chapter 20.4 Fang Daohong

In the past, there were many ministers in the court who pleaded for the Du family, but they were mostly executed by Emperor Jianing. Only this man, Fang Daohong, who was a genius in weaponry and water conservancy, was spared by Emperor Jianing and was exiled to the southern border. Out of sight, out of mind.

Little did he know that someone would plead for his return ten years later. If the petitioner were not the prime minister, this memorial would have been thrown under Emperor Jianing's table long ago.

What can be done is to invite a person who can handle it, for his reputation is known far and wide. It is an indisputable fact that Jiangnan suffers from floods year after year. In this critical moment when the Yuan River stretches a thousand miles and breaches its banks, I am afraid that apart from Fang Daohong, no one can control the raging flood.

The ministers, who have been at odds with each other, have finally come together due to the continuous heavy rain and the influx of refugees into the capital. More and more of them are submitting petitions to recall Fang Daohong. Even the left chancellor and the Mu Prince, under the unanimous public opinion, have chosen to remain silent.

Two days later, Emperor Jianing finally issued a decree, summoning Fang Daohong to go to Jiangnan and assume the position of governor of the two provinces, and immediately start to rectify the river. As for the matter of Ren Anle going to Jiangnan to relieve the disaster, the emperor's mind was undecided. Therefore, the Prime Minister and the Mu Prince strongly recommended other courtiers in the hope of finding a replacement for Ren Anle in the disaster relief efforts.

In the study, Emperor Jianing furrowed his brows and looked down at the Crown Prince standing at the foot of the throne. He spoke in a deep voice, "Crown Prince, do you really decide on this matter?"

Han Yue nodded solemnly and said, "Fu huang, the aristocratic families in Jiangnan are united in spirit and kinship, and officials protect each other. Er chen knows that the reason why Father finds it difficult to issue the decree is because Ren Anle, who has just entered the court, has little prestige and a rebellious personality. Fu huang fears that her actions will cause turmoil in Jiangnan. If Er chen accompanies her on this journey, I believe your worries will surely be eliminated."

(fù huáng) - Father Emperor

(ér chén) is a Chinese term used to refer to oneself as the son or child of the emperor in ancient times. It was a way for a son to show respect and loyalty to his father, who was the emperor.

"The Crown Prince, as a prince who will inherit the throne, how can you easily enter a disaster-stricken area?" Ren Anle is in a neutral position, indeed the most suitable candidate, but his prestige is not enough. The Crown Prince can share the burden with Ren Anle, which makes Emperor Jianing somewhat relieved, his expression slightly relaxed, but he still reprimands him in a stern tone.

"Because Er chen, your humble servant, am the Crown Prince of this country, I must be even more diligent in attending to matters personally.

When my father, the Emperor, was young, he too shed blood on the battlefield. How could I, his son, be afraid of death and abandon the courage of a man of the Han family?"

Emperor Jianing remained silent for a long time, gazing at the Crown Prince who resembled the founder of the dynasty. Finally, he sighed and said, "If you are determined to do so, then go."

"Ye'er, the journey is far, and the waters of Jiangnan are deep. Safety should be the top priority in everything," Emperor Jianing's faint words drifted to Han Yue as he retreated to the doorway. He paused momentarily before responding with a respectful "yes" and then left.

(This is a Chinese idiom that originated from a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Changling. The literal translation of the idiom is "the road is long, and the water is deep in the south of the Yangtze River." The "journey " represents the challenge or obstacle that must be overcome, while "the waters of the south" represent the difficulties or dangers that one might encounter along the way.)