Your Majesty, please resign again

Chapter 218 is under control! (Five thousand big chapters, there will be more tonight.)

Lu Yining teased Zhang Heng, but Zhang Heng pretended to be cool, but Lu Yining quite enjoyed this feeling.

"We have contacted Zhan Tongpan and sent the cement to the city wall for testing. It has been decided that the city wall will directly use cement instead of glutinous rice and lime. It will probably bring in tens of thousands of dollars.

In addition, we have also won the order from the government office, which will probably bring in a few thousand dollars, and the initial investment has basically been recovered."

Zhang Heng nodded and said: "Where are the roads and ditches in the city? Do you want me to say hello?"

Lu Yining laughed: "Wouldn't that make me incompetent? Who doesn't know that I, Lu Yining, belong to you, Mr. Zhang? As long as I come forward, will they refuse?"

The key is that this cement is cheap, strong and durable. Whether it is used in ditches or roads, it can save a lot of costs. It is also flat and durable, who wouldn't want to use it."

Zhang Heng smiled and said: "How much tension is there in this area?"

Lu Yining said: "Cement can earn about 50,000 guan. In addition, I have also taken orders for gravel, bamboo and other materials, which is about 30,000 to 40,000 guan. The total amount is about 80,000 to 90,000 guan."

.”

Zhang Heng smiled and nodded: "With this money, this cement factory probably won't suffer too much loss."

Lu Yining sneered: "Loss of money? You told me that you will lose money with a magic weapon like cement? As long as the city walls and roads are built, Guangzhou City will not use anything else in the future.

Also, isn't the construction of Diwei going to start soon? This order is worth at least a million dollars. If this makes us lose money, I will give you my head."

Zhang Heng shook his head and said: "Don't make money here in Guangzhou. Invest whatever you earn into it. If you want to make money, wait until the dike is built. The dike is the first priority now."

Lu Yining nodded. Of course she understood the importance of this to Zhang Heng. She said, "Then I will sell it at the cost price and just maintain it without losing money."

Zhang Heng laughed: "Well, with cement, my plan to develop the Xijiang Delta has finally taken shape."

Han Xiunian was indeed a professional. He led his people away for about twenty days and found Zhang Heng as soon as he came back.

"Cao Shuai, it's time to start."

Zhang Heng said excitedly: "Have you done the survey and made a construction plan?"

Han Xiunian immediately took out the survey report, construction plan and other things to Zhang Heng. Zhang Heng looked at it. Although it was not as good as the engineering reports of later generations, it could be seen that the entire plan was quite complete. Zhang Heng couldn't help but secretly praise:

When it comes to big projects, the Chinese are good at it.

Han Xiunian was afraid that Zhang Heng would not understand, so he quickly explained: "The plan this time is to focus on the large and let go of the small. We will classify the large and small rivers in the Xijiang River Basin. We are mainly responsible for the embankment of the main stream and first-level tributaries.

The requirements for these embankments are higher, and they are to be built as main traffic roads, so we have to guide the construction. As for the tributaries below the second level, it is left to the villages to build them. Of course, we will send technical personnel here.

It’s guided, and it’s actually not difficult.

The reason for doing this is because the window time of the dry season is too short. After all, it is rainy here. It only lasts from late autumn to early spring, which is three or four months. Therefore, multiple lines must be started at the same time to complete the overall framework.

OK."

Zhang Heng nodded. He knew that the Pearl River was the second largest river in the Song Dynasty. During the rainy season, the water flow was very scary. The embankments must be built before the rainy season. Otherwise, during the rainy season, there would be no water.

It's time to start construction.

"Then...start it."

Zhang Heng gave the order, and the huge government machinery suddenly started up.

Zhang Heng appointed Han Xiunian as the chief engineer of the Xijiang Delta Embankment Construction Project to lead the entire project, and asked Zhan Chongwen to be responsible for coordinating the mobilization of materials and manpower among counties.

