The Prosperous Era of Longwan

Zhu Heng looked down on Pan Jixun and thought he was incapable of solving the matter.

In fact, even in future generations, there will still be no solution to the sediment problem in the Yellow River, unless rainfall in the middle and later sections of the Yellow River Basin drops, preventing heavy rainstorms and subsequent floods.

But without water, it was like the scene in the late Ming Dynasty. People had no food and clothing, and finally took risks.

"He can't?"

Wei Guangde looked at Zhu Heng with interest and asked.

"He doesn't have that ability."

Zhu Heng still shook his head, "Actually, the Yellow River has always been the main responsibility of the Ministry of Industry. I have been troubled by floods in the Yellow River for so many years in the Ministry of Industry, but there is still nothing I can do.

All we can say is that this is beyond human power. "

Immediately, Wei Guangde's eyes moved to Jiang Zhi, an old water conservator who had been concentrating on water management for many years.

However, his performance was not much better than Zhu Heng's, he just shook his head.

"Then the first assistant's proposal, do you think you will accept it or not?"

Wei Guangde asked calmly.

"It's just a waste of people and money. It may postpone the flood for a year or two, but it won't be sustainable in the end."

Zhu Heng said directly and expressed his attitude.

After Wei Guangde learned about Zhu Heng's attitude, he nodded silently.

"Shaloan, if you have any problems today, you might as well go to Guanghe Tower with us to sit and listen to music. I heard that today the famous Jiangnan master Gu Dadian's new work "The Story of the Green Shirt" will be on stage."

The matter of the Ministry of Industry was almost discussed. Just as Wei Guangde was leaving to prepare for the meeting with the cabinet, Jiang Zhi sent out an invitation.

"Guanghe Building, okay."

Wei Guangde did not refuse and agreed with a smile.

Guanghe Building, later known as Guanghe Theater, is outside the Qianmen of Beijing.

Guanghe Building was built in the late Ming Dynasty and was once the earliest and most famous theater building in Beijing. Together with Huale Building, Guangde Building and First Stage, it was also known as the four major theaters in Beijing.

As early as the mid-Ming Dynasty, this place was a famous teahouse, and later it gradually became a theater.

As for the Gu Dadian mentioned by Jiang Zhi, although he was not well-known in later generations, he was a famous poet, dramatist, calligrapher and painter in the Ming Dynasty.

Gu Dadian, whose courtesy name was Daoxing and whose name was Hengyu, was from Wujiang, Suzhou Prefecture, South Zhili. He was the grandson of Gu Bing. He was a Jinshi in the second year of Longqing and is now an official in Chuzhou.

However, he seems to be an official just out of repayment for his family, and his hobbies are more opera, calligraphy and painting, and he likes to enjoy the mountains and rivers with his friends.

As for "The Story of the Green Shirt", the play is based on Ju Yi's "The Play of the Pipa" and Ma Zhiyuan's "Jiangzhou Sima Tears of the Green Shirt" drama, which can be regarded as an adaptation by Gu Dadian.

Drama score: Bai Juyi visited Pei Xingnu, a harem girl who was good at playing the pipa, and asked for wine with her green shirt. Later, Bai Juyi was demoted to Jiangzhou for resisting the edict of Shu, and he did not meet Xingnu before he left. Fuliang tea guests bought Xingnu. , was carried to Jiangzhou; Xingnu played the pipa by himself when the moon was cold and the wind was clear, so he reunited with Bai.

Because of his official status and aura as a Jinshi, his works have always been highly respected.

Wei Guangde came out of the Ministry of Industry and saw a servant from the mansion standing next to the sedan chair, so he went over immediately.

"master."

The man hurriedly saluted Wei Guangde.

"Have you found it?"

Wei Guangde just nodded and asked casually.

"Sir, I have checked all the people who have come in and out of Zhang's Mansion recently, and no trace of Zhejiang officials has been found. However, there is one who entered Zhang's Mansion in the same year."

The servant whispered in Wei Guangde's ear.

"Yeah, I know, let's check again."

Wei Guangde just said lightly, then got into the sedan and went back to the cabinet.

When he came out, he arranged for someone to go back and investigate the matter, wondering if Pan Jixun was looking for someone to make a comeback.

Although there is no clear information, it at least seems possible.

Back at the cabinet, Wei Guangde did not go to Zhang Juzheng immediately to explain the Ministry of Industry's attitude, but planned to delay the discussion for a day or two.

After leaving the office, Wei Guangde went back to his house and changed into casual clothes. After talking to his wife, he took a sedan chair to Guanghe Building.

In the private room in front, I had dinner with Zhu Heng and others, and then went to the theater in the back to listen to the play.

Although Wei Guangde was not very interested in Ming Dynasty opera, he had no choice but to blend in and live in harmony.

"Besides, Liu Yuanwai is a guest and a businessman. Please teach me how to stay with him."

On the stage, Jiao'er performed hard, and Wei Guangde and others chatted while drinking tea.

"As expected of a Jinshi, the music, lyrics and music are both good."

Jiang Zhi, who loves theater, immediately laughed.

"Jinshi, hehe"

Next to him, Shu Hua laughed.

