Chapter 52: The flood broke out, alarming the court and the opposition
Floods broke out in Jiangning County.
The palace was informed of the news immediately. Supervisor Tiansi, including the special communication channel, had already received the news at the first moment.
The external messages were only conveyed to the six departments.
It can be said that this incident instantly detonated the entire government and opposition parties.
After all, we had been on guard against the flood in Jiangning County half a month ago and had been prepared for it by transporting grain and building walls.
But what I didn't expect was that the flood disaster really broke out.
At this moment.
Inside the Yangxin Hall.
Emperor Yongsheng looked at the memorial with a solemn expression.
Above the memorial is the latest information.
The flood in Jiangning County has always been a matter of concern to the imperial court.
But the most worrying thing still happened.
Originally, according to the imperial court's plan, grain was transported one after another, and then elites and scholars were sent to suppress the demons. As long as the embankment breach did not occur, this disaster would be nipped in the bud.
I just didn't expect that something would happen so quickly. How could this not make the emperor worried?
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Zhou, and five ministers are all waiting outside the palace. Do you want to page?"
At this time, Wei Xian's voice sounded outside the hall.
"pass."
Emperor Yongsheng spoke.
The solemnity was swept away and replaced by calmness.
Soon, six people appeared one after another.
These six people are the pinnacle of Daxia civil servants.
The leader is Zhou Shan.
The current Prime Minister of Daxia is a first-class minister.
Then came Hu Yong, the official minister.
What does the Minister of Hubu say?
Xu Ping, Minister of the Ministry of Justice.
Zhao Yiyang, Minister of the Ministry of War.
Wang Qixin, Minister of Industry and Industry.
Yang Kai, the Minister of Rites, was ill in bed, so naturally he couldn't come.
"I pay my respects to Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live long, long, long, long, long, long, long, long, and long live."
Loud shouts rang out, and the six people bowed to Emperor Yongsheng.
The latter waved his hand directly, and the eunuch Liu Yan on the side handed the memorial to these ministers.
The six people took the memorial and glanced at it, and soon their expressions changed slightly.
"The worst outcome still occurred."
"Do you have any good ideas, dear sir?"
He spoke out and looked at the six people, hoping that these ministers could give substantive suggestions.
When a flood breaks out, what is terrible is not the destruction of farmland or the casualties, but the continuous destruction.
It is different from other natural and man-made disasters.
If this kind of flood disaster is not restrained in time, it will become more and more terrifying, and the impact will increase with each passing year. This is what is truly terrifying.
"His Majesty."
"I believe that although the dam breaks now, it is not the worst outcome."
"The first batch of grain and grass has been transported, and it will be delivered to Jiangning County in a few days."
"Furthermore, the Xuan Deng Division has brought Da Ru there. As long as the water demon is suppressed, the flood can be effectively stopped."
"I suggest that it is better to send two more great scholars to try to suppress the water demon in the shortest possible time."
"Then the officers and soldiers of Daxia took over the disaster relief work and minimized the losses. As for all the damaged fertile fields, after the floods were over, the imperial court allocated funds, various places donated, and re-planned. Although this will affect the harvest in the past two years."
"But after these hard days, the flood disaster will be completely over."
At this moment, He Yan, the Minister of Revenue, was the first to speak.
He weighs the pros and cons from an economic point of view, first suppressing monsters and then providing disaster relief. As long as people are alive, he can then slowly take care of things.
As soon as he said these words, the Minister of Punishment on the side shook his head.
"No."
"Although suppressing demons is the key, disaster relief should be the priority."
"Your Majesty, the Jiangning County dam has been destroyed. It will definitely mean that the people will be in dire straits. When the refugees gather together, it will be extremely easy to affect the surrounding areas."
"It is very likely that a civil unrest will occur at that time. I believe that we should first provide disaster relief anyway, and open granaries in various places to ensure that people will not concentrate and the surrounding prefectures and counties will share the pressure."
"As for the water demon disaster, there is no rush to deal with it immediately."
Xu Ping, the Minister of Punishment, spoke out.
Suppressing the water demon is indeed an important matter, but as a member of the Ministry of Punishment, he understands how terrible the civil uprising is.
We are not afraid of too many refugees, but we are afraid of them getting together. If you think about millions of refugees gathering together, no prefecture or county would dare to say anything.