Guangzhou Prefectural Office, Prefectural Court, all direct departments, left Siliyuan, right Siliyuan, Department of Justice, Sihu Department, and various economic departments, including Changping Cang, Huiyi Treasury, Changping Treasury, Gongshi Treasury, and Gongshi Liquor

Personnel from the warehouse, minister's vinegar warehouse, shed-front vinegar warehouse and other departments were also mobilized by Zhang Heng to coordinate the construction of the embankment.

Such a large project spread across the entire delta would definitely require a lot of people. Without mobilizing the power of the entire state government, there would be no way it would be possible just by relying on the team brought by Han Xiunian.

Zhang Heng's firm attitude made officials and subordinates at all levels see his will, so that they did not dare to slack off. Zhang Heng also personally established a Xijiang Delta Status Construction Project Supervision Office Team, personally serving as the team leader, and personally supervising the construction of land around the embankment.

Work.

However, even so, there are still people who can't control themselves.

On October 27, an embankment collapsed in Shunde County, killing and injuring more than a dozen workers involved in embankment repairs.

Zhang Heng immediately led a team to conduct a rigorous investigation. It turned out that the subordinate staff in charge of this section of the embankment colluded with the foreman to cut corners, which led to the collapse of the embankment.

Zhang Heng was unselfish and continued to track down the Shunde County magistrate. Zhang Zhoujie, the Shunde County magistrate, hired private individuals and used the project to embezzle and accept bribes, causing quality problems in the Shunde section of the embankment.

Zhang Heng took immediate action to control all those involved in corruption, and then the Criminal Investigation Department took over the investigation work.

This was a quite big incident, and Zhang Heng's handling of it was not unsevere, and it was quite shocking to many people. However, given the level of corruption among officials in the Song Dynasty, it was impossible not to cause trouble.

During the process of Zhang Heng leading a team to inspect the project, there were people who were slacking off, dereliction of duty, corrupt, and perfunctory about quality issues...there were so many problems.

County magistrates were directly appointed by the imperial court. Zhang Heng himself could not move them and could only hand them over to the Criminal Division. However, Zhang Heng had the authority to promote and remove subordinate officials and yamen servants.

Along the way, Zhang Heng inspected and removed a large number of unqualified subordinate staff, and also promoted a large number of people who were brave enough to serve. These people were distributed in various county offices and even various departments, and even the senior officials in many villages asked Zhang Heng to

Heng has been replaced a lot.

These people were promoted by Zhang Heng, so they naturally recognized Zhang Heng as his official backer. Zhang Heng could also use them to control the dynamics of various departments and county offices, and truly let the tentacles of power penetrate deeply into the counties and villages.

After Han Jiang came to Guangzhou, he followed Zhang Heng to the mountains and countryside every day. According to his words, this was called deep cultivation of Guangnan East Road, and the central bank wanted to contribute its share to rebuilding a new Jiangnan.

Zhang Heng suspected that he was following him on a sightseeing tour. Of course, there is nothing interesting in the Xijiang Delta now, because large-scale embankments are being built, and all water systems are in a mess. There is no clear water in the river, and it is all turbid.

The muddy water is naturally nothing fun.

After one round of inspection, Zhang Heng returned to Guangzhou.

Han Jiang watched all the way, filled with emotion, and said to Zhang Heng: "Do you know why I follow you all the way through the mud?"

Zhang Heng said in surprise: "Don't do anything to hurt me. I'm old and can't listen to that."

Han Jiang was speechless for a moment and said angrily: "I am not a person who regrets spring and autumn either!"

Zhang Heng chuckled.

Han Jiang sighed with emotion: "I thought you had a simple purpose in building this embankment, but now it seems that you really wanted to dance with Xiang Zhuang and dance with Pei Gong."

Zhang Heng groaned and said, "What did you see?"

Han Jiang stared at Zhang Heng and said: "You want to take control of Guangnan East Road through the dike and land reclamation!"

Zhang Heng's heart skipped a beat, but his face looked as if nothing had happened and he said, "How do you say that?"

Han Jiang's eyes were burning: "The Diwei land reclamation project is huge, so there are many people involved, ranging from state officials to local elders, including more than 100,000 laborers!

You build fields through embankments, constantly identify problems, and then promote new people. These new people are in their respective departments or villages. These people will regard you as their backer. At this time, you will completely control Guangnan East Road and the entire Guangnan East Road.

