Fang Er immediately drove over.
Upon arriving at the location, they indeed found collapsed areas on both sides of the Ba River.
The collapsed areas were not large, only about one to two meters wide each.
However, this was not to be overlooked.
A careful inspection of the collapsed areas revealed that beneath the ground in these spots were numerous holes!
They were small but dense.
They looked as if they had been caused by some kind of insect infestation.
After uncovering a large section of soil, the culprits were finally revealed.
It was locusts!
These holes were caused by locusts laying eggs.
They were layered like a honeycomb!
Furthermore, in the areas where the locusts had laid their eggs, there were also a large number of ant nests!
It seemed the ants had moved their entire colony to the "cafeteria"!
A close examination of the riverbank here showed a noticeable subsidence compared to other areas.
Clearly, the ground had been compromised, and coupled with the river's erosion, it had led to significant soil loss.
If reinforcement was not undertaken, a sudden heavy rain or flood could indeed lead to the "thousand-mile dike collapsing due to an ant hole," which would no longer be an exaggeration!
Fang Er took several soil samples and placed them in his pickup truck.
He then drove straight to the imperial palace.
Reinforcing the riverbanks was a major undertaking, and the people of Fangjiazhuang were already fully occupied, unable to spare any manpower.
He could only hand it over to Li Shimin.
After all, he was the Emperor, and it was fitting for him to handle such a matter that benefited the populace.
In the Liangji Hall, after hearing Fang Er's analysis, Li Shimin summoned Du Yiyang, Fang Xuanling, and Du Ruhui.
Due to the incomplete replacement of personnel in the Ministry of Works, Du Yiyang was still holding the position of Minister of Works.
Upon seeing the soil samples Fang Er presented, his brow furrowed.
"Your Majesty, the riverbanks must be reinforced as soon as possible.
After a long drought, a great flood is sure to follow!
The rainfall has been scarce for the past two years. If a sudden autumn flood arrives, I fear these riddled riverbanks will not hold!"
Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui shared the same sentiment. Just as Li Shimin was about to announce his decision, Fang Er stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I have a humble suggestion."
Li Shimin waved his hand.
"Since it's not ripe yet, let's discuss it when it is."
Fang Er was stunned.
Was he being dismissed so unceremoniously?
"Well, it's ripe now! It's ripe right now!"
Li Shimin, with a smug expression, uttered a single word to Fang Er.
"Speak!"
Fang Er's mouth twitched, but he still stated his opinion.
"Your Majesty, I believe the riverbank reinforcement can be divided into two parts.
Similarly, the Ministry of Works should also be split in two.
For the important sections closer to villages and towns, Minister Du should lead the newly recruited personnel to reinforce them.
As for the less critical areas, where a breach would not cause significant consequences, let those from the Ministry of Works who belong to the aristocratic families undertake the work!
This can also serve as an opportunity to test the aristocratic families!
If they fail to perform, we will have advance warning and avoid major disasters.
At the same time, it can help to clean up the Ministry of Works!"
Li Shimin shook his head.
"This is indeed an opportunity, but it is too risky, it's trifling with the lives of the people!
I do not agree!"
Du Yiyang's eyes, however, lit up.
He desperately wished for the Ministry of Works to be cleaner so that he could truly showcase his abilities.
The previous plan was to replace all capable artisans who were not affiliated with the aristocratic families.
Then, he himself would step down from the position of Minister of Works, and return only after the Ministry of Works was purged of aristocratic influence.
But that was an unknown waiting period!
This was clearly a golden opportunity. As long as the members of the aristocratic families made even the slightest mistake,
it would be a grave offense!
No one would dare to object if they were dismissed.
"Your Majesty, I believe this is feasible!
The idea of the Marquis of Liaodong is worth trying. I stake my head as a guarantee that I will make thorough preparations.
Even if some sections of the riverbank encounter problems, I can quickly bring my men to plug them!
The influence of the aristocratic families is deep-rooted, and we cannot let go of any opportunity!"
Fang Xuanling considered it and agreed with his opinion.
Du Ruhui said, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Liaodong and Minister Du of Works are correct."
Li Shimin was still hesitant.
But seeing Du Yiyang's hopeful gaze, he felt reluctant to refuse.
This fellow had been wronged for too long.
"In that case, you may go and discuss it amongst yourselves and submit a proposal to me.
Remember, dealing with the aristocratic families is important, but the safety of the people is even more important!"
Du Yiyang thought for a moment and quickly spoke up.
"Your Majesty, I propose using cement to reinforce the riverbanks!
The same cement used for road construction in Fangjiazhuang!"
Li Shimin glanced at Fang Er.
"What is the required quantity of cement? And the cost?"
"Damn."
How would Fang Er know this!
Cost? Apart from labor, there was nothing else!
Materials were practically as good as free!
However, considering the massive amount of cement needed for reinforcing the riverbanks,
the few kilns near the cement workshop would surely not be enough.
Moreover, this was a product that relied on volume, and for Fang Er, who was accustomed to exorbitant profits, it was a mere trifle!
He decided to be magnanimous.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to offer the formula and method for producing cement."
Li Shimin was somewhat surprised.
Why had this fellow suddenly become so generous?
Was he not asking for money?
Fang Er nodded.
Li Shimin asked again.
"Then you want an official position?"
Fang Er shook his head, looking somewhat helpless.
"Your Majesty, I don't want anything, I'll give it for free, alright?"
Li Shimin slammed the table.
"No!
You are full of schemes, and if I don't give you something, I won't feel at ease!"
Fang Er was speechless.
Why was it so difficult to do a good deed!
Had he not harbored any ill intentions towards you?
After thinking for a moment,
"Your Majesty, I truly want nothing! If you are still worried, how about I pledge the lives of my six dogs to you?
Well, those few fools have caused quite a bit of damage at home, there isn't a single chair or table that's intact!
But Chai Yue and Xiao Qing love them dearly.
They won't let me get rid of them, so it would be good to use Your Majesty's authority to free myself.
As for Wangcai, he's quite well-behaved and can stay at home as a companion for Chai Yue and Xiao Qing."
Li Shimin looked at him, disbelievingly.
"Are you serious, young man?"
Fang Er said with sincere conviction.
"More sincere than gold, I will write down the formula for you now."
With that, he walked unceremoniously to Li Shimin's imperial desk and wrote out the cement formula.
"I will have someone send the lives of the six dogs to the palace this afternoon!
If I commit any offense in the future, you can simply have me beheaded!"
He dropped these words and turned to leave, as if afraid Li Shimin would go back on his word.
Li Shimin was stunned.
He had no idea why Fang Er was doing this.
But when he understood later, those six dogs would be gone, and he wouldn't even be able to send them if he wanted to!
The six dogs quickly gained numerous admirers after entering the palace!
Empress Changsun, Consort Yang, Consort Yin, and Princess Changle, along with a group of younger princesses, were utterly smitten!