My subjects are too rebellious!

Qin Chuan sat on the dragon throne, glanced at His Highness Heshen and Li Qiliang, and said, "I intend to replace all the muddy dirt roads in Wu Dynasty with solid and smooth cement roads."

"This move is not only intended to shorten the travel time between the two places and make people's travel more convenient, but also to promote trade and circulation, promote economic prosperity, and improve the quality of life of our Wu Dynasty people."

He paused slightly, his eyes became deeper, as if he had foreseen the future.

"The benefits of cement roads go far beyond this. It will reduce the inconvenience and losses caused by muddy roads and make cargo transportation smoother."

"More importantly, it will become a symbol of the prosperity of the Wu Dynasty, allowing visitors from all over the world to feel the prosperity and strength of our dynasty."

After listening to this, He Shen said quickly: "Your Majesty is wise. Although the initial investment in the construction of cement roads is huge, in the long run, the benefits it brings are immeasurable. In addition to accelerating trade and increasing tax revenue, cement roads can also reduce the increase in transportation costs and cargo losses caused by poor road conditions."

"I will do my best to secure the necessary money!"

After saying this, Heshen bowed respectfully.

Li Qiliang glanced at Heshen, then saluted Qin Chuan and added.

"I will organize the craftsmen of the Ministry of Works to conduct in-depth research on the use of cement to ensure that every cement road can meet the standards of being strong, durable, smooth and beautiful."

Qin Chuan felt very relieved when he saw this.

"I believe that with your two people's help, this matter will be accomplished in the near future!"

After saying this, he waved his sleeves lightly and said to Heshen and Li Qiliang: "You two go back and prepare immediately. You must do your best and live up to my expectations. Now you can leave."

He Shen and Li Qiliang bowed and said loudly, "We obey your orders and will do our best to live up to your trust!"

After saying that, they slowly retreated.

.........

After Heshen and Li Qiliang left the hall, a thoughtful look appeared on Qin Chuan's face.

He gently stroked the armrest of the dragon throne, his eyes passing through the carved beams and painted buildings of the palace, as if he had penetrated the barriers of time and space and returned to the modern world he was familiar with.

In his mind, a huge plan was quietly taking shape.

Cement roads, railroad tracks, steam engines...these products of modern civilization flickered in his mind like bright stars.

Cement roads will greatly improve traffic conditions and promote economic development. Railways will further shorten distances and enable more efficient flow of materials and personnel. The introduction of steam engines will bring revolutionary changes to industrial production and push Wuhan towards the industrial age.

Education is what Qin Chuan values ​​most.

He intends to promote schools and the nine-year compulsory education system.

In addition, high-yield crops such as potatoes, corn, and sweet potatoes can not only grow in harsh environments, but also effectively alleviate food shortages.

With food, people have enough to eat and the population naturally increases.

The current Wu Dynasty is like a high-rise building. What it will become in the future depends entirely on how its foundation is laid.

Qin Chuan's thoughts were like a wild horse running free from its reins, galloping freely between the Wu Dynasty and the modern times.

He will use his own strength to push the Wu Dynasty into a new era of greater prosperity, civilization and strength.

...

In Su Shi's mansion, on a spring afternoon, the sun shines obliquely, willow catkins flutter lightly, creating a peaceful and harmonious scene.

Su Shi, the Minister of Rites, was dressed in a Confucian robe, his brows showing the character of a scholar. He was busy in front of the stove in the yard, cooking his favorite delicacy, Dongpo pork.

His concubine Chaoyun was gentle and lovely, dressed in elegant clothes. She walked lightly in the kitchen and worked side by side with Su Shi, just like a pair of old friends with a tacit understanding, or even more warm and harmonious like an old couple.

Su Shi held a wooden spatula and gently turned the tempting pork belly in the pot. The aroma filled the air and he couldn't help but smile and said, "Chao Yun, you know that the magic of Dongpo pork is not only in the deliciousness of the meat, but also in the precise heat and the peaceful state of mind. Just like our life, we need to experience ups and downs before we can appreciate its true taste."

Hearing this, Chaoyun smiled lightly, wiped the edge of the plate carefully with her hands, and replied: "Your Excellency is right. Although Chaoyun does not understand poetry and prose, but by always being by your side, I can understand the true meaning of life. Isn't this Dongpo Pork just like you, Your Excellency? It looks ordinary on the outside, but it hides endless elegance and charm on the inside."

Su Shi laughed loudly when he heard this, with a hint of admiration in his eyes. He said, "Chao Yun is very understanding. I really like what you said. Come, let me show you the last step. Mix the sauce with honey and brush it lightly on the meat to lock in its essence. Then put it into the oven and simmer for a while until it is bright red and the meat is tender. Then it is done."

As he spoke, Su Shi took out honey from a porcelain jar beside him and mixed it carefully with gentle movements.

Chao Yun observed silently from the side, her eyes full of admiration and love for Su Shi.

As the last wisp of heat rises, the Dongpo pork is finally out of the oven.

The pieces of meat are arranged neatly, bright red in color, fragrant and mouth-watering.

Su Shi nodded with satisfaction, turned to look at Chao Yun, and said with a smile: "Come, let's taste this together to comfort our lives."

Chaoyun agreed with a smile, and the two sat opposite each other and ate, enjoying this rare leisure time.

The spring breeze blows on your face, the flowers are fragrant, everything seems so beautiful and harmonious.

...

I want to eat too.

...

After returning to the Ministry of Works, Minister of Works Li Qiliang began to get busy.

He ordered people to set up a long table, spread out fine rice paper, picked up a pen and dipped it in ink, and wrote each conscription document in his own handwriting.

[The Ministry of Works of the Wu Dynasty conscripted civilians to build cement roads]

To all prefecture and county officials:

I have heard that the most important thing for a country is to enrich its people and strengthen its army, and convenient transportation is particularly important.

Today, the Minister of Works, Li Qiliang, is following my wishes and wants to build a cement highway to connect all directions, benefit the country and the people, which is truly a long-term plan.

However, the project is so huge that it cannot be accomplished by one person alone. It requires the wisdom and courage of all people to work together to accomplish this task.

Therefore, this decree is issued to order all prefectures and counties to promptly carry out the conscription.

All men in the country, between the ages of sixteen and fifty, who are physically fit and have good moral character, should actively apply to serve the country.

During the working period, the Ministry of Works will provide these laborers with food and pay them on a daily basis. A clinic will also be set up in case of emergency, so that they have no worries.

Officials in all prefectures and counties should open up wider doors of convenience, inform the people widely, let them know the intention of the court, and encourage them to serve enthusiastically.

Registration can be done at the county government office, where identity verification is required and registration is required.

When civilians are enlisted in the service, they must abide by the rules of the court, obey the orders of officials and craftsmen, work diligently and not slack off.

We should live in harmony with each other and overcome difficulties together to accomplish this great cause.

I am fully aware that this move concerns the national economy and people's livelihood. I hope that the officials of all prefectures and counties will do their best and live up to my expectations.

When the project is completed, I will reward them according to their merits to commend their efforts.