Chapter 324: One Step Ahead
"Su Qing, was this memorial proposed by you, the governor of Wuzhou, and the registrar?" asked Tian Khan.
"Your Majesty, that's right!" Su Bucheng bowed, his body smelling sour and his hair and beard disheveled.
He was summoned as soon as he returned to Chang'an along with the prefect Li Hongshi, the imperial attendant Wei Shutong, and the imperial attendant Li Zhongyan.
"You are not in Dayu Mountain, why did you think of digging through Dayu Mountain?" asked Tian Khan.
"Your Majesty, I, along with Governor Lu and Assistant General Wang, believe that Dayu Mountain is the main route from Lingnan to the Central Plains, with waterways on both sides. However, the road to Dayu Mountain is steep and dangerous, with only a small path for passage, like an intestinal obstruction, greatly hindering north-south transportation. It is necessary to dig through it.
This will promote the flow of merchants between the north and the south, facilitate cultural exchange between the Central Plains and Lingnan, and facilitate the smooth implementation of imperial decrees." Su Bucheng replied.
"Well, that makes sense! But for thousands of years, everyone has been following that path. Why do you think you can carve out a smooth road?" Tian Khan asked again.
Lingnan has always been considered remote, not only because of its remote location but also because of its dangerous roads. This affected the imperial court's control over Lingnan, and the court never thought of digging through or widening the roads.
It wasn't until these two memorials that they had an epiphany!
"Su Qing, take another look at this memorial!" Tian Khan handed over another one.
This was a letter submitted by my second brother Su Buqing in his capacity as a Deputy Minister of Works, advocating the excavation of Dayu Mountain, and was written in more detail.
It is recommended to conduct on-site surveys, select a flat area, and rebuild a wide cement road to facilitate the passage of vehicles and horses.
Attached is a map of Dayuling Mountain, with estimated construction period, work volume, cost, etc. However, as the site inspection has not yet taken place, it is only a rough estimate.
A secret memorial was also attached, and Su Bucheng looked at the emperor.
"Cement formula! Look!" Tian Khan laughed.
"Yes!" Su Bucheng opened it. It turned out that cement was developed just after he left and was already used on the roads in Jinfengzhai.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" Su Bucheng bowed.
The Minister of Works Duan Lun, the Junior Supervisor of the Imperial Household Yan Lide, the Prefect of Jingzhao Li Hongshi, Wei Shutong and Li Zhongyan all stretched their necks to see what cement was.
Su Laoer was in charge of road construction in Lingnan Road and had the privilege of making direct reports.
But Su Lao Er went through the Ministry of Works and submitted his request to Shangshu Duan Lun.
When he took office, Duan Lun wrote a special letter, explaining many matters, giving some suggestions and showing goodwill.
The idea of digging through Dayuling Mountain was bold, avant-garde and extremely creative. Regardless of whether it was successful or not, it would win a good reputation.
Su Laoer returned the favor by submitting it through Duan Lun, which also made his boss proud.
Duan Lun was stunned after reading the letter. What a bold idea! His blood instantly boiled over and he was full of fighting spirit!
He understood Su Laoer's meaning and immediately submitted it to the Secretariat.
The cement formula inside has not been opened and is presented intact.
"Judging from what Mr. Su said, does he want to dig through Dayu Mountain and put it in front?" asked Tian Khan.
"Your Majesty, once cement is developed, Wu County and Tong County can simultaneously build cement roads. The villagers of Huanggou Village are all capable people, and with the help of the few managers sent by the Ministry of Works, we are more than capable of handling the situation.
Su Yuanwailang can spare some time to inspect Dayuling Mountain on the spot. If all goes well, he can organize construction during the winter farming off-season to dig through the mountain as soon as possible, thus accelerating communication between the north and the south.
"Well, that's a good idea! Mr. Duan, look, you have people in the Ministry of Works! This Mr. Su is good!" Tian Khan said to Duan Lun.
"Your Majesty is wise!" Duan Lun felt very happy.
"Your Ministry of Works should review and approve it and reply as soon as possible." Tian Khan immediately issued an order.
