Dujiangkou, the southernmost point of the Daqin Canal.
Five years have passed, and this major artery connecting the north and south has finally been completed. From the Yellow River to the Yangtze River, the waterway winds its way for more than two thousand miles, with twenty-four sluice gates standing majestically.
The wicked man stood on the last sluice gate, looking down at the man-made waterway.
Over the past five years, he has traversed every inch of the canal. From the initial planning and design to the construction of each lock and the dredging of the canal, he has poured countless efforts into every step.
"Grand Commandant," an old craftsman with a weathered face approached, "His Majesty's imperial carriage has reached Jiangnan Circuit. It should arrive here soon."
The wicked man nodded. To celebrate the opening of the Grand Canal, Ying Zheng would personally travel by boat from north to south to experience the convenience of this waterway.
"Take stock," he ordered. "How much manpower and resources have we used over the past five years?"
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant," the craftsman said, flipping through the records, "more than 800,000 laborers and over 30,000 craftsmen were conscripted. More than twenty quarries were opened, and the number of convoys transporting stone was countless."
The wicked man sighed, "It's a pity... so many people died."
"Yes," the old craftsman sighed, "especially the section where we carved through the mountain; many people died in landslides. But their sacrifices were not in vain. This Grand Canal will flow on forever!"
A bugle call could be heard in the distance.
A magnificent fleet of ships sailed in from the north. Leading the fleet was a lavishly decorated dragon boat, none other than the imperial carriage of Qin Shi Huang.
"Kneel to welcome Your Majesty!"
Tens of thousands of laborers and craftsmen knelt down on the riverbank. Some of them had been there since construction began and had witnessed the birth of the Grand Canal.
Ying Zheng stood at the bow of the boat, carefully examining this last stretch of waterway.
It took him ten days to travel from the north to here. He passed twenty-four sluice gates along the way, each one magnificent and imposing. What surprised him even more were the changes on both banks of the river.
In just five years, countless markets and wharves sprang up. Merchants from both the north and south flocked here, bringing unprecedented prosperity.
"You wicked husband!" he called softly.
"Your subject is here!"
"I remember you saying that this canal would not only prevent floods but also promote exchanges between the north and south. Now it seems that this is indeed true."
The wicked man clasped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, this is just the beginning. Once the canal is fully navigable, transporting grain from the south to the north and goods from the north to the south will be much more convenient. Especially the grain transport..."
Tell me about it.
"Your Majesty, please look," the wicked man said, pointing to rows of large ships laden with grain on the shore. "This is rice from Jiangnan. In the past, it had to be transported north by sea, which was not only dangerous but also frequently resulted in losses."
He continued, "Now that we have the canal, this grain can be transported directly north. It's not only safer, but it also saves a lot of time. More importantly, the locks along the way can regulate the water level, allowing ships to pass freely."
Ying Zheng nodded: "How effective was the flood control?"
"Your Majesty," the wicked man replied, "the Yellow River flooded two summers ago, and the Grand Canal played a vital role. We opened the sluice gates, diverting the floodwaters into the canal, and then slowly releasing them into the Yangtze River. This not only prevented disaster but also stored a large amount of water."
"Excellent!" Ying Zheng laughed. "This canal truly benefits future generations! Men, prepare the carriage for the riverbank. I want to personally inspect this last lock!"
A high platform had already been erected on the shore.
Ying Zheng ascended the high platform and looked down upon this vital artery. He saw rippling blue waters dotted with sails. Countless merchant ships shuttled back and forth, and carriages and horses moved in an endless stream.
"Issue my decree!" he suddenly announced. "Effective immediately, the Grand Canal is officially open to navigation! Taxes will be waived for three years as a sign of my benevolence!"
The audience erupted in cheers.
"Furthermore..." he turned to the wicked husband, "this canal was built under your supervision, a truly great achievement. I hereby bestow upon you the title of 'Marquis of the River' to commemorate your accomplishments!"
The wicked man immediately kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"
Just then, a caravan sailed in from the south.
The ship was laden with specialties from the Jiangnan region, including silk, tea, and various exotic items. These would all be transported north via the canal, enriching the lives of the people.
"Grand Commandant," an old craftsman sighed, "when you planned this canal back then, did you ever imagine it would turn out like this?"
The wicked man, gazing at the endless stream of boats, laughed, "This is just the beginning. The banks of the canal will surely become even more prosperous. Then, the entire empire will be transformed because of this waterway!"
As the sun sets, its afterglow spills onto the canal.
Countless ships, bathed in golden sunlight, slowly sailed by. This vital artery would forever flow across the land of Qin, witnessing the rise of a great empire!
That evening, thousands of lights were lit up on both sides of the canal.
Ying Zheng held a grand celebration on the riverbank. Officials and merchants from all over gathered there to celebrate the completion of this waterway.
"You wicked husband," Ying Zheng suddenly asked, halfway through the wine, "what are your plans for the next step?"
The wicked man put down his wine cup and pointed eastward: "Your Majesty, I believe the Grand Canal should not stop here. The Jiangnan region is crisscrossed by waterways; if it could continue eastward, reaching directly to Kuaiji..."
"Very well!" Ying Zheng slammed his hand on the table. "This matter is entrusted to you. I want to see just how far this canal can ultimately extend!"
In the distance, the sound of bugles rang out.
That was the navy drilling, preparing to protect this newly opened waterway. The lifeline of the Qin Empire had a new vein!
The celebration continued, but the wicked man quietly left the banquet. He climbed to the highest gate and looked down over the magnificent waterway.
As night falls, countless lights twinkle along the banks of the canal. In just five short years, this place has undergone earth-shattering changes.
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