Chapter 38 Inspecting the Yongding River
Not long after the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration, in late October, Emperor Kangxi, accompanied by his fourth son Yinzhen, eighth son Yinsi, and thirteenth son Yinxiang, inspected the Yongding River.
In fact, Emperor Kangxi had already inspected the Yongding River project in the first month of the thirty-ninth year of his reign, and personally gave instructions on the strategy for repairing the Yongding River in the second month. This inspection was to check the results.
"Last year, Yu Chenglong submitted a memorial requesting a name for the river, so I named it Yongding. Do you know why?"
The group, dressed in casual clothes, walked along the embankment. Kangxi stroked the "Yongding River" river monument that had been built last year and began to test his son.
"Your Majesty, I believe that you are compassionate towards the suffering of the people and hope that the flood control efforts will be successful, the rivers will be stable, and the people will live in peace." As the eldest prince in the group, Yinzhen was the first to stand up and answer.
"Indeed, the people near the capital rely on the Yongding River for their livelihood, yet they are constantly plagued by floods. Since assuming personal rule, I have prioritized river management, the suppression of the Three Feudatories, and the Grand Canal transport, ordering these matters to be inscribed on the pillars of the main hall as a constant reminder. Now that the Three Feudatories have been pacified and the Grand Canal transport is running smoothly, only the issue of flood management remains a constant source of trouble..."
Kangxi nodded in satisfaction, recalling his initial ambitions with a sigh.
"Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs of state, yet you have devoted yourself to the matter of flood control. Your son has seen this and kept it in mind. Now that the Yongding River has been successfully controlled and the people are living in peace, it is all thanks to Your Majesty's appointment of virtuous and innovative officials and your compassion for the people..."
Upon receiving Yinzhen's gaze, Yinsi stepped forward, and the words of flattery that came from his mouth did not sound fake at all; they sounded like sincere praise and recognition from the bottom of his heart.
Emperor Kangxi couldn't help but feel much happier. He looked at him gently and asked, "You certainly know how to talk. Yu Chenglong is a talented man. The governance project he completed last year was quite good. Do you know why I brought you here for inspection this time?"
Yinzhi's mind raced, and he had guessed the question correctly. He bowed slightly and replied, "Since the beginning of summer, there have been continuous heavy rains. I suppose Father Emperor is worried about the collapse of the dikes and is concerned for the people, so he has come to inspect them."
“Not bad,” Kangxi patted Yinzhi on the shoulder and continued, “Controlling floods is not something that can be accomplished in a day; it requires constant vigilance and attention to every matter…”
The examination turned into instruction. Kangxi walked in front, followed closely by Yinzhi because of his good answer. Yinzhen and Yinxiang followed behind, and at the very back were some officials in charge of flood control, guards and servants.
The group walked along the embankment, checking the situation as they went. By the end of October, the river had already frozen over with a thin layer of ice.
To control the floods, Emperor Kangxi learned a great deal about the relevant knowledge. Using a testing device, he surveyed the river, pointing to a problem area and saying to his three sons and the officials in charge of flood control: "The siltation here is slightly higher than outside the dike, causing the ice to reach the edge. Judging from this, the siltation at the downstream outlet must be even higher. Before the spring floods, dredging and reinforcement are necessary. Do not take soil from nearby areas to prevent damage to the dike's foundation..."
The official in charge of overseeing this part of the construction project scribbled furiously, repeatedly agreeing. He wasn't afraid of his superior's inspection; he was afraid of his superior actually knowing the stuff, especially since this was his very superior. He was sweating profusely as he took notes, constantly feeling his job was in jeopardy.
"Alright, you all go about your business. I'll take a look around myself. Flood control is no small matter; there can be no negligence whatsoever."
"Yes, yes, Your Majesty, I obey the decree."
After a brief warning, Kangxi dismissed the officials who had accompanied him, leaving the others behind. He then took only his three sons and a few servants and headed towards the village beside the dike.
"Father, that minister just now was clearly..."
