Chapter 766 - 36: Changing Times in Kyushu, Peril of National Collapse

"The Ministry of Works must immediately appoint the most skilled water engineers, bringing their equipment and rushing overnight to Si Province."

"At the same time, mobilize nearby laborers and auxiliary troops, coordinate their efforts, clear blockages, and repair collapses. Every moment gained brings more initiative."

"Stability lies in maintaining internal peace, with particular emphasis on the Capital."

"When the canal transport is disrupted, people’s hearts are most easily unsettled. We must immediately stabilize grain prices in Bianjing and strictly suppress hoarding to prevent chaos before it begins."

"Confuse potential adversaries, thereby buying time."

"News of the border army’s temporary lack of provisions must not reach the Liao and Xia. In fact, let them suspect that our dynasty intentionally feigns weakness to lure them into a trap."

Gu Jun’s voice was very calm, but it did not significantly improve the atmosphere in the hall.

——There was no helping it; although his ideas aimed directly at the crux, they lacked detailed systems.

For matters concerning the foundation of the state.

Specific strategies are required to respond effectively.

But this was just the opinion of a few; the current Great Song court is not entirely filled with incompetent people like at the end of a dynasty.

Gu Jun, as the team leader.

Actually, for him, it’s enough to just point in the direction!

Sure enough, at the next moment.

Bao Zheng, the Prefect of Kaifeng, suddenly brightened, as if he had thought of something, immediately stepping forward and bowing, he said: "Lord Gu’s words are absolutely correct!"

"Your Majesty, I request a decree for Kaifeng Prefecture to immediately work with the Palace Guards to inspect all grain shops in the Capital. Should anyone raise prices more than thirty percent above the usual, arrest the responsible person, confiscate the grain, and sell it to the people at normal prices!"

"At the same time, post notices at city gates reassuring the populace, stating that the court is fully responding, and punish anyone spreading rumors for disturbing public confidence!"

"This is a fundamental stabilization strategy. I pledge to execute it with uncompromising force!"

Bao Zheng’s supplement turned "stabilizing the internal" from a principle into an operable, strict decree.

And with his words concluded.

Immediately afterwards, Vice Minister Fan Zhongyan stepped forward, his expression equally serious: "Your Majesty, Lord Gu’s emphasis on speed is a life-saving principle."

"However, I propose that, alongside the urgent repair of main waterways, we could also immediately investigate the old branches and abandoned riverways around the Bian River, attempting to open a temporary auxiliary channel, even if its capacity is limited. Alternatively, use multiple methods, employing land transport for the most critical supplies."

"This is called—addressing it on two fronts, not relying on a single path."

"Moreover, the funds, grain, and workers needed for urgent repairs must be handled with special measures. Establish a temporary emergency canal transportation bureau with the Three Departments and the Ministry of Works to coordinate and dispatch, avoiding local shirking and delays due to paperwork!"

With the successive statements of these two, the atmosphere in the Chuigong Hall improved slightly.

This is the fundamental reason why Gu Jun placed this matter before the court.

This matter cannot be concealed.

And the Imperial Censorate is not a gathering of all the able people under heaven.

On the contrary—

Those truly capable of governing the world cannot always be confined to the Imperial Censorate, such as Bao Zheng and Fan Zhongyan in this instance.

Of course, they were not alone.

The current Great Song court indeed has many outstanding ministers.

Though they come from different backgrounds and have varied experiences, they share one common point—they all studied at the Gu Academy, and Gu Jun is well aware of their capabilities, which gives him further confidence in "recognizing talents and wisely appointing them."

Sure enough, with Bao and Fan’s successive suggestions, the hall seemed to come alive again.

On the strategic foundation proposed by Gu Jun, more specific and detailed countermeasures gradually took shape as the ministers spoke one after another.

The previously suffocating oppressiveness quietly diminished as well.

Moments later, Zhao Lihui’s face finally showed a gentle smile again. He glanced contentedly over the ministers, finally resting his gaze on Gu Jun, and said warmly: "It seems this matter still needs to be entrusted to Lord Gu for coordination."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jun unhesitatingly bowed in acknowledgment:

"I accept the decree!".....

....

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