Chapter 144: It’s a natural disaster, not a man-made disaster

Zhu Qizhen suddenly felt that after eating, his mind slowly calmed down. The anxiety in his heart was somewhat relieved. He glanced at Hu Hui and suddenly felt in his heart that it seemed that Hu Hui's original intention was not about breakfast.

But he was trying to persuade Zhu Qizhen tactfully.

As an emperor, no matter what happens, any unnecessary emotions will not be beneficial, but will be harmful.

"Your Majesty," Cao Nai went out to salute and said, "I am guilty. In the face of this natural disaster, I was unable to coordinate all parties to tide over the difficulties. Instead, I made such a mistake and harmed the people. I deserve death for my crime."

As soon as Cao Nai said this, other members of the cabinet paused slightly and stood up to apologize.

Zhu Qizhen understood in his heart. Although Cao Nai's words seemed like nonsense, they were nonsense that set the tone. What tone did he set? This incident was a natural disaster.

Since it is a natural disaster, no one needs to be responsible. Even if someone is responsible, it will be detrimental to the treatment, not anything else.

Zhu Qizhen understands very well.

Although the incident on the Yellow River was seven parts natural disaster, it was still three parts man-made disaster. Among these three parts man-made disaster, Zhu Qizhen's own decision-making mistakes accounted for two parts.

Of course, Zhu Qizhen never expected that such a thing would happen. If he had known in advance that the Yellow River could really burst its banks, he might have thought of a way to build the Yellow River first, against all opinions, before fighting against Wasi.

It's just that no matter whether Zhu Qizhen's original intention was good or bad, judging from the result, it was Zhu Qizhen who did something bad.

Cao Nai's words pinned the matter to natural disasters. This was the court's approach to handling this matter, and it had nothing to do with the emperor at all.

This is not because Cao Nai loves Zhu Qizhen. It is a Confucian political principle that is taboo for the venerable.

No one can say that the emperor is at fault, except the emperor himself.

Zhu Qizhen really wanted to take on this matter. But the words turned around in his mouth, and finally he did not say them out.

Because this matter is too serious.

If Zhu Qizhen admits that he made a wrong decision on the Yellow River and bears the consequences, what will happen?

Cao Nai was determined to depose him.

Because just like when Li Shimian taught Zhu Qizhen to study, Li Shimian spanked Wang Zhen when it came to Zhu Qizhen's problems. When the emperor made a mistake, it must be because the person who was assisting him did not assist him well.

So Cao Nai must take responsibility

Even Cao Nai is not the only one who bears responsibility.

This is a big storm.

Now that the Yellow River has burst its banks, countless people have been displaced, and the real losses have not yet been reported. But Zhu Qizhen also knows that this must be a very difficult matter.

At this time, ensuring the normal operation of the court is the most important thing, rather than setting off a political storm.

Not to mention, admitting this incident would also bring a huge stain on Zhu Qizhen's prestige.

Moreover, people’s speculations about human nature are always full of profound meaning.

Zhu Qizhen's decision-making error in this matter is just a matter of the order of handling political affairs. However, if Zhu Qizhen admits it and spreads it, I don't know how it will be spread.

After much deliberation, Zhu Qizhen was determined not to let this matter have anything to do with him. This was the most rational approach. But in Zhu Qizhen's heart, he could not relax, but became even heavier.

He said: "Sir, please get up. God's will is like this. No wonder, sir."

Cao Nai and others stood up and sat down again.

Zhu Qizhen asked Fan Hongdao: "Has Ruan An arrived?"

Fan Hong said: "I have already asked for an audience outside the palace."

Zhu Qizhen said: "Let him come in."

Zhu Qizhen said to Cao Nai and others: "The specific disaster situation has not been reported yet, so let Ruan An come and tell everyone."

Ruan An arrived quickly.

Now Ruan An's most important official position is none other than that of offering wine to the Ming Dynasty Water Conservancy College and serving as a water conservancy official.

He no longer has the official position of eunuch.

After entering, he saluted and said, "Your Majesty, Ruan An, pays homage to your Majesty."

He is not meeting Zhu Qizhen as a eunuch, but as a minister of the Ming Dynasty. Among all the eunuchs of the Ming Dynasty, few have this honor.

