Chapter 53: Flood Disaster Erupts, Shocking the Court and Populace

Jiangning Prefecture flood disaster broke out.

The imperial palace received the news immediately; the Supervisorate of Heaven, with its special transmission lines, had already sent it at the very first moment.

Meanwhile, the external messages were only delivered to the Six Ministries.

One could say this matter instantly ignited the entire court and populace.

After all, precautions against the flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture had begun half a month earlier, with grain transported and walls reinforced; preparations had long been in place.

But unexpectedly, the flood disaster truly erupted.

At this very moment.

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Emperor Yongsheng gazed at one memorial after another, his face extremely solemn.

On the memorials was the latest intelligence.

The flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture had always been a concern of the court.

But the most worrying thing still happened.

Originally, according to the court's plan, grain would be transported first, then elite troops and Great Scholars dispatched to suppress the demons; as long as no levee breach occurred, this calamity would be nipped in the bud.

But who would have thought it would change so quickly? How could this emperor not be worried? "Your Majesty, Premier Zhou, and the five ministers are waiting outside the hall; shall I summon them?"

At this moment, Wei Xian's voice sounded from outside the hall.

"Summon."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

He swept away his solemnity, replacing it with calm.

Soon, the six appeared one after another.

These six are the pinnacle of Da Xia's civil officials.

The leader is Zhou Shan.

Today's Premier of Da Xia, a first-rank official.

Next came the Minister of Personnel, Hu Yong.

Minister of Revenue, He Yan.

Minister of Justice, Xu Ping.

Minister of War, Zhao Yiyang.

Minister of Works, Wang Qixin.

Minister of Rites, Yang Kai, was bedridden with illness and thus could not come.

"We, your subjects, pay homage to Your Majesty; may Your Majesty live ten thousand, ten thousand, myriad myriad years."

A loud shout rose, and the six bowed before Emperor Yongsheng.

He then waved his hand, and the attendant eunuch Liu Yan handed the memorials to these officials.

The six took the memorials, glanced over them briefly, and soon each of their expressions slightly changed.

"The worst outcome has still occurred."

"Honored officials, do you have any good strategies?"

He spoke, looking at the six, hoping these ministers could offer substantive advice.

The flood disaster's horror lies not in destroyed fields nor casualties, but in ongoing destruction.

Unlike other natural or man-made calamities.

If such a flood is not timely checked, it will become ever more terrifying, and its impact will grow year by year; that is the truly frightening aspect.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe that although the dam has now breached, it is not yet the worst outcome."

"The first batch of grain and fodder has already been transported; it should arrive in Jiangning Prefecture within a few days."

"Moreover, the Suspension Lamp Bureau has taken Great Scholars there; as long as they suppress the water demons, they can effectively halt the flood."

"I suggest sending two more Great Scholars to strive to suppress the water demons in the shortest time."

"Afterward, Da Xia's troops will take over relief efforts, minimizing losses; as for all damaged farmland, after the flood ends, the court will allocate funds, localities will donate, and we will replan—although this will affect harvests for the next two years."

"If we can endure these hard days, the flood disaster will be completely quelled."

At this moment, Minister of Revenue He Yan spoke first.

He weighed the pros and cons from an economic standpoint: suppress the demons first, then relieve; as long as people survive, we can gradually clean up.

But as soon as he said that, the Minister of Justice beside him shook his head.

"Impossible."

"Although suppressing demons is key, relief should come first."

"Your Majesty, the dam in Jiangning Prefecture is destroyed; surely the people will lack livelihood, then refugees will gather, easily affecting surrounding areas."

"At that point, civil unrest is likely; I believe we must first relieve, then speak—open granaries everywhere to ensure the populace does not concentrate, letting surrounding prefectures share the burden."

"As for the water demon disaster, there is no need to deal with it immediately."

Minister of Justice Xu Ping spoke.

"Suppressing water demons is indeed important, but as a Minister of Justice, he understands better how terrifying civil unrest can be."

"It's not the number of refugees we fear, but their gathering; imagine millions of refugees huddled together—no prefecture would dare speak out."

"Then comes the locust plague; that is truly the most terrifying aspect."

