Three Kingdoms: The Kingdom Cannot Be Partial

Chapter 311 In your pursuit of knowledge and career, is it truly a case of putting public interests before private ones?!
With the Prime Minister setting an example, those in the Prime Minister's office and his staff who had surplus grain rushed to purchase it.

As one of the most powerful clans in Tianshui, the Jiang family had a surplus of 20,000 to 30,000 shi of grain last year. As the eldest son of the clan, Jiang Wei already had a lot of influence. After being enfeoffed as a marquis and appointed as a general, he became the pride and hope of the clan. Without consulting the clan, he took on the responsibility of acknowledging a national debt of 10,000 shi of grain, which was the biggest move among all the officials.

The prime minister worked diligently for twenty years and was granted ten qing (one thousand Han mu) of land. However, he rented most of the land to the people around the land at low interest rates, and used most of his salary to help the widowed, orphaned, and lonely.

While not as impoverished as Deng Zhi, whose wife and children sometimes went hungry, they certainly didn't have much surplus grain. Most of the two thousand shi of grain were bestowed by the emperor after the great victory last year.

Fei Yi, Hu Ji, and Li Fu, these officials, also did not manage any property and relied solely on their salaries, resulting in little surplus. However, they did their best to subscribe to a 1,000-stone bond.

Deng Zhi's son, Deng Liang, was an official in the granary department. Upon hearing that the officials of various departments were buying up the national bonds of the Han Dynasty, he went home to discuss it with his mother. In the end, he took a thousand shi of grain that the emperor had bestowed upon his father the previous year and bought one bond in his father's name as General Zhen Dong.

However, this move was rejected by the prime minister.

Deng Zhi's poverty was well-known among the upper echelons of the Han Dynasty. He used almost all of his salary from the imperial court to support the widows and orphans of his soldiers, which often left Deng Liang and his mother hungry.

When the late emperor was alive, he once granted Deng Zhi a garden. When Deng Zhi was away on a military expedition, his mother and the still young Deng Liang planted mulberry and other miscellaneous trees at home.

When Deng Zhi returned home, he saw this and angrily said:

"The Xiongnu have not yet been defeated, yet Qu Bing left home. Now, the great enemy of the nation has not been quelled, and you all wish to pursue your own interests. Is this what you mean by 'putting public duty before private gain'?!"

Then he actually pulled it out and threw it away himself.

As a result, Deng Liang, the son of the dignified General Zhen Dong, did not have a decent piece of clothing to keep warm last winter. He was shivering and his lips turned purple from the cold every day when he went to and from the Prime Minister's residence and other residences to work.

Because Deng Liang's talents were not outstanding, Deng Zhi forbade him from saying that he was his own son, resulting in few officials in the Prime Minister's office recognizing him. In the end, it was only when Zhuge Qiao saw him while reporting on his work that he hurriedly brought some warm clothes from home and gave them to Deng Liang and his mother.

When this news spread, all the civil and military officials in Chang'an were sincerely impressed, praising Deng Zhendong for his selfless dedication to public service.

Deng Liang's attempt to purchase government bonds was rejected, which serves as a model for many patriots who have become almost penniless due to their dedication to public service. It also silences the few who privately criticized the Prime Minister, Fei Yi, Jiang Wei, and others for trying to coerce everyone into buying government bonds.

The Prime Minister, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, Deng Zhi... the deceased Yang Hong, and the Commandant Zhang Yi who suffered from gout and could not walk but had no money for treatment... Under the Prime Minister's exemplary conduct, the Han Dynasty had too many people who put public interests before private ones and did not manage their own property.

In this era, the term "managing industry" specifically referred to land-related matters such as purchasing land for a family or household to grow mulberry trees and fruit trees. Its main purpose was to preserve and maintain value; the core was preservation. Only what could be preserved could be considered an industry.

Moneylenders, merchants dealing in salt, iron, grain, and brocade, and even government bonds—their main purpose is to increase value and make profits; they are aggressive, and their core is growth.

The ancient saying, "Make money through commerce, then protect it through land," means that one can make money through business and then use land to safeguard that wealth.

Until the advent of industrial society, the people of this land regarded owning land as a symbol of dignity and status.

