The Prosperous Era of Longwan

"Uncle, Shandai, what the palace means, if we really follow your ideas, can we solve the flood?"

After Feng Bao made public the palace's attitude, he asked several people in the cabinet.

"The flood can be alleviated, but it cannot be eradicated. The court can only continue to invest money to maintain the river.

However, the increased investment can be compensated by the additional silver collected by various sluices and banknotes.

In addition, the court will save a lot of funds by changing the grain transport to the sea, and it is expected that there will be a surplus in the return."

The speaker was Wei Guangde. The cabinet had already made a statement to the inner court on water control and river transportation separately, and suggested that the grain transport should no longer be transported by river, but should be directly transported northward by sea from the mouth of the Yangtze River.

"Eunuch Feng, there is another point that needs to be paid attention to.

After the grain ships are changed to sea transportation, the passage of merchant ships on the canal will become faster, and I believe that more merchant ships will be added.

In the past, the ships were released at the locks to ensure that the grain ships passed through, and then the merchant ships.

At the same time, I remember that the Ministry of War also privately allowed the grain ships to carry no more than a certain amount of goods when returning south.

And this part of the transportation capacity will also be obtained by merchant ships.

Therefore, even if the grain ships are changed to sea transportation, the number of merchant ships on the canal should increase greatly, and the transportation capacity will be even greater.

The exchange of merchant ships will also drive the two sides of the canal and make it more prosperous."

The person who took over the conversation was Zhang Siwei. At first, he was naturally firmly opposed to the change of grain transportation to sea transportation.

However, Wei Guangde talked with Zhang Siwei twice, listing the benefits of the change of grain ships to sea transportation for merchant ships on the canal, especially that the sluice gates would no longer be the key to blocking transportation capacity.

After thinking that goods from the north and the south could sail more smoothly on the Grand Canal, and concluding that the economic impact on both sides of the canal was limited, Zhang Siwei's views changed.

However, even so, he still communicated with the people behind him for many days before finally approving this plan.

The most critical factor that led them to conclude that the sea route of the canal would not affect the canal was that Wei Guangde, Zhu Heng and others had secretly bought a large number of industries near the Jia Canal.

They would never believe that Wei Ge Lao, who was good at doing business, would make his investment lose money.

Since Wei Guangde was so confident, it seemed that what he said about the sea route of the canal would not have any impact on the canal economic zone, and it would have a certain degree of credibility.

In the final analysis, it was not the canal ships but the merchant ships that brought prosperity to the canal economic zone of the Ming Dynasty.

The prosperity of commerce still depends more on the prosperity brought by commodity logistics.

As long as merchant ships are still using the Grand Canal to connect the north and the south, the prosperous scenery of the canal will continue.

However, as the Jia Canal gradually takes shape, it will not take long before the economy near Xuzhou that relies on the canal will be affected to some extent.

After all, although the Xuzhou section of the canal is still there, some ships heading north will be diverted and go north through the Jia Canal instead of going through Xuzhou.

As for the laborers who depend on the canal for their livelihood, whether they will have difficulties in life because of the lack of grain transport ships is not something that the masters should consider.

But in fact, Wei Guangde thinks that it may not happen.

Although the number of ships on the canal has decreased, after all, the majority of the annual shipping volume of the canal is still grain transport, but the laborers can only charge merchant ships instead of grain transport ships, whether they are loading and unloading goods or pulling ropes.

Their labor for grain transport ships will be offset by their corvée.

Although this part of corvée will be included in the taxation after Zhang Juzheng's reform, Wei Guangde is actually betting that the number of merchant ships will increase slightly.

This increase will also increase the income of the laborers to some extent, which can offset part of it.

In short, the economy of the canal will weaken sooner or later. Although it will still be the most dynamic area of ​​Ming Dynasty commerce, its status will gradually decline and be gradually replaced by the rising north and south ports.

This is a trend that cannot be changed by human power.

The difference is nothing more than time.

The benefits of changing the grain transport to sea transport are indeed obvious. As long as there is no external intervention, the annual increase in grain transport in Tongzhou Warehouse should be close to 10%, and the key transportation capacity will be very stable.

Unless there is a powerful foreign enemy coming from the sea and cutting off the grain transport route.

Therefore, Wei Guangde can support the Ministry of War and allocate more financial support for the development of the navy.

In any case, in Wei Guangde's view, although it may be a loss to the canal boatmen, it is actually a reform pain in the long run, and it can be gradually adjusted in the end.

And Zhang Siwei's speaking for this matter at this time actually means that the merchant group behind him seems to have changed its attitude and supports this decree.

In fact, the families that make money through the canal are definitely not just the merchant groups on both sides of the canal.

Including the nobles and the royal family, they have actually intervened in the industries on both sides of the canal early, so the attitude of the inner court not only considers the opinions of the cabinet and the court, but also listens to the opinions of the nobles and other families.

