The fool has become a spirit, and she can speak

Shang Xi knew that every word she said was completely groundless and nonsense, but thinking of the purpose of Wan Lianxing inviting her here, she could not lose her momentum even if she lost the plan. "Don't underestimate me because I am a woman. If you ask me to solve the water conservancy and transportation problem of the whole Dalang, I can't do it. But I can solve the water problem of Mochun County. Water can be brought from Songchun County in the south. But the Marquis wants to promote paddy fields in Fengying, so water control cannot be done in places where there is water shortage. If we want long-term stability, we must create an ecological environment in the whole Fengying that people can survive on."

Wan Lianxing gave Shang Xi an approving look, signaling her to speak boldly and not be afraid.

Hong Zhekai said, "Let's not talk about the other things for now. If you let these two different rivers converge in Fengying, aren't you afraid of floods?"

Shang Xi was stunned on the spot. She was just talking nonsense and had never thought of these consequences.

Wan Lianxing said: "Shang Xi, tell me how to solve the problem of too much water."

Shang Xi had no choice but to continue talking nonsense, "Isn't this the Southern Yan Kingdom? There is a river between the two countries. If there is too much water, just let the water flow here."

Hong Zhe said, "Nonsense."

Wan Lianxing said: "Then you tell me if you can prove that she is talking nonsense, and I will reject her idea."

As soon as Hong Zhe opened his mouth, he directly confirmed that Shang Xi was talking nonsense. It was easy to tell who really understood and who pretended to understand. Fortunately, both Wan Lianxing and Shang Xi were thick-skinned, otherwise Shang Xi's childish way of playing house would have found a crack in the ground and been buried there long ago.

Wan Lianxing gave Ge Dongqing a look, and Ge Dongqing spoke up, "My Lord, I think what Ge Dongqing said makes sense. Flood control is a long-term plan to benefit the people. For long-term considerations, we should listen to Hong Zhekai's opinions."

Wan Lianxing said, "Sure, this is just about pooling ideas. Whoever has the best idea will use it... Hong Zhekai, go home and draw a blueprint or something and show it to me. If your method is more feasible, I will adopt it."

Ge Dongqing said, "My Lord, the shack where Ge Dongqing lives doesn't provide any shelter from the wind or rain, so what can you ask him to use to draw the blueprints?"

Wan Lianxing said, "I have bought two houses in Mochun County. The one that is unused is just idle. Let Hong Zhe open a house and move in."

Ge Dongqing clapped his hands and said, "That's great." He nudged Hong Zhekai with his elbow, and Hong Zhekai had no choice but to thank Wan Lianxing.

Wan Lianxing said: "No need to thank me, I should thank you for your contribution to the people of Fengying. I will send a carriage to take you back."

Hong Zhekai said, "My Lord, I haven't seen my son yet."

Wan Lianxing said: "No one wants your son. They may not be back from the mountain. You should go back to do your work first. I will let him come back to see you later when he comes back."

Hong Zhekai had no choice but to follow Wan Lianxing's men.

Shang Xi sat down on the chair and said, "Uncle, why did you bother me with this? It's really embarrassing."

Wan Lianxing said: "I don't want him to know that I don't have anyone capable of controlling the flood, but you weren't very useful this time, so I wanted to put a damper on his spirit."

Shang Xi said: "I messed it up. In fact, I just forced myself to say those few words."

Wan Lianxing said, "It's not bad. No matter how messed up it is, I'm not too disappointed after all. You just pretend to say a few words, and both he and I can save face. He is a proud man, he will not give in, let alone be servile. It's not easy for him to admit his mistake to me today. Since he has accepted my favor, he has to do things for me."

Shang Xi said: "I hope you don't blame me."

Wan Lianxing said: "Why complain? I have to thank you. You have helped me a lot in the past two years. I will need your help in many places in the future."

Shang Xi said: "Uncle, please stop saying that. I really don't have any skills anymore."

Wan Lianxing said: "If I say you have the ability, then you have it. When you have free time, you can accompany me to wander around in Mochun County."

Ge Dongqing continued: "Why bother your niece-in-law? I'll just accompany my eldest brother. Let's go now."

He stretched out his hand and pulled Wan Lianxing up. Wan Lianxing stretched his muscles and said, "We can go out. Where are they hunting in the woods?"

Suiying said, "I know. Come on, I'll have someone bring out the bows and crossbows so we can go hunting."

Wan Lianxing said, "It doesn't have to be such a big fuss."

Suiying said, "Of course not. You haven't been to the mountains to exercise for a year."

Wan Lianxing said: "Dongqing is not good at hunting, you guys go into the mountains to hunt, Dongqing and I will watch from the side."

As soon as Wan Lianxing spoke, everyone went back to dress neatly. Outside the gate, Chen Gongxiang and a few yamen runners were arguing with the gatekeeper, and Wan Lianxing and his group just happened to come out.

Chen Gongxiang said, "My Lord, why won't the gatekeeper let me in?"

Wan Lianxing said, "It's right not to let you in, because I have to go out."

"Going out, going far? Where are you going?"

Wan Lianxing said, "My nephews are hunting in the mountains, and they are itching to go hunting too. Let's go and take a look."

Chen Gongxiang said, "My Lord, has Hong Zhekai's plan come to fruition?"

Wan Lianxing said: "Now that he has come, it means we have compromised. I have arranged a place for him to stay and let him go home to study ways to control the flood."

Ever since Wan Lianxing came to Mochun County, Chen Gongxiang has been full of energy and rosy-cheeked, and he looks much younger than before. "Great, can we gather the troops now?"

"Call me, call me however you want, I don't care."

"Yes, yes, yes, such a small matter cannot be bothered by the Marquis. My Lord, there is one thing I don't understand. Are we going to ask the people to perform corvée labor?"

Wan Lianxing said: "You don't remember what I said before, right? The corvée labor service will be abolished."

Chen Gongxiang said: "The Marquis never told me."

"Who did I tell that to?"

"Of course he didn't tell me. Even if I'm old, I won't forget what the Marquis said."

"Maybe it's what I said to County Magistrate Yan Qilian, but it doesn't matter. Just do as I said to the people by the lake that day."

"How is the salary calculated, sir?"

Wan Lianxing said, "For manual labor, pay more copper coins, and don't mistreat the people. I don't need to teach you these things."

"I know what to do."

Wan Lianxing said, "I'm in a hurry to go out, so I won't let you stay in the house for a while. How about you go hunting with us?"

"My old bones can't hunt anymore. I have to go back and post the notices."

The two groups ran in different directions. Soon they arrived at the foot of the mountain. The attendant pointed at Cheng Feng's carriage and said, "My Lord, they are right here."

The driver was sleeping soundly there.

Suiying shouted, "Cheng Feng——" Cheng Feng didn't respond to him, but woke up the groom, "My Lord, the young master and his men have been inside for more than an hour. It will probably take a while for them to come out."