However, excessive pursuit, especially by the scholar-official class, is criticized as being preoccupied with worldly affairs. As the saying goes, "A gentleman understands righteousness, while a petty person understands profit." If too much energy is devoted to managing one's business, then what energy is left to pursue one's ideals?

This is why Deng Zhi scolded Deng Liang and his mother after returning, saying, "You want to manage the property, how can you be expected to be concerned with public affairs and forget your own interests?!"

In Deng Zhi's eyes, planting mulberry and other miscellaneous trees was a way for Deng Liang and his mother to manage their private property and plan for their future.

What he sought was to be concerned about the country and forget his family, to be selfless and devoted to the country, and to be diligent in serving the king and the public good.

He was furious that his family members, unlike him, had not shared his sense of public duty and selflessness, thus tarnishing the lofty ideals he had upheld.

My family and I are free from distractions.

Their sole objective was to pacify the world.

Before that, I will not consider any personal gain.

In the Han Dynasty today, there are far too many people who put the public interest before their own, especially the officials around the Prime Minister. Perhaps it is because people attract those with similar qualities, or perhaps it is a case of "what the superiors like, the inferiors will follow even more fervently".

In conclusion, the fact that Deng Zhendong's son's request to purchase government bonds was rejected relieved many loyal and patriotic individuals of their psychological burden.

As a result, the Prime Minister established a rule that all those who came to subscribe to national bonds must report detailed household registration and land information, such as the head of household, salary, and land composition, to the officials under the Grand Minister of Agriculture, and those whose land holdings did not meet the requirements were not allowed to purchase.

Moreover, national bonds are not allowed to be resold; they can only be purchased and settled by families or clans through the newly established National Bond Bureau under the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

But then there's another problem.

How should the grain raised through government bonds be transported?
The final decision was that the purchased grain would be transported by government personnel, and the government would be responsible for handling any grain losses.

For example, if Jiang Wei's family lived in Tianshui, then the 10,000 shi of grain purchased by the Jiang family would be directly transported to the western front and delivered to Wu Yi and Ma Dai's Northwest Army.

Since the Prime Minister's entire fortune was in Chengdu, it was directly handed over to the Chengdu Treasury.

In fact, this was also what Liu Shan thought, and it was the reason why he set a tithe.

Back then, the Wu Yan family lent money at a tenfold interest rate. Nowadays, the money lenders in the private sector also lend at nine-tenths and return-thirteenths, or even fourteen or fifteenths. The interest rate of one-tenth is really not high, but considering the losses incurred in transporting grain and the burden on the imperial court, it can greatly stimulate the willingness of wealthy people in the private sector to buy national bonds.

A few days later.

The announcement of the "Special National Bonds for the Eastern Expedition in the First Year of the Yanwu Era of the Great Han Dynasty" was distributed to various counties and prefectures in Guanzhong by express courier.

The notice was written in simple, colloquial language and explained in detail the purpose, face value, interest rate, and subscription method of the government bonds.

It was specifically emphasized that this debt was "guaranteed by the Emperor's reputation and the nation's reputation, and offset by the land owned by the imperial family and the nation's future taxes," and was stamped with the official seal of the Prime Minister as proof.

When the news spread, everyone in Guanzhong was shocked.

The various armies in Chang'an also stirred up trouble.

Wei Yan was initially calm, but when he saw the words "the emperor's signature and seal" and "the nation's credit as guarantee," his brows furrowed tightly. Finally, he clenched the notice tightly and snorted heavily through his nose.

"Nonsense!
"The country is so poor in funds and food that it has come to the point where it has to borrow money from the people?!"

"What do Your Majesty and the Prime Minister mean by this?!"
"If they're short of food, why don't they just ask us soldiers?!"

"As generals of the nation, how could we not have the desire to serve our country?!"
"Even if we don't accept half a year's salary or a year's salary, even if we don't accept rewards, or even if we have to tighten our belts, can't we get through this difficult time?!"

"Why bother with such a national debt?"

"The emperor's dignity and the court's authority are not to be used as collateral for grain exchange!"

He got angrier and angrier as he talked.

The surrounding soldiers heard it clearly.

A young and impetuous lieutenant couldn't help but chime in:
"The General of the Flying Cavalry is absolutely right!"
"As Han generals, we can fight even if we eat less food! Why should Your Majesty lose face and beg those wealthy households!"

After venting his anger, Wei Yan felt somewhat relieved. After a moment of silence, he irritably waved his hand and tossed the crumpled notice back to his personal guard.

