The days flowed unhurriedly through the streets and alleys of Yingtian Prefecture, just like usual.

As the end of the year of the snake approached ever closer, the marketplace in the city seemed to ignite with bustling fireworks, becoming livelier than ever.

Stalls selling New Year's goods sprouted like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, packed tightly together, filling the streets to capacity.

Colorful New Year's paintings adorned the stalls, each depicting auspicious symbols, such as a chubby child holding a carp symbolizing wealth and the Heavenly Official's Blessing symbolizing a smooth official career. Under the sunlight, the vibrant colors shone brightly, enticing many passersby to stop and choose.

The high-hanging red lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, spreading a red glow that illuminated the joy on people's faces.

In the corner of the street, a sugar figurine artisan displayed his skill, with golden syrup flying up and down in his hands. In the blink of an eye, lifelike sugar figures were born, the sweet scent permeating the air, enticing children's cravings, making them pull at their parents' clothes, unwilling to leave.

This year, the New Year's goods market had an extra delight; fireworks and firecrackers were not only much cheaper than in previous years but also of much better quality.

The packaging of those fireworks was exceptionally exquisite, decorated with beautiful patterns. Once opened, the powder inside was evenly packed, and the fuse was of moderate thickness, clearly crafted with care.

The vendors enthusiastically shouted, showcasing their fireworks to passersby, drawing many to stop and inquire about the price.

One could say that in the land of South Zhili, apart from grain prices being somewhat higher than in previous years, everything else showed signs of a flourishing era.

In fact, grain prices could have been lowered a bit, but under Xu Liushou's steadfast insistence, river transport never ceased, and the Southern grain continued to flow steadily to the North.

His only demand was that payment must be settled in silver coins.

This move tightly controlled the Northern nobles and scholars; to purchase grain smoothly, they resolutely upheld the position of silver coins. After all, no matter how much silver there was, without grain, the Northern land could hardly withstand.

Moreover, although the Southern grain prices were not low, in comparison, the Northern grain prices were absurdly high, seemingly changing daily.

As grain prices continued to soar, the Capital soon transmitted an order from Prince Yu, requiring that all Northern regions must vigorously promote high-yield crops during spring plowing.

This was like an arrow on the bow, impossible to hold back. Now, even the Northern powerful officials and scholars strongly supported this endeavor.

It's truly peculiar. Previously, when the old Grand Secretary and the old Emperor were in the Capital, pushing such matters was extremely tough, meeting resistance everywhere, with all parties openly and secretly opposing.

But with time passing and things changing, everything reversed. Powerful officials and scholars actively engaged in promoting high-yield crops, seeking out farmers who planted them and humbly learning their growing experiences.

Now, many scholars feel the world is becoming increasingly obscure. Although the North and South are at odds, and the Great Yu Dynasty faces internal and external troubles constantly, the situation seems to be magically improving.

The North not only vigorously promoted switching to high-yield crops but also initiated a wave of workshop constructions. Although grain prices were expensive, the powerful officials and scholars shifted their finances into building workshops.

As a result, livestock became scarce in the workshops, making them highly sought after, and due to the grain shortage, recruiting workers became exceptionally easy; sometimes no payment was needed, as providing meals was enough to attract many to work.

However, as competition for recruiting in workshops became increasingly fierce, some powerful officials realized that if they only provided meals, they mostly attracted the old, weak, and sick, which was not ideal, as even providing meals was a losing trade.

After all, strong young men, whenever possible, would go to the South to work.

…

…

Yan Shan arrived at Xu Qing's office, his face full of fatigue and a bit of worry.

"Sit down."

As soon as Yan Shan spoke, his voice was filled with helplessness, "The Social Affairs Investigation and Statistics Department's issues face much more resistance than we anticipated. Many are secretly hindering it, trying all means to delay, and some even spread rumors, saying we are setting up a spy agency to monitor everyone, causing unrest."

Xu Qing smiled at the words: "Weizhong, are you afraid?"

"Not afraid, just worried about the immense resistance, afraid of messing things up."

Xu Qing smiled slightly: "Don't think of these people as so formidable or possessing mighty power. A few years ago, when I first met you, I was practically penniless, right? Did you think the resistance I faced back then was enormous?"

"Back then, the resistance the Grand Secretary faced was comparable to the sky falling. That's also what I admire about the Grand Secretary the most. You seemed unaffected by those big figures, unfazed by any authority." Yan Shan spoke with genuine admiration.

Xu Qing: "Do you know why?"

"I don't know." Yan Shan shook his head.

This question's answer, probably no one in the world can figure it out.

Why Xu Liushou?

Xu Qing replied calmly, "Because you only see the strength of these people, thinking they possess great power, but you miss that they are human. Internally, they are no different from ordinary people, all very empty. Once you perceive this emptiness, these people in your eyes are nothing but paper tigers. Even if you're just an ordinary person, there's no need to look up to them or undervalue yourself because of them."

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