CHAPTER 1164: CHAPTER 1161: ALMOST FLIPPED THE TABLE

Fan Liang continued, "Besides the above suggestions, that sage also gave me another suggestion."

"But I feel this suggestion is somewhat radical, yet very fair."

Looking at the curious faces below, Fan Liang directly said, "This suggestion concerns the promotion and selection of all officials in our Blackwater Kingdom."

"That is to abolish hereditary titles and offices, the recommendation system, the nine-rank system, and implement selection through examinations."

"Adopting the imperial examination system to select outstanding talents to serve in positions at court."

Just as Fan Liang had predicted.

When he revealed this suggestion, everyone except Xuanjizi looked utterly shocked.

They had all obtained their current positions through nepotism and intended to arrange their descendants in the court as well.

However, if the imperial examination system was implemented, it would be much more difficult for their descendants to enter the court.

Fan Liang calmly asked, "What do you all think about the imperial examination system?"

The crowd looked at each other, afraid to express their true thoughts.

After all.

They had previously praised that sage’s suggestions, and criticizing this one now would be contradicting themselves.

Furthermore.

They weren’t fools; they could clearly see that the monarch had already made a certain decision.

Today’s assembly at the Golden Throne Hall was a trap for them.

And now, they were firmly caught in it.

Since that’s the case.

What more is there to say?

Fan Liang slowly stood up, his eyes resolute, and spoke with thunderous sound, "Since there are no objections, this matter is settled."

"Pass the message down."

"Strictly enforce taxation, healthcare, and elder care, as well as the establishment of schools."

"The first imperial examination is scheduled for the beginning of spring next year!"

"Court adjourned!"

He said as he got up to leave, and at the moment of turning away, he glanced at Xuanjizi, a hint of a smile in his eyes.

As if to say, see, I’ve managed to settle the entire court.

------

Xu Wendong was unaware of the happenings inside the Imperial Palace.

However.

He could feel the Virtue Power within him suddenly increase significantly.

If the previous increase was 0.01, now it directly increased by 1.

He boldly guessed that the Monarch of Blackwater had adopted his suggestions.

This made him very excited; if the Monarch of Blackwater implemented his suggestions throughout the kingdom, he would be continuously favored by Virtue Power.

"Lord, Chief Shen is here to visit." A Yamen Runner found Xu Wendong and respectfully said.

Xu Wendong slightly furrowed his brow, why has that old fox Shen Congwen come again?

Though puzzled, he still said, "Please invite Chief Shen in!"

Moments later.

Shen Congwen, dressed in a black brocade robe, arrived at the Government Office’s backyard, "Commoner Shen Congwen, pays respects to Lord Xu."

Xu Wendong appeared very amiable, "Chief Shen, what brings you here this time? Could it be another plea for Qi Pengfei?"

Shen Congwen chuckled, "Lord Xu, what are you saying? My plea yesterday was just a formality for my relative."

"Lord Xu, it’s like this." Shen Congwen said seriously, "I have an idea, but I don’t know if it’s appropriate to speak of it."

Xu Wendong: "Go ahead."

Shen Congwen said, "You previously spoke about developing the fishery, which will surely require a large investment, but I doubt the accounts of Carefree City can afford it?"

Xu Wendong nodded slightly, "It’s true there’s not enough money in the treasury, but I was planning to write a memorial to request funds from the monarch!"

Xu Wendong lied.

But not entirely.

The truth is that there really isn’t enough money in Carefree City’s treasury to build a fishery.

The lie is that he never intended to request funds from the monarch.

For him, if he couldn’t handle even such a small matter, he would be a very poor County Magistrate.

Shen Congwen smiled, "My thought is, we Shen Family can undertake and invest in the fishery."

"Besides paying taxes annually, we will also pay a hefty contracting fee to the government."

"What does Lord Xu think?"

Xu Wendong frowned, looking displeased, "Chief Shen, aren’t your ambitions a bit too large?"

Shen Congwen laughed, "The bold thrive while the timid starve!"

"Moreover, the Shen Family has many channels, and we can certainly develop the fishery, and even quickly transport fresh seafood to inland cities."

Xu Wendong couldn’t deny, "Indeed, the Shen Family does have such an advantage."

"However, the Outer Sea is vast; its usable ocean area is comparable to one-third of the Blackwater Kingdom."

"Just your Shen Family, I fear you cannot handle it all?"

Shen Congwen hesitated and said, "The Shen Family indeed cannot handle it alone, but with the Du Family and the Pei Family, taking control of that sea area shouldn’t be too difficult!"

Xu Wendong pondered for a moment and said, "If the three families join forces, you can indeed manage that sea area."

"However, to lease that sea area, the contracting fee will not be cheap!"

Shen Congwen was delighted and said, "Lord Xu, just name your price!"

Xu Wendong: "A hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones per year, with a minimum lease of ten years!"

Shen Congwen almost flipped the table.

A hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones?

Why don’t you just go rob someone?

Although the Shen Family is indeed wealthy, a hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones is no small sum for them either.

To exchange a hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones for Low-grade Spirit Stones would be astronomical.

At this moment.

He couldn’t help but wonder, even if a hundred thousand Superior Spirit Stones leased that sea area, how much seafood would have to be sold to recoup the contracting fee?

For a moment.

He looked at Xu Wendong with a changed gaze; this guy looks so handsome, but why is he so greedy?

Xu Wendong’s lips curled slightly, "Could it be that even the Three Great Families can’t come up with a million Superior Spirit Stones?"

"No, no, no, commoner is a businessman; every investment must weigh the pros and cons!" Shen Congwen said with embarrassment.

The Three Great Families could come up with that many Superior Spirit Stones, but it would empty their assets.

This investment carried great risk.

Xu Wendong continued, "The contracting fee is not cheap, but regarding this deal, I will also provide a green channel for you."

"You will be exempt from using the Teleportation Array to transport seafood, and certain taxes will be reduced."

"Oh, and one more thing."

"I have some expertise in Formations, and if you value my skills, I can help set up Formations for free to attract more seafood into the Outer Sea Fisheries."

He knew that to lure the Three Great Families into the trap, he had to offer sufficient sincerity and enticing conditions.

As expected, once Shen Congwen heard Chen Nan was willing to help set up Formations, he was delighted.

If Xu Wendong were really to help set up Formations, couldn’t they lure him to the Outer Sea and kill him there?