"That's all!
"Since it is His Majesty and the Prime Minister's decision, we will obey!"
"Go and relay my message: the General of the Flying Cavalry has purchased five thousand bushels of grain!"

He paused, then summoned the steward: "Deduct it from my salary and rewards. If that's not enough, use the grain stored in the Chengdu Prefecture!"

East of the city.

Eagle Soars over the Capital Prefecture.

Wei Xing's wife, heavily pregnant, recounted in detail the notice she had seen at Qingming Gate to Wei Xing and the others.

Wei Xing listened intently, seemingly deep in thought. Beside him, Zhao Heizi, the head of the Weiqiao Prefecture militia, brightened up when he heard "a thousand shi of face value," "a tenth of the profit," and "a one-year term." He nudged Wei Xing with his elbow.

"Brother Wei, did you hear that? A thousand shi of grain, and you'll get an extra hundred shi a year later! This deal is worth it!"

Wei Xing glared at Zhao Heizi:
"You dog, have you forgotten our fields, cattle, and horses? Have you forgotten who gave us our good life now?"
"Does this business not can be done without this tithe?"

“Brother, that’s not how it works…” Zhao Heizi quickly said seriously.

"Our good life is a gift from His Majesty. Even the grain stored in our homes is a gift from His Majesty. Now His Majesty is asking us to borrow... to lend. Since we have it, why shouldn't we lend it to him?"
“But some of our Eagle Banner soldiers are not as ambitious as Brother Wei, and some are controlled by their wives and parents. If His Majesty promises them a tenth of the benefits, many of our brothers will be able to make things easier.”

Wei Xing nodded upon hearing this: "It sounds good, but the notice says that it must be purchased in the name of a family or clan, and it costs one thousand shi... How could our family possibly come up with one thousand shi?"

Zhao Heizi, who had a missing front tooth, grinned and said:
"Brother Wei, the notice says that it must be registered in the name of a household head to record... household registration information."

"Brother, we trust you. We'll pool all our grain under your name, and then you can go and buy more, okay?"
"But in this way, the burden will fall on your shoulders. If there are any issues regarding the redemption a year from now, you will need to step in."

Upon hearing this, Wei Xing pondered for a moment, then pounded his chest loudly:
"Alright, if the brothers trust me, Wei Xing, I would never do anything to steal their hard-earned food!"

After saying that, he looked at his wife:

"Go quickly and find paper and pen. Write down in black and white how much grain each family will contribute and how the profits will be divided. Put your fingerprints on it, and we brothers will have a written agreement!"

Several soldiers were enthusiastic and cheered, and immediately began to discuss raising money to buy the debt.

Wei Xing's new wife, heavily pregnant, went into the house.

Before long, he came out again with paper and ink.

Wei Xing spoke first:
"My brother and I received quite a few rewards."

"But there might be a locust plague in Guanzhong this year, and the summer harvest might be ruined. We have plenty of land, so we need to keep some. After deducting food rations and seeds, we can probably get about 300 shi of surplus grain. What about your family?"

Zhao Heizi counted on his fingers: "My family has less land, but more people. If we're frugal, we can manage to scrape together 120 or 130 shi (a unit of dry measure)."

“That makes over four hundred shi!” Wei Xing slapped his thigh.

Beside Wei Xing, several soldiers who had fought side-by-side on the battlefield weighed their remaining grain at home. After ensuring their own rations and seeds, they managed to scrape together another three hundred shi (a unit of dry measure). Wei Xing discussed it further:
"Let's find a few more familiar brothers to join us!"
“Wang Huzi’s family is wealthy, and Li Mazi’s mother is good at managing the household… It’s not difficult to raise a thousand shi of grain!”

"This is a matter of loyalty to the emperor and love for the country. Which of our soldiers is not loyal to the emperor and loves the country?!"

"His Majesty and the Prime Minister have allocated land to us, distributed rewards, and even granted us wives and children. For the first time in our lives, we have had a peaceful year. Now that the court is in trouble, can we just stand by and watch?!"
"Besides, there's interest involved, which is better than just piling up grain in the granary!"

Zhao Heizi and the other soldiers nodded vigorously.

