prosperous age

In a magnificent mansion in Wucheng County, Huzhou Prefecture, Zhejiang Province, Pan Jixun Pan Weiliang, who were nearly sixty years old, were sitting in an elegant study reading a book.

Since the fifth year of the Longqing reign, he was impeached by Luo Zun, the Minister of River Survey, and was dismissed from office and left idle at home. He has been staying at home, reading books to pass the time.

However, after all, he has been engaged in river management for more than ten years, and he still cannot let go of river work.

Yes, since his first contact with water conservancy in the late Jiajing period, he followed Zhu Heng to the Xuzhou section of the Yellow River and saw the sufferings of the people on both sides of the river.

As an ambitious official, he naturally wanted to do something practical for the people in terms of peace and work.

Pan Jixun was born on April 23, the 16th year of the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty, into the Huiju Pan family in Wucheng, a prominent family that passed down poetry and etiquette.

His father Pan Kui was a man of considerable talent and fame, and his mother Min was the granddaughter of Min Gui, the Minister of Punishments during the reign of Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty.

Pan Jixun has four brothers, and he is the fourth.

At the age of seven, Pan Jixun was able to compile the Spring and Autumn Annals and write articles, and was admitted as a doctoral student.

In the 12th year of Emperor Jiajing's reign during the Ming Dynasty, he was admitted as a "talented student"; in the 28th year of Jiajing's reign, he passed the imperial examination and won the first place in the provincial examination.

In the 29th year of Jiajing, Pan Jixun was listed as a third-class Jinshi in the Gengwu year, and was appointed as the magistrate of Jiujiang at the end of the same year.

After taking office, he was welcomed by local people because he was able to investigate unjust cases, reform the post system, and abolish heavy labor service.

In the 33rd year of Jiajing's reign, he was promoted to the position of Censor-in-Chief of Jiangxi Province because of his outstanding performance as an official.

Not long after, his father Pan Kui passed away, so he returned to his hometown to observe the mourning period. In the first month of the 36th year of Jiajing, when the mourning period was over, he was reinstated as the Censor of Henan Province.

He also completely missed the opportunity to meet Wei Guangde in Jiangxi. It is possible that Wei Guangde would have to bow his head and listen to his teachings in front of him.

In the same year, the three main halls of the capital city caught fire. Pan Jixun was ordered to go to Nanjing to search for large timbers to repair the palaces. He completed his mission without demolishing residential houses, thus ensuring the safety of the people.

In the 38th year of Jiajing's reign, Pan Jixun inspected Guangdong and implemented the equalization of the Lijia system. He rebuked the powerful, punished corrupt officials, and defeated pirates, and was deeply loved by the people.

When he was leaving office, local people blocked the road to keep him there and built a statue for him in the county school to worship him.

In the 40th year of Jiajing's reign, he was transferred to be the Censor of Henan Province, the Supervisor of Northern Zhili School, and the Inspector of Shuntian Prefecture.

After taking office, he presided over the selection of candidates, handled matters impartially and without favoritism, and selected a number of talents. By the end of the 42nd year of Jiajing, he was promoted to the position of Right Secretary of the Dali Temple.

In the 44th year of Jiajing, Pan Jixun was successively promoted to the positions of Right Shaoqing and Left Shaoqing of the Dali Temple. At the end of the year, he was promoted to the Right Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, assisting the Minister of Works Zhu Heng in controlling the Yellow River, and thus began his career in river control.

At that time, the Yellow River was flooding, and Zhu Heng strongly advocated opening a new river, which was contrary to Pan Jixun's opinion.

At the beginning of the 45th year of the Jiajing reign, the imperial court sent He Qiming, a member of the Engineering Department, to survey the river.

Pan Jixun's request to restore the original course of the Yellow River and the Grand Canal was not accepted. Only after his repeated requests did the government agree to restore the old canal course of more than 50 miles below Liucheng.

