I am Emperor Wanli

Chapter 688 I can only think about it

Zhang Juzheng took Zhang Siwei's letter and read it carefully under the bright candlelight.

Zeng Xingwu sat opposite him and saw that his expression changed slightly. He was first in deep thought, then his brows knitted together slightly, and then a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

Teacher, what's the matter?
Who wrote the letter and what did it say to cause the teacher to react in this way?

After reading the letter, Zhang Juzheng's expression returned to normal and he calmly put the letter away.

"A letter from Zhang Fengpan."

"Teacher, isn't Zhang Fengpan in Wuchang?"

"Yes, I have been staying in Wuchang for some time and am preparing to go to Changsha."

"Changsha?"

"Yes, didn't the Hunan Provincial Government and the Governor-General jointly submit a memorial?"

Zeng Xingwu thought for a moment, "Teacher, once you mention it, I remember it. The governor of Hunan and the governor jointly submitted a petition, requesting that Yuelu Academy and Yehou Academy be merged and converted into Hunan Provincial Public School."

At this point, Zeng Xingwu shook his head. "Tai Ling and Hu Fansi are just thinking about good things. How much money does the provincial public school need in a year? Just the candles for the students to study every night are a considerable expense.

Although the national treasury is now more affluent, there is no money to spend lavishly. After much discussion at the cabinet meeting, the teacher decided to temporarily set up nine provincial public schools.

Shanghai is rich, and it used its own money to build a provincial public school. There is nothing wrong with that.

Does Hunan have money? No, the cabinet has to pay for most of it. What good are they thinking? The cabinet only gave four places to the South and Nanjing, so why should Hunan just conjure up one out of thin air? "

Zhang Juzheng looked at Zeng Shengwu and his heart was moved.

I am old and can’t stay in power for many years. But the New Deal reform cannot be completed in ten years. Someone must persist in doing it for twenty or thirty years.

I must have a successor, a true successor, to continue the new policy reforms.

"Three provinces, many things cannot be calculated in economic terms, but also in political terms. Sometimes political terms are more important than economic terms. Have you read the second motion of Prince Jian in this memorial?"

Zeng Shengwu thought about it in his mind, took out the motion and reviewed it, then compared it with his teacher's words, and suddenly he realized it.

He can still play like this, he is worthy of being the minister of six ministries and the governor of a region before he is forty years old.

"As soon as the teacher pointed it out, the students understood it. In his second motion, Wang Duxian made a political calculation for the cabinet. From the perspective of the policy of changing the natives to officials, the cabinet must add a quota for a provincial public school in Hunan.

This is a political necessity.”

"Yes. The transformation of the aboriginal system into a commoner system is the current national policy of the Ming Dynasty for maintaining internal stability. This is something that the emperor has repeatedly emphasized at the Council of State Advisors and the Imperial Court Meeting.

It just so happens that the current work of reforming the natives is being led by Prince Jian, and his words in support of the motion carry a lot of weight. This old man and the cabinet have to consider it carefully. "

Zeng Xingwu followed Zhang Juzheng's instructions and continued to think, "So, Ling Futai and Hu Fansi's memorial was approved by Wang Duxian and even authorized by him.

Wang Duxian indeed had lofty aspirations and brilliant methods, and he made perfect use of the right time, place and people.”

Zhang Juzheng asked meaningfully: "Sanxing, then tell me, what are the benefits of Wang Zijian doing this?"

Zeng Shengwu thought for a while, "Teacher, to be honest, I don't quite understand. Wang Zijian did a good job in changing the natives to officials. For example, he destroyed the Yang family in Bozhou, and then subdued the She family in Yongan and the Xi'an family in Shui'an, completing the change of the natives to officials in southern Sichuan and Guizhou, which was already a great achievement.

Why should he go to such trouble to support the governor of Hunan and the governor-general to apply for a provincial public school? This is extremely difficult and might end in failure, which would make everyone lose face.