These Eagle-Flying Guards were among the people who most directly felt the benefits of the new policies of the Han Dynasty. They had a very high level of identification with the emperor and the court, and were extremely optimistic about the future of the country.

Since the soldiers of the two prefectures marched south, they have been reporting victories one after another. These soldiers who stayed in the capital usually only thought about when it would be their turn to serve the country and when it would be their turn to make a fortune. Now that the country has given them an opportunity to be loyal to the emperor, serve the country, and make money, how could they not seize it?
...

Jingzhao.

Duling.

The clan leaders and elders of prominent families such as the Wei, Du, Jin, and Ji clans of Jingzhao gathered at a pavilion in the Du family residence.

Du Jian, the patriarch of the Du clan, stroked his long beard and spoke first: "What do you all think about this national debt? The annual interest rate of 10% seems good, however, the locust situation in Fengyi is currently unclear. What if it causes a major disaster and ravages Guanzhong..."

Although he did not say it explicitly, everyone present understood his implication: he wanted to make a fortune off the locust plague in Guanzhong.

When the locust plague strikes, whether it's annexing land and people or lending grain at high interest rates, these are all ways to get rich.

Clan Chief Kim Lian said:
Brother Du's concerns are not without merit.

"Moreover, the term 'national debt' is completely unheard of."

"Although the emperor and the court have guaranteed the credit, how to repay in the future will ultimately depend on the actual grain tax."

"What will the imperial court use to repay the locust plague in Guanzhong?"

While everyone was lost in thought, an elder surnamed Ji said, “Although the Han emperor has been winning battles since his eastern expedition, with the capture of Wu and Zi counties in a month and the fall of Yiling, the enemy in Guanzhong is ultimately Wei, not Wu. Will Cao Wei take advantage of the war between Han and Wu to invade Guanzhong?”

"If... if Guanzhong falls, the grain we lent out will never be returned."

"Old Master Ji's vision is far too short-sighted!" Just then, a scholar in a blue robe who had been silent all along suddenly stood up and rebuked him sternly.

The expressions of everyone in the room immediately changed.

"Du Ji, how dare you speak so recklessly!" Du Jian turned his gaze to the clansman dressed in the Imperial Academy robes below him and hissed, "How dare you spout such nonsense in front of our elders?!"

This young man is Du Ji, the most outstanding member of the younger generation of the Du clan. He was the one who discovered the so-called Tai'a Sword and the Pearl of Harmony.

Last June, the Imperial Academy was established, and he entered the academy, becoming one of the three thousand students in the outer dormitory. In the autumn examination, he was admitted to the inner dormitory from the outer dormitory.

In the recently concluded examination for promotion to the upper academy at Chang'an Imperial Academy, he wrote a policy essay entitled "On the Wei Canal," and ultimately ranked second, thus being promoted from an inner academy student to an upper academy student.

This essay, "On the Wei Canal," uses a pragmatic approach, presenting data and methods, to suggest that the state should carry out land reclamation and production around major water conservancy projects such as the Wei River, the Cao Canal, the Zheng Guo Canal, and the Cheng Guo Canal. It also provides many practical methods for land reclamation and incentives, and finally concludes that the state will accumulate six million shi of grain within three years.

Last year, he was recommended as a candidate for the civil service examination and became very famous among the scholars of the Imperial Academy in Chang'an. Even the Prime Minister personally examined his studies. When this essay, "On the Wei Canal," was published, the Prime Minister praised him to the public, calling him a man of great talent.

Despite being the focus of attention from the elders of the various clans and being reprimanded by the clan chief Du Jian, Du Ji calmly rose, first bowing to the elders before speaking loudly:

"Clan leader, elders."

"It is not that I am arrogant, but I feel extremely uncomfortable and have a bone stuck in my throat after hearing the opinions of you elders. I must speak out."

Du Jian, Jin Lian, and the others looked displeased, and Old Ji, who had been reprimanded by Du Ji, was even more indignant. Du Ji, however, spoke clearly and without any fear.

"You all keep talking about the risks of the locust plague, worrying about the gains and losses in Guanzhong, planning how to sell at a higher price, and even harboring the intention to take advantage of the locust plague to annex land and people, but you have forgotten two words."

"—The times!"
"My fellow uncles and elders, you still haven't figured out what kind of people are in charge of Guanzhong now, or what kind of court it is!"

