Allure of a Country Maiden
Chapter 293 - 291

Chapter 293: Chapter 291

Time flowed as sand through fingers, intensifying the drought with each passing day. Albeit the chilly weather, no rain or snow fell, these were times of mixed feelings. On the bright side, the construction of the bridges over the Huai River could proceed smoothly. On the other hand, the ongoing drought was a serious concern, as it could result in a failed harvest as spring was approaching.

Thousands of people on the banks of the Huai River were working day and night. After several months, the Jingning-Huai River Bridge, the first among the several to be built, was finally completed and ready for use today.

The Emperor had announced that the morning court session today would be held on the Jingning-Huai River Bridge! He wanted to see for himself the impact that this epoch-making bridge, significant in economic, political, and historical terms, would have on the people.

The Emperor, accompanied by the full court officials, attended the opening ceremony for the bridge. Both ends of the bridge were crowded with people, a massive sea of humanity, each curious to walk the bridge rumored to stand firm for a hundred years and test its sturdiness!

The bridge, viewed from afar, seemed like a magnificent dragon stretching across the Huai River, weaving through the morning fog and sunlight. The majesty and proud posture of the "dragon" over the shimmering river was particularly spectacular and mysterious. It felt like a dream, a pathway to the heavens!

Xiao’er, considering that most transport in this era was hauled by human or horse power, not motor vehicles, designed more than a hundred meters long approach spans on both sides. The slightly extended bridge approaches made the bridge appear longer and more imposing.

Although this bridge wouldn’t rank among the longest in modern times, in this era it was perceived as a miraculous and impossible feat by many!

In truth, as humanity progresses, all records set by predecessors are eventually broken. Therefore, Xiao’er believed that this wouldn’t remain the longest bridge in the world. It was merely the beginning, a good start for the development history of bridges in this world. She believed that soon, others would stand on the shoulders of this achievement, and construct longer and better bridges.

Looking at the Jingning-Huai River Bridge spanning the entire river with a proud posture, impressive and extraordinary, the Emperor felt an overwhelming sense of pride. With excitement, he solemnly took the first step, as though performing a grave and serious task.

The Emperor’s thoughtful reverence moved the officials who had overseen the bridge construction and the general public behind him to tears.

His actions embodied the highest recognition of their labor and dedication, a profound respect for the crystallization of their intellect!

The Emperor walked slowly, every step measured, even touching the bridge railings lovingly, as though handling a rare treasure. No one among the officials found his pace slow and even those on both banks waiting to cross, felt that the Emperor’s pace was appropriate under the circumstances.

Such an improbable achievement, such a grand project, a crystallization of countless days and nights of hard work and wisdom, deserved to be appreciated, cherished and respected by all!

Before the Emperor crossed the bridge, the civil and military officials, and the crowd on both banks, unanimously praised the bridge, creating a din. But at this moment, there was complete silence. Not a sound could be heard as everyone waited reverently for the Emperor to cross the longest bridge in history, the grandest in their eyes.

The Emperor’s progress was slow. The river breeze was sharp and bone-chilling, but it felt as if the blood in his veins was boiling!

Under his rule, improbable feats were accomplished one after another!

This moment was much more than just crossing the bridge! Each step was a stride towards a brighter future! He was walking on a bridge leading to prosperity and military might!

The Emperor looked at the railings of the sidewalk on the bridge, carved with many auspicious patterns and fables. There were rooster crowing at dawn, plum blossoms defiant in the snow, diligently studying under dim light, continuous upward progress, a magpie perched on the branch, a carp leaping over the dragon’s gate, blooming flowers signifying wealth, and so on. He nodded approvingly, everything was prospering!

A bridge now spanned from south to north, what was once insurmountable was now a thoroughfare!

Finally, the Emperor, accompanied by the officials, crossed the bridge. The crowd on both banks broke into cheers before surging onto the bridge like a flood, crowding it in an instant. Many people stood at the parapets to enjoy the scenery of the Huai River. Some, who had secured a good spot and weren’t being hurried along, even considered spending the night on the bridge.

To be able to sleep on the world’s longest bridge was considered an immense honor.

The completion of such a bridge was of great significance. Economically, it facilitated cargo transport between the north and south. Politically, it boosted the common people’s respect and affection for the Imperial Court. Historically, a bridge of this magnitude was unprecedented and would be remembered for generations to come!

"Look at how sturdy this bridge we built is, able to withstand all these people!" Di Zhaowei beamed with pride while looking at the bridge, much like a parent would at their child.

Reacting to his comment, Xiao’er gave him a sidelong glance. If the bridge could be so easily compromised, it should not have been built in the first place, avoiding not only the waste of resources but also potential harm to people.

"Is that the only achievement you can boast about? It’s just not falling apart! Don’t worry, this bridge will outlive you! It isn’t going to crumble that easily!" She had forgotten the amount of steel bars, cement, and steel tubular piles used, the numerous times the water had to be redirected or the levees dug for guiding the water, just to secure the foundation piles for the bridge piers. If a bridge of this sort could collapse easily, it would be truly unjust!

"Within half a month, the remaining three bridges will also be completed. At that time, a monument will be erected at the head of the bridge. The names of everyone who contributed to the construction of these bridges should be engraved on it. Let it be known to generations to come: whose blood and sweat, whose selfless dedication made it possible for them to cross this chasm in safety and convenience!" The Emperor said looking at the jubilant people on the bridge.

The Minister of Works nodded in agreement, elated at the prospect of his name being immortalized!

Prime Minister Li and other officials had a fixed smile upon hearing this. Had they known about erecting a monument, they would have donated some silver, allowing their names to be engraved upon it, basking in eternal glory!

No matter the number of good deeds they did while in office, who among the common people would remember them after a hundred years? However, a name on the monument on this bridge would be different. Engraved for eternity, it would always be visible to future generations as long as the monument stood!

Many officials gazed sorrowfully at the completed bridge; they had missed an opportunity to etch their names into history!

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