Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 5033 Specialized in Construction

As long as Feng Ang is still alive, the Feng family will be united and able to intimidate Lingnan and hold power.

But once Feng Ang dies, can his thirty or so sons still be as united as when their father was alive?

The reason why the "Enfeoffment Order", which is known as the best conspiracy in ancient and modern times, is so powerful and successful is that it accurately controls "human selfishness". "If a man does not work for himself, he will be punished by heaven and earth." When one can hold power and obtain rich benefits, who cares about gentleness, courtesy, frugality and modesty? Who cares about the fact that brothers are united and their strength can break metal?
This was to inform Feng Ang that the title of Duke Geng could be inherited by the Feng family's descendants, and even the position of Governor of Gaozhou could be bestowed on the Feng family, but it was no longer possible to intimidate Lingnan and dominate the area as before.

Li Chengqian was delighted and clapped his hands in admiration: "Erlang is indeed my right-hand man. This is a brilliant plan!"

Fang Jun said modestly, "It is just a wise man's old trick. I am just repeating what others have said. I do not deserve your praise! So, I will take Zhang Zizhou to the Ministry of Works to discuss with my colleagues how to design and construct the project of excavating Dayuling Mountain."

Li Chengqian urged: "This project will benefit the present and future generations, so even if it costs a little more, it is acceptable. If the Ministry of Civil Affairs cannot provide sufficient funding, I will allocate some from the treasury to ensure the safety and speed of the project."

All emperors were "ambitious". No matter how prosperous the era was or how powerful the country was, it would be nothing more than a line of text in history books thousands of years later. However, a city, a canal or a canal can last forever, allowing future generations to appreciate the achievements of their ancestors every time they see them with their own eyes.

Throughout history, the Five Ridges separated the north and the south, making the Lingnan area isolated from the Central Plains most of the time. If the Dayuling Mountains could be dug through and the north and south could be connected, so that the Yangtze River and the Xijiang River (Pearl River) could be connected, the Lingnan area would be completely under the control of the central government.

Whenever people in later generations mention him, they always say that the achievements made by Li Chengqian during his reign will be immortal for thousands of years...

Fang Jun naturally agreed, then stood up and took his leave. He asked the eunuch to call Zhang Zizhou, and they all left the Taiji Palace and went to the Ministry of Works.

In the imperial study, Li Chengqian saw Liu Li stroking his beard and smiling, looking extremely happy, so he warned him: "What happened today must not be spread outside. It is not only aimed at Feng Ang's plan, but also because Erlang does not know the past of Emperor Wen of Han. If it is spread out and causes people all over the world to laugh at him, Erlang might get angry out of shame. If he goes to trouble you, I will not be able to take sides."

Thinking about Fang Jun's stubborn temper, Li Chengqian was very troubled. If Liu Li really spread Fang Jun's embarrassing story and caused ridicule from the court and the public, Fang Jun might really come to Liu Li's door with a stick...

I don’t know how it will end then.

Liu Li hurriedly said, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. I know the seriousness of the matter and will keep my mouth shut."

Your Majesty is troubled by Fang Jun's temper, how can he not be afraid?
Fighting is fine, bickering is fine, but both sides must maintain their bottom line. If he breaks through this bottom line, then Fang Jun's bottom line must be lower than his...

*****
Zhang Zizhou was very talkative. He kept asking questions along the way, but he never mentioned how the court should deal with Feng Ang's concealment of his illness. He didn't even ask about His Majesty's opinion on the excavation of Dayuling Mountain. He only talked about poetry and calligraphy...

Fang Jun was very satisfied with this. When he got off the car at the Ministry of Industry, he reminded him: "The adults are not flashy, and the gentlemen are pragmatic. You should show your talents, but you can't let others think that you are boastful and empty. This is actually a very profound knowledge, especially in the officialdom, it is particularly important."

Zhang Zizhou bowed and accepted the instruction: "Thank you for your advice, General. I will keep it in mind!"

He felt a little excited. When his superior gave you advice on how to be an official, he probably wanted to promote you. Although he had never thought of using the back door on Fang Jun's side, if Fang Jun thought he was a promising talent and promoted him, he would naturally not refuse.

Showing off your talents to your superiors so that they can promote you is completely different from using backdoors...

It was from the gate of the Ministry of Works that Zhang Zizhou began to witness Fang Junzhi's prestige.

He was not the kind of person who looked down on the world with an air of superiority, but was approachable, gentle and honest like a person who had returned to his original nature. When he walked by, even when an ordinary clerk or minor official gave way to the side of the road and bowed to the ground, Fang Jun would nod his head with a smile to greet him. Most of the clerks were familiar with him, and they would chat with him, with some expressing their condolences and some making jokes. However, all the officials who seemed to have no rules of conduct would bow to see Fang Jun off after he passed by, and would not get up to go about their business until he was far away.

This kind of respect and worship that comes from the heart cannot be compared with superficial etiquette.

Fang Jun walked with his hands behind his back. Seeing Zhang Zizhou looking around with a flickering gaze, he asked with a smile, "Are you wondering why I know so many officials from the Ministry of Works?"

Zhang Zizhou shook his head. "I know that you, the Grand Commandant, were once the Minister of Works. It's not surprising that you are acquainted with officials from the Ministry of Works. I'm just impressed by their attitude towards the Grand Commandant. It's obvious that they only respect you and don't fear you."

Fang Jun smiled and said, "That's because they understand my personality, so they cater to my preferences, that's all."

