Chinese martial arts! Grandmaster

Reservoir?

In Yiyang, a reform demonstration zone, a large reservoir was built.

It must be said that this line of thinking and idea is surprising.

Reservoirs can store water during the rainy season.

It can meet the irrigation needs of agriculture and forestry during dry seasons.

Zeng Yongxiang looked up at Yang Yankang, his mind filled with unease.

He didn't understand the specific purpose of building the reservoir; he could understand digging wells underground to ensure water supply during the dry season.

but,

Building a reservoir is not something that can be done with just a little money.

This is a huge project, and it will take a lot of time and effort.

In order to secure Yiyang as a reform demonstration zone, the Zeng family promised one million silver dollars.

If a reservoir is built, won't it be a bottomless pit?
this moment,
Zeng Yongxiang felt a little uneasy and tentatively asked:

"Young Master, how long will it take to build a large reservoir, and how much silver will be required?"

Although the Zeng family is now in charge of the Daqian Dynasty's overseas trade, the accounts are controlled by the court, with Ximen Tang in charge of everything.

The Zeng family may gain some benefits, but they are by no means able to amass a fortune.

Therefore,
If too much money is invested, the Zeng family may not be able to afford it.

"You don't need to worry about the money!"

Yang Yankang seemed to see Zeng Yongxiang's concerns and said with a smile, "However, building a large reservoir is not something that can be completed in a year or two; it requires long-term planning."

"Even if it is built during the dry season, the construction period will still take three years."

three years?

Zeng Yongxiang was taken aback upon hearing this. It seemed that it would take several years to build Yiyang into the most successful reform demonstration zone.

Wang Yingshou, the county magistrate standing nearby, didn't say much.

Since the canal gang said that there was no need to worry about funds, he no longer needed to worry about the funding issue.

Anyway, with Ximen Tang backing them up and the imperial court supporting them, they're safe.

This is something that Prince Qian is concerned about, and the Grand Canal Gang and the Zeng family will definitely do their best to handle it well.

Wang Yingshou said, "It is a blessing for the entire Luoyang that the reform demonstration zone can be set up in Yiyang. If you two need any assistance, please let me know and I will make arrangements."

After exchanging pleasantries for a few moments, he left with the government officials.

The canal gang brought a lot of grain and various daily necessities with them when they came to Yiyang this time.

As the assistant magistrate of Yiyang County, he will be very busy in the coming days.

This time, Yiyang served as a reform demonstration zone, and as long as things were done properly, it gained valuable reform experience.

Then,

He has a very good chance of being promoted!

-

evening,

Zeng Yongxiang specially arranged a welcome dinner for Yang Yankang and his party at a restaurant in Yiyang.

After several rounds of drinks, Zeng Yongxiang put down his glass and asked in a low voice:

"Young Master, I wonder what kind of reform demonstration zone the Prince intends to build?"

Although the Zeng family gained Chen Jie's favor and obtained the right to manage and operate overseas trade in the Great Qian Dynasty.

but,

Compared to the canal gangs, the Zeng family's status in Ximen Hall was slightly lower.

Although the internal reforms of the Daqian Dynasty were led by Ximentang, the majority of the implementation was carried out by the Caobang (Grass Transport Gang).

After pondering for a moment, Yang Yankang looked up and said:
"The prince instructed our canal transport guild to build a high-efficiency agricultural and forestry demonstration zone in the Luoyang area of ​​Henan."

"The entire process of sowing, harvesting, fertilizing, etc., in the farmland is completed by machines manufactured by Ximentang, achieving semi-automation and increasing grain yield."

"In fact, this demonstration zone will also have trainees stationed here permanently to jointly study the seed breeding of various grain crops and so on, and vigorously develop agricultural technology."

"As long as this reform model succeeds, it can be promoted to all parts of Daqian."

It seems the scale of the reform is quite large.

Zeng Yongxiang nodded slightly. He had taken the initiative to invest one million silver dollars to secure this reform demonstration zone. If it succeeded, he would make a significant contribution.

He raised his glass, clinked it against Yang Yankang's, and said:

"I hope the young master will take good care of me in the future. I wonder how this year's drought will be resolved?"

He was more concerned about the current predicament than about what would happen in the future.

Yang Yankang said unhurriedly:

"This time when we came to Luoyang, our canal gang brought a lot of water pumps and also arranged a batch of drilling equipment."

"As long as the personnel are in place, we can work on two fronts: drawing water from the river for irrigation on one hand, and drilling wells to pump water on the other."

"As for building a reservoir in the reform zone, this is also our first time, and we still need to learn and practice continuously."

"—"

After hearing Yang Yankang's words, Zeng Yongxiang felt much more at ease.

Securing the designation of Yiyang as a reform demonstration zone was a very wise choice.

Putting everything else aside, as long as the drought can be resolved.

Then the Zeng family's prestige in the entire Luoyang region will become extremely high.

You should know that prestige is something that money can hardly buy.

To earn the respect of all the people in Yiyang County and to serve and make contributions under Qianwang Chen Jie is an investment that is absolutely worthwhile.

