The decline in the water level of the Bianhe River and the decline in the efficiency of water transportation have been noticed by the Division. Pen "Fun" Pavilion www.biquge.info

One of them is the three divisions, and the other is the Kaifeng Mansion.

The Third Division was similar to the financial headquarters of the Great Song Dynasty, responsible for managing taxes, money and grain, and the wealth of the southeast, which was completely dependent on the canal, was delayed, and the Third Division was naturally aware of it.

There is also Yin Baozheng of Kaifeng Prefecture, the Tokyo garrison of the Great Song Dynasty and the people combined, with a population of more than one million, and the amount of food to be consumed in a day and a month is unimaginable.

However, the land around Tokyo is not so fertile, the output is not high, and various disasters are frequent, so the food is basically dependent on the southeast.

However, this canal, which has been opened since the Sui Dynasty, has now continued to reduce the water level and greatly reduced its transportation capacity, and this grain reserve is constantly falling.

It may not be obvious at first, or expect subsequent rains, rising water levels, and capacity recovery.

But seeing that in August and September, there was still no sign of rain in the world, and the Sansi Yamen began to panic.

Bao Zheng's appointment as the governor of Kaifeng was a bit sudden, and perhaps there was a little bit of implication of being ordered in danger, and at the beginning of his takeover, Bao Zheng focused on rectifying public security.

When the affairs were gradually clarified, it suddenly became clear that there seemed to be a crisis in the rations of the people of Tokyo.

Such a major event categorically cannot be concealed or delayed, so the report of the Third Division and Kaifeng Mansion was sent to Emperor Zhao Zhen's desk almost immediately.

The third year of Qingli is destined to be an unhappy year for Zhao Zhen.

His son died, he and his sister were assassinated, the party members were in Koubian, caught up with a severe drought, and rebellions of varying degrees appeared in various places.

In the case of internal and external troubles, there is now a food crisis in Bianliang, Tokyo, which is really unsettling!

In the vertical arch hall, although Chen Zhizhong, the third envoy, and Yin Baozheng of Kaifeng Mansion were given seats, in fact, their assassins were like sitting on pins and needles, where could they sit safely?

Zhao Zhen said in a deep voice: "Chen Qing, how much grain is there in Tokyo at the moment?" ”

Chen Zhizhong replied: "Back to Your Majesty, since the beginning of the Taizu Dynasty, Tokyo has reserved grain for at least half a year, and it is not a problem to talk about the official government and the forbidden army alone. ”

"Xiren, what do you have to say?"

"Back to Your Majesty!" Bao Zheng said: "Although there are reserves in Tokyo's regular closing position, the reserves are not much, and the private grain bank will not have large reserves in view of the flow of reserves and value.

Nowadays, the price of grain in the market has begun to rise, and the grain bank may have the intention of hoarding, and although it can be calmed down by closing the position, it will eventually be unlawful, and it will make the people uneasy after a long time. ”

Zhao Zhen groaned: "Chen Qing, how much support can Guancang provide to Kaifeng Mansion?" ”

"Your Majesty, the grain of the official warehouse is used by the officials, the army and the people, but if all of them are considered, I am afraid that even if the official warehouse of the imperial court, the Changping warehouse and the private warehouse of the grain merchant are combined, it will not be able to support it for a few months."

"Months!"

"Four months, even if the imperial court strictly distributes supplies, it will be five months at most......"

When Chen Zhizhong said this answer, Zhao Zhen's face was obviously much gloomy, what would be the consequences if a city was short of food?

He certainly hadn't experienced that kind of hunger, but the records in the history books were vivid.

At the end of the Sui Dynasty, Luoyang City was besieged, and in the last days, there was no food in the city, and even the nobles and nobles were unable to eat, and the situation was unbearable, and there was even a tragic situation of cannibalism among each other.

If Tokyo, a city of one million people, was short of food, I can't imagine what the consequences would be, what would be the situation of the Great Song Dynasty?

