"In Qingzhou, there is an enlightened master named Tu Ya, whose whereabouts have been elusive for decades. Fifteen years ago, he predicted that a reincarnated spirit child of an ancient god would be born into the Bai family, bringing peace and tranquility to the Great Jin. However, raising him would not be easy, and he could not be known to the public. Thus, after the child was born, Prime Minister Bai entrusted him to Tu Ya and took him to Qingzhou to be raised. Fourteen years later, coinciding with the great chaos in Shuzhou, this spirit child, a reincarnation of Yu the Great, specifically came to save the common people as ordered by his master, offering this method for water control."
After he finished speaking, Prince Ding chuckled.
"They say Minister Wen is knowledgeable, and indeed he is. I have not heard of this enlightened master, but I am familiar with many tales of reincarnated spirit children. Young and talented as Young Master Bai is, it is not surprising if he has such an origin."
The two spoke back and forth, fabricating such an identity for Qiao Shanwei.
With Prince Ding's capabilities, it was as easy as pie to completely erase someone's trace in the Eastern Capital. Coupled with the Bai family's endorsement, Qiao Shanwei's path back home became smooth sailing.
Seeing that Qiao Shanwei's matter had a glimmer of hope, the group turned their attention to Chi Ziming.
His injuries had actually recovered quite well. After all, it was the Candle Dragon Pill; even if he had only half a breath left, it could snatch him back from the King of Hell.
Now, he was hiding in the tent, refusing to show himself, likely feeling a bit awkward meeting Prince Ding and Feng Jinyao.
But awkwardness could not be an excuse to avoid meeting indefinitely, especially since the Chi family was to play the leading role in Qiao Shanwei's excellent plan for water control.
Therefore, today, Wen Zhonghe also summoned Chi Ziming.
He arrived a little later than everyone else because Wen Zhonghe had scheduled the meeting half an hour later.
There were some things Chi Ziming found difficult to say in front of him.
For example, the matter of Qiao Shanwei's identity just now.
So, when Chi Ziming walked in and saw Feng Jinyao and Prince Ding also present, he was slightly stunned, then bowed according to custom.
"This humble one, Chi, greets Your Highness, Minister Wen, and Third Miss."
Feng Jinyao looked at him, suddenly recalling the warm embrace behind her that day, and indeed felt a bit awkward.
Xiao Tingyi frowned at this, as he disliked such situations the most.
However, Wen Zhonghe was unaware of the awkwardness between the three and immediately began speaking.
"Shuzhou has suffered a great calamity, and I apologize that Patriarch Chi has also endured hardship."
"Minister Wen is too kind. I only sustained minor injuries. On my way here, I saw Shuzhou being rebuilt in an orderly fashion, and I admire Minister Wen's capabilities."
"Patriarch Chi is too polite. However, if Shuzhou is to be rebuilt, I fear it will still require Patriarch Chi's assistance."
"Me?"
"Although the Chi family is a magnate of commerce, their influence is mostly rooted in Jinling City and the Jiangnan region. In this southwestern area, I only have a little influence in the Chamber of Commerce, and I'm afraid I can't be of much help elsewhere."
He subtly expressed his refusal.
Chi Ziming did not wish to be involved in Shuzhou's affairs.
Although the situation here looked promising, who knew what the future held.
The Emperor in the capital had likely not yet received this news. If he did, who knew what his reaction would be!
Wen Zhonghe and Xiao Tingyi, with their sharp eyes, naturally understood that Chi Ziming did not want to get involved. But at this point, if the Chi family did not participate, the matter of river transport would be much more difficult to handle.
So, Wen Zhonghe spoke first.
"Patriarch Chi, you worry too much. The members of the Shuzhou Chamber of Commerce are all unharmed this time, and with them here, I am not concerned. However, although Shuzhou has waterways, most are narrow and inconvenient for docking. Therefore, the matter of establishing river transport will likely still require Patriarch Chi's support."
"Establishing river transport?"
"Yes!"
He then presented Qiao Shanwei's plan for river transport and the results of his canal digging and river widening efforts.
As Chi Ziming read, he couldn't help but admire.
"Qiao Shanwei? Is that the person who has been following Assistant Magistrate Feng?"
Xiao Tingyi nodded, which surprised Chi Ziming even more.
He had never paid serious attention to this person. Or rather, if it hadn't been brought up this time, he would have thought Qiao Shanwei was merely a favored servant of the Feng family. He never expected him to possess such talent.
"Where did Your Highness find this person? Truly remarkable ability."
"That is A'Yao's cousin."
"Cousin?"
Family ties could be quite extensive. In noble families, everyone could be related to someone. Therefore, Chi Ziming did not dwell on his identity.
Compared to his origins, Chi Ziming cared more about his ideas.
"The river transport of the Great Jin has always been underdeveloped, primarily due to three reasons: First, the river channels are narrow and the currents are swift, making it difficult for ships to pass. Second, suitable ships of appropriate size have not been built; either they are pleasure boats for sightseeing or massive ships for ocean voyages. River water is not like seawater; it cannot bear heavy loads. Third, river transport is not profitable. The initial investment in ships is too high, and matters on the water are not as safe as land routes. Over time, naturally, no one pays attention, and the cost is certainly not low."
After briefly explaining the situation, Xiao Tingyi saw his interest.
"Patriarch Chi, rest assured, the first point has a solution now. For the second and third points, as long as Patriarch Chi is willing to lend his support, this King will do his utmost to assist."
"Yes, yes! Your Highness is right! Let's start with our Shuzhou. Ten years from now, I believe the river transport of the Great Jin will surpass that of land transport!"
Wen Zhonghe was also very interested in this matter.
At that time, not only would the floods be controlled, but the lives of the people along the banks would also be significantly improved.
When the people are at peace, the nation prospers. Not only Shuzhou will benefit, but all places with waterways in the Great Jin can follow suit!
"Regarding the construction of fast boats, my Chi family can provide the technology. However, the things needed on both sides of the river transport are not simply a matter of building dikes and docking areas. The primary issue is to train a number of people who can skillfully master the technology of fast boats!"
"That is not difficult. Not far from Shuzhou, there is a village of about three hundred people. They often navigate their small boats on the Luo River and the Xishui River. I believe they have some foundation. If they are used for training, what does Patriarch Chi think?"
"That would be excellent."
After receiving his affirmative reply, Wen Zhonghe spoke with increasing passion.
Primarily, he had managed Shuzhou for many years, and he was intimately familiar with everything here.
No matter what Chi Ziming requested, he could provide it in the fastest and most suitable way.
Within a short hour, Chi Ziming signed an agreement with Shuzhou.
With Prince Ding as guarantor, the so-called Chi Transport Chamber of Commerce was established. The Shuzhou government held sixty percent of the shares, and the Chi family held forty percent. Leveraging the water conservancy, they aimed to significantly shorten the travel distance between Jiangnan and the southwest.
Not to mention anything else, just the matter of food consumption would be greatly reduced.
Chi Ziming did not expect that this trip would also bring a new business for the Chi family. If done well, this would be no less than sea transport!
In the future, he would also dominate the river transport of the Great Jin with his Chi family!