Chapter 320: Chapter 209: The Trap for Prime Minister He
In the Imperial Study of Chengguang Hall, Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu were reporting to the Emperor about the rice cultivation situation in various regions.
It is already summer, and in many places, the rainfall is still quite abundant, resulting in very good growth of the rice. However, in some places, the rainfall is not sufficient, causing the rice to not grow well. In other places, the rainfall is too abundant, such as in Jiangnan.
Since the beginning of spring, it rained continuously in Jiangnan. Just before the Qingming Festival, the rain finally stopped. However, after the festival, it started raining again, turning the rice fields into ponds.
In areas lacking rain, people tried every means to obtain water to irrigate the rice fields, while in Jiangnan, the people tried every means to drain the water from the fields.
"According to Governor Liang’s report, the water level of the rivers in Yangzhou has risen by an inch this month," reported Prime Minister He, "and the water levels of other rivers in Jiangnan have been rising continuously."
Grandmaster Liu continued from where Prime Minister He left off, "Since the Dragon Boat Festival, it has been raining continuously in Jiangnan," he added, "after summer began, it often rained heavily over there, which is the reason for the rising river levels."
Prime Minister He continued, "Fortunately, we listened to Governor Liang’s advice to raise and strengthen the river embankments in Jiangnan, or else there might have been floods already."
"Governor Liang also had people dig reservoirs to store the rainwater, which has helped a lot," Grandmaster Liu mentioned about the reservoirs, which he heard of from Governor Liang, who had in turn been advised by Zhao Yao. Previously, Zhao Yao wrote to Governor Liang, suggesting he dig reservoirs. During times of heavy rain, the reservoirs could store rainwater, and during drought, the reservoir water could be used to irrigate the rice fields.
The rainwater in Jiangnan is indeed much more than in other places, but sometimes Jiangnan also experiences droughts. During the previous dynasty, droughts were frequent in Jiangnan.
"In his memorial, Governor Liang spoke of the many benefits of building reservoirs. I believe we could dig reservoirs nationwide, especially in the North, where there is not much rainfall, so that when there’s insufficient rain, the reservoir water can be used to irrigate the farmland," remarked Grandmaster Liu, "to prepare for what we are unprepared for."
Prime Minister He concurred, "I also agree with constructing reservoirs."
"Even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have decreed the construction of reservoirs," the Emperor, who had also read Governor Liang’s memorial and understood the benefits of building reservoirs, commented. "This is a beneficial venture for the country and the people."
"Governor Liang mobilized the entire populace of Yangzhou to construct reservoirs and has already dug out the largest reservoir in all of Yangzhou," said Prime Minister He. "The newly dug reservoir has stored a considerable amount of rainwater, alleviating much of the burden on Yangzhou’s rivers. He plans to dig an even larger reservoir to store more rainwater."
Grandmaster Liu added, "While building the river embankments, Governor Liang also had people dredge the rivers, clearing a lot of silt, making the rivers flow more smoothly."
Prime Minister He smiled, "Who would have thought that Governor Liang knew about river engineering? Truly remarkable."
The Emperor smiled with pride, "As expected of My father-in-law."
Listening to the Emperor’s shameless words, Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu both cast disdainful looks at him.
"Jiangnan is also the most important area for canal transport. If the rivers are not clear, it will impact canal transport," the Emperor shifted to a serious expression and tone. "I have already decreed Governor Liang to continue repairing the rivers in Yangzhou and have also instructed the governor of Gusu to dredge the rivers there."
Speaking of rivers, Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu thought of the often troubled Yellow River.
In recent years, due to drought in the Yellow River area, floods have not occurred. If in the future the rainfall in the Yellow River area suddenly increases, it would easily lead to flooding.
"Your Majesty, while the Yellow River is currently fine, it would be prudent to quickly send people to repair and dredge the Yellow River, or else..." Once the Yellow River floods, many people in several regions will suffer.
"I am indeed of the same mind," responded the Emperor. Although in recent years, the embankments of the Yellow River have been continuously raised and strengthened, this is but a temporary solution. To truly tame the Yellow River, it needs proper repairs. "By the way, regarding Governor Liang’s proposal to construct a canal, what do you think?"
Some time ago, Governor Liang submitted a memorial proposing the construction of a canal from Jiangnan to the capital city. Naturally, this too was an idea from Zhao Yao.
Grandmaster Liu and Prime Minister He exchanged looks and then responded immediately, "Your Majesty, Governor Liang’s proposal to construct a canal is indeed a good idea, yet such an undertaking would be massive, requiring considerable manpower and resources."
Grandmaster Liu continued from Prime Minister He’s statement, "Constructing a canal from Jiangnan to the capital city is indeed beneficial for the country and the people, but as Prime Minister He mentioned, it would require too much manpower and resources. Considering the current situation of the Great Zhou, it simply cannot bear the expenses of constructing a canal."