Everyone praises the popular and tramples on the discredited, seeks profit and avoids harm. If he were not the Grand Marshal or the Duke of Yue at this time, some of these former subordinates would certainly remember his kindness, but there would definitely be others who would turn a blind eye or even criticize him endlessly.

Someone had already informed the Minister of Works Yan Liben. When Fang Jun arrived at the main hall, Yan Liben, dressed in an official robe, was already waiting there. His old face was full of a bright smile. There was no need to exchange greetings. He stepped forward, took Fang Jun's hand, and laughed, "I haven't seen you for a long time. Erlang Shen is full of vitality and more elegant than before! Haha, come on, come on, I just happen to have something to ask of you, and you are delivering it to me!"

Fang Jun smiled and said, "I am here today on the orders of the Emperor. Let's talk about official business first, and then talk about personal friendship."

Yan Liben glanced at Zhang Zizhou who was following behind Fang Jun, and without saying much, he took Fang Jun's hand and said, "Then let's go inside and talk!"

"please!"

The two did not enter the main hall, but came to the duty room on the side. After they sat down, the clerk served them tea. Yan Liben then asked, "What is the emperor's order?"

Fang Jun first introduced Zhang Zizhou to him: "This is Zhang Zizhou, the son of Zhang Junzheng, the deputy governor of Shaozhou."

Zhang Zizhou stood up and saluted: "I greet Minister Yan."

Yan Liben nodded and glanced at Zhang Zizhou again, thinking, could an official of the rank of Shaozhou Beijia possibly catch Fang Jun's eye?
Could they be relatives?
Fang Jun signaled Zhang Zizhou: "Introduce him to Minister Yan."

He picked up the teacup and drank tea slowly.

Zhang Zizhou then recounted in detail how the father and son had petitioned to excavate Dayuling Mountain...

Yan Liben listened in silence, then shouted to the outside, "Bring me the map of Dayuling Mountain!"

Someone outside the door answered.

Yan Liben waved his hand at Zhang Zizhou and said, "You sit down first!"

He then said to Fang Jun, "I have never been to Lingnan, but I have heard of the majesty of the Five Ridges. Since ancient times, they have been a natural barrier that separates the north and the south. If they could be easily dug, why has no one done it yet? If this project can be implemented, it will benefit the present and future generations, and it can be said to be a world-changing event! Therefore, it will definitely not be easy."

Zhang Zizhou was about to speak, but Fang Jun raised his hand to stop him. He glanced at him and said, "The Yan family of Yongzhou has a long history of learning and three outstanding people. They are world-renowned for their achievements in painting, architecture, and engineering. They know whether a certain project can be implemented. If he says it can be done, it can be done. If he says it can't be done, it will definitely not be done. You juniors can't interfere."

Yan Liben felt very comfortable.

Although Yan family of Yongzhou was famous throughout the world, he only relied on "painting". As for architecture and engineering, they were always lowly and not respected by Confucianism. Therefore, even though he had superb painting skills, he was regarded as a person with "strange and lewd skills" and could not be accepted by the upper class.

But Fang Jun has always advocated "professional talents". No matter what profession they are in, as long as they can reach a certain level and realm, they will definitely be respected and admired by him, which is truly valuable.

He smiled and said, "Zhang's father and son served as officials in Lingnan. They did not exploit the people or bully the villagers. Instead, they focused their energy on digging through the north and south and benefiting the people. This really makes me admire them. Moreover, Zhang's father and son know the local terrain and geography. I am thousands of miles away and can only infer it based on past experience. Whether it can really be implemented, I still need this young man to give his opinion."

Fang Jun put down his teacup and said seriously, "Minister Yan is honest and steady, and he supports the younger generation, which is quite in line with the ancient style. By the way, this person is a newly-appointed Jinshi."

"Oh?"

Yan Liben's eyes lit up, he looked Zhang Zizhou up and down, and said with a smile: "I thought he was a relative of Erlang's family."

"Indeed, they are relatives. Zi Zhou is from the Zhang family of Fanyang."

"..."

Yan Liben looked at Fang Jun, then at Zhang Zizhou, and understood what was going on.

The clerk brought the map, and Zhang Zizhou hurriedly took it and spread it on the desk. Yan Liben stood up and stood beside him, with one hand behind his back and the other stroking his beard, listening to Zhang Zizhou's introduction to the terrain and topography of Dayuling Mountain. He asked questions from time to time. Zhang Zizhou answered every question and had a quick mind, showing that he was very knowledgeable and knew the local situation well. Yan Liben nodded frequently when he heard him.

Finally, Yan Liben patted Zhang Zizhou on the shoulder, and with a heart of admiration for talent, he smiled and said to Fang Jun: "This boy is quick-witted, has a broad mind, and is calm and has a strong character. He is most suitable for the Ministry of Works. The new Jinshi will soon be appointed as an official, so why not let him stay in the Ministry of Works?"

Fang Jun shook his head: "The selection of Jinshi officials is a national affair. How can we be allowed to transfer them privately? It's inappropriate, inappropriate."

Yan Liben said helplessly: "Why do you have to be so secretive in front of me? As long as you agree, I will go to the Ministry of Personnel to ask for the person. This can't be considered a private transaction, right? It's not all for your face. I really like talents. Once he enters the Ministry of Works, I will allow him to be a deputy minister of the Ministry of Works and specialize in road construction. How do you think?"

Zhang Zizhou's heart was burning with joy, and he was willing in every way, but he didn't dare to speak. He just looked at Fang Jun.

(End of this chapter)