Generous Contributions!

Ming Jing stood on the stage, watching Masao Kosaka with an amused expression. He had thought this old man would be as stubborn and conservative as most elderly people!

He had not expected someone so advanced in years to dare gamble like this. Truly... rare!

Ming Jing saw the shadow of another man in Masao Kosaka. In China's Taiwan Province, there was a company valued at 57.3 billion called the Taiwan Plastics Group.

The founder of Taiwan Plastics Group was Wang Yung-ching, known as the "God of Management." At fifteen, he had taken on his family's burdens and built himself up from a small rice shop into Taiwan's second-largest privately owned manufacturing conglomerate. In 2010, its total revenue reached 218.5 billion, equivalent to roughly 454 billion RMB.

Wang Yung-ching's final investment before his death had frightened the people of Taiwan: the Ha Tinh Steel Plant in Vietnam. Yes, Mr. Wang had invested more than ten billion dollars in Ha Tinh, Vietnam, a place with rather ordinary conditions.

Masao Kosaka had likely gleaned something from the interactions between Ming Jing and Fukuda Kō, so the old man acted without hesitation. Three million ryo would hurt him at most for a while, but if it could yield enormous returns, he had to take the gamble. Masao Kosaka had always believed there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Some quick-witted people immediately caught on and raised their hands to say they were also willing to do their part for the disaster zone. Five hundred thousand Ryo here, seven hundred thousand Ryo there—within half an hour, they had received twenty million Ryo in donations. Although it was still far from Ming Jing's sixty million Ryo, it was at least a good start.

Seeing how smoothly things were progressing, Koji Kurama spoke up as well. "The Kurama Clan has some assets and is willing to do our modest part to help the victims. We donate ten million Ryo. Prime Minister, please accept it."

Ming Jing cupped his hands toward Koji Kurama and bowed. "Thank you, Clan Head Kurama, for your generous contribution!"

Everyone present applauded. Even if they guessed there would be returns, they still held back a measure of caution. Koji Kurama, however, had none at all; he had donated ten million Ryo without a second thought. They might not necessarily agree with his values, but they were still moved by his benevolent heart.

"With the thirty million Ryo everyone has donated, conditions in the disaster zone will surely improve greatly. Next, let me tell you what the so-called return will be!" At this point, Ming Jing snapped his fingers once more. Everyone's hearts trembled, afraid that Ming Jing would unleash another flood upon them.

"Don't be nervous. What I'm about to discuss is called the Work Relief Program. The Prime Minister's Residence has decided to excavate a canal linking the Land of Rivers, Land of Rain, Land of Fire, and Land of Grass. Everyone's donations will be invested in the excavation of this canal. We will organize the disaster victims and have them contribute to its construction. All donations will be used to purchase daily necessities such as grain, oil, salt, and clothing, which will then be distributed among the victims according to their labor. We estimate it will take five months to complete the canal. Once it opens, transportation between the Land of Rivers, Land of Rain, Land of Fire, and Land of Grass will become more convenient, while five thousand mu of farmland will be developed along both banks. Oh, and this canal will temporarily be named the Imperial Grass River." As Ming Jing spoke, his fingers moved, and translucent bird's-eye maps appeared before everyone. With his explanation, they finally understood.

Once he saw that everyone understood, Ming Jing smiled faintly and dropped a bombshell. "Anyone who donates more than five hundred thousand Ryo today will have two options for their future reward. First, once the Imperial Grass River opens, you may transport goods on it tax-free for one year. The tax-free period can be accumulated based on the amount donated today and tomorrow. Second, you may select fifty mu of farmland along the banks of the Imperial Grass River. This can likewise be accumulated. Oh, and this farmland comes with permanent usage rights. However, if you wish to sell it, you must first register it with the Prime Minister's Residence. Naturally, the Prime Minister's Residence must also be given priority consideration as a buyer."

