand Tutor’s residence.

"Reporting to the Grand Tutor, the annual income from maritime vessels in Liangzhe Road has increased to 3.5 million coins, and commercial taxes in Quanzhou and Guangzhou have exceeded one million each. Jingji Road has newly established twenty-seven state-operated weaving workshops, employing over thirty thousand workers, with more than two hundred private imitators."

Chen Shu, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, stood before the officials, skillfully unfolding the silk scroll, and said earnestly, "The Hebei Road implemented corn rotation, with overflowing granaries capable of supplying the Border Army for three years."

"The Imperial Censorate reports that employment contracts have reached over four hundred thousand records, with the number of refugees being the lowest since the founding of the nation."

This finance official, known historically for his astuteness and skill, spoke with an uncontrollable excitement, his hands trembling all the while.

——A prosperous era!

An unprecedented prosperous era!

Such prosperity is enough to keep any scholar awake at night, including themselves.

As soon as his words fell, Lv Duan, the Vice Chancellor, stepped up and added, "Grand Tutor, the transportation volume on the Bian River has doubled compared to ten years ago, and rice and silk from Jiangnan can reach the Capital in three days."

"Three hundred new government schools have been established, with over forty percent enrollment of young students." He paused, "However, the Border Army reports that Liao is building over thirty imitated sea vessels in Suzhou and repeatedly dispatching spies to Liaodong to steal corn seeds."

Gu Jin tapped his fingers on the surface of the mahogany desk, not caring in the slightest.

Such things naturally cannot be restricted indefinitely.

As corn is planted more widely and its yield increases, this is impossible to achieve.

His expression was very calm, and just as Lv Duan finished speaking, he began to speak slowly, seeming to have thought of everything in advance: "Gentlemen, do you know that the brilliance of prosperity is most likely to erode one’s spirit?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present was momentarily taken aback.

The excitement on their faces gradually calmed down at this time.

Gu Jin looked around at everyone, stood up leisurely, and his tone grew increasingly solemn: "The Liao people’s theft of seeds and shipbuilding is just a minor ailment."

"The real ulcer—"

He walked over to the geographic map and pointed to the Sixteen States of Yan Yun on the map, "is here!"

It was clearly a very serious moment.

Yet, at this moment, everyone visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

How could they not know Gu Jin’s ambitions?

The geographic map of the country has always been prominently displayed in the Grand Tutor’s residence for many years, which already says it all.

Gu Jin has never forgotten the aspiration he shared with the founding emperor.

——To sweep across the entire world!

And the reason Gu Jin set his sights on the Sixteen States of Yan Yun is equally simple.

Ever since the Later Jin’s Shi Jingtang ceded the Sixteen States of Yan Yun to the Khitan, this land has been like the Sword of Damocles hanging over the head of the entire Central Plains dynasty.

Geographically, the land of Yan Yun encompasses the northern section of the Taihang Mountains and its branches, serving as a natural military barrier.

The Great Wall winds along it, guarding the crucial passes through the mountains.

Losing Yan Yun means the North China Plain’s gateway is wide open, allowing Liao’s cavalry to descend south unimpeded, directly reaching the Yellow River.

For the Great Song, with its capital in Kaifeng situated at the crossroads, this strategic vulnerability and threat is particularly profound, equivalent to "the loss of the national gate’s key."

And this is just the most basic aspect.

On a deeper level, the Yan Yun area is also a threshold that the Great Song must cross.