bioinnovel Chapter 604 Becoming the Lord of the Planet and Giving Money to the Common People!
Chapter 604 Becoming the Lord of the Planet and Giving Money to the Common People!
With the Sage of Six Paths completely sealed away, the ninja world officially entered a new era.
Inside the royal palace, the Uchiha Sanfeng, dressed in a golden brocade robe with dark silver cloud patterns embroidered on the hem, gently held a smooth jade pendant in his fingers...
Looking at his ministers below, he began to let loose: "How should an emperor be...? You all give me your analysis... How about starting with a harem of three thousand beauties... to add some excitement???"
The hall fell silent instantly. The ministers looked at each other, their faces filled with astonishment.
An old minister couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "What's wrong with Your Majesty? Why would you make such a joke during a court assembly?"
The minister beside him quickly tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Silence! His Majesty's dignity is not to be offended. If you anger him, the consequences will be unimaginable!"
Some wanted to offer advice, but were deterred by the king's majesty and swallowed their words.
The finance minister carefully observed his expression, his face as solemn as if covered with frost: "Your Majesty, the world is at peace now, and everything is waiting to be rebuilt. The national treasury is also gradually becoming fuller. However, the hidden worries of the people have not yet been eradicated. I dare not conceal the truth... The gap between the rich and poor in the ninja world has reached a point that cannot be ignored. If we do not intervene in time, I fear it will lead to disaster."
The Minister of Revenue also quietly probed his attitude, trying to find out his bottom line: "Your Majesty, in the old era, feudal separatism lasted for thousands of years. Land, gold and silver and workshops were all firmly controlled by a few people, forming an unshakable barrier of interests."
"Ordinary farmers toil year-round, facing the loess soil with their backs to the sky, working from dawn till dusk, yet they don't even own a single plot of land, let alone possess any private property. A few days ago, I sent my men to inspect the border villages and personally witnessed farmers eating coarse chaff and wild vegetables, without even cotton-padded clothes for winter. It was truly heartbreaking."
Even after the king ascended the throne and abolished the old system, distributing the land of the nobles to the common people, the common people at the bottom of society had weak foundations and could not even afford to buy farming tools and seeds. They still lived a life of hardship, and there were still many who did not have enough to eat or wear.
The Minister of Rites bowed deeply, his expression respectful, and interjected, "Your Majesty, the people are the foundation of the nation. If this continues, the people's hearts will surely be in turmoil, and unrest may ensue. This is extremely detrimental to the long-term peace and stability of the country. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."
The ministers nodded in agreement, their faces solemn, and whispers began to rise among them.
"The ministers of the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites are absolutely right. There are also many farmers in my jurisdiction who cannot even afford seeds and can only survive by borrowing from powerful families and renting land, suffering all kinds of exploitation."
"That's right! The powerful and wealthy are hoarding grain and driving up prices, causing immense suffering for the common people. If this continues, there will definitely be chaos!"
The ministers nodded, their faces grave, and whispers began to rise among them...
A moment later, a minister dressed in a blue court robe stepped forward, bowed, and said: "I believe that we should implement a policy of light taxes and levies, exempting farmers from taxes for three years, so that the people can accumulate wealth and gradually escape poverty. Only when the people have surplus money can they work with peace of mind, gradually improve their lives, and stabilize public sentiment. This is the long-term solution and the most prudent approach."
No sooner had he finished speaking than a minister stepped forward and waved his hand repeatedly in rebuttal: "Inappropriate! Inappropriate! Although the national treasury has a surplus, post-war reconstruction, military support, road repairs, and river dredging all require huge sums of money. The national treasury simply cannot withstand large-scale tax reductions."
"Reducing taxes and levies will only deplete the national treasury. At that point, let alone supporting the people and promoting reconstruction, even the army will struggle to survive. It will actually hinder the improvement of people's livelihoods, resulting in more harm than good, and is absolutely unacceptable!"
