Traitors of the Manchu dynasty, why do you make me an emperor through the ages Chapter 156 The minister with 100% loyalty, the money-making genius He Shen
Chapter 156 The minister with 100% loyalty, the money-making genius He Shen
The dim morning light outside the sky shines into the political hall from the window.
The light in the hall is not bright, the red light from the incense burner is dim, the brass faucet at the mouth of the burner is puffing out fine white smoke, the copper plates and gold foil inlaid on the tables and chairs are glowing faintly, and a group of ministers in scarlet robes are silently speaking. Sitting around the table, using the light, staring at the map and looking at it.
Li Qian remembered that in the development of Qi State, there was a key node called Tian Dai Jiang Qi, which refers to the fact that the doctor Tian replaced the Jiang surname and became the Qi royal family.
The Tian family of Qi State was originally the orthodox member of the Chen royal family, but later had to seek refuge in Qi State due to internal strife.
I have to say that this is a very powerful family. Even if they live in a foreign land, their dazzling glory cannot be buried. There are two masters in the art of war in the Tian family.
The first one was named Tian Rangju, also known as Sima Rangju, and the second one was Sun Wu, and these two people had done similar things.
Yanzi recommended Tian Rangju to the King of Qi as a general, and Tian Rangju killed the unruly favored minister of the King of Qi to establish his authority. Later, when Sun Wu first arrived in Wu, he also killed the favored concubine of the King of Wu to establish military rules. The same lineage belongs to the same line.
Moreover, these two people are also among the top ten philosophers of the Martial Arts Temple. I have to say that this Tian family is really amazing.
Now, the previous generation of King Qi has been dead for a few years, and the posthumous title has been used. When he was about to die, he abolished the eldest son and established a young one, which also laid the foundation for the Qi royal family and left the foundation for the Tian family to usurp the throne.
The people who initially initiated the Tian Dai Qi Jiang affair were the two most powerful officials in the Qi State: Doctor Bao Mu and Doctor Tian Qi. The former was Wu Zixu's best friend, Tuo Guren, and the latter had some relationship with Sun Wu.
Sun Wu's grandfather's real name was Tian Shu, and he was Tian Qi's biological brother, so Sun Wu should call Tian Qi uncle or great uncle.
As soon as Sun Wu returned to the Qi State, he was about to take control of the Qi State's military power. In addition to his reputation as a god in military use, he would also be inseparable from Tian Qi's support.
With the help of Sun Wu, Tian Qi will surely be more able to enjoy his life in Qi State, but the specific development of the subsequent situation is not what Li Qian could predict...
However, in recent days, he also made a special effort to inquire about the current situation of Qi State in the capital. Many students from Qi State were frightened when talking about this matter.
A few months before they set off, even ordinary students could see the situation, so one can imagine how urgent it was.
With a countermeasure in mind, Li Qian did not panic at all. He smiled and said to Li Yuan and others: "There is no garrison in Xiapi. If Qi really can't help it and swallows this piece of fat, the imperial court will have more reason to send troops to Qi." , to rectify the chaos."
After everyone heard the words, they understood one after another.
Isn’t this just fishing law enforcement?
However, although the prospects described by Li Qian are very good, everyone present is not a simple character.
Li Jing, who was wearing a scarlet robe and a black gauze on his head, frowned and asked: "Your Majesty, I have heard some rumors, but the situation in Qi has not deteriorated to this extent, right?"
"No matter how arrogant the officials of Qi are, how can they dare to seek power and usurp the throne?"
He said loudly: "If such a rebellious thing really happens, the imperial court and the vassal states will definitely send out troops at the same time to attack Qi and rectify the source."
"What Da Sima said is absolutely true."
Li Yuan suddenly said in a deep voice: "Those who go against the superior will bring about their own destruction. If this happens, the whole world will attack them together!"
Yang Jian was stunned for a moment, then nodded with approval and said: "No matter what minister, it is impossible for me to do such a perverse act and violate the ethical principles!"
"If the people of Qi really do such a thing, they will be despised by everyone in the world!"
Zhao Kuangyin's big black face was full of righteousness, and he said sternly: "His death will be sudden!"
