The Red Mansion

Chapter 276 Yuan Yi's Scheme: Re-entering the Court

The following day, May 27th.

Although the sky hadn't cleared up, it was no longer the gloomy, rainy day of yesterday. Grayish-white clouds covered the sky evenly, with occasional glimmers of light, making it a cool and pleasant cloudy day in summer.

At dawn, Lin Ruhai, dressed in the official robes of a fourth-rank Hanlin Academy Reader, arrived at the gate of the Duke of Ningrong Street as usual. The guards at the gate, already familiar with him, respectfully welcomed him in. He walked directly through the courtyard to the east wing of the "Lishenzhai" (Standing-by-the-Shen Studio).

At the beginning of Chenshi (7-9 AM), Yuan Yi invited Lin Ruhai into the study to give him a lesson.

Lin Ruhai had already planned ahead for today's lesson.

Yesterday, when Yuan Yi entered Changchun Garden, the retired Emperor Jingning suddenly summoned him and asked him questions about the Book of Changes, examining his views on the classics and politics.

Although this incident was unexpected, it revealed a crucial point: now that Yuan Yi had returned to the imperial family as a prince and held the rank of Duke, he would inevitably have to deal with such sudden tests of knowledge and insight in front of the emperor and on various occasions in the future, which would be close to the style of "presenting memorials to the emperor at the imperial lectures".

The "Imperial Lectures and Memorials" were solemn ceremonies in which the emperor discussed classics and history and consulted on political affairs. They were the ultimate test of one's academic foundation, improvisation skills, and demeanor. Lin Ruhai was a graduate of the imperial examinations who had achieved the third rank in the highest level of scholarship. He had also spent many years in the Hanlin Academy and participated in the Imperial Lectures on history for the emperor. He had a profound understanding of this art and could be considered a master in it.

Therefore, today Lin Ruhai did not lecture on specific classical texts or political laws as usual. Instead, after settling down in the study, he went straight to the point and said to Yuan Yi, "Fourth Master, yesterday the Emperor Emeritus inquired about the matter. Although it was just a casual conversation between grandfather and grandson, the essence of the question and answer was close to the style of 'meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Lectures.' This is a situation that Fourth Master will often face in the future. Today, I will take the liberty of briefly explaining the key points of this 'meeting with the Emperor at the Imperial Lectures.'"

Yuan Yi's expression turned solemn, and he sat up straight: "Please enlighten me, sir."

Lin Ruhai nodded and said, “The purpose of the imperial lectures and responses is not only to test one’s memorized knowledge, but also to observe one’s insight, demeanor, and character. For example, yesterday’s question from the Emperor Emeritus seemed to be about the Book of Changes, but in fact it was a probe into one’s heart. The way to respond is to the word ‘fit’. One must fit the original meaning of the classics and not deviate from the teachings; one must also fit the deeper meaning of the person asking the question, and even fit the current situation, only then can it be considered perfect.”

He then gave an example and explained in detail: "For instance, at a lecture in a previous dynasty, the lecturer was lecturing on the 'Wu Yi' chapter of the Book of Documents, discussing how the ruler should know the hardships of farming and be compassionate and diligent in governing. After the lecture, the emperor suddenly asked: 'However, if there is a drought, flood, or locust plague, the crops fail, and the starving people cry out, the court needs to provide relief, but it is also afraid that the treasury will be empty, and it is even more worried that unruly people will take the opportunity to cause trouble. How should this be balanced?' This question seems to go beyond the meaning of the classics, but it actually stems from the 'Wu Yi' chapter's 'knowing the reliance of petty people,' and directly addresses a real political problem."

Yuan Yi listened intently and couldn't help but ask, "How did the lecturer respond at that time?"

Lin Ruhai smiled slightly, revealing a look of reminiscence and admiration: "That lecturer was neither flustered nor did he spout empty rhetoric about 'benevolent governance and love for the people.' After a moment's thought, he calmly replied: 'In my humble opinion, Your Majesty's question is precisely the essence of the "Wu Yi" (On Leisure). To understand the reliance of the common people, one must first observe their hardships. In years of famine, relief is of utmost urgency, but it must be done skillfully.'"

