Chapter 498: The Prince's Wrists Contain Water to Attack the Sand
Chapter 498: The Prince's Wrists Contain Water to Attack the Sand
Near noon, Lu Yunyi came to the Ministry of Works from the military camp and met Shangshu Qin Kui.
The Shangshu's office was very large, with both square and round tables.
The two of them were now sitting on mahogany chairs beside a square table, on which was brewed Pu'er tea.
Qin Kui quickly told him what happened in Wuying Palace this morning.
Lu Yunyi was confused after hearing what they said. He didn't know why they were arguing like that, and he also seemed to understand the prince's final decision.
Seeing him like this, Qin Kui scratched his gray beard and said with a smile:
"Everyone in the court can see that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is protecting you.
The company must make a name for itself, otherwise His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will lose his prestige."
Lu Yunyi did not hide anything and asked directly:
"Please enlighten me, Lord Qin."
Qin Kui pursed his lips and asked something else:
"Four months later, can the company come up with two hundred thousand taels of silver?"
"If everything goes well, of course I can." Lu Yunyi answered frankly.
In his calculations, the business's ability to make money would exceed everyone's imagination.
Two hundred thousand taels may seem like a lot, but the business is all-encompassing, so it shouldn't be a big problem.
Qin Kui nodded with confidence and smiled:
"That's all. The Ministry of Revenue will not cause you any more trouble in the next four months."
A hint of doubt flashed across Lu Yunyi's eyes.
Qin Kui said calmly:
"The company's two hundred thousand taels of silver will be used for nearly ten percent of the river repairs.
The company didn't have to pay this money, so don't feel unhappy now that it has.
This is a way to shut up the public and also to show the attitude to the court officials.
Moreover, two hundred thousand taels of silver is not a small amount.
Even the Ministry of Revenue must be treated with caution. If Yang Jing targets you again,
If he lets these two hundred thousand taels of silver go to waste, then he can just wait to be impeached and sent back home."
A gleam of light flashed in Qin Kui's eyes:
"Even if someone trips you up during this period,
The Ministry of Revenue may also lend a hand and help you avoid some troubles."
Lu Yunyi understood a little bit. The two hundred thousand taels were protection money.
They can even attract some people who were originally on the sidelines to come in by sharing the money and provide protection for the business.
Calculated this way, it's well worth it.
but
"Sir Qin, is it in compliance with the regulations for the Ministry of Revenue to take money from the merchant bank?
Will this leave hidden dangers?"
"Are you afraid that the six ministries will all take money from the merchant bank in the future?"
Lu Yunyi nodded. He did have this concern.
Some things cannot be started. Once there is an omission, other troubles will come one after another.
"You can rest assured about this. The Ministry of Revenue gets its money from the Governor's Office and the Ministry of Works.
The bank's money belongs to the bank, and at the end of the year the bank must distribute dividends.
The money was given to the Governor's Office and the Ministry of Works, and then handed over to the Ministry of Revenue.
There will definitely be a lot of arguing, and it’s still unclear whether the Governor’s Office is willing to give it.”
Lu Yunyi's expression froze, "Master Qin, are you still going to deny your debt?"
"Why not? Raising money is the job of the Ministry of Revenue.
Now Yang Jing can't do his job well and needs to get money from other places. Isn't this incompetence?
Whether you give it or not, you will inevitably be scolded.
It's hard to say whether Yang Jing will have to bear the consequences. "
As soon as these words were spoken, the huge and stuffy government office suddenly became a little chilly.
Lu Yunyi's breathing suddenly tightened as he realized the trap!
Two hundred thousand taels may seem generous,
But it is evidence that the head of the Ministry of Revenue is incompetent.
If the Ministry of Revenue really took this money, that would be trouble.
Moreover, during this period,
The Ministry of Revenue also had to provide protection for the business to prevent the two hundred thousand taels of silver from being lost.
Such money has become a hot potato!
Thoughts flashed through Lu Yunyi's eyes. There was naturally a way to break the impasse.
That is, the Ministry of Revenue successfully raised 2.2 million taels of silver for river repairs, thus shutting everyone up.
But this is the best outcome for the business and the court.
The Ministry of Revenue completed its task, the business company got time to build successfully, and the Governor's Office and the Ministry of Works also had money!
As for the price, it is nothing more than an illusory 200,000 taels of silver. Whether to pay it or not is another matter.
After realizing this, Lu Yunyi couldn't help but hold his breath!
Only today did he truly see the hidden agenda behind the court struggles.
As for whether there were other plans involved, he couldn't see clearly.
Pursing his lips, Lu Yunyi looked at Qin Kui:
"Sir Qin, I cannot figure out the affairs of the court. I think the affairs of the craftsmen and the army are simpler."
"Ha ha ha ha."
Qin Kui saw his dejected look and laughed heartily:
"You, you are so ungrateful after getting the advantage.
When I was 20 years old, I was still studying at the Imperial College.
