Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 164 The Talented Woman Bows in Admiration

Chen Xing's unreserved praise, like spring sunshine melting snow, instantly dispelled the last trace of unease and alienation in Su Xiaoxin's heart caused by her status and situation. It wasn't that she was unfamiliar with praise; back in the Misty Rain Pavilion, those flowery words and fervent adulation had long since numbed her. But Chen Xing's praise was different; it was direct and powerful, pointing straight to her core value—that "economic talent" that transcended appearance and artistry, truly distinguishing her from ordinary women.

What moved her even more was that after praising her, Chen Xing did not just treat her as a "tool" to solve problems, but immediately demonstrated a pragmatic and efficient style.

"The points raised by Master Su are incisive and urgent." Chen Xing's smile faded, and his expression turned serious. "Especially the four things: unifying the accounting system, focusing on auditing, strengthening supervision, and training officials. These are fundamental solutions. Minister Zhao is in charge of internal affairs, which is a complex and multifaceted task. He may find himself unable to handle the details of finances and grain. Lord Jia is in charge of supervision, and although he has ruthless methods, each profession has its own expertise. Financial auditing requires even more meticulous work."

He paused for a moment, his gaze fixed intently on Su Xiaoxiao: "Master Su's recent reorganization is insightful and comprehensive, demonstrating exceptional vision. I wonder... if you would be willing to go a step further and assist my Spark in thoroughly reforming the finances and establishing a long-term, transparent, and efficient fiscal system? This is not something that can be accomplished overnight, nor will it involve the prosperity of Jiangnan, but only the harsh conditions of the North and the toil of official documents. Moreover, it will inevitably touch upon many interests and offend various figures. The hardships and obstacles involved will likely surpass those of dealing with the Misty Rain Pavilion."

This was a formal and solemn recruitment and entrustment. There were no beating around the bush, no pretense; the future difficulties and responsibilities were laid bare before her.

Meeting Chen Xing's sincere and expectant gaze, Su Xiaoxiao's heart surged once more. In just five days, what she had seen and heard far surpassed her understanding gained in over ten years in Jiankang. Here, there was no intricate power struggle among the Jiangnan gentry, no decadent extravagance, but rather a pragmatic, almost rough, vitality; a pursuit of order and efficiency; and a top-down, ambitious drive to accomplish great things. Chen Xing, as a regional ruler, was so willing to listen to the opinions of a courtesan who had "fled" from war, and to make a swift decision. This magnanimity and decisiveness were worlds apart from the muddle-headed, greedy, or hypocritical Jiangnan nobles she remembered.

Chen Xing's mention of "touching interests" and "offending people" did not deter her; instead, it gave her a glimpse of a long-lost possibility of "justice." In Jiangnan, she had witnessed countless instances of collusion between officials and merchants, the exploitation of the people, and personal enrichment. Even with her keen insight, she could only helplessly navigate the cracks, at most catching a few small fry for Governor Wang, but unable to shake the real foundations. Here, however, Chen Xing seemed genuinely willing and able to establish a clearer set of rules.

An impulse to "die for one who understands me," mixed with the yearning for a new life after breaking free from the cage, and the burning desire deep within her to not be controlled by fate and to truly put her knowledge to use, surged within her.

She took a step back, composed herself, straightened her clothes, and bowed gracefully to Chen Xing. This time, it was no longer a mere formality, but a heartfelt and solemn gesture.

"Lord Xing!" Su Xiaoxiao's voice was clear and firm, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor. "I am Su Xiaoxiao, a commoner from Jiankang, a drifting duckweed, my life as fragile as a feather, trapped in a mire. Though I possess some meager skills, they are merely means to survive and protect myself. Lord Xing, disregarding my humble origins and braving countless dangers, sent your elite troops to rescue me from the jaws of wolves and tigers. This is a life-saving grace, one I will never forget!"

She raised her head, her eyes already glistening with tears, yet her gaze grew ever brighter: "Since returning north, I have witnessed the flourishing of Xinghuo's rule, with its newly implemented laws and orderly military and civilian life. Though still somewhat rough at the outset, it is brimming with vitality and aspires to rule the world. Lord Xing is a man of great ambition, adept at recognizing and employing talent, bringing together both civil and military officials—truly a place where heroes can display their prowess and wise men can showcase their abilities! Today, Lord Xing does not look down upon me, a mere woman, entrusting me with the weighty responsibility of finance and responsibility, placing his trust in me. Though I am of limited talent and learning, I am deeply grateful and dare not fail to repay this kindness with utmost sincerity?"

Chen Xing stepped forward and offered a gesture of support, saying, "Master Su, you flatter me. I am only requesting this position because of your talent, so that you may serve the country."

Su Xiaoxiao did not get up, but instead took out two things from her bosom. One was a thin, blue booklet bound with special silk thread, with slightly worn edges; the other was a neatly folded piece of silk.

"This blue book is a memento from my late mother, and also a family heirloom." Su Xiaoxiao's voice was filled with reminiscence and determination. "My late mother came from a merchant family in Wu County. Her ancestors were once imperial merchants. Although the family fortunes declined, they passed down a unique accounting method, as well as a notebook that recorded the major trade routes, reliable merchants, local product prices, and secret contact methods in Jiangnan, and even parts of Sichuan and Lingnan. I was taught by my mother when I was young and learned a little about the method. Later, I secretly studied and practiced it at the Misty Rain Pavilion and gained some insights. Today, I wish to offer this book to Lord Xing, so that it may help Xinghuo Fort open up trade routes in Jiangnan and understand the market prices of southern products."

