She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 315 - 314: The Superior and the Inferior Are Soon Differentiated

Chapter 315: Chapter 314: The Superior and the Inferior Are Soon Differentiated

Dong Bolin’s memorandum was eloquent, and so was Han Yanhui’s speech in the Imperial Court. Although the main point was that the promotion of rail transportation would require a substantial financial investment, he also clearly explained the broad prospects for the future after its adoption. To summarize in one sentence, this is a project with heavy investments but one that is worth undertaking.

Indeed, it is not easy to make things clear in the court; even His Majesty the Emperor couldn’t be sure about this project that promises great prospects but requires a huge investment.

"Let us hear your opinions, beloved ministers," said the Emperor.

Dong Bolin certainly supported his own proposal; he stepped forward and said, "Although the construction of railways consumes a considerable amount of money, once completed, there are many conveniences and benefits. In my opinion, this project is worthwhile."

"I have something to say," voiced the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, concerned about the silver in the State Treasury. With the Emperor’s permission, he stepped out and said, "I think starting such an expensive project is to shake the foundation of our country and should be considered carefully."

The Lord Minister paused briefly before continuing, "Great Xia is a vast and powerful nation; even without railways, our country remains strong and the people prosperous. If the construction of such a superfluous rail transport causes strain on the treasury and increases the burden on our citizens, in my opinion, it is a misguided priority with the cart before the horse."

Although the principal of the Crown Prince’s Mansion was of insufficient rank to stand among the ministers in the court, Yu Shiqing, the Minister of Revenue, was aligned with the Crown Prince’s faction. Yu Shiqing said, "Both lords are right. Why not make a compromise? As suggested by the memorandum from the Crown Prince’s Mansion, we could start by laying tracks in the mining areas to reduce the burden on the laboring populace."

"I oppose it. Laying tracks in the mining areas might reduce the physical workload of the people, but it is an action with only costs and no benefits. The court will see no profit, yet the treasury’s silver will be sunk into it."

"Perhaps one of Lord Dong’s proposed items could be used for a preliminary trial to test its effectiveness."

"That is infeasible, as this project not only requires a vast investment but also continuous input for daily management and maintenance; it is a bottomless pit."

As Jiang Yifan and Hu Jing had said, everyone, with their own agendas and differing points of view, wrestled with one another, making it such that a project with great potential and clearly visible benefits faced the likelihood of being shelved due to numerous obstacles.

The Emperor turned to Han Yanhui, "Beloved Minister Han, what do you think?"

Han Yanhui stepped out and replied, "All lords have made valid points. In my opinion, railways used for the transport of government goods will, of course, require funds from the State Treasury. If the court worries about spending a massive sum without knowing if the railway can be built or if it will be effective, then initially, the railways could be used for civilian use, with merchants funding the construction. By doing so, the court would not have to use its treasury yet could still build the railways. Later, based on the performance of the railways, the court can decide whether to build on a larger scale."

The Emperor’s eyes lit up at the idea, "Civilian railways that don’t need the treasury’s silver? Do you mean, Beloved Minister Han, to collect silver taels from the wealthy? That is a large sum of silver. Are there really people willing to make such a contribution for fame? This is no easy task."

The others also fixed their gazes on Han Yanhui, each with a puzzled look in their eyes. Some political adversaries, always at odds with him, had their eyes filled with outright mockery, waiting to see how he would talk his way out of this.

Without hesitation, Han Yanhui said, "If the rails are used only for civilian transportation, this project could be put together by convoking merchants; the income and operation costs subsequently would belong to them. The court would only need to tax them as with any ordinary shop or business. By doing this, the court would receive a large amount of taxes from the silver, as well as the opportunity to regulate the streets’ traffic in the capital, with many benefits accruing."

The Emperor, smiling at the prospect, was impressed by such an idea. Han Yanhui truly deserved his position as Chief Prime Minister. But still... "Railway operation is a novelty, and it’s hard to tell if it might be profitable—perhaps no merchant would be willing to spend the money."

Seeing that the Emperor was not opposed to the idea, Han Yanhui relaxed. Where did His Highness Prince Yu get such an idea? To think the plan could be executed in such a logical manner. Truly, the younger generation was formidable, their wit rivalling that of His Majesty himself.

Han Yanhui said, "If Your Majesty finds it feasible, I’ll start planning right away. A single track, allocated in different time slots, could accommodate several carriage runs, how large the carriages should be, how many people or goods they could transport, the different charging standards for carriages of varying specifications, and an estimate of how much silver would be needed to complete the construction of the track. If rail operation is indeed profitable, with these accounts, the noble entrepreneurs would not hesitate to spend their silver."

As soon as Han Yanhui spoke, there were those who agreed and others who found the idea problematic.

"Your Majesty, I have my reservations," said Chancellor Liu Chengzhi as he came forward and, with a gesture from the Emperor, he stated, "I believe that roads have always been the property of the state; there has never been a case where the access to roads is given to merchants to collect fees. I think this move is inappropriate."

The Emperor looked to Han Yanhui, indicating for him to speak.

Han Yanhui replied, "I think that the railway is merely a new form of business operation for merchants. Once the railway is built, the court will still grant merchants contracts, ensuring their peace of mind. It is said that all lands under heaven belong to the Son of Heaven—all property deeds, land deeds, and the shops built and purchased by merchants—are they not sold to them? Regardless of the form or to whom they are sold, they are still lands of the Son of Heaven."

As he spoke, Han Yanhui bowed deeply towards the Emperor.

The Emperor, with a smile on his face, scanned the assembled ministers below him.

As the new concept of rail transportation was unveiled in the court, the meticulous planning and agile responses were immediately clear, making it obvious who stood above the rest.

...

Constructing railways on a large scale was naturally not an easy task, and it could not be rushed. It was already a successful first step for Dong Bolin to have his proposals taken seriously and put under review by the Cabinet. As an official of the Ministry of Works, Dong Bolin now had the priority to manage this project in the future.

When the proposal met resistance, the strategy shifted to letting Han Yanhui suggest having the private sector bear all construction and maintenance costs, with future operating income belonging to the merchants, and the court simply taxing them according to the normal business system. Should the railway operation in the capital prove successful afterward, Han Yanhui’s contributions would be plainly evident too.

Jinrong was very confident about the fee-based civilian operation of the railways, convinced that this mode of business would undoubtedly be a success, and with it, Han Yanhui, from his faction, would certainly earn credit.

Then came the matter of the merchants who would undertake the railway operation. If one person lacked the funds, several could be brought together. Taking advantage of the general uncertainty and while everyone else was still observing, His Highness Prince Yu could arrange for his people to take on the project. When the time came for profits to manifest, it would be too late for others who might grow envious.

After Han Yanhui’s plan received the Emperor’s preliminary approval, the specifics of its implementation could be carefully arranged.