"Xinzhan, tell us what you found as well. We've heard the broad strokes, but don't know the details."
Feng Ji Hu spoke.
Cheng Xinzhan nodded and explained why he had come and everything that had happened, then said, "Now we need to investigate the source and see exactly where the problem lies-whether it's a natural calamity or a man-made disaster."
Everyone found a rock to sit on. Ji Hu said, "Jianmo, tell us about this Central Capital."
Zhu Jianmo nodded, cleared his throat, and began,
"The Central Capital was commissioned by Emperor Taizu after he conquered the realm and established himself in Jinling. Everything was built to imperial-capital specifications. The plan then was to move the capital to Fengyang once construction was finished.
"Many civil officials, military commanders, imperial clansmen, and eminent nobles couldn't understand it. They submitted memorials advising him that if he wanted to stabilize the south, he should establish his capital in Jinling; if he wanted to guard against the north, he should establish it in Yan-Zhao. There was no need at all to consider Fengyang in Qingzhou. But Taizu refused to listen and personally ordered the chancellor to supervise construction.
"Five thousand mu of land were set aside, and a million laborers assembled. Six years after construction began, all the foundations were finished and the city walls stood. Taizu came personally to inspect the work and reward the laborers. After touring the site, he returned to Jinling and ordered construction halted that very day, citing the expense and labor involved. Everyone puzzled over it without finding an answer. Construction never resumed throughout the Hongwu reign.
"Later, Emperor Yongle moved the capital to Yan-Zhao, a hundred and eight thousand li from Fengyang, making a move to Fengyang even more impossible. But he didn't want to abandon foundations