Being an otaku in the world of American comics

#487 - Luzon

As Liang Yue explained, Emperor Renzong and Empress Cao gradually stabilized their emotions.

Furthermore, they gradually began to accept the fact that the ancestral land of China and its surrounding areas were only a part of the world, and that the Great Song Dynasty, as the orthodox successor of China, was even smaller and more exquisite.

However, compared to the Emperor and Empress, the officials, members of the royal family, and masters from various Jianghu sects sitting in the hall became more curious and even impatient.

This was because, when Liang Yue explained and introduced the areas on the map, he not only pointed out some areas within the Great Song Dynasty.

It also included surrounding areas, areas separated by the sea, and even more places that many of the people present had never heard of.

What made them even more restless was that everyone in the hall could only imagine based on Liang Yue's voice, while all they could see was the back of the map, which was drawn with extraordinary embroidery skills.

It felt as if a peerless treasure was right in front of them, but they were constrained by etiquette and could only pretend not to see it.

At this time, the self-cultivation and patience of the people present were truly tested.

If Emperor Renzong had been attentive, he could have observed the demeanor of the people in the hall while looking at the map and listening to Liang Yue's explanation.

Even if he didn't observe all the officials and masters from the Jianghu, it would have been a good opportunity to assess the members of the royal family.

However, Zhao Zhen had no such thoughts or intentions at the moment, and he was intently listening to Liang Yue's explanation, his originally somewhat dim eyes occasionally flashing with dazzling brilliance.

…

"This place is Luzon Island, which is just across the sea from our Great Song. I suggest that Your Majesty must send people to take it down, preferably station troops there, and relocate enough people to live there."

At this time, Liang Yue pointed to an island on the map across the South China Sea from the Great Song Dynasty and solemnly recommended it.

"Luzon Island, I know about that. I've heard that it's a hot place with only a few uncivilized natives living on it. I wonder why the Daoist Priest would say this?"

Emperor Renzong showed a look of surprise on his face, but more of it was anticipation.

"Firstly, it can alleviate the three redundancies problem of our dynasty to a certain extent, especially the already excessive number of refugees, Xiang soldiers, and even forbidden troops. Former officials of the previous dynasty once said that soldiers should be elite, not numerous, and should be carefully selected one by one.

Excessive military strength has become a burden to the court. Although Your Majesty can maintain it while in power, it still involves and consumes a lot of the court's efforts, and it will inevitably become a disaster in the future.

Secondly, for that newly incorporated overseas territory of the dynasty, Your Majesty can alleviate the conflicts caused by land in various places through exchange, trade, fiefdoms, and other methods.

To ease the land power and reconcile the relationship between farmers and the gentry class."

As he spoke, Liang Yue paused, pointed to several specific locations on Luzon Island with his finger, and then continued.

"Thirdly, this island is not as useless as others say. On the contrary, it contains abundant mineral resources, especially gold and copper mines, which are urgently needed by our Great Song.

Such a uniquely endowed place is only occupied by a few indigenous tribes, like a child holding a beautiful jade in a bustling market. For the Great Song, this is a land bestowed by heaven."

"That island has copper and gold mines… Daoist Priest, is this true!?"

After hearing Liang Yue's words, Emperor Renzong's expression suddenly froze, and then his old face showed ecstasy.

As a wise ruler who wanted to achieve something during his tenure, Zhao Zhen was naturally well aware of the many hidden dangers within the Great Song Dynasty.

The former Fan Zhongyan reform was an attempt, but in the end, it had to be abandoned due to infringing on the interests of many people, resulting in excessive resistance from both the court and the people, and ultimately ended in disappointment.

In addition, with the increasing oppression of foreign tribes in the north, pointing their spears directly at the dynasty, Emperor Renzong gradually lost his former vigor.

Now, Liang Yue's proposal seemed to give him hope again.

For those former obstacles to reform and vested interests, this was a means of enticing them with benefits, rather than directly digging meat and power from them.

Gold and copper mines were certainly desirable, but the exchange of land and the solution to the problem of refugees and Xiang soldiers were even more appealing to him!

This compromise solution seemed to suddenly broaden Zhao Zhen's horizons and made him think of many things.

"I naturally wouldn't dare to speak nonsense in the court."

"Good!"

"In fact, there are many overseas areas worth developing. These large islands and lands, as long as Your Majesty can send people to explore them, and then classify and label them according to the natural conditions and land situation of each place.

Factors such as resource minerals, etc., can be used for grading, labeling, selling, preferential exchange, and other means, which can solve the contradiction between people and land in China. If tax officials can be sent to station in various places at that time.

By implementing effective methods, we can further broaden the source of tax revenue for our dynasty. At that time, a wealthy country and a strong army can be expected soon."

"Good! Good ah!"

…

"Cough cough~ Your Majesty, I wonder what Your Majesty and, uh, Qing Yuanzi Daoist Priest were just talking about?"

"Your Majesty, I seem to have heard you mention Luzon Island and various overseas places?"

"This matter is of great importance. If Your Majesty intends to do so, you still need to discuss it carefully with us officials."

"This matter concerns reform, so it must be treated with caution."

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is undeniable, haha ha~"

…

After listening to the conversation between Emperor Renzong and Liang Yue in the center of the hall, many officials and members of the royal family who had some insight and geographical knowledge had a vague understanding.

After that, they became even more impatient, looking eagerly at the back of the map from afar, with their heads held high.

Having been advised by his officials, Emperor Renzong suddenly came back to his senses from his reverie.

At this time, he turned his head, looked at the hall over the map, and then showed a childlike smile to everyone present.

"Come and take a look, everyone. I believe you have all heard what Qing Yuanzi Daoist Priest and I said just now. It has truly benefited me a lot~! Tell me, what are your thoughts?"

"I believe… this matter should be discussed later. Now that this hall is holding Your Majesty's birthday banquet, it can be said that all the wise men have arrived and the masters have gathered. If Your Majesty really intends to eliminate malpractices.

Then you need to be more cautious and allow us to carefully deduce and ponder."

An elderly man with a stout figure and a dark complexion slowly came behind the Emperor and Empress, with a large belly, looking at the map in front of him over the dragon case.

Although his eyes were also shining brightly, he tried his best to suppress his mood, took a few deep breaths, and then said with some restraint.

"What Lord Bao said is very true! If that island is really as good as Qing Yuanzi Daoist Priest said, then it concerns the rise and fall of the country, and our Great Song must take it for itself.

However, this island will not disappear due to a temporary difference. Before that, Your Majesty still needs to send generals, craftsmen, and officials to go there early to investigate carefully."

At this time, another minister with a slightly reserved expression walked over, staring at the world map in front of him and said

"What Lord Han and Lord Bao said is well-considered and patriotic, and it is very much to my liking ah~!"