Chapter 32: Rough Path

Race to the

Throne

Chapter 32: Rough Path

It's the new year and our Hao Jiazhi is now 20 years old

This time he didn't go back to his mother's house as he had to handle various stuff, after all, he now finally have control over the whole province of Jinmen and its 3 districts

From the contract to merchants, he had earned more than a 400million ban liang but all of them were used in the growth of his future plan

Especially in the growth of Province Kuwon, as more than 200million ban liang were spent there only

And finally, Hao Jiazhi has a big stock of saffron as that one spice has become the most expensive herb/spice in the whole kingdom and also the main attraction of Province Kuwon

But it was not just saffron that is being made there

Thanks to some general knowledge in manure and water irrigation system, Hao Jiazhi was able to make some big improvement in the development of fertility of the land in this province

As he literally hired more than 1000 people to dig a Chanel for the water stream towards the farmland all over Province Kuwon

It took around 4months as 1000 people were working here and also a lot of money spent on it but still, the end result was worth it

Now, people have started taking interest in the land in Kuwon for farming and other natural resources but Hao Jiazhi had long predicted this thing and made sure that he bought some good amount of land

He owns around 55% of land in the whole province and his sisters own 25% of land, making it a total of 80% private land

And the rest of 20% of land price just touches the sky as the base price is 5million ban liang

After all, Saffron and various other herbs can only be grown in this land. So the price is sure to be high

But things haven't ended here yet as Hao Jiazhi as also made contracts/lease with few merchants

These merchants will open shops or store on his land and in return, they have to give him some fixed amount of money each month, in advance

And the most minimum amount you have to pay is around 10,000 ban liang per month to 50,000 Ban Liang per month, it depends upon the type of shop and its item

Also, let me tell you this thing, the size of the Province Kuwon is really big and is super flat land making it a great place for homes and farms

And because the prices of the land were like dust just a few months back, that 55% owned by Hao Jiazhi is enough to fit more than 5000 big shops

This means that even if he just takes 10,000 ban liang from only 1000 shops per month, he will be earing 10million per month by just sitting in his home

Though he can earn more, but he doesn't want to as Hao Jiazhi knows that if he sells items by himself or makes his own shop, it will profit him more than taking rents

After all, 7000 ban liang is basic earning of one week of every small or big shops/tavern

But right now, the time of counting money has not yet come as a wait of a year or more as the land still needs to be more fertile for the resources and those merchants know that the land price will increase more and more by each month

So all of them are trying hard to get a piece of land

Let's leave this money thing and talks about the thoughts of Hao Jiazhi

Hao Jiazhi is now 20 years old and now he needs to seriously think about some big steps to earn merits to become an emperor

There are 2 ways to earn merits

First-

Become a scholar and then apply for a job under a minister

Gain experience and after some time try for the position of the minister when you think you can pass the test

After passing the test, you are given a position in one of the 9ministers and then do the jobs you are given

There are not many merits in this field but still, you can know the structure of government and also make some big decisions that could help the whole kingdom, which can give you some big merits

But it's only when there are crises and over time, you get simple merit points over your everyday work

As for the 2nd way-

Just join the military, which is the best way if you are in other kingdoms but in this kingdom....meh

The military has no use as we have a neutral pact with everyone

So, the military path is useless

But still, if there is some big crisis in the city and the military officer is able to handle it, you will earn some good amount of merit and people will respect you, than some minister

And this may sound good as Hao Jiazhi can create trouble one after another and solve it, and gain merits after merits. Sounds really good right?

But hold your horses there my friend, creating trouble is not a big deal but controlling that trouble is a big deal

And the biggest thing that he hates about the military is that you are not allowed to travel much and have to stay in the place you are posted

You are given a holiday of one day per month which is in no way a big deal

If he joins the military, he won't be able to get to see his lovely shining piece of coins (money) every day and he won't be able to handle his rule properly as who knows where he will be posted

But….

This is the only way

Hao Jiazhi made up his mind,

"Big goals need big sacrifices" Hao Jiazhi said as he looks at the moon

Next day-

Hao Jiazhi had made up his mind and wrote the letter to the Grand Combatant in the Imperial Palace

As it's a rule that royal blood is not allowed to join the military till they pass the test provided by the Grand Combatant

After all, if you want to be in the military, you have to be someone strong especially if you are a royal blood

And to his surprise, just after a few days of his letter, he is being called to an arena where his test will be taken

. . .

To be continued-