Iron Dynasty Chapter 977

Qingzhou.

Two months of anxious waiting finally ended when Zhu Sansi’s battle report arrived, allowing Xiao Ming’s mind to ease at last. Though Zhu Sansi had endured certain setbacks in Yakutsk, he had managed to pull through the peril unscathed.

“Such a conflict reveals our shaky grip on the Northeast. This approach won’t hold up over time.”

Having passed the report along to Pang Yukun, Xiao Ming creased his brow in concern.

Glancing over Zhu Sansi’s proposed ideas, Pang Yukun remarked, “Zhu Sansi shows both bravery and sharp wits. Adopting a military land system while moving folks to dwell close to Yakutsk truly strikes at the heart of Northeast troubles. Yet, even those within the passes shy away from that icy, desolate terrain—imagine coaxing them to the frozen Siberian wastes?”

Xiao Ming had pondered this issue deeply over recent days, and he told Pang Yukun, “Folks chase after gains everywhere. The reluctance to head to Guandong stems purely from insufficient rewards. If so, let’s forge a web of incentives in Guandong. That way, the court avoids forced migrations, and people will flock there on their own accord.”

“What plan does Your Majesty have in mind?” A sudden spark lit up in Pang Yukun’s thoughts, as if he grasped the essence.

“Fur trade!” Xiao Ming uttered thoughtfully.

Pang Yukun grinned. It matched his own notion perfectly. He added, “Your Majesty has noted before how Tsarist Russia eyes Guandong for its abundant fur riches. This proves that greed stirs the soul, and I see Your Majesty’s strategy as a stroke of genius.”

“This marks just the start. Beyond thriving the fur trade in Guandong, I aim to strike at Tsarist Russia’s fur dealings across Europe. After all, fur trade forms the backbone of their European commerce.” Xiao Ming’s eyes tightened.

The dual clashes at Yakutsk heightened Xiao Ming’s caution toward Tsarist Russia. He sought to stifle their rise before they amassed real power.

This move served not just immediate tactics but long-term visions too, since no realm endures eternally.

Once he was gone, who might guide the Great Yu Empire to shine amid rivals?

“Very well, then. I’ll instruct Li Kaiyuan to inflate fur prices and draw traders to Yakutsk, transforming it into a bustling trade hub and spurring growth in the area.” Pang Yukun proposed.

Xiao Ming gave a nod. The Pang Yukun of today had evolved far beyond the scholar buried in ancient texts. He’d gained real prowess in economic and industrial matters.

Thus, ruler and minister aligned seamlessly, no matter the topic.

“Keep in mind, push up prices only for furs from Siberia, not every kind. Plus, have the Chamber of Commerce set up a verification office in Yakutsk to log Siberian furs, issue authenticity seals, and block any deceptions.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.” Pang Yukun jotted down Xiao Ming’s directives faithfully.

“Beyond that, another potent method exists: the rewards of noble titles and land allotments. The cabinet could allocate portions of Siberian and Guandong lands as noble grants. To oversee their estates, they’d naturally purchase slaves to work those distant spots.”

“I’ve mulled this over too, yet I fear these nobles might resent Your Majesty and breed grudges,” Pang Yukun voiced, a touch of doubt in his tone.

Xiao Ming shook his head with a sigh. Pang Yukun still lagged in flexibility at times. He explained, “It’s straightforward. Simply ease the criteria for grants. Before, only grand feats qualified them, but now minor achievements suffice. Siberia’s vastness means we couldn’t exhaust its lands even if we tried. No need to hoard such bounties.”

Siberia spanned twelve million square kilometers, nearly double the Great Yu Empire’s held territories. Xiao Ming felt zero concern on that front.

Pang Yukun had long opposed land grants, especially fresh off purging old clans—this risked birthing new ones. He spoke frankly, “Your Majesty, I keep fretting that these fresh nobles could band together later to challenge the court. Siberia lies so remote from the empire’s core. Too many nobles there, and it might turn into their private realm someday.”

“Even then, it beats Tsarist Russia’s hold. As I see it, no policy’s flawless—only those fitting the moment matter. Right now, these title honors and remote land awards suit the Great Yu Empire’s outward push. Without them, who’d handle the claimed territories?”

Xiao Ming laid it out plainly. Hailing from modern times, he knew policies must adapt to eras. Take economic slumps: a directed economy could steady the nation and avert deeper ruin, yet post-crisis, it might stifle progress.

Evidently, the right policy hinged on the present context.

The Great Yu Empire now craved urging its people to venture abroad. Lures of wealth, noble status, and land parcels would smooth that path.

Siberia served as mere one case. As Goryeo, Japan, Southeast Asian states, Australia, and more fell under control, he’d require settlers aplenty. Land would abound, enough for every Great Yu citizen to claim a share.

After this thorough rundown, Pang Yukun sank into reflection once more. At last, he caught Xiao Ming’s full intent.

Truth be told, the sovereign before him shrugged off future risks from granting spots like Siberia or Southeast Asia. His sole aim: fill those expanses with Great Yu folk.

Should independence arise later, shared blood and roots would bind them closer than any European foothold.

This notion echoed Xiao Yuanzhi’s old enfeoffment dreams in a way. Xiao Ming figured that even infighting among kin beat subjugation by outsiders.

“If Your Majesty views it thus, I’ll hold my tongue,” Pang Yukun replied, his brow still furrowed a bit.

Noticing Pang Yukun’s lingering unease, Xiao Ming stepped to the Siberia map and assured him, “Prime Minister Pang, ease your concerns. This honorary nobility differs from past enfeoffments. Besides, these areas will host Protectorates—an armed body I plan to create just for overseeing border peoples.”

At those words, Pang Yukun exhaled in relief. It banished his doubts instantly. With Protectorates in place, the court’s dominance over such zones remained firm.

“I’ll return and compile a roster, weaving in Siberian lands as their prizes,” Pang Yukun declared, his vigor restored.

“Good. Also, tally the inmates in the Great Yu Empire’s jails presently. Exile the redeemable ones to Siberia. These rabble-rousers can clash head-on with the Tsarist Russians out there.”

Pang Yukun paused briefly, then agreed with a nod. Xiao Ming’s triple strategy today had mapped the empire’s expansion blueprint clear as day.