Chapter 260 Water Network Construction The fourth "Five-Year Plan" is completely different from the previous ones. It focuses more on internal sorting and improvement, followed by the development of the Northeast Plain and the construction of water networks and canals in various places. The military conquests of Sili, Liangzhou and outside the Great Wall were put last. It is much more difficult to organize an official team of nearly one million people than the military, not to mention the scholars, doctors, etc. who teach. The rapid expansion that was once rushed to meet management needs now needs to be slowly digested, the rotten meat removed, and new buds sprouted. Although it takes a lot of time and energy, it does not require too many resources. The development of the Northeast Plain, which was originally costly, has now gradually begun to achieve a balance between income and expenditure with the reclamation of tens of millions of acres of fertile farmland in the Northeast Plain. The real big deal lies in the construction of water network canals. Looking at the huge water network that spread across the north and crisscrossed the vast sand table, Chen Gong and others could not help but fall into silence in amazement. "Gongtai, this is the water network map that took me a long time to make." Tian Ze said proudly. Many of his policies were based on the experience of later generations, but he created this water vein map himself. This level of planning is impossible to achieve, let alone now, even in the future with advanced technology and extremely terrifying algorithms.
A single move affects the entire body. When these two rivers are connected, they will have a relatively beneficial impact on the surrounding areas, but if they are connected to another river, it will likely become harmful. There are hundreds of rivers throughout the north, some of which are long and have water all year round. If we include seasonal rivers and small streams, the number would exceed tens of thousands. This is simply not something that can be done by human power. However, relying on the cultivator's mastery of the water veins and terrain, as well as the blessing of the innate "mini map", Tian Ze actually managed to create it. Although it may not be the optimal solution, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in each place, and it can cover the entire north. If Tian Ze has enough time, he can even further refine and improve it later. "It is spread across the eleven states under our jurisdiction, with two vertical and fifty-seven horizontal canals, plus dozens of tributaries, connecting thousands of rivers, and tens of thousands of reservoirs of various sizes, hundreds of which can be built with the help of natural terrain." "Once completed, the grain production under our jurisdiction can be increased by at least 40%, and there is basically no need to worry about droughts and floods." "My lord is truly a god!" Chen Gong couldn't help but sigh. Tian Ze is like a gold mine that can never be exhausted, and it is impossible to see where his limits are. The princes of the world all believed that the rapid development under Tian Ze's rule was mostly due to the capable civil officials under his command. Especially Chen Gong, who was even considered by most people to be the best civil official in the world who could surpass Xun Yu in domestic affairs. A good warrior may not have great military achievements. In the eyes of the princes, the most threatening civil servant under Tian Ze was not Xun You and Guo Jia who were giving advice in the front, nor Cheng Yu and Jia Xu who were in charge of the troops and intelligence, but Chen Gong who was in charge of the rear. It is precisely because of Chen Gong's existence that Tian Ze's rule has been able to develop so rapidly. His strength seems to have expanded like a balloon, but he does not feel bloated and still looks very healthy. However, Chen Gong knew best that more than 90% of the credit actually went to Tian Ze. Many of the seemingly fantastic suggestions actually hit the nail on the head and have far-reaching impact. Most of the strategic policies under Tian Ze's rule were set by Tian Ze himself, and his only role was to refine, improve and implement them. Even without him, the development under Tian Ze's rule would not be much different. And in the face of such an epic and vast project as the construction of a canal network connecting various places, Tian Ze was also the absolute leader. Without Tian Ze's plan, the most Chen Gong could do was probably to build two or three canals vertically and horizontally, and he would not dare to draw more.
Even so, Chen Gong did not dare to be sure whether this was good or bad, and it could not be compared with the "miracle" before his eyes. "Not only that. If this water network can really be built, the transportation efficiency within the country will be increased several times or even dozens of times, and transportation losses and costs will be reduced by more than 90%." Cheng Yu couldn't help but his eyes shining. Compared with domestic affairs, he pays more attention to the military field. Once the construction is completed according to this plan, the transportation speed of troops under the jurisdiction will be increased several times, and logistical problems will be greatly alleviated. If nothing else, at least in future campaigns in the Central Plains, it would be no problem to reduce the loss of food in logistics by half. It may not sound like a big deal, but in a large-scale battle, this effect will mean more abundant supplies, higher morale, greater strategic maneuvering space and more flexible strategic plans. If Zhuge Liang had these conditions, he wouldn't have had to go to Qishan six times. Tian Ze smiled slightly. Even if there were trains in the future, water transportation would undoubtedly be the lowest-cost mode of transportation. The transport volume is the largest and the cost is the lowest. The only thing that can be criticized is the speed, which is also unique in this field as it uses oxen and horses for transportation. Building a water network can regulate the climate, promote development, and has low maintenance costs, which are almost all advantages. "There is only one problem now, how to build it?" Zhang Zhao was not dazzled by the bright future, but said calmly. "Based on our current engineering team and investment, it will take at least ten years to complete the construction of this water network. By then, the whole world will be unified." Tian Ze, Chen Gong and others frowned when they heard this. They understood what Zhang Zhao meant. For a project like this, the sooner the better, and it would be best if it were completed before the world is pacified. Because we are living in a time of chaos, the cost of employing people is relatively low and they are relatively easy to drive. Once peace comes, it will be difficult to start such a huge project. A comparison between the construction of Zhengguo Canal in the Qin Dynasty and the construction of the Grand Canal in the Sui Dynasty shows that, although the difficulty and cost of the projects were quite different, the national strength of the two sides was completely incomparable. Moreover, building a water network of this scale at this time would be extremely beneficial for warfare and population migration, and could at least reduce losses by one third. It can almost be said that the more battles you fight, the higher the return. If a water network could be built in Bingzhou and Jizhou as soon as possible, and then an attack on the Central Plains could be fought in the future on the scale of the Battle of Hebei, billions of dollars could be saved. "Can we draw another 20% from the people in each state to expand the team for water network construction to more than 10 million?" Cheng Yu looked at Chen Gong, Zhang Zhao and Guo Yuan. The three of them had frowned brows and worried expressions on their faces. The number of people participating in engineering construction under Tian Ze's rule has remained stable at around five million, but only half of them are engaged in water network construction. Cheng Yu's words increased the number three or four times. (End of this chapter)