Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Xue Xiang was not the only one filled with worry; those living along the banks of the Yellow River and in the surrounding areas were also deeply concerned.

Some people even quickly took their families and belongings, leaving home overnight to go to higher ground and make preparations in advance.

Even if many things were left behind because we didn't have time to take them with us.

Even if the person and their belongings are soaked through by the heavy rain, they don't care at all.

Of course, some people did nothing and remained at home.

He also advised those who were preparing to leave not to panic, but simply to stay at home.

"The government has been repairing the Yellow River for the past few years, and it is now completely repaired, unlike before."

If we can't even stop this little bit of water, then what was the point of building the river?

"Is this all the water? Haven't you seen how long it's been raining? With such heavy rain, we could all drown if things aren't handled properly!"
"What was the situation like when there were major floods a few years ago? Don't you really have any idea?"

Some people are optimistic, while others are pessimistic.

Of course, when you really think about it, it's not entirely pessimistic.

The main reason is that when the Yellow River flooded in the past, a heavy rain would turn the area into a vast expanse of water, turning people into fish and turtles.

Countless people have lost their lives because of this.

Even some people they knew, and even many of their family members, lost their lives because of this.

The impression it left was so deep!

So profound that I can never forget it!

In recent years, the government has indeed managed to control the Yellow River.

But the Yellow River was only completely repaired a month ago.

It had just been completed when this heavy rain hit.

Whether they can withstand it is really hard to say.

They dared not gamble, fearing that if they lost, they and their families would perish!
Even if we get caught in the rain at this time, it doesn't matter!
The rain was still falling, and along many sections of the Yellow River dike, people were patrolling back and forth with torches.

Under the torches and umbrellas, flickering lights struggled through the rain to illuminate the surging river.

The turbid river water, carrying withered grass, branches, and even entire trees, rushed away like a roaring dragon.

Many people are feeling tense and panicked.

They were terrified that the river would breach the dikes and cause a massive flood, resulting in countless deaths!

There are also many sandbags piled up on the river embankment, ready to be used to plug gaps and protect the embankment in case of emergency.

Everyone was placed on high alert.

The heavy rain did not stop despite everyone's worries and prayers.

It continued until the latter half of the night before gradually shrinking and stopping.

Although Xue Xiang breathed a slight sigh of relief, he was not completely at ease.

Because he knew that the rain stopping did not mean the danger was over.

Rainwater from various places collects into ditches, then into small rivers, then from small rivers into large rivers, and finally into the Yellow River, all of which takes time.

After flowing into the Yellow River, it takes time for the water to flow down from above.

And the fact that the rain stopped where they were does not mean that it stopped upstream.

These are all enormous challenges.

He was highly focused, and more and more people came to the riverbank.

Some women rushed over to deliver soup and rice, while others prepared to help protect the river embankment.

Xue Xiang hurriedly drank a bowl of hot soup and then continued his inspection with his men.

Even though he hadn't slept for a day and a night, he showed no intention of going to sleep.

No one around him dared to advise him to rest.

More than an hour later, after daybreak, the largest flood peak arrived, and the water level rose sharply.

In some places, the distance to the embankment was less than three feet!

Someone hurriedly brought over pre-prepared sandbags and quickly piled them up there.

Many more people were transporting sand and gravel onto the riverbank.

At this moment, everyone's hearts were united in resisting the disaster, and their spirits were stretched to the limit!
After another hour or so, the water level began to gradually recede.

"The water has receded! The water has receded! The water level has dropped!"

Some people cheered.

Immediately, joyful shouts erupted from both sides of the riverbank.

Some people even shed tears!

Xue Xiang's tense heart relaxed a lot at once, and he almost collapsed from exhaustion.

"Quickly! We can't let our guard down! Continue transporting supplies to reinforce the riverbank."

To prevent even more water from coming!

Overjoyed, Xue Xiang quickly raised his voice and shouted.

Busy activity resumed on the riverbank.

The crowd was more motivated than before, but there was less tension and anxiety, and more energy and excitement.

After all, they really saw hope and witnessed the dawn!

……

A day later, the water in the river had receded by a few feet, the danger had completely passed, and the sky had cleared.

Xue Xiang's tense heart finally relaxed completely.

He slowly sat down on the riverbank, looking at the turbid but much gentler Yellow River, and smiled silently.

A moment later, he slowly lay down on the still-wet embankment and closed his eyes.

The attendants nearby were shocked and rushed to help him up, calling out to him.

