novelhk Chapter 953: Qingyi Society is also going to expand its enrollment, there are too many places to spe
Chapter 953: Qingyi Society is also going to expand its enrollment, there are too many places to spe
This would not only greatly liberate potential labor but also stimulate widespread employment. Gao Yao mused that only when household incomes increased would people have the spare capacity to improve their lives and the willingness and ability to have more children. A thriving population was the foundation of a strong nation. Otherwise, without adequate food and clothing, who would have the energy and desire to reproduce? How could the next generation grow up healthily?
The night deepened, the lights ablaze in the Weiyang Palace's study. Gao Yao sat alone at his vast desk, spread out before him not only a newly drawn map of his territories but also the grand blueprint for his future empire, as he envisioned it in his mind. He knew full well that conquering the empire and ruling it were two entirely different things. With the territory now newly established and much work to be done, his most pressing task was to ensure the efficient and stable operation of this vast state machinery.
One of the key priorities lies in restoring the economy and livelihoods. He pondered over this issue repeatedly: while relying solely on the traditional agricultural economy could ensure basic stability, it was far from sufficient to achieve a leap in national strength and address the various challenges that might arise in the future. New vitality must be introduced. "Thus, liberating the labor force and gradually expanding commercialization is what I must do now."
His fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, a clear plan already forming in his mind. Allow private capital to operate as agents in specific sectors (non-vital industries), encourage the development of handicrafts, and promote the circulation of goods. This would allow the invisible hand of the market to unleash its immense power under official macroeconomic regulation. This would not only rapidly restore people's livelihoods and increase tax revenue, but would also subtly alter social structures, laying the foundation for deeper reforms in the future.
The prerequisite for implementing all these plans is a pair of all-seeing, omnipresent "eyes" and "ears." Gao Yao's brow furrowed slightly at this thought. The rapid expansion of territory meant a surge in the complexity of information sources and the scope of surveillance. The existing intelligence network, which covered the three Nanhai counties and their surrounding areas, was adequate, but now, controlling the vast territory encompassing the newly acquired eleven counties, was becoming inadequate.
"Furthermore, the Qingyi Society needs to expand its staff again." He calmly assessed the current situation. "The previous manpower was more than enough to handle the previous territory, but now... the territory has expanded several times. Various factions are mixed. The old nobles have ulterior motives, and the newly annexed people are undecided. There are too many places to monitor, infiltrate, persuade, and appease. With fewer people, there simply won't be enough. If intelligence is delayed or distorted, the consequences will be disastrous."
He needed a larger, more sophisticated, and more efficient intelligence empire. This empire should not only be able to collect external military intelligence and monitor internal officials, but also be able to understand the suffering of the people, business trends, and even guide public opinion.
With a plan in mind, Gao Yao no longer hesitated. He quickly unrolled a specially crafted scroll of silk, picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and began to write down a detailed plan for the Qingyi Society's development direction for the next three years, including organizational structure adjustments, personnel selection criteria, training upgrades, optimized intelligence transmission routes, and budget allocations. His handwriting was vigorous and clear, showcasing his meticulous thinking and profound understanding of intelligence work, all ahead of his time.
After making some plans, Gao Yao rolled up the silk and sealed it with wax. Then he spoke in a deep voice that echoed in the empty hall: "Qinglong!"
As if his words were followed by actions. As Gao Yao finished speaking, the air in the shadows of a seemingly ordinary, dimly lit corner of the hall seemed to distort slightly. Then, a man in dark blue brocade robes, his figure as tall as a pine tree, his aura almost blending with the darkness, appeared silently and ghostly. In a few steps, he arrived at the desk. Without the slightest hesitation, he knelt on one knee, his head bowed, his posture extremely respectful.
"The minister is here."
This person is Qinglong, one of the four leaders of the Qingyi Society who was personally trained and promoted by Gao Yao.
Gao Yao's control over the intelligence agencies was a profound understanding of checks and balances. He would never allow the emergence of a "shadow queen" or "invisible prime minister" who held omnipotent power and controlled all secrets. Therefore, he divided the vast Qingyi Society system among four leaders, known as the Four Elephants, based on region and function.
Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise each manage their own territories, independently reporting to Gao Yao. A natural competitive relationship exists between them, which both stimulates efficiency and provides mutual oversight, preventing any one unit from dominating. Due to the specialized and covert nature of intelligence work, their territories are relatively fixed and rarely shifted, ensuring a thorough understanding and control of the situation within their respective jurisdictions.
Among them, Qinglong is mainly responsible for the construction and operation of intelligence networks within the Great Wall (i.e. the area around Xianyang) and outside the Great Wall (referring to the vast areas to the north and west, including the border areas bordering the Xiongnu, Yuezhi, etc.), focusing on military movements, foreign ethnic groups and the supervision of officials in core areas.
Xuanwu is responsible for the entire southwestern region (including Bashu, Qianzhong and other areas, which are mountainous, forested and have complex ethnic groups), focusing on local governance, ethnic relations and monitoring of potential local forces.
Zhuque is responsible for the entire central and eastern part (the core area of the former six kingdoms, with a dense population and a relatively developed economy). Its mission here is to monitor the remnants of the old aristocracy, commercial circulation, public opinion and the intricate network of relationships between local powerful people.
Baihu is responsible for the north and northeast (including Yan, Dai and other places, which are located in the border areas and have tough people). The focus is on border military intelligence, internal defense and entanglement with the remaining forces in the north.
Gao Yao also demonstrated far-sighted considerations in resource allocation. The farther from the central government, the more complex the situation, and the weaker the control, the more funding, personnel, and authority he allocated. For example, the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, responsible for border and complex areas, typically enjoyed more ample staffing and operating funds than the Suzaku, responsible for the core areas. This ensured that the Qingyi Society's reach could be effectively extended even to the most remote corners, preventing resource scarcity from hindering the collection and transmission of intelligence and ensuring that the development of the entire intelligence network was not hampered by regional disparities.
Gao Yao handed the sealed silk to Qinglong, his tone calm but with unquestionable authority: "This is the development plan for Qingyi Society for the next three years that I have drafted. You must immediately send someone to make three copies and deliver them to Baihu, Zhuque, and Xuanwu with the highest level of secrecy. No mistakes are allowed."