At that time, locusts will pass through the border, which is the most terrifying place.
In the face of death, human nature is completely exposed.
Even if the court comes up with various solutions, it's useless. The people and refugees are starving to death. Who has time to listen to your orders?
As soon as these words came out, several ministers nodded their heads.
But the Minister of War shook his head.
"What Xu Shangshu said is wrong."
"Your Majesty, I believe that suppressing demons is the most important thing. Otherwise, even if the people are evacuated, if the embankments burst one after another, we will be in trouble."
Zhao Yiyang, Minister of War, expressed his opinion.
There is nothing wrong with what several people said.
However, Emperor Yongsheng's eyes fell on Zhou Shan.
"Zhou Aiqing, what do you think?"
He asked directly.
The latter took a step forward and then slowly spoke out.
"His Majesty."
"I believe that whether it is to suppress monsters or to provide disaster relief, they are the top priority."
"It's just that suppressing demons is easy. Send a few more great scholars and elite soldiers, and sooner or later the chaos will be quelled."
"But the real core is disaster relief. Jiangning County is surrounded by rivers, and there are hundreds of distributary rivers among them."
"The worst has not yet happened, but I am worried that if something worse happens, it will bring millions of refugees."
"As the minister said, if the refugees gather, I'm afraid no government will dare to accept them. Even if the imperial court issues an order, I'm afraid officials from all over the country will not dare to mess around."
"That's when the real trouble begins."
"Therefore, I suggest that the capital of Jiangning County be the main one, and ten prefectures and counties be selected to transport grain and grass here as a disaster relief place. Your Majesty will then draft an imperial edict to transport all official grain there."
"And immediately inform the people of Jiangning to give early warning. If they really encounter a flood, they can go directly to the disaster relief area."
"Save the people and everything will be easy to talk about."
Zhou Shan spoke.
Put forward your own ideas and suggestions.
He also recognized that disaster relief came first, but he also cleverly resolved the pressure of disaster relief and also solved the problem of food transportation.
Otherwise, it would take a lot of time to transport them to the capital of Jiangning County in one go. It would be better to set up ten disaster relief points, issue an imperial edict and provide early warning, which can be regarded as solving the problem of refugee concentration as much as possible.
As soon as he said this, everyone nodded.
But Emperor Yongsheng seemed calm.
He thought for a moment.
Then he slowly spoke.
"What's the worst-case scenario?"
Emperor Yongsheng spoke.
He doesn't particularly care about making suggestions.
What he is most concerned about now is what will happen if the worst happens.
As soon as this statement came out.
The six people were silent.
But finally Prime Minister Zhou Shan spoke.
"His Majesty."
"If you think about the worst-case scenario."
"The important passages in Jiangning County were destroyed, which increased the cost and time of transporting grain and grass. Refugees were concentrated, and the water demon continued to cause trouble."
"At that time, there will probably be a shocking civil uprising in the entire Jiangning County. There have been several floods in Jiangning County in the past and present. The most serious one killed three million people and injured tens of millions. There has been no one in the wilderness for forty years."
Zhou Shan spoke.
This is his description of the situation based on ancient books.
As soon as he said this, everyone's expressions became extremely serious.
But He Yan's voice sounded.
"Your Majesty, there is no need to worry too much. I also know a thing or two about this matter. The reason why such an ancient tragedy occurred is entirely due to the concentration of refugees, lack of management, lack of food, and official corruption, which led to the tragedy."
"There is still sufficient food and grass in Daxia. If the rivers are really damaged and it is difficult to transport food, relying on the assistance of various prefectures and counties, as long as there is no large-scale civil uprising before the disaster relief food transportation arrives, it is basically impossible for such a thing to happen.
"
He Yan, the Minister of the Ministry of Finance, said this.
The analysis is also clear-cut.
Everyone nodded.
After hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng's expression softened a little.
Then he continued to speak.
"In that case, let's do what Zhou Aiqing said."
"However, under the orders of the Ministry of War, Ye Yihou and his 50,000 troops were sent to Jiangning County to cooperate with local barracks officials to fight floods and provide disaster relief, with the people as the main focus."
