Chapter 850
Information Exchange
He stood under the ginkgo tree for a while, admiring the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves and feeling a sense of peace and comfort.
Then he continued walking forward.
The area north of the city was much larger than he had imagined. He walked for most of the day and only covered a small part of it. But even this small part revealed many resources that could be utilized.
Vacant land, warehouses, temples—these seemingly dilapidated places can be transformed into useful facilities with just a little modification.
He also saw a dried-up stream with reeds growing on its bed. If this stream could be dredged and filled with fresh water, it would not only improve the environment in the north of the city, but also be used for irrigation and transportation.
"The potential in the north of the city is indeed enormous," he thought to himself. "With sufficient resources and proper planning, it can definitely be developed into a thriving area."
As evening fell, Zheng Yi returned to the city lord's mansion.
Tieshan, Xiao Tianxing, and Su Wanqing were already there waiting for him.
“Sir, we have a clear understanding of the situation in the north of the city,” Xiao Tianxing said.
Tell me about it.
"The area north of the city covers approximately 5,000 mu, accounting for one-third of the total area of Hongyun City," Xiao Tianxing said, "but less than one-tenth of it has been developed; most of the land is wasteland."
"The northern part of the city currently has about three thousand residents, mainly elderly and poor people. Most young people have gone to the city center and the south to make a living, and very few remain in the north."
"There are about fifty shops in the north of the city, mainly small general stores and food stalls. They are all very small and business is not good."
"Most of the roads in the north of the city are dirt roads, severely damaged and in need of repair. The drainage system is almost nonexistent, causing flooding during the rainy season."
Zheng Yi nodded after listening.
"The situation is similar to what I've seen," he said. "The north of the city definitely needs large-scale construction and renovation."
"What do you plan to do, sir?" Tieshan asked.
"First, we need to build roads," Zheng Yi said. "Roads are the foundation of development in the north of the city. Without good roads, businesses and residents won't want to come. I plan to pave all the main roads in the north of the city with bluestone pavers—smooth, durable, and easy to pass through."
“Secondly, build warehouses and inns,” he continued. “The north side of the city is close to the Eastern Wilderness, which can be developed into a gathering place for explorers. Explorers need supplies and lodging, and if we can provide these services, we can attract them.”
“Also, dredge that little river north of the city,” he said. “With a water source, the environment north of the city will improve, and it can be used for irrigation and transportation.”
“Sir, these projects require a lot of funding and manpower,” Xiao Tianxing said. “Do we have the capacity?”
“Guo Tianyou said he would fully support us,” Zheng Yi said. “Besides, we won’t finish all the projects at once. We can do it in phases, starting with the most important ones and then gradually expanding.”
“Sir, you’re right.” Tieshan nodded. “So, where shall we begin?”
“Let’s start with road repairs,” Zheng Yi said. “Once the roads are repaired, everything else will be easier.”
Just then, footsteps came from outside the door.
A servant entered and said respectfully, "Mr. Dark Night, the master invites you to dinner."
"Okay, I'm coming right now."
Zheng Yi, accompanied by three trusted confidants and servants, arrived at the dining room of the city lord's mansion.
Inside the restaurant, Guo Tianyou was already waiting. The table was laden with a variety of delicious dishes, each one a feast for the eyes and the palate, making one's mouth water.
"Sir, please have a seat." Guo Tianyou stood up and greeted him warmly.
"Young Master Guo, you're too kind." Zheng Yi sat down at the dining table.
"Sir, you must be tired after a long day of sightseeing in the north of the city," Guo Tianyou said. "I've specially asked the cook to prepare some good dishes to welcome you back."
"Thank you very much, Young Master Guo."
The two ate and chatted, and the atmosphere was very pleasant.
"Sir, what's the situation in the north of the city?" Guo Tianyou asked.
"It's better than I expected," Zheng Yi said. "Although the north of the city is currently desolate, it has great potential. With sufficient resources and proper planning, it can definitely be developed into a prosperous area."
"That's wonderful!" Guo Tianyou said happily. "Does the gentleman have any specific ideas?"
Zheng Yi told Guo Tianyou in detail what he had seen in the north of the city that day, as well as the plans in his mind.
Guo Tianyou listened attentively, nodding occasionally in agreement.
