Zhong Hui's words were, of course, also among Cao Mao's considerations.
In governing the realm, what mattered most was actually finance.
Everything required money. If the imperial court ignored income and expenditure and simply buried its head in its work, it would inevitably collapse the country's economy, and then the same situation as in the Shu Kingdom would arise.
There were many things that could be done, but before doing them, one had to consider whether the economy could bear the strain.
Otherwise, even good deeds could easily turn bad.
Just as Zhong Hui had said.
Cao Mao smiled. "I know what you're worried about, Shiji. But don't forget that last year's grain yield was exceptionally high, higher than in previous years, and this year's grain yield will be even higher."
Zhong Hui said solemnly, "Your Majesty, last year's tax revenue was due to the rectification of official administration. Even if it continues to grow this year, that growth will be limited. There won't be any major breakthrough."
Cao Mao nodded. "You're right, Shiji. But what if I have other ways to keep increasing tax revenue?"
Zhong Hui looked somewhat taken aback. "Your Majesty, do you mean to reclaim more farmland? After taking Jiangling and the other places?"
"That must certainly be done as well, but what I'm relying on is the Imperial Secretariat's Ministry of Works."
Cao Mao looked at the other palace officials and said earnestly, "After the original New Plow was introduced throughout Yangzhou, it greatly increased the province's grain output. Now the Ministry of Works is promoting it across the realm, and the inspectors everywhere have already begun this work."
"Besides the plow, there are the Water-Powered Chain Pump, the Water-Powered Mill, the Winnowing Fan, roller shafts, and so on..."
"Development varies from place to place.