Zhang Juzheng laughed: "Three provinces, Prince Jian is in a high position before he is forty. In addition to making achievements, he also knows how to share the achievements."

"Sharing the credit?" Zeng Xingwu was stunned. "The teacher said that he made great efforts behind the scenes in the application for the establishment of a provincial public school in Hunan, but the major credit should go to Ling Futai and Hu Fansi?"

"The young man is teachable." Zhang Juzheng nodded approvingly, "That's right. The prince recommended him for military merit, so the literary merit will naturally be given to Ling Rucheng and Hu Bo'an. The two of them had already shared a lot of political achievements in the reform of the aboriginal system, and now they have a considerable literary merit. They must be very happy."

"But teacher, applying to establish a provincial public school in Hunan is very difficult and can be easily rejected by the cabinet. A few days ago, the governors and governors of Zhejiang, Guangdong, and Jiangxi all submitted petitions to establish provincial public schools, but they were all rejected by you.

If it is rejected, Hunan will lose face and Wang Duxian will end up making things worse.”

"It is precisely because it is so difficult that if Wang Zijian succeeds, it will show that his contribution is valuable and that he is capable. If Wang Zijian did everything that others can do, would he be able to get to where he is today?

Let me put it this way, as long as the Tusi City of Bozhou is conquered and the good news of the demise of the Yang family reaches the capital, I will grit my teeth and find ways to raise funds to approve Hunan's application to run a provincial public school.

Three provinces, this is a political account, and political accounts are more important than economic accounts. "

Zeng Xingwu couldn't believe it. "Teacher, the Yang family has been entrenched in Bozhou for 600 years. There are high mountains and dense forests there, and the terrain is dangerous. How can Governor Wang be so sure?"

"If you are sure of everything before you do it, will you get the benefits?"

At this point, Zeng Shengwu understood the meaning of his teacher Zhang Juzheng's advice and also realized his teacher's expectations of him.

"Teacher, it seems that Wang Zijian is indeed a strong opponent."

Zhang Juzheng looked at Zeng Shengwu and shook his head repeatedly, "San Sheng, you understand, but you haven't figured it out. Your opponent is not Wang Zijian."

Zeng Xingwu's eyes flashed, "Teacher, who are you talking about?"

"In the eyes of the emperor, who was more suitable for the position of Tongzhengshi than you?"

"Pan Fengwu!"

Zhang Juzheng stroked his beard and nodded with satisfaction. "Sansheng, have some tea. This is tea from my hometown. It has the unique aroma of Chu. Have a taste and see if it suits your taste."

Zeng Shengwu picked up the teacup and took a few sips of the slightly steaming tea. "Hmm, it really is Chu Xiang coming from within! Teacher, can you give me some?"

Zhang Juzheng raised his head and laughed, "A few days ago, Jiangling sent four catties. I gave one catty each to Pan Siming (Pan Sheng) and Fang Xingzhi (Fang Fengshi). Why not give you one catty as well?"

Zeng Xingwu's heart was moved, he stood up, crossed his arms and bowed, saying: "The student thanks the teacher."

Zhang Juzheng became more and more satisfied, and waved his right hand, "Three provinces, please sit down."

"Do the three provinces know that there is a plaque in the Cabinet's Political Affairs Hall?"

"Students know that it was written by Emperor Sejong himself, 'Harmony'."

"If we are in harmony, we can fight but not break each other. Sansheng, you must remember this."

“Students remember.”

Half an hour later, Zeng Shengwu stood up and said goodbye.

Zhang Juzheng asked Zhang Tong to see him off. He walked to the desk, spread out the five-color letter paper with gold flowers, gently ground the ink, picked up the brush, dipped it in the ink, thought for a moment, and then wrote with his wrist.

"Brother Feng Pan, I am very happy to receive your letter and I understand what you said. I am very grateful for your protection."

After finishing writing in one breath, Zhang Juzheng put down his brush, took a long breath, and waited for the ink to dry.