Qin Hui and Cai Jing were stunned for a moment.
Li Qian was extremely moved. As expected, these three people were all extremely loyal ministers. They were 100% loyal and not at all rebellious.
"Several officials from the Qing family are indeed sincere ministers, but the officials of Qi State may not have your foresight."
After sighing with emotion, he turned to Li Jing and said: "Da Sima, you must send someone to pay attention to the situation in Qi at all times. Once civil strife breaks out, the imperial court, as the head of the princes in the world, must be the first to send troops to protect the princes. Set an example for other countries."
We must also seize the most territory and gain the most benefits.
Everyone present added in their hearts.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Li Jing hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Although he didn't quite understand why His Majesty was so sure of civil strife in Qi, it was better to make some preparations than nothing.
Li Qian slowly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.
Now that they have accepted this premise, whether they believe it or not, the rest will be easier to say.
If there is no need to garrison troops to defend Qi and Chu, is there any reason to keep Zuo Wei and Wei strong in Sizhou?
Li Qian looked at Li Yuan and the others and said in a deep voice: "Although the detailed military report has not yet arrived in the capital, if the battle fails, the general will not be able to escape responsibility. I want to remove Zhao Kuangyi from the post of temporary general of Zuoweiwei."
"Your Majesty, your Majesty!" Zhao Kuangyin's eyes flashed with joy and he replied first.
The temporary Zuo Weiwei was originally added to Zhao Kuangyi before the expedition. Even if there was no such thing, the main army would have to remove it for him.
He can completely accept this kind of punishment.
But Yang Jian and Li Yuan were not so happy.
However, the two of them did not have a direct attack, but looked at Li Qian quietly, obviously wanting to hear what else he had to say.
The air was slightly cool in the morning, and the tea in the yellow porcelain cups was no longer steaming. The old eunuch came forward and refilled the tea for everyone.
Li Qian took a sip gently, put the tea cup aside, pondered for a moment and then continued: "The important place of Xuyi is the beginning of Tongji Canal and the hub of water transportation. There is no room for failure. When the Nine Guards Forbidden Army takes down Xuyi, order General Hu Yanzan of Zuoweiwei led ten thousand Zuoweiwei to garrison Xuyi to guard against any unexpected events."
"Add Liu Guangyi, the general of the Zuoweiwei, to the rank of general, and lead the rest of the Zuweiwei, together with the Nine Guards, to continue the attack on Wu."
Yang Jian and Li Yuan's frowns relaxed a little.
This edict directly tied up one-third of Zuowei Wei, and the result was not unacceptable.
With 10,000 people stationed in Xuyi, Zuoweiwei's strength is less than half that of the other nine guards. In future sieges of cities and territories, the right to speak will definitely be weakened.
Zhao Kuangyin's face turned bitter and even darker.
But Li Qian kept staring at him. If he made a mistake, he would have to pay the price. How could it be so cheap if he wanted to get away without pulling out any hair?
"Your Majesty, your Majesty," Zhao Kuangyin had no choice but to gather his energy and replied with his hands in hand.
It is better to be left with ten thousand than to be left with all.
"Your Majesty, your Majesty." Li Yuan and Yang Jian also bowed their hands, accepting the result.
Of course, it's not over yet.
If that's the case, Zhao Kuangyin's power in the Ten Guards Forbidden Army is still somewhat weak.
Li Qian thought for a moment and then said: "Although Zhao Kuangyi neglected his duty in battle, he still has the talent of a general. On the occasion of the attack on Wu, he must be put to full use."
"I think we can choose two more people from the Forbidden Army to work with him to supervise the handover and escort of grain and grass in the country of Yue."
Zhao Er's military ability may not be very good, but his ability to fight for power and gain, stir up trouble and engage in internal strife is still online.
Under this situation, not only could Li Qian not be able to pull out this troublemaker, but he also had to be given a certain say in the army, otherwise he would not be able to contain Li Yuan, Yang Jian and their generals.
After Li Qian finished speaking, he looked at Li Yuan and Yang Jian: "What do the Emperor's uncle and General Yang think? If possible, how to choose the other two candidates?"
