Chapter 316: The scheming of the emperor
"As far as I know, this Bei Loulan was originally the least developed region of the Grand Duchy of Loulan. Although the geographical location is important, due to the complex population composition and the large number of ethnic minorities, the local economy has been lagging behind. This is also one of the biggest reasons why people of all ethnic groups are dissatisfied with the Grand Duchy of Loulan. ∷" Tian Yi cleared his throat and began to introduce the basic situation.
Zhao Youxiao nodded slightly, then signaled Tian Yi to continue.
"Now Qin Mu intends to divide the gift to Beiloulan into two pieces. The northwest Loulan was originally the most desolate area, including the green swamp and the grassland near the Indian De'an Kingdom. The area is equivalent to the area of the two governments in our empire. There is no city. Most of the residents make a living from agriculture, fishery and animal husbandry, and there is no industry and commerce at all. The road traffic facilities are also extremely backward. It should be said that they are in a mid-blan state. The original management of the Loulan people was only a formality, so Qin Mu hopes to establish a central city in this area, and the ethnic groups living near the northwest corner of the Indian De'an Kingdom are repeatedly harassing the neighboring Indian De'an tribe. Qin Mu hopes to establish a small fortress there, that is, the westernmost end of the empire's territory, to garrison to maintain local public security." Tian Yi saw that His Majesty the Emperor listened very seriously, and he was particularly careful when introducing it.
"The Northeast Loulan is centered on the existing Vito City, including the large Hengduan Mountains where the Gaoyue Barbarians lived in the east and the shallow hills nearby. The Loulan people only have nominal sovereignty, but in fact, they have no way to control every tree and grass here for hundreds of years. The Andes in this area account for a larger proportion than the Northwest Loulan, and can be regarded as the largest ethnic group in the entire Northeast Loulan. Our Tang people also account for a certain proportion, and the economic situation is slightly stronger than the west. However, if the Gaoyue Barbarians lived in the Hengduan Mountains are also included, the problem here is quite specific. The Gaoyue Barbarians are still in a relatively primitive economic state. If they want to get out of the backward state as soon as possible, they also need to make greater investments in transportation, education, and health." Tian Yi slowly introduced the situation of the entire Beiluan.
"Now that the Beiloulan area has been newly included in the empire's territory, and local people of all ethnic groups have also placed great hopes for the empire, so I came to ask Your Majesty for this matter." Seeing that His Majesty's forehead was slightly wrinkled, Tian Yi quickly added.
"The Beiloulan area is so vast. Is it really so backward in the economy?" Zhao Youxiao focused his attention on the report in his hand again.
"Although the northern Loulan area is large, its ethnic composition is complex and it has always been not the focus of the development of the Loulan government. The economic focus of Loulan is mainly concentrated in the central and southern regions, followed by the western region. It does not pay attention to the north and has quite few troops. Therefore, Qin Mu was able to succeed easily, and the Loulan people signed an agreement with Qin Mu so easily and generously." Tian Yi explained.
"In your opinion, if Qin Mu's requirements are met, how much money will the empire allocate?" Zhao Youxiao asked thoughtfully.
"If this is to be fully satisfied, it will be a considerable amount. In the report, Qin Mu proposed that building a new city, developing transportation, rectifying military equipment, and improving the construction of the regime all require a considerable amount of funds. According to the preliminary estimate, it will take at least 15 million silver. But the imperial finances are not abundant now. There are many places to require funds, and it is difficult to bear such a huge cost." Tian Yi's words could not hear any tendency.
"According to you, Beiloulan is vast and has rich resources. Is it so poor and backward?" Zhao Youxiao asked hesitantly.
"Since the founding of the Grand Duchy of Loulan, its economic and development focus has tended toward the central and southern regions, followed by the western regions. The northern regions have many ethnic minorities. In addition, these ethnic minorities have not had a very harmonious relationship with the Andes, and the population is far less than that of the central and southern and western regions, so they have not paid attention to it at all. The local culture, education and infrastructure are quite backward, otherwise the Loulan people would not have only a small number of troops. Qin Mu would not have succeeded so easily, and the Grand Duchy of Loulan would not have signed a treaty agreement with Qin Mu in such a generous manner." Tian Yi explained patiently.
"Then do you think the empire needs to provide such huge aid to such a remote and backward area?" Zhao Youxiao asked slowly, and a pair of eagle eyes also fell on Tian Yi's face.
"this……"
Tian Yi was a little nervous. He couldn't tell what the Emperor Emperor meant. Looking at the happy look at the court yesterday, he should have to support Qin Mu's request. But judging from the current situation, His Majesty the Emperor seemed to have some suspicion and his attitude changed a lot. He was a person who was extremely good at guessing the will of the saints. Otherwise, he would not have been a firm member of the imperial court in the past few decades of ups and downs. Could it be that something new changed in the matter this night?
"This depends on Your Majesty's opinion. If Your Majesty thinks that Beiloulan is located in a remote location and has no great value for development, Qin Mu can solve it himself and the court can provide appropriate subsidies. If Your Majesty thinks that Beiloulan is important and has the necessity of key development, the empire can naturally provide a certain amount of aid to promote the accelerated development of the local economy." His words were clear and he gently pushed the problem back to Zhao Youxiao.
"I want to hear your opinion." Zhao Youxiao was a little dissatisfied with Tian Yi's ambiguous answer.
"This is the geographical location of Beiloulan, far away from the heart of the empire, but it is a springboard for the empire to enter the Central Continent. It is not of great value in economic sense, but it is very important in strategic position. Controlling this area will also help the extension of the empire's influence to the Central Continent. For example, the Western Regions and the Tengger Grassland area can radiate, which is of great benefit to improving the status and influence of the empire. However, this area is too remote and the management of the empire is relatively difficult."
Tian Yi thought quickly in his head and finally said something to deal with it. Without knowing the true intentions of His Majesty the Emperor, he did not dare to make attentive words.
Zhao Youxiao sighed slightly. He could not blame Tian Yi for his words. If he had based on what he meant yesterday, he would definitely have to support him. But seeing that his tone changed a bit today, he naturally did not dare to make suggestions. The crux of this problem is actually not whether Beiloulan is important or not worthy of assistance, but that he cannot rest assured about Qin Mu.
"Tian Aiqing, the weather is good today. Please accompany me to walk by the lake." Zhao Youxiao stood up and took the lead.
"I obey the order." Tian Yi knew that His Majesty the Emperor must have something to ask him, so he hurriedly followed and followed behind.
The winding lakeside path looks particularly quiet, with ancient trees around it and the scenery is very beautiful. Zhao Youxiao walked slowly to a stone tablet next to the road. The inscription was blurred, and he gently stroked the stone tablet, as if something was difficult to resolve.
Chapter completed!