"Zhang Siwei, you can dance better than the acrobats, and now you want to change your job. So be it. A slave of three surnames like you will be the same wherever you go.

This is Luan Yongfang's matter. You and Shen Yiquan are the main culprits. I am just implicated. Others may not remember, but someone else does. You just wait and see."

As Zhang Juzheng reached this point in his monologue, he suddenly felt as if he had realized something.

"So that's how it is. I was just caught in an unexpected disaster. Zhang Siwei, Shen Yikuan, I'm waiting to see what happens to you. Haha." Zeng Shengwu left Zhang's house, bowed to Zhang Tong and got into the carriage waiting at the gate.

The sound of horse hooves echoed on the streets of Renshoufang.

Zeng Xingwu looked out the window at the majestic main gate of Zhang's mansion, and his heart was moved. He whispered softly, "Pan Yinglong!"

After lunch the next day, Pan Yinglong, the acting governor of Shuntian Prefecture, sat in the Chijia Sifang Teahouse, which was located in Chunya Lane near the Shuntian Prefecture Yamen.

After waiting for more than ten minutes, Zhu Yijun, dressed in casual clothes, walked in with Qi Yan.

"Mr. Zhu."

"Mr. Pan."

Zhu Yijun replied with a smile.

"Mr. Pan, please don't bother me dragging you around all the time. The main reason is that the capital is changing with each passing day, and you can never see enough."

Pan Yinglong smiled and replied, "Sir, you are joking. It is a good thing that you drag me around to look around. If you don't drag me around to look around, I am afraid I won't be able to eat or sleep."

Zhu Yijun laughed out loud.

"Mr. Zhu, where do you want to go today?"

"Let's go to the West Lake and Yuyuantan area."

"Mr. Zhu wants to see the newly expanded West City University District?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Please come in, Mr. Zhu."

The group got on the carriage and went straight out of Anding Gate, then headed west along the official road outside the north city wall, passed Deshengmen, and sped all the way, arriving at West Lake more than an hour later.

After getting off the carriage, Zhu Yijun saw a vast lake in front of him with sparkling water.

This is Kunming Lake!
Pan Yinglong pointed at the lake and said, "Mr. Zhu, this is West Lake. Local people also call it Qili Luo. Because the most famous West Lake in the world is in Hangzhou, many people also call it Qili Luo to distinguish it."

Zhu Yijun smiled and replied: "This West Lake is no worse than that West Lake."

"Master Zhu, I heard that someone requested to turn this place into a royal garden, but it was rejected?"

"The emperor has already occupied the three lakes in the Western Garden. He can't occupy all the good things in the world, so he denied it. Besides, the imperial gardens for summer vacation were built in Chengde City, which is much more magnificent than this one.

Qinhuangdao also built a seaside royal summer resort, where you can see the sea by opening the balcony window, which is much more comfortable than looking at this little bubble. "

"Mr. Zhu is indeed not an ordinary person, his realm is high."

"Stop flattering me and continue with the introduction."

"Yes, Master Zhu, this Qili Luo was originally the source of the Tonghui River."

"The source of Tonghui River?"

"Yes. The Tonghui River was dug by Guo Shoujing in the early Yuan Dynasty. The water transport from Tongzhou can directly reach Jishuitan and Shichahai in the capital. The river above Jishuitan is called Sanlihe.

Sanlihe River originates from Shenshan Spring in Changping, and merges with Yimu Spring and Mayan Spring in the south. After going around Wengshan, it merges into Qililuo, then flows east into the West Water Gate of the capital, passes through Jishuitan and Shichahai, then goes east to Yueqiao, enters the inner city, goes south out of the East Water Gate of the capital, passes Datong Bridge, and then goes east for more than 50 miles to Tongzhou, and flows into Baihe River, which is now Luhe River.

However, Sanlihe River was silted up at the end of the Yuan Dynasty. It was dredged repeatedly during the Chenghua, Zhengde and Jiajing reigns of the Ming Dynasty, but the spring water in Changping area continued to dry up, losing its function of water transport, and only maintained the water volume of Qililuo, Jishuitan and Shichahai Lakes.

