Chapter 739: Relocation

After realizing the issue within himself, Liu Bei frowned slightly before calming down. He looked toward Chen Xi with a sense of gratitude, interpreting Chen Xi's words as being directed at him.

Chen Xi, puzzled by Liu Bei’s expression, instinctively nodded in response, though he was left baffled as he glanced at Mi Zhu, not understanding why Liu Bei was nodding at him.

"The height from which one stands determines the perspective one needs. Although height influences perspective, the rapid elevation we've experienced might leave many under our rule struggling to adapt," Liu Bei said earnestly. "We, as leaders, must set an example for those below us, ensuring that no momentary negligence leads to future calamities."

Chen Xi felt speechless, wondering why Liu Bei suddenly escalated the conversation to such a serious tone. Resigned, he simply echoed, "What you say is indeed true, Your Excellency."

In truth, Chen Xi had no idea what Liu Bei was driving at. He didn’t believe he had any issues with perspective; at most, there might be gaps in his understanding. Viewing this era through the lens of someone two thousand years in the future, Chen Xi found it riddled with flaws and far from perfect. How could any system or ideology blind him to reality?

The others chimed in agreement, though Chen Xi doubted anyone but Liu Bei needed such advice.

Mi Zhu had long adjusted his mindset since the first time he ascended to the top of the Five Great Merchants. As he took control over the entire Qing and Xu province’s commercial regulations and began to influence commerce throughout the land, Mi Zhu had reached the pinnacle, his heart rising along with it.

While he might still show some softness in dealing with the aristocracy due to his background, once they entered the commercial sphere, Mi Zhu had no fear. He dealt with them as he saw fit, not hesitating to crush anyone who disrupted the merchant guilds. In this realm of capital operations, Mi Zhu had no shortage of resolve.

As for Jia Xu, Li You, and Xun Yue, they were on another level entirely. Their education and past influence were not to be trifled with. There was a time when Li You had nearly held sway over the entire nation, and had Dong Zhuo been more cooperative, who knows how the great conflict might have turned out?

"Zizhong, incorporate paper production into the commercial sector. As for how to manage it and set prices, that will be your responsibility. Just make sure it doesn't operate at a loss," Chen Xi instructed Mi Zhu.

"Rest assured, there won't be any issues with me handling it," Mi Zhu nodded. "Regarding the renovation plans for Fenggao, some residential areas need to be relocated. I’ve already reclaimed most of the land under Taishan’s name and moved the residents to the outer city, but there are still some who are hesitant."

"Talk to them first. For those willing to move, offer them alternative housing and compensation. As for those unwilling to relocate," Chen Xi paused in thought, "note down their reasons. If it's pure obstinacy, leave it to Boren to handle. How does that sound, Your Excellency?"

"As long as Boren doesn’t use overly harsh methods, that should be fine," Liu Bei nodded, agreeing with Chen Xi’s proposal, but reminding Man Chong to use restraint. Liu Bei understood that people are diverse, and no one group of commoners could be described in one simple term.

Taishan’s populace was indeed hardy, honest, and grateful, but even so, there would inevitably be troublemakers and idlers. Despite the city management forces’ efforts to maintain order, some of these rogues would surely become difficult when they saw an opportunity to exploit the situation.

"I'll handle it," Man Chong replied coldly, his expression practically declaring that he would "take them all down." Back when Fenggao was first being established and had just begun to thrive, it was Man Chong who had filled the jails, executing those deserving of it and heavily punishing the rest, which had greatly improved the city's public order.

In fact, if not for Chen Xi’s suggestion to employ these troublemakers in labor camps, Man Chong would have likely decorated the marketplace with their heads. Once Man Chong started enforcing the law, he showed no mercy, and the number of executions quickly piled up.

"How did you handle it, Zizhong?" Man Chong asked icily, clearly already in enforcement mode and likely eager to demonstrate his severe methods again.

Jia Xu quietly distanced himself from Man Chong. He had no desire to interact with the man when he was in such a mood. Man Chong in enforcement mode was not someone to be trifled with.

"How else? When we demolish and rebuild, we simply move them to another place. We cover the costs incurred during their temporary relocation. If the new location is too far from their original farmland, we provide them with land closer to their new homes. As for the trees in their yards, we convert them to cash equivalents," Mi Zhu explained the entire relocation policy.

"There are also various other small compensations. We ensure that apart from changing locations, the people suffer no real losses," Mi Zhu sighed, though some residents were still dissatisfied.

"In that case, it's within my jurisdiction. Just a bunch of troublemakers," Man Chong scoffed at Mi Zhu, clearly unbothered. For him, it was a simple matter of enforcing the law.

"In the future, when resettling refugees, we should offer them housing on a rental basis. That way, if we ever need to relocate them again, it won’t be such a hassle. Of course, we should maintain Zizhong’s current relocation policies," Chen Xi hesitated before deciding to leave the matter to Man Chong.

As for land ownership, the truth was that all the land in Taishan belonged to the Taishan government. However, Chen Xi had no intention of enforcing that right. The houses built during the early days of the settlement had been constructed through relief work, and once the economy stabilized, those houses were given to the people who had helped build them.

"Rent the houses?" Liu Bei was the first to react to Chen Xi's suggestion, quickly realizing the implications. "That sounds reasonable. However, make sure to publicize this policy. Also, ensure that they cannot privately sell these properties."

"That works," Mi Zhu nodded. He didn’t see any issue with the change. After all, Taishan’s previous approach to refugee resettlement was not much different, except for the new rental agreement.

"Will the lease be indefinite?" Li You pondered for a moment before asking.

"And what happens when the current generation passes away? Should the lease be inheritable? If the parents both held leases, and they leave behind only one child, would that child inherit both properties, or would one be reclaimed? If the property is reclaimed, will the people accept it? What if there are three children? What about cases with no children but a designated heir?" Without waiting for Chen Xi to respond, Li You fired off a series of questions.

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