With a million soldiers, the empress begged me not to rebel

He put down the blueprint and walked over to a migrant worker who was digging the soil with sweat pouring down his face.

He squatted down, picked up a shovel, and said:

"Come on, let me try."

The migrant worker stood up quickly, a little panicked:

"Sir, how can this be possible? Are you..."

Lu Yan waved his hand:

"This is all for the people of Shannan Prefecture. There is no distinction between high and low."

"Let me experience your hard work and know the progress of the project."

After saying that, he started shoveling the soil.

Although he had never done such rough work, he was very strong.

With one shovelful, he dug up a large piece of soil.

The migrant workers around stopped what they were doing and looked at Lu Yan.

Their eyes were full of admiration and emotion.

"Your Excellency is such a good official! In the past, which of the officials would work with us peasants like you do?"

"Yes! My Lord, you really worry about us!"

Lu Yan worked for a while, put down the shovel, and beads of sweat had already appeared on his forehead.

He wiped the sweat off his face and said:

"This job is indeed not easy, everyone has worked hard! However, for the future of Shannan Prefecture, we must persevere!"

The migrant workers shouted in unison:

"Don't worry, sir, we will definitely complete the mission!"

Canals meander into the distance like silver ribbons, nourishing the dry land.

Bridges span rivers and ravines, connecting each other's dreams.

Looking at these projects that are gradually becoming reality, Lu Yan feels filled with a sense of accomplishment.

This is not only a victory for the project, but also a rallying of people's hearts and a rise of hope.

However, just as the project was in full swing, Night Owl brought bad news.

"Sir, there is a secret report." Ye Xiao looked solemn.

"Recently, unidentified individuals have been active in Shannan Prefecture, and their behavior is extremely suspicious."

Lu Yan's heart tightened, and he immediately became alert: "Can you find out their identities and purpose?"

Night Owl shook his head:

"Not yet, but their activities are mainly concentrated near the construction site. I'm afraid they are coming for us."

Lu Yan pondered for a moment, a cold light flashed in his eyes:

"It seems someone doesn't want us to have an easy time. Night Owl, you must immediately increase your vigilance and secretly monitor the movements of those suspicious individuals." "Be sure to find out their identities and intentions, and never let them destroy our construction!"

"Yes!"

Night Owl took the order and left.

With the secret protection of the Night Owl special forces, the safety factor of Shannan Prefecture has been greatly improved.

I can finally free up my hands to deal with other urgent matters.

Haixia Customs, this piece of fat meat that has just been obtained, has immeasurable strategic and economic value.

Good planning is necessary to make the best use of resources.

After returning to the government office, Lu Yan immediately summoned Li Kui, Zhang Xun, Han Sheng, Tu Rong and others.

"Brothers, if we take over Haixia Pass, it's like holding a golden baby! But how to make use of this golden baby requires everyone to figure it out together."

Lu Yan went straight to the point, his words full of excitement.

"Sir, I, Old Li, am the first to agree! I've wanted to go to Haixia Customs for a long time, but unfortunately I never had the chance."

Li Kui shouted in a muffled voice, wielding the big knife in his hand with great vigor.

Zhang Xun also echoed:

"Your Excellency is right. Haixiaguan is extremely important in terms of its geographical location. We must make good use of it."

"Sir, I believe that the most urgent task is to build fortifications and strengthen the defense of Haixia Pass."

Han Sheng has always been cautious and considers things carefully.

Lu Yan nodded and signaled everyone to be quiet.

"Everyone's suggestions are good. However, in addition to strengthening our defenses, we must also consider how to utilize the resources of Haixia Pass to bring greater benefits to Shannan Prefecture."

He paused and continued:

"I have an idea. Building a dam at Haixiaguan will not only prevent seawater from flooding back, but also generate hydropower, reduce the pressure on thermal power generation, and save coal resources."

"Hydroelectricity? What the hell is that?"

Li Kui opened his eyes wide, looking curious.

"Hydropower is the use of the force of water flow to generate electricity."

Lu Yan explained.

"The terrain of Haixiaguan is very suitable for building dams. We can use the rise and fall of the tide to drive turbines to generate electricity."

"This will not only save coal resources but also provide cleaner energy."

"What a brilliant idea, sir!"

Zhang Xun exclaimed in admiration.

"In this way, we can save a lot of coal and use it to develop other industries."

"Yes, sir, you are really smart!" Han Sheng also agreed.

"I, Old Li, still don't understand."

Li Kui scratched his head.

“How can this water generate electricity?”

Lu Yan smiled and explained patiently:

"The principle behind this is quite complicated. To put it simply, it uses the energy of the water flow to convert it into electricity. Once the dam is built, I'll take you to see it and you'll understand."

"Okay!" Li Kui responded excitedly

"I've always wanted to see what hydroelectric power is!"

"In addition, we will also set up a shipping department at Haixia Customs to collect fees from merchant ships and increase the financial revenue of Shannan Prefecture."

"Controlling the Haixia Customs is equivalent to strangling the throat of the trade route. We can effectively control Java's trade and increase our strategic advantage."

Lu Yan added.

Everyone nodded in agreement, expressing their approval of Lu Yan's proposal.

"Building a dam is extremely expensive, but it's a major project that will benefit the present and future generations, so it's worth it even if it costs a fortune."

"The completion of this project will benefit more than one million people in Shannan Prefecture, allowing them to share in the dividends brought by the Haixiaguan Dam."

Lu Yan said passionately, with a determined light in his eyes.

Li Kui and others were deeply encouraged and expressed their full support for Lu Yan's plan and said they would start preparations as soon as possible.

The planning matters of Haixia Customs were arranged properly, and Lu Yan stretched.

Just as I was about to take a short nap, I heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

"Sir, the envoy from Beixiang State requests an audience and also brings a marriage certificate!"

The servant reported, with a hint of disbelief in his words.

Marriage certificate? Beixiang Kingdom?

Lu Yan frowned. These two words combined sounded strange no matter how they were heard.

You were fighting to the death a few days ago, and now you send me a marriage certificate?

What tricks is this old fox from Beixiang Kingdom playing now?

"Bring them to the lobby. I want to see what they're up to."

Lu Yan snorted coldly, stood up and straightened his clothes.

When he arrived at the lobby, Lu Yan recognized the person at a glance.

Chu Wen, the brother-in-law and counselor of the King of Beixiang.

This old guy has a smile on his face, just like a Maitreya Buddha, which makes people feel uncomfortable just looking at him.

"Master Lu, how are you?"

Chu Wen bowed and spoke in a flattering tone.

"Lord Chu has come from afar, what brings you here?"

Lu Yan responded with a forced smile.

"This visit is truly for the sake of diplomatic relations between our two countries. My king wishes to establish a lasting friendship with Shannan Prefecture."

"I am betrothing Princess Mingyue to you as a token of my sincerity."