But then I heard snoring.

As they breathed a sigh of relief, many of them had tears welling up in their eyes.

As those who followed Xue Xiang, they knew all too well how much Minister Xue had sacrificed in recent years after taking on the arduous task of managing the Yellow River.

He really had it so tough!

They're risking their lives to repair the Yellow River!
Lord Xue, who was originally in good health, looked more than ten years older in just a few years, and his hair turned much whiter!
Someone quickly found straw, unloaded the oxcart planks, and laid them on the riverbank, then covered them with straw.

Then spread out the few pieces of clothing that had just been taken off their bodies.

The group carefully lifted Xue Xiang onto the bed and covered him with clothes.

Lord Xue is too tired; he deserves a good night's sleep!

The people around them unconsciously fell silent and walked very quietly.

I was afraid of waking this beloved person.

For a moment, all around was silent, except for the surging Yellow River flowing eastward to join the sea.

This river, which had been overflowing and difficult to control ever since Du Chong breached the dike, was finally completely restrained at this moment, no longer flowing recklessly, ravaging the land, and causing devastation to living beings!
……

The many people on both sides of the strait who had been anxious and worried were finally relieved.

The imperial court has done a great service, and so has Lord Xue!
The Yellow River has truly been brought under control!

The Yellow River has truly been completely tamed!

The Yellow River, which has plagued them for years, causing countless people to live in fear and losing their lives, has finally been tamed!
If we can withstand such a heavy rain, which is rare in many years, then we will not have to worry about ordinary rain in the future!
Countless people are grateful for the imperial court's kindness, and even more so for Minister Xue.

In many places, people have even spontaneously built shrines to worship Minister Xue.

……

"Haha, good! Good! Xue Xiang did a really good job!"

Inside the Wuying Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but grin after receiving these reports.

I was extremely happy.

The anxiety that had been building up was also put down.

I was right about Xue Xiang; he really has the ability.

The Yellow River has brought countless disasters to countless people. Even my own family suffered famine because the Yellow River diverted the Huai River and caused flooding. Furthermore, we were scattered due to the various pressures from the Yuan Tartars!
Now, finally, during his Hongwu reign, he has been restrained and can no longer run rampant!

Now, I don't have to worry anymore!
"Minister Xue has suffered."

Two months later, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Xue Xiang in the Fengtian Hall and spoke with a smile.

At this time, Xue Xiang was sitting down.

All the officials stood, except for Xue Xiang, who had a seat.

Furthermore, he was seated even before the Crown Prince. This clearly demonstrates just how honored Xue Xiang was this time!

This honor can be said to be the first since Zhu Yuanzhang established the Hongwu Dynasty!
However, no one felt that Xue Xiang was unworthy of such treatment.

This time, Xue Xiang deserves such extraordinary treatment from His Majesty.

Those who are capable of governing the Yellow River certainly deserve such respect.

More importantly, Xue Xiang is different from ordinary people.

He is a truly talented person who is willing to get things done.

They will not fight for power or profit.

It poses no threat to anyone.

Many people are happy to see such a person in a high position receive such preferential treatment.

Moreover, no one can be jealous of this achievement.

Because they don't know how to manage rivers.

"Your Majesty, I have only done some minor work and do not deserve such praise and such courtesy."

The successful management of the Yellow River is thanks to Your Majesty and the efforts of the people.

If it weren't for Your Majesty's strong support, we would never have experienced a shortage of money, materials, or other resources over the years, and all supplies would have been provided in the best possible way.

If it weren't for the many people who united as one and contributed their efforts to control the Yellow River...

How could the Yellow River possibly be controlled?

Xue Xiang was speaking from the heart.

He really thought so.

Only those who have worked on the Yellow River understand that the most important factor in managing the Yellow River is not one's own ability to control it.

It was not only thanks to His Majesty's strong support, but also to the people's decisive battle against the Yellow River under the government's call, that we have achieved today's results.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "You're too modest, you're too modest."

Those were indeed your achievements; don't try to shirk responsibility.

Our previous promise to you is valid, and it's time to fulfill it!

As Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he announced with a smile the rewards and honors bestowed upon Xue Xiang.

The title of Minister of Works naturally still belonged to Xue Xiang.

In addition, he was appointed Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince.

More importantly, he also specifically ordered the construction of a temple and statue for Xue Xiang on the Yellow River embankment near Bianliang.

It was named the Yellow River True Lord Temple.

