However, Xuantian had already gotten used to it. His son was too stubborn. Even the emperor could not be more stubborn than him.
The only requirement for him now is that he doesn't make any big mistakes.
Traveling along the way in a horse-drawn carriage, I discovered that more than just the highway had been repaired.
Even the ordinary paths are very flat.
Especially the people coming and going, their clothes are all very neat.
It doesn't look like they just suffered from a flood and are starving.
Moreover, he looked very energetic and didn't look like he was starving.
This shows that the people's lives have been fully guaranteed.
Xuantian already had an idea in his mind.
Make sure that Ye did not commit any fraud.
When we arrived at the riverbank, we saw a lot of people working there.
At first glance, it is so densely packed that there are countless roots.
But everything is in order.
Pedestrians and carriages were specially separated to prevent collisions.
Standing on the riverbank and looking towards the river, it is very spectacular.
Shangguan Qi was extremely surprised. He had thought that it would be good enough if they could just plug the breached riverbank.
Unexpectedly, the entire riverbank has been completely transformed.
All of them are made of piled-up stones, with white lime in the middle to reinforce them, solidifying them into a whole and making them stronger.
There are actually many large irregular shaped blocks on the inner side of the river bank, which should be fired bricks.
Shangguan Qi asked in confusion, "What's that thing on the inside of the riverbank? Why are there so many of them?"
"This is specially designed to prevent waves from hitting the river bank!
Have you noticed that although the river is flowing very fast, the waves on the water's edge are very small.
These irregular blocks can reduce waves.
The erosion of the riverbank will be less, and no damage will be done to any area.”
Ye explained.
"I never thought there was such a theory! But widening it so much will narrow the river. Wouldn't it be more likely to overflow during the rainy season?"
Shangguan Qi was still a little confused.
"That's right! This is not a joke!" Xuantian's face was serious.
"Father and Prime Minister, please don't worry. I had someone do this on purpose."
Ye said confidently: "In the past, the only way to control the river was to widen the river or to strengthen the riverbank.
However, such an approach is like drinking poison to quench thirst, and floods will still occur every few years.
According to our investigation, the frequent occurrence of floods is precisely the result of errors in the flood control methods.
Widening the river channel seems to be able to handle greater water flows.
However, the silt washed in from upstream continues to settle and accumulate on the riverbed, raising it.
It won't be long before the riverbank bursts.
That's why I did the opposite and studied ways to control water flow and attack sand, making the river narrower and the water flow faster.
In this way, the river water will wash all the deposited silt downstream.
The lower the riverbed gets, the safer it will become.”
Neither of them had expected that there would be such a statement regarding river management, and both felt very surprised.
"I never thought it could be this way. No wonder river management was so ineffective before."
Shangguan Qi was shocked.
Xu Ye smiled and said, "We have already built more than seventy meters of river channel, and we will continue to build it down to the estuary.
I no longer have to worry about a river bursting its banks.
Many ditches were also prepared as flood discharge outlets.
Even if there is continuous heavy rain, floodwaters can be discharged at multiple locations to reduce the pressure on the river.
It's just minor flooding and won't have a big impact on crops.
Furthermore, by diverting water through the canals, we can catch a lot of fish, which increases local income.”
Looking at the endless riverbank, Xuantian was extremely shocked.
I didn't expect that my son would create a miracle.
He actually solved the biggest headache that had troubled him for many years.
If floods really do not happen again, it will not only benefit the people, but also save the national treasury a lot of money on disaster relief.
Increasing irrigation capacity can significantly increase grain yields.
If more grain is harvested, the court can also collect more taxes.
This is the key to a strong country.
"Well, well, this trip wasn't in vain! It's truly a blessing to be able to see the river embankment being built with my own eyes."
At this moment, Xuantian has completely recognized Ye's ability.
He alone has a greater impact than the entire Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue combined.
"There is also an idea to build several sluice gates along the river.
Firstly, it can be used as a bridge to facilitate travel between the two sides.
In addition, in times of drought, the water supply can be cut off and stored to irrigate farmland.
Whether in the rainy season or the dry season, we can have a good harvest.
It's just that the construction of sluices along the way will cost a lot.
I'm afraid it's not enough for me to earn money just by relying on you, I need more money from the court..."
He repeated his idea, saying that as long as it could be built, it would benefit generations to come.
Xuantian agreed without hesitation.
Although it requires a large sum of money, it is very cost-effective in the long run.
After all, if a drought occurs, the food will be taken away.
Namwon is the largest granary and will suffer huge losses.
Not only was it impossible to collect taxes, the court also had to allocate a large amount of silver to help the victims.
The loss of one flood is enough to build many sluice gates.
"I agree. Just tell me how much money you need, and I'll do my best to satisfy you."
Seeing that things were going very smoothly, Ye smiled and said, "Two million taels of silver a year is enough! The local area can also make money continuously. Besides, building a sluice gate is not something that can be done overnight.
We will strive to build one every year, and if we build about ten, the entire river basin will be turned into fertile farmland in a few years.
We will no longer be plagued by floods and droughts, and we will definitely be able to produce more food."
"You have made great contributions to the court. Please let me know what reward you would like."
"I do not want any reward, as long as the country is peaceful and the people are safe, I will be satisfied.
Your Majesty, father, should understand my character.
As long as the world is at peace, I can devote myself to business and do what I love most." Ye replied happily.
Xuantian started to have a headache again.
He hated the other princes fighting for power the most.
But the Sixth Prince had no interest in fighting for power.
But he is the only one who is most suitable to inherit the throne.
He had already received news that Yunlu Pavilion wanted to take advantage of the flood to win over people's hearts.
As a result, I spent a lot of money but didn't get any effect.
All the common people were grateful to Ye and had long forgotten what happened to Shi Wushuang.
His sixth son was extremely capable. Even if he inherited the throne now, he could still govern the country in an orderly manner.
Logically speaking, with such powerful abilities, one should be cautious and vigilant.
But what Xuantian was most worried about was that Ye had no interest in inheriting the throne.
"I don't object to you being interested in business, but you still have to help me with some things.
I have received news that the barbarians have won over the Jin Kingdom and Qiqihar, and are beginning to make moves again.
I am currently short of manpower, since I have successfully completed the disaster relief work.
Just come to the capital and help me deal with the situation." Xuantian said.
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