After rebirth, I joined forces with my mortal enemy to seek revenge.

Under the still chilly spring sun in early spring, the 19-mile-long Qiligang New River is connected to the Jiuguan River. The water is as high as the boat, and it is finally open to navigation.

This means that from now on, the Neiguan River, which carries the core of Yangzhou's transportation, will be completely replaced by the Xinguan River. Boats passing by now no longer have to worry about silt blocking the river, making the boat unable to move.

The river workers gathered on the shore and clapped their hands in celebration. The work sheds along the coast also prepared abundant food for them, and also specially prepared fine wine.

Pei Jiaoran led Zhou Mancao and Bi Fei and sat on the second floor of the tea shop facing the street, wearing curtain hats. He smiled and looked at the cheering river workers in front of him.

Looking away, Zhou Mancao said with emotion: "It's not been easy for the past six months. But fortunately, it is finally completed. This nineteen-mile road may not be long or short, but it is the lifeblood of the empire." As she said this, He cupped his hand and said, "I gained a lot from this trip with you."

After saying this, she raised her glass and drank.

Pei Jiaoran looked out the window, the corners of his lips raised slightly. The willow trees on the shore have sprouted new buds, and the chill is gradually fading away. The dismissal of the Salt Institute also means that Jianghuai and even Salt Institutes everywhere will enter a new salt policy. This is the real spring day.

The next day, Shen Yunzhou took the lead in inviting Pei Jiaoran, officials from the Capital Water Supervisor and the Ministry of Works, and various Jianghuai families to celebrate the opening of navigation at Qili Port.

Qili Port was very lively on this day. Everywhere was surrounded, and if it hadn't been for Zhou Xie sending people to maintain order early in the morning. I'm afraid that a group of people won't even be able to get in.

On both sides of the new river, flags were flying. All three animals are prepared in front of the sacrificial platform, and an incense burner is placed in front. Only by worshiping the river god and the land god as needed can smooth navigation be ensured.

Under the guidance of Zhou Sima, Pei Jiaoran first sacrificed to the gods of the land and river, then to the gods of the four directions, and killed a rooster and dripped its blood into the river. The ceremony was not completed until half an hour later.

But the highlight is the stone tablet erected on the side.

Under the watchful eye, Pei Jiaoran walked to the edge of the stone tablet and lifted up the red cloth covering it. I saw that the stone tablet was engraved with "the monument of the completion of the imperial decree to build the river channel", with eight characters in total.

"The successful completion of the Xinguan River this time depends on your assistance." After saying this, Pei Jiaoran handed over his hands and said, "May this river continue forever, may the Wei Kingdom be long, may the river be clear and the sea flow, and the people be prosperous and happy."

Pei Jiaoran took the drink from Bi Fei and drank it in one gulp. Other officials followed her lead and toasted in celebration.

There was applause from the crowd.

Looking at the crowd, Pei Jiaoran's smile deepened. As long as the Yangzhou government can maintain the Xinguan River and ensure that the river flows smoothly from now on, she thinks it will be enough to support the Wei Dynasty for another hundred years.

To celebrate the completion of the Xinguan River, not only a lantern festival was held in the city. In addition to the fun of the officials and the people, the state government also prepared a banquet to celebrate.

The banquet is still held in the former Sui Dynasty building near the lake. Compared to the previous banquet, today was much more deserted.

Pei Jiaoran, who was still at the top, drank his wine and his eyes fell on Shen Yunzhou.

She had promised Shen Yunzhou before that she would help him serve as the governor of western Zhejiang. That was because there was Yangzhou in western Zhejiang. However, in order to facilitate Wei Gao to work with her to quell the Haozhou rebellion, she also promised to return Yangzhou to Huainan. Even for western Zhejiang, losing Yangzhou will not have much impact. But it’s always a case of breaking one’s trust.

Moving towards the window, Pei Jiaoran waved to Shen Yunzhou.

