The focus of subsequent development was placed on the domestic market, so the reign title was changed to the early years of Kaiyuan.

According to Jinmao's idea, it would be better to simply remove the system and use a method similar to the Gregorian calendar to record the era name, which would be convenient and quick.

However, it is somewhat difficult to popularize it among the entire population, as people below them do not yet understand how to record time digitally. This requires some time.

March, the first year of Kaiyuan.

Since the last anti-corruption policy was introduced, only two or three kittens have been found.

The actual situation is that the north was severely hit by disasters, which led to the use of more grain than expected.

Fortunately, Jinmao did not hesitate to reserve grain, which reduced the number of people who died of freezing or starvation during this cold winter by more than 90%.

When Jinmao announced this to the world, people's enthusiasm for paying taxes increased.

Who can tell when it will be your family’s turn to be struck by a disaster?
As long as the country provides a guarantee, paying more grain is not a problem.

However, Jin Mao did not want to impose more taxes for this reason, and proposed to hold a grand court meeting for this matter.

"My dear friends."

Jin Mao, wearing the emperor's robes, conveyed his intentions, saying: "The people have just had a few years of peace, and I do not want to add more burdens to them. Although the disaster relief this time has achieved remarkable results, it has also exposed the shortcomings of our grain reserve system. I think that instead of raising taxes on the people, it is better to fundamentally enhance the country's grain self-sufficiency."

All the ministers in the court were startled when they heard the words and listened attentively.

"I want to implement two measures," Jin Mao continued with a sharp gaze, "One is to encourage farming, expand the area of ​​​​cultivated land, introduce advanced farming technology, and increase food production; the second is to strengthen water conservancy construction and build irrigation systems to prevent droughts and floods and ensure a good harvest. These two projects are huge and require the efforts of the whole country, but their long-term benefits are enough to benefit future generations."

Situ Xi Zhicai stepped forward, clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty is far-sighted. This policy is indeed a good way to govern the country and maintain peace. However, how to allocate funds and manpower still requires detailed planning."

Jin Mao nodded and signaled Xi Zhicai to continue.

"I suggest setting up a special fund to support the research and development and implementation of farming technology and water conservancy projects. At the same time, folk craftsmen and farmers can be recruited to participate in the construction, which can not only solve the employment problem but also promote the progress of the project. As for supervision and management, a special agency can be set up to ensure the proper use of funds and manpower."

After hearing this, Jin Mao was quite satisfied and said, "What Situ said is very true. Let's act accordingly. In addition, I would like to remind everyone that this matter concerns the national economy and people's livelihood. We must strengthen the people's hearts and build the foundation of the country together."

The Grand Councilor Zhuge Liang stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance and must be supervised by a dedicated person. I suggest that a virtuous and capable person be selected to preside over this matter!"

Jin Mao nodded in approval, his eyes swept across the court, and after a moment's silence, he said, "Master Zhuge is right. The candidate must be knowledgeable about farming, prestigious, and able to win the hearts of the people. I have made up my mind to appoint Hua Xin, the Minister of Works, as the governor of this agricultural technology and water conservancy project, who will be fully responsible for the planning, implementation, and supervision of the project. Master Hua Xin is known for his hard work and has a good reputation among the people. He will definitely live up to my high expectations."

Upon hearing the news, Hua Xin immediately stepped out of his class and knelt down to express his gratitude: "I, Hua Xin, accept the order and thank you. I will do my best to live up to your majesty and the court's trust, ensure the smooth progress of farming technology and water conservancy projects, benefit the people, and strengthen our country."

Jin Mao nodded, his eyes revealing expectation: "Good, I am very relieved to have Lord Hua Xin here. My dear ministers, although this matter has been supervised by a special person, I hope that all departments can work together, whether it is the Ministry of Revenue allocating funds, the Ministry of Personnel selecting talents, or the Ministry of War providing assistance when necessary, all need to work closely together to jointly promote this plan that benefits the country and the people."

Zhuge Liang objected, "Your Majesty, this is not possible! Hua Xin is young and inexperienced. I don't think he is qualified to take on this important task."

At this time, the Minister of Rites Zhang Zhao stepped forward, bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise and this is a far-sighted move. I will work closely with the education department to ensure that the 'Agriculture and Water Conservancy College' is completed as soon as possible, select good teachers, compile textbooks, and cultivate batches of pillars of talent who are proficient in agriculture and water conservancy for the country."

Li Yan, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, also stepped out and said, "I am willing to fully support the work of Master Hua Xin and ensure that the required funds are in place in a timely manner without any shortage, so as to help the smooth implementation of farming technology and water conservancy projects and live up to your majesty's high expectations."