"In the face of death, human nature can be fully exposed."

"Even if the court devises various plans, they are useless; the starving populace and refugees have no time to listen to your orders." Upon saying this, several ministers nodded.

But the Minister of War shook his head.

"Minister Xu, your statement is mistaken."

"Your Majesty, I believe that suppressing demons is the most important; otherwise, even if we evacuate the populace, if dikes break repeatedly, it will become troublesome."

Minister of War Zhao Yiyang expressed his opinion.

What several people said posed no problem.

However, Emperor Yongsheng's gaze fell upon Zhou Shan.

"Zhou Shan, what are your thoughts?"

He asked directly.

He then stepped forward and slowly spoke.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe that whether suppressing demons or providing disaster relief, both are of utmost importance."

"However, suppressing demons is easy to say; dispatch a few Great Scholars and elite troops, and the turmoil will eventually be quelled."

"But the true focus lies in disaster relief; the Jiangning Prefecture is encircled by the great river, and merely the diversion channels number in the hundreds."

"For now, the situation has not yet reached its worst, but I worry that if something even worse occurs, it will bring a million refugees."

"As Minister Xu said, if refugees gather, no prefecture would dare to take them in; even if the court issued orders, local officials would not dare to act."

"That is when the real trouble lies."

"Therefore I suggest taking the capital of Jiangning Prefecture as the main base, selecting ten prefectures and counties to transport grain and fodder there, designating them as relief sites; Your Majesty, then issue an edict to transport all official grain there."

"Furthermore, immediately notify the people of Jiangning, give advance warning; if they truly encounter a flood, they should go directly to the relief sites."

"As long as the people are safe, everything can be discussed."

Zhou Shan spoke.

He put forward his ideas and suggestions.

He also agreed that disaster relief comes first, yet he cleverly eased the pressure of relief while also solving the grain transport problem.

Otherwise, transporting all supplies at once to the capital of Jiangning Prefecture would take much time; it would be better to set up ten relief points, have the court issue an edict, give advance warning, which would also as much as possible solve the problem of refugee concentration.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

However, Emperor Yongsheng remained calm.

He pondered briefly.

Then he spoke slowly.

"What is the worst-case plan?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

As for offering strategies, he was not particularly concerned.

What he now cares most about is, if the worst-case scenario occurs, what would it be?

Upon saying these words.

The six people fell silent.

But ultimately, Chancellor Zhou Shan spoke.

"Your Majesty."

"If we consider the worst-case plan."

"Jiangning Prefecture's important routes are destroyed, increasing the time and cost of grain transport, refugees gather, and water demons continue to stir up trouble."

"At that point, the entire Jiangning Prefecture may well experience a massive uprising; floods have occurred there many times throughout history, the worst of which saw three million dead, ten million injured, and forty years of desolate wilderness."

Zhou Shan spoke.

This is his description of the situation based on ancient records.

Upon saying this, everyone's expressions turned extremely grave.

But He Yan's voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, there is actually no need to worry excessively; I am aware of this to some extent, and the reason such an ancient tragedy occurred is entirely due to the concentration of refugees, lack of management, shortage of food, and official corruption, which together bred the catastrophe."

"Within Da Xia, grain and fodder are still sufficient; even if the waterways are truly damaged making transport difficult, relying on aid from various prefectures and counties, as long as no large-scale uprising occurs before relief grain arrives, such a tragedy basically cannot happen."

Minister of Revenue He Yan said as such.

His analysis was also thorough and logical.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng's expression finally eased a little.

Thereafter he continued speaking.

"Since that is the case, we shall act according to Zhou Shan's words."

"However, the Ministry of War shall order Marquis Yeyi to lead fifty thousand troops to Jiangning Prefecture, coordinating with local garrison officials to fight floods and relieve disaster, with the people as the priority."

"Furthermore, the Ministry of Revenue shall immediately requisition grain and fodder, transport it to Jiangning Prefecture, ensuring that refugees have food, then issue an edict for Da Xia to raise disaster relief silver, with court officials taking the lead."

"Wei Xian, how much silver remains in the inner treasury?"

