The sun never sets in America

Chapter 302 Saibei: Gold Mine

Fishing Port City, Saibei Province——

[Later Anchorage, Alaska, USA]

The warm wind in summer blows the entire fishing harbor. Dozens of steam ships, large and small, with moderate tonnage are moored in the harbor. These ships are all local fishing boats.

Because Saibei is located close to the Arctic Ocean and faces the Pacific Ocean, a large number of salmon migrate back every year. The local salmon production is also very huge, second only to the Xianbei Dudu District in the entire Han Dynasty.

Even the local crabs are dubbed "Emperors". Although this is an exaggeration, it actually allows Saibei to feed many people.

The local economy is relatively primitive in the entire Han Dynasty, with only a few small industries such as seafood and fur.

This also resulted in the "backwardness" of the local economy. Even the so-called Fishing Port City was built on the basis of Russian colonists, so that foreigners who had just arrived in the Fishing Port City felt that they had arrived in Russia.

The entire fishing port city has a total of only 70,000 people. This number is the result of immigrants who have desperately immigrated over the years. During the Russian period, the population of this place never exceeded 10,000. At its highest, it was only 8,000 according to statistics. Among the people left and right, we also need to count the soldiers who came to garrison after the rise of Han Dynasty.

The fundamental reason why Fishing Port City is named "Fishing Port" is because of the marine resources here. Although the local area is jokingly called the "Three Nos" by some wealthy areas in Han Dynasty, it has no population, no economy, and no conditions.

But looking at the entire North Sea, and even the entire Canadian region, there are only a few areas that can be compared with the fishing port city. You must know that many places in British Canada are no-man's land. Only some areas close to Han and the United States have some population and Economic activity.

Although this is related to the "bad" natural conditions in Canada's interior, it also reveals the reality that the British do not care at all how Canada develops. After all, this is a British colony, and the obligation of the colony is to pay taxes and provide all Everything is needed. As for other responsibilities, the British have no intention of taking responsibility at all. They call it local autonomy, but in fact it is still "shirking responsibility". They only want to get benefits and don't want to work.

If Saibei was an overseas territory like Lanfang, the Han State would not care about it and would just take advantage of it. But the mistake is that this place is the mainland. Therefore, developing Saibei is a must for the Han State. obligations to be fulfilled.

It is also because of this that Saibei can receive financial subsidies of up to eight million yuan every year. You must know that these funds are taxes paid by other places. The fact that they are handed over to Saibei so easily shows the "friendship" towards Saibei.

Of course, such reckless efforts were not without debate within the Han court and even the Imperial Parliament, but all of this was suppressed by higher-level forces.

The entire Saibei developed under such "subsidy". Without subsidies, the entire Saibei might be like a poem by the former governor said:

"The cold wind rolls across the plains, making it difficult to travel across the icebergs,"

"If you ask about the plan here, your young head will turn gray."

Yes, because of Saibei, the former governor had many more gray hairs when he left office.

Saibei is the "barrenness" described by the poet, and it is also the so-called "empty silence".

There is no so-called feasting and feasting here, and there is no picturesque scenery. There are just a few fishing boats, a port that is often covered by wind and snow, and the "enthusiasm" hidden under the bloated leather clothes.
-

In summer in Saibei, the warm sun hanging high in the sky makes the entire river ditch begin to thaw. Several local snow rabbits are jumping around to drink water. On the ground, grass that has been surviving for half a year has sprouted from the snow water. , under the sunshine, the stubborn grass and the melted snow formed a sharp contrast.

"Crack", the grass was eaten by the snow rabbit! !

The grass that was just enjoying its new life, just like its predecessors, was born to be destroyed. As for the so-called alive, maybe it is really just alive! !

The snow rabbit poked his head out, looked at everything around him with his red eyes hidden under the snow-white fur, and then lowered his head to enjoy the "delicious food".

"Whoosh!!"

