Chapter 158

After Liu Ju finished selecting the site, Wei Xiang, Xu Wei, Jin Fu and others quickly threw themselves into the tense preparations for building the secondary capital.

They knew that demolishing land and resettling the people were the first step of construction, and also a crucial step.

The three led a crowd of officials, visiting each household that needed demolition.

Wei Xiang spoke earnestly, patiently explaining to the people the great significance of building the secondary capital:

"Folks, once the secondary capital is built, this place will become more prosperous and everyone's life will get better. The court will surely give everyone fair compensation, guaranteeing satisfaction."

Xu Wei then detailed the compensation standards and methods to the people.

"Rest assured, the compensation money has been carefully calculated, absolutely fair and just. Moreover, we will arrange new housing for everyone, guaranteeing they will live securely."

Jin Fu also added: "Folks, I, Jin Fu, have also suffered hardship, I know your difficulties. This secondary capital construction is for the future of our Great Han, and also for our own good days. I hope you will all support us."

The people listened to their explanations, and their doubts gradually faded.

Moreover, the court's compensation was indeed reasonable, and many people expressed understanding and support.

Some people even voluntarily offered to join the construction crew, contributing their effort to the hometown's prosperity.

While the demolition work proceeded in an orderly manner, the design and preparations for the imperial palace construction were also underway in full swing.

Wei Xiang summoned the nation's top architects and artisans to jointly discuss the palace's design plan.

They studied day and night, drawing up exquisite blueprints, striving to make the palace both magnificent and grand, while also practical and artistic.

Xu Wei was responsible for preparing the materials needed for construction.

He ran around, contacting suppliers everywhere, ensuring timber, stone, bricks and tiles and other building materials could be supplied promptly.

To guarantee material quality, he personally oversaw each batch, conducting strict inspections.

Jin Fu assisted Wei Xiang and Xu Wei's work while monitoring the progress of demolition and people's resettlement.

He often went deep into the construction site, communicating with the people and artisans, understanding their needs and difficulties, and promptly providing solutions.

Initially, the biggest problem was the supply of building materials.

To build a magnificent and sturdy secondary capital, the required amounts of timber, stone, bricks and tiles were enormous.

But the suppliers in the surrounding areas had limited capacity, unable to meet such huge demand.

Transportation also became a thorny problem; the road to Double Lakes was rugged and narrow, large transport vehicles struggled to pass, and material transport efficiency was extremely low.

Jin Fu, Wei Xiang and Xu Wei urgently convened a meeting for this.

Wei Xiang proposed: "We can send people to the timber-rich Shu region to cooperate with local big merchants, increasing logging and processing. At the same time, organize artisans to widen and repair the road to Double Lakes, ensuring smooth transport."

Xu Wei added: "For stone, we can find new quarries in the nearby mountains, sourcing locally, which would reduce transport costs and guarantee supply."

Jin Fu nodded in agreement: "Brick and tile production must not be slackened; we should recruit more skilled artisans, build several new kilns, and increase output."

The few quickly organized their thoughts and submitted a detailed report on the current secondary capital construction progress to Liu Ju.

They clearly explained the completion status of each project, the problems encountered, and the subsequent plans.

Liu Ju listened attentively, occasionally nodding slightly; after everyone finished reporting, he fell into contemplation.

After some deliberation, Liu Ju said: "I agree with your proposal. However, material selection for this new palace construction is crucial. I think we should use as much cement and brick as possible, and less timber."

Liu Ju paused slightly, glanced at everyone, and continued: "Cement is hard in quality; mixed with brick and stone, it can greatly enhance structural stability. Its durability is excellent, resisting wind and rain erosion without easy damage. Bricks and tiles are likewise sturdy and durable; after firing, they have superior waterproof performance, effectively preventing damage from rain leakage. Moreover, bricks and tiles have uniform specifications, easy to work with, which can greatly improve construction efficiency."

Liu Ju then shifted tone, speaking of timber's drawbacks: "Although timber has a warm, beautiful appearance, in palace construction its disadvantages are obvious. Timber is prone to insect infestation; over time, ants and bugs erode the interior, damaging the structure and endangering building safety."