Another minister quickly added, his tone urgent: "I second that! Although the borders are currently at peace, there are still remnants of forces eyeing us covetously. If the national treasury is empty and unable to support the army, the ninja world will be plunged into war again once foreign enemies invade, and the people will suffer even more!"
Immediately afterwards, another minister stepped forward and put forward a new proposal: "I propose that wasteland be reclaimed, with the state uniformly distributing seeds and farming tools to guide the common people in cultivating the land, exchanging labor for grain, and gradually narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor. This is not only a sound approach, but it also allows the people to support themselves, maintain their integrity, and prevent them from developing a habit of reaping without sowing."
"I believe this plan is feasible! After the wasteland is reclaimed, it will not only increase grain production, but also provide work for the displaced people, killing two birds with one stone!"
"However, reclaiming wasteland requires a large amount of manpower and resources. Can the national treasury support it?"
"I believe that reducing taxes and corvée labor is the right path!"
"Reclaiming wasteland is a safer option!"
"Severely punishing powerful and influential figures is the only way to solve the fundamental problem!"
For a time, the ministers expressed their opinions one by one, creating a noisy and chaotic scene with arguments and rebuttals intertwined.
On the throne, Uchiha Sanfeng sat motionless, his expression serene, as if he had not heard the argument below. His eyes were slightly closed, his fingers still gently twirling the jade pendant, completely undisturbed.
He appeared nonchalant, but in reality, he had already taken in all the arguments among the ministers and was well aware of their thoughts and schemes.
He was simply waiting, waiting for his ministers to tire of arguing, before he would release the decision he had already made.
A moment later, his fingers gently rested on the jade table, tapping rhythmically on the surface. The tapping sound was not loud, but it gradually suppressed the noise in the hall.
The debate gradually subsided, and the ministers stopped talking, their gazes all focusing on the Uchiha Mitsurugi.
Someone whispered, "The king is finally going to speak. I wonder what plan he will devise."
"I hope Your Majesty can come up with a solution that satisfies both sides."
Once the courtiers had completely quieted down, Uchiha Sanfeng slowly opened his eyes and his gaze slowly swept over the area below.
"You need not argue. I have decided to distribute money to every adult citizen so that they can have the means to make a living and no longer suffer from poverty and the struggle for survival."
These words exploded like thunder in the hall, leaving the ministers astonished...
They looked at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief...
Someone gaped and exclaimed in a low voice, "Give money to every adult citizen? The national treasury doesn't even have enough money... Wouldn't that be overspending from the banks?!"
One million taels of silver is undoubtedly an astronomical figure that is out of reach for ordinary people. Even high-ranking officials in the court may not be able to easily come up with such a huge sum of money.
The fact that this planet's ruler intended to distribute such a vast sum of money to every adult citizen was a bold move that shocked everyone. It also filled the ministers, who possessed enormous wealth, with trepidation.
A moment later, the finance minister's forehead was beaded with cold sweat. He quickly stepped forward, bowed deeply, and exclaimed in terror, "Your Majesty! You mustn't!"
"Nowadays, ordinary farmers work hard from dawn till dusk for a month, and their income is only around ten thousand taels of silver. They can barely make ends meet by being frugal. If a huge sum of money is distributed all at once, people will become complacent, abandon farming, neglect their livelihoods, and gradually develop a habit of getting something for nothing."
"Once the people's morals decline, the foundation of the nation will be shaken. This is certainly not a blessing for the country. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider your decision and think twice before proceeding!"
Seeing that things were going beyond expectations, the Minister of Revenue quickly interjected, "Your Majesty, I implore you to reconsider! If the people abandon their farming, there will be food shortages in the future, and the ninja world will fall into chaos again!"
The Finance Minister immediately bowed and added, trying to scare off Uchiha Mitsunori: "Your Majesty, the Minister of Revenue is absolutely right. More importantly, from the perspective of finance and currency circulation, this move will inevitably lead to hyperinflation, currency collapse, and economic disorder, with unimaginable consequences."