The joy on Zhao Kuangyin's black face flashed away, and then he said like a yes man: "Your Majesty is wise."
But the other two people asked about it all had toothaches.
Food, grass and baggage are the most important thing for an army to go on an expedition. Whoever masters this will be able to strangle the neck of the army.
When the food and grass arrive, which guard should be given first and which guard should be given last? If the food and grass are insufficient, which guard should be given priority? There is still a lot of room for manipulation.
Now that Li Qian has introduced Zhao Kuangyi, the two of them have to choose two people who can compete with him, otherwise they will definitely be overpowered by him.
But the problem is, Zhao Kuangyi is the defeated general who stepped on the horse and should have been punished.
The two of them had to be exchanged by him for nothing. Is this unfair?
"Your Majesty, the mission of transporting food and grass is very important. I believe that caution and stability should be the first priority."
Li Yuan frowned and said: "Zhao Kuangyi's battle across the Shiliang River is full of vigor, but a little lacking in stability. It is better to choose someone else to take charge of this matter."
Yang Jian also refused and said: "Your Majesty, the State of Wu will definitely intercept the Forbidden Army's food and fodder. This matter is very important. It affects the victory or defeat of the army and cannot be decided easily!"
Li Qian frowned slightly and glanced at the civil servants beside him.
Qin Hui, Cai Jing, and Li Jing didn't say anything. As for the four military departments and the ministers in the province, they were like four silent gourds since they entered the palace, and they couldn't be counted on.
The political hall was extremely quiet. The light outside the window gradually became brighter. A wisp of cold morning breeze blew in from the window. The old eunuch hurried over and closed the window.
"His Majesty!"
Zhao Kuangyin suddenly handed over his hand and said seriously: "The matter of grain and grass is indeed important, and no matter how much we attach it, it is better to add three people besides Zhao Kuangyi to supervise the army's escort of grain and grass!"
"Four people taking responsibility together are naturally more secure than three people."
"Three more?"
Li Qian was stunned for a moment, and then looked at him deeply, he looked so sinister and fat.
"This can indeed be done..."
He looked at Li Yuan and Yang Jian and said with a smile: "How do the emperor and the general think they should choose among these three people?"
In addition to two peaches killing three scholars, three peaches can kill two scholars.
If there are two places, the two people will naturally have one.
But now there are three places, who should get the one with more?
Li Yuan and Yang Jian had heavy faces, but they were secretly cursing the insidious fat man in their hearts.
Although both of them know that this is to sow discord and divide, the question lies here, who is willing to give up that spot to the other party?
Who is willing to sacrifice himself to achieve success for others?
Zhao Kuangyin looked at the two silent people, with a slight smile on his lips.
Li Jing on the side sighed softly, stood up and cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I think that although the transportation of food and fodder is important, the more people there, the better."
"If there are too many people and there are differences of opinion, disputes will inevitably occur. On the contrary, it will not be beneficial to the matter. It will slow down the progress of transporting grain and be taken advantage of by Wu soldiers."
"How about we let three people take charge and choose two more to supervise the operation together with General Zhao Kuangyi?"
Qin Hui suddenly nodded when he heard this, looked at Li Qian and said: "Your Majesty, I thought that the three of us would go together. I heard that the food and grass for the Ten Guards Forbidden Army were almost running out, so this matter obviously cannot be delayed any longer. "
"Your Majesty, please make a decision as soon as possible."
Li Qian gave a helpless smile and looked at Qin Hui: "Prime Minister Qin, you are making things difficult for me..."
Qin Hui's face was also full of embarrassment and helplessness. He raised his hands and sighed: "Your Majesty, forgive me, I deserve death. I should be worried about Your Majesty, but now the situation is critical. The 300,000 soldiers on the front line may run out of food at any time!"
"I also ask Your Majesty to be decisive and issue the decree as soon as possible. Don't hesitate any more!"
Li Qian sighed deeply, still hesitant on his face, but already happy in his heart.
Qin Hui, this bitch, really has something! This must have been very pricking for Li Yuan and Yang Jian, right?