First, capable and competent officials should be dispatched immediately as inspectors to the disaster areas to conduct on-site investigations of the disaster situation and verify household registrations, in order to prevent embezzlement by local officials and fraudulent claims by powerful figures. Second, when distributing relief supplies, it is best to combine relief with construction projects, such as dredging waterways or building roads, so that able-bodied men can be fed and the elderly and weak can be given porridge and rice. This will prevent the unrest of the people and will not waste future benefits. Third, local officials should be strictly ordered to stabilize the people's hearts and arrest those who take advantage of the chaos to incite and plunder grain, so as to bring peace to the region.

In this way, the famine can be overcome, the people's hearts can be at ease, and the nation will be safe. As for the treasury, it already has reserves in normal times to prepare for famine relief; now is the perfect time to use them, so how can we be stingy?

After listening, Yuan Yi said, "This couplet not only closely adheres to the principle of caring for the people in the 'Wu Yi' chapter, but also directly addresses the detailed rules for implementing real-world government affairs. It is both practical and effective, demonstrating both benevolence and talent in practical work."

“That is indeed the case.” Lin Ruhai nodded. “Fourth Master, please look at this memorial. The beauty of it lies in its ‘measured extension and incisive point.’ It naturally extends from the meaning of the classics to practical matters, and the strategies proposed are all feasible and not just empty words. Moreover, the tone is respectful yet confident, showing both deep respect for the sage ruler’s concern for the country and the people, and fulfilling the duty of a subject to offer advice and suggestions. This is a model of ‘meeting the emperor at the imperial lectures’.”

Lin Ruhai offered a detailed analysis: "Therefore, for the sake of the Fourth Master, if he is ever questioned again, regardless of which supreme being is in charge, he must first remain calm and carefully examine the deeper meaning of the question; secondly, his answer must be grounded in the classics or recognized orthodox principles; thirdly, his elaboration must be insightful, preferably relating to current affairs, and offering one or two feasible suggestions, avoiding empty and impractical statements; finally, his attitude must be humble and sincere, and his words must be concise and appropriate. Only in this way can he demonstrate his knowledge, his talent, and his magnanimity."

After listening attentively, Yuan Yi felt that Lin Ruhai's explanation had thoroughly analyzed the underlying principles and techniques behind his response yesterday, demonstrating the profound wisdom of "learning by doing" and "coping with challenges."

He said respectfully to Lin Ruhai, "Sir, your words today have benefited me greatly. I hope you will continue to guide me in this matter in the future."

Lin Ruhai humbly replied, "Fourth Master is exceptionally intelligent and quick to grasp concepts. I have merely offered my humble opinion and shared some of my experience. As Fourth Master gains more experience in the future, he will naturally gain a deeper understanding."

After explaining the key points and essence of "offering advice and responding to the emperor's call," Lin Ruhai was about to stop, allowing Yuan Yi to comprehend and digest the profound meaning on his own.

Unexpectedly, Yuan Yi suddenly asked, "I have another matter I would like to ask you immediately—I wonder if you could explain to me the essentials of water conservancy management?"

Lin Ruhai was slightly taken aback.

Although water conservancy is a matter of great importance to the national economy and people's livelihood, it seemed somewhat abrupt for Yuan Yi to bring it up during a break in his lectures and audiences.

Lin Ruhai asked in confusion, "Why has Fourth Master suddenly become interested in such practical matters? Could it be that you have been reading such classics recently?"

Yuan Yi did not answer directly, but instead asked with a meaningful smile, "Sir, you are an intelligent person who understands the ways of the world. Perhaps you can guess what I am thinking right now?"

When Lin Ruhai saw Yuan Yi say this, he knew that Yuan Yi must have a deeper meaning, so he composed himself and fell into deep thought.

