Space Farming: Traveling through Ancient Times to Do Business

Jiang Xue bent over and handed over a carefully drawn map, on which the grand blueprint of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project was outlined with delicate strokes. The river diversion, canal extension, people's migration routes, and even the geographical obstacles and solutions that might be encountered along the way were all clearly marked.

Her eyes were full of determination and expectation for this project that concerns the national economy and people's livelihood. She said slowly: "Your Majesty, officials from all regions only need to act according to this map to guide the people's migration in an orderly manner and ensure the smooth progress of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project."

Xuan Zhentian took the heavy map, unfolded it gently, and let his eyes wander over the intricate lines and markings. A feeling of lofty ambition welled up in his heart.

He knew very well that this was not just a map, but the hard work and expectations of countless people, and one of the cornerstones of the country's prosperity.

He looked up at Jiang Aiqing, his eyes full of praise and gratitude: "Jiang Aiqing, I know your loyalty and wisdom very well. This South-to-North Water Diversion Project is related to the future of the country, and you have made an indelible contribution. I will definitely remember it in my heart and reward you handsomely."

The next morning

Xuan Zhentian faced the civil and military officials in the hall and spoke in a loud and powerful voice: "My dear ministers, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project is a top priority for our dynasty. It concerns the well-being of the people and the prosperity of the country. I announce today that from now on, officials from all regions must strictly follow the map drawn by Minister Jiang, take quick action, organize the orderly migration of the people, and ensure that all resources such as land, manpower, and material resources required for the project are in place. At the same time, we must strengthen communication with the people, do a good job of appeasing them, ensure the stability of the people's hearts, and the smooth progress of the project."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers knelt down to accept the emperor's order and vowed to do their best to live up to the emperor's grace.

For a moment, the hall was filled with passionate vows and firm promises, as if foreshadowing that the South-to-North Water Diversion Project will be in full swing and bring new vitality and hope to this ancient land.

As Xuan Zhentian's order quickly spread across the country, an unprecedented water conservancy project construction kicked off. Under the guidance of officials, the people embarked on the road of migration, with both anxiety about the unknown life and longing for a better life in the future.

"Your Majesty, I have been to Sichuan Province before, and after many hardships, I finally developed a substance called cement. I would like to present this achievement to Your Majesty, hoping that it can contribute to the construction of the country."

Hearing this, Xuan Zhentian's eyes flashed with curiosity and expectation. He leaned forward slightly and motioned for Jiang Aiqing to continue explaining: "Oh? Jiang Aiqing, why don't you tell me in detail, what is the use of this cement?"

Jiang Xue was delighted to see Xuan Zhentian's interest, and quickly explained, "Your Majesty, cement is a powdered cementitious material made by calcining limestone, clay and other raw materials at high temperatures, and then adding an appropriate amount of gypsum and other regulators. After adding water and stirring, it can quickly solidify and harden to form an object as hard as stone. Cement has a wide range of uses. It can be used to build houses, bridges, roads and other infrastructure, greatly improving the stability and durability of buildings."

After hearing this, Xuan Zhentian's eyes flashed with surprise. He knew the importance of construction to the country, and the emergence of cement would undoubtedly greatly promote the advancement of construction technology, making the country's infrastructure construction stronger and faster. He couldn't help but exclaimed: "Lord Jiang is really a pillar of the country! The invention of this cement is a great achievement that benefits the country and the people! I will definitely reward you heavily and order the promotion of this product so that cement can benefit all people!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Aiqing immediately knelt down to express his gratitude.

"Lord Jiang, this cement is truly an amazing thing!" General Yang said with some admiration in his tone, and it was obvious that he knew something about the properties and uses of cement.

Hearing this, Xuan Zhentian turned his gaze to General Yang and asked curiously, "Lord Yang, do you also know about this cement? Tell me quickly, how did you know about this in Nanzhou?"

General Yang bowed slightly and replied, "Your Majesty, when I was stationed in Nanzhou, I had some exchanges with local craftsmen. They mentioned that there is a new material called cement that is used to build city walls, roads and other projects, and the effect is very significant. It is said that this cement is extremely hard after solidification and has excellent waterproof properties, which can greatly extend the service life of buildings. At that time, I felt that this thing was extraordinary, but I had never seen it with my own eyes, so I couldn't help but have some doubts in my heart. Now I hear Lord Jiang mention it, and I know that what he said is true."

"Moreover, I have also heard that roads paved with this kind of cement material are smooth when walked on, and there is no bumpiness at all." General Yang added, his tone full of recognition of the advantages of cement roads.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Jiang Aiqing took over the conversation, "In Chuanzhou, we have begun to build cement roads on a large scale, and the effect is very significant. Because of the cement roads, the transportation between the villages and the outside world has become more convenient, and trade has flourished. Chuanzhou has gradually become a well-known trading city."

At this time, Prime Minister Murong muttered to the side. Although his voice was soft, it was loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear: "That's right. Now some wealthy villages have cement roads in and out of the village. The quality of life has been greatly improved."

Xuan Zhentian couldn't help but smile when he heard Prime Minister Murong's muttering. He turned around and asked, "Lord Murong, what are you whispering about?"

Prime Minister Murong stepped forward and replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I am just impressed by the magic of cement. It is indeed a good material for the benefit of the people. I would like to congratulate Your Majesty for having such a good talent, which has added new impetus to the construction of the country."

Upon hearing this, Xuan Zhentian nodded with satisfaction and said "good" three times in a row to express his appreciation and affirmation for Jiang Aiqing.

Then, he turned his gaze to Jiang Xue and said gently, "Lord Jiang, you have brought me more and more surprises. I will remember all your contributions in my heart."

"Have you heard? We are going to transfer water from the south to the north!"

This word spread quietly in the market, like a spring breeze blowing across a calm lake, stirring up ripples. People stopped what they were doing, gathered together, and talked about it, with curiosity and expectation flashing in their eyes.

"Yes, I heard about it too. I heard that this is to alleviate the drought in the north and let the water from the south nourish the land in the north!" An old man stroked his beard and said with satisfaction. He seemed to have seen the green and vibrant scene of the north after the water transfer from the south to the north.

"This is really great news! Our people in the north have been troubled by drought for many years. Now we finally have hope." A young man said excitedly, his eyes sparkling with longing for the future.

"However, this project sounds like a big one. How much manpower and material resources will it take?" a woman nearby asked worriedly. Her tone showed both her expectations for the project and her worries about the difficulties that might arise.