"Mr. Pei," Shen Yunzhou said.

Hearing this, Pei Jiaoran smiled and said, "I will return to Chang'an soon, and I have something to say to Governor Shen."

"Mr. Pei, please tell me." Shen Yunzhou still had a kind smile on his face, "I would like to hear the details."

The beady pupils moved to the corners of his eyes, and Pei Jiaoran curled his lips.

"Wei Gao intends to ask His Majesty to ask for Yangzhou." Pei Jiaoran tapped the railing with his finger and said in a regretful tone, "This time he assisted the Shence Army to quell the Huanqi Rebellion. And Yangzhou was also under the rule of Huainan, so he intends to ask Your Majesty for the return of Yangzhou." There’s nothing wrong with that here.”

"Yangzhou..." Shen Yunzhou frowned and said nothing.

Although the status of western Zhejiang will not plummet without Yangzhou, as the transshipment hub of the Jianghuai waterway, Yangzhou is really a piece of fat that is difficult to give up.

With his thoughts at this point, Shen Yunzhou raised his head and glanced at Pei Jiaoran. For a moment he couldn't decide what she would do. Even though she had promised that she would contribute to her taking over as the governor of western Zhejiang. But it was not said that there was an envoy from Yangzhou in western Zhejiang.

He noticed that Shen Yunzhou's eyes were frozen. Pei Jiaoran raised his eyebrows slightly.

After thinking for a moment, Shen Yunzhou said, "Mr. Pei, what do you think we should do?"

Listening to Shen Yunzhou throw the question to himself again. Pei Jiaoran closed his eyes and sighed, "Losing Yangzhou may not be a bad thing. Commander Shen must take a long-term view. You may not have a place in the center in the future."

Having said that, as for how Shen Yunzhou would understand it, it was not something she could control.

With the excuse that he was too drunk, Pei Jiaoran took Zhou Mancao and Bi Fei away. The three of them walked side by side.

Pei Jiaoran stood under the willow tree with his hands folded, watching Zhou Mancao and Bi Fei carefully put the lotus lanterns into the water, and smiled: "Push them further away, don't let other people's lanterns hit them."

"Why doesn't the girl make a wish?" Bi Fei looked back at her.

"Make a wish?" Pei Jiaoran smiled and said nothing. He bent down and picked up the lotus lantern that had been placed aside. While pushing it into the water, he said warmly: "The world cannot give me my wish, so I can only rely on myself."

Looking up at the lotus lanterns on the river, they look like bright stars. Carrying the expectations of the people, it flows to unknown distances. The peaceful scene presented by the silk and bamboo trees on the shore and the laughter all require strength to support.

However she wished. It is for her to take a step further to the peak of power, and she also needs ability as a support. What she has gained now is still some distance from the finish line.

Seeing his lotus lantern and the two lotus lanterns gathered together, Pei Jiaoran smiled and said: "If you have anything you want to buy in Yangzhou, just buy it. In a few days, we have to go back."

"Is there anything else to buy? I have brought a lot of rouge and gouache to the sisters in Chang'an." Zhou Mancao took a deep breath and smiled: "Girl, will this place continue to be prosperous and prosperous?"

Hearing this, Pei Jiaoran smiled, "Why not? Are you planning to come here to retire here in the future? But, Yangzhou is indeed a good place. If you want, I can make arrangements for you."

Her side will never be safe and clean forever, and she will not force people to stay by her side. Everyone has their own way to go.

"No need for the moment. I will gain a lot from following you all the way." Zhou Mancao smiled calmly.

As the words fell upon his ears, Pei Jiaoran's smile deepened. The three of them left the shore and returned to the lively crowd.

With the completion of the river channel, Pei Jiaoran also became leisurely. Someone calculated the funds used to open the river, checked it personally, and then sent it back to Chang'an.

After delivering the affairs in hand, Pei Jiaoran led a group of officials to Luoyang by water, and then returned to Chang'an by land from Luoyang.