Chapter 354: To Get Rich, First Build Roads

Chapter 354: Chapter 354: To Get Rich, First Build Roads

In fact, when it comes to a country’s economic development and construction, Song Ci really has some insights to share. After all, she came from the 21st century, and even if she wasn’t a businesswoman, she was immersed in the world of capital. She hadn’t eaten pork but had seen pigs run.

How could she not know about the later generations’ developed economy?

But why would she speak up?

Her persona was simply an old woman from a farmer’s background who turned her life around by relying on her son’s official status. This old lady wasn’t well-educated, and everyday life lessons they say are due to her life experience. After all, her age was evident, and having experience wasn’t a big deal.

But asking her to talk about governing the country’s economy, is that not high-profile enough, and don’t you think it might backfire?

A farmwoman, talking about the national economy, once she starts mentioning things, monks and shamans might come to her doorstep chanting spells to exorcise demons and spirits.

She’s not foolish. With this identity, she’s in a position of ’winning by doing nothing and just eating and waiting to die,’ so why bother with being a time-traveling superwoman, claiming supremacy in governance and business, expecting the whole world to worship her?

She had already achieved everything as soon as she emerged.

With this background and having an outstanding Prime Minister son, she had already caught quite a few people’s attention; nothing else was needed.

Therefore, she wouldn’t talk about strategies for governing the country. It’s not only inviting trouble but also taxing the brain.

Doing too many brain-taxing things isn’t good; after all, at her age, thinking too much could lead to a stroke.

Song Ci glanced sideways at the disgruntled Wei Cheng, snorted internally, and said, "This old woman doesn’t know many big characters, asking me to give insights is truly difficult. But if I must, I would say a few words."

Cui Changxiao, noticing Song Ci’s annoyance, stepped forward with a smile and jokingly said, "Are you going to impart some life wisdom to us, elder? We’re all ears."

See, now that’s emotional intelligence.

The Wei household’s young master should learn a bit, and avoid doing things that offend others.

Song Ci laughed and said, "There’s no life wisdom to speak of. The economic strategies you mentioned are all good. I’ll just add one phrase: To get rich, first build roads."

Hey, this is a slogan everyone knew during the reform era. It fits well here, too.

Everyone was momentarily stunned and concentrated intently.

"Madam, what is this?"

"This humble woman only knows from past experience. Back when I lived in the mountains, the roads were inaccessible; to go out, we took long detours, and outsiders couldn’t find their way in. Even if there were business opportunities, the routes were blocked first, where would wealth come from? In poor areas, if roads aren’t unobstructed, how can there be wealth?" Song Ci said, "Look at how merchants frequently travel between the capital and outside, why? Because there are roads, making it easy to transport goods and trade!"

Cui Changxiao’s eyes shone brightly. He knew that the Song Family’s Madam wouldn’t disappoint him.

"What I understand is just these surface-level things. As for how to implement them, it depends on you future officials." Song Ci tossed out this line, waved her hand, and led people away.

The people, absorbed in pondering the phrase ’to get rich, first build roads,’ snapped back to reality, only to see her gradually moving away.

Someone called out, "Madam, we youngsters are about to take the exams. Could you grant us a blessing?"

She was the mother of the youngest Prime Minister of the current dynasty. A word of blessing from her would mean they could share in her good fortune, especially since many scholars from poor backgrounds looked up to Prime Minister Song as a successful role model and wished to replicate such success.

Song Ci paused, already at the edge of the crowd, turned her head to look at the hopeful scholars, and smiled kindly, clenching her fist, "Ten years of hard study will not be in vain. Await the time, and the future is promising! Keep at it!"