"The total amount of money circulating in the market is limited. If a huge amount of money is suddenly released, and the production of goods does not increase at the same time, prices will rise several times a day, and the money in people's hands will depreciate rapidly. One million taels today may only be able to buy a few bushels of grain tomorrow. In the end, it is still the lower-class commoners who suffer. It is not worth the loss."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider! You must not take this risk!"
"Your Majesty, although the confiscation of a large amount of nobles' property last time has left the national treasury with a considerable surplus, it cannot withstand such consumption. If it triggers inflation, the people will be full of resentment, and by then we will have lost the support of the people, and it will be too late to regret it!"
Several ministers stepped forward to offer their advice, each word earnest and well-reasoned. The other ministers echoed their sentiments, whispering that Uchiha Mitsunori should reconsider his decision and hoped he would retract it.
"Your Majesty, the Finance Minister is absolutely right. Please rescind your order!"
"Your Majesty, this matter is of utmost importance; you must not act rashly!"
They believed that as long as they worked together to dissuade the Uchiha Triumphs, they could get them to compromise. After all, such a huge subsidy would be a huge burden on the national treasury and could easily trigger economic turmoil.
Uchiha Sanfeng remained seated on his throne, smiling as he looked at his ministers. Finally, his gaze fell upon the silent figure in the crowd.
Nara Shikaku, born into the Nara clan, possesses exceptional wisdom and resourcefulness. He can always find the optimal solution in complex situations and is the only one who can perfectly implement the plan.
For many years, he has been the most trusted strategist of the Uchiha Three Peaks, and the only one who knows all of his plans.
At this moment, he stood in the middle of the ministers' line, remaining silent, clearly having already thought of a solution.
The minister next to him noticed his unusual behavior and quietly nudged his arm.
"Lord Shikaku, why aren't you saying anything? Do you also think the King's decision is inappropriate?"
Nara Shikaku shook his head slightly and replied in a low voice, "Your Majesty has his own considerations. We only need to follow your orders."
"Nara Shikaku, my mind is made up. I want every citizen to escape poverty and truly have the means to make a living. Tell me about the process: how should this money be distributed to avoid these negative impacts, ensuring that the people truly benefit without disrupting the national economic order?"
Nara Shikaku slowly stepped forward, bowing slightly, as if he had already made his decision.
"Your Majesty, I have a plan to resolve this dilemma... First, I suggest that instead of distributing it as a one-time reward, it should be implemented gradually and steadily as a long-term livelihood subsidy. This would be both prudent and maximize the effectiveness of the money."
His words instantly shattered the wishful thinking of the court officials and made those who were secretly colluding even more panicked...
Someone exclaimed in a low voice, "What? Long-term subsidies? Wouldn't that add up to more than a one-time payment?"
"Lord Shikaku, how could he have come up with such a plan...?"
Nara Shikaku paused for a moment, then continued to elaborate on his plan: "First, the national treasury will take the lead, in conjunction with local prefectures, to form a special verification team to check the information of every adult citizen one by one, and open a dedicated national treasury account for each adult citizen. The account information will be managed by the state with unified encryption, and at the same time, a special person will be assigned to verify it to ensure that the subsidies are accurately distributed to everyone and to eliminate any possibility of favoritism or fraud."
"Secondly, the total subsidy amount will be increased to 1.2 million taels, with a fixed monthly payment of 10,000 taels over a ten-year cycle, ensuring a stable livelihood guarantee. This subsidy will be named the 'Livelihood Stability Subsidy' and will be specifically used for people's basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, and production and business operations, guiding people to invest the subsidy in farming, employment, and business operations, rather than squandering it."
"When people have a stable income each month, they will feel more secure and will be more at ease working and farming. They will not abandon their jobs because of a windfall and will instead be more motivated to work hard. As money slowly flows into the market and grows in tandem with the production of goods, inflation can be controlled. At the same time, it can also stimulate consumption, promote the development of workshops and commerce, and create a virtuous cycle between production and consumption. Only then can the country and its people benefit in the long run."
