Daqin: A buff of incredible comprehension

From what I've seen and heard, there are already a small number of ceramic pipes underground in the capital, Chang'an, for drainage. However, even these often clog. If the city's population doubles in the future, will the existing ceramic pipes still be able to handle the load? Sewage backlogs and a foul stench will be inevitable. Foreign envoys will be greeted by the stench before they even reach the city gates, severely damaging the nation's image.

** His temper gradually escalated, and he looked at the two opposite him seriously: "What do you think, how will this affect other countries' views on Daqin?"

Zhang Heng looked dissatisfied. "Your Majesty, please allow me to speak. There must be a way to solve this problem."

"Since you say you have a solution, why not tell me now?" Zhao said sarcastically. "You're not planning on shipping it back home to dispose of it? Can you handle millions of kilograms of garbage?"

** sneered and said, "You... Your Majesty, I beg you to severely punish this man for his misconduct in front of the palace."

Zheng Huai's face flushed, and he spoke impatiently. The First Emperor coughed twice, his gaze fixed on him like lightning. He quickly explained, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I meant no offense. I was simply overwhelmed by my anxiety to benefit the people."

"I called you two here to discuss matters, not to have an argument," the First Emperor said calmly. He then turned to Zheng Heng and asked, "What else do you want to say?"

"Yes." ** said calmly, "If we only focus on road construction and ignore the sewage system, within ten years, Chang'an will inevitably become as filthy as I described. We will have to tear up the newly built cement road and lay new pipes, which will cost several times more than today."

Fusu nodded in agreement. "That's a reasonable idea."

The eunuch continued to outline his plans and concepts, painting a magnificent picture. Fifty years from now, the capital of Daqin is thriving, with a constant stream of tourists. Trade flourishes, various industries and commerce flourish, goods flow continuously, and Daqin products are renowned throughout the world.

"Perhaps this is just wishful thinking," he said, his tone darkening as he gazed at Zhang Heng and Nei Shi Teng. "If progress truly stagnates as some predict, then these plans are meaningless. Regardless of how anyone misunderstands or misinterprets my intentions, I firmly believe in my dedication to the country and its people."

Zheng Huai and Nei Shiteng turned pale, as if they realized the seriousness of the situation. The First Emperor stared at them, making them even more flustered.

"What do you think, Lord Zhang?" the First Emperor asked in a coercive voice.

"I believe what Mr. Chen says is true. Fifty years from now, Chang'an will undoubtedly be a hundred times more prosperous than it is today, becoming a city renowned throughout the world."

"What about the Minister of Internal Affairs?" the First Emperor asked.

"I agree with Mr. Chen's views and feel deeply ashamed for not having foresight."

** He smiled faintly. "You two are too modest. I am too uneducated to accept such honors."

After this discussion, the First Emperor finally decided to proceed with the city construction as suggested. Zheng Huai and Nei Shi Teng knew the seriousness of the situation and had to do their best to cooperate in carrying out the task.

When leaving the side hall, the two discussed fundraising.

Zheng Heng asked, "Minister Zhang, when will the funds from the Ministry of Civil Affairs be available? Without them, the project will be difficult to carry out, and the consequences will be unpredictable."

Nei Shiteng urged anxiously, "You must gather all the materials quickly. Otherwise, not only will the project be hindered, but we will all be in trouble."

Faced with this challenge, Zheng Heng had no choice but to seek the help of Chen Gong. After all, relying on this expert's help was the only way out of this predicament. Nei Shi Teng hesitated slightly, but he agreed to his plan.

Shortly after returning to the side hall, ** winked at the old minister next to him, as if to convey some information.

The old minister knew clearly what would happen next. As long as the project was not completed, the two would naturally obey and do as required.

The prosperous future of the entire Chang'an City is taking shape step by step, and only time will tell the results of these efforts.

Xiang Liuming nodded slightly with a complicated expression.

A few days ago, when he went to the Ministry of Civil Affairs to discuss the distribution of supplies, Zheng Tao repeatedly turned him away, his attitude extremely arrogant. Simultaneously, Internal Affairs Shi Lian repeatedly sent representatives to the Ministry of Engineering and Construction to press for progress, as if collecting a debt. The dual pressures left Xiang Liuming exhausted and caught in a dilemma. It wasn't until Li Cheng intervened that all the problems were instantly resolved. Truly, one thing conquers another.

Xiang Liuming felt that his ability as an official was far inferior to that of his son-in-law.

The night falls and the lights come on.

Li Cheng ate with big mouthfuls, his brows furrowed from time to time. Ying Lan sat beside him and muttered:

"Zheng Tao is in charge of the national treasury, and the Internal Affairs Minister Shi Lian is deeply trusted by the emperor. These important officials of the court cannot be easily offended. If you lose your power, won't you be exploited and oppressed, and our whole family will suffer! Are you listening to me?"

Li Cheng had been listening to her since he sat down. Even when the meal was almost finished, she still kept talking.

"Who's so fond of spreading rumors? Talking nonsense." Li Cheng put down his bowl and wiped his mouth. "It's such a trivial matter, but you've made it seem like the sky is falling."