"Why are you laughing?"

Jiang Zhi looked at Shu Hua and asked happily.

"Recently, there is a one-chapter novel called "The Legend of the Plum in the Golden Ping" that has been circulated in the market. It is said that the author is a Jinshi."

Shu Hua explained with a smile.

"I heard someone said that the book doesn't have the author's name, right?"

Cai Guozhen asked from the side.

"Have you all seen it?"

When Wei Guangde heard this familiar name, he couldn't help but become interested and asked.

"Looking through it at random, I can only say... Alas, it's hard to evaluate."

Shu Hua replied, "It's just a legend outside that it was written for officials, but I feel like it was written by a senior. It's what I read throughout the article."

Zhu Heng frowned and asked. He was the oldest among the group, so he was very curious about Shu Hua's words. He asked with a smile: "Why do you say that?"

"Hey, when I read the book, I felt that Ximen Qing looked like that 'Qing'er'."

Shu Hua lowered his voice and replied softly.

"Qing'er? Hiss."

Zhu Heng had been in power for many years, so naturally he suddenly remembered who it was and couldn't help but take a breath.

"Look at that last name again, Ximen, Ximen."

Shu Hua continued.

Wei Guangde nodded, he understood the meaning of Shu Hua's words.

The west gate faces the east tower, and Yan Shifan's nickname is "Qing'er", and he is the godson of Grand Master Cai Jing, which is a very strong allusion.

In fact, during the Ming Dynasty, "Jin Ping Mei Zhuan" was widely circulated, but the author's name was not left on this book.

As for the later reports that the author was Lanling Xiaoxiaosheng, it was also because the earliest version of the engraving was preceded by a preface signed by "Xinxinzi". The first sentence said, "It is said that Lanling Xiaoxiaosheng wrote "Jin Ping Mei" "Biography", indicating that the author of the book is "Lanling Xiaoxiaosheng".

"Lanling" is the county commander, and "Xiaoxiaosheng" is the author.

Therefore, the last sentence of the preface is "I would like to say: Xiao Xiaosheng, who wrote this biography, must have something to say."

Therefore, later generations identified the author of this book as Lanling Xiaoxiaosheng.

A few people chatted for a while, and Wei Guangde sent a message to Shu Hua privately, "After reading it, send it to my house. I will also see how the book is written."

Wei Guangde has seen the so-called movie in later generations, but has not read the book, so he is also somewhat interested.

"It's easy to talk about. I'll just ask someone to make a copy and send it to you."

Shu Hua smiled.

The Ming Dynasty had no awareness of copyright. For a long time in China, most authors wrote books. Although they had copyrights, most of their income was the little money they gave to booksellers for the first time, and there was no money later.

The West paid royalties based on the number of publications, which had never happened in ancient China. This situation lasted until the 1980s.

During this period, most of the people who wrote books actually had to pay out of their own pockets to publish their books.

For example, Li Shizhen, who was very famous in later generations, wrote "Compendium of Materia Medica". If he had not been appreciated for treating diseases of important people, it would have been difficult for this book to be published.

In addition to books that are sold in large quantities by booksellers, private manuscripts are also very popular.

Shu Hua immediately wanted to give Wei Guangde a whole manuscript, and Wei Guangde could only smile and nod to express his gratitude.

Yes, although "Jin Ping Mei" has been circulated, it was not published by a bookseller, so there is no stereotyped version and it is all hand-copied.

If it were really a bookseller who published the book, the author would naturally not be able to conceal his identity.

The stereotypes that have been circulated since then can basically be considered as infringing works without the authorization of the author.

During a while of chatting, the performance on the stage continued, "Once you have the power, you will give orders. All the armies, big and small, obey my orders."

This is the plot of the Anshi Rebellion and the Chang'an Rebellion. Naturally, everyone knows that period of history, and they all smile and listen to the show.

However, Wei Guangde couldn't help but be surprised when he heard Duan Shui'er.

"Once you have the power, you will carry out your orders."

He automatically filtered out the scenes of marching and fighting later, and instead recited the previous paragraph in a low voice. Somehow, he thought of today's events.

After Wei Guangde came through, although he didn't set any grand ambitions for a lifetime of wealth, at first he just wanted to provide food and clothing.

Back then, Wei Guangde's biggest wish was to work as a civil servant in Jiujiang Chaoguan, Jiujiang City, and eat royal food because of his fear of traveling through time.

Of course, living in the city is also his goal.

Unknowingly, we have reached this day, maybe the time traveler is blessed by God.

It should be said that with him as a time traveler, the Wanli Ming Dynasty has changed a lot. It is no longer the eye that only looked internally during Zhang Juzheng's rule, and tried its best to solve the very serious problems of internal decay.

Utilizing the foundation of Ming Dynasty, Wei Guangde has been committed to promoting Ming Dynasty to look overseas and put it into practice.

Yes, although the Ming Dynasty was in trouble internally, the power of a tiger still existed. The Ming Dynasty had a good foundation. Even though Spain and Portugal began the Age of Discovery, in terms of comprehensive national strength, the Ming Dynasty was still the well-deserved hegemon in the world.

