| | The "Eight Policies" of Hongfan, the first is food. In Zhou Li's "Nine Occupations," the first is nong (agriculture). The fundamental basis of life originates from this; Commodities, wealth, and resources exist through this. The nine regions of fertile land produce abundant harvests in large fields; however, there are rocky and barren areas on the land, and low-lying valleys along rivers. The convenience of irrigation is not fully realized due to insufficient implementation. Wise and enlightened gentlemen who establish agricultural endeavors take into account the suitability of high and low terrain, harnessing natural inclinations to maximize water resources, thus enriching the country and its people. Such individuals have existed since ancient times. As for Ximen Bao who built Ye, Zheng Guo who worked in Qin, Li Bing in Shu, and Xin Chen governing Rang, they were all practitioners of this principle. To the east of Yangling Xian, the land is flat and low-lying; the soil has a pungent and stinging quality, good grains do not grow there, and weeds and wild grasses wither and dry up. Yet the Jing River flows continuously, and irrigation is of primary importance. The common people, both registered households and ordinary peasants, are unable to provide sufficient labor. Officials in charge lack the time and resources for planning; although efforts have frequently been made to initiate projects, they still cannot be completed.
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| | In the fifth year of Guanghe (182 AD), Fan Jun, courtesy name Deyun, who was then the Yizhou of Jingzhao, diligently cared for the people's hardships and devoted his heart to governance. If there was anything that could benefit these people, he would not hesitate to act upon it without delay. He thus consulted the local officials and submitted a proposal to the government, which collectively believed that taking advantage of this beneficial opportunity was something that could not be delayed. He then ordered the senior official Fanglue, Qu Sui Ling Wuqiong, to carefully assess and plan, calculate costs, and submit a detailed report. The matter was approved by the Three Departments of the Ministry of Agriculture. They thus obtained funds from wealthy individuals and drew upon the labor of the common people. They erected pillars, piled stones, gathered firewood, and accumulated earth. The foundation was solidly constructed with strong structural integrity. They redirected turbulent streams, expanded the reservoirs, and channeled them into a new canal. They built sluice gates for water flow, dug channels through tunnels, and distributed the water to the furrows and fields. Clear waters seeped into the soil, enriching it with silt and nutrients. Formerly saline fields were transformed into fertile land, yielding abundant harvests of rice, millet, and other crops beyond count. The farmers rejoiced with contentment, singing and chatting together by the fields. Their achievements were clearly evident in orderly form; this was called the Fan Hui Qu (Fan's Benevolent Canal). The song goes: "I have a long-flowing river, none shall obstruct it; I have ditches and canals, none shall block their reach." Salt-affected fields, no longer neglected or left untended. Famine and hardship, once causes of suffering without care or thought—now we have Lord Fan. He acts as our father and mother, establishing our fields; the yellow silt becomes rich soil, yielding abundant harvests. His benevolence is boundless—how can we not rejoice? Our land has been cultivated, and our fields are now established. The people of this region, once impoverished, are now prosperous and flourishing. They brew wine and make offerings to honor their ancestors' spirits. May blessings be bestowed upon the benevolent Lord Fan, that he may live long and in peace."
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