EBE Chapter 562 Old Fox
Chapter 562 Old Fox
Wei Ming smiled wryly and nodded. Eating and drinking weren't the main issue; the main issue was their excretion. If so many people were to relieve themselves haphazardly, it would be fatal. So Wei Ming had specially established several toilets, and while waste was not wasted, the treated waste was mixed into the soil to fertilize it. Combined with heavy penalties and a reporting system, they were able to maintain basic hygiene.
Su Mu asked this because, while the outer city looked dirty and messy, it wasn't so bad it was uninhabitable. If anything, the roads were still clean. Most people at that time were clueless, and with the Chengde River at their backs, there was no shortage of water. By diverting a river and asking the water god for a blessing, these people could use it with peace of mind. And with the regular intake of heat-clearing and detoxifying decoctions, they stumbled along, creating a unique balance.
Young and middle-aged people worked day and night, reclaiming wasteland and digging canals. The elderly were almost nowhere to be seen, as the Chengde River had already filtered out this group. Those who managed to cross the river alive were the strong and healthy young and middle-aged, women, and a very small number of elderly and children. The elderly who made it to the other side of the river were those with connections, wealth, power, or luck and a strong constitution. Otherwise, they wouldn't have made it this far.
Wei Ming continued, "The other side is in turmoil right now, so they can't be too particular." "In these troubled times, there are few large ships capable of crossing the river. Furthermore, the Chengde River is becoming increasingly treacherous, so shipowners can cram many times more people on board. A straight line of hundreds of kilometers would take weeks, not to mention getting lost."
Wei Ming was fortunate enough to witness this once: the boat was completely packed with people. These were the lucky few. If anyone was found sick during the journey, the boat owner's standard practice was to throw them directly into the river to feed the fish. Otherwise, the infection would spread from one person to another, and everyone would die. This is when human selfishness becomes apparent. The boat owner's actions were not only met with no objection, but also with mutual scrutiny. In the face of life, everyone is selfish. As long as it's not themselves, anyone can be left behind. Therefore, being left behind was what these people deserved, and the boat owner acted without any psychological burden.
Moreover, the goods exchanged for a single shipload were enough to live comfortably for a lifetime. In troubled times, copper coins and silver notes were worthless; what was valuable was gold and silver, hard currency. And a ship ticket cost one or two taels of gold. Imagine this: a ship designed to carry only a hundred people was crammed with three or four hundred. That's three or four hundred gold per trip. A round trip would take only ten or twenty days at best, a huge profit.
So why are ships still sailing? It's because this trade isn't limited to Lin State; Yan State also has a significant presence. Yan State ships command higher prices, but demand outstrips supply. This year alone, a single ship could earn thousands to tens of thousands of taels of gold. What a concept! While this business carries risks, for the aristocratic families, they don't operate the business themselves; they provide the ships and the crew, making it a guaranteed profit.
So, it's a mixed bag here. And after all, who comes here without some hidden treasure? The more chaotic the situation, the greater the benefits. With the benefits, many people are willing to serve these refugees. From all corners of the world, food, drink, and fashionable goods pour into Yujiang Pass.
As long as you're diligent, there's no shortage of work here. And to survive, people are willing to learn everything from playing the piano, chess, calligraphy, and painting to writing biographies. Many shops, restaurants, teahouses, and academies come here to recruit employees: shopkeepers, storytellers, accountants, cooks...
"Don't be fooled by the chaos here; it's even more prosperous than the capital." Su Mu understood that in these chaotic times, aside from those with ambition and ideals, the first to flee were the middle and upper classes. These people were either ladies from prominent families or well-versed in poetry and literature. Before the war in Lin State, they were all prominent figures, and at the very least, they were free and easy.
You have to understand, except for the initial period, the current ferry tickets are being driven to exorbitant prices. Those who can afford them, even if it means breaking the bank, are far superior to the average person. A group of elites have flocked here as if nothing is left to chance. Attracted by talent and driven by profit, this place is overflowing with treasures. Furthermore, what these people see and hear on the ferry has shattered their pride. In a foreign land, their initial pride has long since faded; they are lucky to be alive.
Cheap and easy to use, this is no top-tier cattle and horses. Even Wei Ming's government has recruited quite a few people, some of whom are highly skilled in martial arts. Whatever talent you want, you can find it here. Of course, being rich doesn't necessarily mean being smart. Whether you're a fool or a genius depends on your vision.
Su Mu was completely captivated by this. As he entered the town, he finally understood what Wei Ming meant by prosperity. While it was chaotic, there was no shortage of people seeking wealth and prosperity through risk. The outer city was orderly, while the inner city was incredibly prosperous. It was packed and bustling, each one possessing their own unique aura. It was a sight you wouldn't even find in the capital. It was simply incredible.
"Come with me," Wei Ming said with a smile. Su Mu cursed with a smile, "You old fox."
"Hahaha, being a little older, I've definitely made some progress." Wei Ming knew Su Mu saw through his intentions, but they both kept their distance. Wei Ming's introduction made it clear that Yujiang Pass wasn't entirely unprofitable or thankless. The benefits weren't in the present, but in the future. What does it mean to be near the water first?
Recommended by Wei Ming, they entered the Yan Dynasty, earning favor and favor. Those who had failed to achieve success in neighboring states, or those who had, would be strengthened by his influence, solidifying the Yan Dynasty's foundation. Wei Ming's selection of personnel was skillful, and while it wouldn't necessarily lead to a loss for all, the sense of gratitude was certainly there. The Yan Dynasty might suppress these outsiders now, but what about ten or twenty years from now? No one could predict.
But more talent would definitely strengthen the Yan Dynasty's foundation. Furthermore, the Yan Dynasty's subsequent military campaign would carve out a piece of Lin State's territory, which would undoubtedly be substantial. This presented opportunities. Given Lin State's national conditions, these individuals might be more experienced than those of the Yan Dynasty. Of course, their positions wouldn't be high, but they would be sufficient.
Su Mu couldn't help but admire Wei Ming; he truly spared no effort in making Yan Chao a better person. Mirage Dragon and Old Goat shook their heads when they saw the two men burst out laughing. Xuan Mo actually understood something, but he didn't care. The people in the Demon Slayer Division, with their eyes watching their noses and their noses watching their hearts, didn't know if they understood what the two men were laughing at. Wei Ming made no attempt to hide his feelings; his openness was the reason for the emperor's trust.
Wei Ming led the two to a private room. This was a restaurant specializing in Lin Country cuisine, and it was very popular. Yan people came to try something new, while Lin people came to reminisce, hence the popularity. This was also the first restaurant of its kind to open. Was it exotic? Not really, after all, the cuisines of Lin and Yan did share some similarities.