Thank you to Yuki for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
The weather is getting colder, even if wearing fox fur, the northern wind blowing on the face feels like a knife cut. Liang Rong forcefully sniffed, his small hand holding the reins, making the horse follow behind his father’s mount as much as possible. The time spent traveling with his father is still too little, but even on such a cold day, he enjoys it.
The horse hooves, fitted with iron shoes, clatter on the frozen ground, making a crisp sound. The group proceeds slowly, walking for an unknown distance, and finally reaches the mountaintop after dismounting and walking for a while. When Liang Rong sees the scene in front of him, he widens his eyes suddenly. In the distance, the lake is shining and glittering. The sunlight scatters on the surface like glistening golden fragments. And that golden light, following the meandering watercourse, flows slowly across the desolate winter wilderness, reaching the sky.
This is the Jiuzhe Canal!
Liang Rong has certainly heard of this newly built large canal, but he never thought that it would be so spectacular when viewed from a high place! Was this canal really completed within a year? If the water fills up in the future, can it irrigate all the fields in Jinyang?
Curiosity in his heart, he naturally asked.
Liang Feng smiled and said, “The canal is not truly completed yet; there are still tributaries to be developed in the Western River State. Its function is not only to convey water for irrigation but also to store water and divert it in case of floods in the Fen River, avoiding disasters for downstream residents. If you want it to be completely finished, it will probably take several more years.”
“Several more years,” Liang Rong repeated. At his age, he had never seen such a large-scale project before.
“Since the canal is so good, should we also build one in Ji County?” Liang Rong couldn’t help but ask again.
“Water conservation is good, but we can’t be reckless. Any large-scale project requires thorough surveying and careful calculation, or it will only bring disaster to the country and the people,” Liang Feng replied. It’s not that he doesn’t want to build a canal, but a project of this scale can currently only be undertaken by Bing County. Other states and counties, if they want to construct water facilities, must first spend several years analyzing water routes, surveying, and evaluating. In the current situation of limited manpower and resources, it’s better to prioritize roads and canals.
Hearing his father say this, Liang Rong suddenly remembered what his instructors had taught: “But such heavy corvee labor will cause officials to be restless, and the people will be disgruntled, especially during years of great calamity.”
Back in the Qin Dynasty, when they were burdened with tasks such as building the Afang Palace, the Mausoleum of the First Emperor, the Great Wall, and the Qin Straight Road, the corvee labor became unbearable, leading to the downfall of the state after the reign of the second emperor. Why did Father manage to accomplish so much in one year without causing unrest?
“Because this is not corvee labor; it’s relief for disaster-stricken people,” Liang Feng sighed. “The people suffered from disasters, lost their land, and came here seeking refuge. However, whether it’s Ji County or Bing County, there isn’t enough cultivated land to provide for them, making it difficult to support these displaced citizens. Only by making some adjustments, employing them with money and food, and engaging them in labor, can we help them. However, during times of calamity, only projects crucial to survival can be undertaken, such as road construction, canal opening, and connecting ditches to canals. One must not abuse the labor of the people.”
This is just one aspect of the situation. In fact, for the construction of roads in Ji County, there was also investment from private capital. Offering fame to those merchants and promising substantial profits, coupled with hiring labor, allowed the implementation of the plan. Profits and reputation hold strong allure, especially for wealthy but less prestigious aristocrats and merchants. When these pioneers set an example by tasting success, the roads in Ji County next year are bound to become even more accessible.
Liang Rong listened attentively, somewhat puzzled: “If this method is so good, why has no one ever used it before?”
“Because it is complex to implement, and not every disaster allows for such an approach,” Liang Feng patiently explained. “The premise of substituting labor for relief is that the treasury has enough money and grain to support the mass migration of refugees. Additionally, there must be clear governance and a stable situation. If any of these conditions are lacking, it can turn a good deed into a disaster, ultimately harming the people.”
“Well… is there no foolproof method for dealing with disasters and epidemics?” Liang Rong furrowed his small brow.
“There’s no universal remedy in the world,” Liang Feng patted his head. “To weather years of calamity, you must be prepared in peacetime. Not only should the court’s treasury have sufficient food, but the people’s pockets should also have enough savings to withstand the disaster. If there are refugees, we must promptly find ways to settle and provide relief, giving them a way out. In reality, as long as the people have enough to eat, they won’t end up in dire straits. Those in high positions should only think of one thing: how to let the people live on, live stably, and live prosperously.”
This is the fundamental solution to all problems. A good official ensures the people’s well-being and a wise ruler brings peace to the land.
This time, Liang Rong understood. “To rule by protecting the people, nothing can surpass it.” It may sound lofty, but in practice, it is both arduous and undeniably correct.
Seeing Liang Rong gaining some insight, Liang Feng smiled faintly and handed him the telescope hanging at his waist: “Use this to take a look.”
Even though it’s a product of their own, the telescope is remarkably expensive, and it’s military-grade, not for sale to the public. Since Liang Rong didn’t have many opportunities to come into contact with such things, he eagerly took the telescope and walked a few steps forward, carefully examining the scene.
Liang Feng’s gaze also followed that small figure and looked into the distance. The Jiuzhe Canal project is significant, but from the mountain, it appears as thin, meandering lines. This is just a corner of Bing County, and there is a larger territory transforming under his control. However, he is unable to witness it firsthand.
Just visiting a few estates, and courtiers were advising against it. Going to inspect the new road in Ji County? That’s not just a safety issue, it’s a genuine waste of resources and manpower. At this moment, he’s only a duke, and if he ever ascends to the throne, would he be confined within the capital?