Having said that, he bowed slightly, awaiting the decision of the Uchiha Sanfeng.
Upon hearing this, the assembled officials were all shocked...
Some couldn't help but whisper among themselves, "Isn't this plan incredibly comprehensive? It addresses the wealth gap while mitigating inflation risks—a win-win situation!"
"I never expected Lord Nara Shikaku to be so thoughtful. It seems that His Majesty had already planned everything."
Those ministers who had secretly opposed the movement now looked solemn and exchanged glances.
They knew something was amiss, so they didn't utter a word of rebuttal. They could only silently lower their heads and secretly plan their escape route.
After listening to Nara Shikaku's words, Uchiha Mitsunori's face showed approval, and his fingers stopped tapping on the jade table: "Very good. Shikaku has thought things through carefully and acted with discretion. He has taken into account both the people's livelihood and the stability of the national economy. Let's proceed with this plan!"
"Immediately issue the order: you will take the lead, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Personnel, to implement this matter as soon as possible, ensuring that every adult citizen receives the subsidy on time."
"I obey your decree!"
Nara Shikaku bowed and accepted the order, then returned to the ranks.
At this moment, those ministers who had secretly colluded were already deathly pale...
Some people huddled together quietly, whispering, "What can we do? The King's mind is made up, and Nara Shikaku has spearheaded the effort to make it happen. There's nothing we can do to stop him!"
"No, we need to prepare as soon as possible!"
But the Finance Minister still refused to back down, clinging to a last glimmer of hope: "Your Majesty! Absolutely not! Even if the subsidies are distributed in installments, the total amount accumulated over ten years will still be enormous. Such a huge influx of money into the market will still impact the currency value and trigger inflation. If it gets out of control, the consequences will be unimaginable. Please reconsider and withdraw your order!"
At that moment, Uchiha Mitsunori's eyes suddenly turned cold, his gaze piercing the Finance Minister like a sharp blade.
"What you're truly worried about has never been inflation, nor the lives of ordinary people. What you fear is that the assets hoarded by the wealthy will shrink relatively due to this nationwide subsidy, thus harming their interests..."
He slowly rose to his feet, and the immense pressure emanating from his body seemed to lower the temperature of the entire hall, making it difficult for people to breathe.
"I overthrew the old system not to protect the interests of a minority, but to enable every citizen of the ninja world to live and work in peace and unleash productive forces."
"Minister of Finance, you have sided with the old interests, betrayed my original intentions, and turned your back on the people of the ninja world. You are no longer fit to serve as Minister of Finance. Guards, seize him and throw him into the imperial prison! Show him no mercy!"
The finance minister's face turned deathly pale instantly, and he knelt down on the ground, his back soaked with cold sweat.
He bowed deeply, his head bowed low, and pleaded, "Your Majesty, spare my life! I know I was wrong, I will never dare to do it again. Please give me another chance, I will definitely repent and be loyal to you and to the people of the ninja world..."
Two ninjas dressed in black immediately stepped forward, lifted the limp finance minister, and dragged him outside.
The finance minister's wails faded into the distance, his figure appearing utterly disheveled. Those ministers who had secretly colluded with him watched in terror, not daring to utter a sound...
Uchiha Sanfeng's gaze swept over the assembled ministers, his tone softening somewhat: "My ministers, I know that most of you are concerned for the peace of the ninja world and sincerely strive for the well-being of the people. But remember, the foundation of the ninja world has never been a few rich people, but hundreds of millions of ordinary people."
"Only when the people truly live a good life can the ninja world truly enjoy lasting peace, can I, the ruler of this planet, sit securely, and can this peace continue."
"As for those who attempt to obstruct change, maintain old interests, or even secretly collude to launch a counterattack, I will show no leniency and will not be soft-hearted. The fate of the Finance Minister today serves as a warning to you... Those who obey me will prosper, and those who oppose me will perish. I will never allow anyone who disrupts the peace of the ninja world to have a foothold."