Zhao Gao, a doctor in the Ministry of Personnel, also expressed his opinion: "The Ministry of Personnel should carefully select talents regardless of their background. Whether it is an experienced farmer familiar with farming or a craftsman skilled in water conservancy, as long as they have strengths and are willing to serve the country, the Ministry of Personnel will recruit them according to their talents to help this great cause."

Ma Chao, the assistant minister of the Ministry of War, also stepped forward and said, "Although the main responsibility of the Ministry of War is to guard the borders and protect the country, if there is a real need for farming and water conservancy, the Ministry of War is also willing to allocate personnel to assist in the transportation of materials, or provide security in an emergency to ensure that the project is worry-free."

After hearing this, Jin Mao was very pleased and said with a smile: "Well, with the concerted efforts of all my dear ministers, I firmly believe that our dynasty's farming and water conservancy will prosper, the people will live and work in peace and contentment, the national treasury will be abundant, and the country's prosperity is just around the corner. Today's court meeting has come to this point. I hope that all of you dear ministers will perform your duties after returning and live up to my expectations."

All the ministers responded in unison and withdrew one after another. In the court, there was a scene of harmony and progress, as if foreshadowing that a bright future was slowly unfolding.

All the ministers agreed in unison, and the court was full of excitement. Seeing this, Jin Mao was satisfied and continued, "Furthermore, I have decided to establish the 'Agriculture and Water Conservancy College' to train more professional talents and lay a solid foundation for future sustainable development. This matter will be jointly organized by the Ministry of Rites and the Education Department, and it must become the cradle for cultivating agricultural technology and management talents in our dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Minister of Rites Zhao Heng immediately stepped forward and respectfully accepted the order: "Your Majesty, I will do my best to cooperate with the education department, select teachers, improve the curriculum, and ensure that the Agricultural and Water Conservancy College can become the cradle of the country's pillars and live up to your majesty's high expectations." Li Yu, the head of the education department, also stepped forward with a firm look: "Your Majesty, I will obey your order and devote all my efforts to the planning and construction of the college, striving to find the best balance between teaching content and practical operations, and cultivate agricultural elites who have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience."

Jin Mao nodded in approval, his eyes swept over every minister present, his tone was somewhat encouraging: "In addition, I also intend to strengthen overseas trade, widen the Silk Road, introduce exotic products, promote cultural integration, and enhance national strength. This requires the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work closely together to formulate a detailed strategy to ensure trade security and maximize profits."

Sun Hao, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue, immediately responded: "I, Sun Hao, understand. I will immediately start investigating the market demands of various countries, adjust tariff policies, open up green channels for overseas trade, and ensure the continued growth of treasury revenue."

Zhou Yu, the Minister of Industry, followed closely behind, full of confidence: "I, Zhou Yu, will live up to your trust and organize craftsmen to develop new ships, improve navigation technology, and ensure the smooth flow of the Maritime Silk Road."

Wang Jin, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, also stated: "I, Wang Jin, will strengthen diplomatic relations with other countries, strive to sign more reciprocal agreements, protect the safety of our caravans abroad, and at the same time promote our culture and enhance friendship."

Jin Mao was very pleased to see that all the ministers had clearly defined their responsibilities. He slowly stood up, put on the dragon robe, and looked dignified but kind: "I know very well that the prosperity of a country is not achieved in a day. We need you to work together for common development. I hope that you will live up to my heart and build our great country together and create a foundation for eternity!"

In the court, there was another unanimous response. Every minister's eyes were shining with infinite longing and firm belief for the future. The whole country seemed to be filled with unprecedented vitality and was striding towards an even brighter future.

Then, Jin Mao turned to the chief eunuch beside him and whispered, "Pass the order down to prepare for the 'Silk Road Cultural Festival' immediately, invite envoys from various countries to participate, and display our silk, porcelain, tea and other treasures. At the same time, we must actively introduce foreign cultures so that the people can appreciate the diversity of the world and promote cultural exchange and integration."

The eunuch chief took the order and left in a hurry, obviously looking forward to the upcoming cultural event. Jin Mao looked at the Minister of Revenue and said earnestly: "My dear, please ensure that the trade routes are unobstructed. For the bandits and unstable factors along the way, you must resolutely eliminate them and escort our caravans. At the same time, add more post stations to facilitate the rest of the pedestrians and transmit information, so as to make the connection between our dynasty and other countries closer."

Upon hearing this, the Minister of Revenue immediately knelt down to receive the order, and secretly thought about how to execute it efficiently to ensure that every resource is used effectively and contribute to the country's development.

