Dapeng's Time Travel Life

The tide of reform surged through the capital, and with the downfall of a number of corrupt officials, people's lives gradually improved, and laughter filled the streets and alleys. Zhang Peng stood in the courtyard of the Prince's mansion, gazing at the profusion of flowers, but his heart remained uneasy. Reform had entered a deep-water zone; every step forward was increasingly difficult, and many deep-seated problems, like hidden reefs beneath the water, were gradually surfacing.

"Your Highness, the reports on the progress of reforms in various regions have been compiled." The aide hurried over, carrying a thick stack of documents, his face showing signs of fatigue.

Zhang Peng took the report, casually flipped through one, and his brows gradually furrowed: "Although the tax reform has been implemented, the situation in some remote areas is not optimistic. Local powerful families are still manipulating things in secret, and the burden on the people has not been truly reduced."

The aide sighed helplessly: "Yes, these local powerful families have deep roots and are deeply entrenched in their networks. They collude with local officials, so it's no easy task to thoroughly clean them up."

Zhang Peng pondered for a moment and said, "It seems that relying solely on the imperial court to send an imperial envoy is not enough; we must dismantle their power from within. Go and contact those respected local gentry, reason with them, and appeal to their emotions to win their support."

The aide accepted the order and left. Zhang Peng then picked up another report on water conservancy projects, the situation of which was equally dire. Progress was slow, funding was scarce, and the quality of many projects was questionable.

"If this continues, water conservancy projects will not only fail to benefit the people, but will instead become a burden on them," Zhang Peng thought with deep concern. He decided to personally visit several areas where the problems were more serious to conduct on-site investigations.

A few days later, Zhang Peng traveled lightly and simply to a county town where a water conservancy project was under construction. As soon as he entered the town, he saw a desolate scene on the streets, with the people looking emaciated and distressed.

"Sir, why is the project progressing so slowly?" Zhang Peng stopped an old man and asked softly.

The old man glanced at Zhang Peng and, seeing that he was dressed simply and did not seem to be a government official, sighed: "Alas, don't mention it. This project is said to benefit the people, but in reality, most of the money went into the pockets of those corrupt officials. The workers' wages are in arrears, and everyone has lost their motivation."

Zhang Peng was furious, but he suppressed his anger and continued to ask, "How is the quality of the project?"

The old man smiled bitterly and said, "Quality? It's good enough if it doesn't collapse. Those corrupt officials only care about making money, they don't care about quality at all."

Zhang Peng thanked the old man and turned to go to the county government office. When the county magistrate learned of Zhang Peng's arrival, he turned pale with fright and immediately knelt down to greet him.

“The project is progressing slowly and the quality is questionable. Do you know your crime?” Zhang Peng’s eyes were sharp as he stared directly at the county magistrate.

The magistrate trembled all over: "Your Honor, spare my life! I had no choice. The funds for this project have been embezzled by officials at every level. I am truly powerless to do anything about it."

Zhang Peng snorted coldly: "Don't use your superiors as an excuse. Didn't you get any benefits yourself?"

The magistrate immediately kowtowed, saying, "I am guilty, I am guilty."

Zhang Peng dismissed the county magistrate and ordered a thorough investigation of the project's accounts to recover the embezzled funds. He personally supervised the project's progress and mobilized a group of experienced craftsmen from nearby prefectures and counties to ensure the project's quality.

Thanks to Zhang Peng's efforts, the water conservancy project gradually got on track. Seeing that Zhang Peng was doing practical things for them, the people spontaneously joined in the construction, greatly accelerating the project's progress.

However, just as Zhang Peng was preparing to head to the next region, news came from the capital that some conservative forces in the court had united to question the reforms and demanded that they be suspended.

“Your Highness, these people are clearly unwilling to accept defeat and are trying to obstruct the reforms,” the aide said angrily.

Zhang Peng's expression was grave: "They won't give up easily. We must demonstrate the results of the reforms as soon as possible, so that the Emperor and the court officials can see the effectiveness of the reforms and win their support."

After returning to the capital, Zhang Peng immediately compiled a report on the achievements of reforms across the country, wrote a detailed memorial, and submitted it to the emperor. At the same time, he also organized a group of people's representatives to go to the palace and explain to the emperor the benefits the reforms had brought them.

Faced with irrefutable facts, the Emperor strengthened his resolve to continue the reforms. Seeing this, the conservative forces dared not openly oppose him anymore.

The wheels of reform continue to roll forward, but Zhang Peng knows that the road ahead is long and many more challenges await him. He will continue to forge ahead on this thorny path of reform, striving for the prosperity of the nation and the well-being of the people.