Chapter 60

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The Grand Palace of the Great Xia.

Inside the main hall.

Civil and military officials gathered, their expressions more and more solemn.

The worst has happened.

All the main waterways in Jiangning County have been destroyed. Apart from the grain and fodder sent as a precaution, it will be difficult to transport the rest of the supplies into the county.

All the plans the court had previously devised have been rendered useless.

With the main roads destroyed, the army cannot transport grain.

Inside the main hall, Emperor Yongsheng's expression was somber.

The hall was so quiet that a pin dropping could be heard.

At this moment, Emperor Yongsheng's voice sounded.

"Since the main roads in Jiangning County have been destroyed, do any of you have a good plan?"

He asked the officials.

However, the officials remained silent, and it was almost impossible for them to come up with a perfect solution in such a short time.

But after a while, the Minister of War stepped forward.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe that the destruction of the main roads in Jiangning County is suspicious and needs to be thoroughly investigated."

He spoke, stating his thoughts.

However, as soon as he finished speaking, Emperor Yongsheng shook his head.

"I am not concerned about this matter now."

"What I want to know is how to transport the grain into Jiangning County."

Emperor Yongsheng, of course, knew that someone was behind this. But what could he do about it? The incident had already happened, and now the priority was to minimize the impact and solve the problem, not to argue over who was behind it.

Hearing this, the Minister of War wisely stepped back.

He was good at military affairs, but thinking about civilian matters was not his forte, and he could not come up with a solution for the time being.

The hall fell silent again for a while.

Soon, the Minister of Personnel, Hu Yong, spoke up.

"Your Majesty."

"With the main roads destroyed, the army cannot transport grain. I suggest we use the Great Xia flying boats to transport the grain."

Hu Yong proposed this plan.

However, as soon as he spoke, the Minister of Revenue, He Yan, immediately objected.

"Unacceptable."

"The flying boats are a national treasure of the Great Xia. Each activation requires a large amount of spirit crystals. Using such a national treasure to transport grain is unreasonable. Transporting ten thousand loads of grain would cost more than ten thousand gold pieces."

"Furthermore, if the flying boats are used to transport grain to Jiangning County, there is no guarantee of a safe landing. If the enemy sabotages the boats, it would be a disaster."

He Yan spoke, directly rejecting the idea.

There were two main reasons: the transportation cost was too high, and the risk of damage to the boats was significant. Transporting grain by human labor, one hundred loads might result in ten loads reaching the destination. Considering the rugged terrain of Jiangning County and the impact of the flood, delivering five loads would be a reasonable estimate.

However, using the Great Xia dragon boats would result in a tenfold loss, and there were many other factors to consider.

The dragon boats were a national treasure of the Great Xia, and only the dynasty could build them. One dragon boat could carry twenty thousand people and travel ten thousand miles a day. The Great Xia had only thirteen dragon boats, which could mobilize two hundred and sixty thousand cavalry in times of crisis, overwhelming everything in their path.

They were a national treasure.

Building a dragon boat required astronomical resources, and operating it required extremely precious spirit crystals, which were rare minerals that could only be mined underground and were extremely scarce. Each use of a dragon boat would deplete the resources, making it a one-time use item.

Therefore, using the dragon boats for disaster relief was too costly, and there was a risk of damage to the boats.

The Minister of Revenue's argument was not wrong, but it was uncomfortable to hear.

"Minister He, are you saying that money is more valuable than people?"

"Using the dragon boats would be very costly, but can we just ignore the people of Jiangning County?"

A new voice sounded.

It was a Confucian official.

In the Great Xia Dynasty, there were three types of officials: civil officials, censors, and Confucian officials. Civil officials were from the six ministries, censors were responsible for recommending officials, and Confucian officials had no power but could speak directly to the emperor. If a minister's words were inappropriate, they could voice their opinions. If a minister had a problem, they could voice their opinions. Even if the emperor had a problem, they could speak frankly. However, they could only comment on actions taken by ministers or the emperor, not on their private lives, which were the responsibility of the censors.

This system divided the power of the censors, mainly because censors sometimes feared offending people. There were censors who spoke frankly, but they often met tragic ends. After all, if you impeached everyone, one day you might impeach the emperor, and then you would be out of a job. When you returned, others might choose to retaliate, which was inevitable.