Li Qian looked at the two people with innocent eyes: "Uncle Emperor, General, you..."
Yang Jian suddenly stopped being silent, stood up and said: "Your Majesty, I also think it is better for three people to supervise the transportation of grain and grass at the same time. If four people work together, it will create redundancy."
"I feel that Yu Wenhuaji can take on this important task and supervise the transportation of grain and grass."
Li Yuan was silent for a moment, and then he cupped his hands and said, "I recommend that Su Dingfang go with us to supervise the transportation of grain and grass."
"good."
Li Qian smiled and nodded, wondering if it would have been better this way earlier??
"In this case, Zhongshu Sheng will prepare an edict as soon as possible and send it to the Imperial Army."
Li Qian stood up, looked at Qin Hui, and said seriously: "The situation is critical now, and we can't delay even a moment."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Qin Hui immediately responded with his hands.
"Also, it's good if you all know the content of today's military report, and don't spread it to others." Li Gan rubbed his brow with a headache.
Everyone present was a smart person, so they naturally understood the meaning of Li Qian's words.
Zhao Kuangyin's black face is even more hot.
If this kind of extremely embarrassing battle report spreads out, the people and officials will lose confidence in the court, and no one wants to see it.
"Your Majesty, sooner or later this news will come back from Chen and Wu." Qin Hui reminded in a low voice that it could not be kept secret forever.
Li Qian naturally knew it, and he shook his head slightly: "Let the Forbidden Army send back the battle report on the capture of Sizhou and Xuyi as soon as possible, and then publish it together with today's battle report."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Qin Hui nodded in agreement. This was also a common public relations method used by the imperial court.
Although the story of escaping a hundred miles at night in a donkey cart will still arouse people's discussion, the news of victory can save the court's face.
"Okay, let's get here first today."
Li Qian looked at everyone present, looking at the faces with different expressions, and finally turned calm: "Everyone, the situation is turbulent now. Only by working together can we overcome the difficulties."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Everyone responded in unison and left the political hall one by one.
Looking at their retreating figures, Li Qian sighed softly.
Today, the reason why Li Yuan and Yang Jian compromised so easily and let Zhao Kuangyin go is probably because they have greater interests to pursue.
These people are all eyeing the fat country of Wu, and they are just waiting for the conquest of Wu to be over before dividing their own people over it.
But Li Qian didn't want to seal off this wealthy Wu land anymore.
Today's Wu State has a very large territory, starting from the Yangtze River outlet in the east, to the Ying capital of Chu State in the west, to Xiapi in the north, and to Kuaiji in the south.
It contains Hongze Lake, Tai Lake, Chao Lake, and Gaoyou Lake, covering the Yangtze and Huaihe River basins, with water networks extending in all directions, a highly developed economy, extremely rich products, and fast and convenient transportation. It was the lifeblood of the imperial water transportation.
Instead of conferring another king of Wu, enjoying such great wealth and strangling the throat of the imperial court, it is better to set up a large Wu Commandery and incorporate it into the imperial official system.
He even thought about the candidate for the first Wu County Sheriff, Li Qian.
Of course, if you do this, you will inevitably encounter considerable resistance and difficulties.
But it's worth a try.
With this Wu Commandery, the imperial court's strength will surely increase dramatically.
If Li Qian could hold Wu County in his own hands, he would be able to get rid of his current predicament of being the "Emperor of the Capital".
Li Qian stared at the map on the table, thinking about all the difficulties he might encounter in the future...
The edict from Zhongshu Province was quickly drafted and sent. After Li Qian read it, he added at the end: "Soldiers and horses stationed in Xuyi must not be plundered by the people." Then he wrote an edict with a red pen. 'Character.
This edict was then sent to the Menxia Province, where the minister would review it before sending it to the Ministry of War, which would be responsible for sending it to the front line...
The Ministry of War's envoys traveled by water, traveling day and night.
It wasn't until they reached the blockage of the canal that they switched to the land route and rode towards the Forbidden Army.
Only this time there was a little accident.
In the inn, the sun is shining high, the power of the autumn tiger cannot be underestimated, and the air is dry and hot, making people want to stick out their tongues.
