Chapter 971: Chapter 807: Map

The Crown Prince believed that this matter would be too difficult to implement, even if the court were to draft personnel for service now, the people would not be willing.

With such heavy rain, not only is it inconvenient to work, but the lands by the river have been battered by the storm for so long that collapse could happen at any moment.

People wouldn’t risk their lives so easily; how many would sacrifice themselves for the greater good? 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Gu Chengyu smiled, "The Crown Prince’s words are reasonable, but by appealing to their emotions and reasoning with them, the people can be persuaded. After all, it’s their homeland; if it’s really washed away, they will have no place to go, wouldn’t they be afraid? We could organize strong laborers from upstream and downstream into shifts. Of course, the wages must be paid and cannot be low."

The ancient government was very bureaucratic and always wanted free labor. They used their official status to suppress common folk into doing work for them without offering any benefits, thinking it was justified.

In truth, the people were unwilling, merely pretending to agree, appearing to be very honored, yet suffering silently with no recourse for complaint.

"Wages are certainly necessary; otherwise, the people will not exert themselves. However, everywhere is muddy, and with the rain, repairing the river embankment seems difficult. Time is urgent, and it is uncertain whether it will be possible to finish in time."

The Crown Prince remembered that when building river embankments, they used large stones and rocks; if the stones were too big, transportation would be problematic. Moreover, with rain, the glutinous rice paste used to bond the stones would just get washed away as soon as it’s applied.

Moreover, such efficiency is too slow; can it be faster than the rising river waters?

"We could fill bags with soil and stones, then stack the bags. Of course, this can only be temporary, just to cope for these two days. Once the heavy rain stops, we still have to reinforce and repair according to the original method. After all, the soil in the bags will erode when soaked, leading to partial loss. And if too many bags are stacked, collapse could occur easily. It’s dangerous and might be futile."

Gu Chengyu was suggesting a quick solution, capable of temporarily holding back the overflowing river, just as the Crown Prince mentioned, working in the rain is difficult for river workers.

He had reviewed the map of that area, but detailed ancient maps are rare; only the Emperor has comprehensive territorial maps.

Additionally, border soldiers also had sand tables and maps of the border, but those were only for borders and unrelated to other states.

The maps in workshops or officials’ hands are drawn quite abstractly and simply. Clearly, in ancient times, maps were incredibly precious.

So he has already dispatched people to conduct on-site inspections at several states in Jiangnan, wanting to devise strategies, and thus must understand the local terrain.

The Crown Prince nodded, indeed, this method is feasible; he couldn’t help but relax visibly.

"I myself have not been to the scene, thus unfamiliar with the local terrain. If the flow of various tributaries can be seen, perhaps other solutions could be devised."

Gu Chengyu suddenly thought, the most detailed maps are naturally with the Emperor. But being the Crown Prince, it’s possible he also has detailed maps.

Although he had listed several solutions in the official documents, they are rather vague. Only by understanding the terrain can a more detailed plan be formulated.

The Crown Prince heard Gu Chengyu may still have ways, and his heart was filled with joy, "I do have a fairly detailed map, but compared to what my father possesses, it is much simpler. I wonder if it will suffice."

The Crown Prince was very excited; he turned to give orders to fetch the map.

Turning around, he noticed other officials were all sitting, watching eagerly, with eyes shining brightly as if they were mice seeing fragrant oil.

"Ahem! Pang Chu, isn’t it about time for luncheon now?"

The Crown Prince cleared his throat, suddenly asking Pang Chu who was waiting at the side in a deep voice.

Pang Chu was puzzled, weren’t they discussing the map just now? Why inquire about luncheon? Was His Highness hungry?

Yet he soon understood His Highness’s intent, glanced at everyone in the room, and quickly replied, "Is Your Highness hungry? It is nearly time for the meal. This morning, Your Highness has not been able to eat, worrying deeply. Surely you should be hungry by now."

The last days, the Crown Prince has been worried about the heavy rain in Jiangnan, indeed not having had an appetite for several days, looking visibly thinner.

Gu Chengyu was originally waiting for the Crown Prince to get the map; who would have thought the Crown Prince would unexpectedly shift topics, speaking of meals now?

Yet the matter of the map is more important! Eating can be done anytime!

Gu Chengyu tilted his head, finding He Jisheng and others gazing with hopeful eyes, and immediately felt displeased.

What’s with these people? Are they waiting to reap the benefits? Are their faces that thick-skinned?

If Gu Chengyu listed all his solutions, these people would likely rush to the Emperor to claim credit.

This is quite common in bureaucratic circles; if you don’t move fast, how can you seize the advantage of being first?

Sadly, they are destined for disappointment, for even if Gu Chengyu sees the map, he won’t divulge the solutions completely, as he must meet the Emperor.

The Crown Prince brought up lunchtime, a very clear hint. Yet everyone was so thick-skinned that no one mentioned leaving.

Each raised their teacup, drinking tea.

Gu Chengyu felt it wasn’t the right time, best to return first. If the Crown Prince wishes to know the solutions, he will surely summon him again.

"Pang Chu, go prepare the meal. Gentlemen, would you like to stay for the meal?" The Crown Prince turned to the officials and said.

The Crown Prince wore a strained smile, and even the thick-skinned officials present felt embarrassed to stay seated.

After all, palace meals are rationed, and to host a banquet, the Imperial Kitchen must be instructed in advance.

But the Crown Prince clearly had no intention to order extra dishes; his question’s meaning was unmistakably clear.

They are court officials, but they are not shameless enough to do such things.

"Since His Highness is ready for lunch, I shall take my leave first."

The officials gradually filed out, heading toward the study’s exit.

Gu Chengyu walked out last, strolling slowly, having stepped out of the study just a few steps. As expected, Pang Chu chased after him from behind.

"Mr. Gu, please hold on, the Crown Prince recalled something he wishes to discuss with you."

Gu Chengyu immediately turned around, "Please, Mr. Pang, lead the way!"

His movements clean and swift, making He Jisheng, not yet walked far, sneer aloud. They were from the same school, but this junior was guarding against him so much.

Since both served in the Chamberlain’s Office, they often met. Yet Gu Chengyu always treated him with apparent respect, but when issues arose, never consulted him.

Originally, he thought to exploit his position to find Gu Chengyu’s faults and offer advice, drawing them closer.