Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2279: Chapter 2276: Trust

“However, previously, the Ministry of Revenue didn’t have silver to allocate for repairs locally, so they always let the yamen handle the selling and distribution,” Chu Heng said calmly.

Emperor Xuanming squinted his eyes, took a couple of steps with his hands behind his back in the grand hall, then turned around and asked, “Minister Chu, do you have a way to promote further development of the official newspaper?”

“Emperor, I suggest establishing the Official Gazette Office separately because there can be demonstrations locally. Also, the content of the capital’s official newspapers, and additionally, the content needs local officials from the Official Gazette Office to handle, such as some criminal cases or major cases, which need time to spread across regions. If controlled by the government, the manpower might be inadequate, and authenticity might be lost, which could cause local people’s resistance if mishandled.” These are all due to inconvenient transport.

Chu Heng had considered this before, but didn’t mention it earlier to persuade Emperor Xuanming to set up the Official Gazette Office, naturally speaking of the positives.

Now, he wasn’t foolish, and would seize this opportunity to promote the Official Gazette Office.

“Your words are reasonable,” Emperor Xuanming noted, “What’s the recent content of the Official Gazette Office?”

“Emperor, winter is approaching. I plan to announce how to plant cotton on the official newspaper, but this matter needs to be discussed with you first.”

“What suggestion?” Emperor Xuanming looked at him, his mood evidently better than before. Compared to those who fought for personal gains, he naturally preferred someone like Chu Heng, who directly offered solutions. As long as this person didn’t betray him, why not grant him glory.

Chu Heng said, “Emperor, I’ve investigated some situations concerning the soldiers and people in the Northern Region. There’s no need to mention soldiers; they always lack food and clothing annually. But this year, since they planted potatoes and high-yield rice in the Northern Region, the harvest wasn’t bad. More consideration should be given to cotton clothing and other warming items.”

“In the past, it was always the Ministry of Revenue allocating silver for Great Chu’s military supplies. This year, the funds can be raised through other methods.”

“The official newspaper has long been teaching people to cultivate certain crops. Now is the time to let the people open up land and plant cotton next year. The imperial court promises to buy cotton at market prices. Surely, some people would be willing to plant.”

“This way, Great Chu will have more cotton, and naturally, the price of cotton clothing will decrease.”

“Purchasing cotton clothing requires opening a workshop controlled by the imperial court. Over time, winter won’t be so harsh for the people, and I’ve already planned how to promote cotton planting in the official newspaper.” Chu Heng said this, then presented a report.

Emperor Xuanming finished reading it, feeling pleased. As long as nothing unexpected happens, all the people in the world will be grateful to him, the Emperor.

Chu Heng is indeed a wise man.

“Good, let’s proceed with that plan. Go and spread the news,” Emperor Xuanming said.

Chu Heng nodded, and under the satisfied gaze of Emperor Xuanming, he left.

After he left, he didn’t see that.

Emperor Xuanming summoned other officials into the palace for discussions.

Ultimately, the exhibited attitude was evidently dissatisfaction toward Minister Qi, and those who intended to take action against Chu Heng were reprimanded.

Five days later.

Today’s content of the official newspaper was settled on promoting the planting of cotton.

The common folks who bought the newspaper were surprised when they saw the news.

“Only barren land can be used for planting, not fertile fields. Is cotton easy to grow? What if it doesn’t grow?”