The canal above Liucheng was diverted to the east bank of Zhaoyang Lake, and a new canal was opened from Nanyang to Liucheng, which is more than 140 miles long.

After the new river was basically completed, Pan Jixun requested to investigate the upper reaches of the Yellow River, but the plan was abandoned because Zhu Heng disagreed. He then resigned due to his mother's death.

While in mourning at home, Pan Jixun taught his son to read. In the same year, the Xinhe project was completed and Pan Jixun was promoted to the Right Deputy Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate.

It was not until the fourth year of the Longqing reign that Pan Jixun resumed his post and supervised the river construction again. He was finally impeached and dismissed because of the sinking of a grain ship.

Although he suffered repeated setbacks in river management, his life could have ups and downs, but millions of people along the river could not.

Although he has been unemployed at home in recent years, he has been thinking about how to control the Yellow River.

After two attempts to control the river, he was very clear about the reasons why the Yellow River was flooding and could not be controlled, but he was still helpless.

Then, he could only read various ancient books to learn about the ancient methods of flood control for reference, while also keeping an eye on the water situation.

He knew very well that the problem of the Yellow River was ultimately that the river carried a large amount of silt, which settled and caused the river channel to be silted up, thus causing serious problems.

Through his thinking over the past few years, he had actually come up with a preliminary idea of ​​tightening the river channel to speed up the flow of water and carry away the silt, which was later known as the method of "restraining water and attacking sand."

In Pan Jixun's opinion, the method of climbing through mud and scooping sand can only be carried out in small rivers with sluices. Previous generations had conducted many experiments in the process of controlling the Yellow River without any results, which was a waste of labor and materials.

This was actually a huge change in his thinking. Before this, he also believed in the ancient method of water control, which was dredging.

What he argued with Zhu Heng about back then was the preservation of the old river course and the control of water through building dikes and dredging.

"Dad, there is an imperial decree."

Just as Pan Jixun was flipping through a book and thinking about river engineering, he heard his son Pan Dafu's voice calling from outside the door.

Pan Jixun had four sons and one daughter. The one called Pan Dafu outside was his eldest son. He had already passed the imperial examination and was preparing to take part in the Zhejiang provincial examination.

During the Ming Dynasty, if a family had a Jinshi (a scholar who passed the imperial examination), the family would often double the efforts in nurturing their children, because people who had served as officials naturally knew the intricacies of being an official and had experience and insights that could be passed on, so many officials actually came from official families.

Upon hearing the imperial edict, Pan Jixun more or less guessed what had happened, but he had just received the news and was still a little surprised at the court's quick reaction this time.

Yes, Zhejiang businessmen are actually very powerful, and information is well-connected. As an official in charge of the river crossings, Pan Jixun is someone that businessmen need to curry favor with and look up to.

So, he had heard about the canal blockage two days ago.

He put down the book, got up and went out, and asked his son to prepare the items for receiving the imperial edict.

Soon, the Pan family had prepared the incense table, incense burner and other things to receive the emperor's order. After all, it was a family of officials, so they had naturally made preparations in advance.

After everything was prepared in the mansion, the eunuch came out and began to read the decree to the kneeling members of the Pan family.

"In obedience to the Emperor of Heavenly Succession, the Emperor Gao has the whole world under his control and has paid attention to the rivers and canals. Throughout the dynasties, Pan Jixun has been reinstated as the Right Deputy Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate and the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, in charge of the river transport and the military affairs."

"I accept your order. Long live your mother."

Pan Jixun and his family shouted to receive the imperial eunuch's order, and then led the eunuch who delivered the order into the house to rest.

Although the imperial eunuch was urgent this time, it was not urgent, so the young eunuch was happy to agree.

The journey south is not an easy one.

The decree had been announced, and he also wanted to see what benefits this Mr. Pan would give him.

Yes, it was an accepted rule that everyone should give a big red envelope to the eunuch who came to announce the good news, since he had a new official position after all.

