From the Carp that Brings Children to the Celestial Officials

Chapter 187 If you want to get rich, build roads first
In his previous life, You Ming had visited many scenic spots, but they were mostly filled with the same kinds of small commodities. Even the occasional items with local characteristics were more hype than practicality.

However, this is the spirit he upholds now.

For example, those stream stones are actually just pebbles from the mountain, but he claims that each of the stream stones from Yuanling Mountain has a unique pattern after being washed by water for countless years.

These patterns are creations of nature.

For example, if there are faint wavy patterns on the stone, that's "All Rivers Flow into the Sea"; if there's a red dot on the overlapping textures, that's "The Rising Sun"; and if there are continuous concentric circles of textures, then congratulations, that's "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains".

Perhaps in the eyes of ordinary people, this is all nonsense, no different from the Emperor's New Clothes.

However, many high-ranking officials and nobles actually like this approach and even call it elegance.

Many people have discovered that the stream stones of Yuanling Mountain are indeed different; many are of excellent quality and their beautiful patterns are clearly visible.

Nonsense, Yuanling Mountain has an 8-point beauty rating; even a single rock is the most beautiful of all.

You Ming believes that this "Stream Stone" has great potential for appreciation if it is properly marketed.

As for the medicinal cattail, it is a plant that resembles both mugwort and cattail.

This material is naturally soft and has a faint fragrance. If it is made into small herbal sachets or ornaments, it can sell for a good price.

As for the last dish, Hundred Flowers Brew, it was actually developed by Tang Gong with the help of You Ming. Although it is called "Hundred Flowers Brew", it is actually just brewed with a few kinds of herbs. However, it can be regarded as a kind of tonic. After drinking it, it can soothe the muscles and improve blood circulation.

Of course, its most prominent feature is its good taste, and many women can also enjoy a small pot of it.

……

"Ahem, let's talk about our plans for the coming year."

You Ming sat in the main seat of the Yin World Temple. Below him were minor gods such as Wu Mo, Bed Goddess, Cang Zhao'er, Barefoot Ben'er, and Dream Fire Fox.

Meanwhile, the little white dragon lay on the steps, looking around aimlessly.

Although eight years have passed, it seems that no trace of growth has been left on the little white dragon.

Not only did his body not grow, but his mind also did not improve.

Well... it's not that there's been no change at all; at least my appetite has doubled.

However, You Ming didn't care. Anyway, the monthly food expenses were still covered by the River God, so this amount of spending was nothing to this seventh-rank deity.

"We formulated this year's development plan before the end of the year, but plans can't keep up with changes."

"Now that our Yuanling Mountain has become more famous, most of our work has to revolve around the development of Yuanling Mountain."

After pondering for a while, You Ming slowly spoke.

Everyone below listened intently. Although You Ming rarely took charge of things, he was very strict about the results of their work. Apart from Meng Huoli, no one else wanted to be fired for their negligence.

After saying that, a document appeared in You Ming's hand.

The documents flew up page by page and landed in front of everyone. The first few pages were geomantic maps of the northwestern part of Tai'an Prefecture, including Changning County and Yuanling Mountain. There were also lines of varying thickness and density on them, representing roads and rivers.

"The official road from Changning County to Tai'an Prefecture has been in disrepair for many years. The road surface is full of potholes and uneven, and vehicles and horses will get stuck when it rains."

"It is difficult enough for ordinary people to travel on foot, let alone pilgrims and merchants?"

"Nowadays, the incense at Yuanling Mountain is flourishing, but there is no road that truly connects to the main road. Anyone who enters our mountain must take a detour through small paths and wade through puddles, making it virtually isolated."

You Ming gave Wu Mo a wink, and Wu Mo nodded before speaking to the others. “Therefore, I have discussed with the lord that, in addition to repairing the official road, we intend to extend a branch road from the southern section of the original official road, leading from Wangsongpo to the foot of the mountain gate, and build a gravel path that can be used by carriages and horses, as well as by pilgrims to climb the mountain.”

Wu Mojiang unfurled a scroll in his hand, which depicted road terrain, bridge and culvert nodes, and connection plans.

Everyone nodded. These things might be very troublesome for ordinary people, but with so many earth slaves raised on Yuanling Mountain, building roads was still a piece of cake.

"Afterwards, at the confluence of Yangjiao River and Feng River, the water flow is gentle, and awning boats often moor there. However, the mooring spots are scattered and become blocked when the tide rises and run aground when the tide recedes."

"Therefore, the docks here also need to be renovated to separate passenger ships, cargo ships and pleasure boats, so that ships from Tai'an Prefecture can reach Yuanling Mountain in one hour when sailing downstream."

"I will divide the work among you later, with each of you responsible for a section of the project."

Wu Mo tapped lightly on the intersection of the waterways on the map and slowly spoke.

Everyone nodded vigorously again.

Wu Mo explained a few more details to everyone before finally looking up at You Ming.

"The plan devised by Manager Wu is very meticulous, and I have no objections. However, I have only one request."

You Ming was also very satisfied. He had only mentioned the relevant information to Wu Mo, and Wu Mo had already formulated such a detailed plan.

"For the construction of these roads, you should find a way to get the newly settled high-ranking officials and nobles to pay for it, and then have the local people provide the manpower. Try not to use the power of the gods."

You Ming spoke up.

His words left everyone somewhat bewildered.

Changning County is about 20 miles away from Yuanling Mountain. In addition, with the construction of the official road and the expansion of the wharf, it would probably take a long time if we did not rely on the power of the gods.

Humans are physically weak; how could they possibly work as fast as slave laborers?

"The gods only govern the mountains and rivers; as for human affairs, they should guide humankind to do them themselves."

"Otherwise, if one day you are corrupted by human desires, don't blame me for not warning you."

You Ming's gaze swept across everyone's faces, and a rare stern look appeared on his face.

He used to be very kind to his subordinates, and was usually all smiles. But now that he had this expression, a sense of fear rose in everyone's hearts.

"Wu Mo, you keep an eye on things for me."

"Anyone who is lazy or cheats will be kicked out of Yuanling Mountain."

You Ming had essentially drawn a red line for everyone, and they all felt a sense of dread and nodded emphatically.

It's no wonder You Ming is so strict; as his cultivation deepens, he feels the endless entanglement between the divine and human paths.

Human desires and desires almost constantly assail the gods.

In order for deities to live long enough, they must maintain impartiality and not be swayed by human thoughts.

Especially now that Yuanling Mountain's fame has suddenly increased, not only will the local people be at a loss, but even the mountain's deities may be affected.

If deities constantly use their divine power to appease humanity in order to obtain more offerings, they will only become increasingly entangled in this situation and unable to extricate themselves.

(End of this chapter)