I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 52 - 20: Managing the Great River and Envoy to the Western Regions, Achievements on Both Fronts (Part 2)

Chapter 52: Chapter 20: Managing the Great River and Envoy to the Western Regions, Achievements on Both Fronts (Part 2)
After taking charge of governing the land under heaven, he became increasingly aware of the current state of the great river and Bian River.
In preparation for this, he gathered a group of people with considerable expertise in water management.
However, the matter of water management is bound to have a significant impact.
He understood the thoughts of his ministers all too clearly; he had always been waiting for the right opportunity.
Now, that opportunity had finally arrived!
Upon hearing these words, Liu Zhuang couldn’t help but frown slightly.
He naturally knew about the flood issues of the great river and Bian River.
He also understood very well that if this matter could truly be accomplished, it would certainly benefit future generations.
For the Great Han, it would be all benefit and no harm.
But what he was pondering was whether the Great Han now truly had the ability to manage both of these major issues simultaneously.
Although Ban Chao was sent to the Western Regions as an envoy,
it indeed required a substantial military presence for protection.
Of course, it wasn’t about directly accompanying Ban Chao to the far-off Western Regions but rather providing deterrence.
This matter could be trivial or significant.
Liu Zhuang’s original plan was to deploy a large force immediately, settle the Western Regions, and then swiftly resolve the Northern Xiongnu.
But if the water management project was to proceed, this plan had to be postponed.
He absolutely could not deploy too many troops.
Managing the Bian River and the great river was destined to be a matter of great consumption, one that warranted careful consideration.
"Your Majesty, if water control succeeds,"
"it would not only benefit the people on both banks but also create additional farmland as a bonus."
"....."
Gu Kang continued to help Liu Zhuang analyze the advantages and disadvantages.
Liu Zhuang listened very attentively, and after Gu Kang finished speaking, he made up his mind and nodded directly: "The peril of the great river is indeed a major concern for my Great Han."
"Now the realm is peaceful, and the threat of the Northern Xiongnu is temporarily resolved."
"If we can take the opportunity to resolve this issue while pacifying the Western Regions, it indeed would be a blessing for the realm."
Liu Zhuang was a very wise emperor.
Especially towards the common people, he was never stingy, nor did he hesitate excessively.
It was merely about putting aside momentous tasks in his heart for a while, sending fewer soldiers.
In the past, when Liu Xiu refused the ’eternal great achievement’ for the people, how could he disgrace Liu Xiu?
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Gu Kang once again bowed to Liu Zhuang.
Subsequently, he began to discuss his plan in detail with Liu Zhuang.
According to Gu Kang’s calculations, at least one hundred thousand armored soldiers would be mobilized, along with hundreds of thousands of civilians.....
This was destined to be a grand undertaking.
The two of them talked deep into the night, just as they had in past times.
Gu Yi had been silently observing all of this, his expression becoming increasingly complex.
—In comparison to the people of today’s world, he was much clearer about the current national strength of the Great Han.
Controlling the Yellow River, pacifying the Western Regions.
As long as Liu Zhuang did not initiate large-scale warfare, doing these two tasks simultaneously was truly not overly burdensome.
What really caught Gu Yi’s attention was the timing of these two events.
Everything had happened ahead of schedule!
The sudden emergence of the Gu Clan not only spared Liu Xiu many troubles during the founding era, reducing countless casualties,
but also significantly strengthened Liu Zhuang’s reign.
Gu Yi remembered very clearly.
In the original history, during Emperor Ming’s reign, looking at the current timeline, not to mention the northern campaigns, even water management would still have to wait another two years.
As for the northern campaigns, they would have to wait until the sixteenth year of Yongping.
But now, the Great Han had the capability to accomplish both tasks simultaneously.
This clearly showed the significant difference between the two scenarios.
Gu Yi now contemplated whether if during Liu Zhuang’s reign the Great Han had already become this powerful,
what kind of change would occur in the future?
If the Gu Clan remained throughout.
Would such a strong Great Han still fall in the same manner as described in original history?
This question, even now, he could not completely answer. ....
.....
Neither Liu Zhuang nor Gu Kang were indecisive. On the same day, after discussing all the details thoroughly,
the next day, they directly announced this matter.
In this current era, facing an all-out sage king and virtuous ministers, the realm was destined to experience significant changes.
Within the imperial court, Liu Zhuang first announced the arrangements for the Western Regions.