You are already in a high position and have walked the path that others walk in a lifetime. What else is there to be dissatisfied about?
As for some of the methods used in the court, you have only seen a little of them.
After a few years, we will see more of them. Officials from various departments have gone through this. "
"In that case, getting promoted too quickly might not be a good thing." Lu Yunyi said thoughtfully.
Qin Kui looked at him in surprise and nodded slightly:
“It’s great that you can understand this.
There was no telling how many third-rank commanders there were in the world, but there were only a dozen or so third-rank officials in the entire court.
There are so many people eyeing this position, and it is much more difficult than being a commander.
But you are still young, and a great general with military merits.
The Crown Prince and His Majesty will protect you and give you enough time to grow.
If you really can't avoid it, you can also use the marching method. "
Speaking of this, Qin Kui smiled:
"Several governors in the governor's office would often curse and even fight in the court.
It is a means to break the impasse. If you are in the military, you can also use it."
Lu Yunyi was shocked, but he soon figured it out. Using force to break the law might also be a good idea.
"Thank you, Lord Qin. I still think that military matters are straightforward."
“To be honest, I am also confused.
If he hadn't become the Shangshu for no apparent reason,
I am probably still studying how to repair the river bank.”
A trace of worry flashed across Qin Kui's eyes, and he sighed:
"There is more and more silt in the Yellow River now. If it accumulates for another year,
The dam is about to burst and the water will be diverted, and the Ministry of Works will be busy again.
Others say that the Ministry of Works is a hard-working government office. If you do a good job, it's your duty. If you don't do a good job, you will be scolded by the officials and the people.
I couldn’t feel it before, but now that I’m the head of the Ministry of Industry, I feel it deeply.”
After hearing this, Lu Yunyi's eyes flashed with a gleam of light, and he suddenly remembered something:
"Master Qin, are we repairing the riverbank now because of the silt blockage?"
"Yes, it has been two years now, so it should be almost time."
Lu Yunyi nodded thoughtfully and said:
"Have you, Lord Qin, ever been to the Beijing Army camp?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"I have installed a new device in the barracks, called a shower, which can continuously flow water from a high place, enhancing the use of water and preventing it from being wasted. It is used to cool down the soldiers.
Among them, there is a pressurizing device.
It can make the water flow turbulent, and even make the original dirt road slightly sunken. "
Qin Kui frowned, somewhat confused.
Lu Yunyi continued:
"The Yellow River has silt every year, and successive dynasties have dug and repaired it every year.
There were even cases of neglect.
But this is not a long-term solution. If we want to tame the Yellow River, we need to change the fundamental problem.”
"What do you mean?" "Either plant trees upstream to stabilize the soil, or completely solve the silt problem."
Qin Kui shook his head helplessly:
"It's impossible to plant trees. People can't even get enough to eat, so how can they spare the energy to plant trees?
As for solving the silt problem, the imperial court does not have that much money.
Now it costs 2.2 million taels to repair the river bank.
If we dig the silt, even five million taels of silver won't be enough.
And even if we dig this year, no one can guarantee what will happen next year.
If there is another flood next year, the silt will be cleared in vain. It is better to build a dam.
At least there is an object there, and it is easier to explain to the superiors and subordinates."
Lu Yunyi lowered his head slightly, with a hint of hesitation on his face.
He was considering whether to tell Qin Kui about the "method of using water to attack sand".
This method is also to repair river embankments and tighten the river channel.
But compared to building dams on both sides of the river, it would cost much less money.
Moreover, the constructed Liudi and Yaodi can be used for a long time and will be useful as long as there is water.
But in this way, the Ministry of Revenue would not be facing the current dilemma.
This may not be a good thing for businesses, the Governor's Office, and the Ministry of Industry.
After thinking for a long time, Lu Yunyi decided to let the court consider it.
"I think the shower can wash away most of the sand on the ground, so it may not be unable to wash away the silt.
The Yellow River is always turbulent, and only needs a little restraint.
You can achieve the effect of a "shower", maybe you can give it a try. "
Qin Kui looked puzzled.
Lu Yunyi simply took a pen and paper and started writing and drawing on the paper. Soon a simple river channel appeared on the paper.
He handed the paper to Qin Kui and explained:
"Sir Qin, the dike was built near the river.
The embankment is low and solid, and can guide water back to the channel.
Enable the river water to flow in a fixed main channel to form a concentrated water flow.
Once the flow rate is increased, the water will naturally wash away the riverbed sediment!
A remote dike can be built on the beach two to three miles outside the Lu Dike, mainly used to block and store flood water during the flood season.
When encountering a major flood, even if the thin dike is destroyed, the remote dike can still play a role in blocking water.
Between the two, a dike can be built to stabilize the beach.
Slowing down the flow of water on the beach will cause the silt to settle on the beach, and maybe even create some fertile fields.”