Masao Kosaka froze, then shot Fukuda Kō a fierce glare. Honestly, the first option was far too attractive—even he could not help feeling tempted! The second option was not bad either. With land at home, one's heart would be at ease.

The eyes of everyone else instantly turned green. They eagerly told Ming Jing just how righteous and benevolent they were, expressed profound sorrow over the suffering of the disaster-zone residents, and begged the Prime Minister to let them donate more.

Ming Jing smiled faintly and pressed both hands downward. Everyone immediately fell silent. Only then did he say, "I am truly moved by your sincere hearts, but I must tell you a fact. According to calculations by the Prime Minister's Residence, sixty million Ryo is enough for this disaster relief effort. Therefore, the tax-free period on the canal will be capped at sixty years. Likewise, the farmland set aside as everyone's reward totals three thousand mu. Think about it: a canal connecting four countries, along with several thousand mu of fertile land—how much wealth could that generate? Everyone, work hard!" With that, Ming Jing stepped down from the stage.

"The Prime Minister is absolutely right. My Fukuda family firmly answers the Prime Minister's call. I have decided to donate another ten million Ryo to support the disaster zone." Fukuda Kō was once again the first to respond. He had previously thought Ming Jing's tax exemption limit would be ten years, but now he realized the man was actually so generous. What was there to wait for? Throw money at it! Including the earlier five million ryo, the Fukuda family had donated a total of fifteen million Ryo, which translated into thirty years of free use of the canal!

Damn it!

The faces of the heads of the other five families instantly turned pale. The Fukuda family had taken half of the sixty-year tax-free period in one go. How were they supposed to compete now?

The five exchanged glances and immediately reached an understanding: join forces! Only by joining forces could they prevent the Land of Fire's transport industry from being monopolized by the Fukuda family. The five gathered together and decided to first secure the remaining thirty years, then divide them up after returning home.

Thus, just as Ming Jing finished settling matters with Fukuda Kō, the five men surrounded him.

A plump, amiable-looking middle-aged man said to Ming Jing with a smile, "The Prime Minister's words today have truly enlightened us! Our five families have decided to follow in the Prime Minister's footsteps. Our funds are not as abundant as the Fukuda family's, so we have resolved to pool together fifteen million Ryo for the disaster zone. Prime Minister, please grant us the chance to offer this small token of goodwill to the people of the disaster zone!"

"Then, on behalf of the disaster-zone residents, I thank the five of you for your generous contributions." Ming Jing slightly cupped his hands as he spoke. The five immediately brightened. The Prime Minister's words meant he was allowing them to band together! What were they waiting for? After profusely thanking Ming Jing, the five hurried home to gather the money.

Masao Kosaka walked up to Ming Jing with his cane and said with admiration, "Prime Minister, your depth is truly immeasurable. What skill, what vision! From now on, the disaster-zone residents need no longer fear flooding. The country gains another canal, domestic transport becomes more convenient, relations with the Land of Grass, Land of Rivers, and Land of Rain can improve, and the canal's water can also be used for irrigation... achieving many goals with one move. This old man is utterly impressed."

"You flatter me, sir. Aren't you planning to donate a little more? Once this opportunity is gone, it's gone." Ming Jing looked at Masao Kosaka with a smile.

"The Prime Minister is right. This old man also believes he should contribute more. Then I shall donate another seven million Ryo! I hope the Prime Minister can reward this old man with farmland." Masao Kosaka nodded. He was already old, so entering an entirely new industry was not particularly suitable for him. Farmland was more practical.

"Sir, you really are calm." Ming Jing could not help studying Masao Kosaka. In over a decade, the roots of that giant tree could destroy the canal with a casual upheaval, and repairs would cost both money and time. Farmland was different; at worst, it could be turned into a lake or small hill.

But what did any of that have to do with Ming Jing? He would surely have stepped down in over a decade. The Daimyo could worry about such troublesome matters.

After tonight's performance, the sixty million Ryo was in hand.

What kind of expression would the Daimyo have when he heard what had happened here?

It was truly something to look forward to!