Quick Travel to the Clouds

Chapter 713 Talent for Governing the Country 12

Before she knew it, Yue Nu was twenty-eight years old, and she had become a highly respected water official.

The Institute of Gewu is now filled with students, and students from all over the country come here to catch a glimpse of this "master of water conservancy".

The stuttering of the past is long gone, replaced by a calm and powerful speech, every word a gem, containing a profound understanding of the way of 'investigating things'.

That year, the Qin state had completely controlled the former territory of the Zhou royal family, the alliance of the three Jin states (Han, Zhao, and Wei) collapsed, and the Zhao state faced unprecedented isolation.

The chain reaction of Qin's invasion of Wei spread like ripples. In the twelfth year of King Xiaocheng of Zhao, Qin general Wei Liao captured Wu City, and Han and Wei were forced to submit to Qin.

Although the State of Zhao did not directly engage in battle with Qin, a tense atmosphere permeated the border, and the strategic pressure was increasing day by day.

Inside Handan, King Zhao summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures. Yue Nu, a newly promoted water official, was also exceptionally summoned to the court.

"My esteemed ministers," King Zhao said with deep concern, "the Qin army is advancing with unstoppable momentum. Wei and Han have already surrendered, leaving our Zhao state isolated. Although the border cities have been fortified and strengthened, if the Qin army launches a full-scale attack, I fear the city walls alone will not be enough to withstand it. I wonder if any of you have any good strategies?"

The ministers looked at each other, and for a moment no one answered. Some advocated an alliance with Qi and Chu, while others suggested ceding territory to sue for peace, and the debate continued.

Yue Nu stood up and said in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, I have a plan that may resolve this predicament."

The entire court looked at the young female official in surprise. King Zhao nodded, signaling her to continue.

“Water is soft, yet it can penetrate stone; water is weak, yet it can carry a boat.” Yue Nu said calmly, “I believe that governing a country is like governing water; one should guide the flow of water and turn passivity into initiative.”

She ordered someone to unfold a huge map of the Zhao state, and moved her finger along the course of the rivers: "Within the territory of the Zhao state, the Zhang River, the Hutuo River, and the Fuyang River crisscross. If they can be properly dredged, they can not only irrigate farmland, but also build natural barriers."

"Please explain in detail." A glimmer of hope flashed in the King of Zhao's eyes.

"I suggest," Yue Nu pointed to the map, "that artificial waterways be dug in the border areas to connect with natural water systems and form a multi-layered water network defense system."

"During the dry season, water can be stored for irrigation, and during the rainy season, water can be diverted to form canals to hinder the enemy's advance. At the same time, sluice gates can be built at key points, and water can be released during wartime to form a temporary moat."

She continued to explain: "This method has three advantages: first, it can ensure a good harvest and strengthen the country; second, it can form a natural barrier to slow down the enemy's advance; and third, it can create floods when necessary to disrupt the enemy's deployment. Moreover, the project itself can mobilize the people to participate, which can enhance cohesion and train the militia."

King Zhao pondered for a moment and asked, "This project is enormous; how long will it take?"

“If we mobilize the entire nation, it can be accomplished in a year,” Yue Nu replied. “Furthermore, it can be implemented in stages, starting with the most dangerous western border.”

"Brilliant!" King Zhao slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "This plan can both strengthen national defense and benefit the people's livelihood, which is exactly what I want. Yue Nu, I entrust this important task to you!"

Yue Nu accepted the order and immediately began planning. She summoned the disciples of the Academy of Natural Sciences to re-survey the nation's water system and formulate a detailed plan.

Unlike the small-scale water conservancy project in Linshui Village, this was a matter of national survival, and every detail needed to be carefully considered.

She divided the project into three parts: the upstream reservoir area, the midstream dredging area, and the downstream defense area. The upstream reservoir was built to regulate water volume and serve as a strategic reserve; the midstream river channel was dredged to ensure smooth water flow; and the downstream project focused on building a sluice gate system, which could quickly form a defensive barrier in wartime.

During the construction process, Yue Nu personally went to the front lines to guide the projects in various locations. She discovered that, unlike back in Linshui Village, this time it was not only about technical issues but also about coordinating the interests of all parties.

Local officials worried that the project would affect tax revenue, the people were concerned about the heavy labor burden, and the army questioned whether the water network could truly stop the Qin cavalry.

Faced with doubts, Yue Nu remained calm and composed. She convened representatives from all sides to demonstrate the effectiveness of the water network defense system in person.