A bow and arrow accurately hit the snow rabbit. The snow rabbit that was destroying Xiaocao's life just now paid the price with his life.

Several other snow rabbits around saw such a "cruel" scene and immediately fled, not caring about the life or death of their companions. This is the memory engraved in their genes. Once they encounter danger, they will flee first. As long as they escape, according to their race The reproductive capacity of the population can be restored in just one quarter.

So, how important are similar people? ?

"Shuisha", a young man wrapped in sealskin walked out of the jungle, with a hint of obvious joy on his face.

He walked to the side, picked up the dead snowshoe rabbit, pulled out the bloody arrow, took it to the river, washed it several times, and put it back into the reindeer skin basket on his back.

The young man carried the snow rabbit and walked towards the nearby tribe.

The boy's name is Arach, and he is a member of a local Eskimo tribe. What he does most on weekdays is hunting.

In fact, strictly speaking, the Eskimos are very similar to the Kamchatka and Chukotka natives in the Xianbei region. They are both cold people who mainly focus on fishing and hunting. The main means of transportation is actually reindeer.

It's just that compared to the natives in those areas, the Eskimos mostly use a unique local dog breed. The Han people call them "Eskimo dogs", "Sebei dogs" and "Alaska dogs". There are many names, but the Han people The current unified official name is "Saibei Sled Dog", and the meaning is very simple and clear. It is a local dog breed in Saibei, and its main purpose is to pull sleds and pull goods.

[Later generations of Alaskan dogs]

"Woof woof!!"

As soon as Arach came to an open space, he heard an excited barking of dogs. In front of a sled, three large black and white dogs with thick fur were tied. After seeing Arah, they barked even more happily.

Arach first took out a few stiff pieces of dried meat from his backpack and delivered them to the dogs. After they finished eating, he began to turn the front of the car, re-tied the dog's rope, and then began to drive the small car. to the big "dog cart".

Wow! !

The sled was dragged by three powerful Saibei dogs and slid through the newly melted snow. The speed became faster and faster, even giving people a windy feeling.

Coupled with the warm sun and the gentle breeze blowing on his face at this time of year, Arach felt like he wanted to sleep. He didn't wake up until he heard "empty".

When I got up and took a look, I was trapped.

Arach shook his head, and finally slowly pulled the sled up.

"Crash!!"

As soon as the sled was pulled up, the place where it had been stuck began to collapse, revealing a small hole.

Arach didn't think anything at first, but when he glanced at it, he suddenly saw a color that was very similar to the color on the leader's collar. He immediately became interested, lay down on the ground, and put his hand into the soil.

After a while of "tumbling", the black hand was "pulled" up from the hole. When the hand came up, it was clenched.

"Huuhu!!" Because he had been scratching for so long, he was covered in a lot of mud. The dogs next to him were playing with each other, and occasionally they looked back at their owners, who were in the same "posture" with them.

The hand covered with mud and snow water spread out, revealing a dark stone with a touch of golden light. The stone weighed about seven or eight taels, and it was Arach who managed to pull it off from a rock wall below. of.

"Hoohoo!!"

Arach stood up and blew on the soil and black "dirt" on the rocks. Finally, he couldn't blow or wipe the dirt before he gave up.

Although most of the area is still very dark, Arach is sure that the gold on it is the color of the chief's collar.

Thinking of this, Arach instantly became happy. For him, this was more important than hunting a few snowshoe hares or catching a few salmon in the river.

After all, if you want to be famous in the tribe, you have to do something different from others.

When he thought of being "rewarded" by the clan leader, becoming famous throughout the tribe, and finally having Aaliya marry him, Arah "shuddered".

Not scared, but excited! !

"Full of confidence", Arach got on the cart, pulled the rope, and started galloping with the "dog cart". The speed was so fast that even the "Donkey Cart God of War" was defeated.

…………

In the wooden house, the patriarch looked at the jet-black stone in his hand, looking left and right. He always felt that the "gold content" was not very high, but because of the golden light in front of it, he couldn't completely deny it.