His fingers tapped the table unconsciously as his mind raced.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up, as if he had realized something, and he said, "It is currently summer, and the flood season is approaching, making it most prone to floods. You, Fourth Master, personally witnessed the torrential rain in the capital yesterday. Could it be that you are considering that His Majesty might inquire about water conservancy and disaster prevention during his inquiry, and therefore wish to prepare in advance and study in advance so that you can respond calmly when the time comes?" Yuan Yi listened, smiled and nodded, praising, "Sir, you are indeed meticulous and have hit the nail on the head."

But in his heart he thought to himself: Lin Ruhai is indeed quick-witted. What he said has touched on the surface, but has not yet touched on the deep and key reasons.

The reason for this must be traced back to the summer of the first year of the Taishun reign. At that time, Zhili had suffered a significant flood, and the disaster was quite severe. Yuan Yi, who was then known as "Jiang Nian," had presented several disaster relief measures on behalf of Prince Zhongyi on behalf of the emperor.

Yuan Yi remembered that in his previous life, in the summer of the third year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, Zhili Province experienced an even more severe flood, causing widespread suffering and shocking the court and the public.

Yuan Yi had already conceived a plan: if, in the summer of the third year of the Taishun reign, Zhili Province were to suffer an even greater flood, then he could present a more systematic and in-depth disaster relief strategy to the Emperor. At that time, he might not only be able to submit a memorial to the Emperor, but also participate in the disaster relief efforts himself.

Now, the season has quietly slipped into summer, the third year of Taishun's reign.

He had now officially become the fourth prince and was granted the title of Duke. However, ten days had passed since his investiture, and Emperor Taishun had yet to assign him any official duties in court. He speculated that Emperor Taishun was not forgetting him, but rather being cautious—he needed to weigh the political situation and find a suitable and secure starting point for this newly promoted prince and duke.

Yuan Yi speculated that if a major disaster were to indeed break out in Zhili this summer, the imperial court would certainly devote all its efforts to disaster relief. At that time, wouldn't it be natural for him, a prince and duke who was temporarily "retired," to volunteer or be ordered to participate in disaster relief and supervise river works? He could then re-enter the court and step into practical affairs.

This disaster relief and assistance to the people requires the support of water conservancy knowledge. Yuan Yi knew that he was far from proficient in water conservancy management, which is why he was eager to ask Lin Ruhai for advice.

However, this speculation based on his past life memories and his far-reaching schemes concerned the secrets of heaven, and Yuan Yi did not need to reveal everything to Lin Ruhai.

Although Lin Ruhai was not a minister specializing in water conservancy, he had served as an official in the capital and in various posts in the provinces for many years, and had a real understanding of local governance and the hardships of the people. Water conservancy is related to canal transport, agriculture, and disaster prevention, and is an essential subject for high-ranking officials and local cadres. He paid attention to government affairs in his daily life and naturally had his own insights into it.

Seeing Yuan Yi suddenly ask about this, Lin Ruhai pondered for a moment, took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, and then calmly began to explain: "Your Highness has inquired about water conservancy, which is indeed the foundation of the national economy and people's livelihood. I will speak presumptuously, and Your Highness may listen attentively. The most important aspects of water conservancy management are 'prevention,' 'dredging,' 'guidance,' and 'treatment.'"

Firstly, it lies in 'prevention.' Prevention means building dikes and reinforcing the riverbanks. Especially along major rivers, dikes are vital to the lives and livelihoods of the people, and cannot be taken lightly. However, building dikes is not simply a matter of raising and thickening them; it requires surveying the geography and water flow, selecting suitable soil and stones, using proper ramming techniques, and regularly sending people to patrol and inspect them. Any ant holes, rat burrows, or cracks must be immediately filled and reinforced to prevent problems before they occur. The saying, 'A thousand-mile dike can be breached by an ant hole,' is by no means an exaggeration.

Yuan Yi listened attentively and nodded: "What you say is absolutely right. Prevention is better than cure."