Even Hai Rui, who was known for his integrity, was not immune to this kind of red envelope, but the amount he gave would vary depending on the situation in his pocket.

Of course, Pan Jixun didn't need to worry about the red envelopes, as his family members had already prepared them. His eldest son Pan Dafu directly ordered someone to take out a tube of Tongbao coins wrapped in red paper as a red envelope.

Twenty dollars, yes, that's a roll of dollars.

A red envelope of twenty taels of silver is actually not a small amount. There are actually rules for how much to give, which depends on the rank of the eunuch who delivers the imperial eunuch's message.

At first glance, this person is a subordinate of a eunuch in the palace.

Generally speaking, imperial eunuchs accompanying the emperor conveyed imperial decrees in the capital.

Going out of the capital is considered a good job, which ordinary eunuchs cannot get. It is these eunuchs with high status who arrange people to go out to carry out the job.

Pan Jixun politely led the man to the main hall to have tea and rest, and also wanted to find out the reason for this revival.

After all, he has no hope in this life.

Wei Guangde actually judged Pan Jixun by his own standards. Pan Jixun did not try to be reinstated because he had not yet figured out a plan for river management. This decree was somewhat like forcing someone to do something unmanageable.

"Eunuch Li, I have arranged for my family to prepare a banquet for you. It will be simple food. Please don't mind. It's been hard work along the way."

After they sat down, the two exchanged pleasantries. Soon, Pan Jixun also learned about the background of this eunuch Li, the godson of Feng Bao.

This eunuch Li probably knew that Pan Jixun would probably not know who his godfather was, so he directly brought up his godfather.

Among the officials, every one of them knew the name of Feng Bao.

"I also got this job from Grandpa Gan. Haha, no one else can get such a good job."

The young eunuch did not forget to flatter himself and kept mentioning Feng Bao's name to elevate himself.

The clothes of eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty, like official uniforms, had obvious class differences.

The person in front of him didn't even have a rank, so Pan Jixun didn't take him seriously at first.

This is true even if we know his so-called background.

After all, it is a tradition for civil officials to look down on eunuchs.

However, he still has to maintain his due face, especially since he is now asking for help from others.

Looking at his eldest son Pan Dafu standing below, he immediately nodded in understanding.

He understood what his father meant, which was to add money.

"Eunuch Li, I am still wondering why the court suddenly thought of me and reinstated me."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Pan Jixun got straight to the point. He wanted to find out what was going on so as not to fall into a trap set by others without realizing it.

You know, he knew very well that he and Zhu Heng had a bad relationship.

"This matter"

The young eunuch was very good at keeping people in suspense. By saying this, he seemed to reveal something to Pan Jixun. Pan Jixun knew it but just didn't say it out loud.

"Please let me know, Eunuch Li. I will reward you handsomely."

Pan Jixun said to Eunuch Li with a smile.

"Oh, Master Pan, you misunderstood. That's not what I meant."

Pan Jixun could call himself "this official" in front of him, but he could not call himself "this eunuch" because he was not a real eunuch.

They explained this difference carefully when they entered the palace, for fear that something might go wrong and bring disaster to the people who led them.

Pan Jixun knew what this meant and glanced at Pan Dafu.

Pan Dafu got the hint and immediately went downstairs to get the red envelope.

Seeing Pan Dafu go out, the young eunuch naturally knew what was going on, and then he said slowly; "I can't tell you the details, but listen to Grandpa Gan..."

The young eunuch seemed to be used to it. He always mentioned Feng Bao no matter what. For the officials outside, it was still a bit intimidating.

However, after what he said, Pan Jixun understood what was going on.

He was recommended by the then Prime Minister Zhang Juzheng, and the decision was made after consultation between the then Prime Minister Wei Guangde and the Ministry of Works.

