Super Cultivation System of the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 379: Construction of the Official Road
The group had a very pleasant conversation, especially Liu He and Zhang Ding, who had not seen each other for half a year. The last time they met was during the Chinese New Year, so they naturally had a lot to talk about.

As the few of them were chatting, Zhang Ding seemed to remember something and his expression became a little embarrassed, but in the end he didn't say anything.

However, the change in his expression did not escape Liu He's notice.

"Uncle, do you have anything to tell me?"

Zhang Ding looked a little embarrassed and hesitated to speak.

"Uncle, if you have something to ask, just tell me. If I can do it and it does not violate national laws or military discipline, I will definitely not refuse."

Seeing Liu He's sincere face, Zhang Ding finally mustered up the courage to speak.

"Alas, this is my nephew's government affairs, and it is not for me, a mere businessman, to interfere. Moreover, the prosperity and convenience of business travel in various places today are something we could not have imagined a few years ago. We should have been content and not have such unreasonable expectations..."

After he said this, Liu He became even more curious.

"Uncle, what are you talking about? If this is a move that benefits the country and the people, why should we distinguish between farmers, merchants, and scholars?"

After hearing what he said, Zhang Ding and several of his followers behind him showed some joy on their faces.

"In that case, I will have the audacity to say a few more words. The northern borders have long been plundered and trampled by the Hu people, so that the cities are dilapidated and the roads are deserted. Since my nephews took office, the cities, houses, fields, and markets have all been restored, but the official roads between the major counties are still in ruins, especially in the four counties of Yunzhong, Wuyuan, Shuofang and Shangjun. Most of the official roads are almost impossible to find."

"If we walk or ride horses, it's fine. But for carts and cars, this road condition is quite difficult. Many caravans get stuck in the mud or are damaged due to the bumps, which damages the goods or requires hiring manpower to carry them. It's not only inconvenient, but also increases the loss and cost. Especially for porcelain, more than 20% of it will be lost when it is transported from Jizhou to Yanmen Pass, and another 20% will be lost when it is transported from Yanmen Pass to Wuyuan County. It's really a pity..."

While Zhang Ding was speaking, he kept looking at Liu He's expression. Seeing that his brows were furrowed, but there was no sign of anger, he couldn't help but feel relieved.

I have been doing business for most of my life and I have a deep understanding of the status of merchants. Although Liu He showed that he attached great importance to business matters and he is a relative of mine, what I did was already considered interfering in government affairs. If it were an ordinary, unfamiliar official, I would be convicted for this alone.

After saying this, Zhang Ding looked at Liu He somewhat nervously.

Liu He didn't think so much about it. He had already realized the situation Zhang Ding mentioned, but he was busy with other things and didn't take it to heart for the time being. Now that he mentioned it, Liu He just took the opportunity to discuss the matter.

"Uncle, you are right. I was negligent. Thank you for reminding me."

Zhang Ding was flattered and even said he was not worthy of it.

At this time, Zhan Lian, who was standing next to him, was the first to speak. "My lord, I agree with what Mr. Shiping said. In the past two years, I have traveled to most of the counties and suburbs in the six counties including Yanmen. The official roads in the southern counties of Yanmen are still intact. Although the official roads in the counties of Dingxiang County are damaged, the Hu people have not occupied it for a long time, and because there are not many pastures, the Hu people have not come and gone, so the official roads are not damaged much. However, starting from Pingcheng County in Yanmen County, to Yinguan County, and then to Yunzhong, Wuyuan, Shuofang and Shangjun, the official roads are already very dilapidated and almost invisible. Although it only affects business travel at present, the transportation of food, war horses, cattle and sheep, as well as various materials and taxes in the future will also be hindered. We really need to make plans early."

Liu He has actually been thinking about the road construction issue.

As a Chinese who traveled through time from the 21st century, when it comes to building bridges and roads, looking around the world, there is almost no country or nation that does it better and faster than China at that time. Liu He was influenced by it during that era, and of course he also knew the truth that "to get rich, build roads first", but he had always been limited by territory, financial resources, energy, etc., so he never put it into action.

"Building roads and bridges is not a one-day job. Now that we have discovered it, we should solve it as soon as possible. However, starting from Pingcheng County, there are more than 30 county towns in Yunzhong, Wuyuan, Shuofang, and Shangjun. If we want to build official roads for all of them, it will be very expensive and the project will be cumbersome and take a long time. It is better to select a few important cities first, connect them, and then gradually spread out from them. What do you think?"

Of course Zhang Ding would have no objection. Qian Li thought about it and added a few words.

"My lord, your intention is very good. Nowadays, the population in various places is relatively small, and many remote cities now have only a few thousand people. Take my Wuyuan County as an example. Jiuyuan County accounts for more than 30% of the county's current settled population. In addition, the populations of Manbo County and Xi'anyang County account for a total of 40%. In my humble opinion, it is better to start from Pingcheng County and Tongguo County of Dingxiang County respectively, and build two official roads leading to several cities in Yunzhong County and Manbo County of Wuyuan County respectively, and finally merge into one in Jiuyuan County, and then go west along the Yellow River to Guangmu City in Shuofang County, and then to Linrong City as the end."

"As for Shangjun, it is very inconvenient to go south from Shuofang County. It would be more appropriate to go west from Xihe County. However, Xihe County is not under the jurisdiction of the lord. This matter still needs to be reported to the court. However, the court is in chaos at the moment, so I am afraid it will be difficult to take care of it for the time being."

Liu He nodded and said, "Well, let's ignore Shangjun for now. Just follow Daozhun's words. You will be fully responsible for drawing up the specific route and cost. Then you can allocate money and grain to start the construction. I will inform the various counties and teach them to follow your arrangements on this matter."

"Thank you for your trust, my lord. I will never let you down. The army has plenty of food, but money is a bit tight. I plan to pay the workers mainly with food and supplemented with money."

Liu He waved his hand: "Just make your own arrangements. You have followed me since you were a child. Is there anything I cannot trust in you?"

Qian Li was somewhat moved, and he stood up and bowed deeply.

Zhang Ding praised: "My nephew is so thoughtful, no wonder so many merchants have gathered here. Many merchants I have met have even moved their entire families to Yanmen. It takes great courage to move away from their hometown and ancestral home. Now my nephew's actions will surely give them more confidence. The prosperity of these six counties is just around the corner."

Zhang Ding was happy and gave instructions to his followers.

"Come on, nephew. Today I will treat you to a drink at the newly opened Jiuqu Pavilion in the city. Although the wine at Jiuqu Pavilion is average and cannot compare to the Wangyun Tower of the Zhen family, the dishes are really good. It is said that the chef is the direct disciple of the imperial chef in the palace. My nephew is busy with official duties and it is rare for him to come here. Today is a good opportunity to try it."

After saying this, without giving Liu He a chance to refuse, he took his hand and left.

Qian Li smiled and said to Zhan Lian, "The dishes at Jiuqu Pavilion are really expensive. You and I are reluctant to eat them once, but today we are lucky enough to have them thanks to our lord."

The two of them followed, chatting and laughing.

(End of this chapter)