1627 Rise of the South China Sea

Chapter 2806
There are undoubtedly many reasons for the backwardness of the cultural and educational industry in the northern region, but one that cannot be ignored is the serious damage to the social order in the northern region caused by the turbulent situation in the past few decades.

Wars and natural disasters in Northwest China and North China under the rule of Ming Dynasty lasted for many years, during which a large number of people were displaced.In many places, there are empty rooms and starvation everywhere. It is difficult for ordinary people to survive, and it is naturally difficult to carry out cultural and educational activities.

The situation in the Jiangnan area, which was not directly affected by these natural disasters and man-made disasters, was much better than that in the north.During this period, the Jiangnan area also received a large number of scholars and literati who fled southward, and the cultural and educational industry became more and more prosperous because of this.From the number of applicants for the imperial examinations held by Haihan in the two places last year, we can intuitively see the huge gap between the north and the south in the field of culture and education.

Bai Letong is very optimistic that since the northern region can obtain rich financial revenue through the official mining industry, if more funds can be invested in the cultural and educational industry, the backwardness of the northern region in this field can be quickly improved .

But Bex's words were like pouring cold water on his head, and he realized that wanting to change the status quo might not be as simple as he thought before.

Beks continued: "For the northern region, culture and education are just one of the many industries to be developed, but the priority will not be at the top. After all, investing resources in this field will not be like mining and military expansion. Immediate payoff."

"Assuming that according to your plan, the government will provide money and people, and then open a few more elementary schools and middle schools here at one go, but even if everything goes well, it may take three to five years, seven or eight years, or even more than ten years later. The real effect can only be seen. The financial situation in the northern region has improved compared to previous years, but there are too many places where money is needed, and I think it is unlikely that Chen Yixin will adopt your suggestion."

After acknowledging the reality, Bai Letong quickly got rid of his frustration, and asked about Bai Kesi's inspection situation today and his upcoming itinerary.

Bai Kesi said: "From what I saw at the Fushan Copper Mine today, Chen Yixin is indeed very concerned about mining and downstream related industries. He is not willing to let the northern region only exist as a mineral resource area, but hopes to make the downstream The entire industrial chain of smelting, processing, and manufacturing is integrated to promote the industrialization of the northern region."

Bai Letong said knowingly: "So he has to win your support?"

Beks nodded without hesitation and said, "The Ministry of Industry has the technology and equipment he needs. With my support, the implementation of this process can indeed be accelerated. But I am a little worried that his plan may not be unanimously approved by the Executive Committee." .”

Bai Letong asked: "Isn't vigorously developing industrialization in line with the country's long-term development program? It is said that the northern region has all kinds of mineral deposits. In terms of resources, the conditions may be better than Hainan Island. The Executive Committee Why not support it?"

Bai Kesi said: "It is because the basic conditions are too good and the resources are too rich, so it will make people afraid."

Bai Letong suddenly said: "Is the executive committee worried that after the development of industry in the northern region, it will gradually become out of control?"

Bai Kesi nodded slightly and said: "On the way to the north, I also told you that Chen Yixin's loyalty is unquestionable, but there are people brought out by him from top to bottom. In the future, power will be handed over and generations will be replaced. No one dares to guarantee whether the district can continue to obey the orders of the executive committee after the wings are hardened."

Bai Letong said: "But since the technology is in the hands of the executive committee and the Ministry of Industry, it shouldn't be difficult to form a grip on the northern region, right?"

Bai Kesi said: "In theory, this is true, but you have to know that the only place where the executive committee can get stuck in the northern region is in the technical field."

Bai Letong was speechless for a while, he was not interested in power struggles in governing the country, and it was difficult for him to understand the almost fearful fear of the older generation towards the division of the country.In Bai Letong's view, as long as the country is strong enough, all people will naturally come together. Even if someone wants to divide the territory and establish their own family, it is impossible to get much support.

On the other hand, if the fate of the country declines, no matter how many ways are tried to consolidate the rule, it will still be difficult to recover. There have been too many failure examples in history, and similar situations will occur in almost all dynasties until the end of the dynasty.

Seeing his expression, Beks guessed his general thoughts, and asked with a smile, "Then what can you do to prevent the country from this risk?"

Bai Letong said: "My child has little talent and learning, so I dare not talk nonsense."

Beks said: "So you have an idea? Tell me and listen."

Bai Letong said: "Now our country's fortunes are on the rise, and we will soon take over the rule of Ming Dynasty. The development prospects of the northern region are also very good. If we restrict the development of the northern region at this time, wouldn't we just get stuck in our own neck? In my opinion See, instead of restricting it, we should strongly support the development of industry in the northern region. If an industrial zone similar to Tiandu or Changhua can be developed here, the balanced development of the north and the south will definitely benefit the country more than Disadvantage."

Beks smiled and said, "You're all right, but you still haven't mentioned a solution to the problem."

Bai Letong said: "I think the only way to solve the problem that my father said is to start with the bureaucracy system. Either try to replace the officials in charge of the northern region, or simply give Uncle Chen a higher status and make him like a stone man." Be a member of the executive committee like my uncle."

Beks nodded and said, "Exchange big power for small power, right? It's also a solution."

Bai Letong said: "He has joined the executive committee to take charge of the world, so of course the executive committee can also directly participate in the affairs of the northern region. It should be an acceptable exchange condition for both parties. Since it is in the East China Sea region If it’s feasible, then I think it should work here as well. Of course, the executive committee should have thought of the method I mentioned, but it may not be implemented due to some reasons.”

Bai Kesi said: "In my opinion, the reason is actually very simple. It is that the two sides have too little communication and lack of sufficient mutual trust. With Chen Yixin's achievements today, he should have entered the executive committee as a representative of the young officials. But because Due to various objective reasons, he has rarely had time to return to the south to report on his work these years, and his relationship with the executive committee is only maintained through official documents. Do you think this can gain the trust of the executive committee?"

"It's that simple?" Bai Letong couldn't believe it after hearing it.

"It's that simple." Bai Kesi gave an affirmative answer again: "But this knot must be untied, so I came to the north. Check the development situation here, and by the way, see if Chen Yixin is still the same as before. Just as reliable."

Bai Letong said: "Uncle Chen hasn't been back to Sanya for more than ten years. The last time you came here was 20 years ago. You are evenly matched."

(End of this chapter)