The travel-worn messenger filled bowls of herbal tea while waiting to change horses.
A rush of footsteps came from the door of the small courtyard, and a group of officers and soldiers armed with spears opened the door and poured in one after another.
"Who is it!" The messenger stood up, looked at the group of officers and soldiers in front of him with vigilance, and yelled with an inward look: "You dare to intercept the official documents of the imperial court, will you risk your life?"
"It's not an interception, I'm just asking you to come over and ask some questions."
The leading officer looked at him with a smile: "You are a messenger from the Ministry of War, right? Mr. He asked you to come over and ask questions."
The messenger originally wanted to ask for help loudly, but when he heard the words "he sir", he suddenly became silent.
Among the six departments of Shangshu, few people dare to disobey the wishes of the two Shangshu Pushe, let alone Heshen who is in charge of the Ministry of Personnel.
Seeing him like this, several officers and soldiers even smiled: "Come with us."
Several people came to the small courtyard next to the inn. As soon as the messenger entered the door, he saw the royal flag, the imperial envoy's umbrella, and the outfit placed in the courtyard. His head immediately dropped lower.
The messenger was a little skeptical at first, how could you live in a place like the inn? But the king's flag is the ironclad proof! Unless all the nine tribes are tired of living, no one would dare to forge this thing. The people here are probably really and adults...
"My lord, we have arrived." The leading sergeant reported respectfully to the hall.
"Please come in."
Sitting in the hall was a fat man wearing a purple-bottomed rich man's coat, with kind eyebrows and kind eyes, who could he be if he wasn't He Shen?
In addition to He Shen, there was an old man with a gray beard, wearing a black gauze Pingding square scarf on his head, and a lake silk Taoist robe with red dark flowers, also sitting at the table, looking at the messenger up and down.
"My lord, this is a secret letter from the Ministry of War to the front line." The messenger lowered his head sincerely and presented the envelope in his hands with both hands.
But He Shen smiled and waved his hand to refuse: "How can I read the secret message sent by the Ministry of War to the front line? Mr. Zheng, do you think this is the case?"
The real name of this white-bearded old man is Zheng Chen. To show respect, He Shen called him Mr. Zheng.
When Zheng Chen heard this, he smiled and said: "Master He is the servant of the minister, and he is in charge of the minister's province, so he can naturally see it."
"It's inappropriate, it's inappropriate."
He Shen smiled and shook his head: "Although it was sent by the Ministry of War, this secret message is probably His Majesty's edict. Since it has been sealed, it cannot be opened again before reaching the military camp."
The messenger was wondering, then why did you ask me to come here? To make people laugh?
"I would like to ask you, what is the content of the eight-hundred-mile urgent military report? Has it been spread in the capital?"
The messenger was startled and thought to himself: How can an adult be able to read minds?
Doesn’t he also know what I’m thinking about now? No, no, I can’t think about it anymore...
"As far as my lord is concerned, no."
The messenger answered cautiously: "That morning, the military report arrived in Beijing. Grand Sima, the right minister and a group of senior officials entered the palace. Later, no news was released..."
"That's it." He Shen nodded thoughtfully.
The messenger was afraid that he would be dissatisfied, so he added: "At noon that day, this edict was sent from Menxia Province and ordered the Ministry of War to send it to the front line."
"Why should I worry, sir?"
Zheng Chen looked at He Shen with a smile: "Anyway, the imperial army is overwhelmingly powerful. Now it has captured Sizhou City and Xuyi City. It will take a few days to capture the entire territory of Xuyi."
"The report has been passed here, there must be nothing wrong."
He Shen was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said: "That's the truth. After all, I am not as free and easy as Mr. Zheng."
If you lose a battle, you have to hide it and sneak all the way to Beijing to deliver the message. But if you win a battle and don't announce it with great fanfare, then will the victory be wasted?
In fact, after winning a battle, not only will the official messenger who delivers the letter not keep it secret, but he will probably make a big noise and make it known to the whole world. If there is a bigger and more impressive victory, the yamen and inns along the road will be asked to lay out dew cloth, which is commonly known as
The "big character poster" was read out to the local people.