If the capital is in chaos, the world will be in chaos!

Such a scene must not appear, and Zhao Zhen will never allow it.

But as soon as I lowered my head, I saw that Chen Zhizhong and Bao Zheng seemed to be related, and they wanted to stop talking, as if they had unfinished words.

"If you have anything to say, the two Qing family will say it's okay!" Zhao Zhen is a gentle and reasonable emperor in the end, even in the face of such a serious matter, he can restrain his emotions well.

"Back to Your Majesty, this year's drought in the Central Plains, a poor harvest is inevitable, and there are even many places where there is no harvest, so there are so few disaster victims."

Following Chen's words, Bao Zheng added: "If the victims flock to Tokyo, the relief grain will be a huge expense, and the granary will become more and more tight. ”

"Where's the food supply?" Zhao Zhen calculated the food expenditure, it was indeed huge, but if it could be replenished in time, it might not be so bad.

Chen Zhizhong shook his head and said: "The Huainan transshipment envoy has reported that the canal is short of water, and it is difficult to carry large ships, and this summer's grain transportation is not as good as in previous years."

Even some rain in autumn will not help, after all, autumn and winter are dry periods, and when the weather is cold, the canal will freeze and it will not be possible to sail.

Therefore, in the past, it was necessary to rush to deliver grain to Tokyo by the end of October, but this year it is definitely too late, and this is the root cause of Tokyo's food shortage. ”

Zhao Zhen's face was gloomy, and he said in a low voice: "I didn't expect the situation to be so serious? ”

Chen Zhizhong immediately bounced up from his seat, knelt directly on the ground, and bowed his head and said: "Your Majesty, the minister licked the three divisions, but he didn't notice it in advance, and he was preparing, and the minister deserved to die." ”

"Well, it's not raining, and that's something you can't expect." Zhao Zhen waved his hand and said, "What's more, even if you notice it as soon as possible, what can you do?" The canal is shallow, and how much more grain can be transported? Now don't blame yourself, but think about how to find a solution? ”

"Thank you for your forgiveness, and your ministers are grateful." Chen Zhizhong felt very lucky, although the truth seemed to be true, but as the third envoy, it was reasonable to bear such a criminal responsibility.

But Zhao Zhen did not blame, although it was for the sake of the overall situation and let himself be guilty and make meritorious contributions, but it was enough to show the benevolence of the emperor, which was rare in ancient times.

"Your Majesty, if you say that the solution is to restore the capacity of the Bianhe River."

Bao Zheng said: "At least until the end of September, the canal will be able to pass large ships, and ships from Jiangnan and Huainan will be able to carry grain into Tokyo, so there is no need to worry." ”

"What Xiren said is very true, but it has not rained for months, and who knows when this autumn rain will come?" Chen Zhizhong said worriedly: "If you come early, everything will be fine, if you don't come for a long time, the consequences will be ......."

Chen Zhizhong didn't continue, but the monarchs and ministers all knew it!

Zhao Zhen said in a low voice: "I will let Si Tian monitor the rainy period, and I will personally preside over the rain begging...... I just don't know if Heaven will answer my request. ”

Bao Zheng said softly: "Your Majesty, the minister ventures to think that in addition to praying for rain, perhaps we should also brainstorm and find other solutions. ”

"Brainstorming?"

Bao Zheng said in a low voice: "Yes, there are many capable people in the government and the opposition, maybe someone will think of some way......

Chen Zhizhong was worried: "But if it is announced to the public, won't it cause panic and worry among the people?" ”

"It is naturally impossible to publicize it to the public, but the civil and military ministers of the Manchu Dynasty may have a way, and they are all provincial, and they will not leak the news casually."

Hearing Bao Zheng's words, Zhao Zhen nodded lightly and said, "Okay, tomorrow the court meeting, I will ask the hundred officials for advice." ”