On the opposite side, Arach stood nervously, motionless. After all, the entire tribe was now spreading rumors that he had brought back a "treasure". If not, then he would be completely embarrassed. The so-called marriage of Aaliyah , and it became a joke.

In the end, the clan leader couldn't see clearly and couldn't judge, so he could only order people to take the stones to the machines in nearby Han towns to test them.

This is also the only way at present. Due to the arrival of the Han people, the current Eskimos actually live a life of eating hair and drinking blood as before. In fact, there are very few of them, and it is more of a "culture".

For example, the unfamiliar tone of "money" is also very important to the current Eskimos. After all, fools know that with money, you can buy "spirits", "candy", "canned food" and other delicious food from the Han people. There are even beautiful clothes that women will love.

Just as Arach in the tribe was "tremblingly" waiting for the news.

In a shop engaged in cutting in the city, the legend about "nugget gold" is spreading like a "tornado" to every corner of the town.

There are only 1,500 people in the town, and most of them are acquaintances. In a place like this, nothing is a real secret.

Maybe whoever you fight with today, as long as you don't pay attention, the whole town will know about it the next day.

In such a society of acquaintances, "secret" is a joke in itself.

"Did you hear that a gold mine was discovered near here!!"

"Who did you hear this from??" "My uncle's second son's third aunt works in the restaurant next to that store."

"Good guys, we are going to make a fortune!!"

"Who says it's not? It's so cold here, not to mention the money, not even a hair can be seen. I usually make a living by getting some furs and catching some fish. Now it's better, I don't have to work so hard anymore! !”

The town is full of news about "nugget gold", "gold mines" and "making a fortune".

So much so that the local government couldn't sit still and organized people to explore nearby.

In the end, thanks to the "unremitting efforts" of the local people and the "cooperation" of Aragh himself, the specific information about the gold mine was almost in the hands of the local government.

Even in areas where gold mines are located, a large number of militiamen have been deployed to maintain order and prevent those people from taking risks.

The news of the local discovery of gold mines was also sent to Yugang City as quickly as possible.

.............................................

In the Fishing Port City, the deserted streets and the not too bloated pedestrians are a constant reminder of how desolate everything here is.

Even a bicycle passing by is considered a good means of transportation.

Although the number of people in the local area is listed as 70,000, in fact, only a little over 20,000 people actually live in the city. Most of the people gather in the surrounding towns and make a living by fishing and fur.

Life is tight compared to other places.

And in such a "desolate" situation, a piece of news from the inland "disturbed" everyone.

Gold mines, gold mines were discovered inland! !

This news was like a "bomb" that made everyone "disgraced".

The entire city, including those fishing boats that had just returned to port, began to "get ready to move". After all, fishing is not as cost-effective as digging for gold.

Humanity's "desire" for gold has been engraved in the genes since the birth of this species. Just like most herbivores will stand up within half an hour of birth, this is a continuation of the genes.

In the fishing port governor's office, the discussion about the gold mine has not stopped since the news came out in the afternoon. Especially when it was roughly estimated that there were at least 300 tons of gold, everyone could not sit still.

After all, the Imperial Bank's gold reserves are only 1,500 tons so far. Although most of the gold mined by the Han State remains on the market, it can also be seen that the Han State itself has a demand for gold. (According to estimates, Han’s private gold reserves are at least three times those held by Han’s banks)

Faced with such huge wealth, it is impossible for these "masters" in the fishing port not to be tempted, but gold is so eye-catching that it is difficult to do anything with it.

"No matter how much we argue, it won't work."

"I think, if not, let's learn from Tongshan back then, let go of the gold mines, bring people in, and activate the economy!!"

Ding Mingtong, the governor of Saibei, watched everyone arguing, and finally he could only make a suggestion himself.