Jin Mao's eyes finally fell on the Minister of Rites, and his tone was full of expectation: "Ministry of Rites, you need to carefully prepare diplomatic etiquette, which should not only show the demeanor of our great country, but also respect the customs and habits of other countries, so that every interaction can become a bridge to deepen friendship. In addition, select talented and knowledgeable people to go on diplomatic missions to various countries, bring my greetings and wishes for peace, and bring back their wisdom and experience."

After hearing this, the Minister of Rites felt a sense of mission. He knew that he was not only shouldering the heavy responsibility of diplomacy, but also the pioneer of cultural exchange. He solemnly promised that he would live up to the expectations of the emperor and make every diplomatic mission an opportunity for the people of the two countries to communicate with each other.

As the imperial edicts were issued, the entire court seemed to be driven by an invisible force. Each minister devoted himself to his work with passion, and together they painted a magnificent picture of prosperity and cultural integration. With everyone's joint efforts, the future of the country is slowly unfolding in an unprecedented manner.

In this booming trend, the Minister of Rites paid special attention to details, knowing that every subtle detail of interaction could become the cornerstone of friendship between the two countries. Therefore, he carefully selected a team of envoys, including scholars with extensive knowledge, artisans with artistic skills, and folk masters who were proficient in various skills, striving to showcase the cultural charm of his country in an all-round and multi-level manner.

They brought with them carefully prepared gifts - from precious silk brocade to exquisite porcelain, from paintings depicting the beauty of mountains and rivers to classics recording historical wisdom, each of which contained a profound cultural heritage and a sincere expectation for friendly exchanges. On their way to the diplomatic mission, the envoys not only delivered messages of peace, but also recorded what they saw and heard along the way, preparing to bring these exotic customs back to China to further enrich the country's cultural treasure house.

At the same time, the Minister of Rites also actively promoted academic exchanges and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, encouraged scholars to visit each other, students to study abroad, and businessmen to cooperate in trade, striving to build solid bridges of friendship on the basis of mutual respect and understanding. As time went by, the cultures of the two countries collided with new sparks in the exchanges, and jointly nurtured a unique cultural integration phenomenon, leaving a valuable cultural heritage for future generations.

Closer to home.

Faced with Zhuge Liang's objection, Jin Mao asked in confusion: "What does Kong Ming recommend?"

Zhuge Liang volunteered, "I am willing to take on the important task of the Food Bureau!"

At this time, Pang Tong jumped out to object, saying, "Your Majesty, if even Zhuge Kongming is qualified, I would dare to recommend myself!"

Soon, one minister after another came forward to recommend themselves.

"Silence!" Jin Mao stopped the farce.

"Since everyone is willing, then each of you should submit a policy paper. Whoever writes the best will be given the position of director."

As soon as these words came out, the court fell silent. The ministers looked at each other and then began to think about it. They understood that this was not only a test of personal ability, but also a contest concerning the family's honor and status in the court. So, in the next few days, whether it was the Confucian officials who were good at literary governance or the capable officials who were proficient in practical affairs, they all closed their doors and refused to see visitors, and worked hard to write policy papers, striving to show their unique insights and innovative solutions on grain management between the lines.

Zhuge Liang returned to his mansion. In the dead of night, he ground ink and spread paper, writing with great vigor. He not only analyzed the current status of grain reserves, but also proposed a strategy of "military farming system" and "water conservancy construction" to fundamentally solve the problem of food shortage, while promoting agricultural development and strengthening national strength. His policy theory is easy to understand, with both macro-strategic vision and meticulous operational plans. His words reveal his deep concern for the future of the country.

Pang Tong was not to be outdone. He designed a "grain circulation network" from the perspective of market regulation and logistics optimization, aiming to reduce losses by improving the transportation system and using market mechanisms to adjust supply and demand to ensure a stable supply of grain. Pang Tong's policy theory is full of economic thinking and practical possibilities, showing his keen insight and pragmatic spirit as a wise man.

A few days later, a series of policy papers full of painstaking efforts and wisdom were presented to Jin Mao. He reviewed them one by one, and each policy paper had its own merits, making it difficult for him to make a decision. In the end, Jin Mao decided to call together important officials in the court to discuss these policy papers publicly, allowing them to express their opinions and jointly evaluate which plan was the most feasible and beneficial to the long-term development of the country.

This discussion was not only a collision of wisdom, but also another vivid manifestation of the phenomenon of cultural integration - different ideas and strategies converged here, learned from each other, and made common progress, providing rich references for Jinmao's decision-making. In the end, Jinmao comprehensively considered and selected a comprehensive plan that integrated the essence of Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, and appointed Zhuge Liang as the first director of the Grain Bureau. At the same time, a special group was established to absorb the wisdom of many ministers to jointly promote this reform related to people's livelihood. (End of this chapter)