I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 56 - 22: Ambitions Unfulfilled, Liu Zhuang’s Demise

Chapter 56: Chapter 22: Ambitions Unfulfilled, Liu Zhuang’s Demise
It did not surprise Gu Yi in the slightest.
Emperor Liu Zhuang, with his relentless pursuit of grand enterprises, would not abandon any opportunity.
After communicating through letters with Gu Kang,
he decisively resolved to reinstate the Western Protectorate and appointed Gu Cheng as the Western Protector.
To maximize the potential benefits of this affair,
he consecutively issued edicts, ordering all officials to practice frugality and vigorously promote minimalism in burial customs.
He led by example, reducing the Imperial Palace’s expenditures to the lowest level.
He devoted all resources, sparing no effort, concentrating the entire manpower, materials, and financial resources of the Great Han into the crucial river management and Western Regions affairs.
Under such circumstances,
after a whole year of hard work,
—In the twelfth year of Yongping, summer,
the river management was finally completed.
When the last shovel of earth was dug, the water of the Yellow River surged into the new channel like a wild horse gone loose.
Everyone was watching this moment intently.
Once the s from various directions confirmed that there were no breaches,
cheers, akin to rolling thunder, resounded throughout the Great Han realm.
The whole nation was shaken!
Nearly a century of disasters finally ceased on this day.
Gu Kang stood by the river, gazing at the unending flow of water, his eyes slightly reddened.
The excitement in his heart was like surging waves, almost uncontrollable, causing his body to tremble slightly.
It truly succeeded.
Although he had achieved much by now,
to Gu Kang, this matter seemed to be the most important.
He had an artist paint two pictures.
Perhaps because he was influenced by Gu Yi in his youth,
Gu Kang also got used to preserving meaningful things.
At this moment, it was apparent what was most suitable.
He sent one painting back to Hebei, and the other to Luoyang.
Gu Yi was naturally overjoyed about this matter.
If every generation developed such a habit,
in the future, he could hardly imagine how many national treasures his home would hold.
Although these things might not all be preserved,
if the quantity is enough, that would suffice!
Moreover, even if these objects are damaged, their inherent significance grants them substantial value.
When this matter reached the court, things unfolded just like in history.
The whole court was shaken!
Liu Zhuang was overjoyed beyond measure.
He had long awaited this day for an unknown period.
It was the first time since his ascension that he drank to the point of inebriation and decided to tour, inspecting the results of the river management.
.....
Xingyang.
After a year, the monarch and minister met once more.
The changes in Gu Kang were astonishing.
His skin was more sun-darkened, and although he appeared exhausted, he exuded strength.
He looked nothing like a high-ranking official of prominence in the court, rather resembling a hard-working common farmer.
When Liu Zhuang saw him, he was slightly taken aback, a bit of surprise and emotion flickering in his eyes.
Liu Zhuang was that kind of emperor.
He liked officials like Gu Kang, who were both capable and pragmatic.
Without suspense, Gu Kang was directly promoted to the position of Situ, as were others involved in the river management, each receiving rewards.
Although the ministers had mentally prepared for this, when it actually happened, their feelings were still somewhat complex.
Situ...
That’s the Three Ministers.
Two generations, both with such merits.
Be it Gu Xiao or Gu Kang, there was no opportunity to question their contributions.
The most crucial point is...
The long-overlooked second son of the Gu Clan, Gu Cheng, also began to establish merit.
Who in the realm does not know the emperor’s aspirations?
Thus, it’s evident that he will have many opportunities to accomplish significant feats in the future.
Clearly, the prosperity of the Gu Clan is now unstoppable.
This is the viewpoint of all under the sky.
On the official boat going downstream,
Liu Zhuang, dressed in plain clothes, stood on the deck.
The breeze gently stroked his face.
He meticulously observed everything around, taking in the mountains, rivers, fields, and villages, while silently listening to Gu Kang explain in detail the intricate mysteries behind the river management project.
From why this management scheme was chosen, to the numerous benefits brought by its implementation;
then to the profound significance of such canal construction;
and the arable land area it could irrigate, the expected increase in grain production, etc.;
everything was elaborately explained.
Although Gu Kang had already discussed this with Liu Zhuang more than once,
the feeling of reading letters and seeing them with one’s own eyes is entirely different.
Especially as he occasionally witnessed the people on both banks kneeling towards the official boat, collectively shouting "Grace of the Saint," Liu Zhuang felt an indescribable sense of emotion and pride...
Until Gu Kang finished speaking, Liu Zhuang then glanced at him and sighed, "Toils for the world’s benefit."
His expression was very serious, and seeing today’s brilliant accomplishment, Liu Zhuang could imagine how difficult it must have been to complete this affair.
"Serving Your Majesty and the people of the world is the minister’s duty, where is the toil?"
Gu Kang smiled faintly, maintaining his usual modesty, with no trace of taking credit for himself.
Seeing this, Liu Zhuang shook his head.
He was already used to Gu Kang’s humility.
Although he had mentioned many times that there was no need for such formality between them in private, Gu Kang was always like this.