The people next to him heard Ding Mintong's suggestion and "whispered" for a while before someone stood up and asked:

"Sir Governor, if you follow Tongshan's example, how can you convince your superiors??"

Others also cast their gaze over.

Ding Mingtong looked at everyone, his eyes still firm and said:

"There is precedent to follow, just follow it!!"

Yes, in the eyes of Lord Ding, there was no reason why Tongshan could not do what they did in Saibei.

If it is really not allowed, then he has to ask carefully whether he is treating one thing favorably or not favoring another! !

Of course, in order to show respect for the "parents-in-law" above him, Ding Mintong still wrote a "lowly" memorial and reported it to his superiors.

Before the memorial was sent, a telegram was sent announcing the discovery of the gold mine.

Get a "vaccination" in advance! !

…………

Xijing Cabinet.

"Everyone, let's talk about it. Should we take it back to the imperial court or let it go?"

Hu Junding asked everyone present with a copy of the latest gold mine data.

According to the latest testing, apart from the large gold mines in the central part, there are also dense small gold mines in the surrounding areas, and there is even gold sand in some local rivers.

According to statistics, the final reserves may exceed a thousand tons. This is definitely a large gold mine. This kind of gold mine is definitely the "best" among so many gold mines discovered in Han Dynasty.

If you let go, you will really be reluctant to let go.

"In my opinion, we shouldn't let it go. After we let it go in the Tongshan area, local bandits were allowed to run rampant. If we let it go again, wouldn't it mean that the fishing port would become the next Tongshan?"

The Ministry of Finance is the most opposed to liberalization. After all, if liberalization is implemented, fiscal revenue will decrease.

"No, I think we should let go. You should not only see the chaos in Tongshan in the past, but also see the governance today. The so-called governance cannot be closed in one word, let alone the words black and white??"

"Let me see, there are advantages to letting it go, and there are difficulties to being messy, but in the final analysis, how to let it go, how to manage it!!"

Wen Sheng from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce directly stood up to refute.

Others also stood up and expressed their opinions, almost turning a good meeting into a "debate" show.

Hu Junding took a sip of tea and finally said:

"It's not up to us whether we open it or not. Can we still tell what the fishing port locals want??"

"What did Chang Ruzhen say in the memorial? The northern part of the Great Wall is difficult, the population is sparse, and although the wealth is great, what's the use of it if it's not popular."

“Isn’t it obvious that you want to build a second Tongshan??”

When Hu Junding talked about this matter, he felt helpless. Everyone wanted to learn from Tongshan, but did these people consider the difficulties of the court? ?

Consider the difficulties of these people? ?

"Hu Xiang, if you want me to see it, just open it and let them open it, rather than open it behind your back."

Wen Sheng stood up and said to Hu Junding.

When Hu Junding heard this, he frowned and then asked:

"What if it's like the Tongshan gang, where there's a smoky atmosphere and corruption and money-grabbing rampant in the place?"

(The corruption in Tongshan was the worst in Han Dynasty, higher than that in Hanzhou)

Wen Sheng cupped his fists at Hu Junding:

"Prime Minister Hu, it's not like these days. What happened to Tongshan will be worse than ten times. If our country cannot accommodate the fishing port today, it will be even worse than when Tongshan was allowed to open more than ten years ago."

"In my opinion, there are only two best ways, one is prison, the other is power!!"

"The power of supervision and distribution is in the hands of the imperial court. The fishing port is not in chaos, at least not like the chaos in Tongshan!!"

Hu Junding looked at Wen Sheng who was "talking eloquently" and finally said:

"Let me prepare the memorial and hand it over to His Majesty!!"

Wen Sheng's face lit up and he understood the meaning.

A few days later, news about the Fishing Port Gold Mine and the Saibei Gold Mine spread throughout the Han Kingdom.

Suddenly, the number of people heading north increased day by day, and the boat tickets to the fishing port were postponed until next month.

　Monthly tickets, rewards, rush, rush, please help

　　

　

(End of this chapter)