Furthermore, the Crown Prince will personally write an inscription to record the repair of the Yellow River and erect a stele in front of the temple!
The honors and accolades are simply overwhelming!
Especially regarding the construction of the temple and the erection of the stele, the emperor personally conferred the title of True Lord of the Yellow River, proclaimed it to the world, and had the crown prince write the inscription for the stele. How glorious was that!

Now, even more people envy Xue Xiang!

This person has been directly deified!

In this way, Xue Xiang's name will surely be remembered for thousands of years and will never be forgotten!
Xue Xiang was so excited that he could hardly stop trembling.

Finally, he knelt on the ground, weeping uncontrollably.

His Majesty gave him far too much, far more than he had ever imagined.

……

Inside the Wuying Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang sat here.

There was a very reserved-looking person sitting opposite me.

This person was none other than Xue Xiang, who was deified while still alive.

By this time, the court officials had already dispersed, and it was almost noon. Zhu Yuanzhang set up a banquet in the palace and invited Xue Xiang to attend.

Xue Xiang was flattered and overwhelmed.

"Minister Xue, are you aware that we are planning to move the capital to Beiping?"

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Xue Xiang and said with a smile.

Xue Xiang hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, I already know."

"If Your Majesty wishes for me to go to Beiping to prepare for the relocation of the capital, I would gladly give my life for you!"

He thought that His Majesty wanted him to go and build a palace.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "I can't be willing to die ten thousand times over."

We still need to keep you around to do more good deeds!
We're not asking you to build a palace. Just make sure it's decent enough; it doesn't need to be extravagant.

Just let someone else do it.

Minister Xue, your talent for river management should not be wasted.

What we mean is that some sections of the Grand Canal are not yet fully dredged and are currently sufficient, but they may not be enough once the capital is moved to the mainland.

"We still need to continue dredging and repairs; this task can only be done by you."

"Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to your expectations and do my best to ensure that nothing goes wrong!"

Xue Xiang stood up and solemnly accepted the order.

This is exactly what he wanted to do.

The imperial court is far too dangerous, filled with too much intrigue and backstabbing.

One wrong move and you could lose your life.

It's better to go outside to manage the river.

Have you not seen how many lives have been lost while I was repairing the river these past few years? Yet I not only escaped unscathed, but I also made such a great contribution and received such high honors.

It has reached a level that many people cannot achieve.

Today, His Majesty has given us too much, and his radiance shines too brightly.

He was somewhat worried that if he stayed in the court, he would be plotted against and dragged into things he didn't want to get involved in.

But upon hearing His Majesty's words, my worries vanished instantly.

Going to manage the river is a good idea; he loves managing the river!

It's something I enjoy and am good at; it not only allows me to achieve success but also doesn't pose a threat to others—it's a particularly good path.

He immediately said he would do his best, and added, "Your Majesty, the river connecting Beiping to the sea also needs some repairs."

This will facilitate the future transport of grain and supplies from sea to the capital, complementing the canal.

"I am also willing to do my part."

Upon hearing Xue Xiang's words, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but smile.

Xue Xiang is somewhat cunning.

However, this is exactly the result he wanted.

He genuinely hoped that Xue Xiang would dedicate more of his talents to river management; those who get things done should be placed in positions that suit them best.

Moreover, shipping is something I want to develop.

Xue Xiang had a unique perspective on this matter, and his thoughts were on the same topic as mine.

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately agreed, smiling as he said, "It's not just the river over there; we see many dikes and other structures along the coast. When we have the resources, we can repair and reinforce them as well."
These are also for you, Minister Xue, to handle.

Xue Xiang prostrated himself on the ground once again.

He knew very well that this was His Majesty's way of showing him affection.

After receiving the order, Xie En immediately set off to oversee the dredging of the canal.

But Zhu Yuanzhang stopped him.

They gave Xue Xiang a three-month leave, telling him to rest more, eat well, and visit relatives and friends during these two months.

Let me get my body in good condition before I start doing it; there's no rush.

Your health is the foundation for doing anything.

……

When Xue Xiang returned home, he couldn't help but tear up as he recalled the events of the day.

Your Majesty's kindness is truly immense!
It's so big that I can't even pay it off myself!
……

A year later, many people came to the capital.

It has become noticeably more lively.

Among them, the largest group consists of scholars.

The reason is simple: the three-year period has come to an end.

After many years, the Ming Dynasty has finally resumed the imperial examinations! (End of Chapter)