In a simulated battlefield, she directed workers to open the sluice gates and release water. In just half an hour, the once flat ground turned into a vast expanse of water, tanks became stuck in the mud, and infantry could not move an inch.

“Water has no fixed shape; it changes according to the circumstances.” Yue Nu stood on high ground, her voice echoing throughout the entire area. “The Qin army excels in horsemanship and archery, but they lose their advantage when faced with water. We do not need to fight them head-on; instead, we should borrow the power of heaven and earth to overcome the strong with the weak.”

Her demonstration convinced everyone. The project proceeded smoothly, and the people actively participated because Yuenu promised that each household would receive fertile land with convenient irrigation upon completion of the project.

A year later, the water-based defense system along the western border of the Zhao state was taking shape. Just then, the Qin army launched a large-scale invasion.

Zhao Jun followed the plan, opening the floodgates and releasing water. The Qin cavalry became bogged down in the mud, halting their offensive. Zhao Jun seized the opportunity to counterattack and achieved a minor victory.

When the good news reached Handan, King Zhao was overjoyed and bestowed upon Yue Nu the title of "Grand Master," in charge of water conservancy and national defense. No one in the court dared to underestimate this woman anymore.

One day, Yun Chu quietly arrived in Handan. The master and apprentice climbed the city wall and gazed at the western border.

“Sir,” Yue Nu pointed to the water network in the distance, “you see, water is like an army; when still, it gathers strength, and when in motion, it defeats the enemy. Back in Linshui Village, I only knew how to manage water; now, I understand that water can also govern a country.”

Yun Chu nodded with satisfaction: "You have thoroughly grasped the principles of 'investigating things.' Water flows around rocks and falls over cliffs, eventually reaching the sea. Governing a country is the same; one should be flexible and adaptable, but the direction should remain unchanged."

“Yes,” Yue Nu said firmly, “Although Qin is strong, if we make good use of the opportune time and geographical advantages, use water as a shield, and put the people first, what is there to fear?”

“Have you ever considered,” Yun Chu suddenly asked, “what if the Qin army changed its strategy and didn’t attack from the front, but instead went around to another place?”

Yue Nu smiled slightly: "Water network defense is only one aspect. I have already suggested to Your Majesty that a 'water conservancy for national prosperity' policy be implemented throughout the country, not only on the borders but also in the interior. Water network is not only for defense but also the lifeline of the economy. When the country's farmland yields a bountiful harvest and the people live in peace and prosperity, the will of the people is the strongest city wall."

Yun Chu laughed loudly: "Good! This is the true spirit of 'investigating things'. Not confined to one skill or art, but able to draw inferences from one instance and apply it to governing the country and ensuring peace."

Yue Nu continued, "I have also discovered that the principles of water management are interconnected with those of governing a country. When the water is clear, fish leap; when the government is efficient, the people live in peace. When the water flows smoothly, all things benefit; when the government is efficient, all people are blessed. Managing water is like governing a country; the key lies in the four words 'adapting to the situation and guiding it accordingly.'"

"Well said!" Yun Chu praised. "You have grasped the essence of 'investigating things.' It's not just about discovering patterns, but also about knowing how to use those patterns to benefit the people and stabilize the country."

As the sun set, its afterglow bathed the city walls. Yue Nu gazed into the distance, her thoughts swirling. She thought of the villagers of Linshui Village, the hardships she had endured when she first began learning water conservancy, and even more so, her master's earnest teachings.

“Sir,” she said softly, “I finally understand why you made me start with water conservancy in a small village. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; if you can’t even manage the water in a single village, how can you talk about governing the country?”

Yun Chu patted her shoulder: "You have grown into a true talent for governing the country. Remember, the way of 'investigating things' is endless. Today you govern the country with water, and tomorrow you may make even more discoveries."

Yuenu nodded solemnly: "Disciple will remember. The water that investigates things flows endlessly; the way to govern a country should also keep pace with the times."

As night fell, the city of Handan was brightly lit. Yue Nu and Yun Chu walked side by side toward the Institute of Exploration. There, countless students awaited their instruction, hoping to carry forward the way of 'investigating things'.

The waterways of Zhao flowed silently under the moonlight, like silver ribbons guarding this land. Yue Nu knew this was only the beginning.

In the years to come, she will continue to explore the way of "investigating things" and contribute her strength to the prosperity and stability of the Zhao state.

The water that investigates things flows ceaselessly; the talent for governing a country arises from this.