Just yesterday, the military report from the front line arrived in Bianzhou, conveying the news that the imperial imperial army had captured Xuyi City without any effort, and continued to spread it to the capital.
In fact, Xuyi surrendered.
Now the Imperial Imperial Army continues to move south, is about to block the Huaihe River, and will soon occupy the entire territory of Xuyi.
"It's not that Mr. He is not free and easy, but that Mr. He has in his heart the hundreds of thousands of people affected by the disaster on both sides of the Taiwan Strait!"
Zheng Chen sighed with emotion and shook his head slightly: "If the country of Wu is blocked and grain cannot be transported, the people of Bianzhou and Xingyang will suffer for a day!"
"My Lord and I have so many worries because of my concubine's heart, but I can't do this anymore."
He Shen was startled. He didn't expect that he was so great. He hurriedly smiled and said: "Mr. Zheng is the same, and the same is the same."
As he spoke, he waved to the courier: "The urgent letter from the imperial court cannot be delayed. You should go as soon as possible."
Then he said to Liu Quan, who was standing beside him: "Give this officer ten taels of silver to deal with the unexpected."
"Thank you, sir!" The messenger left the courtyard happily. He did not expect such a good thing.
After the messenger left, Liu Quan closed the door again and placed an ice tray, and the hall became slightly cooler.
"Mr. Zheng, looking at the situation of the battle, I estimate that this year's grain supply may not be able to be transported."
He Shen took out his handkerchief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said to Zheng Chen with a smile: "We have to rely on Xingyang for disaster relief and embankment construction. The folks in Bianzhou should cooperate more."
In the depth of winter, the canal will freeze, and even if the country of Wu is captured by then, it will probably be impossible to transport grain.
"That's natural."
Zheng Chen was actually too hot, but he remained reserved and smiled at He Shen: "Building the embankment is a major event that will benefit the future. Once it is repaired, the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait will also benefit. Even if we don't tell you, sir, we
I will definitely help with this."
After He Shen wiped his sweat, he picked up the herbal tea in the gold wire cup and took a sip. His smile became even more relaxed: "With the help of the Zheng family, it seems that I can sit back and relax."
Although they are called the Zheng Family of Xingyang, their power is not limited to Xingyang.
From Xingyang, Bianzhou to Zhengguo, everywhere is shrouded in the shadow of this behemoth.
The reason is also very simple. The Zheng family in Xingyang is the Zheng family of the Zheng royal family. The relationship between the two parties is very close. They support and care for each other and are as close as one family.
In other words, they are originally a family and are one body.
So what He Shen said is really not an exaggeration at all.
Without the support of the Zheng family, no official can do much in these two places.
Zheng Chen took advantage of He Shen's tea break and secretly fanned himself with his big sleeves. Seeing He Shen looking over, he smiled modestly without any flattery: "Master He thinks too highly of our Zheng family.
This time there was a sudden disaster in the Yellow River, and we almost couldn't protect ourselves."
"In the face of natural disasters, manpower is so insignificant. Sir He is really the savior of our people in Xingyang and Bianzhou!"
"A few days ago, we were discussing that if the embankment in Xingyang was built, we would erect a monument to commemorate it and name the embankment on the south bank 'Hegong Embankment'! This is to express our gratitude to Mr. He for his kindness!"
Heshen tied up the local gentry by borrowing grain and carving their names on the embankment, making them willingly contribute.
The Zheng family used the name "Hegongdi" to tie up Heshen.
As long as Heshen is in the court, the court will not give up building this embankment.
"This is impossible."
The tea in He Shen's mouth almost spurted out, and he hurriedly waved his hands to refuse: "How can I be with someone?"
"The grain used to build the embankment was all borrowed from the villagers. Except for the stones originally brought by the court, the villagers dug the stones themselves in the nearby mountains and transported them by boat. Even the embankment was built.
The villagers did it themselves..."
Zheng Chen was stunned. After hearing this, he realized that the embankment had nothing to do with the imperial court. It was all the work of the villagers themselves.
Of course, that's not how the account was calculated.