"Sir, your idea is excellent!" he said. "To develop the north of the city into a hub for explorers, forming an industrial chain with Qingyun City, cooperating with each other, and sharing profits—this idea is very clear and very visionary!"
“But this requires a lot of investment,” Zheng Yi said. “Road construction, warehouse building, inn construction, and waterway dredging—these projects all require substantial funds and manpower.”
"Rest assured, sir, I can provide both funding and manpower," Guo Tianyou said. "I have just assumed the position of family head and need some large-scale projects to stabilize the people's hearts. The construction of the northern part of the city is a perfect opportunity."
“Furthermore, I can offer you some preferential policies,” he continued. “For example, businesses in the north of the city can enjoy a three-year tax exemption to attract them to set up shop. Residents in the north of the city can receive free housing to encourage them to stay.”
"Young Master Guo has considered everything very thoroughly," Zheng Yi nodded.
"It was all thanks to you, sir, that I was inspired," Guo Tianyou said with a smile. "I am ashamed to admit that I cannot match your vision and perspective."
"Young Master Guo, you flatter me."
The two chatted about some details of the construction in the north of the city until late at night before parting ways.
After returning to his room, Zheng Yi did not rest immediately. Instead, he sat down at the table, lit an oil lamp, and began to sketch a planning map of the northern part of the city on paper.
He first drew the general outline of the north of the city, and then marked the main roads, buildings and facilities.
Regarding roads, he planned a main thoroughfare running through the north of the city, extending from the northern entrance all the way to the northern city wall. The main thoroughfare was flanked by commercial areas, filled with various shops and inns.
Behind the commercial area is the residential area, intended to house residents from the north of the city and newly relocated residents. The houses in the residential area are to be uniformly planned, neat, aesthetically pleasing, and equipped with complete supporting facilities.
In the eastern part of the city's north, near the direction of the Eastern Wilderness, he planned a large storage area. The storage area was used to store various supplies for explorers to buy and rent.
In the western part of the north of the city, near the city center, he planned a leisure area. The leisure area had entertainment facilities such as teahouses, restaurants, and theaters, for residents and adventurers to relax and rest.
In the heart of the northern part of the city, he planned a large market square. The market square was the core area of the northern part of the city, where all kinds of transactions and activities took place.
In addition, he planned an artificial waterway to bring in fresh water from outside the city and run through the entire northern part of the city. Willows and flowers could be planted along the banks of the waterway to beautify the environment and add vitality.
After drawing the planning map, Zheng Yi wrote down some notes next to it.
"Phase One: Construction of the main road and market square. Estimated timeframe: one month, costing 20,000 taels of silver." "Phase Two: Construction of the commercial and warehousing areas. Estimated timeframe: three months, costing 50,000 taels of silver."
"Phase Three: Construction of residential and recreational areas. This is expected to take six months and require 80,000 taels of silver."
"Phase Four: Dredging the waterway and beautifying the environment. This is expected to take three months and require 30,000 taels of silver."
After finishing writing, he put down his pen, looked at his plan, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
This is just a preliminary plan, and the specific details still need to be refined. But at least he now has a clear direction.
“North of the city,” he murmured, “let’s start here.”
As night deepened, the light of the oil lamp gradually dimmed.
Zheng Yi blew out the oil lamp, lay down on the bed, and closed his eyes.
In his mind, the blueprint for the north of the city was still clearly visible. Bustling streets, lively markets, neat houses, and clear river water flashed through his mind, filling him with excitement and anticipation.
Tomorrow, a new journey will begin.
The next morning, the first thing Zheng Yi did after getting up was to go to Guo Tianyou and show him his planning map and proposal.
After reading it, Guo Tianyou nodded repeatedly.
"Sir, your plan is incredibly detailed!" he exclaimed. "It's clear and logical, with well-defined steps, and the time and funding required for each stage are clearly outlined. I am truly in awe."
"This is just a preliminary plan," Zheng Yi said. "During implementation, adjustments may be needed depending on the circumstances."
“That’s natural,” Guo Tianyou said. “But with this plan, we have direction. I will immediately allocate funds and manpower to support your project.”
"Thank you very much, Young Master Guo."
"You're too kind, sir," Guo Tianyou said. "By the way, when do you plan to begin construction?"