The road will be under your command!"

Zhang Heng nodded and said: "As a transport envoy along the way, shouldn't we be in control of the next step?"

Han Jiang nodded and said: "Of course it should be. That's what I'm talking about. You showed me how to control a huge organization. That is to initiate a big event and then put everyone involved in it first."

Under his control, the power will be in his hands!"

Zhang Heng smiled and said: "What then?"

Han Jiang chuckled and said, "So, I learned it."

Zhang Heng was a little helpless: "That's it?"

Han Jiang's eyes were bright: "This is not enough. Do you know how many people can't understand this truth in their lives?"

Zhang Heng smiled. He thought Han Jiang had discovered some great truth. After talking for a long time, that's it?

However, Han Jiang was partly right. After these actions, he did control the most important Xijiang Delta on Guangnan East Road.

Now that the prefecture and prefectures are basically under his control, there are also his people in each county and even in the countryside, he also has his informants. He can know what happens in the Xijiang Delta at the first time, and his

Once a government order is issued, it can go deep into the countryside.

And this was accomplished in just three months after he came to Guangnan East Road.

After a round of inspections, large-scale personnel adjustments, and a large number of subordinate staff who were courageous, diligent, and thrifty, and after Li Zheng and senior officials took office, the progress of the project became controllable and steadily advanced under Zhang Heng's control.

.

The Xijiang Delta embankment project was very large, but Zhang Heng mobilized more than 100,000 people to participate in it. The embankment construction of the main stream and tributaries of the Xijiang River started together. With full advancement, the project progressed very quickly. Han Xiunian excitedly reported to Zhang Heng:

"According to this progress, the entire framework can definitely be constructed before the dry season ends.

Cement is really easy to use. Whether it is building a bridge or embankment, it is an extremely powerful tool. If we follow the general method, in some key places, we have to go deep into the mountains to dig out big rocks, and then transport the big rocks out for filling.

Only then can we withstand the impact of floods.

In this way, although the effect can be achieved, it requires too much manpower and material resources, and the progress will definitely be greatly affected.

But cement is different. Cement can be broken into parts. After pouring and curing for a few days, it will become natural. The construction is quick and convenient. It is really easy to use.

Originally I was worried that it would not be completed during the dry season, but now it seems that it should be possible.

Even the road above the embankment can be completed during the dry season.

Caoshuai, just watch, when spring comes, you will be able to see a Xijiang Delta extending in all directions!"

Even Zhang Heng was a little surprised by this progress. He knew how big the project was, and it also had to include the construction of roads and bridges. Even future generations would not be able to complete it so quickly, right?

However, Zhang Heng thought more. In this era, the requirements for roads and bridges are not that high. There is no need for a cross-river bridge, and the road is not a highway. They cannot use it, and it is impossible to build it. As long as it can allow carriages to pass

, it would be great if the villages could be connected with each other.

That's not a concept at all.

But even so, for the entire Xijiang Delta, it is already an earth-shaking progress.

Zong Baosheng initially followed Xu Jin's brother-in-law Zhao Kun to work on the construction site of the city wall. He worked for more than a month and saved quite a bit of money. This certainly made him very happy, but when he started working in Zhou Ya

When laborers were recruited to build the embankment, Zong Baosheng signed up without hesitation.

Although there was no salary to build the embankment, and it was certainly not as easy as building the city wall, he followed Zhao Kun. Zhao Kun actually asked him to help run errands and manage the workers on the construction site. It was actually very easy, and Zhao Kun

The salary given later is also based on the salary of a small foreman.

But Zong Baosheng was still unwilling to stay. Zhao Kun couldn't dissuade him and quickly asked Xu Jin for advice.

Xu Jin was a little surprised after hearing this: "He is going to build a dike?"

Zhao Kun said with a bitter face: "Do you think he has mastered something and is now going to report it?"

Xu Jin stared at Zhao Kun and said, "Did you reach out randomly inside again?"

Zhao Kun almost jumped up: "How dare I do this? There are so many handsome people around me. If I still dare to reach out, am I stupid or looking for death?"

