The dam had been eroded by rainwater over the years, posing a risk of collapse.
After discussing with the Magistrate of Xuzhou, they decided to organize manpower to dig flood relief channels and reinforce the dam.
Wealthy households in the various towns and villages were very enthusiastic about contributing manpower and resources and raising funds when they heard the news.
County Government Office posted notices, offering ten pennies a day to recruit young and strong laborers to dig trenches and build the dam.
The busy farming season was over, so there were idle young and strong men available in each village.
Woniu Village was situated on the riverbank, and the hunters eagerly signed up under the Old Village Chief's call to reinforce the upstream dam and protect their homes.
After two days of posting the notice, a thousand young men were recruited, and the County Government Office organized manpower to head upstream to the dam in great numbers.