Basically, as long as the noble system of the Ming Dynasty is not involved in rebellion and causes major losses to the court, it can really rest with the country.

Feng Bao glanced at Zhang Siwei and naturally understood his attitude.

In fact, the group of merchants behind Zhang Siwei still represents the interests of Shanxi merchants and some Yangzhou salt merchants.

These people may not be the ones who benefit the most from the canal economy.

But since they are doing business, they must be inextricably linked to each other.

His statement actually means that at least some merchants reject this plan.

After all, after the grain transport to the sea is changed, it is equivalent to freeing up the Grand Canal for merchant ships to use, and there is no need to implement the rule that the grain transport ships are given priority and the civilian ships are second.

Thinking in this way, naturally the merchants will not object.

As for the tax increase, as long as real money is invested in the canal, it will eventually serve them.

In fact, the most direct reason for opposing the change of grain transport to sea transport is that they are worried that the court will no longer manage the shipping of the canal.

At that time, who will be in charge of the maintenance of the canal? Wouldn't this cut off their way to make money?

Feng Bao looked at the other officials around him and saw that they didn't want to speak after Wei Guangde and Zhang Siwei spoke. He knew that they didn't have a clear attitude, or they didn't oppose it.

At that moment, Feng Bao said happily: "Old Feng knows the cabinet's opinion.

This method of beaming water to attack sand doesn't work, so don't try it again, it's a waste of time.

The cabinet still needs to urge the Ministry of Works to find a way to control the Yellow River flood as soon as possible and send it to the palace as soon as possible, so that the queen and His Majesty can rest assured.

These days, the queen and His Majesty have been thinking about the livelihoods of the people on both sides of the Yellow River. They have lost their appetite and lost weight."

At the end, Feng Bao's smile disappeared, and a trace of sadness appeared on his face.

"Your Majesty and His Majesty care about the people and are truly benevolent rulers. On behalf of the court, I would like to thank Your Majesty and His Majesty for their care and love for the people.

The cabinet and the Ministry of Works will try every means to come up with a water control charter as soon as possible."

This time, Wei Guangde did not speak, but asked Zhang Juzheng to express his opinion.

Everyone lifted the flowery sedan chair. Feng Bao lifted the queen and the emperor in the palace, and the cabinet naturally followed.

Then, other officials expressed their gratitude for the emperor's grace.

But Pan Jixun seemed to have heard nothing at this moment, and still stood there stupidly.

He did not have any opinions about the inner court, but was mainly thinking about the method of governing the Yellow River.

The method of restraining water and attacking sand did not work, and the court had already given up.

Then, in order to ensure the safety of the grain transported to the north, the grain ships will gradually change to sea routes in the future, and the status of water control and transportation will naturally be put behind.

At this time, Pan Jixun has begun to consider ways to gradually reduce the water from the Yellow River and Huai River to supplement shipping.

Although the imperial court does not support the idea of ​​using water to attack sand, it does not mean that more water cannot be collected to wash away the silt in actual action.

The method is definitely feasible, but it is too limited, and the effect of long-term use will indeed be greatly reduced.

In the final analysis, Pan Jixun still does not think that the method he thought of is wrong, and he will continue to think of ways.

"The next step for the Ministry of Works is to send people to survey along the river, find areas where flood discharge can be preset, contact local officials, and try to relocate the people in these places to other places.

For this part of the land, it must also be registered and reported in time."

Wei Guangde said to Jiang Zhi.

Jiang Zhi nodded slightly. In fact, the setting of the flood discharge area proposed by Wei Guangde is effective in Jiang Zhi's view, but it is a one-time thing.

Because the Yellow River carries a lot of silt, the flood discharge area will inevitably accumulate a lot of silt and raise the terrain once it is used. Whether it can be used next time, the effect of flood discharge and water storage will definitely be gradually reduced.

In this way, the Ministry of Works will have to go down regularly to survey the terrain and find suitable areas in the future, which is actually a troublesome thing.

After all, this part of the land cannot be taxed as in the past. This is why Wei Guangde asked the Ministry of Works and local governments to jointly register and register. These lands need to be taxed less or even exempted from tax.

Of course, the premise of tax exemption is that there is a disaster.

And if the flood discharge is not used, these lands will only reduce some taxes.

After talking to Jiang Zhi, Wei Guangde walked to Pan Jixun again, glanced at Pan Jixun who was still stunned, and said: "Sir Pan, although the method of restraining water and attacking sand has flaws, it also shows the difficulty of flood control.

You have undertaken the task of flood control several times, and you must have a deep understanding of the difficulty.

Although the method of restraining water cannot be used, the court still believes that you can think of a way to control the water, but you must not be discouraged because of this."

Wei Guangde said this, in fact, he may not have any good intentions, but the Ministry of Works still has no good solution, so naturally someone needs to take on everything.

