"Bu Shunda, what do you think of Jing'e's method?"
How about it?
Bu Shunda naturally thought it was a good idea. Just as Jing'e said, the traditional way of flood control is to prevent the dikes from bursting by reinforcing them, but no one has ever suggested digging new channels to divert the river.
This is like a section of a riverbed that has become necrotic. Now, two new sections of the riverbed have been found to replace it, and the old section has also been repaired. Then, all three sections of the riverbed work together. This method is indeed a brilliant idea.
As expected, young people have more ideas. Bu Shunda didn't feel jealous. He also had some experience in river management and had seen the people who were ravaged by floods. Naturally, he hoped that floods would no longer run rampant.
"Your Majesty, this servant thinks Lord Jing'e's idea is excellent. This servant believes that if it is properly implemented, it will surely benefit the people of this region. If this method can be implemented in other places, it will surely be a blessing for the Qing Dynasty."
Yinzhen smiled and said, "Well said. I have seen Jing'e's geomantic map. The data still needs to be recalculated multiple times. Such a large project cannot be taken lightly. Also, the national treasury is currently quite well-stocked, so there is no need to levy corvée labor. I have seen that the river passes through many villages. Let them handle the silver. It will also add some income to the ordinary people."
Upon hearing this, the accompanying ministers immediately began to flatter the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty is benevolent and loves the people like your own children. You are truly a blessing to the Qing Dynasty!"
After listening to each other's comments for a while, Yinzhen felt that it was enough and said, "Alright, since Bushunda said that this idea is good, then the river management plan will be temporarily settled. Since it was proposed by Jing'e, then Jing'e will be the main person in charge of this matter. I will transfer some people who are good at mathematics and overall planning to serve here later."
Yinzhen then said, "Jing'e, receive the imperial decree."
Jing'e knelt on the ground: "This servant receives the imperial decree."
"I hereby appoint you as the Director of the Water Conservancy Department, and you will be in charge of the waterway project in Taoyuan County for the time being. Once the waterway project in Taoyuan County is completed, you will return to the capital to resume your duties."
Jing'e was naturally delighted; the Emperor's personal appointment was such a great favor!
"This servant thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness."
Yinzhen's words startled everyone. To be honest, those who came with Yinzhen today all knew something about water conservancy and naturally knew that Jing'e's method was useful. However, as useful as it was, they never expected that the emperor would value Jing'e so much now.
Jing'e was originally a county magistrate, a minor official of the seventh rank. Now he has transformed into a physician of the fifth rank, which has astonished everyone.
This is like a county magistrate suddenly transforming into the director of the National Water Resources Bureau in modern times; anyone who hears this would find it unbelievable.
Someone nearby couldn't stand it anymore: "Your Majesty, although Lord Jing'e is quick-witted, he is still young and inexperienced. The river project is a matter of great importance to the people's livelihood. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."
The implication is that Jing'e's qualifications are insufficient, and the Emperor is urged to reconsider, lest a major event be delayed.
Yinzhen understood what he meant, but he also knew what Yinzhen intended by saying those words.
Yinzhen's expression remained unchanged as he looked at the official who had spoken and said, "If you think Jing'e lacks experience, then who do you think is more suitable?"
Although Yinzhen had no expression and didn't seem angry, his question made the person who had just spoken feel uneasy.
The official who spoke was named Dahasu. He also worked in the Ministry of Works as the Vice Minister of Works and the Director of the Water Conservancy Department. He had originally planned to push his concubine's brother to the position, but a young man in his early twenties had taken it instead. How could he be happy?
Now that the emperor had asked him this, he really didn't dare to say his brother-in-law's name.
Dahasu could only say, "This servant just feels that the officials of the Ministry of Works have been working diligently and conscientiously for several years now. Logically speaking, they are more experienced, and it would be more appropriate for them to be appointed by the current officials of the Water Conservancy Department."
Yinzhen glanced at the man again, and immediately understood his situation. Yinzhen was quick-witted, especially after his second chance, so he was even more sharp-witted and quick-witted, and he knew the backgrounds of the people who came with him.
Yinzhen suddenly said, "I know that the officials of the Water Conservancy Bureau are all conscientious and diligent, but they are not here now. I believe that the officials under my jurisdiction are not those who are jealous of the virtuous and capable. Do you agree with what I said?"
It is right, and it is also right even if it is wrong.
Dahasu said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty is right."
Yinzhen suddenly added, "Oh, right, there's another person who's quite good, where is Yuan Hong?"
Yuan Hong was Dahasu's "brother-in-law". Although he was a minor official, he did not work in the Water Conservancy Department. He was able to come along this time because of his "brother-in-law".
When Yuan Hong heard the Emperor call his name, he immediately felt uneasy. He probably understood the Emperor's meaning by now. If he went out, he would be asking for trouble!
"Your servant is here."
Yinzhen glanced at him and said, "I've heard you've done a good job?"
The reason Yuan Hong did those jobs so well was mainly because he had a good "brother-in-law" above him; otherwise, he would still be stuck in some backwater right now!
Upon hearing the Emperor's question, he began to feel uneasy.
"Your Majesty, I have done my duty, but there is still something I need to ask you."
Yinzhen: "I heard that Dahasu brought your sister with him this time? Is that true?"
Yuan Hong lowered his head: "That is indeed true."
Yinzhen looked at the pair of "brother-in-law" and "brother-in-law" and said, "Do your job well. Since Yuan Hong said there are still things to learn from your job, then learn them well. When you do your job well, I will naturally not let mediocre people take the lead."
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