He then said to Du Youxiang, "Keming, the governor of Wuzhou is not bad. He has courage and determination. He has governed Wuzhou effectively. When the imperial envoys are summoned this year, let him return to the capital!"
The envoys would return to the capital in December every year to report to the court on the local government's achievements for the year, and return to their local areas after the New Year.
Different from Feng Xu's functions as the Chaojishi, Feng Xu was the highest official in Lingnan Road. In addition to managing Lingnan's government affairs, he also collected local tributes.
During Lu Zhao's time, the envoys to the imperial court were local governors or people with outstanding abilities, who would report on their work when they returned to the capital. Sometimes they could also be deputy governors or chief secretaries.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Du Ruhui responded.
"Father, is cement so powerful? If bamboo strips are added in the middle, it will become indestructible?" Crown Prince Li Chengqian attended the meeting today to learn how to handle state affairs.
The idea of digging through Dayuling Mountain opened his eyes, and looking at cement was even more incredible.
"Haha, you haven't seen it before, Aye hasn't seen it either!" Tian Khan was also curious.
"Yan Qing, take this formula and create it as soon as possible! Replace all the yellow muddy roads in Chang'an City with cement roads! Even a small village in Lingnan has cement roads, while the people of Chang'an City are still walking on muddy roads!"
The south of Chang'an City is high and the north is low. Only Zhuque Street and the main roads on both sides are paved with bluestone roads. The roads near the city are all yellow mud roads.
Whenever it rained, officials attending court and common people going in and out of the imperial palace in the north of the city could only walk on the yellow mud.
Because the cost of laying bluestone slabs was high, the imperial court had no money to carry out the construction.
Now it can be repaired with cheap cement, bamboo strips, sand and gravel. The Khan waved his hand and issued an order without any burden.
"Yes! Your Majesty!" Yan Lide held the cement formula as if he had found a treasure.
"Once the cement is produced, the Ministry of Works and Jingzhao Prefecture will work together to start construction as soon as possible!" Tian Khan said to Duan Lun and Li Hongshi.
Walking in the hall with his hands behind his back, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of Wei Shutong and Li Zhongyan. They were wrinkled and unshaven, and were looking at him eagerly.
A thought came to his mind. "Mr. Wei and Mr. Li have made great contributions in exterminating locusts and preventing floods. As for the construction of Chang'an City, you two will each take the position of construction supervisor for Chang'an and Wannian County."
"I obey your order!" Wei Shutong and Li Zhongyan responded happily.
Not to mention how much money is involved, the task that neither the Ministry of Works nor the Jingzhao Prefecture has received was given to them. This is a favor and an honor!
"You must complete the road for me! I will personally inspect it when the time comes!" Tian Khan said sternly, "If you cut corners or do a perfunctory job, you two will be held accountable."
"We will definitely live up to your Majesty's trust!" the two men bowed.
"Your Majesty!" Su Bucheng bowed.
"Su Qing, what's the matter?" asked Tian Khan.
"I believe that Chang'an should not only pave the roads with cement, but also dredge the sewers and cover them with cement. This will prevent sewage from splashing onto the road surface during sunny and rainy days and polluting the groundwater."
"Well, what Su Qing said is very true! Jingzhao Prefecture, the Ministry of Works, and the General Administration of Works should get the sewage pipeline drawings in Chang'an City as soon as possible, unify the planning, and complete the construction in one step." Tian Khan said.
"I obey your order!" Duan Lun, Li Hongshi and Yan Lide bowed.
Sewage discharge in Chang'an City has always been a headache problem because the population was too large. During the Zhenguan period, the population reached hundreds of thousands, approaching one million.
The daily domestic water consumption is large, and water is supplied from five sources outside the city, including the Ba River and Wei River.
The corresponding domestic sewage discharge is large, directly poured onto the ground and seeps into the ground.
The newly built Chang'an City during the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty had only been there for a few decades when the groundwater was severely polluted and the water in the wells was salty and bitter.
Now that we have cement, we can try to solve the sewage problem.
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