Faced with intensifying economic sanctions from nations such as Britain and France, the economic situation of the Great Qing grew increasingly dire. Foreign trade suffered a heavy blow; ships laden with goods were forced to remain docked at ports, unable to set sail for overseas markets. The accumulated inventory piled up like mountains, leaving merchants paralyzed with anxiety. A large number of export-dependent businesses fell into distress, the roar of machinery in factories fell silent, and workers found themselves unemployed. The air in the streets and alleys was thick with anxiety and helplessness. Financial markets, too, were left in turmoil by the withdrawal of international capital; the business of banks and money shops plummeted, and the people were filled with concern for the future. Yet, Su Ran was not intimidated by the crisis before him. Standing on the city gate tower of the palace, gazing out at this ancient and resilient nation, he held firm in his belief that within every crisis lay a turning point. As long as they responded with a cool head, they would certainly find a way to break the deadlock.
Su Ran urged every department to resolutely implement established response measures to stabilize the domestic economic front, while simultaneously venturing deep into the private sector and businesses to conduct research, understand the realities on the ground, and identify new growth points. Changing into plain clothes, he shuttled through streets and alleys, step…
Chapter 30