The strongest devouring system in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 185 Statistical Report

"This problem cannot be solved overnight. Let's think about another issue: human ability is limited, and the value that one person can create is also limited. It is impossible for one person to produce all the means of subsistence."

"Then exchange becomes inevitable. If so, what should we use to measure such exchange? Besides barter, money, or what might be more appropriate to call an equivalent exchange, is the way to measure it."

"Chen Er introduced another new concept to Wang Hui. Chen Er and Wang Hui talked about the national economy as a whole, starting from the concept of equivalent exchange. For Wang Hui, this was a completely new concept, a field he had never been exposed to before. He still had a lot to learn."

When discussing the national economy, Chen Er naturally brought up the economic standards for measuring regional development, in the context of the district he was governing moving towards the industrial era.

Regional development can no longer be measured solely by agricultural production; the overall economy, including agriculture, industry, and the tertiary sector, is the most important indicator for measuring regional development.

"We cannot only look at agriculture. After all, not all regions are suitable for developing agriculture, and not all regions that develop agriculture are suitable for growing grain, based on the statistical reports of the districts we have rectified in the past two years."

"Except for a few remote areas and areas like Meishan Town, most of the areas I managed have successfully overcome food shortages, and most people can now guarantee their daily lives."

Once people have enough to eat, they will have other, more complex needs. These are inevitable developmental needs in the normal course of human life. Therefore, the policies of rulers that simply satisfy the basic survival needs of the people are no longer applicable.

"My lord, I understand somewhat. You mean that as the needs of the people change, our policies and the standards for measuring local governance should also be adapted accordingly," Wang Hui said to Chen Er.

Chen Er nodded in agreement with Wang Hui, and said to Wang Hui, "Look at these businesses on the street. In the future, they will be the most important part of the district we are working on."

"Most of the tax revenue will come from commercial transactions. The health of a local economy will directly determine the local tax revenue. With more tax revenue, our government will have more money to support infrastructure construction and improve people's livelihoods."

"You must remember one thing: the economic base determines the superstructure."

Chen Er said to Wang Hui, "The first thing to do when building a house is to lay a solid foundation so that the house can be built tall and magnificent. The development of a country and a power is the same. Only when the economic foundation is developed can we build the whole house more solidly."

Walking through Pengcheng, Chen Er didn't stop strolling around the streets until the sun was high in the sky. He went into a teahouse and sat by the window on the third floor.

Chen Er brewed a pot of tea and looked down at the people coming and going on the street. For the people of this era, they seemed to have become accustomed to the frequent wars.

Although the effects of that great battle were still ongoing, Chen Er could no longer see the traces of the war on the faces of the people of Pengcheng.

"Although this battle was quite intense, it wasn't actually that big of a blow to the people of Xuzhou, especially those in the various cities," Wang Hui said.

Chen Er nodded in agreement.

The streets were getting more and more crowded. Looking at the bustling crowd, Chen Er smiled and said to Wang Hui, "Ordinary people toil every day just to make a living. What do you think those big merchants are working so hard to travel between cities and prefectures every day?"

"To earn more money."

By the time Gao Shun and the others found Chen Er, it was almost lunchtime. Seeing Gao Shun and Zhao Yun panting, Chen Er smiled and said, "What happened to you two?"

"My lord, you've made us search so hard!" Zhao Yun said to Chen Er.

"What do you want with me?" Chen Er asked.

Gao Shun said, "Actually, there's nothing wrong, I'm just worried that our lord might be in danger."

Chen Er looked up at the hundreds of soldiers on the street outside the teahouse and said with a wry smile, "What danger could I possibly be in this city? I'm just taking a stroll around with a few men when I have nothing else to do."

Gao Shun replied, "Protecting our lord from danger is the duty of our subordinates, and we cannot afford to be careless. Besides, this was during the time in Yuyang."

"Alright, that's enough, I understand." Chen Er suddenly interrupted Gao Shun loudly. It turned out that Gao Shun's words reminded him of Chen Qun, who sacrificed himself to protect him.

"I'm sorry, my lord, I..." Gao Shun suddenly remembered this and quickly apologized. Zhao Yun, standing beside him, also pleaded, "My lord, General Gao stopped him because he was worried about your safety, he didn't mean it..."

Chen Er waved his hand, interrupting the two, and said to them, "I know you both mean well, I understand. There's no need to apologize; on the contrary, I should be the one apologizing, especially Zilong. I will definitely inform you next time I go out."

Hearing Gao Shun's words, Chen Er was reminded of the sacrificed Dian Wei. He wasn't blaming Gao Shun for bringing it up, but rather for Chen Qun's death because of him. Although such a thing might not happen again, as the lord, his every word and action affected those below him. If he were to encounter danger again...

Even if nothing happens, those below must still bear corresponding responsibility, especially Zhao Yun. A leader's words and actions not only have to take care of his own emotions, but more importantly, the emotions of those below him. His every word and action will affect those below him.

Of course, as their lord, Chen Er's apology was already very sincere, so Zhao Yun and Gao Shun had nothing more to say. Chen Er invited the two to sit down and instructed Gao Shun to disperse the organizing team outside and call some of them back.

If the streets are completely blocked, it will not only affect the normal movement of people, but also have a negative impact on people outside. The virtuous image that one has painstakingly cultivated may be ruined.

"My lord, what are the plans for today?" Gao Shun asked Chen Er.

"Today, Zilong is in charge of contacting the gentry of Xuzhou and upholding justice. You will accompany me to inspect the various troops stationed in Pengcheng," Chen Er said to the two men.

"Understood!" Zhao Yun and Gao Shun stood up and answered in unison.

“Alright, let’s have lunch at this tavern outside today. Let’s try some local Pengcheng specialties. We’re already here, how can we not have a good time?” Chen Er said.