"Sister, it seems that we are trapped here. We can't leave for a while. I don't know when the ban will be lifted?" Lin Yuexin, who was dressed in white and plain clothes, looked at the sparkling pond calmly and took a leisurely stroll. As soon as the fish enters the pond, hundreds of foraging koi carps imported from the Chinese mainland immediately swarm in. The eager fish tilt their heads and smack their lips, which is very pleasing to the eye.
The girl who was leaning against the railing of the corridor and concentrating on reading was still covered with a thin scarf. After listening to the words of the girl in plain clothes, she raised her head with a smile and said in a sweet voice: "Well, I guess there is some war happening around the northwest, but these days Looking at the behavior of the residents in this city, there doesn't seem to be much change. I guess at least Qingyang City won't be in any danger, right?"
"Haha, sister, you underestimate Li Wufeng too much. He is known as the number one hero in the empire. Even the arrogant Luo Bei people were defeated by him with weak attacks and strong attacks. Now he has people knocking on his door. It's a bit unjustifiable. ?" Lin Yuexin didn't look back, she waved her jade arm lightly, and a small handful of fish food caused a crowd of fish in the pond.
"Well, let's put it this way, the war is probably going to be in this nearby area. It has been several days and there is no news. Isn't the Northwest Star the most well-informed media in the northwest? How come there is no news at all? "Sofia put down the book in her hand, tangled her somewhat scattered chestnut hair with her slender fingers, and asked casually.
With a "poof" smile, Lin Yuexin turned around and said, "Sister, this is a war, and wars are probably classified as military secrets. No matter how well-informed the newspapers are, if they hear some rumors, they have to pass the news censorship of the internal affairs department. Dare you publish it? Such sensitive information is generally not allowed to be published without official approval. No matter how strong the Northwest Star is, it is just a private newspaper, so how dare it violate these taboos?"
"Well, but this "Northwestern Star" seems to be a little different. I think there are a lot of things in it that even the "Daily Express" and "Empire News" in the imperial capital would not dare to publish. I heard that this This newspaper is very much supported by the Qingyang local government, but it seems to be very bold, and its performance is not in line with the taste of the northwest local government." Sophia shook her head slightly, obviously not agreeing with the other party's opinion.
"Sister, you are probably referring to the article in the newspaper two days ago that criticized the slave trade, right?" Lin Yuexin was very clever. She knew the elegant meaning of the song when she heard it, and she immediately heard the other person's hidden meaning.
"Well," Sophia didn't hide anything. "Although the slave trade is not explicitly prohibited by law in the empire, it has never been approved. However, it is actually very common in all parts of the empire. I also know that the slave trade in the imperial capital is also It is very prosperous. There are many shops specializing in this industry, and the division of labor is quite detailed, which shows the high profits. It can be so rampant, and it must be inseparable from the support of the dignitaries of the empire. Otherwise, this Why are things that are so outrageous and unethical not banned? I saw that the article in the "Northwestern Star" two days ago dared to blatantly criticize the slave trade. This is nothing. The news media in the imperial capital occasionally pretend to write These articles are innocuous, but sister, have you seen the last paragraph of the article? This paragraph is not simple, but has a profound meaning. It vaguely points to the intention of the central government of the empire and the northwest local government to indulge the slave trade, and even the slave trade in the northwest. The level of prosperity even exceeds that of other counties in the mainland of the empire. Is it a bit rare that such statements that clearly attack the policies of the northwest local government can be published in the largest newspaper in the northwest? "
"Oh?" Lin Yuexin raised her willow-leaf eyebrows slightly, seeming a little surprised, and then thought about the joints, "No, I heard that although the slave trade is not banned in the northwest, Li Wufeng seems to be against slaves. The trade is not cold either. The prosperity of the slave trade in the northwest should be due to its unique geographical location and frequent wars. It should not have much to do with the policies of the local government? What is going on? "
"Girl, don't think too much. This place in the northwest is different from other places in the empire. This is not worth making a fuss about. Li Wufeng is full of mysteries. I have never heard of this empire's frontier official until now. Logically speaking, these things should have been familiar to others for a long time, but no one knows them clearly, which is also very strange." Sophia saw the other person's face looking pensive, and even the direct sunlight hit her Without even realizing it, he smiled and persuaded: "Maybe Li Wufeng has a broad mind and likes to open the door to receive advice and encourage everyone to give more advice and suggestions?"
This is one of the largest inns in Qingyang Prefecture - Rugui Inn. After entering Qingyang Prefecture, Lin Yuexin, who had different thoughts, finally chose this place with an elegant environment but high price. Martial law in the entire northwest made the two Nudu found an excuse to stay in Qingyang to observe and understand Qingyang, the northwest capital under Li Wufeng's rule.
After a few days, both Lin Yuexin and Sophia were attracted by the vibrant scene shown by Qingyang. Although it was during the martial law period, except for the special procedures required to enter and exit the city, everything else seemed not to be affected too much. The big impact was that service industries such as hotels, inns, and entertainment venues became more prosperous. Many merchants were forced to stay in Qingyang like two daughters without being able to sell out, resulting in the abnormal prosperity of these service industries for a time.
