Liu Hong nodded: "In the past, due to the turmoil in the court, water conservancy has been neglected, and now it is indeed in urgent need of repair. This matter will be presided over by the Grand Tutor, with the assistance of the Grand Minister of Agriculture, Cao Song. In addition, we also need someone who is proficient in water conservancy."

"Your Majesty, I recommend Zhang Zhen of Nanyang, who is suitable for this position!" Chen Fan seemed to have been prepared and mentioned a name.

"I wonder, who is this Zhang Zhen?"

Liu Hong had no recollection of this unfamiliar name.

Chen Fan introduced, "Zhang Zhen, courtesy name Yuanji, was the grandson of Zhang Heng and Zhang Pingzi. He was proficient in astronomy and mathematics and was a rare talent."

Liu Hong smiled and nodded: "Well, since it was recommended by the Grand Tutor, I will naturally trust him. He can be appointed as an official in the Grand Tutor's office and put in charge of water conservancy projects north of the Yellow River."

Water conservancy projects have always been a major national affair, and Liu Hong naturally attached great importance to them. With Chen Fan, a high-ranking official, in charge of this matter, the people below would not dare to be too presumptuous.

"Your Majesty, the Sili Commandant previously arrested officials on a large scale, leaving many government offices empty and unable to function properly. I believe that they should be replenished immediately to avoid local chaos. This is my list of recommendations; please take a look."

As soon as Chen Fan finished speaking, Dou Wu quickly took out a list and handed it to Zhang Rang, who was serving him, while speaking.

Liu Hong did not take the list, but looked sincerely at Dou Wu: "Since it is recommended by the General, it must be a loyal and capable person. Let's do everything according to the General's wishes."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Seeing that the emperor trusted him so much, Dou Wu felt relieved.

However, Dou Wu was unaware that his actions displeased Chen Fan, Li Ying, and Hu Guang, who saw it as an opportunity to cultivate his own power and seize control of the government.

However, seeing that the emperor had not said anything, they could not openly voice their opposition.

"Your Majesty, most of the scholars recommended by officials from various regions have already gathered in Luoyang. When will they be assessed? And what should be done with the scholars who came on their own?"

Situ Hu Guang, who was standing to the side, also stood up and asked about the assessment.

Liu Hong thought for a moment and said, "Then let's set it for half a month from now."

Thinking of those students who had no one to recommend them, most of whom came from poor families, Liu Hong then said, "Those poor students have come from afar with great difficulty, and the court should take good care of them. As for food and lodging, how about the Imperial Household Department provides them?"

"Your Majesty is wise. On behalf of the students, this old minister thanks Your Majesty for your kindness!"

As he spoke, Hu Guang was about to bow to Liu Hong. Coming from a poor background, he naturally knew how difficult it was for students from poor families to rise above their circumstances. Now, Liu Hong had not only given them an opportunity but also taken such good care of them, giving hope to students from poor families. Therefore, this old man who had served six dynasties was deeply moved.

Liu Hong quickly helped Hu Guang up and said earnestly, "Minister, there's no need for that. Those students already face great difficulties in their studies. The fact that they traveled thousands of miles to Luoyang shows their loyalty and righteousness. How could I let them down?"

"His Majesty is truly a benevolent ruler..."

After saying this, Hu Guang could no longer hold back his soft sobs. Having served as an official for many years, he naturally knew that the path to official promotion was now entirely controlled by the maternal relatives, eunuchs, and powerful families. Ordinary students who wanted to rise above others had almost no choice but to rely on these forces. Liu Hong's assessment this time could be said to have opened a window for these poor students. How could he not be overjoyed?