Chen Xing was deeply moved. This was not just about "talent," but about sacrificing her very means of survival, and even the very foundation that might be related to her background! The sincerity of her dedication was truly remarkable.

Su Xiaoxiao then presented the silk scroll with both hands: "This is the outline of the 'Ten Financial Strategies' that I have drafted over the past five days, in addition to sorting out accounting issues, taking into account the actual situation in the North, the current state of Xinghuo, and potential future needs. What I presented to Master Xing before were mostly temporary measures to stop the bleeding. These ten strategies, however, focus on the fundamentals of long-term revenue generation, cost reduction, regulation, reserves, and business warfare."

Chen Xing solemnly accepted the silk scroll, unfolded it, and saw ten key points listed in elegant yet powerful handwriting:

I. Establishing Systems and Clarifying Responsibilities: Establish a special agency to oversee finances, which will manage all revenues and expenditures, including land tax, commercial tax, canal transport, warehousing, minting, salaries, military expenses, and engineering projects. Establish unified national accounting subjects, ledger formats, bookkeeping procedures, and handover auditing systems.

II. Expanding Trade and Utilizing Northern Specialties such as Leather, Wool, Livestock, Medicinal Herbs, and Minerals: Establish official caravans to sell these products in the south in exchange for necessities such as grain, cloth, tea, and porcelain, as well as gold and silver. Simultaneously, encourage and protect legitimate private trade, levy reasonable commercial taxes, and attempt to establish more stable official trade channels with grassland tribes and various nomadic groups in the Western Regions.

Third, promote benefits and eliminate abuses: Strictly crack down on smuggling of key state-owned resources such as salt, iron, horses, and military equipment to ensure profits and strategic security. At the same time, investigate the hidden landholdings of local powerful families and implement tax reforms such as "integrating land tax into poll tax" to alleviate the burden on landless poor and increase national treasury revenue.

IV. Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvement: Eliminate redundant officials and soldiers, optimize the government structure, and reduce unnecessary expenditures on ceremonies, construction, and rewards. Strictly review budgets for military expenditures and engineering projects, and implement full-process control including "pre-budgeting, in-process verification, and post-settlement."

V. Ever-Normal Price Stabilization: "Ever-Normal Granaries" were established in strategic locations to purchase surplus grain at a fixed price during bumper years and store it. In years of disaster or war, the surplus grain was released at a fixed price. This stabilized grain prices and reassured the public, regulated the market, and prevented unscrupulous merchants from hoarding and speculating.

VI. Unification of Currency: Vigorously promote the "Xingyuan Tongbao" coin and gradually recall and ban old and inferior coins. Adjust the gold-silver-copper exchange rate in a timely manner according to trade conditions. If necessary, issue large-denomination "silver notes" or "salt certificates" as credit instruments to facilitate large transactions and remote settlement.

VII. Guaranteeing Integrity: Increase the salaries of officials in the finance and taxation system to ensure they are honest and incorruptible. At the same time, establish an auditing and supervision system independent of local officials, conduct regular audits, reward whistleblowers severely, and punish corruption to create a mechanism where officials "dare not be corrupt, cannot be corrupt, and have no need to be corrupt."

8. Data-Driven Approach: Establish a regular financial reporting system, ensuring that core data is presented to the lord and key ministers to provide a basis for decision-making. Also, attempt to create maps showing the origin, output, and distribution routes of major resources.

IX. Using Commerce to Control the Enemy: Explore the possibility of using commercial means to conduct economic infiltration, resource acquisition, price disruption, or even financial attacks against hostile or potential hostile forces.

10. Prepare for unforeseen circumstances: Establish a special "emergency treasury" and material reserve system to deal with emergencies such as natural disasters and wars, and ensure that the national machinery continues to operate without interruption during extraordinary times.

These ten points are concise and to the point, encompassing both urgently needed institutional reforms and a strategic vision for long-term development, even including forward-thinking financial and business strategies! Although many details still need to be filled in and many measures need to be adjusted according to actual circumstances, the scope, insight, and systematic nature of this outline far surpass those of ordinary financial experts, demonstrating the potential to manage local finances and even participate in national economic strategic planning!

Chen Xing read it word by word, and after a long while, he slowly closed the silk scroll. He looked up at Su Xiaoxiao, who was still kneeling on the ground, his eyes filled with undisguised amazement and admiration.

"Su Xiaoxiao, oh Su Xiaoxiao," Chen Xing's voice was filled with heartfelt emotion, "you are truly a gem bestowed upon me, Chen Xing, a pillar of strength! This 'Ten Strategies for Financial Management' is insightful and far-sighted; only a person of great talent could write it! Please rise!"

He personally stepped forward and helped Su Xiaoxiao up, his expression extremely solemn: "From this day forward, you are my trusted minister! I entrust you with the heavy responsibility of managing finances and ensuring the stability of the nation! I hope you will not fail in your studies or your commitment, and will work with us to build a great cause!"

Su Xiaoxiao rose, her eyes filled with tears, yet radiating an unprecedentedly bright and resolute light. She bowed deeply once more, this time as a subject pledged allegiance to her lord.

"Su Xiaoxiao thanks her lord for his trust and kindness! She will certainly do her utmost to repay his favor!"