The Prosperous Era of Longwan

"It means that if the imperial court approves his memorial, it may be a waste of money without any impact, or it may only last for a few years?"

Wei Guangde asked with a frown.

It is said that confining water to attack sand is good, but after listening to Jiang Zhi’s words, sedimentation cannot be fundamentally solved, and the risk of dam collapse will greatly increase after confining water.

At this time, Wei Guangde had to think about this matter seriously.

"The harm of good loans is actually far more than that."

At this moment, Jiang Zhi's words interrupted Wei Guangde's thinking.

"What else is harmful?"

Wei Guangde asked in confusion.

"The Ministry of Industry received the memorial and recruited people to correct it. The final conclusion was that if Pan Jixun's method of water control was followed, after the Yellow River dams were tightened and raised today, the sediment would continue to block and the river bed would move in the future, and the court would still The only option is to continue to raise the embankments.

Because washing the sediment with mouth-clearing water can only take away part of it, it is absolutely impossible to clean it all.

If things go on like this, if the Yellow River bed continues to rise, what will be the consequences? "

Jiang Zhi said.

After hearing this, Wei Guangde knew the answer after thinking for a while. Didn't later generations say that the Yellow River is a river hanging from the ground?

The word "Xuanhe" is actually the final result of this method.

Of course, there are ways to alleviate it, or to prevent the Yellow River from becoming a hanging river above the ground, but that may cause it to get out of control.

As for the method, naturally it is laissez-faire.

Whenever the Yellow River rises too high from its surroundings, it will find its own way into the sea after the breach, choosing a lower and gentler place to join and form a river again.

Historically, the Yellow River has changed its course many times, and that’s not just because of this.

Sedimentation and siltation raise the river bed, heighten the surrounding terrain, and then change its course.

After changing the route, it is no longer a hanging river on the ground.

After a long while, Wei Guangde finally said: "Xuanhe."

"Yes, the Ministry of Industry thinks so after careful consideration. The word 'Xuanhe' sums it up brilliantly."

Jiang Zhi answered, "But the harm doesn't end there. Does Shandai know the location of the Ming Zu Mausoleum?"

The Ming Zu Mausoleum is located in Minling Village, Huaihe Town, Xuyi County, Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province. It is adjacent to Hongze Lake in the east and about 20 miles away from Xuyi County. The total area of ​​the Ming Zu Mausoleum is about 73 hectares. It was first built in the 18th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty. Year.

The Ming Zuling Tomb is the tomb of three generations of Zhu Yuanzhang's great-grandfather Zhu Bailiu, great-grandfather Zhu Sijiu, and grandfather Zhu Chuyi. It is also the actual burial place of his grandfather.

It took 28 years to complete the Mingzu Mausoleum. It has three city walls, 21 pairs of Shinto stone carvings, three Jinshui Bridges, thousands of halls, pavilions, towers and pavilions. The construction regulations and 21 pairs of Shinto stone carvings inherit the style of the Tang and Song Dynasties. It is Zhu Yuanzhang reestablished the important carrier of orthodox Confucian culture in the Central Plains.

Maps of later generations show that the Yellow River turned eastward in Zhengzhou and entered the sea from Shandong. However, the trend of the Yellow River in this era was not the same. Instead, it continued southeast from Zhengzhou, passing through Xuzhou and crossing Hongze Lake to the sea.

In fact, originally the Yellow River did not intersect with Hongze Lake, but in order to ensure water transportation, in the mid-Ming Dynasty, water from the Yellow River was intentionally diverted to Hongze Lake to replenish the canal.

The result is that the Yellow River water first enters Hongze Lake and then leaves the sea, causing Hongze Lake to rapidly siltate, the lake surface expands, and the water level becomes shallow.

The lake embankments were built higher and higher, and Hongze Lake eventually became a hanging lake. "The weirs and embankments have great potential to build a bridge, and the cities and counties are more like the bottom of a cauldron."

The continuous raising of the Hongze Lake embankment caused the water level of Hongze Lake to rise. Sizhou City was eventually submerged, and the Ming Zu Mausoleum was not included in Hongze Lake.

Of course, none of this has happened yet, but if Pan Jixun's method is followed, Hongze Lake will become a reservoir for scouring the Yellow River sand.

In fact, Hongze Lake was originally just a non-contiguous low-lying water storage area. It was first called "Hongzepu" during the Sui Dynasty. After the Yellow River captured the Huaihe River in the Southern Song Dynasty, the water surface gradually became a lake.

Wei Guangde felt his head was as big as a bucket and his thinking was a little confused.

Nowadays, the Yellow River flood control has been entangled with too many factors, not only the Yellow River floods, but also the Huaihai Sea and the unblocked canal. Now Jiang Zhi has pointed out the possible harm to the Mingzu Mausoleum.

Mingzu Mausoleum, this is not an ordinary matter, but a very serious political incident.

