Daughter of aristocratic family

Chapter 298 River Embankment
Just when the people were going crazy about "Swordsman Chronicles", a bloody storm broke out in the court, which was related to the collapse of the Jiangling embankment.

In the Jiangling area, there were heavy rains, and the rivers instantly overflowed. Countless houses and farmland were submerged, and the people were displaced and miserable.

This seemingly simple natural disaster has actually involved layers of interest entanglements and power struggles in the court.

The collapse of the Jiangling embankment not only led to the destruction of a large amount of farmland and the displacement of people, but also seriously affected the reputation of the imperial court. After all, the embankment had only been repaired a year ago.

In the morning, the emperor was furious, "The Jiangling River Embankment is a top priority for our government. I specially ordered my ministers to supervise the repairs a year ago. Why did it collapse now?"

The ministers were as silent as cicadas, no one dared to speak out.

The emperor's gaze was like a knife, scanning every minister in the court one by one, and fell on the Minister of Industry. "I remember that the repair of Jiangling embankment was handed over to Zhang Shangshu for supervision. Mr. Zhang, do you have any What’s the explanation?”

Zhang Shangshu immediately fell to his knees with cold sweat pouring from his forehead, "Your Majesty, when I supervised the repair of the Jiangling embankment, I did my duty with all my heart. However, natural disasters occurred frequently. The embankment was repeatedly eroded by floods. This year, we encountered continuous heavy rains. Only then... then It caused the river embankment to collapse. I think it was God’s will that the river embankment collapsed.”

The emperor sneered, "God's will? Mr. Zhang, are you shirking your responsibility? As the Minister of the Ministry of Industry, you should share my worries and benefit the people, instead of using God's will to distract me!"

"Your Majesty, I don't dare." Zhang Shangshu kowtowed like garlic, "I have always been loyal to the court and to Your Majesty, and I have never slacked off. I really tried my best to repair the Jiangling embankment, but natural disasters are ruthless and cannot be resisted by human power. , please give me your Majesty’s advice.”

The emperor stared at him unkindly and pondered silently.

"Your Majesty, I have something to tell you." A steady voice broke the silence in the court, it was Li Xu, the imperial censor.

The emperor looked at Li Xu and raised his eyebrows slightly, "What do you think Li Aiqing has to say?"

Li Xu came out and bowed in salute, "Your Majesty, the collapse of Jiangling embankment was certainly caused by natural disasters, but man-made disasters cannot be ignored. I heard that during the process of repairing the embankment, some officials enriched their own pockets and cut corners. Only then did As a result, the river embankment has become unusable and collapsed in many places. I believe this matter should be thoroughly investigated and punished severely to serve as a warning to others.”

Hearing this, Zhang Shangshu eagerly defended: "Your Majesty, Mr. Li, this is a slander. I have been strictly supervising the process of repairing the Jiangling embankment and will never allow any negligence. The collapse of the embankment was actually caused by a natural disaster and was not caused by a natural disaster. Human power can resist.”

Li Xu sneered and said: "Master Zhang, if you don't have a guilty conscience, why are you so excited? Whether the official is slandering or not, we only need to send someone to thoroughly investigate the repair project of Jiangling embankment, and we will find out at first sight."

The courtiers were divided into three factions, each expressing their own opinions.

Some support Li Xu and believe that the Jiangling embankment repair project should be thoroughly investigated to find out the truth and severely punish corrupt officials.

Some sided with Zhang Shangshu, believing that Li Xu was making groundless accusations and that the collapse of the river embankment was caused by a natural disaster rather than man-made factors.

Another group holds a neutral attitude and believes that one should not jump to conclusions before the matter is clarified and needs to proceed with caution.

The emperor's eyes were like a torch, sweeping over the two of them, and finally resting on Li Xu, "Li Aiqing's words make sense. The repair of Jiangling embankment is related to the national economy and people's livelihood, and cannot be careless. I have decided to send an imperial minister to Jiangling to thoroughly investigate the matter."

"Your Majesty is wise," said the courtiers.

Prince Baojun volunteered, "Father, I would like to go to Jiangling to thoroughly investigate the repair of the river embankment."

Prince Xianli, who serves in the Ministry of Industry, also stood up and bowed: "Father, I am also willing to share my father's worries and go to Jiangling to investigate the repair of the river embankment."

"Father, my son and I are also willing to go to Jiangling to relieve the worries of our father and the people." Prince Zuo said quickly, fearing that he would fall behind his brothers.

A glimmer of satisfaction flashed in the emperor's eyes, "Okay, I am very pleased that my three sons are willing to contribute to the country. The heavy rain in Jiangling has caused disaster, and I ordered the three of you to set off immediately to Jiangling to investigate the cause of the collapse of the river embankment. We must find out the reasons and propose solutions based on the facts, without any concealment or bias." The three princes agreed in unison, and the emperor continued: "Master Pi, you are very knowledgeable about water conservancy projects. I order you to go with me and provide advice to the three princes to ensure that the river embankment is properly repaired and similar problems will not occur again. "

Master Lang Zhongpi from the Ministry of Industry came out and bowed: "I obey the order."

The emperor nodded, looked at Prince Bao, and said slowly: "I hope you can work together to solve the river embankment problem in Jiangling. Remember, your responsibilities are heavy and related to the safety of thousands of people. I look forward to you. Come back soon and bring me good news.”

Prince Baojun and others responded in unison: "My son, I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities and live up to His Majesty's expectations."

The emperor waved his hand and said, "Retreat from the court."

When Prince Baojun and the others were packing their things and rushing to Jiangling, August 15th arrived. This day was the Mid-Autumn Festival and it was also Zhao Wangshu's first birthday after marrying into the Yun family.

In the early morning, Zhao Wangshu woke up from his sleep and found that she was still nestled in Yun Hao's arms. He raised his head slightly, looked at Yun Hao's chin, and reached out to touch it.

Yun Hao was awakened by her movements, opened his eyes, looked at the person in his arms, his eyes were full of love, "Good morning, madam."

Zhao Wangshu smiled and responded: "Good morning, husband."

The two looked at each other and smiled, and the atmosphere was warm and sweet.

Yun Hao asked softly: "Today is your birthday, how do you want to celebrate?"

Zhao Wangshu sat up and pouted: "It's my birthday, shouldn't you think of how to celebrate it and give me a surprise?"

"Of course I'm prepared, but I want to hear your thoughts and see if we have a compatible mind."

Zhao Wangshu blinked and asked curiously: "Really? Then tell me your plan first, and I'll see if it's what I thought."

"Last time you said you wanted to watch the Hundred Beasts Show. Let's go watch the Hundred Beasts Show during the day, and in the evening, let's go to the lake to watch the moon and light up the sky lanterns, okay?" Yun Hao asked with a smile.

"Very good." Zhao Wangshu's eyes flashed, "How much money did it cost to invite the Beast Troupe?"

"Not much, only about a hundred taels of silver." Yun Hao said with a smile.

Zhao Wangshu rolled his eyes at him, "a hundred taels of silver, isn't that much?"

What a prodigal man.

But Yun Hao was celebrating her birthday, so Zhao Wangshu didn't say anything and rang the bell to call the maid in to help the couple freshen up.

After breakfast, the servants waiting in Linglong Courtyard came to greet Zhao Wangshu and wish him a happy birthday, "Congratulations, young lady, happy birthday."

Zhao Wangshu smiled sweetly and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Buckwheat, for letting us prepare a few tables in the kitchen. Everyone will be happy."

"Thank you, madam." The servants retreated with happy faces.

The couple went to the Buddhist hall and informed Mrs. Yun before going out to the venue for the animal show.