Emperor Yongsheng inquired.

"Your Majesty, there are still about one hundred thousand taels of silver."

He replied.

"Keep thirty thousand taels, and donate the rest."

He spoke, appearing very magnanimous.

But this act's meaning is simple: the emperor personally takes the lead in fundraising, keeping only a small portion; if the civil and military officials are not ashamed, they can wait for settling accounts later.

"Your Majesty is sagacious."

"Long live Your Majesty!"

At this moment, the six people spoke in unison, regardless of sincerity, they immediately praised.

And at the same time.

Outside the Da Xia Academy.

Under the huge plaque, at this moment it was already bustling with carriages and horses.

Carriage after carriage gathered here.

Those who can enter the Da Xia Academy hardly come from poor families.

At least there are no utterly poor families.

Even the poorest family, if selected by the Da Xia Academy, would surely become prosperous; they wouldn't even need to become officials, and the local county government would have already sent good farmland and silver to their home. However, they have come all the way.

Gu Jin Nian, through the window, saw some scholars walking here.

They looked dusty and weary; they probably set out two days earlier.

And at this moment.

Under the plaque.

A loud voice rang out.

"Please disembark here, fellow students."

The voice was loud, showing great vigor.

It was a teacher.

Though his head was full of white hair, he appeared spirited.

As the teacher's voice rang out, everyone on the carriages slowly appeared.

Gu Jin Nian also did not stay seated in the jade palanquin for long.

Like everyone else, he slowly walked out together.

After Gu Jin Nian walked out.

A voice immediately rang out.

"Your Highness the Prince, Your Highness the Prince."

The voice sounded familiar; it was Wang Fugui's voice.

He was on the left, his carriage extremely luxurious, inlaid with all kinds of gems, though still inferior to Gu Jin Nian's jade palanquin.

"Brother Wang, it's been a while."

Seeing Wang Fugui, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but smile.

Back in Xiaoxi Village, this person had always helped me, although he didn't actually do much, he had supported me from beginning to end.

Therefore we could become close friends.

"Your Highness the Prince, it's been days; I really miss you, your humble brother."

"I originally wanted to visit your mansion, but thinking you might be busy, I didn't dare to intrude; I hope you'll forgive me."

Wang Fugui is good at speaking.

He came trotting over, smiling broadly.

"Brother Wang, no need to be polite; if you want to find me in the future, just come directly."

"Also, no need for formal titles; just call me Brother Gu."

Gu Jin Nian patted Wang Fugui's shoulder and said with a smile.

"Okay, Your Highness—oh, no, Brother Gu, your recent essay is renowned throughout Da Xia; now everyone in Da Xia knows it."

"I specially sent a letter to my father, informing him of this achievement; my father warmly invites you, so if you ever go to Suzhou in the future, you must definitely let me know—I guarantee I'll arrange everything perfectly."

Wang Fugui said with a laugh.

Gu Jin Nian merely nodded.

He then turned his gaze.

Under the plaque, several teachers also cast their gazes, their eyes carrying a smile.

Gu Jin Nian gave a slight smile, nodded, counting it as having met those teachers.

And just then.

After everyone had gathered.

The teacher spoke again.

"Fellow students."

"Behind me, there are three roads leading to the Da Xia Academy."

"However, these three roads represent three different halls; the first is the Chao Sheng Hall, taught by twelve Great Scholars."

"The second is the Wang Sheng Hall, taught solely by Mr. Wenjing."

"The third is the Zhi Sheng Hall, taught by the remaining Great Scholars or teachers of the academy."

"And you must choose among these three roads; I hope you follow your true hearts, for otherwise entering the wrong hall will not allow you to switch."

The teacher spoke, informing everyone of this matter.

As soon as he said this, it immediately sparked considerable discussion.

"May I ask, Teacher, if a student enters the Chao Sheng Hall, will they be unable to attend lectures in the other halls? Or will they not be able to listen to Mr. Wenjing's teachings?"

Someone curious asked the question everyone wanted to ask.

Coming to the Da Xia Academy is naturally for study; as for connections and official careers, those are secondary.

But if the halls teach separately, this naturally leaves many feeling unwilling.