-

The capital city, the Cabinet Office.

Xu Shichang looked at the folded documents on his desk with a serious expression.

As a Grand Secretary of the Dongge Pavilion, Minister of War, Governor-General of Hebei, and a regent minister appointed as the Second Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, memorials from various regions had to be screened by him before they could be submitted.

As an assistant minister, he naturally had the responsibility to share the emperor's burdens.

not to mention,
The emperor was too young to rule the country.

Prince Qian, Chen Jie, has never liked to participate in court affairs. Under normal circumstances, Xu Shichang handles the affairs of the court.

of course,

For most important military and national affairs, Xu Shichang would consult with Prince Qian, Chen Jie, and rarely acted on his own initiative.

at this time,

He flipped through the memorials, his heart heavy.

Since the beginning of spring this year, northern China has been experiencing severe drought.

The entire Henan, Hebei, Shanxi and other places have not seen rain for half a year, the number of disaster victims is increasing, and the situation is very serious.

According to reports from various regions, this year's drought will be the most severe in decades.

The entire grain harvest in the north will be completely lost.

Farmers are prone to causing trouble when they go hungry.

The situation in the Daqian Dynasty had only recently stabilized, so Xu Shichang was naturally very worried about the disasters in various places.

After reading the memorial on the table, Xu Shichang sighed softly and muttered to himself, "The north is suffering from a severe drought, yet the Prince still insists on building a reform zone in Luoyang. What does he mean by this?"

Upon hearing about building a reform zone, Tie Niu hesitated for a moment before saying:
"Simon Hall built the largest reform zone in Shandong and unified the country, opening up trade routes between the north and south."

"Now, a reform zone is being built in the north, with the Zeng family of the southern clans taking the lead and the canal gangs responsible for the construction, with a total investment of over one million."

"My lord, I am foolish and do not understand what Ximen Tang's intention is in doing this?"

Xu Shichang turned to look at Tie Niu, took a deep breath, and said:
"Your Highness's intention is naturally for the prosperity of the entire Great Qian Dynasty."

"Recently, Ximentang has begun planning to build a railway, with plans to connect Shandong to Henan, Hebei, and Beijing."

"Once the railway is operational, its speed will far exceed that of a horse-drawn carriage."

"The construction of the reform zone in Yiyang, Luoyang Prefecture, is likely for the purpose of future comprehensive reforms."

Upon hearing this, Tie Niu nodded slightly and said, "No wonder Ximen Hall invested heavily in having the Cao Gang build a reform zone in the north. It turns out they wanted to promote the Shandong reform model to the entire Daqian."

"Be careful!"

Xu Shichang narrowed his eyes. "The Ximentang has invested heavily in building reform zones in the north, aiming to level the economic gap between the north and south, without any selfish motives."

"This move will be of great benefit to the entire Daqian Dynasty for generations to come. Once the reform is successful, there will be no more severe droughts in the north."

"Lord Tie, our current status and position are all thanks to Ximen Tang and the Prince."

"In the future, you must be careful with your words and actions to avoid causing unnecessary trouble."

Tie Niu nodded and said, "Yes, I understand!"

-

Qinghai, Kunlun Mountains.

On an official road.

A caravan was seen heading towards the Kunlun Mountains, with a flag flying on its wagons that read "Changfeng Escort Agency!"

It is clear,
This caravan was escorted by the Changfeng Escort Agency.

In terms of the composition of caravans, they were not entirely for transporting goods.

The journey from the Central Plains to the Qinghai Plateau was long and fraught with bandits.

Therefore, many merchants or tourists would join caravans and travel together, only needing to pay a small protection fee.

and,

The security escort agency will arrange for people to introduce the local customs and culture to tourists, similar to a 'tour group'.

“Gerimu Village is located at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains in a gorge, with beautiful scenery and far from human habitation.”

"The Kunlun Mountains are known as one of the most mysterious places in the Great Qian Dynasty, and are also known as the holy land of martial arts."

"Yes, everyone heard right. This is not a sacred place of martial arts, but a sacred place of martial arts. I heard that immortals have appeared in Kunlun."

"After entering the Kunlun Mountains, you can feel the warmth and simplicity of the local villages, taste various special delicacies of Northwest China, and appreciate different scenery."

"Another reminder is that the only currencies in circulation here are silver dollars and copper coins. Silver notes cannot be used here at present."

"If you want to buy some local items, you need to pay special attention to some details—!"

"There's one more thing I need to remind everyone: never flirt with local women, or you'll be responsible for any trouble that arises."

"The local people here are tough and fierce, so please remember to respect local customs and avoid damaging the environment."

After entering the Kunlun Mountains, the people from Changfeng Escort Agency began to loudly remind them repeatedly.

but,

Many of the caravan members were not listening to any of this at that moment.
Only a few tourists who were visiting Kunlun Mountain for the first time listened attentively to the explanation given by the Changfeng Escort Agency staff.

They even raised all sorts of questions.