“My Lord?”
A slightly concerned voice came from beside him, and Liang Feng sneered, “It’s nothing. I’m just thinking about Ji County. I wonder what the newly built roads and canals look like.”
Yiyan understood the deeper meaning in his words and couldn’t help but feel a twinge in his heart. “My Lord can certainly go. Once the provinces of Qing and You are pacified, I can escort my lord on the journey.”
But what about the far north? What about Hainan? What about the countless famous mountains and rivers in the world? Can they only be reached through imperial worship?
Liang Feng shook his head, “I’ve heard that there are several continents beyond the sea. Inhabited by natives, with exotic animals and crops that are easier to cultivate than rice and wheat. If I could see it in my lifetime, that would be great.”
Overseas continents? Yiyan couldn’t think of any places other than the vast nine provinces that could match such a scale of land. Could the places where Daqin, Tianzhu, and the location of the Tarim Basin be considered continents?
However, Yiyan also knew that the emperor couldn’t go overseas. The boundless sea is vast and unpredictable. Even he couldn’t guarantee the emperor’s safety.
This silent answer did not surprise Liang Feng. Apart from his status and position, even this frail body wouldn’t withstand long-distance travel. In the modern era, one can fly to places in ten hours, but in ancient times, how long would it take by ship? Six months? Three years? Perhaps a lifetime without seeing one’s homeland again? For this world, the distance is truly an insurmountable barrier.
For him, walking from Shanxi to Bohai Bay is just a distant dream, let alone Australia and South America.
“When the world is at peace, I also want to see these beautiful rivers and mountains.” In the end, Liang Feng chuckled, his large sleeves spreading out as he quietly took hold of the person’s hand by his side.
The broad robe sleeve covered the back of their hands, and the cool, slender fingers settled in the palm. A smile appeared on Yiyan’s lips, and the five fingers clasped tightly around that hand.
※
“Murong Hui requested assistance from Aye and even offered to surrender Ping County to Aye.” Sitting in the upper seat, Duan Jilu’s complexion was gloomy, and his tone was unfriendly.
This year’s severe drought is a huge disaster for the Xianbei people who rely on water and grass for a living. Unfortunately, the Governor of Ping County, Cui Bi, has ambitions and set his eyes on the Liaodong Murong tribe. He even colluded with the Yuwen tribe to attack the Liaodong Murong tribe together. Now, chaos has erupted in Liaodong. Adjacent to Liaodong is Duan’s western territory, Liaoxi. How can they remain indifferent to such a significant matter?
However, the two parties involved in this war also posed a dilemma. The Xianbei, led by Murong, has indeed shown signs of expansion in recent years and deserves caution. However, Cui Bi, a scion of the Qinghe aristocracy, despises these Xianbei people and resents Duan Wu’s succession to the position of governor of You County. Therefore, within the Duan tribe, there are internal disagreements on whose side to support.
Duan Wu, the governor of You County, found Cui Bi highly disagreeable. Duan Wu was the son-in-law of Wang Jun, while Cui Bi was Wang Jun’s brother-in-law. Duan Wu hailed from the Xianbei ethnic group, while Cui Bi was from the prestigious Qinghe lineage. Both held positions as commanders in You County and Ping County, and their conflicts were glaringly obvious. Additionally, due to the marital ties between the Murong tribe and the Duan family, Duan Wu naturally thought that seizing Ping County would be a good idea.
Duan Pidi and his brother Duan Wenyuan believed that, ultimately, Cui Bi was appointed as the governor by the Jin court and should not be fought against. As for the Murong tribe, with their ambitious nature, a conflict with them wouldn’t hurt.
Duan Jilu, on the other hand, showed no interest in this large-scale battle. In his view, both the Murong tribe and Cui Bi were enemies of the Duan tribe. Let the enemies fight each other while he observed from the sidelines. Why get involved?
However, as the crown prince, Duan Jilu didn’t have the right to choose independently. His duty was to follow his father’s orders. After months of conflict, Murong Hui’s request for assistance to You County meant that Duan Jilu would be compelled to lead troops and engage in warfare in Ping County. This was not good news for him.
If he had a choice, he would consider Cui Bi a minor nuisance. The real enemy of the Duan tribe was the formidable tiger in Bing County!
“It’s a pity that Shi Le was defeated as well. Yu County and Yan County may also fall into the hands of that surname Liang,” commented Duan Mobai, his tone ominous.
Duan Mobai had suffered a major defeat in Bing County in the past, almost losing his military position. As a result, he harbored deep resentment towards Bing County. He eagerly hoped for the rebel Shi Le to invade Si and Ji. Unexpectedly, instead of attacking the wolf, he ended up harming himself.
“Xiongnu are also a bunch of useless people,” spat Duan Jilu. “But continuing to fight in Ping County is not a sustainable solution. If we could withdraw and target the territories under Bing County’s control, that would be a profitable venture. Rumor has it that Ji County has repaired many roads this year, so there must be considerable wealth there.”
“Why not advise the Duke of Liaoxi, Your Highness?” immediately suggested Duan Mobai.
Duan Jilu contemplated for a moment and finally said, “We still need to follow Murong Hui’s orders. Once this battle is over and if we find no gains, Murong Hui might change his focus. Back in Ye City, how much wealth and women did we plunder? Compared to the harsh Ping County, Ji County is a more promising land.”
With the Xiongnu nearby, he didn’t believe that Liang Feng, the sickly kid, could fight on two fronts. However, he wondered when the opportune moment would arrive.