Confucian officials were different. They were scholars with many students, and even if they said something wrong or offended someone, they could continue teaching after being dismissed from office. If anyone dared to harm them, the scholarly community would not let it go easily.

Listening to the Confucian official's words, He Yan remained unperturbed and replied,

"The people are indeed important."

"However, the suggestion of the Minister of Personnel is impractical."

He Yan spoke, still firm in his stance.

Why?

Because he was the Minister of Revenue, and he knew the state of the treasury. He was clear about how much money was available and what expenses were necessary and what were not.

Disaster relief was a major issue, and there was no question about that. The previous allocation of funds was not lacking. However, using ten times the cost for disaster relief, could the treasury afford it?

What if there were more issues in the future, and there was no money to deal with them?

At that time, if someone asked, "Why is there no money in the treasury? Where did it go?"

Not managing a household, one does not understand the value of daily necessities. In any case, he disagreed.

"Enough."

At this moment, Emperor Yongsheng spoke, stopping the argument.

As an emperor, he understood the difficulties of the Ministry of Revenue. However, the current situation was simple: either he would make a decision, or they would have to find a solution that everyone could agree on.

"Minister Zhou, what is your opinion?"

Emperor Yongsheng passed the problem to the prime minister.

The prime minister slowly stepped forward.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe the Minister of Personnel is correct."

"We can mobilize the dragon boats to transport grain."

"However, the Minister of Revenue is also correct."

"The cost is too high for the treasury to bear, but we can find a balance. We can send three dragon boats to Jiangning County, which would reduce some of the pressure."

"Secondly, it would show the people of Jiangning that the court will not ignore them, stabilizing public sentiment."

"Thirdly, it would buy time for the court to find a better solution."

"As for the generals, some of them can take the small paths to transport grain, even if it's a small amount, it would give the people hope."

"The majority of the troops should focus on repairing the main roads as quickly as possible."

"Meanwhile, Your Majesty can issue an edict to lower the price of rice in Jiangning County, and the court will cover the difference."

"Furthermore, those who generously contribute during the flood can be awarded plaques by the Ministry of Rites, which would serve multiple purposes."

"Does Your Majesty find this acceptable?"

Zhou Shan spoke, his thoughts clear. The dragon boats must be mobilized, but not too many, just three would suffice, to stabilize public sentiment. Sending troops through the small paths would ensure a steady supply of grain, further stabilizing public sentiment. The final measure of rewarding merchants was also a strategy.

Indeed, the prime minister was a prime minister. All the officials nodded in agreement, though it might not be the best solution, but there were no better suggestions at the moment.

"Your Majesty, I agree with Prime Minister Zhou."

"Your Majesty, I also agree with Prime Minister Zhou."

"Your Majesty, we all agree with Prime Minister Zhou."

For a moment, all the officials spoke up, agreeing that this was a good plan. Emperor Yongsheng thought for a moment and then agreed.

"Very well."

"Minister Zhou, draft the edict."

"However, we must keep a close eye on Jiangning County. If any further incidents occur, all the dragon boats should be ready for emergency response."

"No matter the cost, I cannot ignore the safety of the people. If necessary, we will enter a state of war, seal everything, prevent chaos, and focus on disaster relief."

In the main hall, Emperor Yongsheng agreed with the plan, but he had his own thoughts. If any further incidents occurred, he would do everything to ensure the safety of the people of Jiangning County, regardless of the cost. If necessary, he would enter a state of war, sparing no effort to prevent unnecessary sacrifices.

Upon hearing this, the officials' expressions changed. This was a signal that the emperor was determined to focus on disaster relief, regardless of any underlying conspiracy. Even if the treasury was depleted, he would prioritize disaster relief. The underlying message was that if this was a natural disaster, they would have to accept it. But if there was a conspiracy, all those involved would face severe consequences.

"Long live the Emperor, may he reign for ten thousand years, ten thousand, ten thousand years."

The next moment, a loud voice echoed throughout the hall. Everyone bowed deeply. Emperor Yongsheng then stood up and left, ending the court session and returning to his chambers.

On the way back, Liu Yan spoke up beside him.