"I heard that single women here put a white cloth outside their rooms, and anyone who wants a woman can just lift the cloth and go inside. Is that true?"

"It seems there is such a custom. What I'm worried about now is, what if an old woman lives in the house? If I have to remove the white cloth to enter the house, wouldn't that be a huge loss?"

"What's the loss? Anyway, the house is pitch black inside. Who cares how old she is? The women here are different from the women in the Central Plains; they're quite wild."

"Where will we stay after we enter the mountains? Are there any wolves here?"

"Won't we get robbed by bandits? I heard that a few years ago, a caravan was robbed by bandits here, and everyone was killed."

"Kunlun is most famous for its medicinal herbs. Are there any markets in the mountains? I want to buy some medicinal herbs."

"This is a sacred place for martial arts. May I become a disciple of the Kunlun Sect?"

"Rumor has it that the Kunlun Sect has a sword immortal! Is that true?"

"—"

The caravan was bustling with activity. During their rest time, everyone gathered together and chatted animatedly.

The person in charge of Changfeng Escort Agency patiently answered everyone's questions.

Every tourist in the caravan paid a considerable sum of money, and Changfeng Escort Agency had an obligation to protect everyone's safety and introduce them to the local customs and culture.

Chen Jie stood to the side, listening to the surrounding chatter, a smile on his face.

He originally planned to go to the deep sea to consolidate his cultivation level.

but,

He heard the legend of the Kunlun Sword Immortal from Li Aoshuang, the "Master of the Startling Cloud Sword," so he changed his plans and came to the Kunlun Mountains alone.

He originally planned to go to the Kunlun Sect alone.

Unexpectedly, they saw the caravan of 'Changfeng Escort Agency' on the way.

So he spent some money to join the caravan and travel with everyone to Gelimu Village in the Kunlun Mountains.

-

"It's so desolate here. The caravan has traveled dozens of miles without seeing a single person."

"I was so bored that I followed you to the Kunlun Mountains for sightseeing and to relax."

"This trip to Kunlun still has half a month left. What should we do in the days to come?"

"As you know, I like lively places, and I really don't like such quiet places."

On one of the caravan's carriages, a young woman dressed in a purple dress, holding a long sword, with a pure and innocent appearance and silver pendants hanging from her ears, was speaking in a depressed mood, venting her inner dissatisfaction.

She was not very old, only in her early twenties.

Judging from the aura emanating from her, it's clear that her martial arts skills are quite high.

Early stage of Iron Bones and Hidden Strength.

Generally speaking, a martial artist who has reached the Iron Bones and Hidden Strength realm is qualified to roam the martial world.

The other woman sitting in the carriage had a baby face and wore a white dress; she was about the same age as the woman in purple.

Although she has a baby face, she has a very hot figure.

Her appearance is quite striking.

The reason is simple: she has an incredibly hot figure, yet possesses a baby face, and her behavior is gentle and refined, exceptionally quiet.

at this time,

The baby-faced woman stepped down from the carriage, looked up at the distant Kunlun Mountains, slightly opened her arms, closed her eyes, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery.

She said calmly, "I didn't ask you to come with me. Why did you insist on coming with me?"

Judging from their clothing, demeanor, and martial arts skills, they were clearly from aristocratic families.

Upon hearing this, the woman in purple immediately retorted in an annoyed tone:

“You also said that if I weren’t worried about you, who would be willing to come to the Kunlun Mountains with you?”

“I know your family is using you for a marriage alliance, betrothing you to someone from the Wang family, and you’re unhappy about it.”

"Wang Chuyi, that bastard, may look decent, but he's full of bad intentions and is a notorious playboy in Xining City."

"I really don't understand why your family would let you marry Wang Chuyi. It's like a beautiful flower stuck in cow dung!"

To be honest, I was really worried about you!

At this point, her tone was clearly filled with worry.

The woman in white with a baby face sighed.

Next,
She forced a smile and said, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore!"

"A woman's life is destined to be one of marriage, determined by her parents' wishes and the matchmaker's words."

How many people in the world can marry the person they love?

"You're no different. I know you've always liked Senior Brother, but he already has someone he loves."

"Don't think too much. The purpose of our trip to Gelimu Village in the Kunlun Mountains is to relax and forget all our troubles."

"I've always heard that the scenery of Kunlun Mountain is beautiful, and it's true what they say. Close your eyes slightly and feel it; you'll have a different experience."

The woman in purple seemed to feel downcast upon hearing the word "senior brother".

Clearly, the woman in white had spoken her mind.

"We're about to enter the mountains. Will we encounter bandits?" the woman in white suddenly asked.

The woman in purple shook her head and muttered to herself:

"Changfeng Escort Agency is full of experts and is known as the number one escort agency in the Northwest. There is even a master of the Blood-Moving Pill Force in charge of the agency."

"The bandit forces throughout the entire Northwest will give Changfeng Escort Agency face."

"However, I sense that there are quite a few experts among the tourists in the caravan!"

finished,

Her gaze unconsciously drifted towards the rear of the caravan— (End of Chapter)