At this time, Yinxiang was only 14 years old and possessed a chivalrous heart. Because he was often taken by Kangxi to inspect the Yongding River, he felt great pity for the people along the river and therefore disapproved of incompetent officials, and couldn't help but ask them questions.
"Thirteenth Brother." Yinzhen tugged at his hand, not wanting him to offend Kangxi.
"It's alright." Kangxi waved his hand with a smile. Yinzhen was too cautious. He was also the father of the thirteenth prince. How could he get angry over something like this? However, Yinzhen's image of being well-mannered and respectful was deeply ingrained in people's minds, so Kangxi didn't mind and was quite satisfied with his brotherly affection.
He then looked at Yinxiang and asked, "Thirteenth Prince, do you know who was in charge of the largest project to manage the Yongding River?"
"Your subject knows, it is Lord Yu Chenglong." Yinxiang was first pulled by his fourth brother, realizing his rashness. After hearing Kangxi's question, he corrected his attitude and answered respectfully.
"Besides Yu Chenglong, do you know anyone else who is skilled in flood control?" Kangxi continued to press.
Yinxiang was somewhat embarrassed and looked at Yinzhen beside him.
"Don't look at your fourth brother, I'm asking about you." Kangxi couldn't help but tease his youngest son.
"Your subject... Your subject did not know." Yinxiang lowered his head in shame. As a prince still studying in the palace, with an unremarkable maternal family, he knew very little about the court officials. He only learned about Yu Chenglong because he accompanied Kangxi on his river inspection tour.
“That’s normal. You haven’t been exposed to the previous dynasty yet, so it’s alright if you don’t know. Yinzhi, you speak.” Kangxi skipped over Yinzhen, the fourth prince, who wasn’t the most intelligent. But he was the most diligent and hardworking of all his princes. Ever since he started accompanying him on the inspection of the Yongding River, he had learned a lot about water management. So he looked directly at Yinzhi, the eighth prince, whom he had brought to the Yongding River for the first time.
"Your Majesty, I am ashamed. Apart from Lord Yu Chenglong, I can only recall the late Lord Jin Fu..." Yinzhi cupped his hands, looking embarrassed. If he were to name a few other ministers who were involved in flood control, even his father, the Emperor, would be uneasy.
"Ziyuan..." Muttering Jin Fu's name, Emperor Kangxi's expression was somewhat wistful. "Indeed, Ziyuan was also a capable minister in flood control, what a pity..."
Kangxi, quickly regaining his composure, looked at Yinxiang and said, "So, after Jin Fu, there is only one Yu Chenglong. There are too few talented people to manage the waters. If it weren't for a deliberate mistake, I wouldn't be so demanding. Talented people are hard to find... You all must study hard. I'm waiting for you to share my burdens..."
"Yes." Yinzhen and the other two bowed respectfully. Kangxi didn't say anything more, turned the jade thumb ring on his thumb, and looked at the village ahead.
"Let's go and take a look at the village."
...
After Yinzhen and others accompanied Kangxi on an inspection tour outside the capital, the entire city became much quieter, including the Prince's residence.
With Yinzhen not at home, even though Rouze had rallied after being persuaded by her maid, she had nowhere to make a move. Rouze fell silent; there was no more drama to be had in the household, and everyone else quieted down as well.
Yixiu spent her days managing the accounts, checking on her son, and occasionally worrying about Yinzhen who was away. She lived a leisurely and carefree life.
Perhaps even peaceful days are not immune to some ripples. On this day, Yi Xiu was reviewing the accounts when Xiu Xia, who was ostensibly in charge of welcoming and seeing off guests but actually keeping an eye on things in the backyard for Yi Xiu, cautiously walked in.
"Madam..."
"What's wrong? Is Rouze being restless again?" Seeing Xiuxia's appearance, Yixiu's first reaction was that Rouze was causing trouble again. There was nothing she could do; besides her, there was no one else causing trouble in the backyard.
"No," Xiu Xia said hesitantly, glancing at the servants in the room to make sure no one else was there before bowing and approaching Yi Xiu carefully, "News came from Yunshui Residence that Consort Song... hasn't changed her clothes this month..."
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