The Slender Waist-Chapter 550 - 392: The King Thinks Thrice

The course of events indeed followed Feng Yun’s predictions.

As soon as Pei Jue proposed the excavation of canals, he was met with opposition from senior ministers at the Imperial Court.

Moreover, he was jointly obstructed by both the established and emerging factions.

From the Empress Dowager to the noble ministers, not a single person favored this grand undertaking.

"The auxiliary capital has been established, but the construction of the detached palace has yet to begin. To dig another artificial canal and engage in massive construction drawing upon so many resources, I fear, might alienate the countless commoners, causing disaffection."

"The state treasury is depleted, and resources are scarce. We cannot reverse the primary and secondary concerns and overlook the essential matters."

Voices of persuasion surrounded Pei Jue.

But those who kept insisting on not undertaking massive construction were incredibly enthusiastic about building the detached palace.

Even many considered it an urgent matter.

"Building the detached palace to establish national prestige and subdued traitors is of utmost urgency."

"Your Majesty, please rethink this."

"Your Majesty, please rethink this!"

Memorials flew to Xijing like snowflakes and then to Pei Jue’s desk. He returned to Huaxi later and later, and Feng Yun often saw him with deeply furrowed brows.

But the Heavens did not cultivate any mercy because of this.

It was as though there were nine suns hanging in the sky.

It was still blazing hot even though it was the latter half of August...

Feng Yun spent two entire days alone in her study. When she finally emerged, she gathered the residents of Huaxi Village under the three Great Pagoda Trees to discuss matters.

Feng Yun planned to first gauge the villagers’ opinions on Pei Jue’s proposal.

Digging an artificial canal was not something a few people could accomplish.

It required a considerable amount of manpower and material resources.

After some thought, she decided to first understand the willingness of the public.

As expected, the moment Feng Yun brought up the matter, there was an uproar.

"Digging a canal to divert Huaishui? That’s over a hundred miles. Isn’t this a joke?"

"Indeed, I’ve never heard of such a thing..."

"If it truly could bring water here, that would be better than nothing. I agree..."

"If there weren’t any benefits, the Village Chief’s wife wouldn’t be willing to do it. We’ll follow her lead..."

The crowd was buzzing with chatter.

Feng Yun sat under the pagoda trees without uttering a word.

Above them, the sky was a cloudless expanse of blue, bright and sunny.

Below, the sound of cicadas was like fretful strings, varying in pitch and pace, blending with the noisy debates, highlighting the heat of summer.

Yang, the head of the village, glanced at Feng Yun and suddenly clapped his hands.

"Alright, alright, everyone quiet down for a moment, listen to me."

The crowd fell silent, all eyes turning to Yang, the village head.

Standing on the stone platform beneath the Great Pagoda Tree, Yang raised his voice and said, "You all see it—the sky is dry, there’s no rain, the crops can’t be planted, and we’ll have to go hungry. We must find a solution. The construction of this canal and river is exactly the Village Chief’s wife’s suggestion. Let’s hear your thoughts."

The people said, "The wife has made a good suggestion."

Yang asked, "If we dig the canal, every family will need to contribute labor. Are you willing or not?"

The people looked at each other hesitantly. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Some said they could contribute one laborer.

Others declared that the entire family would join in.

There were also those who kept quiet.

Of course, there were also people like Lu Guiquan who enjoyed being contrary.

That day his family had fought with Yu Baochuan’s over carrying water, and after not daring to seek Feng Yun for resolution, he accepted Yang’s private mediation, and the issue was put behind them.

But those accustomed to taking advantage would always seek their advantage, no matter where they went.

He did not change his nature simply because he was dealing with the Princess of Yonghuai.

Just as Yang had said, the people of Huaxi Village were spoiled.

Lu Guiquan’s voice was loud, audible from afar.

"If every family is to provide labor, how much food will the Imperial Court provide?"

Feng Yun glanced at him.

This man was always competitive and became even more so after the locust plague, finding fault with everything and frequently fighting with others without a word.

Feng Yun furrowed her brow and calmly stated:

"When it comes to matters benefiting the well-being of the people, the Imperial Court will bear the brunt, but the commoners should also contribute to the construction collectively so that we may achieve our goal sooner. No edict has been given yet, and food compensation may not be assured, but the court will definitely provide meals..."

Lu Guiquan snorted with laughter, "Meaning, the Imperial Court doesn’t want to spend the money, huh? Letting the commoners work for nothing, how is that different from Emperor Qin building the Great Wall, enslaving the people!"

Now he’s comparing it with Emperor Qin building the Great Wall.

He really knew how to make a point.

Glancing at him, Feng Yun lightly tapped her fingers on the chair.

"Then according to your view, how much compensation should be provided?"

Lu Guiquan said, "At least it should be compared with Changmen, I suppose."

Yang sharply scolded, "Lu Guiquan! Don’t push your luck. Changmen is the private residence of the Village Chief’s wife, digging canals and rivers is for the welfare of the people. How could that be the same?"

"What’s the difference?" Lu Guiquan lazily said, "Who doesn’t know that this realm is now the domain of the Prince of Yonghuai? Digging canals and rivers is still for the benefit of Changmen. In the end, from one hand to the other, it’s all the livelihood of their family..."