For example, Yi Shiha, Liu Yongcheng.

Zhu Qizhen said: "Sit down, you have read everything I asked you to see."

Ruan An said: "I've already seen it."

When Zhu Qizhen sent someone to summon Ruan An, he brought a copy of the urgent report from Henan with him.

Zhu Qizhen said: "I am not familiar with water conservancy. Where is Baliu Village? What will happen if the Yellow River breaks here?"

Ruan An looked a little ugly and said: "Your Majesty knows that the Hejue here is no longer Hejue. I thought it was changed."

Zhu Qizhen frowned and said, "Change the route?"

The cabinet ministers were also horrified.

Breach and diversion are two different concepts, and the results are also different.

In fact, they all have this worry. After all, the difference between the southern bank of the Yellow River and the northern bank of the Yellow River is very clear from the local area to the center. But they know it, but they still hold on to a glimmer of hope.

Ruan An has gone through the Hebei Water Conservancy Project and has established his authority in water conservancy. If we talk about the Hebei Water Conservancy Project, the largest project in terms of execution and organization is Yu Qian.

But in terms of details, it is the technical level, and the biggest contributor is Ruan An.

It's just that Ruan An is a eunuch after all.

If such a great contribution was attributed to a eunuch, many people would look unhappy.

Therefore, Yu Qian's reputation is growing, but not many people know Ruan An. Of course, this is not because Yu Qian has robbed Ruan An.

After all, in ancient times, technicians themselves were easily buried.

There are not many great architects who are truly famous in history. It can only be said to be a matter of social prejudice.

Maybe others don't know, but the cabinet members are all people who control the information of all parties in the Ming Dynasty, so they naturally know Ruan An's importance.

At this moment, Ruan An also said this, and everyone's heart felt cold.

Zhu Qizhen said: "Where to change the route?"

Since this is already the worst outcome, Zhu Qizhen has no illusions.

Ruan An said: "Your Majesty, please give me a map."

Zhu Qizhen didn't say anything, but just glanced at Fan Hong. Fan Hong immediately took a map from the file on the side, but it was a map of the north.

Ruan An said: "It is only a few dozen miles from Baliu Village to Weihe and Guangji Canal. I thought that the water of the Yellow River would definitely determine the course of Guangji Canal. I followed the terrain eastward and passed through Weihui Mansion from Guangji Canal.

, Daming Mansion, to Dongchang Mansion, Zhangqiu Town."

Zhou Chen couldn't help but interrupt and said: "But Zhang Qiu on the canal."

Ruan An said: "Exactly."

Zhou Chen's face instantly turned pale and he said, "Will it affect water transportation?"

Ruan An said: "Master Zhou, I can't tell you now. I'm just talking on paper here. If you don't see the situation on the spot, you don't know what it will be like."

Zhu Qizhen closed his eyes slightly, then opened them suddenly and said, "Ruan An, please continue."

Although Zhang Qiu is a town on the canal, Zhu Qi Town also knows it. Moreover, this town is very important, more prosperous than an ordinary county, and is one of the important nodes of the canal.

If Zhang Qiu is washed away, the canal will definitely be affected. As for the magnitude of the impact, it's hard to say.

Although Zhuqi Town has established a shipping system.

But in principle, we still adhere to Yang Pu’s original proposal, which is that both water transportation and sea transportation should be used, and neither can be neglected.

So far, the canal still maintains an annual transportation volume of four million tons of grain.

There was a severe drought last year, and the granaries in Beijing and Tianjin were quite empty. Recently, Zhuqi Town is replenishing grain. Therefore, water transportation is very important now.

Of course, Zhu Qizhen was also secretly glad that he did not tie a rope to the canal. At least he already had a considerable foundation for maritime transportation.

Otherwise, Zhu Qizhen would not be so calm in the face of this situation.

Ruan An pondered slightly and said: "Your Majesty, I know too little now, so I can only rely on guessing. If there are any mistakes, please forgive me."

Zhu Qizhen also knew that it was difficult for someone to force someone to do something. After all, what Ruan An knew now was just a place where the conflict broke out. He said: "It's up to you. Even if you are wrong, I don't blame you. But sometimes let the court be early

A little preparation can save countless lives."
Chapter completed!