Chapter 158: Emperor Hongren, Overjoyed...

"And then what was their reaction?" Qi Chengming asked with great interest, leaning forward slightly.

According to his prediction, Eunuch Dai and his party would set off immediately, hurriedly bringing the truth back to the capital to report to Emperor Hongren.

The one who spoke this time was Commander Mao. His Imperial Guards had been patrolling the streets every day, not visiting the Prince's residence, and had noticed many details. He said in surprise, "Eunuch Dai and his men haven't purchased supplies for their long journey. That doesn't seem like it."

"Is that right?" Commander Mao asked Chief Steward Song for confirmation.

“We’ve never heard them make such a request in the Prince’s residence,” Song Gu nodded in confirmation.

"Do they want to stay a little longer?" Qi Chengming frowned slowly, unable to understand why.

“Hmm, they went out yesterday, heading to the main street.” Commander Mao’s gaze sharpened as he recalled a small matter, “…the post station for delivering official messages is right on the main street.”

If Eunuch Dai and his entourage didn't intend to return directly, but only to write a secret letter back to the capital to report, it meant that something more important was attracting them to stay. This, combined with their recent learning of Prince Rui's poisoning…

Qi Chengming vaguely understood something.

He admitted that sometimes his speculations were less accurate than those of a eunuch. If he were Eunuch Dai, and if he learned of Prince Rui's poisoning and traveled thousands of miles back to the capital to report, what would he do?

Emperor Hongren may be anxious and furious, or he may be pleased, but in any case, he will have a response.

If His Majesty is anxious, how can he not find out who poisoned Prince Rui? How can he not try to help Prince Rui detoxify? But Eunuch Dai has returned. Sending someone else or sending an urgent letter to have someone investigate again would only delay things further.

At that time, Eunuch Dai will only become a punching bag for Emperor Hongren to vent his anger on.

If His Majesty harbors fear towards Prince Rui, that doesn't preclude him from investigating Prince Rui's poisoning. Such a stealthy attempt to harm a member of the imperial family would frighten any emperor. Similarly, the absence of Eunuch Dai is also a serious matter…

Thinking of this, Qi Chengming relaxed his shoulders and back as if deflated, and calmed down: "We still have to endure it for a while longer."

However, this was part of the plan, so I'll just have to put up with it for now.

He would be happy if Emperor Hongren reacted and investigated who the two groups of people in the shadows were.

In the meantime, he can focus on handling the new infrastructure tasks that have emerged.

— March and April are humid and rainy months in the south, making them prone to natural disasters such as floods.

In previous years, they were too busy taking care of themselves to have any spare time, but this year they are finally much better off and no longer need to worry about keeping it a secret from the capital. Qi Chengming plans to take advantage of this special opportunity to properly renovate the water conservancy projects in the several prefectures under his control.

Unfortunately, you only realize how little you have when you need it most.

Qi Chengming searched for talent, but after a long time, he couldn't find many people skilled in water management.

...At times like these, I really miss Shen Shuzhi.

Only a large number of students and gentry from the local states responded enthusiastically, and then there was the unexpected fact that the He family knew a bit about it and was recruited as laborers.

Qi Chengming had no choice but to force He Dajia to teach them on the spot. He gathered a group of people and took out a "bamboo fiber" blueprint he had obtained before to explain it to everyone in detail:

"This, when used with cement... can build relatively stronger dikes. Do you understand? The blueprints have all been drawn up for you. You'll need to go to various prefectures and counties to persuade them and teach them."

"Are we really going to hand over these new cement formulas? These weren't just new researches by the cement plant last year..." A knowledgeable person looked surprised.

It's no exaggeration to say that these recipes are worth a fortune, and when combined with the so-called bamboo sinew formula, they are already a powerful weapon for conquest.

This is something that can determine the fate of the nation... It has always been passed down in the hands of Prince Rui. Is it really okay to release it now?

"The time has come." Qi Chengming didn't offer any further explanation.

He already has too many things that threaten the foundation of the country, so one more won't make a difference. He can't be stingy and hoard all the good stuff, only releasing it after he's secured his position.

If it needs to be used, then it needs to be used.

Besides, Qi Chengming knew his own limitations; he was merely applying these prescriptions to the few prefectures he actually ruled. Once Emperor Hongren took notice of them, he would eventually have to present them to the emperor.

So releasing it sooner or later is the same as releasing it.

He Santie listened with a face full of satisfaction, looking at Prince Rui with admiration and respect: "..."

With a broad mind and far-sighted vision, he looks remarkably like a ruler!

He increasingly felt that staying in Liuzhou was the right decision.

"Go ahead," Qi Chengming encouraged the students. "The prefect will issue a new order urging all regions to learn from the methods and improve water conservancy. Let's reinforce the dikes before March or April so we can have peace of mind."

He only learned about Yulin Prefecture last time that its water conservancy was usually a complete mess.

Although there are regular maintenance and patrols every year in various places, it's only superficially impressive. Whether or not the water can be effectively controlled depends entirely on the local officials at the time. Not every official is skilled in water management or has the necessary capabilities, and the repair work is often a complete mess, with varying levels of competence.

Thinking about it this way, it would be better if he trained a group of people and sent them to various places to guide the construction of fortifications.

With the seemingly cheat-like bamboo-reinforced concrete, the ancient floods could have been reduced by at least 70-80%, saving many lives.

"...Yes!" He San Tie echoed the students' voices, his emotions surging, wishing he could die for his lord.

He set off with great ambition.

...

Meanwhile, in Liuzhou, after a brief period of calm, a new round of vigorous infrastructure construction has begun, like the calm before the storm.

In the capital, the anxious Emperor Hongren finally received a reply.

He eagerly opened it and, upon seeing it, first burst into two loud, overjoyed laughs. Then, he covered his face and muttered a desolate and sorrowful curse: "...How could it be this unfilial son! How pitiful and lamentable!"

In an instant, the old emperor's mixed expression of crying and laughing confused even Eunuch Fuman.

Unlike his usual cheerful self, Zhao Fuman watched with unusual interest. He observed the scene silently, somewhat puzzled.

Emperor Hongren vented his emotions, his expression gradually becoming resolute, tinged with murderous intent: "Zhao Fuman, grind the ink—"

He was going to personally write a secret edict to send it out.

He set up this whetstone himself, that's fine. But what if two groups of people secretly plotted to harm his two sons without his knowledge...?

no.

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Author's Note: I'm exhausted from writing today, so I can only squeeze out a short chapter for now.