eurekapd Chapter 1086 Expanding the Piece of the Pie
Chapter 1086 Expanding the Piece of the Pie
That's right, more salt—that's the 'sweet date' Li Che offered.
Ever since Li Che entered the salt wells of Ciyan and saw the salt-making techniques of the Liao people, he had an idea in mind.
The issues between the Shu people, Liao people, and Qiang and Man people seem to be entangled in a complex web of interests, but since I'm an overpowered individual, I don't need to confront them head-on.
If there isn't enough salt, just get more salt, right?
Reality isn't like taking an exam where you have to write out a solution first and then follow the standard step-by-step to get a score.
Sometimes, tearing the paper into pieces is also a solution.
Seeing the increasingly confused looks on everyone's faces, Li Che said unhurriedly, "I have seen your salt wells. The technology is crude and outdated, to say the least."
“Using bamboo tubes to draw brine and boiling it in large cast iron pots is not only time-consuming and laborious, but also yields very little salt.”
"Such a waste of resources makes it no wonder that the salt supply in Sichuan is insufficient."
This time, everyone was completely baffled, even the old man was somewhat confused.
Li Che paused for a moment, then said, "I have a better way: new salt pots, improved processes, efficient fuel... all of these can be bestowed upon you."
"I can assure you that I can increase your salt production by at least 50%."
“Fifty percent?!”
An uncontrollable gasp erupted from inside the bamboo house. The chieftains' faces lit up as they exchanged shocked glances.
They don't understand technological innovation, but they can understand 50% of table salt.
More salt meant more wealth, a more abundant life, and a more powerful tribe!
The fear they had felt earlier was swept away by the immense temptation, and the songs of praise and adulation rang out again, even more fervent and sincere than before.
For the local people who depend on salt for their livelihood, whoever can provide them with more salt is their father, mother, ancestor, or god!
Li Che remained expressionless, letting them vent their emotions.
The crux of the problem in Sichuan is actually not complicated; it is simply a matter of limited resources leading to endless competition.
What he needs to do is not to join the competition, but to expand the market.
When salt becomes so plentiful that it cannot be exhausted even in the entire Sichuan region and beyond, many conflicts naturally disappear.
These chieftains were overjoyed at the moment, but they failed to see one thing clearly: when salt became inexhaustible, it would be their end.
After all, they depended on salt wells for their survival. When the Shu region no longer lacked salt, what use were they?
By then, those who have lost their value will have no other way out but to wholeheartedly follow Li Che.
After the noise subsided, Li Che raised his hand again.
The room fell silent instantly.
“Of course,” he said calmly. “These things can’t be given away for free.”
"I have conditions."
The leaders breathed a slight sigh of relief.
That makes sense. How could an emperor, who is so terrifying, possibly do charity for nothing?
"My conditions are very simple."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze pressing down on the group of chieftains like a weight.
"First, from today onwards, all salt wells in Shunan must establish a 'Salt Supervision Office,' with the court appointing a chief official to oversee matters such as salt tax quotas, technological innovation, and salt production hours."
The leaders felt a chill run down their spines.
This 'Salt Supervision Office' was the nail that the imperial court directly planted in the salt wells. The days of distributing salts behind closed doors are gone forever.
Li Che also offered an explanation: "Your rule is too chaotic. The work schedule is inconsistent, the working hours are irregular, and the pay is unclear. You know in your hearts how many Liao people have died in the salt wells over the years."
Seeing the chieftains' complacent expressions, Li Che sighed, "People are the most precious resource. If you Liao people lose your numerical advantage, what right do you have to survive?"
"We should learn to be kinder to our fellow countrymen."
The old man from Qing Teng Dong seemed thoughtful, but the others remained indifferent.
Li Che was too lazy to explain to them. After all, he hadn't even sorted out the human rights situation in Daqing yet, so he didn't have time to speak up for the ordinary Liao people.
The reason I'm mentioning this is to prevent these chieftains from killing the Liao people, who are now considered their own property.
Li Che continued, “Each of you may send an assistant to help manage your clan’s kitchen workers and convey government orders.”
"The Salt Commissioner's Office was directly under the jurisdiction of the Salt Transport Commissioner's Office in Chengdu and was not subject to the control of local prefectures and counties."
He glanced at Yang Tong, who immediately straightened his back and his chubby face was flushed.
Just a few days ago, he was a minor official from Sichuan struggling to survive in the south of the Yangtze River. Today, he has become the superior of all his subordinates. This makes Yang Tong feel lightheaded and somewhat unreal.
“Second,” Li Che continued, “that is, building roads.”
"The cost of road construction will be coordinated by the imperial court. If your tribes do not have money, they will have to provide manpower. Labor will be allocated according to the number of people and salt wells. I will assign craftsmen to provide guidance and provide iron tools."
“Remember this: wherever the road is built, my troops, caravans, and even the new salt pots and techniques that I have promised will go.”
"Where the road is blocked, everything remains the same."
This is a blatant threat, using their interests to drive them to complete the project.
The roads themselves extended the imperial court's control to every corner.
The chieftains might understand, or they might not even know Li Che's deeper meaning, but Li Che didn't care.
Once the road is repaired, they will be completely under control and will no longer be able to cause any trouble.
“Third,” Li Che’s gaze deepened, “wherever there is a salt commissioner, a ‘translation and training office’ must be established.”
"I will dispatch officials who are fluent in Liao and Qing languages to teach Qing language official language and translate court laws, decrees, new laws and techniques."
"The sons of tribal chiefs who are ten years of age or older must enter the school to study. Those who have made progress in their studies and are proficient in the Qing language and laws will be given priority to be promoted to deputy salt supervisors in the future, and may even have the opportunity to go to Chengdu or even the capital for further studies."
Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in the eyes of several of the more astute leaders, such as the old man from Qing Teng Dong.
They understood the deeper meaning: it was about selection and assimilation.
Whoever can master the language and rules of the Qing people faster will be able to occupy a favorable position in the new power structure.
However, at the same time, it remains unknown whether these people who began to integrate into Daqing society were Daqing people or Liao people.
This is an open conspiracy, yet it is hard to resist.
Chieftains like Aguli, who relied more on bravery, seemed somewhat bewildered, finding the rules and regulations quite troublesome.
In fact, Li Che didn't expect to determine anything through these three conditions.
These three conditions are just conditions; they have no real effect. They are only mentioned to reassure these chieftains for the time being.
Li Che has other ways to completely control them and quickly make them obediently serve as his dogs, never to rise again.
"These three things are my conditions, and also the exchange for the new laws I have granted."
Li Che concluded, "I have finished speaking. Do you have any objections?"