Chapter 29 Showing Off One’s Edge

Since she was singled out, Zhao Xian naturally couldn’t play dead.

She silently stepped forward and spoke spoke softly, “Your Majesty, in fact, this matter isn’t difficult at all. Relying solely on relief efforts is futile. Since we know which regions of Fengyan Kingdom experience the most rainfall and which suffer the most droughts, why not dig a long canal connecting the two areas? This way, both issues can be addressed. One side won’t fear drought, and the other won’t dread the rainy season. It’s a win-win solution.”

Zhao Xian paused for a moment before continuing, “Although digging such a canal isn’t something that can be accomplished overnight, the people who have been plagued by disasters year after year are not mere decorations. As long as they see hope, there will naturally be people willing to work towards it. Enduring hardships for two or three years will lead to long-term prosperity and well-being.”

As soon as Zhao Xian finished speaking, the entire court fell silent.

The problem that had plagued them for so long was unexpectedly solved by Prime Minister Zhao’s casual remark.

Even the young Empress couldn’t help but feel inspired, clenching her fists involuntarily.

Indeed, this person was as extraordinary as her mother described. But she was also difficult to control; if not handled properly, it could lead to irreversible consequences.

And now, they relied on her for everything. In truth, she was very afraid of this person rebelling.

As everyone stared at her, Zhao Xian couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. Could it be that what she said wasn’t right?

“I wonder if anyone has any objections to what I just said?” Zhao Xian asked calmly.

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone in the room looked at her with various expressions of admiration and flattery.

“Prime Minister’s plan is excellent. Your Majesty, this is truly a benefit to the country and the people.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. If this succeeds, the south won’t suffer from floods during the rainy season anymore, and the north won’t endure droughts. It’s truly a win-win situation.”

Listening to everyone’s words, Zhao Xian couldn’t help but sigh. This kind of thing was known to many people in the modern world.

Who wouldn’t know about the South-to-North Water Diversion Project?

Just as she was thinking, she heard the Empress above speaking.

“So, who do you think is most suitable to handle this matter?” After the young Empress finished speaking, everyone turned to look at Zhao Xian.

Zhao Xian raised an eyebrow. She didn’t want to do this kind of exhausting work.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, recently I’ve been indisposed due to an injury sustained during martial training, so I believe it’s best for the Ministry of Works to handle this matter on its own! Alternatively, if Your Majesty deems someone suitable, they can be assigned to handle it!”

As her words fell, the entire court was stunned. Did the Prime Minister just have a change of heart? Was she not hogging all the credit anymore?

Even the Empress seemed a bit stunned. She thought that such matters that could win the hearts of the people across the nation would only be done by the prime minister, but she never expected the other party to directly throw it at her.

If this plan succeeded, the people would be grateful to herself, not Zhao Xian. What was Zhao Xian planning?

What is Zhao Xian planning? The young Empress, feeling nervous, glanced at her and then spoke, “Since Prime Minister Zhao is unwell, let Zhang Zhihuan and Wang Cheng from the Ministry of Works handle this matter. It must be done properly. Also, notify the local authorities to distribute food and work together to overcome this difficulty. Prime Minister Zhao, what do you think? Is there any objection?”

Zhao Xian looked at the young Empress on the throne, who spoke calmly and methodically, and nodded. This young girl was quite capable.

If it were in modern times, she would still be a rebellious child. But now, she had taken on the responsibility of a country.

Zhao Xian responded calmly, “Very well, Your Majesty.”

The young Empress breathed a sigh of relief after being recognized. To be honest, she really didn’t understand what Prime Minister Zhao was thinking.

Hence, the court then resumed with various tedious discussions, much like the meetings she attended in modern times.

However, the topics were different. In modern times, they discussed how to make the most money with the least expense, while here, they discussed the affairs of the nation. Since she wasn’t the Prime Minister in this world, there was still much for her to learn.