Xu Jin nodded. He believed this. His brother-in-law was greedy but not courageous. In this case, he did not dare to act rashly.

Xu Jin nodded and said, "Let's go, take me to meet him."

Arriving at the work shed at the city wall construction site, Xu Jin saw a restless Zong Baosheng.

When Zong Baosheng saw Xu Jin, he ran over as if he had seen a great savior: "Mr. Xu, are you here?"

Xu Jin had a smile on his face: "Brother Zong, what's wrong with you? You seem a little anxious. Are you unhappy working on the construction site?"

Zong Baosheng was a little embarrassed and said: "Mr. Xu, that's not the case. Foreman Zhao treats the villain very well and pays him a lot of wages. If it weren't for the dike wei issue, I would still want to continue working."

Xu Jin exclaimed: "Why do you want to work on the dike? To build the dike, you need to go into the water. The weather is so cold now. How can working in the water be better than working on the city wall?"

Zong Baosheng laughed and said sheepishly: "It's hard work to go to Diwei, but you can divide the fields. You know, making money is definitely not as good as land. The money will be spent quickly, but the land is

It can always be cultivated, so..."

Xu Jin understood that he wanted to build embankments to enclose the land.

He thought about it for a while and said with a smile: "Brother Zong, actually you don't have to go to Diwei, it's just fine to do it here."

Zong Baosheng was quite determined: "Mr. Xu, I just want ten acres of land. I only need to work on the dike for four or five months to get ten acres of land. I need these ten acres of land to support the four people in my family."

A boy and a half."

Xu Jin laughed: "Brother Zong, don't worry. I'm not trying to stop you. I'm just saying that you don't need to go there to suffer. It's fine to work here on the city wall. If you want ten acres of land, you can do it."

It’s not difficult.”

Zong Baosheng's eyes lit up: "Mr. Xu, do you have any idea?"

Xu Jin smiled and nodded: "Well, the city wall will be completed around the beginning of next year, and we can still work for about three months. Brother Zong, there are still three months left, how much money can you earn?"

Zong Baosheng did the math. He was now a small foreman. His work was easy, but the money he got was a lot more. This month he got nearly ten guans. If he worked for another three months, that would be 4

Ten hits.

Of course Xu Jin knew how much money Zong Baosheng could get. He smiled and said, "Do you know how much one acre of land that has been developed now is sold for?"

Xu Jin made a seven sign: "Ten acres of land, only seven dollars!"

Zong Baosheng was surprised when he heard this: "So cheap?"

Xu Jin nodded.

Zong Baosheng still hesitated and said: "But I don't know where to buy it?"

Xu Jin smiled and said: "Brother Zong, look at me, if you want to buy land, can I still make it impossible for you to buy it?"

Zong Baosheng was immediately overjoyed and did not even mention building the embankment. He happily continued working on the construction site.

But Zhao Kun was a little unhappy and complained to Xu Jin: "Why do you want to keep him? With him here, I dare not do anything!"

Xu Jin glared at him and said, "I'm just afraid that you'll mess around!"

Of course this is not true, Xu Jin continued: "Zhan Tongpan personally came to arrange the people, and then he couldn't stay with me anymore and ran to build a dike. Then Zhan Tongpan came to ask me, Xiao Xu, Zongbao

How are you doing when you were born? How should I answer, ah, he went to build a dike, just for ten acres of land..."

Zhao Kun understood now and nodded repeatedly: "I understand, I understand!"

Xu Jin nodded and said: "Win him over well and don't let him think blindly. I will take care of the farm matter. When the city wall is finished and the roads in the city are built, you can take him with you."

Zhao Kun suddenly became sad again.

Xu Jin hated Tie Bucheng and kicked him and said: "It's worthless. This is Cao Shuai's old acquaintance. If one day Cao Shuai is far away in a foreign country and misses his old acquaintance, go and have a chat with him. As long as he mentions you,

, you are so successful!"

Zhao Kun said angrily: "Come on, I don't know if I can make a great success, but the extra money will definitely be gone!"

Xu Jin snorted: "It's worthless!"

(End of chapter)