Rather than letting Jiang Zhi bear the wrath of thunder in the end, it is better to let Pan Jixun bear it first.

The reason why Zhu Heng has not retired yet and still holds the position of Minister of Works is actually to prepare for Jiangzhi.

If something really happens, Zhu Heng will have to take responsibility.

People who are going to retire anyway, even if they take responsibility, it's just like that.

"Wei Ge Lao, this water control is difficult."

Pan Jixun heard Wei Guangde's words, came back to his senses, and sighed.

"Yes, since the Hongzhi Dynasty, the Yellow River floods have been out of control. Although Beidu has ensured that Northern Zhili will not suffer from the Yellow River floods, it has made the people of Jianghuai suffer.

The court has arranged for the Agricultural Persuasion Department to send people to the middle and upper reaches of the Yellow River again to urge local governments to mobilize people to plant trees, hoping to reduce the amount of silt that rushes into the Yellow River.

However, although this method is good in the long run, distant water cannot quench immediate thirst. It still depends on the river government to find a way. At least it is good to reduce flood disasters."

Wei Guangde does not have much confidence in the current water control.

He couldn't think of how to deal with the current floods in the Yellow River. No matter how smart the ancients were, their knowledge was not as good as his.

Taking out the methods of protecting water and soil in later generations is the only way Wei Guangde can think of now.

But as he said, the effect will not be very obvious.

In fact, the decree presided by Wei Guangde on soil and water conservation in the Yellow River Basin is not just as simple as planting trees along the Yellow River and protecting water and soil, but also includes prohibiting the large-scale felling of trees and deforestation in the northwest region.

Even close to the Great Wall, the original grassland vegetation was included in the protection scope of Wei Guangde, and local authorities were not allowed to create farmland on the grounds of reclaiming wasteland.

"Actually, I still have an idea, but I don't know if it's right or not."

Wei Guangde suddenly had an idea and said to Pan Jixun again.

"Mr. Wei Ge, please tell me."

Pan Jixun was a little lost at this time, so he would accept any method, even if it couldn't be used, it was still a reference.

"The cause of flooding in the Yellow River is actually heavy rains in the middle and upper reaches."

Wei Guangde thought about it and then said, "If we can find a way to divert the water of the Yellow River so that it carries less sediment, can it alleviate the sediment blockage downstream?"

What Wei Guangde thought of was to draw fire from the bottom of the cauldron. Since the sediment in the Yellow River mainly comes from the middle reaches, then reduce the water in the middle reaches.

Heavy rain cannot intervene, but can cut off the upstream water flow, which will reduce the amount of sediment that the river can carry downstream.

In fact, as long as there is no sediment blockage, regulating the Yellow River becomes simple.

It's a pity that the water volume and sediment in the Yellow River are too large, so there is really no way to solve this contradiction.

“In this case, although the amount of sediment entering the lower reaches will be reduced, the terrain of the middle reaches of the river will rise rapidly.

Once there is a heavy rain and the river breaks, the damage will be greater and difficult to control. This method cannot be used. "

But when Wei Guangde said something, Pan Jixun immediately pointed out his mistake and shook his head.

“In the past, in order to ensure transportation, the imperial court tried its best to restrict the course of the Yellow River, because this section of the Yellow River was part of the canal.

Now that the canals have been converted from water to sea, the canal is not that important. The main purpose of river management is to protect people's livelihood. "

Wei Guangde didn't agree with this. He didn't know much about water control. He just had a whim and thought that the Yellow River would often dry up in later generations. It was said that it was related to the massive pumping of water in the middle and upper reaches.

As long as the water volume of the Yellow River is reduced, the floods in the Yellow River will be reduced.

But Wei Guangde knew that there was no industry at this time, and it was difficult to use a large amount of water. However, even for people's livelihood and agricultural water, they could not use so much water.

"Shi Liang understands and will do everything possible to solve the Yellow River floods."

Pan Jixun bowed slightly.

"It's difficult to solve, but as long as it can be alleviated, it's worth it even if the court spends more manpower and material resources on it."

Wei Guangde knew that the floods in the Yellow River were so easy to solve, but Pan Jixun seemed to have misunderstood, thinking that flood control was all about finding a complete solution to the floods in the Yellow River.

That's why Wei Guangde reminded him at this time.

Even if it cannot be solved, as long as the floods in the Yellow River are alleviated, it will be a great achievement, especially if the solution can be used continuously, that would be great.

"Relief? Relief."

Pan Jixun seemed to be talking to himself, saying it twice in a row.

After talking to Pan Jixun, Wei Guangde came to Chen Zan again and chatted with him for a few words.

However, for Chen Zan, Wei Guangde was still concerned about the actions of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.

"Mr. Wei Ge, the paperwork to transfer Lao Kan has been sent out today."

Chen Zan laughed softly.

"Good work."

Wei Guangde cupped his hands and smiled. (End of chapter)