Northern Song Dynasty: Counterattack and became emperor after the Jingkang Revolution

Ever since Zhao Yingluo skillfully defused the threat of the Jin Kingdom and temporarily restored tranquility to the Song Dynasty's borders, she began to turn her attention to the country. She knows that true prosperity is not only the peace of the frontier, but also the peace and contentment of the people at home. To achieve this, innovation is essential.

"Princess, the imperial examination has included agricultural practice according to your wishes." Chuntao, the personal maid, reported softly, "Next, how can we further promote domestic changes?"

Zhao Yingluo smiled slightly and tapped the armrest of the throne with her fingers, as if she was thinking about the future of the entire Song Dynasty. "Chuntao, do you remember what I said? The prosperity of a country cannot be separated from agriculture, handicrafts, and commerce. But now, the status of our merchants in the Song Dynasty is low, which undoubtedly restricts the development of the country."

Chuntao nodded, "What the princess said is absolutely true. So, what does the princess have to say?"

"I think it's time to give some support to businessmen." A trace of determination flashed in Zhao Yingluo's eyes, "Pass the order, Dasong Bank will provide low-interest loans to those who are interested in doing business from now on."

The news spread quickly throughout Kaifeng City like a spring breeze, causing thousands of waves. Those who have business dreams are all excited about it. A long queue soon formed in front of DaSong Bank. People were talking a lot and were full of expectations for the future.

However, no change will be easy. Although Zhao Yingluo's move was welcomed by businessmen and ordinary people, it also touched the interests of some old forces.

"Princess, I'm afraid this will cause some unnecessary trouble." An old minister reminded worriedly.

Zhao Yingluo smiled calmly, "Any change requires a price. As long as it is for the future of the Song Dynasty, a little trouble is nothing."

Her words reached the ears of the opponents, and for a moment, the court was filled with turmoil. Some people secretly collaborated to prevent the implementation of this policy; some openly raised questions and tried to get Zhao Yingluo to take back her life.

Faced with these challenges, Zhao Yingluo did not back down. As a supervisor of the country, she personally attended the court meeting and debated with those who opposed it. Her words were sharp yet graceful, and she quickly silenced those who objected.

With the implementation of low-interest loan policies, the business atmosphere in Kaifeng City has become increasingly strong. The streets and alleys are full of busy figures and voices of bargaining. Businessmen in the Song Dynasty seemed to be energized with new vitality overnight. They expanded their operations and created new business models one after another.

Zhao Yingluo is not idle either. She often visits privately incognito and goes deep into the market to understand the real situation of the merchants. She also felt extremely happy when she saw the smiles on the faces of the businessmen who received the loans.

However, she also clearly sees that this policy is far from perfect. Some businessmen run poorly and lose all their money due to lack of experience.

Although the prosperity of business has brought unprecedented vitality to Kaifeng City, undercurrents are surging inadvertently. Some unscrupulous businessmen began to use low-interest loans for speculation, and some even colluded with foreign enemies in an attempt to undermine the economic stability of the Song Dynasty.

Zhao Yingluo quickly noticed these unusual movements. She convened a group of loyal and reliable officials and think tanks to discuss response strategies.

"Princess, these people are so audacious and must be severely punished!" an official said indignantly. Zhao Yingluo waved her hand, "Severe punishment is of course necessary, but we must find out the root of the problem. Why do these businessmen take such desperate risks? Are there loopholes in our policies, or are they greedy?"

With the further implementation of the low-interest loan policy, Zhao Yingluo gradually discovered some disturbing phenomena. Loans originally intended to support business development have been used by some people as capital for extravagant spending. These people use the collateral in their hands to easily obtain loans, and then indulge in drinking, sex, and wealth, spreading the money like running water without cherishing it.

Zhao Yingluo was distraught about this. She knows very well that these spendthrift people not only waste the country's resources, but may also cause a series of social problems. She must find a way to solve this problem and make the loan truly useful.

Just as Zhao Yingluo was worrying about this matter, Wen Boyuan, the commander of the Imperial City Division, came into her sight. Wen Boyuan is not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also has a flexible mind. He has made many suggestions for Zhao Yingluo to resolve crises.

This time, Wen Boyuan brought another suggestion that made Zhao Yingluo's eyes light up: "Princess, I think we can provide loans specifically to the shipbuilding industry to expand the scale of the fleet."

Zhao Yingluo was stunned when she heard this, and then understood Wen Boyuan's intention. Shipbuilding is one of the pillar industries of the Song Dynasty. It can not only drive the development of other industries, but also enhance the country's maritime strength. More importantly, the shipbuilding industry requires a lot of capital and technical support, and is not an area that those with extravagant spending can easily get involved.

"This is a wonderful plan!" Zhao Yingluo exclaimed, "In this way, we can not only ensure that the loan is used effectively, but also promote the development of the shipbuilding industry. Wen Boyuan, you are really my brain trust!"

At Wen Boyuan's suggestion, Zhao Yingluo quickly promulgated a new loan policy. She stipulated that only businessmen investing in shipbuilding and related industries can apply for special loans, and the loan amount and term are strictly limited. At the same time, she also strengthened the supervision of loan usage to ensure that every loan can be used wisely.

Once this policy was implemented, it was warmly welcomed by businessmen and people. Those who were truly interested in doing business joined the shipbuilding industry one after another, and the shipbuilding industry in Kaifeng City ushered in unprecedented prosperity. And those who spent extravagantly have gradually tempered their behavior because they can't get loans.

Zhao Yingluo looked at all this and felt extremely happy in her heart. She knew that her efforts were not in vain, and the future of Song Dynasty would definitely be better.

With the booming shipbuilding industry, the size of the Song Dynasty's fleet continued to expand, and maritime trade also prospered. Zhao Yingluo realized that this was an excellent opportunity to open up the Maritime Silk Road and strengthen trade with foreign countries.

She sent envoys carrying letters of credence on the exquisite ships of the Song Dynasty to distant Western countries to express her willingness for friendly exchanges and trade cooperation. At the same time, she also encouraged merchants to follow the envoys' footsteps and sell silk, porcelain, tea and other commodities from the Song Dynasty overseas.

These measures quickly achieved remarkable results. The ships of the Song Dynasty shuttled across the vast sea, closely connecting all corners of the world. The opening of the Maritime Silk Road not only promoted the economic and cultural exchanges between the Song Dynasty and foreign countries, but also brought great wealth and reputation to the Song Dynasty.

However, just as the maritime trade of the Song Dynasty was in full swing, domestic turmoil appeared again. Some conservative officials were dissatisfied with Zhao Yingluo's reform policies. They colluded with foreign enemies and attempted to launch a coup to overthrow Zhao Yingluo as supervisor of the country.