Epang Palace, Hall of Governance.
The wicked man was reporting the disaster relief situation to Ying Zheng: "Your Majesty, although this heavy rain caused significant damage, it also gave us an important lesson."
"Oh?" Ying Zheng's interest was piqued. "Tell me about it."
The wicked man took out a map and unfolded it on the table: "Your Majesty, please take a look. This flood mainly occurred in the Yellow River and Huai River basins. Every rainy season, these two great rivers overflow their banks. However, the Yangtze River system in the south has abundant water and never runs dry."
His finger traced across the map: "If we could connect these major rivers, it would not only disperse floodwaters but also facilitate north-south transportation."
"You mean..." Ying Zheng's eyes lit up.
"Excellent!" the wicked man said solemnly, "I suggest that a Grand Canal be dug, running from the Yellow River in the north to the Yangtze River in the south. This will not only regulate water flow but also promote communication between the north and south."
Ying Zheng carefully examined the map. The idea was indeed bold, but it also made sense. Now that Qin had unified the world, north-south transportation was a major problem.
"Tell me your specific thoughts."
"Your Majesty," the wicked man said, pointing to the map, "first, we need to dredge a section of the river between the Yellow River and the Huai River. The water levels of the two rivers are different, so we need to build sluice gates to regulate them."
"A sluice gate?" Ying Zheng frowned. "What is this?"
The wicked man grabbed a pen and paper and quickly drew a diagram: "This is a special kind of water gate. It can be opened or closed as needed to regulate the water level. This prevents floodwaters from flowing back in while still allowing boats to pass."
He continued, "Once the waterways between the Yellow River and the Huai River are opened, they will be extended southward to the Yangtze River. In this way, a waterway connecting the north and south will be formed."
"Interesting." Ying Zheng stared at the blueprints. "The design of this gate is quite unique. However..."
He looked up at the wicked husband: "Such a massive project, how much manpower and resources would it require?"
"Your Majesty," the wicked man said, "the initial estimate is that 200,000 laborers will be needed. However, I suggest we proceed in stages, starting with the area between the Yellow and Huai Rivers. This way, we can see results quickly without expending too much resources."
"Furthermore..." he added, "I have discovered that water conservancy craftsmen in various regions possess unique skills. If these skills could be brought together, they would surely yield twice the results with half the effort."
Ying Zheng pondered for a long time: "This matter is of great importance and requires careful planning. Go and gather skilled craftsmen to come up with a concrete plan."
The wicked man accepted the order and left.
Half a month later, a large number of water conservancy experts gathered in Xianyang.
Some of these people came from Shandong and were skilled in canal construction. Others came from Wu and Yue, adept at shipbuilding and bridge construction. Still others came from Sichuan and Chongqing, with extensive knowledge of mountainous water conservancy.
The wicked man gathered them together and began to devise a detailed plan.
"Gentlemen," he said, pointing to the sand table, "the key to this project lies in the sluice gates. They must be able to withstand floods while also allowing ships to pass through."
An old craftsman said, "Grand Commandant, I do have an idea. In Jiangnan, we often use wooden planks to block water; perhaps that could..."
"No," the wicked man shook his head. "Simply planks won't stop the flood. We must build a sluice gate with stones, and then create a gate opening in the middle. The gate opening needs grooves at the top and bottom, and then we can install wooden sluice gates..."
He drew a diagram as he spoke, and soon a complete gate structure appeared.
"Brilliant!" The craftsmen's eyes lit up. "This gate is both sturdy and flexible; it's indeed a good idea."
The wicked man continued, "There's also the direction of the canal. We can't rely entirely on manpower to dig it; we must make the most of the existing riverbeds. Especially in mountainous areas, we need to pay even closer attention to the terrain..."
After a full month, the plan was finally completed.
Ying Zheng held a grand court assembly at the Epang Palace, where the wicked man publicly presented this magnificent plan.
"Your Majesty," he said, pointing to the sand table, "the entire project is divided into three phases. The first phase covers the area between the Yellow River and the Huai River, a total length of three hundred li. Seven sluice gates will be set up along the way, and it is expected to be completed in three years."
"The second phase covers the section from the Huai River to the Yangtze River, a total length of 500 li (approximately 250 kilometers). It involves traversing the Dabie Mountains, which will be quite challenging. However, we can utilize existing river channels, and it is expected to be completed in five years."
"The third phase is the branch line project. These branch lines will connect Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, forming a complete waterway network."
Ying Zheng carefully examined the sand table: "The first phase alone will take three years?"
"Your Majesty," the wicked man explained, "these sluice gates are all built with huge stones, so a solid foundation is essential. Otherwise, they will collapse in the event of a flood. It's better to proceed slowly than to compromise on quality."
"Excellent." Ying Zheng nodded. "This matter is of great importance and cannot be rushed. I approve! Begin construction immediately!"
The order spread like wildfire throughout the land.
Laborers and craftsmen were conscripted from all over the country and flocked to the construction site. The convoys transporting stones alone stretched for miles, creating a spectacular sight.
The wicked husband personally supervised the construction. To ensure progress, he divided the project into several sections, each overseen by a different craftsman.
"I've remembered," he told the craftsmen. "The foundation must be solid. The stones must be joined together with iron locks, and the gaps must be filled with fine pebbles. It's better to spend more time to ensure everything is perfect!"
Gradually, one sluice gate after another rose from the ground.
These gates were all built of huge stones, reaching a height of three zhang (approximately 10 meters) and a thickness of two zhang (approximately 6 meters). The central gate opening was fitted with a specially made wooden door that could be opened and closed at any time.
More importantly, the river channel needs to be dredged.
The wicked ruler, based on the terrain, made the most of the existing river channels. Where necessary, he widened them; where needed, he dredged them. In mountainous areas, he even had to dig tunnels—a massive undertaking.
A year later, one-third of the first phase of the project was completed.
Ying Zheng personally inspected the construction site. Looking at the imposing sluice gates, he exclaimed, "Excellent! I'll see if these sluice gates can truly hold back the flood. Guards, open the gates!"
With a command given, the gate slowly opened.
Instantly, the surging river water rushed down. But with the regulation of the sluice gate, the water flow became gentle, no longer as turbulent as before.
"Your Majesty, please look," the wicked man said, pointing to the water. "These sluice gates not only prevent floods but also regulate water levels. And during the dry season, the water can be stored..."
"Excellent!" Ying Zheng nodded repeatedly. "This plan is brilliant! By the way, is this river navigable?"
"Your Majesty, please take good care of yourself!" the wicked man said with a wave of his hand.
In the distance, a large ship slowly approached. Just as it was about to reach the lock gate, the sluice gate opened, and the ship passed through steadily.
"Brilliant!" Ying Zheng exclaimed with delight. "With this waterway, north-south transportation will be completely different. You wicked wretch, you've done a great service again!"
The wicked man bowed and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. But this is only the beginning. Once the entire project is completed, the north-south transportation of our Great Qin will be much more convenient. At that time, goods from all regions will circulate freely, and the people will live in peace and prosperity—that will be the true achievement!"
At dusk, the wicked man stood on the gate, gazing into the distance.
This Grand Canal is not only a water conservancy project, but also a link connecting the north and the south.
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