"Your Highness, the power of the Cao Gang has retreated across the board, and at least half of its business has been taken over by other Cao Gangs."
The Minister of Works reported his work respectfully on the surface, but in his heart he was always thinking about how to become the Shangshu's confidant, so that he could be a close minister to the emperor in the future.
Song Ruiyang nodded without commenting, "Then the dock needs to be temporarily used in another place. The original location needs to be expanded and reinforced. How is it going? Recently, the Japanese imperial court has been focusing on the reclamation and cultivation of the West Mountain, so it can't take care of this side."
Xiao Meng smiled even more flatteringly, "Your Highness loves the people and takes care of everything personally. It is a blessing for Daliang." He wanted to continue singing his praises but was interrupted by Song Ruiyang with a cold look.
"Uh, uh, this matter has always been handled by Master Zhou. I sent Qian Hai to announce this matter before. According to his report, although the Cao Gang was dissatisfied, they did not disobey. I think they can understand the good intentions of the court."
Song Ruiyang closed his eyes tiredly, "Well, the temporary relocation of the dock is not a trivial matter. It is quite troublesome to do so. It is normal for the Cao Gang to be dissatisfied. As long as they do not obstruct this matter, it will be fine. If they can actively cooperate, the compensation and appeasement they deserve must be in place."
Just as Xiao Meng was about to reply, the prince suddenly opened his eyes and asked, "Master Xiao, have you been to the dock to check it out in person? Where is the new site? What is the progress of the old site and how much has it cost?"
Xiao Meng was immediately shocked and broke out in a cold sweat. Apart from sending Qian Hai to the dock to announce that they would choose a new location, he was hiding in the Ministry of Industry every day to enjoy his leisure time. How could he deal with the situation now? !
Song Ruiyang wanted to kick them. These old officials relied on their seniority and only wanted to keep their positions and interests. How could they really care about the people's livelihood
"I know that many of you are dissatisfied with Zhou Zhiyuan and think that I am nepotism. Is there anyone among you who has stayed in the construction work under your charge for a full hour?"
Xiao Meng was already trembling with sweat after encountering the prince's anger. The prince became angrier and angrier as he spoke, so he simply stood up and came to Xiao Meng.
"Zhou Zhiyuan is just a common merchant, but he can do everything I ask him to do personally. He knows the cause and effect clearly, and he can answer all the tasks clearly and fluently."
"If any of you who hold important positions could be like this, would I have entrusted so many tasks to Zhou Zhiyuan? You still have the nerve to be dissatisfied with others!"
Seeing that Song Ruiyang was getting angrier, Xiao Luzi stepped forward and whispered, "Your Highness, calm down! It's not worth it to get yourself hurt by getting angry!"
Song Ruiyang then calmed down, but his chest was still obviously heaving, and he pointed at Xiao Meng with disappointment.
"The little information you just reported was also reported to you by Zhou Zhiyuan, right? But you never cared about the details, and you are not like him who goes to the dock every few days. Reflect on yourself, Lord Xiao!"
After saying that, he turned away. Xiao Luzi glanced at Xiao Meng sympathetically, shook his head, and quickly followed Song Ruiyang.
"Your Highness, you asked me to bring two sets of casual clothes early in the morning. So you are going to the dock again? The emperor has not allowed you to go there again since the last time. This, this, this..." Xiao Luzi helped Song Ruiyang change his clothes while making a final struggle to persuade Song Ruiyang not to go.
On one hand, there is the emperor's ban, and on the other hand, there is his own legitimate master. Moreover, Xiao Luzi does not want Song Ruiyang to take risks again, so he is extremely conflicted.
Song Ruiyang was too lazy to waste his breath, so he changed his clothes and left. Xiao Luzi had no choice but to follow him with a bitter face.
"Master, even if we have to go, let's take a few more people with us so that we can deal with any problems."
"Aren't you just worried that I'll fall into the water again? Don't worry, there aren't that many idle people going to the riverside pier, so it's not easy to rescue people."
As soon as the two approached the dock, Song Ruiyang felt that a figure looked familiar, "Xiao Luzi, look, is that Liu Yun?"
(End of this chapter)