Qin Kui stared blankly at the somewhat sloppy sketch in front of him, his pupils shaking slightly and his brows furrowed to the extreme!
He looked towards the door and shouted, "Call Wang Chen over!"
Wang Chen was a doctor in the Dushui Qingli Division.
Its most important work is river management and river embankment repair!
Qin Kui looked at the sketch for a long time without saying a word, thinking in his mind.
We are all craftsmen, and we can see that this picture is exquisite!
But he was still a little unsure.
After a while, an old man in his fifties came hurriedly.
He was thin and had dark skin. If he hadn't been wearing an official uniform, he would have looked like a porter at the dock.
"Sir, you're looking for me?
"Come, take a look at this draft and see if it can be used for dredging." Qin Kui handed over the document in his hand.
Wang Chen was a little skeptical at first, but after taking it, he just took a look at it.
His brows were furrowed like Qin Kui's, and he also remained silent for a long time.
“Are you using the Yellow River’s turbulent water to clear the silt?”
Wang Chen is indeed a doctor of the Dushui Qingli Division.
He quickly figured out the key and asked thoughtfully.
Qin Kui felt ridiculous when he saw him like this:
"Can it be done?"
"This, this. Your humble servant, your humble servant is a little unsure and needs to calculate carefully.
Even dams need to be built and drafted, but”
"But what?"
"This method is novel and has given me some inspiration."
Wang Chen frowned, thinking:
"Sir, the Yellow River flows downstream,
In the Jin-Shaan Gorge section at the junction of Shanxi and Shaanxi,
The Yellow River flows through the canyon, with high mountains on both sides. The river channel is narrow and the water flows fast. The river water rushes down.
There, I personally went into the river to explore the river course.
We found that there was very little silt there, all of which had been washed away by the rushing water.
The main places for accumulation are the downstream areas where the water flow is slower.
Once it reaches the plain, the flow rate drops sharply.
The river's ability to carry sediment was greatly reduced, and a large amount of sediment began to accumulate.
The main accumulation areas are in the eastern part of Henan Province and Shandong Province.
Moreover, there are almost no decent tributaries flowing into these two places.
It all depends on the water flow itself to dilute and transport the silt, but the effect is seen, and it is better than nothing.
But if we can speed up the water flow through human intervention, maybe it will be possible."
"What can it do?"
Qin Kui's eyes shone brightly and he couldn't wait to ask.
"It can wash away some of the silt and alleviate the siltation. Even if it can't completely solve the problem, it can at least alleviate it."
"you sure?"
Qin Kui's voice suddenly rose several tones! !
"No, no, no, I'm not sure. This method is unheard of and needs to be carefully calculated!"
Qin Kui stood up suddenly and said in a hurried voice:
"Then what are you still standing there for? Gather all the craftsmen in the capital from the Du Shui Division and count them all!!!"
He turned to look at Lu Yunyi and asked:
"Lord Lu, can we let the people from the Water Department take a look at the military shower facilities? Maybe they can give us some inspiration!"
"Naturally."
Lu Yunyi called Feng Yunfang over and gave him some instructions.
After a while, he hurried away with Wang Chen!
Qin Kui watched them leave, and his smile gradually faded.
He slowly sat down with the sketch in his hand, staring at it intently, his eyes filled with thought.
After an unknown amount of time, he finally let out a sigh:
"Master Lu, you have given me a difficult problem,"
We are all craftsmen, and we can tell at a glance whether a method is effective or not.
The river bank in front of me has an orderly beauty, and the rushing river is tightly restrained, just like a waist tightly restrained by a dress!
The method is unique and worth a try.
But the timing was wrong.
Now is the time for a court battle. Once this thing appears,
This will give the Ministry of Revenue sufficient reasons, and the original pressure will be transferred from the Ministry of Revenue to the Ministry of Works.
Qin Kui turned his head to look at Lu Yunyi and sneered:
"Master Lu, if this method can really work, or really do something,
Should we report this matter to the court?"
Seeing the ball kicked back, Lu Yunyi did not kick it back, but said in a loud voice:
"River management is a top priority in the world. This method was discovered by chance.
If it can be used, it must be used in river management to benefit people all over the world.
As for the court struggles, in my opinion, there is no need to worry about them.
Right and wrong will be judged by history books.”
"it is good!"
Qin Kui stood up with a bang, his face full of admiration.
He looked at Lu Yunyi and praised him generously:
"Lord Lu's awareness makes me ashamed.
Although I don't like soldiers,
But I have to say that when it comes to right and wrong, Lord Lu sees things more clearly than we do. This method will be submitted to the court immediately after verification."
"Also, Sir Lu, please rest assured.
Since the business is jointly managed by the Governor's Office and the Ministry of Industry,
No matter what kind of suppression or obstruction there is, the Ministry of Industry will take care of it. Lord Lu, please do your work with confidence."
Lu Yunyi also stood up and bowed to him:
"Thank you, Master Qin."
(End of this chapter)