"Your Majesty, the drawing of this canal has been completed. This is the simplest way."
Xue Wenju presented the map in his hand to Zhu Youde.
Zhu Youde also pretended to look at it a few times. It must be said that he really couldn't understand the map.
However, he had great trust in Xue Wenju.
"How much gold and silver is needed to build this canal now?" Zhu Youde asked after reading it.
"If you want to completely build it, gold and silver are actually the next best. It will require about eight million gold." After hearing this, Xue Wenju thought for a moment and said.
But before he was halfway through speaking, he was interrupted by Zhu Youde.
"How much do you think we need?"
"About eight million. This is a relatively simple method. If His Majesty had not proposed the work-for-relief method, it is estimated that the amount needed would have been doubled." Xue Wenju raised his head and said.
Even Zhu Youde was a little surprised when he heard such a number.
Now he finally ransacked a house and found almost five million gold.
But building such a canal actually costs eight million.
It has to be said that Zhu Youde still underestimated the gold and silver needed to build the canal.
It's normal to think about it. If it doesn't cost much to build a canal, then the emperors of the previous dynasty should have already built it.
Things like money can be made slowly, but the most important thing is how long it takes.
"What were you going to say just now?"
"The manpower required is about 200,000, which is conservative. In addition, the resistance to building the canal should be great," Xue Wenju said.
After all, building a canal is not an immediate success, it will take some time to show its effect.
Although there is no shortage of long-sighted officials in the imperial court, there is also no shortage of short-sighted officials.
"There is also another reason. It is now rumored among the people that this canal was built underground to go to the south of the Yangtze River to enjoy flowers."
Then Xue Wenju said another reason. After hearing this, Zhu Youde was a little dumbfounded.
It looks like someone started the rumor again.
This time he spread the rumor and directly thought that he was Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty.
Zhu Youde had already thought of it before.
Now that I have done something like this in a big way, others will know about it.
It should still be Zhang Dang's group of people. Zhu Youde thought they could calm down for a while.
But now it seems that they have decided to fight to the death.
Xue Wenju's next words directly dispelled Zhu Youde's doubts: "But this matter does not seem to have much to do with those in Zhang's party."
"Then who created this rumor? Who is it?"
In fact, Zhu Youde still wanted to know who this person was.
"After our investigation, it is very likely that it is King Yan, and King Yan will come to Beijing to report on his duties in the near future."
After hearing this name, Zhu Youde was also a little surprised.
Of course he knows about King Yan, who is his cheap uncle.
Because he was granted the title of Yan, he was also called the King of Yan.
Moreover, the Loyalty Society seems to have an inextricable relationship with King Yan.
Anyway, Zhu Youde can be sure that this King Yan is definitely harboring evil intentions.
In terms of talents, King Yan is actually quite outstanding.
The nearby feudal lords and kings themselves have quite a lot.
However, the other princes and kings had no other thoughts, and their fiefdoms were generally relatively small.
When the late king was in power, King Yan helped the late king many times.
Therefore, the former king also had a compensatory mentality, so the fiefdom given to him was relatively large.
When the late king was in power, he was relatively honest. After all, the late king was able to control the situation.
However, after the death of the late king, many of his behaviors became more and more outrageous.
But among the people, his reputation is actually quite good.
This can be seen from the people in the Loyalty Association who follow him steadfastly.
Now that these rumors have been released again, Zhu Youde actually feels a little angry.
After all, we are from the same roots, so why be too impatient? What I did this time was not a bad thing.
"Your Majesty, would you like to give Prince Yan a little boost?" Xue Wenju also said after seeing Zhu Youde's expression.
"That's not necessary. Isn't he going to the palace soon to report on his duties? Let's see how he performs then."
Now that Zhang Yuanhai's matter has not been completely resolved, King Yan suddenly appears again.
Although the late king did owe King Yan, Zhu Youde did not owe him anything, so there was no need to talk about that friendship.
"Anyway, now you let the news out first, and then tell the benefits of the canal." Zhu Youde said.
However, he also knew that his method might not be that effective.
After all, most people have relatively straightforward minds.
They will only see what Zhu Youde does, but they will not see the benefits that Zhu Youde will have in the future if he does these things now.
And building a canal to enjoy flowers has already become the preconception in the hearts of the people.
What he is saying now will naturally not have much effect.
But even so, Zhu Youde still wanted to speak out. After all, he couldn't let himself suffer such unfair injustice.
"But during this period of time, you have to keep an eye on King Yan. If he makes any moves, tell me immediately." Zhu Youde continued.
Xue Wenju naturally obeyed the order and nodded. After further discussion, Xue Wenju went out.
Just after he went out, there was a knock on the door again.
"Come in." Although he didn't know who it was, Zhu Youde still said.
"His Majesty……"
A familiar voice came from his ears.
Zhu Youde looked up and did not expect that it was Concubine Zhang who came this time.
During this period of time, Zhu Youde never thought of how to deal with her.
It would be impossible to ignore him. After all, the poison he had administered before had already caused his predecessor to die.
He continued to attack him one after another. If he stayed with him, it would be like keeping a poisonous snake in his arms.
"You are from the harem, and this is the imperial study. What do you want here for?" Zhu Youde's words contained a slight indifference.
"During this period of time, Your Majesty has not come to look for me, so I miss Your Majesty a little."
Zhang Lan felt the cold tone, but still said it bravely.
Zhu Youde chuckled lightly, put down the brush in his hand, and raised his head: "Why do you miss me? Do you miss me, or do you want to poison me?"