Although the angles of observation are different, Lin Yuexin focused on observing Qingyang's industrial and commercial development, investment promotion, urban construction, and the efficiency of local government, while Sophia was more inclined to understand the composition of residents in Qingyang City and the support of the people. , social affairs (such as religion) and social security conditions, etc. The military aspect is an aspect that both women are more concerned about. Unfortunately, the tight security of military targets and strict restrictions prevent the two women from getting a glimpse of the reality in this aspect. Able to shift attention to other aspects.
Qingyang's unique charm shocked both women, and they were intoxicated with emotion. This is a city full of vitality and in the ascendant. Everything is in a virtuous cycle of development. Immigrants from all over the mainland and local residents have joined forces to create such a shining new star. A large number of immigrants brought abundant labor force, coupled with the superior geographical location and abundant natural resources, supplemented by preferential tax conditions, an influx of funds from all over the empire led to the rapid rise of Qingyang's industry and commerce. The booming economy has in turn attracted more capital and skilled labor. Coupled with the rapid improvement of surrounding transportation conditions, the gradual development of agriculture, the integrity and efficiency of local government, and the continuous improvement of social security, all of this has promoted the development of Qingyang in all aspects. The mutual promotion has also created the Qingyang City that the two girls see today.
Sophia's comfort did not make Lin Yuexin give up thinking. She also felt a little puzzled. No matter what kind of media it is, if it embarks on the road of confrontation with the government, no matter how strong the backing it has, its ending will just disappear. , since the "Northwestern Star" has won the support of the northwest local government, how can it openly challenge the authority of the government? No matter how enlightened the government is, they will not tolerate this kind of thing happening, especially this kind of provocation that directly targets local government policies, unless there is some other conspiracy behind it.
While the two girls were still puzzling over the article in the "Northwestern Star", they were chatting happily at the Northwest County Administrative Office in the same city.
"Mo Lun, the effect of your method is quite good. Well, the reporter's writing is also very sharp. I think there are many people who can't sleep at night? Haha." The man with a happy face is naturally the director of the Northwest Administrative Department. Xiao Tang didn't know what made him so excited.
"Hey, Brother Xiao, have you read the follow-up reports? Haha, each one is more profound and more detailed than the last one. The public's interest has been aroused. I have sent people down. I collected the responses, and they are quite strong. I have received written suggestions from many enlightened gentry here, asking us to ban the slave trade, especially Qingyang, which is the capital of the northwest, and should take the lead." The obese man had a sinister smile on his face. , a pair of eyes that almost narrowed into a slit when he smiled, and the two mustaches under his flat nose were trembling. He looked indescribably funny. Needless to say, this person was Mo Lun, the guardian of Qingyang City.
"Well, very good, we still need to build momentum again. I have sent someone to notify Mu Haoran to ask him to follow suit in Northern Luzon. Follow this and ignite the fire in Northern Luzon. The reaction in Northern Luzon will be The power of the slave trade is not small. If we just put in a little more effort, hehe, the reaction will probably be stronger than in the northwest." Xiao Tang nodded with satisfaction, looking very happy.
"Don't worry, Brother Xiao, Mo Lun is the best at this. I have long disliked those slave traders. I must take care of them this time." Mo Lun responded proudly.
"Yeah, but don't go too far. Don't really ask the public to ban the slave trade. That would go against Master Li's original intention." Xiao Tang reminded him while nodding.
"Oh, only our Mr. Li can think of being a bitch and erecting a memorial arch. He slapped his ass and left. The only ones who are bad guys are us poor people." Xiao heard this. When Tang said this, Mo Lun's face turned bitter and he sighed.
"Hmph, your wallet is too full again? Be careful if this word reaches the ears of the adults. I'm afraid that the charge of slandering your boss will cost you a lot to satisfy the adults, right?" Xiao Tang shook his head and said with a bitter smile, this guy, Only he dared to use such words to evaluate Mr. Li. Anyone else would not dare to be so presumptuous even if they had the guts to do so.
"No, no, Brother Xiao, please don't. I didn't say anything. If this falls into his ears, my half-year salary will be ruined again. He is lazy and shameless, but I have learned a lesson. I can't bear his blackmail anymore." Molun shrugged and quickly denied it.
"Hmph, don't talk so much. It is estimated that someone will definitely propose to ban the slave trade at the semi-annual consultation meeting in the next few days. By then, the role of mediators will be only you and me. I have already contacted the Finance Department. Someone from the tax department did some calculations and thought that the tax rate on the slave trade could be increased by another 50%. The public opinion has been overwhelming these days, which has frightened these guys. Many people have come to me to inquire about the news. I think they can accept this condition. You might as well contact a few more influential gentry and ask them to cause trouble at the meeting. Put a little more pressure on those guys, so that it can be implemented quickly. Our financial pressure is really too great. Yes." Xiao Tang's face had returned to its usual calmness, and his pair of deep eyes shone brightly.
"Well, don't worry, Mo Lun won't delay the serious business. Seeing those guys looking like they were cutting flesh makes me feel relieved, hehe." Mo Lun said with a beaming smile.