Zhu Yijun walked along the lakeside and saw a desolate scene everywhere. The lake was rippling and surrounded by reeds, which was completely different from the scenery of Kunming Lake in his memory.

“I never thought this was the source of the Three Lakes in Xiyuan.”

"Yes, Master Zhu. But now the small rivers in Changping, Yuquan Mountain and other places are drying up day by day. Shuntian Prefecture has made a plan for the capital, digging a canal in the south of Xishan Mountain and building three gates to divert the water of Lugou River to West Lake.

It then goes straight down along the old course of Sanli River to Qixian Lake, and then splits into two branches. One branch goes along the old course of Nanchang River, enters Xishuimen and enters Jishuitan, maintaining the water volume of Shichahai, the Three Lakes of Xiyuan, Jinshui River, and the moat of the imperial city, then flows out of Paozi River, merges into the moat of the inner city, and goes directly to Tonghui River.

The other branch continues south along the Sanli River to Yuyuantan, then south to the west of Nanyuan, and merges into Nanyuan Lake. A canal is dug in Nanyuan Lake to reach Datong Bridge, connecting to the Sanli River.

“It’s a grand plan.”

"Master Zhu, there are many swamps and water pools to the south and west of the capital, where flies and insects gather and wild beasts roam. It is also a place where many evildoers gather.

Shuntian Prefecture is determined to renovate these places and use them as public places such as schools, parks, gymnasiums, and sanatoriums, while also regulating the water volume of the Lugou River.

"Regulate the water volume of the Lugou River?"

"Master Zhu, the rainfall in the Lugou River and the upper Sanggan River is uneven, with alternating wet and dry seasons.

According to the old farmers and the records of the Jiageku in Shuntian Prefecture, in some years, there were heavy rains that lasted from the beginning of June to the end of July, causing floods, and then there was little or no rain in other months.

In some years, it only rains for a few days in June and July, and then there is little or no rain throughout the year, and the entire riverbed is exposed.”

Zhu Yijun nodded.

The weather in Beijing is like this.

In his previous life, he had seen a document on the Internet that said the precipitation in Beijing and the nearby Hebei region was unevenly distributed in time and space, and alternating between wet and dry seasons.

The average annual precipitation is 614 mm.

Precipitation varies significantly from year to year, reaching as much as 1,400 mm in a wet year and only 381 mm in a dry year.

The period of continuous wet and dry seasons usually lasts two to three years. Affected by the monsoon climate, the months and seasons of the year are extremely uneven, with July and August accounting for 60% of the annual precipitation, while spring and winter only account for 11%.

Most of the rivers in Beijing and the nearby Hebei region converge into the Haihe River. Tianjin, located in the lower reaches of the Haihe River, has to bear heavy pressure that it should not have to bear.

The current Haihe River is called Weihe River, the "Wei" in Tianjin Wei, and it is also a river that caused headaches for Zhili Governor Hu Ruguang.

If we want to manage the Wei River well, we must start from the middle and upper reaches. Pan Yinglong's idea is very correct.

"Shuntian Prefecture also wants to work with the Zhili Provincial Government to build a reservoir below the confluence of the Yanghe River and the Sanggan River in Bao'an County according to the terrain. But this is just a thought."

Pan Yinglong said with a wry smile.

You only dare to think about it.

That location is the Guanting Reservoir in later generations. Not far away is Tianshou Mountain, where the tombs of many previous emperors built by Emperor Chengzu are all located. Not to mention building a reservoir, you would be sprayed to death if you dug a few more hoes.

Feng shui!

Do you know what dragon vein is?
I can only think about it!

No matter how brave I am, I would not dare to build a large reservoir like a lake not far above the tombs of my ancestors. It is too surreal.

Zhu Yijun smiled, pointed to the southeast of West Lake and asked, "That's a construction site. What's being built there?"

(End of this chapter)