He couldn't help but glance at Liu Ling, wondering if she had accidentally let the cat out of the bag, leading to her being scolded. Liu Ling's face was filled with guilt, clearly realizing she'd made a significant mistake.

After careful observation, Li Cheng felt that she wasn't to blame. The usually low-key and silent Meng Yao wouldn't have spread such news, and no one else would have done such a thing. Wang Xin, however, was unusually quiet today, which seemed out of place.

"Wang Xin, have you ever been to the Crown Princess' place?"

After some thought, Li Cheng understood the source of the information: Fusu might have accidentally revealed something to Wang Xin, and she had exaggerated it when she returned and spread the news. "No," Wang Xin said, her eyes wide with innocence. "But you're right, I haven't been there in a while. I'll go see my sister someday and catch up."

Li Chengzhang sighed: "Okay. Let's go. I'll go with you."

The housekeeper whispered outside, "Report to the master, the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Internal Affairs are here to visit."

Ying Lan hurriedly called out to them, "Please lead them to the meeting room and don't neglect them."

Liu Ling was afraid that the matter would get out of hand, so she quickly chased after him.

-

In the meeting room, Zheng Tao and Internal Affairs Shi Lian glanced around. When they saw the sturdy beams, they exchanged glances.

"It is an honor for me to have you two visit my humble home." Li Cheng greeted them with a smile and bowed.

Zheng Tao and the Internal Affairs Officer both stood up to return the greeting. Zheng Tao said, "Your late-night visit must be about something urgent. I wonder if there's anything I can do for you? If I can, I'll be happy to help."

Li Cheng replied calmly, "Let's get straight to the point. The Ministry of Civil Affairs' financial resources are insufficient to support the cement road project. This is indeed a problem. But we can't just give up on the project."

As he spoke, Zheng Tao suddenly shook out a hemp rope and said, "The Imperial Household is also in a period of transition. Increasing taxes will crush the people."

Internal Affairs Secretary Lien also produced a hemp rope and made an impassioned plea, expressing his willingness to sacrifice his life for his country. The two men made a move to fight. Li Cheng, however, sneered and stopped them: "Wait! You're too tall, and this rope is tied too low. How can it reach you? Let me get you some stools."

Zheng Tao and Internal Affairs Shi Lian looked at Li Cheng's back in surprise. They didn't expect him to react like this.

Li Cheng paused. "Why are you two doing this? Why not find a compromise? The project can be completed in installments, and the remaining funds can be advanced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After all, it's owned by the royal family, so interest still needs to be calculated."

Zheng Tao hesitated a little and said he didn't dare to agree to the loan.

"I have a plan that does not involve borrowing money, nor does it require a lot of effort to raise money and food." Li Cheng continued.

After Xianyang erected the streetlight poles, I occasionally noticed carvings on the wooden poles...

 Chapter 357: Making the best use of everything, the plan is completed

In the stillness of the night, the candlelight within the room cast a glimmer of warmth and anxiety. Ying Shiman leaned back on the bed, her eyes fixed on the figure with his back to her. He was the newly appointed governor, Chen Feng, an official skilled in strategic planning and foresight.

"Why aren't you resting yet? The candles should be out." Ying Shiman couldn't help but speak, her fingers tugging at the corner of his clothes. "Tell me, what is the special purpose of those two rows of streetlight poles? Are they really worth a fortune as you say?"

Chen Feng calmly leaned aside, his eyes radiating confidence. "Why would I make a big fuss over a small matter?" He then laid out his detailed plan: these two rows of streetlights weren't just ordinary municipal facilities; they were also a potential source of enormous wealth. By installing billboards on these light poles, Xianyang's streets would become the perfect platform for displaying product information.

"Think about it. Foreign merchants entering Xianyang will see our products firsthand. The marketing impact will be immeasurable," Chen Feng patiently explained. "Even if our descendants no longer engage in business, renting out advertising space alone will be enough to sustain our livelihood. What store wouldn't want to spend tens of thousands of taels of gold every month for such a prominent location?"

These words shocked Ying Shiman so much that she was speechless. "Ten thousand strings of gold per month? That's simply unbelievable!"

Chen Feng chuckled. "It's indeed incredible, but perhaps the future is just like this, full of infinite possibilities. Furthermore, the 'eternal' covenant made by Nei Shiteng, while seemingly simple and crude, provides us with sufficient legal protection. By the time they truly regret it, it will be too late."

Seeing his wife thoughtful, he added, "How about we discuss expanding the road with the royal family in a few days? This will not only benefit the people, but also leave an additional inheritance for the family."

Ying Shiman's eyes flickered with anticipation. "That's a good choice! But... do you really think you can do something with the outer wall of the imperial palace? After all, that's where my father lives."

Chen Feng was amused. "Haha, this matter still needs to be planned slowly. As for now, let's enjoy this quiet moment."

So, in the dimly lit yet warm room, the two of them built a blueprint for their future and brewed a grand plan in the quiet of the night. This decision would not only change the fate of a family, but would also leave a profound impact on history.

It has become a custom for officials in the court to watch advertisements half an hour in advance.

"Don't worry too much, go to bed early."

"**, let's not talk about sleeping yet. What do you think of my idea?"

Time passes quickly like flowing water.