Accidentally dressed as an empress

Inside Cloud Hidden Castle

Yunxiu sat in the study with her hands supporting her chin, thinking. In order to improve the salinization of the soil, under the current conditions, she could bring water in to wash away the soil with too much salt.

Then they promoted paddy fields and planted rice brought from the State of Chu.

If we want to divert water, we must develop water conservancy projects.

Yunxiu plans to build dams to prevent floods and ditches to divert water, so that the water network will crisscross among the fields. Only a stable water source can ensure agricultural production.

Yunxiu decided to build water conservancy facilities for Yunyin City.

However, the project faced many difficulties from the very beginning, the first of which was a shortage of funds.

Making sturdy and durable tools, purchasing large quantities of stone and wood, and hiring experienced craftsmen all require money.

The government had limited treasury funds, and the people were also in financial difficulty after experiencing famine and turmoil, making it difficult to raise sufficient funds.

Yunxiu once again took out her private treasury and invested all the money she earned from Ren Li into the project. She also ran around asking for help from merchants and gentry, hoping that they could donate money to this project that would benefit future generations.

Yunxiu stepped into the mansion of the wealthy businessman, walked through the corridor, and around the courtyard with colorful flowers and green trees. She was led into the lobby by the servants.

In the lobby, Mrs. Bing, the salt merchant from Yunyin City, was sitting leisurely on a chair, gently playing with a pair of warm walnut balls in her hands.

Seeing Yunxiu come in, she just slowly took a sip of tea, and the fragrance of tea instantly filled the entire room. Then, with the shrewdness and caution unique to a businessman in her eyes, she looked up at Yunxiu.

Yunxiu stepped forward, clasped her fists and bowed respectfully, saying, "Madam Bing, I have long heard of your great name. I have the audacity to visit you today because I have a favor to ask of you."

Mrs. Bing put down her teacup, and it clattered gently against the saucer, making a crisp sound. She raised her eyes slightly and said, "Your Excellency, the Governor, you are very polite. I wonder what brings you here?"

Yunxiu stood up and looked at her sincerely. "Madam Bing, you know that our Yunyin City is suffering from soil salinization. Farmland is barren and the people are suffering. Yunxiu wants to build water conservancy projects, divert water to wash salt, build dikes and canals, and bring life back to this desolate land."

Mrs. Bing snorted softly, "The prefect has great ambitions, but the construction of water conservancy projects will probably cost a huge amount of money. What does it have to do with businessmen like us?" She leaned back in her chair with a hint of disdain in her eyes.

Yunxiu took a few steps closer, stopping before a landscape painting in the hall. She seemed to be inspired by the landscape. "Madam, you're wrong. If the water conservancy project is successful, the farmland will have a good harvest and grain production will increase significantly. Then, not only will the people of Yunyin City be prosperous, but the surrounding towns will also benefit. Commercial exchanges will become more frequent, and your goods will have no shortage of sales. Wouldn't wealth flow in like a river? Look at the landscape in this painting. It's the water that nourishes it, bringing it such vitality. If Yunyin City has water conservancy, it will be just like the splendor in this painting."

Mrs. Bing pondered for a moment, shook her head and said, "Even so, the investment is too risky. Who can guarantee success?" She stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the courtyard outside.

Yunxiu looked confident, "Madam, I am willing to guarantee it in the name of the prefect, and I have already emptied my private treasury. This project is well planned and the people are united.

If you succeed, you will be a great hero who saved the area. You will gain both fame and fortune, so why not do it? Besides, the people of Yunyin City will be grateful to you, and your good name will spread far and wide."

Madam Bing's eyes scoured Yunxiu's face. "I'm quite moved by your persistence, Lord Governor. But the amount is so huge, I'll have to think it over."

Yunxiu was delighted, knowing that there was a turning point, and hurriedly said, "Madam, this is a great cause for the ages. I hope you will not miss this opportunity to accumulate virtue and benefit future generations." She bowed slightly and saluted.

Madam Bing nodded slightly and said, "Sir, please go back first. I will give you an answer in three days."

Although Yunxiu was still a little nervous, she could only do so. She clasped her fists and saluted again: "Then Yunxiu will wait for good news from the wealthy businessman. I hope that the lady can do something to benefit the people."