What Wei Guangde didn't know was that because of the adoption of Pan Jixun's water control method, the Yellow River and Hongze Lake really became "hanging rivers" and "hanging lakes." Finally, a hundred years later in the Qing Dynasty, the water level of Hongze Lake soared, causing the Mingzu Mausoleum to be destroyed. submerged.

Of course, dynasties had changed at that time. The Qing Dynasty didn't care about the Ming Dynasty Mausoleum. They only kept the canal open.

"It's really hard to be an official."

Wei Guangde really didn't know what to do now, so he couldn't help but blurt out what was on his mind.

In the Internet articles I read before, who cares about these things, they all just came up with reforms and then plotted to usurp the throne. It seemed as easy as buying cabbage in the market.

But when he came here in person and encountered constraints everywhere, Wei Guangde could understand that novels are still novels after all.

But after Wei Guangde came here and finally entered the cabinet, he was worried about these "big things" all day long and had no time to care about anything else.

"To put it simply, does the Ministry of Industry think Pan Jixun's method is effective in controlling the Yellow River and protecting the canal?"

Wei Guangde didn't want to dwell on this and asked directly about the key points.

"It has a certain effect, but..."

Jiang Zhi wanted to say more, but was interrupted by Wei Guangde with a wave of his hand.

"This law to rule the Yellow River means that the court will continue to spend money to build the embankments of the Huanghuai River. Well, there is also the embankment of Hongze Lake, right?"

Wei Guangde continued to ask.

"Yes, just."

There is no doubt that Jiang Zhi's words were interrupted again by Wei Guangde, and then he was heard to continue asking: "Is the rising water level threatening the surroundings, especially the safety of the ancestral mausoleum?"

"The safety of tens of millions of people around us is also at risk."

Jiang Zhi hurriedly added.

"If nothing is done, the Yellow River will change its course next time, and we don't know where it will go."

Wei Guangde ignored him and continued to ask.

"yes."

This time Jiang Zhi only said one word and then shut up and said nothing more.

"Has the Ministry of Industry considered the benefits of silt washing?"

Wei Guangde suddenly asked.

"Benefits? Naturally, it will clear up siltation and alleviate floods in the Yellow River."

Jiang Zhi said without answering.

"more than."

Wei Guangde shook his head slightly and said: "The sediment from the Yellow River entering the sea will inevitably accumulate near the estuary. If things go on like this, the land area near the estuary will continue to expand."

Wei Guangde glanced at Jiang Zhicai and continued, "In other words, my Ming Dynasty's territory may also expand because of this.

Has the Ministry of Industry ever considered the use of sediment from the Yellow River?

I saw that the previous desilting was to pile the sediment outside the embankment. If it can be washed away with water and expand the Ming Dynasty's territory, it seems that it is not impossible to do it.

that is

After all, this is still a way to quench thirst by drinking poison, and the potential harm is too great. "

Wei Guangde had to admit the threat of Xuanhe and Xuanhu.

It's okay if nothing happens, but if something happens, the world will be shocked.

Moreover, the later something happens, the bigger the trouble will be.

"You go back to the Ministry of Industry first, list all these possibilities, and write down all the things that may happen. This matter should not be left undecided for a long time. The court needs to make a choice and what to do.

Perhaps we can't find a way to get the best of both worlds, but at least we must know how harmful it is, and we should try our best to avoid avoidable losses. "

Wei Guangde ordered, "Over at the Ministry of Industry, just think about it and write whatever you want, no matter how alarmist it is. Anyway, after you finish writing it, hand it over to me and tell everyone to keep it secret until the cabinet makes a clear decision."

Jiang Zhi understood that Wei Guangde wanted him to make an analysis report based on the current water conditions of the Yellow River.

Although there is no such statement yet, he still understands the prediction.

Fighting is not just about predicting the enemy's opportunity.

What Wei Guangde has to do now is similar to marching to war. He lists out the methods of water control and the subsequent harm. Finally, the cabinet makes a judgment and decides what choice to make.

This matter may even go through a ministry discussion, involving all six ministries and nine ministers to discuss and analyze the pros and cons of the method.

The thing is too big.

"I see."

Jiang Zhi nodded and agreed, then stood up and said goodbye: "As for the charity loan, I will go back to the Ministry of Industry to convene the officials to discuss, brainstorm and outline the regulations first."

Well, we have to go to Mr. Zhu first and ask him to take charge of this matter.

After all, he has been treating pornography for a lifetime, and he may have many insights that are deeper than ours. ’

"It makes sense. Although Brother Shinan should not be disturbed, this time may be a major decision made by the court, so it is best to let him know.

There is no doubt that Pan Jixun will also be recalled to the capital. "

Wei Guangde immediately agreed.

After Jiang Zhi left, Wei Guangde couldn't sit still anymore. He read Pan Jixun's memorial again. After he felt confident, he planned to go to Zhang Juzheng to discuss it.

But as soon as he stood up and sat down again, he didn't know whether Yu Shi had left.

At this time, Wei Guangde was also trying his best to search his mind for future flood control measures, and the word "flood discharge area" suddenly appeared in his mind.