"The sooner the better," Zheng Yi said. "It's autumn now, the weather is cool, which is perfect for construction. If we can finish the main road and market square before winter, we can start attracting businesses next spring."
"Alright, I'll arrange the manpower today, and we'll start construction tomorrow."
“There’s one more thing,” Zheng Yi said. “The construction in the north of the city needs a lot of labor. I’d like to recruit some people from the residents of the north to work there and pay them wages. This will solve the labor problem and also provide income for the residents of the north.”
"Sir, your thinking is truly thoughtful," Guo Tianyou exclaimed. "This approach not only solves the labor problem but also allows residents in the north of the city to feel involved in the construction and are more likely to accept new changes."
“That’s right.” Zheng Yi nodded. “I want the residents of the north of the city to know that building up the north isn’t for others, but for themselves. Only by involving them can we truly build up the north.”
"Sir, your vision is truly beyond my reach," Guo Tianyou said sincerely.
That afternoon, Guo Tianyou allocated the first batch of funds and supplies and delivered them to the north of the city.
Meanwhile, he also sent people to post notices in the north of the city to recruit laborers. The notices specified the amount of wages and the job descriptions, which attracted many residents from the north of the city to sign up.
Zheng Yi personally attended the event and presided over the recruitment process.
"Fellow villagers, I am Dark Night," he said, standing on a high point and addressing the gathered residents. "From today onward, I will be in charge of the construction of the north of the city. I need a large workforce to repair roads, build houses, and dig canals. Anyone willing to work will receive fifty coins a day, with food and lodging provided."
"Fifty coins?" someone in the crowd exclaimed. "That much?"
“That’s right, fifty copper coins,” Zheng Yi said. “I know life is hard for the people in the north of the city, so I want to give everyone a chance to earn money. As long as you’re willing to work hard, I will definitely not treat you unfairly.”
"I'm signing up!"
"I'm signing up too!"
Count me in!
A chorus of voices rang out from the crowd, announcing that everyone was ready to sign up. Soon, several hundred people had signed up to participate in the construction work.
Looking at these simple, honest faces, Zheng Yi felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
The construction of the northern part of the city began here.
For the next few days, Zheng Yi was busy in the north of the city.
He gets up before dawn every day to supervise the construction at the site in the north of the city. From surveying the land and planning the route to directing the workers to lay stone slabs and compact the foundation, he does everything personally and dares not slack off in the slightest.
Seeing how diligent this Mr. Darkness was, the workers were all full of energy and dared not slack off.
The construction site was a hive of activity. Workers were chanting and carrying stones and sand. The clanging of shovels and picks, the shouts of the workers, and the creaking of wheels mingled together, creating a unique symphony of labor.
Zheng Yi stood on a small hillside next to the construction site, looking at the bustling scene before him, a gratified smile on his face.
"Sir, what are you thinking about?" Xiao Tianxing asked as he walked over.
“I’m imagining what the north of the city will look like after it’s built,” Zheng Yi said.
He pointed to an open space in front of him.
"Look, that place will become a bustling market. Merchants will be selling all sorts of goods, and explorers will be buying supplies and exchanging information."
He then pointed to an area nearby.
"That place will later become rows of neat inns and restaurants. Explorers will rest, dine, and discuss their experiences and adventures in the Eastern Wilderness."
“And over there,” he pointed to a patch of wasteland in the distance, “that will one day become a clear river, its banks lined with willows and flowers. Residents will stroll and fish along its banks, enjoying a peaceful life.”
As Xiao Tianxing listened to Zheng Yi's description, the beautiful scene seemed to truly appear before his eyes.
“Sir, I believe that day will come soon,” he said.
"Yes, we will." Zheng Yi nodded. "As long as we work hard, we will definitely achieve it."
He turned around and walked towards the construction site.
"Let's go, let's get back to work."
Construction in the north of the city is progressing smoothly.
In just a few days, the roadbed of the main road has been mostly compacted, and workers are laying bluestone slabs on the ground. The heavy bluestone slabs are carried over one by one and embedded into the ground with perfect fit, forming a smooth and wide road.
Zheng Yi is busy at the construction site every day, supervising the construction progress and handling various emergencies. Although it's hard work, seeing the changes taking place in the north of the city day by day fills him with a sense of accomplishment. (End of Chapter)