Iron Dynasty Chapter 1058

“Welfare policies.”

Pang Yukun found himself at a loss for words. These unusual policies still felt unfamiliar to him. Yet, it was undeniable that the ordinary folks adored these welfare measures. The earlier birth policy remained a buzzing topic, since no prior dynasty had ever handed out cash to families for having kids.

“The outdated nobles can't be trusted, but the masses can. Thus, we need to secure the backing of the common people. That's precisely the goal behind rolling out these welfare initiatives. Folks have keen insight. No matter how persuasively our foes argue, with our advantages delivered, the people will always recognize who's genuinely looking out for them.” Xiao Ming declared.

Admiration flickered across Pang Yukun’s face. This conviction was exactly why he loyally trailed Xiao Ming.

“Thanks to booming industry and commerce, plus the spoils from overseas battles, the Empire’s coffers are truly abundant. I’ll fully back any initiative that serves both nation and populace.”

Xiao Ming nodded approvingly. He’d only settled on this after reviewing the Empire’s fiscal health.

From there, the duo dove into welfare policy details. True, the Empire’s finances had strengthened, but resources remained finite. Policies had to fit the treasury’s reality, far short of modern-style all-encompassing welfare setups.

Xiao Ming prioritized education in this round of reforms. As the proverb states, education strengthens the nation, and tech advancements empower it.

Building on nine years of compulsory free schooling, Xiao Ming suggested aid for needy pupils in high schools and universities. Institutions must create dedicated funds for such support. Plus, school cafeterias should offer discounted counters for low-income students, easing worries over daily costs for those from humble backgrounds.

Next up was imperial healthcare. Thanks to the medical college’s growth, hospitals thrived across every city tier in the Empire.

Seeking hospital care had turned into the hottest fad among commoners. Still, treatment fees burdened the poorest. To fix this, Xiao Ming and Pang Yukun agreed: for those unable to pay, the court would cover half the bill—or the full amount—based on individual circumstances.

“Your Majesty, this could invite abuse, leaving real paupers without aid while the influential reap the rewards.”

Xiao Ming grasped Pang Yukun’s concern. In his past life’s era, public perks often got twisted into schemes for personal profit.

He had remedies ready for such risks.

“To stop exploitation of these vital livelihood policies, I’ll enact harsh penalties. Anyone abusing welfare for selfish ends faces exile of at least three thousand li and forced labor.” Xiao Ming stated firmly.

“In chaotic eras, stern codes are essential. With robust oversight, issues should stay minimal.” Pang Yukun grinned.

Having covered education and health, they set up dedicated aid centers for orphans and beggars, supplying core necessities and aid. These steps would eradicate street deaths from starvation or frost in the Empire.

Content with these three key measures, Xiao Ming halted further plans. The Empire’s wealth, though growing, couldn’t yet fund lavish welfare dreams.

Thus, education and medical aids were practical now. He avoided overreach like total freebies, knowing finances wouldn’t hold.

Pang Yukun then brought the plan to the Cabinet. Ministers had zero grounds to reject people-friendly welfare—or face the people’s wrath.

Cleared by the Cabinet, Pang Yukun issued the official decree, dispatching it by telegraph to provinces, then downward to districts and locales.

Moreover, seizing the News Ministry, his initial move was funneling these policies to press outlets.

Due to Li Ran's handling, the newspaper agency now ran far more cleanly. Han Zheng, newly appointed as director of the Qingzhou Daily, didn't hesitate after getting those drafts from Pang Yukun.

'Print them right away, and also forward the news to the other branches at once. Tomorrow, it'll spark yet another massive stir,' Han Zheng instructed.

Precisely as Xiao Ming had foreseen.

Once these generous welfare policies launched, the entire nation stood stunned. The report utterly eclipsed the Southeast Asia war. Citizens with imperial household registration could all access these superior benefits.

In that moment, every Empire citizen grasped that worries over food and clothing shortages, or their kids' schooling and healthcare, were finally gone.

Still, they knew these offered only basic assurances. Achieving a finer life demanded continued hard work.

Leveraging this publicity wave, the newspapers' pieces also highlighted citizens' rights and obligations. As folks relished their rights, fulfilling national duties like tax payments was essential.

'The Emperor truly cares for us ordinary folks the most,' Li Laosi gazed at the newspaper, refusing to release it.

Standing nearby, Li Chengwan—Li Laosi's son and a Qingzhou University student—remarked, 'Dad, quit staring. You're illiterate anyway. Why cling to the newspaper?'

Li Laosi replied irritably, 'So what if I can't read? After just a few years of study, you're already scorning your father.'

'Dad, that's not my point. I mean, store the newspaper properly so it doesn't get damaged. You might need it later to check the welfare policies. Some local officials are that brazen—they publicly endorse but secretly defy the Emperor's orders.'

'Exactly. The Emperor keeps issuing policies for the people's good, yet these officials ruin them every time. Dalan, you're graduating this year. Take the official selection exam, become a righteous official who obeys the Emperor.' Li Laosi held great expectations for his son.

Li Chengwan responded, 'Dad, I want to head to Australia with you and manage a farm together.'

Li Laosi grew frantic upon hearing this. He scolded, 'You rascal! I scraped together every penny to get you educated, not so you could return to farm. If not a government official, at least take a factory supervisor role. What's the point of raking in farm riches from Australia otherwise?'

'The Emperor urges commoners to migrate to Australia. That's serving the Empire too,' Li Chengwan mumbled.

Li Laosi slapped the newspaper. 'Go to Australia, and can you ever help craft these people-benefiting welfare policies? Assist the Emperor in ruling? You've caught the street rumors, right? We mustn't allow vile troublemakers to hurt our Emperor.'