After discussions with Gu Kang, it was decided to refrain from mobilizing troops, keeping the existing forces in place and ordering the soldiers to farm in Yiwulu City.
Leveraging the prestige from the recent victory, they aimed to obtain as much benefit as possible for the Great Han in the Western Regions.
Upon hearing this news, the ministers were all pleased.
Was His Majesty forsaking large scale military campaigns?
The gloom lifted.
Each of them hoped to maintain the current peace and fully develop agriculture.
But shortly thereafter, Liu Zhuang directly announced the matter of water management.
Upon hearing the number of required conscripts.
The court was greatly shaken!
Everyone’s expression changed.
But in just a moment, they all calmed down.
Compared to large-scale military mobilization, flood control was indeed more acceptable to them.
Because they could also benefit from it!
Moreover, the most crucial point is that faced with Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang, who carried the current trend, the ministers had no reason nor dared to oppose them.
Liu Zhuang bestowed the "Classic of Mountains and Seas," "River and Canal Book," and "Map of the Yu Gong Region" to Gu Kang in front of the palace.
And ordered that all counties and states must strictly execute the conscription.
Anyone, including local powerful clans, who dared to use any means to evade the conscription.
Would be severely punished!
The strength of the Great Han was fully displayed on this day.
Clearly, it was conscription for labor.
Yet when the people of the world heard about the river governance, especially since it was Gu Kang who would oversee it, they cheered and rejoiced.
One should know that once the great river breaches its banks, it affects not just the people on both sides.
The states of Qing, Ji, Yan, and even Xu and Yu have all suffered greatly.
The people of the world have long awaited the day when the court would finally govern the river!
Now, that day has finally come.
Most importantly, the one managing the river is Gu Kang.
In the hearts of the people of the world, Gu Kang now is like an Immortal.
This is the Immortal who can bring them bountiful harvests.
Now, he’s coming to manage the great river again!
The world took notice!
The moment the news spread, countless people began chanting Gu Kang’s name and bowed toward Luoyang, grateful for the Emperor’s benevolence.
And Gu Kang also quickly made all arrangements and immediately left Luoyang with his people.
.....
Yiwulu City.
Ban Chao was bidding farewell to Gu Cheng.
"Brother, you need not worry."
"How can one catch a tiger cub without entering the tiger’s den?"
"I am certain that this mission will showcase the might of our Great Han Kingdom, shaking the Western Regions."
Looking at Gu Cheng’s serious face, Ban Chao smiled, "Brother has often recounted what the fortune-teller once said to us brothers long ago."
"Now, isn’t this my opportunity?"
There was no trace of fear on Ban Chao’s face.
Gu Cheng just looked at him, his mind awash with thoughts.
He knew well the dangers of this expedition.
He even thought about going with Ban Chao, but Ban Chao refused outright, even rejecting Gu Cheng’s idea of giving him more men.
According to him, the thirty-six men he had were enough; if something unexpected happened, more people would become a burden.
For this, Gu Cheng was utterly helpless.
Ban Chao was indeed right.
The Western Regions are vast, and this mission was unlike the last; bringing many men had little significance.
The only thing to rely on was the prestige of the Han Army.
Gu Cheng clearly understood this.
Hence, he was fully prepared to fight the Northern Xiongnu again.
If this great victory could not make the Western Regions understand the current strength of the Great Han.
Then they would fight again!
And again!
Only continuous victories could make Ban Chao safer.
After a moment of silence, Gu Cheng also showed a faint smile.
Just like in past years, he gently patted Ban Chao’s shoulder again and then said in a loud voice, "Alright!"
"Today, you and I, brothers, part ways here."
"Let us meet again when you pacify the Western Regions and I wipe out the Northern Xiongnu; then we can reunite from all directions!"
The brothers’ eyes met, and then they burst into loud laughter.
"Bring the wine!"
Gu Cheng asked the armored soldier to bring the wine.
The two brothers clinked their cups and drank it all in one go.
They didn’t say any more words.
Ban Chao merely cupped his hands to bid farewell to Gu Cheng, quickly turned to mount his horse, and galloped away with his men.
The solitary smoke of the desert.
The blood-red twilight stretched the shadows of Ban Chao and his thirty-six men long.
Gu Cheng didn’t linger either; he turned and went back into the city.
When a great man has made up his mind, what more needs to be said?
Awaiting the day when they shall reunite as marquises, drinking and singing songs through the years.
...
(ps: Requesting monthly votes and recommendations, brothers, please do not stockpile the book!!!)