But upon saying this, the teacher shook his head and, looking at the crowd, spoke softly.

"Not so."

The three academies mean three different teaching methods.

Within the academy, there is a major lecture each month, at which either Director Wenjing or the various Great Scholars will teach.

Furthermore, students are allowed to attend lectures at other academies twice a month.

The sages say, a scholar must specialize and not be mixed up; this is the rule set by Mr. Wenjing.

The Master spoke up, explaining to everyone.

Upon hearing this, everyone somewhat understood.

It seems the internal struggle at Da Xia Academy is fierce; even Mr. Wenjing cannot fully suppress it.

Wang Fugui's voice sounded, low.

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Setting up three academies is essentially a competition between traditionalists and non-traditionalists.

From Xiaoxi Village one can see that Mr. Wenjing does not want to teach in the traditional way, and the Great Scholars of Da Xia Academy would never let him disrupt the foundation.

Therefore, three academies were established, allowing students to choose for themselves.

Then how to choose?

Right? Master, how to choose?

The crowd continued to ask.

The Master did not rush to answer, but pointed to the three roads behind him.

The first on the left is the official road.

The middle one is the civilian road.

The first on the right is the money road.

Mr. Wenjing's meaning is direct: in this enrollment, whether one seeks office, the people, or wealth, there is no need to conceal it; just follow your heart.

Going all the way up, upon reaching the summit you can see which academy you belong to.

However, I warn you: these three roads retain Mr. Wenjing's righteous aura; if anyone does not follow their heart, they will be expelled directly and never employed; please think it over.

The Master answered.

For a moment, many people felt embarrassed.

They looked at the three roads, somewhat silent.

After all, this is a bit socially deadly.

Brother Gu, which road will you choose?

Wang Fugui spoke, looking curiously at Gu Jin Nian.

Gazing at the three roads, Gu Jin Nian also hesitated a bit.

The civilian road, definitely not.

Gu Jin Nian has not yet attained that awareness; though he can utter the sages' words about worrying before the world's worries and rejoicing after its joys, actually doing so is another matter.

Mr. Wenjing has already made a move.

If he had not made a move, Gu Jin Nian would surely take the civilian road.

Since he has made a move, Gu Jin Nian must think carefully.

What is his purpose in enrolling?

In a prosperous age, money is paramount.

Is there still a need to think more?

Just then.

Su Huaiyu's voice suddenly sounded.

He appeared silently.

Just like that, he suddenly appeared beside Gu Jin Nian, walking without sound.

Brother Su, you also came?

Hearing Su Huaiyu's voice, Wang Fugui couldn't help but feel pleased; he looked over, and he remained aloof and handsome.

Mm.

Su Huaiyu nodded, then without hesitation headed straight for the leftmost road.

Brother Su.

You aren't after money, are you?

This is the official road; you've taken the wrong path.

Wang Fugui spoke up to remind him, thinking Su Huaiyu had taken the wrong road.

However, Su Huaiyu shook his head and said.

I haven't taken the wrong road.

Being an official earns more.

His voice trailed off.

For a moment, it drew many strange glances.

Gu Jin Nian, meanwhile, was slightly stunned.

Good fellow, that remark is truly harsh.

Without any hesitation, Gu Jin Nian followed Su Huaiyu over.

Enrolling is for the purpose of entering government service.

The brief contemplation earlier was merely to confirm again.

Wang Fugui also followed up; he lacks no money, has no grand ambitions, and naturally chose the official road.

As the three left, the others also began to move.

However, there were still stubborn people who chose the People's Dao, but with a flash of white light, they were immediately driven out of the gate.

They lost the bet.

Even more socially dead.

However, just as Gu Jin Nian stepped onto the Official Road, a figure directly walked onto the People's Dao, quite old, around thirty years old, wearing plain clothes.

At the same time, they were not sent away by the Vast Righteous Qi.

This means the other party is indeed for the people.

This person's actions also attracted considerable attention.

Even Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but take another look, committing this person's appearance to memory.

This chapter was rewritten three times.

That's why it's so late.

Involving future plot, sorry, readers.

(Chapter complete)