Merchants don't rise early without profit, and this saying is truly apt for Chi Zimo.
Since the establishment of the Chi Yun Merchant Association, he had been incredibly busy.
Although the Chi family's influence in the southwestern region was not as great as in Jinling City, their name alone commanded considerable respect wherever it was spoken.
The fast boat they had arrived on was docked by the lower reaches of the Luoshui River.
When Chi Zimo arrived with his men to inspect the area, they happened to encounter Qiao Shanwei and Xu Lin, who were actively leading people in the cleanup and restoration of the Luoshui Riverbanks.
"Young Master Qiao, you truly possess remarkable skills."
In just over half a month, the Luoshui River had been transformed, losing all the devastation they had witnessed upon their arrival. Qiao Shanwei was indeed a talented individual.
"Patriarch Chi, you are too kind."
Qiao Shanwei was now entirely focused on the flood control efforts, with no other thoughts in his mind.
Chi Zimo was the same. Although both men harbored feelings for Feng Jin Yao, they understood that some people were destined not to be theirs. They had come to this realization, so they cast aside their romantic inclinations and concentrated on the task at hand.
"What brings Patriarch Chi here today?"
"I am here to survey this location. Chi believes this place offers a broad view and a level terrain, making it quite suitable for a river transport terminal."
With that, he produced the prepared blueprints and began to explain his future plans to Qiao Shanwei, referencing the site.
Qiao Shanwei did not know much about river transport, but he was quick-witted, and thus, he was able to offer some ideas for the construction of Chi Zimo's terminal from time to time.
This made Chi Zimo regard him with even greater admiration.
"It is a pity. Young Master Qiao will likely pursue an official career. Otherwise, with our combined efforts, no one in the river transport of the Great Jin would be able to rival us!"
Chi Zimo rarely praised others, but Qiao Shanwei was even younger than Chi Lingyou, yet his thoughts and actions were far more mature and steady.
Qiao Shanwei smiled. If he were merely a son of the Qiao family, he would likely have accepted Chi Zimo's invitation.
However, he was also a member of the Bai family. Feng Jin Yao had paved the way for him to this point, and there was no turning back. Therefore, he could only return to the Bai family.
"Patriarch Chi's kind intentions are deeply appreciated by Shanwei. In the future, whether in officialdom or commerce, there may be opportunities for further cooperation with the Chi family. At that time, I hope Patriarch Chi will not forget today's words."
Chi Zimo observed Qiao Shanwei's increasingly profound gaze and secretly marveled.
At such a young age, he already possessed the cunning of a fox. When he grew older, he might not be inferior to Prince Ding in his schemes.
He did not commit to anything, merely stating calmly,
"Then Chi shall await Young Master Qiao."
After this, the two changed the subject and continued their discussion about the construction of the terminal.
Once the terminal was built, inns and restaurants would naturally be needed, along with merchants and laborers, but these were matters for later.
Shuzhou was fully engaged in post-disaster reconstruction. The news reached the Eastern Capital in early July.
Upon hearing that the southwest had suffered both floods and earthquakes, with tens of thousands of mu of fertile land destroyed and the populace displaced, Emperor Qi was immediately enraged.
In the imperial court, the Duke of Wei and his faction used this incident to attack the Feng family.
The Wen family and the Feng family were related by marriage. If the Wen family were to fall from grace in this matter, the Feng family would inevitably be implicated.
Thus, they had pre-arranged individuals to submit memorials.
"Your Majesty, Lord Wen, as the prefect of Shuzhou, has presided over the region for decades. How could he have been so negligent regarding the floods? Knowing that the weather this year was unfavorable, with continuous rain, why was there no early preparation? If the dikes had been regularly inspected and reinforced, how could they have collapsed so easily at the first surge, leading to the people's destitution!"
"Indeed! Although this is a natural disaster, Lord Wen, as the parent official of the region, failed to protect his people. He deserves to be executed for his crime!"
A group of officials became extremely agitated. If Wen Zhonghe were present, he would likely be drowned by their spittle.
Feng Hai, Bai Chaoan, and Feng Jin Xu were also in court. Hearing the impassioned speeches of those officials, their hearts sank.
Feng Jin Xu, in particular, had long since written to his father-in-law, informing him of the situation. Given his father-in-law's character and cautious nature, he would likely have stockpiled ample grain. Despite two consecutive disasters, it should not have reached the point of widespread starvation.
It seemed the news was not entirely accurate.
Feng Hai and Wen Zhonghe were related by marriage, a fact known to most in the court. Now, all eyes were on Feng Hai, curious to see his reaction.
However, Feng Hai showed no signs of anxiety. Instead, he maintained a composed demeanor, observing his duties as a subject.
Emperor Qi sat high on his throne, observing the expressions of all his ministers.
He did not have much impression of Wen Zhonghe, but the official grain and tribute from the southwest were always delivered on time each year. Among the prefectures of the Great Jin, it was neither the wealthiest nor the poorest.
Therefore, leaving him in charge of Shuzhou for so many years had not caused any major issues.
Who would have thought that this time, the situation would escalate so drastically!
He had truly betrayed his past trust!
Thus, he sternly questioned Feng Hai, "Lord Feng, what is your opinion on this matter?"
His words implicitly linked Wen Zhonghe and Feng Hai, and even if they were separated by a thousand miles, it would only take a word to connect them.
Feng Hai remained calm and composed. He had been in court for decades and had experienced imperial suspicion before.
"I humbly report to Your Majesty that I also believe the words of the esteemed officials are most reasonable."
"Oh?"
His response caused the officials who had just spoken to suddenly lose their target, as if their prepared fists were about to strike, only to find the opponent lying down, ready to be slaughtered, thus deflating their momentum.
Even Emperor Qi was taken aback by his reaction and did not know how to respond.
Feng Hai had anticipated their accusations and had thus preempted them. He continued calmly,
"Although the southwest has experienced floods and earthquakes, I believe it is not entirely a bad thing. At least, through this incident, we can see the loyalty of the officials in court to the Great Jin and their concern for the people. I believe that since the esteemed officials are so indignant, they will surely devise excellent plans to go to the southwest to assist in disaster relief, aid the poor, and help with reconstruction. Therefore, I hereby assure all the esteemed officials that as long as you are willing to go to the southwest, the Ministry of Revenue will fully support you from behind!"
His words silenced everyone.
Especially those who had been the most vociferous, they wished they could find a hole to crawl into.
Floods and earthquakes – who knew if there would be other calamities?
If they went and succeeded, it would be commendable. But if they failed, or even lost their lives in the southwest, wouldn't that be laughable?
Therefore, the more vehemently they had clamored earlier, the more silently they shut their mouths now.