"Then the Ministry of Household Affairs will immediately requisition grain and grass and transport it to Jiangning County, making sure that the refugees have grain, and then draft an imperial edict to raise funds for disaster relief in Daxia, with the ministers of the DPRK and Central Government taking the lead."
"Wei Xian, how much money do I have left in my internal funds?"
Emperor Yongsheng asked.
"Go back to Your Majesty, there are still about one hundred thousand taels of silver."
The latter replied.
"Keep thirty thousand taels and donate the rest."
When he spoke, he looked very proud.
But the meaning of this behavior is very simple. The emperor took the initiative to take the lead in collecting donations and left only a small part. If the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty didn't mean it, then they would just wait for the Queen to settle the accounts.
"Your Majesty is Holy Ming."
"Long live your Majesty."
At this moment, the six people spoke together, whether sincerely or not, they were the first to praise.
And at the same time.
Outside the gate of Daxia Academy.
Under the huge door plaque, there was already a lot of traffic at this moment.
Carriages gathered here.
Those who can enter Daxia Academy are almost from poor families.
At least not downright poor.
No matter how poor a family is, if they are chosen to study in Daxia Academy, they will be able to achieve great success without having to become an official. The local county government has also sent farmland and silver to their families.
But, come all the way.
Gu Jinnian looked through the window and saw some scholars walking towards him.
It looked like it was very busy, so we probably set off two days early.
And at this time.
Under the door plaque.
A loud voice sounded.
"Students, please get off the bus here."
The voice was loud and full of energy.
Is a wife.
He has white hair, but he looks energetic.
As the master's voice sounded, everyone in the carriage slowly appeared.
Gu Jinnian did not sit in the jade chariot for long.
Like everyone else, he walked out slowly.
After Gu Jinnian walks out.
A voice sounded immediately.
"His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
The voice sounded familiar, it was Wang Fugui's.
He is on the left. The carriage is also extremely rich and studded with all kinds of gems, but it is still much inferior to Gu Jinnian's jade chariot.
"Brother Wang, I haven't seen you for a while."
Seeing Wang Fugui, Gu Jinnian couldn't help but smile.
That day in Xiaoxi Village, this person was always helping me. Although he didn't help me much, he supported me from the beginning to the end.
Therefore, we can have a deep friendship.
"His Royal Highness, I haven't seen you for a few days. I really miss you, stupid brother."
"I originally wanted to visit my residence, but I thought that His Highness the Crown Prince might be busy, so I didn't take the liberty. I hope the Crown Prince will forgive me."
Wang Fugui is very good at talking.
He walked over and said with a smile on his face.
"Brother Wang, you're welcome. If you want to come see me in the future, just come directly."
"Also, no honorifics are needed, just call me Brother Gu."
Gu Jinnian patted Wang Fugui on the shoulder and said with a smile.
"Okay, Your Majesty, oh, no, Brother Gu, your article from the past few days has been famous throughout Daxia. Now everyone in Daxia knows about it."
"I specially sent a letter to my father to inform him of this feat. My father invited me. If Brother Gu goes to Suzhou in the future, he must inform Brother Yu. Brother Yu will ensure that the arrangements are in place."
Wang Fugui said with a smile.
And Gu Jinnian just nodded.
Then he looked away.
Under the door plaque, several masters also cast their gazes with smiles in their eyes.
Gu Jinnian smiled slightly and nodded, as if he had met these ladies.
It was at this time.
After everyone has gathered.
The Master spoke again.
"Dear students."
"Behind me, there are three roads leading to Daxia Academy."
"However, these three roads represent three different schools, one of which is the pilgrimage hall, taught by twelve great Confucians."
"The second is to go to the Holy Church and be taught by Mr. Wenjing alone."
"The third one is Zhishengtang, where the other great scholars or masters in the academy will teach you."
"As for these three paths, you need to face choices. I hope all students can follow their true intentions, otherwise they will enter the wrong school and they will not be able to switch."
The master opened his mouth and told everyone about this.
As soon as this was said, it immediately aroused a lot of discussion.
"I dare to ask Master, if students enter the pilgrimage hall, they cannot go to other schools to attend classes? Or do they mean that they are not allowed to listen to Mr. Wenjing's lectures?"
Someone was curious and asked a question that everyone wanted to ask.
