Qiao Lian'er analyzed: "When I came up from below, I found that because of the frequent floods, there is a lot of sediment at the bottom of the river, which raises the riverbed. If we dredge out this section of sand and deepen the river channel, it can accommodate more floods and reduce the amount of water that overflows into the paddy fields."
As Zhao Lizheng listened, he nodded and said, "Go on."
Qiao Lian'er faced downwards and pointed to a location.
“There is a large depression there, which connects several large fissures leading to the mountains. A diversion channel can be dug to divert some of the floodwaters into the depression and then into the fissures. There are no farmlands in that depression, so this will not affect the rice. This depression is almost above all the paddy fields. With this diversion, the pressure on the paddy fields below will be much less. In addition, the river channel will be deepened and the bridge will further reduce the impact, so it will basically be harmless to the rice.”
Zhao Lizheng's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but slap his forehead hard.
“Oh dear, why didn’t we think of these things before? Everyone was only focused on raising the embankments of the farmland, but those embankments collapsed when floods came. What you’re saying is the real solution.”
“With every household mobilized, and half a month left, that’s more than enough,” Qiao Lian’er said.
"Okay, I'll go and mobilize the whole village to do as you say."
"Many people are not at home right now, so let's get ready today, tell each other tomorrow, and grab our gear together."
After thinking for a moment, Zhao Lizheng said, "Lian'er, once it's effective, I'll report your achievement to the county town, then to the prefectural government, and perhaps even further. You'll be rewarded."
Qiao Lian'er said, "It would be good if there were a reward, but even without a reward, being able to save so many farmlands is still a good deed for me."
Of course she'd want the benefits; she wouldn't be foolish enough to say she didn't want anything. It would be stupid to refuse.
Moreover, while she did consider the villagers' needs when she saved these farmlands, her main motivation was the Qiao family and her mother.
If the outcome greatly benefits everyone, she deserves a reward.
Soon, Zhao Lizheng gathered all the villagers on the dam and explained the two plans.
“Everyone over the age of twelve has to go down to the river to work and dig diversion channels. Everyone is working together to deal with the flood disaster that will come in half a month.”
The villagers frowned and exchanged glances.
Some people said, "This method sounds good, but there's so much work to do in the fields. If we spend all our time in this river, what will we do with our household chores?"
Once one person started it, the others joined in with their complaints.
"Yes, I thought the bridge was going to be built and would be able to completely prevent flooding, but why are there so many other problems?"
Zhao Lizheng sneered: "Who told you that you could completely prevent it? Lian'er also said that it was to resist floods, not to completely save your crops. The bridge mainly serves as a buffer. With such a large amount of water during the rainy season, some of the crops will still be washed away. Without deepening the river channel and diverting the flow, the losses will not be as severe as in previous years, but at least 20% or 30% will be lost."
"Is 20% or 30% your fate? That's what you're paying taxes on."
"Furthermore, the county government provided the building materials and craftsmen for this bridge, and also raised a lot of money from philanthropists, all to build a bridge for our village to protect against floods. Is it reasonable for us to do nothing?"
"To achieve the greatest success in flood prevention, we need the efforts of all parties. Our village has benefited the most, so we should also contribute."
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