The flooding of the Yellow River caused profound damage to the Song Dynasty.

In the history of the Song Dynasty, there were three instances of Yihe, each time a self-destructive act.

The three Yi Rivers created the Yellow River floodplain at the intersection of Jingdong Road and Hebei Road.

The so-called Yellow River flood plain refers to the areas where the Yellow River floods and causes disasters.

Starting from the Song Dynasty, the main affected areas were the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, with the most severe outbreaks occurring in Hebei and Jingdong Road.

Because the course of the Yellow River has been altered by human intervention in Hebei and Beijing, and because the riverbed has been continuously rising, the affected area is very wide.

The main reason is that over the past thousand years, the vegetation in the Yellow River basin has been over-exploited, leading to severe desertification.

During the pre-Qin period, the Yellow River basin was lush and green, with well-preserved vegetation and abundant natural resources.

But by the Song Dynasty, it was no longer viable.

This is also why the Ming Dynasty, after the Song Dynasty, was unwilling to establish its capital in the Central Plains.

Zhao Huan stationed himself in Tai'an City. With the arrival of the emperor, the people of Jingdong Road were somewhat calmed down, and Hebei Road was also encouraged.

And so, Zhao Huan stayed in Tai'an, often looking up at the majestic Mount Tai.

Meanwhile, spies from all sides brought the emperor the latest news almost every day.

The breaches of the dikes in Puyang and Qizhou also greatly reduced the flood pressure in other areas.

Upon receiving the suggestion to dredge the Wen River, Xu Churen immediately dispatched people to Jingdong Road to begin preparations for dredging the Wen River.

Xu Churen dared not be negligent in the slightest. After all, even the emperor had gone to the front lines. If the rear was not supportive, he would really lose his head, and not just one or two.

This flood reflects at least one issue: the imperial court's organizational and mobilization capabilities are many times stronger than they were a few years ago.

If this had happened in the first year of the Jingkang era, officials in various regions would have already fled or scattered, making it impossible for the imperial court to organize a rescue and control effort.

Even the high-ranking officials in the court had to admit that it was the emperor who made everything so powerful!

The three officials sent by Xu Churen were stationed in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Wen River, respectively.

Upon receiving the news, the local prefect immediately mobilized the local garrison troops. At the same time, the Song Dynasty government also mobilized the local people in the prefecture and villages.

There were even instances where, in the dead of night, all the county officials would go to the countryside to organize laborers to dig up the Wen River.

According to the news brought back by the scouts, what pleased Zhao Huan the most was that after Sima Qing was executed, the supply of grain and fodder had become much smoother.

Take the dredging of the Wen River as an example. The plan was to dig out some tributaries along the Wen River to clear the blockages. This was a very large undertaking.

However, the sheer number of people was overwhelming. According to preliminary statistics, the imperial court mobilized 300,000 soldiers and civilians in the Jingdong region within just ten days to dredge the Wen River!

To get as fast as possible, the imperial envoys even ate their meals on horseback.

All the usual farm tools were put to use, and the logistical support for these 300,000 soldiers and civilians was also fully provided.

Six tributaries were dug along the Wen River. Water from the upper reaches of the Wen River flowed into these tributaries and then converged in the lower reaches before flowing into the sea.

Ten days later, Zong Ying used one hundred thunderbolts to blast open the dam at Liang Shanbo's place, and the rolling Yellow River water rushed into Liang Shanbo.

Soon, the water level of Liangshanbo rose sharply, and the surging Yellow River water crashed against both banks, rushing into the Wen River.

Standing on high ground watching the Yellow River water being used, Zong Ying breathed a sigh of relief.

Along the banks of the Wen River in Hedong Road, in addition to raising the dikes, all the residents began to evacuate.

This was a large-scale population migration.

A few days later, the water level in the lower reaches of the Yellow River began to drop, and most of the other prefectures along the Jingdong Road were saved.

The scout rushed to Tai'an: "Your Majesty, the floodwaters have receded! The floodwaters have receded!"

Zhao Huan was drinking tea, his expression was normal, and he was calm and composed, but in fact, his palms were covered with a layer of fine sweat.

I finally withdrew!

In the days following the receding floodwaters, Zhao Huan toured the Jingdong Road, visiting various places to inquire about the people's conditions.

In terms of doing anything practical, he did nothing.

He was very clear about his role: a spiritual leader, someone people needed as a pillar of support when disaster struck.

The specific matters can be handled by the Political Affairs Hall and the Pacification Commissioner of Hebei Road.

Disasters may be merciless, but they can unite people's hearts!

Through this flood, Zhao Huan also witnessed the court's organizational efficiency and mobilization capabilities.

In the long run, an efficient court is the foundation for a nation's rise.

A few days later, Zhao Huan crossed the Yellow River and arrived in Hebei.

He saw vast tracts of fertile farmland in Hebei submerged, and saw displaced people lined up in long queues along the roads in the wilderness, each of them looking dejected.

They did not leave their homes and head south, but waited until the floodwaters receded before returning.

Because that's their hometown, no one wants to leave.

Three days later, the emperor arrived at an artificial dike north of the flooded city of Puzhou, where mounds of earth were piled up, blocking the floodwaters in front of the dike.

There were also unified shouts coming from ahead; the soldiers were cheering themselves on.

They were all shirtless, young and energetic men, carrying bags of mud and sand on their shoulders, continuing to reinforce the dike.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the military tent of the Pacification Commissioner on the hill, many soldiers were conducting their daily training.

The sky was an endless expanse of blue, like a piece of blue glass.

The emperor's arrival was met with cheers from the entire army.

People temporarily forgot the grief of losing 80,000 comrades and reveled in the joy of victory.

At the foot of the hill, some village women and farmers had prepared simple food and were squatting on the grass with some soldiers, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed this delicious meal.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!