Lin Ruhai was pleased to see that the man understood his meaning and continued, "Secondly, it lies in 'dredging.' If the river channel is silted up and obstructed, the water flow will be slow, silt will accumulate, the riverbed will rise day by day, and during the flood season, it will inevitably cause flooding and disaster. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to regularly dredge the river channel, remove silt, reefs, and aquatic plants, and keep the waterway unobstructed. This project is huge and requires a lot of manpower and resources. It also requires careful organization to prevent officials from taking the opportunity to exploit and overwork the people, which would only breed resentment."

Thirdly, there is the matter of 'guidance'. When encountering exceptionally turbulent waters that cannot be contained by dikes and dredging alone, a 'guidance' strategy is necessary. Flood diversion areas and flood-reducing dams can be planned and constructed in advance in low-lying areas upstream of dangerous river sections. In the event of an emergency, the pre-designated flood diversion outlets can be proactively opened to divert some of the floodwater into designated areas for storage, thereby reducing pressure on the downstream main channel and ensuring the overall safety of the river. Although this strategy may inundate some farmland and houses, it is a necessary but unavoidable measure, sacrificing the lesser for the greater good. Careful planning is required beforehand, and the residents within the flood diversion areas must be properly resettled.

Yuan Yi pondered: "The strategy of flood diversion requires courage and responsibility, and even more so, thorough preparation beforehand; otherwise, chaos may easily ensue."

"Fourth Master, you are wise." Lin Ruhai gave Yuan Yi an approving look. "The last part is 'governance.' This refers to the measures taken after a flood to provide disaster relief, reassure the people, and restore production. This includes emergency relief for the victims, disease prevention and treatment, organizing post-disaster reconstruction, repairing water-damaged projects, and even exempting taxes and levies, and comforting refugees. This section may seem unrelated to water conservancy, but it is actually the final link in testing the success or failure of water management. If it is not handled properly, all previous efforts will be in vain, and the people's hearts will be lost."

Lin Ruhai paused briefly before adding, “Furthermore, water conservancy does not rely solely on engineering projects. It also requires dedicated officials, such as the River Conservancy Commissioner and the River Management Assistant, with clearly defined powers and responsibilities; it needs a stable source of funding, such as funds for river works; and it needs a rigorous flood reporting system to ensure smooth communication between upstream and downstream areas, enabling timely responses. We also need to carefully study the water conservancy documents and river management strategies from previous years, learning from the experiences and lessons of our predecessors.”

Lin Ruhai's explanation, though not a lengthy treatise, clearly outlined the essentials of water conservancy management, moving from macro to micro perspectives and from engineering to governance. It also incorporated his practical experience as an official over many years, something that those who only talk the talk could not achieve.

Yuan Yi listened attentively and benefited from the conversation.

His previous knowledge of this subject was mostly fragmented, but after Lin Ruhai's systematic explanation, his vague ideas about dealing with floods became clear and concrete.

He seemed to see the raging floodwaters, the sturdy dikes, the flood diversion areas, and the orderly relief efforts after the disaster...

Yuan Yi exclaimed, "This matter of water conservancy, which may seem like civil engineering, is actually a profound subject that integrates astronomy, geography, people's livelihood, governance, economy, and military affairs. Only someone with your talent for practical application could analyze it so thoroughly."

Lin Ruhai hurriedly replied, "You flatter me, Fourth Master. I only have a superficial understanding and am merely stating the facts. Water conservancy is a subject as deep as the sea, and even if one dedicates one's entire life to it, it is difficult to claim to be an expert. If Fourth Master is interested in this, he will need to invite a true expert in river engineering to delve into practical matters in the future in order to grasp its true essence."

Yuan Yi smiled slightly, already understanding the situation. He knew that Lin Ruhai's words were not modest; in the field of water conservancy, there was indeed limited knowledge that his master, Lin Ruhai, could teach him.

That's okay.

If things go as he planned, he would participate in disaster relief and supervise river works this summer, thus re-entering the court and stepping into practical affairs. Given his status as a prince and duke, even if he is not the commander-in-chief, he would be the deputy commander-in-chief.

He doesn't need to be a true expert in river engineering. With his disaster relief strategies, his "hard-working" ability, and some knowledge of water conservancy, he can accomplish the heavy task!

(End of this chapter)