The assembled officials bowed in unison, saying, "Your Majesty's teachings will be remembered!"
A long-term stability policy that benefits all citizens has been finalized.
Nara Shikaku dared not delay for even a moment and immediately set about pushing this matter forward...
He personally visited various prefectures and counties to verify the information of adult citizens one by one, guided local officials to open dedicated treasury accounts, formulated detailed rules for subsidy distribution, and assigned dedicated personnel to be responsible for the monthly distribution and verification, ensuring that every subsidy was accurately delivered and truly benefited every citizen.
In just one month, local governments completed the information statistics of adult citizens, and dedicated national treasury accounts were opened one after another. The first month's subsidy of 10,000 taels was distributed to every adult citizen as scheduled.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire ninja world.
The common people cheered and spread the news, their faces beaming with long-lost, genuine smiles—the joy of escaping poverty and the anticipation of a better future.
They were grateful for the kindness of the three peaks of the Uchiha clan, and their determination to protect this peace was strengthened, resulting in an unprecedented unity among the people.
In the countryside, farmers held their subsidies with beaming smiles, rushing to the market to buy new farm tools and seeds. They chatted and laughed as they tended their fields.
"With the King's subsidy, we no longer have to worry about food and clothing, nor do we have to struggle for a living. There's finally hope for the future!"
In the town, artisans used subsidies to buy new tools, expand their workshops, recruit apprentices, and improve their skills. Businesses gradually flourished, and the atmosphere became increasingly lively.
Even the unemployed and displaced people found a livelihood with the subsidies. Some went to work in workshops, while others cultivated small plots of wasteland. Finally, they had a place to settle down and no longer had to wander from place to place.
Everywhere you look, you can hear the people praising the three peaks of the Uchiha clan and expressing their boundless hope for a peaceful era. The people's hearts are united like never before, and the entire ninja world is brimming with vitality and energy. Every corner is filled with hope.
Conversely, the former tycoons were all lamenting, their brows furrowed and hearts heavy with sorrow, their former arrogance vanished without a trace.
They never expected that the Uchiha Three Peaks would be so resolute, not only introducing a subsidy policy but also secretly investigating their assets, trying to completely cut off their escape route.
The gold, silver, and land they hoarded saw their relative value shrink dramatically under the impact of nationwide subsidies, their former sense of superiority vanished, and their past privileges disappeared.
Some powerful figures, unwilling to relinquish their former status and wealth, secretly complained and harbored resentment. They even attempted to unite to obstruct the implementation of the subsidy policy, and some even plotted a rebellion to reclaim their rightful interests...
But all of this was within the expectations of Uchiha Sanfeng. He had already laid a trap, waiting for them to walk right into it. He dispatched ninjas to crack down on hoarding of supplies and price gouging, confiscating the property of those who resisted and distributing it all to the common people, so that the people could truly benefit.
He showed no mercy to the wealthy individuals plotting rebellion, swiftly eliminating them and eradicating the remnants of the old forces...
With the government's guaranteed subsidies, the people's confidence exploded, their enthusiasm for production soared to unprecedented heights, and everyone worked hard, striving for a better life. The elimination of the old forces also freed the ninja world from all constraints.
The fields were carefully cultivated, the weeds were cleared away one by one, the grain yield increased year by year, the granaries gradually became full, and the problem of food shortage was no longer a concern.
Workshops sprang up everywhere, producing a steady stream of specialty products such as silk, porcelain, and ironware. This not only met the needs within the ninja world but also facilitated trade and economic exchange between different regions.
With increasingly frequent commercial exchanges, caravans from all over the country shuttled along the smooth roads, transporting goods from different regions to all directions, revitalizing the economy of the entire ninja world and putting its development on the fast track.
The economy of the ninja world is rapidly recovering and flourishing, like bamboo shoots after a spring rain. The poverty and ruin of the past are gradually being replaced by wealth and prosperity.