Cui Jinghao said, “Your Majesty, this humble servant is advanced in age and lacking in energy, I wish to retire!”

As he spoke, he knelt down, tears streaming, “Your Majesty, I hope Your Majesty considers my years of loyalty to the Great Yu Dynasty and allows me to retire…”

Zheng Yi frowned, is this old man threatening me?

Since you want to retire, then go ahead.

After all, the Cui Family is a noble family of the Great Yu Dynasty, and in the entire Imperial Court, besides Cui Jinghao, there are other officials above fifth rank.

He promptly said, “Elder Cui has served the country and the people, I am deeply grateful.”

“However, during this time, some courtiers have petitioned to impeach Elder Cui for accepting bribes from the Pseudo-Yan, in the form of gold, silver, and land, regarding this matter…”

Cui Jinghao glared angrily, “Your Majesty! This is slander, I have never accepted gold, silver, or land from the Pseudo-Yan King!”

“I also believe this matter is mere rumor, but public opinion is dangerous, and the rumors may harm Elder Cui.”

“In that case.”

Zheng Yi said, “Elder Cui may retire, but he needs to donate a certain amount of land to the people of Yan Land, I believe Elder Cui’s action will be appreciated by the people there, preventing further unrest.”

“What? Land!”

Cui Jinghao was stunned, what is Your Majesty asking for? He actually wants land!

What absurdity!

Land is the lifeline of all noble families and courtiers.

As long as there is land, there will be a continuous supply of food and money.

The more land there is, the more prosperous the noble family becomes.

Among the rural villagers, whoever dares sell ancestral land is considered a wastrel!

“Indeed.”

Zheng Yi said, “Elder Cui wishes to retire, but there are petitions to impeach him. I truly don’t know how to deal with this.”

“As long as Elder Cui provides one million acres of land, I will agree to his retirement request.”

“The matter of bribery will not be mentioned again!”

This is a plain and simple transaction.

Let’s see what Cui Jinghao will do.

“What, one million acres!”

Cui Jinghao was shocked once more.

The Cui Family has extended for over three hundred years, and indeed possesses vast fertile lands, but to suddenly give out one million acres is essentially asking for his life!

He trembled as he said, “Your Majesty, this humble servant truly cannot produce that much.”

“How about I compensate with gold and silver?”

“Over the years, my Cui Family’s descendants have been involved in business affairs…”

“No.”

Zheng Yi said, “I only want land, to distribute among disaster victims and meritorious ministers. I hope Elder Cui thinks this through.”

“Alright!”

He no longer gave Cui Jinghao a chance to bargain, saying, “Elder Cui is advanced in age and wishes to retire, I cannot refuse, thus I shall revoke Elder Cui’s position as Cabinet Minister.”

“Additionally…”

Zheng Yi glanced around and said, “Li Changfeng shall join the Cabinet.”

As the words fell, many ministers instinctively looked up.

Especially the Minister of War, Li Changfeng.

If he were to join the Cabinet, wouldn’t that mean…

Zheng Yi continued, “Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of the Six Ministries, proceed to Baiyu City for discussion.”

“Others, dismissed!”

“Yes!”

Many courtiers exited one after another, not daring to pay any attention to the grieving Cui Jinghao.

He seemed lost, wandering as he left the palace gates.

One million acres of land?

If really handed over, then the Cui Family would be half ruined.

If not handed over, and Your Majesty pursues the matter of collusion with Yan, the crime equates to treason!

Then, it won’t be one million acres of land, but rather the entire Cui Family!

“Master…”

The servants ran over, cautiously supporting Cui Jinghao.

Cui Jinghao suddenly said, “Go, have Lady visit Noble Consort Cui in the palace. Just say… I am ill!”

The servant blinked and immediately said, “Yes, Master!”

On the second floor of Baiyu City, seven Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of the Six Ministries were gathered, Zheng Yi sat on the Dragon Throne, waving his hand.

Soon, several eunuchs entered carrying a wooden tray.

“Honored ministers, this is the Five-Year Plan I have crafted for our Great Yu Dynasty’s future, you may look over it and provide some opinions, filling in the gaps.”

