When Qiuqiu's uncle, Xu Ziming, inspected the water dike project, his closest subordinate, Axi, dragged him out for drinks.
Axi: "It's so hot, Sikong, you must be exhausted! Anyway, it's not going to rain, so we can just take a look around. Come on, let's go get some drinks!"
Xu Ziming usually treats Axi with complete sincerity, regarding him as a brother.
Because of what Chuchu said, he had to pay attention to his brother.
Xu Ziming refused Axi's offer, saying, "I'm here on official business, not for drinking. Business is more important."
Axi: "Oh dear, look at this sweltering heat, it doesn't look like it's raining at all! We're working so hard, all for the government, why bother?"
Normally, Xu Ziming would definitely be drinking with Axi.
However, this time, thanks to Qiuqiu's reminder, Xu Ziming became much more vigilant.
He said to Axi in a serious and earnest tone, "Axi, you are entitled to the emperor's salary, so you must also bear his burdens! If you feel that you are not up to the task, I can easily find someone else to do it!"
Seeing that Xu Ziming was getting serious, Axi stopped pressuring him and said, "Yes! I will do my best!"
Xu Ziming used to be carefree and irreverent, rarely showing such concern for politics.
But after he came this time, he carefully inspected all the projects and found that the dam had major problems.
Despite ample funding from higher authorities, the dikes were poorly constructed, largely due to shoddy workmanship. The consequences would be unimaginable should a major flood occur.
Xu Ziming sent people to reinforce the dikes and build irrigation canals.
He even ordered the construction of the moat to be accelerated, following Qiuqiu's advice.
Xu Ziming secretly checked the accounts again and found that they were full of loopholes.
Finally, the investigation led back to Axi.
It was his most trusted partner and subordinate who embezzled a lot of money behind his back.
Just as Axi was drinking at the tavern, Xu Zimo and his men surrounded him.
Axi, drunk, grabbed Xu Zimo and said, "Zimo, come on, let's drink together!"
Xu Ziming shoved Axi away and threw an account book at his face.
Xu Ziming: "Damn it, I treated you like my best brother, and you've really disappointed me!"
Seeing that the situation was not good, Axi wanted to run away.
However, Xu Ziming was prepared. With just a glance, the guards beside him quickly restrained Axi.
Axi cried out, "Zimo, you've changed! We used to eat, drink, and have fun together all the time, didn't we? Why are you being so serious now?"
Xu Ziming: "If I'm not serious, am I supposed to joke around with so much land and the lives of the people?"
Axi: "You weren't like this before. It's such a drought, and the wheat harvest is just around the corner. Once the harvest is over, everything will be fine. You can just look around as usual. Why are you treating me like this!"
Xu Ziming: "It's because I was too lenient with you all in the past that I spoiled parasites like you! From today onwards, a thorough investigation will be conducted! Once anyone is found to have embezzled, they will not be let off lightly!"
Subordinate: "Yes!"
Xu Ziming waved his hand, and his men took Axi, who was crying and shouting, away.
If it weren't for Qiuqiu's reminder, I wouldn't have known about this big scoundrel, Axi. It seems I've been too lax lately. This time, I absolutely cannot let this tragedy repeat itself.
Xu Ziming thought to himself, determined to do this water conservancy project well.
According to Chiu Chiu, the flood happened very quickly.
However, the wheat will not be ready for harvest for several more days.
Xu Ziming made a bold decision: he mobilized the farmers to harvest the wheat ahead of schedule.
Everyone found it unbelievable.
At first, it was difficult to mobilize everyone. In order to prevent the crops from being flooded, Xu Ziming paid out of his own pocket to subsidize the farmers who harvested wheat early.
Farmers' incomes were already low, and with the silver subsidy, everyone rushed to harvest the wheat ahead of schedule.
Within Xu Ziming's jurisdiction, all farmers managed to harvest ahead of schedule.
Xu Ziming also mobilized other places, but no one listened to him.
Since he didn't have enough money to subsidize farmers in other places, he had to give up on the matter.
He learned everything from what he heard in Chiu Chiu's heart.
Whether it's true or not is still unknown. If it turns out to be a big misunderstanding, it would be a laughing stock.
Well, it's good that he can maintain peace in the area under his jurisdiction.
Regardless of whether it's true or false, it's always better to be prepared.
For some reason, he firmly believed in what Chuchu said.
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