Naturally, the reason for coming to Daxia Academy is to study. As for personal connections and official career, these are secondary.
But if students are taught in separate classrooms, this will naturally make many people unhappy.
As soon as he said this, the master shook his head, looked at everyone and said slowly.
"it's not true."
"Three major schools mean three different teaching methods."
"At the same time, there will be a big class in the academy every month, and both Dean Wenjing and other great scholars will teach at that time."
"And any student is allowed to go to other schools to attend classes twice a month."
"The sage said that scholars should specialize and not be messy. This is the rule set by Mr. Wen Jing."
The master opened his mouth and explained to everyone.
As soon as he said this, everyone understood a little bit.
"It seems that the internal struggle in Daxia Academy is very fierce, and even Mr. Wenjing cannot completely suppress it."
Wang Fugui's voice sounded, keeping his voice low.
Gu Jinnian nodded.
The establishment of three schools is, to put it bluntly, a competition between traditional schools and non-traditional schools.
It can be seen from Xiaoxi Village that Su Wenjing does not want to teach in the traditional way, and the group of great scholars at Daxia Academy cannot let Su Wenjing mess up his foundation.
Therefore, three schools are opened for students to choose.
"Then how to choose?"
"Yes? Master, how to choose?"
People continued to ask questions.
The master was not in a hurry to answer, but pointed to three roads behind him.
"The first one on the left is the official road."
"The middle one is the way of the people."
"The first one on the right is the money path."
"Mr. Wenjing's meaning is straightforward. Whether you are enrolling as an official, for the people, or for money, there is no need to hide it. Just follow your heart."
"Go all the way up, and when you reach the top, you can see what your own school is."
"But I'm warning you that these three paths have left behind Mr. Wenjing's righteousness. Anyone who doesn't follow his heart will be expelled directly and will never be hired. I hope you can think more clearly."
Master replied.
For a while, many people were a little embarrassed.
They looked at the three roads, slightly silent.
After all, this is a bit social.
"Brother Gu, which path do you choose?"
Wang Fugui spoke and looked at Gu Jinnian with some curiosity.
Looking at these three roads, Gu Jinnian also hesitated.
Min Dao, it is definitely impossible.
Gu Jinnian has not yet realized that he should worry about the world's worries first and rejoice after the world's happiness. Gu Jinnian can speak the words of a sage, but it is one thing whether he can do it or not.
Mr. Wenjing has already taken action.
Without any manipulation, Gu Jinnian promised to follow the civilian path.
Even after moving his hands and feet, Gu Jinnian also had to think carefully.
Why did you enroll in school?
"In the prosperous times, money is the main thing."
"Do you need to think more?"
It was at this time.
Su Huaiyu's voice suddenly sounded.
He appeared silently.
Just so suddenly, he appeared next to Gu Jinnian, walking silently.
"Brother Su, are you here too?"
Hearing Su Huaiyu's voice, Wang Fugui couldn't help but feel happy. He looked over and saw that he was still cold and handsome.
"kindness."
Su Huaiyu nodded, and then walked directly towards the first road on the left without hesitation.
"Brother Su."
"Don't you want some silver?"
"This is official, you are on the wrong track."
Wang Fugui reminded him, thinking that Su Huaiyu had gone to the wrong place.
However, Su Huaiyu shook his head and said.
"That's right."
"You can make a lot of money as an official."
The voice fell.
Suddenly, it attracted a lot of strange looks.
Gu Jinnian was slightly stunned.
Good guy, this is a real punishment.
Without any hesitation, Gu Jinnian followed Su Huaiyu and walked over.
The purpose of enrolling in school is to enter politics.
I just thought about it a moment or two just to make sure again.
Wang Fugui also followed. He was not short of money and had no great ideas, so he naturally chose the official path.
As the three people left, the others also started to move.
However, he was still a stubborn person and chose the civilian way, but with a flash of white light, he was kicked out of the door.
The bet was lost.
More social.
However, just as Gu Jinnian stepped onto the official road, a figure walked directly onto the civilian road. He was quite old, about thirty years old, and was wearing plain clothes.
At the same time, it was not sent out by Haoran Zhengqi.
This means that the other party is indeed serving the people.
This person's behavior also attracted a lot of attention.
Even Gu Jinnian couldn't help but take another look and write down this person's appearance.