Five-Year Plan?

What is this?

What is Your Majesty planning now?

Several ministers took it with strange expressions, it was a booklet composed of more than ten pieces of paper.

The content was sparse but shocking.

As the ministers reviewed, Zheng Yi said, “This plan is a national strategy devised by me in light of the current state of our Great Yu Court, I hope in the next five years, all honored ministers will arrange based on this plan and achieve it successfully.”

“After five years, I will review the completion of each task.”

“After five years, a new phase will begin, and a new Five-Year Plan will be discussed!”

As Zheng Yi finished speaking, the ministers did not speak, focused on the small booklet in their hands.

Not in a rush, he signaled palace maids to serve tea, handing it to the ministers.

“The first ‘Five-Year Plan’ of the Great Yu Dynasty, specifics are as follows:”

“First: Suppress the rebels in Northern Lands, strive to suppress within three years, and settle refugees within five years…”

“Second: The Ministry of Industry should vigorously develop military industries centered on the Red Coat Cannon and firearms, recruit fifty thousand skilled workers, and establish ten large military factories…”

“Third: Repel the invading forces of Wu Country.”

“Fourth: Centered on the Capital City, the Ministry of Rites will establish national schools in each village and county, striving to educate children of school age.”

“Fifth: Establish the ‘Punishment Field’ system, where land substitutes punishment. Anyone guilty can provide sufficient land to receive corresponding reductions. Note: Serious crimes such as murder, treason, or rebellion are not within the review scope of the Punishment Field. Moreover, the Punishment Field system only accepts land and not gold, silver, or other items.”

“Sixth: Establish the North Sea Navy…”

“Seventh: The Ministry of Rites will establish the ‘Publicity Department,’ where designated personnel will weekly print documents and news compilations to transmit government affairs and political information, and may also print additional content to propagate the court’s ideology…”

“Eighth: The Imperial Hospital and Ministry of Rites will organize the ‘Medical College.’ They will recruit students interested in medicine to enroll and learn under the teaching of experts from the Imperial Hospital to disseminate medical knowledge…”

“Ninth: Military Merit System. All soldiers who achieve accomplishments, as determined by the Ministry of Industry, will be rewarded with land and money…”

“Tenth: …”

There were nine items in total, all established by Zheng Yi based on the current situation in the Great Yu Dynasty and the intelligence gathered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Some of the contents were wildly imaginative, while others were very suitable for the current national circumstances.

After a period of contemplation, Zheng Yi asked, “Gentlemen, do you have any questions?”

At this time, the ministers had finished reading the five-year plan and exchanged bewildered looks, their minds overwhelmed with shock.

Newly promoted minister, Minister of War Li Changfeng asked, “Your Majesty, you mentioned suppressing the northern lands’ disorderly civilians within five years, and repelling the invading forces of Wu Country. How should this suppression be carried out, and by whom, with what specific methods?”

Zheng Yi responded, “This is just a plan; specifics will still be discussed cooperatively by Mr. Li and the courtiers.”

Li Changfeng asked, “Your Majesty, can the Ministry of War receive limited support from the Ministry of Industry for the Red Coat Cannon?”

The Pseudo-Yan was quickly defeated by the Great Yu Court entirely due to the existence of Red Coat Cannon!

If these guns and cannons were equipped in all the Great Yu’s military units, then…

Zheng Yi stated, “That’s indeed my intention. The Red Coat Cannon, Thunderbolt, firearms will eventually be arranged for all Great Yu troops, but not currently!”

“I will focus on the Divine Strategy Camp and gradually distribute the Red Coat Cannon and Thunderbolt, ensuring that within five years, the Imperial Guard, Imperial Army, and Five Cities Military Department around the Capital City will be controlling the firearms.”

“Meanwhile, I will personally train military units, gradually spreading to other state counties.”

After contemplating for a while, Li Changfeng sincerely declared, “Your Majesty is wise! However, Your Majesty, what is the North Sea Navy you mentioned?”

“It’s quite simple, the navy based at the estuary of Binzhou. I intend to build a naval base there.”