As everyone in the room changed their expressions, Du Ji turned his gaze to the clan chief, who had just been worried about the locust plague in Guanzhong:
"My uncle is worried about the locust plague."

"They thought it was a rare commodity worth hoarding."

"But have you ever thought that since the Han Dynasty entered Guanzhong, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the court has vigorously promoted water conservancy, established military farms, distributed agricultural tools such as curved plows and dragon-bone waterwheels, and replaced millet with wheat. Winter wheat is harvested in May, so even if there are locust plagues in summer, the losses can be reduced!"
"At that time, the government will open granaries to help the people and stabilize grain prices. How can we allow the wealthy and powerful in Guanzhong to hoard grain and profit from the national crisis?!"

“The grain you have hoarded is nothing but stale stuff in the granary. What profit can you possibly make?”

"Your focus is only on the harvest of this one season, failing to see the great trend of the nation's agricultural development. Isn't this a sign of your shortsightedness?"

After speaking, he looked at Jin Lian, the patriarch of the Jin clan, and his tone became even more impassioned:
Jin Shibo doubted the court's ability to repay the debt, believing that the national debt was empty and unrealistic.

"However, when Duke Huan of Qi wanted to attack Chu, Guan Zhong offered the strategy of 'subduing Liang and Lu with silk,' which was to subdue the enemy without fighting by using economic means!"
"The current Chancellor of the Great Han Dynasty is a figure like Guan Zhong and Yue Yi!"

"Since Your Majesty's eastern expedition, Wuxian and Zigui were taken in a month, and the fortified city of Yiling was also captured in a day. Such thunderous momentum shows that Sun Wu is outwardly strong but inwardly weak and internally disaffected."

"The entire Wuling prefecture has rebelled, and Jingnan is in turmoil. The Han army has already prepared for a great victory, and the recapture of Jingzhou is just around the corner!"

"At that time, the prosperous lands of Jingxiang and the rice-and-fish-land of the Yangtze and Han rivers will be incorporated into the territory, and the imperial tax revenue will increase significantly. Why worry about not being able to make up for the one-tenth of the profit?"

“You are only concerned with immediate gains, but you fail to consider the greater benefits of national strength and territorial expansion. Isn’t this a sign of shortsightedness?”

He then looked at the clan chief, Du Jian:

"Uncle, do you still remember the great locust plague that swept through Guanzhong during the Jian'an era?!"

"At that time, the land was barren for thousands of miles, with no harvest, corpses of the starved littering the fields, and people resorting to cannibalism. What a tragic scene it was!"

"My Du family of Duling has a long tradition of poetry and propriety. Although we have faced difficulties, the grain stored in our clan is enough to help some of our neighbors."
"But what about the many ordinary people? They exchanged their own children to eat, and broke apart human remains to cook with! Where was the court then? Did it ever save the people from their suffering?!"

He glanced around at everyone present and saw that many of them looked ashamed, as if recalling the terrible events. He then continued speaking forcefully:

"Now that Guanzhong has just been annexed and locusts have just appeared, the Prime Minister is already on high alert. He does not use superstitions to shirk responsibility, nor does he follow the example of the previous dynasty's inaction. Instead, he mobilizes all the resources of Guanzhong, disregarding gains and losses, and is determined to nip the locust plague in the bud!"
"This pragmatic act to save the people demonstrates the courage and responsibility of a true king!"

"The ministers of the Han Dynasty were so concerned with the public good that they forgot their own families, placing the well-being of the people on their own shoulders!"
"We, who have lived off the Han dynasty's bounty and received the nation's favor, and who sit on the shoulders of the granaries, are yet calculating a penny's profit and plotting opportunities for annexation after the disaster?!"

At this point, he stared at Du Jian, his tone almost questioning:
"uncle!
"How could you forget the devastation caused by the locust plague back then?!"

"Now, a court that is truly willing to shoulder the burdens of the people, that truly dares to face difficulties head-on, and that has already demonstrated such kingly spirit and thunderous methods to the world is right before our eyes!"

"Does the Du family of Jingzhao really intend to emulate those short-sighted, profit-driven, and cunning merchants, calculating their own gains and losses behind closed doors while disregarding justice and ignoring the potential calamity that may befall humanity?!"

