Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 250 Water Conservancy Projects, A Year of Abundant Harvest

Organize the construction of water conservancy projects to benefit the people and promote agricultural development.

Su Jinxiu deeply understood the importance of water conservancy to agriculture and decided to devote all her efforts to organizing the construction of water conservancy projects. She summoned skilled craftsmen from the Marquis's mansion and recruited a large number of laborers from the common people, thus embarking on this massive project.

To ensure the smooth progress of the project, Su Jinxiu personally surveyed the terrain and formulated a detailed plan. She decided to build a dam upstream of the river to store water and regulate the flow; at the same time, she dug irrigation canals to bring water to the farmland.

However, the project encountered numerous difficulties right from the start. A shortage of funds was the primary problem, as purchasing materials and paying laborers required substantial sums. Su Jinxiu used the Marquis's savings on one hand, and actively sought support from wealthy merchants and local officials on the other.

During construction, technical difficulties were also encountered. Due to the complex geology, landslides and water seepage frequently occurred during canal excavation, which temporarily hindered the project's progress. Su Jinxiu quickly invited experienced craftsmen and water conservancy experts to discuss solutions together.

Just then, some unscrupulous people began to cause trouble behind the scenes. They spread rumors that the water conservancy project was a waste of money and resources, and a vanity project undertaken by Su Jinxiu for personal gain. This led to resentment among some workers, and even a strike.

Upon learning of this, Su Jinxiu immediately gathered the laborers and patiently explained to them the importance and long-term benefits of the water conservancy project. She promised to protect everyone's rights and ensure that everyone's efforts were properly rewarded.

Thanks to Su Jinxiu's efforts, the workers' emotions gradually stabilized, and the project was able to continue.

After months of hard work, the water conservancy project finally took shape. The dam successfully impounded water, and the irrigation canals were gradually completed. When the clear river water flowed into the farmland along the canals, the people cheered and were filled with gratitude for Su Jinxiu.

But before Su Jinxiu could even catch her breath, new troubles arose. Some neighboring areas, envious of the benefits brought by the water conservancy project, demanded to share the water resources, and conflicts even broke out over this.

Su Jinxiu had no choice but to step in and mediate. She proposed a reasonable allocation plan that would ensure the water needs of local agriculture while also taking into account the interests of surrounding areas.

While Su Jinxiu was busy resolving the water allocation issue, her political enemies in the court seized upon this water conservancy project to make a big fuss. They accused Su Jinxiu of overstepping her authority by constructing water conservancy projects without the court's approval and demanded that the emperor punish her.

The emperor took this matter very seriously and sent an imperial envoy to investigate.

The reforms have yielded results, ushering in a bumper year, and the people are living in peace and contentment.

That year, the fields were a sea of ​​golden wheat, the ears of grain were full, and everywhere was filled with the joy of harvest. The farmers' faces beamed with radiant smiles; their hard work had finally paid off handsomely.

Looking at this prosperous scene, Su Jinxiu felt a surge of satisfaction and pride. However, she was not content with this and began to consider how to further consolidate and develop these hard-won achievements.

To ensure the orderly storage and sale of grain, Su Jinxiu organized the establishment of standardized granaries and markets. She formulated strict grain quality standards and pricing mechanisms to prevent unscrupulous merchants from hoarding and speculating, thus protecting the interests of the people.

At the same time, she encouraged farmers to engage in sideline businesses, such as animal husbandry and handicrafts, to increase their income. Under her guidance, many farmers began raising chickens and ducks, and weaving handicrafts such as bamboo baskets and straw hats, leading to increasingly prosperous lives.

However, with the prosperity of Sichuan, it also attracted the covetous eyes of some criminals. A gang of robbers, hearing of the region's wealth, conceived a plan to rob it. They sneaked into villages at night and stole valuables.

Upon learning of this, Su Jinxiu immediately organized the guards of the Marquis's residence and the local militia to encircle and annihilate the bandits. After a fierce battle, all the bandits were captured, and the lives and property of the people were protected.

However, this incident also made Su Jinxiu realize that relying solely on armed defense is not enough; it is also necessary to strengthen the rule of law and raise public awareness of self-protection.

Therefore, she established a court in the area and hired impartial and upright officials to adjudicate cases. At the same time, she carried out legal education to help people understand the law and know how to use legal means to protect their rights.

Just as peace reigned in the territories, the situation at court became increasingly complex. Some powerful figures, envious of Su Jinxiu's achievements and fearing her growing influence posed a threat to them, slandered her before the emperor, falsely accusing her of amassing military power and plotting a rebellion.

The emperor was skeptical of these claims and decided to send a trusted minister to investigate.