"Furthermore, timber is flammable; the palace is an important place—once a fire breaks out, the consequences are unimaginable. By comparison, cement and brick have far stronger fire resistance, adding a safeguard to the palace's safety."

I hope this new imperial palace will stand for a hundred years without falling, becoming a symbol of my Great Han's prosperity and flourishing; therefore, I must be cautious in selecting materials.

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, deeply admiring Liu Ju's far-sightedness and exceptional insight.

Immediately, the three divided their tasks clearly and sprang into action.

As the construction proceeded, they again encountered technical difficulties during the building process.

The main hall of the imperial palace is exquisitely designed; the construction of its flying eaves and bracket sets is extremely complex, and the artisans, following traditional techniques, work slowly with quality hard to guarantee.

Jin Fu personally went to the construction site to discuss with the artisans.

An experienced old artisan suggested trying a new mortise-and-tenon structure, which might solve the problem.

Jin Fu immediately organized the artisans to test it; after multiple adjustments, the new mortise-and-tenon structure not only made the erection of the flying eaves and bracket sets more stable but also greatly improved construction efficiency.

After overcoming numerous difficulties, the construction of the secondary capital gradually got on track.

The construction site buzzed with activity; the artisans worked together in unity, and the common people also actively participated, each brick and tile embodying everyone's hopeful expectations for the future of the Great Han.

Jin Fu, Wei Xiang, and Xu Wei remained on the front lines at all times, supervising progress and controlling quality.

Thanks to everyone's joint efforts, the preliminary work on the secondary capital proceeded smoothly.

Meanwhile, Liu Ju, pleased with the successful site selection for the new imperial palace and the orderly progress of all tasks, was in high spirits, drank heartily with everyone, feeling a bit tipsy, and staggered toward Shi Liangdi's chambers.

Upon entering the room, soft candlelight filled the air; Shi Liangdi was sitting on the bedside holding a scroll. Seeing Liu Ju enter, she quickly rose, her face bearing a gentle smile, and spoke softly:

"Your Majesty, how did today's court affairs go? Looking at your appearance, there must be happy news."

Liu Ju stepped forward, gently embraced Shi Liangdi, and said with a tone of drunkenness and delight: "Liangdi, I am happy; I have had a few extra drinks."

As he spoke, a hint of anticipation appeared in Liu Ju's eyes, and he slowly leaned closer to Shi Liangdi.

Shi Liangdi slightly turned sideways, showing a troubled expression; her voice was gentle yet apologetic: "Your Majesty, I am truly sorry. Today I am unwell and fear I cannot attend to you."

Liu Ju stared briefly, his buzz fading a little, and asked with concern: "Liangdi, what's wrong? Where do you feel uncomfortable? Quickly summon an imperial physician to have a look."

Shi Liangdi gently shook her head, her eyes full of guilt, and said: "Your Majesty, it is only a minor ailment; there is no need to trouble the imperial physician. A few days' rest will suffice. However, since Your Majesty is so joyful today, I ought to share this happiness with you, but because of my indisposition I have dampened your spirits, and I truly feel remorseful."

She lowered her head slightly, her hands unconsciously clutching her garment's edge, her expression full of self-reproach.

Liu Ju gently took Shi Liangdi's hand and tenderly comforted her: "Liangdi, your health comes first; you need not blame yourself so. I care for your well-being, and once you recover we will celebrate properly."

The affection we had painstakingly cultivated, I had hoped to seal it with the help of drink, but alas, heaven did not cooperate.

Liu Ju let out a faint sigh.

Shi Liangdi lifted her head, tears glimmering in her eyes, and said gratefully: "Your Majesty, your thoughtfulness leaves me unsure how to repay. I only wish Your Majesty's imperial health be sound and that all affairs of the secondary capital proceed smoothly."

Liu Ju sighed helplessly, lightly kissed Shi Liangdi's forehead, and said: "Rest and recover; I will come see you another day."

Afterwards, with some regret, they turned and left the room.