"The most important thing is to build a canal, which requires a large number of people, perhaps tens of thousands. This is not a good thing for the common people." Prime Minister He said, "The people will complain."
"The people have finally managed to live a few years of peaceful and good days. If we construct a canal, we will have to recruit the people, and they will not be willing." Grandmaster Liu said with a serious expression, "Currently, the population in various parts of Great Zhou has not fully recovered to the peak numbers of the previous dynasty. I suggest waiting a few more years until the population and financial resources have increased before building the canal."
Prime Minister He nodded and said, "The canal definitely needs to be built. Once completed, it will benefit the people from Jiangnan to the capital and future generations as well." Constructing the canal is a benevolent act that will bring benefits to millions, and it must be built. "However, given the current situation of Great Zhou, we cannot build it yet. We have to wait a few more years, or even ten years."
"Building the canal should be done sooner rather than later." The Emperor frowned, "However, as you said, Great Zhou currently does not have the capacity to build a canal." In fact, considering the current situation of Great Zhou, there is the capability to build a canal, but once the canal construction begins, the situation that has barely recovered over the past few years will be disrupted. Furthermore, once construction starts, the national treasury, which has barely improved, will be completely depleted.
"Ultimately, it is because we are too poor."
"Your Majesty, there is no other way, as Great Zhou was just established not long ago." Prime Minister He consoled the Emperor, "At present, Great Zhou’s development is still quite good."
"Now, Great Zhou is in a blossoming state. In a few years, the national treasury will be full, and it will not be too late to build the canal then."
"The canal project can only be temporarily shelved. However, during these years of delay, we must prepare everything for the canal construction." The Emperor lightly tapped the imperial desk with his right hand index finger, "Recruiting the people to build the canal can exempt them from taxes and labor duties, and they can also be rewarded with some incentives."
"What Your Majesty says is right."
"Regarding this, you two draft a plan." Although the canal has not yet begun construction, everything must be prepared in advance so that the people are not so resistant or opposed to the construction. "Also, the two of you should calculate the manpower and financial resources needed for the canal construction."
Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu said in unison, "Yes, Your Majesty."
"I will have the officials along the route from Jiangnan to the capital survey the terrain." The Emperor pondered for a moment and then added, "Also, the materials needed for the canal construction, you must prepare a tally of them in advance..."
Building a canal is not a trivial matter but the largest undertaking since the founding of Great Zhou, perhaps the largest in several hundred years, as in the previous dynasty and even earlier there was no canal construction.
After discussing the canal construction, Prime Minister He brought up Zheng Xilin’s three sons.
Zheng Xilin’s three sons have been in the capital for some time, and through Prime Minister He’s assessment, he now knows how to arrange them.
"Your Majesty, Lao Zheng’s eldest son indeed has some of Lao Zheng’s true skills, and he is mature and stable. I intend to appoint him as Chancellor’s Assistant."
"Chancellor’s Assistant?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow in mild surprise, "Do you value Lao Zheng’s eldest son so highly?" The role of Chancellor’s Assistant is a subordinate position to the Prime Minister. Although the official rank is only Grade Five, not just anyone can become Chancellor’s Assistant.
"Lao Zheng’s eldest son has some ability, and if well cultivated, he will be of great use in the future." During this period of contact, Prime Minister He was very satisfied with Zheng Rang.
"Don’t you already have an Assistant?"
"Having one more won’t be excessive."
Grandmaster Liu, on the side, said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister He intends to train Lao Zheng’s eldest son to take over his position in the future."
Hearing this, the Emperor showed a look of astonishment: "Oh, Prime Minister He, you are cultivating Lao Zheng’s eldest son as your successor?"
"That’s indeed the current plan, but whether he can take on the role satisfactorily still needs further observation." Prime Minister He stroked his beard and said with a smile, "The child has good potential but needs more thorough honing."
"I didn’t expect you to have such a high evaluation of Lao Zheng’s eldest son."
"He is indeed a good child." Prime Minister He very much liked and appreciated Zheng Rang.
"What about his second and younger sons, how do you plan to arrange them?" the Emperor asked.
"The second son is passionate about the Mo Family and it’s most appropriate to arrange for him to become an artisan in the Bureau of Artisan Works." Prime Minister He said, "He himself is also willing to enter the Bureau of Artisan Works to work as an artisan."