The ice cubes in the ice tray gradually evaporated, and the temperature in the room slowly dropped.
"You are too humble, sir."
Zheng Chen was no longer so hot. He smiled dryly and said: "There were so many floods in Xingyang in the past years, and the imperial court sent so many imperial envoys to provide disaster relief, but why couldn't they do this? No one has ever proposed repairing Xingyang.
A stone embankment, they dare not think about it, let alone talk about it."
"Only Mr. He can be so broad-minded."
"Without the support and permission of the imperial court, how could the people build this embankment on their own?"
If the imperial court had not allowed it, the construction of the embankment might have been stopped before it even started.
If the imperial court did not come forward, it would be even less possible to organize the victims and get them to work together to handle this matter.
"He also relies on the support of his fellow villagers."
Although He Shen was still polite, his tone had softened: "If there wasn't a wise man like Mr. Zheng who is reasonable and reasonable, He Shen would definitely not dare to think about it."
As the sedan chair was carrying people, Zheng Chen laughed and took a sip of tea in a graceful manner: "If that's the case, it's settled."
"The folks just want to erect a monument for this embankment. People call it He Gong Di. Mr. He, you can't stop public opinion!"
He Shen sighed helplessly, with that awkward little look showing his reluctance: "Since Mr. Zheng has said so, I have no choice but to do this."
Zheng Chen smiled and nodded, then asked casually: "By the way, Mr. He."
"Now the victims are clamoring to sell their land. This year, the water from the Yellow River has been flowing for a long time, and the good fields have become brine-repellent land. There is no way to plant anymore. So the victims are planning to sell the land in exchange for food.
…”
The so-called brine-repellent land is a saline-alkali land. When the Yellow River floods, if the water does not recede, the soil will easily become saline-alkali, and it will become a saline-alkali land.
"Can't sell!"
He Shen suddenly straightened his face, stared at Zheng Chen and said, "Mr. Zheng, does he know that this time the court will not only build embankments, but also build dams and silt the ground?"
Zheng Chen was stunned for a moment and could no longer care about his demeanor: "Is this really happening?"
Fertile farmland can be turned into brine-repellent land, and brine-repellent land can naturally be turned back into fertile farmland. The method is to divert the Yellow River to irrigate the land, divert the Yellow River for irrigation, wash away the salt and alkali, and then form a new soil layer.
People have a common saying about this kind of damming and silting the land, which is called "building a road wall in the ditch, blocking the mud and collecting grain". This kind of resilted land is the richest and is called "grain hoarding son" by the people.
No matter how rotten the land is, it can be turned into good farmland!
"That's natural."
He Shen also took a sip of tea casually: "Mr. Zheng, the Zheng family has always supported the court and me, so I can reveal some news to you in advance."
"A while ago, Da Sikong sent craftsmen from the Ministry of Industry to draw the topography of Xingyang and other places along the river, and then went back to the Ministry of Works to design the drawings for embankment. This time the embankment was not simply built, but also dug to divert the river.
, build moon embankments, and build dams along the river to silt up the land.”
"Although it will be more troublesome, once successful, the hundreds of thousands or millions of acres of brine-repelled farmland along the Xingyang section of the Yellow River will be turned into high-quality fertile farmland..."
Zheng Chen's hand holding the tea cup trembled, and the orange-yellow tea spilled on the red Anhuahu silk robe, but he didn't notice it at all.
After tilling the fields for a year, they could only harvest three to five buckets of grain after exhausting work. The people just let the fields lie unused and refused to plant them.
But if it is a silt field, each acre of land can produce two or three stones of grain every year. If it is calculated as millions of acres of land... Zheng Chen is a little dizzy.
How much does this cost? How much food?
Zheng Chen looked at He Shen with admiration. He was so tall!
Among these millions of land, there are many official fields. Once the embankment is completed, the court does not know how much land it will earn!
Even if the remaining civilian fields double their grain production, the taxes collected by the court will also double!
With such a deduction, the court would not have to spend much money to build the embankment, and it would be able to collect several times more grain taxes every year in the future!
You can make money by building embankments and riding horses. I'm afraid this is the only one in the world, right?