roccoschili Chapter 92 Solving the Floods in Jiangnan
Chapter 92 Solving the Floods in Jiangnan
Li Mao sat at a long table in the banquet hall, surrounded by merchants seated on either side.
He picked up his wine glass and said softly, "Gentlemen, the reason I have gathered you all here today is to address the flooding in Jiangnan."
Sitting to his right was Zhang Gen, a prominent merchant from Jiangnan. He looked serious and said, “Your Highness, the flood has indeed had a significant impact on our hometown. We would be extremely grateful if it could be resolved soon.”
Li Mao smiled slightly and looked at Zhang Gen, "Boss Zhang has hit the nail on the head. However, controlling the floods is not something that can be accomplished in a day, and I'm afraid we will need everyone's full support."
Zhang Gen nodded, and said thoughtfully, "Your Highness, it's natural for merchants to contribute their efforts, but we also need to know what our efforts will bring us."
Li Mao had anticipated this question and said softly, "It's only natural that everyone contributes money and effort. I hope everyone can participate in the post-disaster reconstruction; there will surely be rewards in the future."
Sitting on the other side, the merchant Juan couldn't help but chime in, "Your Highness, we merchants have always supported the local authorities, but in the past, when we encountered injustice, few people spoke up for us."
Li Mao remained calm and said to Hu An, "I understand Mr. Hu's concerns. After resolving the flood problem, I promise to petition the court for credit on your behalf to ensure that everyone's interests are not harmed."
The merchants whispered amongst themselves.
Clearly, Li Mao's words had moved them.
Zhang Gen spoke again, "In that case, I am willing to share this burden with Your Highness."
Li Mao nodded slightly, a pleased smile on his face. "With everyone's support, this matter will surely be accomplished smoothly. Once it is done, the merchants of Jiangnan will definitely reap long-term benefits."
at this time.
Li Mao noticed that the atmosphere in the banquet hall was gradually relaxing. The merchants began to whisper among themselves, and occasionally someone would laugh out loud. "Your Highness, the expenses required to solve the flood will not be small. I wonder if Your Highness has any specific plans?" Zhang Gen asked tentatively.
Li Mao said earnestly, "Regarding the issue of money and provisions, General Li Jingqing and I have discussed it for a long time. The initial plan is to raise enough provisions and money to strengthen the dikes, and at the same time hire local craftsmen to carry out construction as soon as possible."
Juan nodded in agreement, "Your Highness's plan is indeed feasible. If the reinforcement can be completed before the heavy rain, the danger can be effectively controlled."
Each merchant present had their own agenda, but most were willing to support Li Mao.
Because they understand that only when the area is stable can their businesses operate normally.
After the banquet, Li Mao shook hands with each of the merchants and chatted with them.
Late at night.
When Li Mao returned to his residence, General Feng was already waiting for him, his face clearly showing signs of fatigue.
"Your Highness, how do you feel about tonight's performance?" Feng asked.
Li Mao relaxed slightly and replied with a gentle gaze, "The merchants have softened their stance, and this banquet can be considered a preliminary success. They are willing to contribute money to solve the flood problem."
General Feng nodded, but his expression was somewhat solemn. "However, those who are secretly watching will probably not let this go. We still need to be careful."
“Indeed, the obvious floods are easy to deal with, but the hidden forces are the real concern,” Li Mao said thoughtfully. “These outstanding payments can attract covetous people, so we must be wary.”
"Your Highness, should we send people to strengthen the guard?" General Feng suggested.
"Send more people, just make sure it doesn't leave a trace," Li Mao instructed softly.
General Feng accepted the order and left, while Li Mao fell into a brief moment of contemplation.
Soon after, Afu brought a stamped letter and handed it to Li Mao.
The letter clearly bore the signature of a local official from Jiangnan.
Seeing this, Li Mao's smile deepened.
He quickly scanned the contents of the letter.
“Ah Fu, these merchants and local officials are willing to cooperate. All we need to do now is follow the plan,” Li Mao said calmly.
“Yes, Your Highness. Local officials have all expressed their willingness to assist,” Afu replied.
At this moment, Li Mao suddenly raised his head and said, "Go and prepare a letter. I want to report to the Emperor all the results of this trip to the south."
Afu immediately nodded and turned to prepare the documents.
The next morning.
Li Mao got up early as usual to continue organizing various matters concerning Jiangnan.
He understood that simply solving the flood problem was not enough; ensuring the stability of subsequent construction was of paramount importance.
Just as he was lost in thought, the light sound of horses' hooves came from outside.
The forest rangers immediately recognized the visitor as an imperial envoy.
Not long after, an envoy dressed in plain robes stepped into his room.
"Your Highness Prince Shou, His Majesty commands you to return to the capital immediately." The visitor bowed to Li Mao.
Li Mao nodded slightly. "Thank you for informing me. I will pack my things and set off for the capital as soon as possible."
After the messenger left, Li Mao's heart stirred slightly.
"It seems His Majesty wishes to understand the specific situation in Jiangnan as soon as possible," General Feng whispered from the side.
Li Mao smiled slightly, his tone quite meaningful, "It's time to let His Majesty know everything."
He then ordered his men: "Quickly settle the affairs here and prepare supplies to escort the people back to their hometowns."
"Yes, Your Highness!" everyone answered in unison.
Heading north.
After several days of long journey, Chang'an came into view.
Upon entering the city, one is greeted by a bustling crowd and a cacophony of noise.
Without any unnecessary delay, they crossed Suzaku Avenue and headed straight for the Imperial Palace.
Inside the Taiji Hall, Li Longji sat on the dragon throne.
"How successful was Prince Shou's trip?" Li Longji asked calmly.
"Thanks to His Majesty's blessing, everything is going smoothly."
After saying this, Li Mao respectfully reported all the matters in detail.
Li Longji nodded slightly.
"You've done well. The affairs in Jiangnan still require time to be managed. This trip to the south has broadened your horizons considerably."
"Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. I have witnessed the hardships of the people's lives and am deeply moved," Li Mao replied firmly.
"Hmm, I'm satisfied that you've returned safely. You may leave," Li Longji said, his words slightly slurred.
"My son, please retire."
Li Mao was filled with doubt as he walked out of the Taiji Hall.
They hurriedly called me back from Jiangnan, just to see if I was still alive.
I'm afraid the imperial court is short of money. Without me, the racetrack basically has no revenue.
After leaving the palace, Li Mao quickly returned to his residence.
"Your Highness, are you satisfied with this trip?" Afu asked in a low voice.
After taking a deep breath, Li Mao said, "It was a worthwhile trip."
Afu's brow relaxed slightly, and he couldn't help but ask, "When does Your Highness plan to resume the racecourse business?"
“We must immediately plan a new round of horse racing.” Li Mao pondered for a moment. “Without it, Chang’an’s entertainment seems to lack vitality.”
He knew that horse racing was not only a tool for his own private profit, but also involved the interests of many others.
“Your Highness, why not take advantage of your safe return to hold another grand competition?” Afu then suggested.
Li Mao thought for a moment and nodded in agreement, "Then it's settled. Let this horse race become a celebration for the entire city of Chang'an."
Afu understood and immediately prepared to take action. "Your Highness, rest assured, I will make the arrangements right away."