Meanwhile, in the court, the Emperor was having Eunuch Wan read out his plan.
After it was read, there were many objections from the court, criticizing the project of building dams as causing hardship and costing the people, but the Emperor insisted that it was a long-term plan. This was the second change he was implementing after Qin Kun's downfall, and he ordered the plan to be put into action swiftly. He planned a southern tour in two months and expected to see progress by then.
As for the first change the Emperor made, it was naturally the refugee problem in the south. Now that two cities in the north had been retaken, the Emperor had notices widely posted, offering support to anyone willing to return and rebuild their homes.
Thus, the Emperor's prestige gradually increased.
Moreover, the Emperor would soon enact his third and fourth changes.
With long suppressed emotions, he needed a tremendous outburst to make a significant impact.
...