In fact, in later generations, many methods were thought of to deal with floods. In addition to building embankments and dams, the main ones were to plan flood discharge areas, flood conduction areas, and flood diversion areas.

Flood release area: When the flood exceeds the warning level, the flood is artificially directed to a certain area for flood discharge.

Flood control area: reserved area on both sides of the main river, which can be used as a temporary river channel to cross the water when the flood peak comes.

Flood diversion area: An artificial or natural low-lying area that can be opened when floods come to store floods.

The purpose of setting up a flood discharge area is to guide the flood to areas with smaller losses in the face of irresistible and inevitable floods to reduce disaster losses. Therefore, the area of ​​a flood discharge area is generally relatively large and must be able to calm the flood peak. effect.

Allowing floods to spread in the flood discharge area, thereby protecting the safety of other areas, is the most direct function of the flood discharge area.

If embankments are built throughout the basin, then obviously the cities farther downstream will have greater flood control pressure and the embankments will be more difficult to hold.

Therefore, in order to prevent embankments from bursting in some key areas, floods will be directed to the flood discharge area in advance.

The scope of the flood control area is relatively small, and the specific size varies, depending on the river surface and the width of the river surface.

Although the name "flood control area" sounds strange, it may be the most familiar thing to everyone because we come into contact with it every day.

Riverside parks are standard features in every city. They have pavilions, playgrounds, trails, and observation decks that adults and children love to play in.

But the park’s greatest municipal role is to serve as a floodway to prevent the city from suffering flood damage.

When floods come, the entire park will turn into a river channel for temporary flood relief.

The scope of the flood diversion area is between the flood conduction area and the flood release area. The purpose of setting up the flood diversion area is to use areas with water storage capacity such as natural lakes or artificial reservoirs to divert and weaken floods.

At this time, the future generations just kept appearing in Wei Guangde's mind.

Even though I was just a social worker who was just messing around, I knew a lot because there was no pressure.

However, it has not been used for a long time and has long been forgotten.

But now, these memories are gradually reviving.

Just as Wei Guangde wrote down the three words "flood discharge area", "floodway area" and "flood diversion area" on the note and marked them, he accidentally caught a glimpse of Pan Jixun's memorial, and he suddenly realized that these memories of his seemed to be completely useless for the current management of the Yellow River flood.

Because no matter how the Yellow River is managed, it will eventually become a suspended river on the ground.

It is much higher than the surrounding area, how to set up this so-called flood area?

I'm afraid that the water of a river will pour here.

"Pah."

Wei Guangde threw away the brush in his hand and sat there dejectedly.

"After all, you still have to make a choice."

Wei Guangde reacted. No matter what water control, transportation, or Ming Zuling, after all, the court must list the priorities and cannot want everything.

Not to mention the current technical conditions, even hundreds of years later, it seems that it cannot be done.

Don't think that the Yellow River doesn't seem to be angry in the future, that's because the flood is not that big.

Everywhere needs water, so the floods of the Yellow River are gathered in the middle and upper reaches. There is not much water in the lower reaches, which is completely different from the later generations.

Although Wei Guangde has arranged for the middle and upper reaches of the province to plant trees near the river, it seems that the effect is very limited now.

Yes, Wei Guangde has arranged the task a long time ago, but the reward he received is that the survival rate of the trees planted is only about 40%, and many seedlings cannot survive.

Although, forest protection is not something that can be done overnight, it takes persistence.

Wei Guangde picked up a brush from the pen holder, prepared a new piece of paper, and lowered his head to start writing.

He planned to ask the court to issue another decree, requiring all places in the upper reaches of the Yellow River to continue to plant trees near the river, and the area of ​​planted forests should not only not be reduced, but also spread outward.

Perhaps it has not been seen for decades, but he still hopes that it will be effective in a hundred years, at least there will be no more loess plateau.

After the draft memorial was finished, Wei Guangde called Lu Bu in and asked him if there was anyone in the Prime Minister's office.

"Yu Yushi has left, there should be no one there now."

Lu Bu answered immediately.

He had to pay attention to the movements there and know who he met. This was Wei Guangde's order, and he would naturally execute it resolutely.

"Yes."

Wei Guangde agreed, picked up Pan Jixun's memorial and stood up to walk out.

Lu Bu followed him respectfully. In fact, he knew that it was Wei Ge Lao who asked to see Zhang Juzheng.

When he reached the door, Wei Guangde suddenly stopped again.

He almost forgot that there were not only him and Zhang Juzheng in the cabinet now, but also Zhang Siwei.

For such a big thing, it seems that he should be informed first, at least on the surface, the cabinet should still be harmonious.

"Go to Zhang Ziwei and ask him to come to the Prime Minister's office and say that there is something to discuss."

Wei Guangde ordered, and then went straight to Zhang Juzheng.

These things, of course, need to be discussed openly. The matter is too big, so it is good to listen to their opinions.

Who asked him to take the job of the Ministry of Industry?