Of course, there is no such thing as comprehensive national strength in this era.

However, Wei Guangde suddenly discovered that, at some point, he seemed to have become selfish in his actions and actions. He did not consider the interests of the country or the nation, but considered himself and the small circle centered around him.

"Once you have the power, you will carry out your orders. That's really good."

Wei Guangde suddenly laughed at himself.

Perhaps, he has been blinded by power and can no longer see anything else.

And the things he thought he did for the country and the nation seemed to be created because he wanted to promote the talents around him.

Thinking of what he and Zhu Heng had done before, he made up his mind to reject Zhang Juzheng's proposal to let Pan Jixun control the water.

Yes, just try.

The Ministry of Industry led by Zhu Heng and Jiang Zhi has no choice but to deal with the Yellow River conservatively, that is, clean it out when it is blocked and repair it when it breaks down.

"Pan Jixun Pan Jixun."

Soon, Wei Guangde finally figured out that since the Ministry of Industry was unable to do anything, why not let Pan Jixun, who was idle at home, try it. Maybe he had kept a low profile for so many years, and it was unknown if he had other options.

But thinking about Zhu Heng's attitude towards Pan Jixun, Wei Guangde thought about it and knew that he couldn't talk about this directly and had to be tactful.

So, he approached Zhu Heng and whispered: "Brother Shi Nan."

"Um."

Zhu Heng glanced at him and looked back at the stage.

"After thinking about today's matter, I think it seems that we should follow Zhang Shoufu's wishes and let the people he recommends manage the Yellow River."

Wei Guangde whispered.

"Why?"

Pan Jixun didn't look sideways and just asked in a low voice.

"The Yellow River is already like this. Sooner or later, there will be a big mistake. Instead of holding the Ministry of Works accountable, it is better to transfer the first person responsible from Jiang Zhi to Pan Jixun.

If Pan Jixun can really manage the Yellow River, it would be the best. Let him be the Minister of Works and take charge of river works.

If the flood control fails, the main responsibility will be on him. Although the Ministry of Works cannot shirk the responsibility, it is much smaller after all.

With Prime Minister Zhang in the front, I can also help to turn things around."

Wei Guangde directly told Zhu Heng that he intended to let Pan Jixun take the blame. Zhu Heng then turned his head to look at him, and then turned back to continue watching the performance on the stage.

Although he looked like he was watching the show, he was actually calculating the gains and losses of this matter in his heart.

As the Minister of Works, he should naturally try his best to deal with the river disaster, but the problem of the Yellow River, judging from his many years of experience in the Ministry of Works, is really beyond human power.

It can't be cured.

Thinking of Pan Jixun again, the conflict between him and Pan Jixun was actually about whether to dredge the river or dig the river.

When the Xu and Huang rivers flooded, he advocated digging a new river to bypass the most dangerous section of the Yellow River.

Pan Jixun advocated dredging, although it seemed that he was right in the end.

Now the new Grand Canal has been in operation for a long time, and shipping has remained unobstructed.

"It's blocked and dredged, dredged and blocked again, how long will it take to toss and turn."

Zhu Heng lamented in his heart.

Although the Yellow River is the birthplace of Chinese civilization, it is also the most troublesome problem for all dynasties.

"I'm afraid that if he comes back, Shunqing will not be able to suppress him."

Shunqing, naturally refers to Jiangzhi, which is his name.

"With me, I will put him in the position of governor of the river. At most, let him hold the title of Shangshu. If it doesn't work, he can go to Nanjing."

Wei Guangde said casually.

Anyway, the Ming Dynasty has already prepared a team of Shangshu in Beijing and Nanjing, but the jurisdiction is much smaller, but the rank and treatment are the same.

Even if Pan Jixun has made great contributions, so what? If you are given a matching official position, are you still not convinced?

"I have no objection."

Finally, Zhu Heng nodded and agreed to let Pan Jixun return to work as the chief minister of river affairs.

The next day, Wei Guangde went to the cabinet to handle official business for half a day. In the afternoon, he went to the prime minister's duty room before the court was dismissed and told Zhang Juzheng the result of his discussion with Zhu Heng.

"In that case, what title should be given to him?"

Zhang Juzheng saw that Wei Guangde and the Ministry of Works had no objection, so he immediately said, "Before, he seemed to be the right censor of the Censorate and the right assistant minister of the Ministry of Works in charge of river engineering."

Zhang Juzheng was talking about the fifth year of Longqing, when Pan Jixun was in charge of river engineering, but something went wrong soon after the completion of the project, so he was impeached and dismissed from office.

"Let's do it this way."

Wei Guangde meant to be reinstated.

"Add the title of admiral of military affairs, what do you think?"

Zhang Juzheng suggested.

Giving Pan Jixun the command of military affairs is certainly not to let him transfer to military affairs, but to facilitate the mobilization of surrounding garrisons to guard river works, and to let the garrisons contribute to river works construction at critical times.

Wei Guangde only thought about it for a moment and nodded in agreement, "Then let's make him the Right Censor of the Censorate and the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, the General Manager of the River Transport, and the Commander of Military Affairs."

"Great."

Zhang Juzheng clapped his hands and laughed.