Clan Chief Du Jian's beard trembled as he listened to the words of this young man on whom the clan had placed high hopes, his gaze complex. Du Ji, however, finally fixed his gaze on the elder surnamed Ji, his words utterly blunt:
"As for what Elder Ji said, worrying about Cao Wei's invasion and the change of control of Guanzhong, it is utterly absurd!"
"Last year, the deaths of Cao Zhen and Zhang He, the defeat at Chang'an, and the loss of Guanzhong terrified the Wei traitors! Sima Yi cowered at Tongguan, not daring to look westward!"

"Now the Han army is well-trained and well-supplied, His Majesty is wise and mighty, and the Prime Minister has made infallible plans. With a wise ruler above and virtuous ministers below, Guanzhong and Longxi are already as solid as a rock! Jiangnan will also wipe away the shame of Yiling!"
"Are you all still living in the past, believing that the Han Dynasty is still the same Shu Han that was confined to the western Shu?!"
"Does Elder Ji still regard Cao Wei as the legitimate successor to the Mandate of Heaven?! If he harbors such a thought, he is two-faced and deserves to be punished!"

The scholar from the Imperial Academy spoke with such force that the entire room fell silent, yet he did not stop.

The Zuo Zhuan states: "When you are at peace, think of danger. If you think of danger, you will be prepared. If you are prepared, you will have no worries."

"Now is the time when the country needs me. Subscribing to national bonds is not about squandering my family's wealth, but rather about 'being prepared for the future,' thus closely linking the fate of my personal life and family with the fate of the court!"
"Providing timely help is far better than adding flowers to brocade."

"Now that you have all given your full support, how could the court forget you in the future?"
"On the contrary, if we stand idly by now, or even take advantage of the chaos, how will the court view those who 'know when to yield' when the country is at peace and rewards are given?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was lost in thought, shocked and speechless.

Du Ji looked around at everyone, his voice slowing down:
“In the past, Lü Buwei saw the potential in a rare commodity and invested in Qin Yiren, eventually rising to the highest position among the ministers.”

"The Du, Wei, Jin, and Ji families of Jingzhao are now facing the Han Dynasty, which is bound to sweep across the world. They are a rare commodity that can be hoarded once in a thousand years!"
"You are all so concerned with the gains and losses of a mere thousand or ten thousand bushels of grain, and so afraid of the possible locust plague and other risks. You would rather let the grain rot in the granaries than take advantage of this opportunity to share the nation's prosperity and gain a lifetime of wealth and a good reputation..."

"This junior truly does not know whether it is due to my youthful arrogance or the old age and senility of the elders, who have lost sight of the general trend of the world and are unable to discern the benefits and harms of the future!"

After speaking, Du Ji bowed again, said no more, and left the room, leaving behind a hall full of elders from various tribes with ever-changing expressions.

After an unknown amount of time, Du Jian stopped stroking his long beard, his heart still churning with turmoil. He finally re-examined the enormous opportunities and risks represented by the words "national debt."

After an unknown amount of time, Du Jian finally spoke:

"These national bonds are the first batch of bonds personally signed and stamped with the Emperor's jade seal, and their significance is far beyond that of ordinary money and grain."

"Not to mention that a year later, when the court repays the principal and interest as agreed, you and I will certainly benefit."

"Even if... even if we don't redeem it and keep this bond in the ancestral hall, its value is far beyond what ten thousand bushels of grain can measure."
"Imagine if in the future any of our clans or families were to rebel and violate the laws of the Han Dynasty, or if our families were to suffer misfortune, we would need to petition the court for leniency."

"If we could present this bond, personally signed by the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, to prove that we provided strong support to the nation during its time of crisis, its value might be worth a thousand or even ten thousand gold pieces?"

Du Jian's words finally made the elders in the pavilion look at each other in bewilderment, and then they fell into deep thought again.

The hesitation on Jinlian and the elders of the Naji clan gradually faded, replaced by a deep sense of agreement.

After a moment, the elder surnamed Ji, who had just been reprimanded by Du Ji, sighed and slowly spoke:

"Indeed, this thing is called a bond, but it is actually a certificate that is tied to the fate of the nation, a talisman that can be passed down to future generations."

Du Ji slowly nodded, his eyes revealing approval:
"The number of government bonds is limited, and there are probably quite a few people who think like you and me. Therefore, we should not only buy these so-called government bonds, but also do so sooner rather than later, and even buy several more."

(End of this chapter)