He also learned from the young eunuch that the blockage of the canal seemed to be quite serious, so he reported it to the Imperial Household Department, and Feng Bao was instructed to handle the matter specially.

The imperial edict was sent to Gongke, and he was arranged to leave the capital immediately and rush to Zhejiang at full speed.

The entrance of the canal from the Yellow River to Shandong was blocked again due to silt. Pan Jixun knew the reason for the blockage of the canal boats, but he didn't understand why the Prime Minister would think of him.

After all, there were many officials in the opposition in the Ming Dynasty, and many of them were unemployed like him.

Another thing is how the second assistant and Zhu Heng discussed things, and how Zhu Heng agreed to let him come back.

You know, his second comeback seemed to be instructed by Gao Gong.

The two people in power now should not show any disrespect to those who have received favors from Gao Gong.

But he couldn't care less. Since the court had reinstated him, he would continue to control the floods. It was a good opportunity to try out the new method he had come up with.

Afterwards, the two chatted for a while.

Eunuch Li also talked about some things that happened in the court during this period, including which officials might retire, who would be promoted, the war in the southwest, and the occupation of half of Luzon in the southeast.

Pan Jixun knew some things, but not in detail. After all, he had lost his official position and had limited channels for information.

Since I have no plans to make a comeback, I naturally won’t have much contact with my friends in Beijing.

Moreover, all he thought about all day long was the Yellow River, so he had no time to think about other things.

Only now did he realize that a fight had already broken out in Yunnan and it was a large-scale battle, with 100,000 troops being mobilized from the southwest to engage in a battle with hundreds of thousands of troops from Myanmar.

After that, I was treated to a banquet, and I was provided with accommodation. I also started to pack my bags in preparation for my next post.

At night, he did not forget to call his children to the study to give them a lecture, asking them to study hard at home, especially his eldest son, to prepare for the next provincial examination.

This is the root of his Pan family.

Only by producing Jinshi (imperial examinations) in every generation can the Pan family's status in Wucheng be guaranteed.

On this side, Pan Jixun was preparing to set off for Jining to take back control of the River Administration, while over in Myanmar, outside the city of Toungoo, the Ming army had almost completed preparations for the siege.

"General, our scouts have searched the surrounding area for a hundred miles and found no Burmese reinforcements. I'm afraid we have already captured all the reinforcements that the city has summoned."

Wang Shike entered the central military tent and reported to Yu Dayou in the hall.

"Have you spotted any reinforcements from the Burmese king in the north?"

The main force of the Burmese army led by the northern Burmese king Mang Yinglong was actually the problem he had always been worried about.

If Mang Yinglong knew that Toungoo City was in danger, if he withdrew his troops from Yunnan and fought back regardless, he would only be able to rely on the shipping of the Pegu River to fight the Burmese army, and he would not be afraid of the risk of being surrounded.

"The south gate of Toungoo City is in ruins now. As long as the commander-in-chief gives the order, I am confident that I can capture Toungoo City in one day."

Upon hearing that Yu Dayou was worried that the main force of the Burmese army would return during the siege, Wang Shike immediately took charge of the matter.

If we take the city in one day, are we still afraid that the Burmese army will come back to provide support?
Of course I'm not afraid.

Seeing Wang Shike's confident look, Yu Dayou naturally knew that it was true.

Considering that no Burmese troops were found for dozens of miles to the north, it must have taken two or three days.

It’s almost time to fight off the reinforcements now. After defeating many Burmese reinforcements, I don’t think anyone will come.

"Notify them that the three armies will begin the siege tomorrow morning after their battle meal. All troops must go out."

Since they were going to attack a city, and the capital of Burma at that, Yu Dayou would naturally not stop, but would make it a point to capture Toungoo City in one go, without giving the city any chance at all.

Even if thousands of troops were dispatched, he would personally take command.

"I will take your order."

Finally receiving the order to attack the city, Wang Shike excitedly accepted the order. (End of this chapter)