"Your Majesty, Scholar Wenjing is waiting in the Yangxin Hall."

Liu Yan informed Emperor Yongsheng.

"Very well."

Emperor Yongsheng replied with a single word and quickened his pace. In a short while, he arrived at the Yangxin Hall.

"Scholar Wenjing."

Stepping into the Yangxin Hall, Emperor Yongsheng spoke directly, his tone gentle towards the near-saint.

"Your servant, Su Wenjing, greets Your Majesty."

Su Wenjing greeted Emperor Yongsheng calmly.

"Scholar, please be at ease."

"Today, I have a matter to discuss with you."

Emperor Yongsheng did not beat around the bush and gave Liu Yan a look. Liu Yan immediately understood and had two eunuchs close the doors, leaving only Emperor Yongsheng and Su Wenjing in the room.

"Is it about Jiangning County?"

Su Wenjing was also direct, asking the emperor.

"Yes."

Emperor Yongsheng nodded and continued,

"All the main roads in Jiangning County have been destroyed. According to reports, the culprit is a black dragon, a powerful creature that can move without a trace. I have already sent ten martial kings and three great scholars, but they could not subdue it."

"However, this creature is clearly being manipulated. It destroyed the main roads but left the smaller paths intact."

"Someone is secretly trying to cause chaos in the Great Xia. I am not worried about other things, but I fear that even these smaller paths might be destroyed."

"That is why I have asked you to go to Jiangning County to subdue the creature and prevent the situation from worsening."

He spoke, explaining the actual situation.

"I understand."

"I will handle it, but while the creature can be subdued, I believe public sentiment is harder to calm."

Su Wenjing nodded. He had a way to subdue the creature, but he did not think that subduing it would solve the problem.

Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng sighed deeply.

"I have decided to send another ten thousand troops for disaster relief and mobilize all the dragon boats to transport grain."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, revealing his last resort. However, as soon as he finished, Su Wenjing shook his head.

"Your Majesty."

"The flood in Jiangning County is not a natural disaster. There is someone behind it. If you send another ten thousand troops and all the dragon boats, it might play into the enemy's hands, and a major disaster could occur."

Su Wenjing warned. He believed that the flood was not a simple natural disaster but a plot by someone. If the court acted according to the enemy's plan, it could result in a significant loss.

"I understand."

"But if we do not act, countless innocent people in Jiangning County will die every hour."

"I will not allow anyone to starve during my reign."

"Moreover, the Xuan Deng Si has reported that some merchants in Jiangning County are raising grain prices to make a profit. I will send ten thousand troops to Jiangning County, and if necessary, I will execute the merchants and distribute the grain."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke coldly, having made the worst-case scenario plans. However, as soon as he finished, Su Wenjing immediately spoke up.

"Your Majesty."

"Executing merchants and distributing grain will cause more trouble. The merchants in Jiangning County are connected to various noble families. If we execute the merchants, these families will not let it go. The Jianwen faction is still active, and in the past ten years, several new forces have emerged, forming sects and inciting public sentiment. Your actions might play into their hands."

Su Wenjing immediately stopped Emperor Yongsheng's thoughts. Executing merchants and distributing grain might sound good, but it would have serious consequences. Everything must be considered. After all, Emperor Yongsheng's legitimacy was questionable, and he valued his reputation, which was his only weakness and a point of attack for his enemies. Cutting off the merchants would be cutting off the noble families, and the impact would be terrifying. Once the problems in Jiangning County were solved, the other conflicts would be no less simple than the flood.

"Your words are well taken, Your Majesty."

"But given the situation, I have no choice but to act this way."

"Even if it means a complete purge."

"None will be spared."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke slowly, his tone not harsh, but his calm eyes exuded an unparalleled aura of dominance. At this moment, Su Wenjing was silent. Indeed, this emperor was not someone to be trifled with. A man who rose to power through blood and bones, could he be easily swayed? If it were a gentle person, they might not dare to go to extremes, but this emperor was different. He had climbed to power through a mountain of corpses and bones. Over twelve years, many had forgotten the emperor's ruthlessness. However, Su Wenjing still sighed. If this plan succeeded, it could solve the problem of the noble families, but throughout history, no emperor had successfully eradicated the noble families. Even the founder, who came from a common