"Ha!" The emperor sneered, glancing at Wei Hui with his phoenix eyes. "Do you think the Princess of Le'an is someone as foolish as you?"

"Eunuch De, continue reading it to them, so they know what it means to share the ruler's sorrows and joys!"

Wei Hui shrank back as he was scolded. He was a top scholar in the imperial examinations, and this was the first time he had been called stupid and foolish.

However, after hearing Grandpa De read out the rest of the words, he couldn't utter a single word.

The officials were also greatly shocked. They ordered the wealthy to donate money, combined the donations with the shipping of the boats, implemented a shipping tax, erected a merit monument, recorded it in the Records of Yu the Great, and had the emperor personally write a charity plaque. They used work as a form of relief, and integrated relief with labor... Each and every one of these measures was completely seamless.

Officials have low salaries, but they can make a living. However, if they want to live a comfortable life, they need to have a few businesses behind them.

Once the canal is open, trade between the north and south will flourish immediately. What's a little donation? Only a fool would sacrifice the opportunity to travel on the canal for a few coins!

The Lady of Le'an County not only understands engineering, but she also has a clear understanding of the manpower and material resources needed to build the canal. Her mind is far superior to that of the rest of us!

Looking at the officials whose expressions had changed several times, the emperor finally showed some satisfaction on his handsome face.

The north is in turmoil, the south is flooded, and the dam has burst. If there hadn't been no casualties, he would have already issued an edict of self-reproach. Now, Le'an has proposed such a miraculous feat. Once the South-to-North Water Diversion Canal is completed, it will be a great achievement that will benefit generations to come.

And this was accomplished during his reign; it must have been a significant achievement in history!

He needs to think carefully about how to reward her.