The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 257

"Truly a genius! In my more than 20 years as Vice Minister of Works, I have never seen such a marvel of water conservancy. If such a place were built, it would surely be famous for all time."

“My lord, is it really necessary to make such a big deal out of it? It’s just a few design drawings. The Emperor also said that he would stop the losses within a month. How could there be such a miraculous project?”

Unexpectedly, the Vice Minister of Works seemed to be bewitched, and was still studying the construction plans drawn on the blueprints until the next morning.

A month later, the floods in Youzhou and Tongzhou did indeed improve, and the Vice Minister of Works arrived at the Golden Palace, weary from his journey.

"Your Majesty, your humble servant has lived up to your expectations. The floods in Hebei have been largely mitigated. As long as the disaster victims are relocated and their homes are rebuilt, and food relief is provided, we will surely be able to overcome this natural disaster smoothly."

"Your Majesty, my admiration for you is like a boundless river, endless and unending. Your Majesty is comparable to the wise and virtuous emperors of ancient times, such as Yao and Shun. It is an honor to be appointed to your service."

Li Shimin's face flushed. In the past, when the ministers praised him, he thought to himself that flattering him was just a formality. What was wrong with this Vice Minister of Works? Seeing how excited he was, and how he could not even speak properly, Li Er felt even more pleased.

Xu Zhen, the Vice Minister of Works, immediately said, “Your Majesty, I have something to ask you to see. I have been studying this in the Hebei area for several months and have finally completed about 70-80% of the drawing. However, this drawing contains infinite mysteries. I would like Your Majesty to explain it carefully so that all the ministers can also understand it.”

After Xu Zhen finished speaking, he kowtowed three more times. The emperor, brimming with confidence, said, "Granted. Present the map."

When Li Er saw that it was the design drawing that Xu Tian had given him before, his face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. He then said, "My dear minister, this drawing was drawn by the Grand Tutor. You couldn't possibly not know that, could you?"

What was supposed to be a commendation ceremony has turned into a ceremony where others are praised while others are humiliated! Does the Emperor have no dignity?

Xu Zhen, the Vice Minister of Works, rolled his eyes and said, "Your Majesty's ability to recognize and appoint capable people is truly admirable."

The emperor stared at the blueprints, but the more he looked at them, the more he found them to be exquisite and ingenious. The contents of the blueprints were very clear and easy to understand. Yet, it was precisely this simple composition that allowed such a magnificent building to come to life.

Sitting in Chang'an, the Emperor had already seen the water conservancy projects in Hebei, some of which were so simple that even a three-year-old child could do them. He immediately slapped his thigh and said, "Such a simple solution! How come I didn't think of that!"

Xu Zhen thought to himself: If you had figured that out, why would you be the emperor? Grand Tutor Xu is truly amazing! Xu Tian was unaware that he had already gained a devoted admirer.

Xu Zhen returned and in less than half a month, he saw that the water conservancy project had been newly built, and groups of disaster victims were gathered. Even outside his post station, a lot of people had gathered, and for a moment, it seemed as if a layer of dark clouds had gathered in the sky.

Xu Zhen sighed and said, "It seems I have to write another letter to His Majesty."

At this moment, Li Er was so shocked to hear the urgent message that had been delivered from eight hundred li away that he sat up in bed, dressed, and soon arrived at the main hall.

Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Changsun Wuji were all carried into the palace before they were even fully conscious.

There was nothing they could do; they dared not arrive too late. The Emperor was already in the main hall discussing matters, so how could they possibly be late?

"My esteemed ministers, in the Hebei region, there are large numbers of disaster victims. What effective measures do you have?"

As he spoke, Li Shimin looked intently at the three wise ministers he relied on.

The three men were completely bewildered and hadn't heard a word Li Shimin said. Masses of refugees? The sky was filled with stars and the moon; they were still dreaming.

Seeing the three men staring at each other, unable to come up with a concrete plan, Li Er grew somewhat irritated.