After leaving the salt merchant's mansion, Yunxiu rushed to the home of the next big merchant without stopping.

Over the next few days, Yunxiu was restless, unable to eat or sleep. She continued to send people to investigate other possible sources of funds while anxiously awaiting responses from the wealthy businessmen.

She continued to run around the city, comforting the people while also continuing to look for possible sources of funding.

She also personally went to some small businesses in the city, explaining the importance of water conservancy projects to each of them. Although the funds she received were limited, every penny was precious to her.

Finally, the day agreed with the rich businessman arrived, and Yunxiu arrived outside the rich businessman's mansion early.

Finally, the appointed day arrived. Yunxiu got up early, carefully arranged her official uniform, and with a hint of uneasiness and full of anticipation, she once again set foot on the bamboo path leading to the salt merchant's residence.

The gate of the mansion slowly opened, and Mrs. Bing, the salt merchant, came out in person, with a solemn look on her face.

Yunxiu's heart sank suddenly, but she still forced herself to remain calm and asked, "Madam, what do you think?"

Mrs. Bing sighed slightly and said, "Your Excellency, my family is willing to help, but after calculation, we know that the funds we can provide are very limited. I'm afraid it will be difficult to cover the entire cost of the water conservancy project. However, I am willing to offer you some advice and contact other neighbors to discuss this matter together. Perhaps we can pool our resources to make a difference."

Yunxiu felt a mixture of gratitude and helplessness. She took a deep breath and said, "Madam, this is a very kind act. Yunxiu is deeply grateful."

Led by salt merchant Mrs. Bing, other small salt merchants and surrounding neighbors gathered together.

In the spacious hall, people sat around with different expressions, some were hesitant, while others were full of curiosity and anticipation.

Madam Bing stood up first, cleared her throat, and explained in detail the plight of Yunyin City and the urgency and long-term significance of building water conservancy projects.

She looked around sincerely and said, "Everyone, Yunyin City and we share the same fate. Farmers are currently suffering from soil salinization. If the water conservancy project is completed, not only will the people of Yunyin City benefit, but the surrounding areas will also benefit from the development of trade and abundant grain production."

Yunxiu then stood up and bowed deeply to the crowd. She then unfolded the blueprint in her hand and explained the project plan in a clear and firm voice: "Fellow villagers, the construction of this dam can prevent floods and protect thousands of fertile fields; the construction of the canal can bring in fresh springs and irrigate the dry land. Although we need your generous donations now, the rewards in the future will surely far exceed your imagination."

The neighbors began to murmur, some exchanging glances as if weighing the pros and cons, while others frowned, lost in thought. Then, an elderly squire spoke slowly, "Sir, this project sounds promising, but how can we ensure that the money is spent wisely? We've worked so hard to save it, and we're afraid it will all go to waste."

Yunxiu remained calm and responded unhurriedly, "Don't worry, father-in-law. Every income and expenditure of the project funds will be carefully recorded by a dedicated person, and will be jointly supervised by respected people in the city and fellow villagers. We will ensure openness and transparency, and there will be absolutely no mistakes."

Another wealthy young businessman questioned, "Even so, this project is huge and time-consuming. What if something goes wrong and the farming season is delayed?"

Yunxiu smiled faintly and patiently explained, "I've gathered skilled craftsmen and experienced farmers from the city to discuss and refine the plan. From the selection of materials for the embankment to the alignment of the ditches, everything has been carefully planned based on the terrain and weather. We'll also work as hard as possible during the slack season to avoid delays."

After hearing Yunxiu's answer, everyone gradually quieted down. Lady Bing said, "The governor is a humble man, and I trust his character. I am willing to donate one thousand taels to help Yunyin City build a water conservancy project."

After a period of silent deliberation and weighing of options, a salt merchant finally stood up and said, "Since the governor is so sincere and the lady is so kind, I would like to donate five hundred taels of silver to help you in your humble way."

With this person taking the lead, other merchants also responded. You gave one hundred taels, I gave two hundred taels. Although the amounts were different, the trickles would eventually become a river.

Yun Xiu looked at this scene and smiled, "Everyone's heroic deeds will be remembered by the people of Yunyin City forever."