Chapter 302

Busy, busy, busy!

Being a seventh-rank Director of Water Affairs is no easy task.

Liang Qu kept walking, bundled the scrolls and books in a cloth sack, ran out of the study and down the stairs, brushing past numerous officials rushing in from the River God's office.

Through the sound of rain, Liang Qu could hear the Head Inspector next door also raging.

This is terrible—both Head Inspectors are furious.

Liang Qu roughly understood the reason.

Every completed dike must have a hydrological station nearby, where someone is specifically assigned to monitor the water-level markers.

The water-level markers are divided into "Left Water-Level Marker" and "Right Water-Level Marker."

The Left Water-Level Marker records the highest water levels over the years.

The Right Water-Level Marker records the highest water levels for each ten-day period and each month of the year.

All are carved into stone pillars with knives, strikingly visible.

If the water level exceeds the alert line on either marker, the hydrological station must issue an alarm to the county government and the River Office branch; the River Office branch then consolidates the reports and sends them to the River Office in Pingyang County.

Liang Qu is no longer a mere River God.

When he was a River God, he did whatever his superiors told him to do, never knew the overall plan, and wasn't even qualified to take the blame.

Now, as a seventh-rank Director of Water Affairs, if there had been prior warnings, Liang Qu should have heard whispers of them.

"Either the hydrological stations grossly neglected their duties, or there was deliberate human interference."

Liang Qu narrowed his eyes slightly.

Whichever it was, the situation was serious.

At the government gate, Yan Yan Qingshan and the others had just arrived, half-off their horses, when Liang Qu called them back up.

"Don't dismount! The four of you hurry to Pingyang County! Bring every River God, River Chief, and River Clerk there to Liang Zhai!"

Liang Qu handed them the scroll Li Li Shoufu had delivered yesterday, which listed the addresses.

"Yes!"

Thus, Yan Yan Qingshan took the scroll, and the four set off again.

Liang Qu rushed back to his residence and donned his armor.

Dragon Fubo Spear, Black Iron Great Bow, arm guards, sturgeon demon hide underarmor.

Floods always bring chaos; chaos breeds evil!

Along the way, bandits and villains who loot, burn, and kill because of the flood will be countless!

The pond was covered in ripples.

Heavy rain had halted boat construction.

Beavers and river otters floated on the water's surface, with nothing to do.

"If I'd known this would happen, I should've switched blueprints and built boats first."

Liang Qu suddenly recalled the campaign against the Ghost Mother Cult—most of the River Office's fleet had been sent north to transport the Black Dragon Ten-Thousand-Fang Cauldron and other heavy artifacts, leaving boat deployment tight.

That meant if he took the water route, he could only use his own small skiff.

But there was no time to regret.

"Old Bei, I'm leaving for a while—Fat Catfish and the others must come with me. Watch over the ones left in the pond."

"If trouble arises, go find the Master in the west wing. Soon, craftsmen will come to dig out the pond—don't leave. I'll have them finish the digging before they break through the wall."

"Go in peace!"

Old Tridacna assured Liang Qu.

It had lived a thousand years, calm and steady.

Liang Qu hurried to the west wing.

"Master, has the Vijnana Dharma made any new progress?"

The old monk shook his head.

"Alright, Master, please rest more."

Liang Qu closed the door and left, but inside, the old monk called out to him again.

The old monk turned his prayer beads: "I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but your earlier shouts were loud—has Huazhu County flooded?"

"Yes," Liang Qu nodded. "But Master, don't worry—I'll go investigate immediately. Floods happen nearly every year along the Jianghuai region; the River Office has ample experience. By winter, things will surely be under control."

The Jianghuai region, long plagued by floods, has become expert in flood control—something the Northern Court could never match.

"Excellent! Be careful, layperson."

"Master, rest easy—if danger arises, I'll just leap into the floodwaters; no one can catch me."

Liang Qu thumped his chest loudly.

Having a great power guarding his home gave him peace of mind—going out to work felt effortless.

After giving his orders, he saw no sign of Yan Yan Qingshan.

"Why so slow..."

No wonder Xu Xu Yue was furious—Liang Qu himself couldn't help feeling the same.

Seeing the men hadn't arrived yet, he remounted his horse and rode to Yang Fu to inform his Master and Mistress.

Xu Xu Shila's brow was furrowed with worry: "Floods? Be extra careful—water and fire show no mercy."

"Don't worry, Mistress—water and fire show no mercy to ordinary people, but martial artists can hold their breath underwater for two full watches. I grew up in the water—if danger comes..."

Liang Qu repeated to Xu Xu Shila what he'd told the old monk.

Just before leaving, Yang Yang Dongxiong called out to Liang Qu.

"Master, what do you need?"

"Not a command—just letting you know: the fourth and fifth forms of the Azure Dragon Seven Kill Spear have been located. Do you want them?"

Liang Qu's eyes lit up.

The first move of the Azure Dragon Spear, "Leap the Abyss," was his first fully mastered technique; only the first three moves qualify it as top-tier upper-class martial art, and when used, it can cleave open the skull of a major demon.

Its performance left him thoroughly satisfied with this spear technique, seized by his Master from the battlefield.

He never expected his Master had been searching for the remaining parts.

"Of course I want them," Liang Qu thought briefly. "What's the price?"

"The other side demands a rare plant in exchange. I checked the River Office's inventory and found it listed on the Merit Exchange Ledger. Since you're here today, I thought I'd ask if you want to trade."

Yang Yang Dongxiong used a blade; the spear technique was merely an accidental find—he'd never actively sought it before.

After Liang Qu took up spear techniques, Yang Yang Dongxiong grew interested and inquired through his network about the other forms. He finally got leads in June, and yesterday received confirmed news—he'd contacted the other side, reviewed the opening section, and confirmed its authenticity.

"How many great merits does the plant cost?"

"One."

"Trade!"

Any upper-class martial art in the River Office requires great merits to exchange for.

One great merit for the fourth and fifth forms of a top-tier martial art isn't a bad deal.

"I'll tell the River Office's Registrar. The rest is up to you, Master!"

"Good. The other side is in a hurry—by the time you return, you'll have your answer."

"Thank you, Master!"

Liang Qu bowed.

He never expected such good news before leaving.

No time for the martial arts hall—Liang Qu turned back home.

The streets were filled with River Clerks ringing bells, hanging River Flags, and posting notices, warning villagers of possible floods and urging them to prepare in advance.

Huazhu County isn't far from Pingyang County; there's a risk of flooding spreading, so preparations must begin early.

Back home, Yan Yan Qingshan and the others stood in the courtyard.

Many were still catching their breath—timing had been perfect.

"Sir, the roster."

Yan Yan Qingshan handed over the scroll; Liang Qu glanced over it.

Three River Gods, nine River Chiefs, twenty-four River Clerks—all thirty-six were present.

Li Li Libo and Chen Chen Jiechang stood among them; Kou Zhuang's towering frame was especially noticeable.

No time for pleasantries—Liang Qu briefly explained the reason and unfolded the River Office's historical flood-risk map.

He marked the rendezvous points, assigned general tasks, and left only two River Chiefs and twelve River Clerks to guard the three towns and eight villages; everyone else was to depart immediately for Huazhu County.

The thirty-six men dispersed on orders.

After finishing his arrangements, Liang Qu hurried to the dock with Chishan, ahead of his men, to head to Huazhu County for disaster relief.

Water routes are much slower than land routes.

Xu Xu Xu Yuelong had set the imperial night deadline, likely intending for Liang Qu—with his Dragon-blooded horse—to take the land route.

But Liang Qu believed he'd reach faster by water.