Chapter 418 - Rebuilding Xiangyang District (II)

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Except for Luoyue and Meng Hun, these two military men, whose brains are average, the remaining few have soaring high intelligence.

Despite the limitations of this era, when Jiang Pengji gave this suggestion, they already foresaw the crux of the problem, the closer it spreads the wider it becomes. Others would react to the situation step-by-step but as they took one step, they could see the consequences that would befall them at the next ten steps. They saw further and thought deeper and more holistically.

“Jin believes my lord’s plans can be executed.”

Feng Jin nodded in agreement, the resources they have are finite. Only by creatively manipulating the situation will there be hope for change.

Qiguan Rang and Xu Ke both concurred.

As for Luoyue and Meng Hun?

They just came to be updated and to witness the chasm in intelligence between the excellent and average people.

Jiang Pengji remained in position with her fingers clasped, this disposition a habit she acquired in her previous life.

Those who understand her will recognise this small action and know that she’s already in deep thought.

“Previously, I thought this method was ideal, but an idea just struck. I feel it can be done better.” Jiang Pengji broke into a deep and meaningful smile. This idea is credited to the little partners watching the livestream, otherwise this never would have crossed her mind.

Meng Hun listened on, ashamed, he listened with all his heart, whatever he was confused about he would ask after the meeting ends.

However, Luoyue obviously hasn’t come to a realisation, and asked, “What’s the plan?”

Qiguan Rang gently moved this feathered fan, then proceeded to unravel his confusion, “Rang thinks the lord’s intentions mentioned just now should be to build houses on state land. Then use a lower price to rent to people without houses and land. This will help to ease the burden and is helpful to the people too, it also resolves the predicament that district headquarters is facing. The earthquake in Xiangyang district caused widespread injuries and death, many pieces of land are without owners. According to the laws, it is to be returned to the state.”

As he talked, he became thirsty and drank water. After his throat was soothed, he continued, “In order for the people to have food, these lands not only must be reallocated or rented, it is also imperative that the undeveloped lands must be used for cultivation. Only then will the need for buffalo and farming equipment increase. When the district headquarters rent these items, more conditions can be added. For example, there will be discounts for families who join the labour force, thereby encouraging the people to take initiative and join in. Even the residents will realize the autumn’s harvest require farming equipment and will participate in the workforce.

After Luoyue heard his words it was as if he reached enlightenment, as if the doors of a new world opened for him.

He has listened intently for a while, and it seemed like Jiang Pengji didn’t talk that much.

All these scholarly people, how are they able to decipher hundreds of words from just only ten?

Most probably this was the pain when your intelligence is suppressed.

Seeing Luoyue’s dumbfounded face, the viewers watching the livestream kept themselves very busy. On one end, they criticized the streamer for being unethical as she went to ancient times to engage in real estate.

Concurrently, they are fixated on Luoyue’s expression, they found a suitable term then posted on the bullet screen to express their pity for Luoyue.

Shafachuqiao: “Hahaha, my heart ached for poor Luoyue, his small expressions are so funny that I feel like laughing.”

Huyi Xiaotianshi: “Poor child who doesn’t know what a tragedy it is for others to downplay their intelligence.”

Woyaoquan Qudao Tuijian: “Those who care less to enter Dalao’s world of normal beings. Pity goes out to the mundane.”

Luoyue remained completely oblivious that over 100,000 people pitied him. After Qiguan Rang’s explanation, he felt he understood the gist of this meeting. His eyes can’t help but be filled with respect for Qiguan Rang. District magistrate Liu is not just anyone, her subordinates are even more unique.

“If this method is used, we can indeed speedily restore the people’s livelihood,” Xu Ke commented. “Before winter, those who are homeless will have a house to stay in. This is a benevolent move, if successful, the lord will surely win the hearts of Xiangyang district’s citizens.”

But Jiang Pengji said, “I thought of this from the start, but I have a better solution now.”

At this, the three started to reveal inquisitive looks.

“What other solutions are there?”

Luoyue still couldn’t understand. Meng Hun lowered his head and removed the dead skin that curled on his hand. He had so much fun with it.

Knowing that he is stupid, why be adamant about asking for trouble?

Meng Hun felt his purpose here is to make up the numbers. The rebuilding of infrastructure was not the forte of military men. Even if his intelligence was lacking, it was not embarrassing.

“Of course, please hear me out.”

Jiang Pengji got up to retrieve a brand-new uncut bamboo paper, spread it out and used a piece of charcoal to draw it out. It took but a few strokes of the pen to illustrate a rough layout of the plan. This helped the others visualize it better.

“Presently, the Xiangyang district is a work in progress, rather than rebuilding from a foundation of ruins, why not decisively tear down the entire district in phases and rebuilding from there. The new district headquarters is halfway completed with this as the centre landmark, all other buildings will expand from here. Xiangyang district’s land is vast, many areas are isolated and wasted and they’re to be designated for other purposes, to build houses.”

As she explained, she used a charcoal piece to illustrate this on the bamboo walls. Shortly after, a raw overall picture was drawn for them to visualize.

The trio concentrated on watching, frowned at times and appeared to be deep in thought occasionally.

Due to the limitations of the era, they were ignorant about strategies to speculate in real estate, but this didn’t equate to them being ignorant about the benefits. However, to understand this would require time. If they followed Jiang Pengji’s train of thought, understanding the profound meaning was but a matter of time.

“After these are built, these few properties will only be rented and not sold.”

Jiang Pengji finished drawing then she circled out a location.

The audience in the livestream room secretly judged her for being scheming… all the places that Jiang Pengji circled out are city centres.

Based on the outlook of her layout, the inhabitants will increase steadily in future. The rise in numbers will naturally boost the economy and improve buying and selling. The value of these prime districts will surge exponentially. If the land deeds are owned by the district headquarters, then the money collected from rents alone will be able to sustain the district manor’s daily expenses.

“These areas will neither be sold nor rented but must be well-built. The surface has to be even and broad, the environment welcoming and security must be tight all around. I intend to allocate this area as the headquarters for the rebuilding of the district. As for the layout, it will be a three sectioned or two sectioned one and it’d be ideal if it was exquisite and stylish…”

Jiang Pengji pointed to the place she circled.

As the devastating disaster just passed, the district headquarters was able to reclaim many deeds. However, currently these land deeds are of little value, only when the entire region is set up will the value of the deeds rise. But she isn’t satisfied with the rate it is increasing because the worth of these land deeds is sky high.

Xu Ke narrowed his eyes. As internal affairs personnel, he somewhat understood his lord’s meaning.

Presently, the deed at this place is worthless. After the Xiangyang district develops and takes shape, their worth will escalate, and every meter of land has a price tagged to it.

The planning is over, the blueprint set before them all, and just the thought of accomplishing it requires everyone’s determination to achieve.

Feng Jin and the trio considered it carefully and took turns to share their opinions to fine tune to the raw goal to something more all-encompassing.

Despite them being strict on efficiency, the entire meeting easily took about an hour, the tea water has been refilled twice.

Lastly, Jiang Pengji was responsible for delegating the tasks.

“Xiaoyu, account for the total manpower we have,” she ordered. “Draft a poster to recruit people for labour. The salary will be settled on the spot, 30% will be paid with copper coins and the remaining 70% will be paid with steamed buns or other rations.” With a self-satisfied nod, Jiang Pengji added, “All aspects of the work has been written down in detail, send some men who can read to publicize this. It is imperative that the people understand the deeper meaning behind it to prevent any undesirable misunderstandings.”

“My lord’s commands will be obeyed,” Xu Ke deferred respectfully.