Zhao Lin already had a plan on how to transport the flowers and stones.
It was already November, the autumn harvest and winter planting were over, and the people had nothing to do. It was a good time for them to dig ditches and expand the river channels, connecting the rivers in Jiujiang Province to facilitate the passage of large ships.
In the past, this kind of work was done by conscripting civilians. Not only did they not have to be paid, they even had to bring their own food.
So every time there is requisition, some people’s families will be broken up and even killed.
But this time, Zhao Lin used the opportunity he had gained by accompanying Feng Siyuan in the assassination attempt to force Feng Siyuan to give in. With the help of his brother-in-law Liu Xiong, he forcibly opened the local granary and used grain as a reward, which made the local workers who dug ditches and canals very motivated. In just two months, they dug and dredged many rivers and canals in Jiujiang Province, preparing for the transportation of flowers and stones.
"When the weather warms up next year and water fills the rivers, these canals will be suitable for navigation. Even if there is heavy rain like last year, these canals will release water and there will be no flooding."
Zhao Lin stood on the embankment, looking at the deep ditches and wide canals, feeling very satisfied.
Not only was the task completed successfully, but it also brought benefits to the local area, allowing many people to have enough food to eat and not die of hunger and cold in the winter. It also allowed Li Xingye to see his abilities, achieving three goals at one stroke.
Moreover, the cost is not as high as you might imagine. You just need to provide enough food.
In ancient times, food was everything. As long as the laborers were well fed, no one cared about wages.
Gao Junliang, standing beside him, was deeply shocked. "I admire you. I never thought you could accomplish such a great feat with just a small amount of grain. Compared to you, all those so-called great men in the court are incompetent."
Zhao Lin smiled and said, "Just say this in front of me. Don't let others hear it, otherwise it will be difficult for you to be the prefect."
"If it's difficult, then don't do it. At worst, I'll resign and follow you, sir." Gao Junliang said passionately, "As long as I follow you, you will definitely gain both fame and fortune one day."
"Ha ha ha ha……"
Zhao Lin laughed heartily, patted Gao Junliang on the shoulder, and said, "You are a smart person, I like people like you. Don't worry, I still say that I will never let your efforts be in vain."
"Thank you, sir." Gao Junliang bowed.
Su Di next to him was thinking, and there was a strange look in his eyes when he looked at Zhao Lin.
He had always been by Zhao Lin's side and witnessed with his own eyes how Zhao Lin used his maneuvers and tactics to take advantage of others' strengths and make the officials from all prefectures and counties in Jiujiang Province obey him completely.
Even if Feng Siyuan came in person, there would be no such effect.
Such a person is actually just a small juren.
It was hard for Sudi to imagine what kind of earth-shaking events Zhao Lin would accomplish if he entered the imperial court and the cabinet.
"Should we kidnap him?" Sudi whispered.
"Well, after two months of hard work, it's time to take a break and go home for the New Year," Zhao Lin said. "After the New Year, when spring comes and the flowers bloom and the rains arrive, we'll see if our hard work was worth it."
"Absolutely worth it," Gao Junliang said without hesitation. "I've seen many envoys carry out their duties, but none as decisively and efficiently as you, sir, without provoking a popular uprising. Neighboring Yuanling Province experienced several rebellions over the Flower and Stone Gang. Although they were all suppressed, their governor had a difficult year."
Gao Junliang was very gloating.
Everyone is doing the same thing, and I do it perfectly without any mistakes, while the neighbors keep having problems. With this comparison, don't I stand out?
As long as someone from higher up speaks up for you, won’t promotion and wealth be within reach?
That's why Gao Junliang admires Zhao Lin so much.
It's not just because of Zhao Lin's identity.
Zhao Lin sighed, "The governor of Yuanling Province just can't have a good New Year, but many people in Yuanling Province can't even have a good New Year. When the country prospers, the people suffer! When the country perishes, the people suffer!"
Gao Junliang's body trembled violently, and he looked at Zhao Lin in disbelief. "Your Excellency is indeed a poetic talent. I admire you. If only all officials could love the people like their own children, it would be great."
Zhao Lin shook his head and said, "Let's not talk about this anymore. I'm going back to Beijing. You should go back and wait for news."
Gao Junliang bowed excitedly and said, "I wish you a safe journey. I hope you will soon embark on your official career, no, enter the cabinet and be appointed as a marquis or prime minister."
Zhao Lin smiled, jumped on his horse, and together with Su Di, he took Shen Yuan and his son, as well as the servants of the Su family, a group of about twenty or thirty people, and left in a hurry.
After Zhao Lin left for a long time, Gao Junliang straightened up and looked expectant.
Zhao Lin's words were very clear. He would mention his contributions to Li Xingye. As long as Li Xingye was as upright as the rumors said, all his hard work these days would not be in vain.
"I hope there will be a good result." Gao Junliang looked forward to it.
…
"Zhao Lin went back?"
At the Feng Mansion, Liu Xiong came to see Feng Siyuan. After listening to what Zhao Lin had done these days, Feng Siyuan nodded and said, "He is quite a character. Not only is he very resourceful, but he also possesses a rare determination. Unless something unexpected happens, he will definitely have a place in the imperial court in the future. I never thought such a character would emerge in the capital."
Liu Xiong was surprised and said, "My brother-in-law thinks very highly of him, even higher than the young marquis of Zhenbei Marquisate."
Feng Siyuan sneered, "What young marquis? He's just a lucky loser. If it weren't for the support of the Zhenbei Marquisate and the Prince Yu's Mansion, he wouldn't even be qualified to enter our sect. How could he be compared with Zhao Lin?"
Liu Xiong said, "No wonder my brother-in-law left Zhao Chenhan alone."
Zhao Chenhan was a guest at Feng's house at this time.
As the deputy inspector, the young marquis of Zhenbei Marquisate, and a member of Prince Yu's Mansion, he was left here by Feng Siyuan for a long time without any attention and was not even given tea. He was so angry that he was fuming.
"Damn it! When I get back to Beijing and tell my brother-in-law, I'll make sure you're in trouble."
Zhao Chenhan gritted his teeth secretly. He had never been so humiliated before. He stood up and walked away.
When he was in the capital, he still had to pretend, but when he arrived at the countryside, he saw everyone as a lowly person, so naturally there was no need to be polite to them.
"Master, Zhao Lin has returned to Beijing."
As soon as Zhao Chenhan came out, his subordinates hurried over to report.
"Why would this bastard return to Beijing if he's not digging ditches? Is he going to seek credit from Li Xingye? Return immediately. We can't let him get there first."
Zhao Chenhan also immediately led his men back to the capital.
At the same time, Bai Shiyuan and others also began to return to Beijing.
On the one hand, the task of transporting the flowers and stones will take a long time to complete. It will take at least until next summer when the water level rises and large ships can be used for transportation. On the other hand, the Chinese New Year is coming soon, so naturally we have to go back home to celebrate the New Year.
…
After continuous travel, several horses were exhausted to death. Zhao Chenhan finally got back to Shengjing Prefecture before Zhao Lin and came before Li Xingye.
"Sir, I'm back. This is the process of this mission. I have recorded it in the book. Please review it."
Zhao Chenhan confidently handed over the records of what Zhao Lin had done during this period.
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