Zheng Yi said, “This base is located in Binzhou, overlooking Jizhou and Sizhou across the sea. Local fishermen and water thieves can be recruited to form the navy, with sea vessels serving as the foundation for far-reaching trade, opening up maritime routes with places like Yur Country.”

“Of course, the four seas also contain Yur Country, Bin Country, and other nations, along with a large number of Wokou, hence we need the protection of sturdy ships and powerful cannons!”

“I want to place the Red Coat Cannon on sea vessels, enabling long voyages, safeguarding ourselves while also combating pirate Wokou!”

“This is my plan for building the North Sea Navy.”

Hearing Zheng Yi’s explanation, the others were filled with astonishment.

Developing the navy?

Far-reaching trade?

This…

If it truly develops, it would be a source of endless riches!

Li Changfeng felt his voice dry up and asked, “Your Majesty, who will oversee the management of the North Sea Navy?”

“Furthermore, the immense expenses and time required to build large ships and bases are astronomical, I fear…”

Zheng Yi replied, “This matter will be discussed later; I have plans in mind.”

“As for the expenses, I will support it from the internal treasury initially, while releasing a portion of the trade shares for long-distance voyages, selling them to civilian merchants and gathering private capital.”

“As long as merchants and noble families are willing to invest in building the North Sea Navy, once it’s established successfully, they can join in the long-distance trade voyage!”

Far-reaching trade!

As someone experienced, Zheng Yi naturally knew the vast benefits involved.

Many officials and noble families along the coast had long been disregarding court bans, secretly trading with other countries using small ships.

Even some fishermen dared to use sampans to travel to other islands and sea territories to sell goods.

If they can do this, why can’t I?

Furthermore, the establishment of the North Sea Navy isn’t purely for long-distance trade.

It’s for… seeking immortals!

The headquarters of the Mayfly Tower is located in the Yur Country!

“Gentlemen, do you have any other questions?”

Minister of the Ministry of Rites Kong Xiangsi spoke, “Your Majesty, constructing national schools is also enormously expensive…”

Zheng Yi responded, “Initially focusing on the Capital City, then gradually expanding and extending towards other state counties.”

“I have mentioned it’s a long-term plan; don’t expect to accomplish everything at once.”

“Granted!”

Someone else asked, “Your Majesty, the Imperial Hospital is already short of personnel. If the Imperial Hospital’s physicians are released for teaching, then who will handle illnesses within the palace…”

“We can summon renowned physicians nationwide to serve as professors, forming the Imperial Medical College, I will provide them with whatever they desire, money, honor, as long as they train a large number of young medical students for me!”

“These medical college students, once trained, will be deployed in the army as military physicians, protecting my soldiers!”

Another person remarked, “Your Majesty, regarding the Punishment Field regulations, it may… breed a lot of corruption and probing, and public opinion criticism; this plan… might be inappropriate.”

Zheng Yi indifferently said, “The plan won’t exist for long; other plans originate from this plan.”

“The court is rife with corrupt officials; rooting them out entirely might cause great chaos. Hence, I devised the Punishment Field strategy.”

“Unless involved in major crimes such as murder or treason, officials, noble families, merchants can all be severely punished with ‘land’ to alleviate their penalties.”

“Remember!”

Zheng Yi intensely gazed at the Ministry of Justice, as Minister of the Ministry of Justice Cui Jinghao had retired to return home, so two Assistant Ministers were present.

“I want land, land alone, whether it’s paddy fields, dry fields, or mountainous terrain, I only want these!”

“Whoever dares to substitute with gold and silver, don’t blame me for being unkind!”

Both Assistant Ministers of the Ministry of Justice were frightened and quickly knelt: “We will follow your orders!”

“Alright, gentlemen, any further questions? I will answer each one!”

“Your Majesty, there are still some loopholes in this strategy…”

“Your Majesty, I have another strategy!”

“Your Majesty…”

Days later, the fresh Great Yu Dynasty’s five-year plan, formulated after discussions with key courtiers, was swiftly delivered to the government offices in the thirteen states for officials to be informed.

Amongst them, some plans stirred waves of debate!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep