Chapter 128

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Tang Lv was merely a student; how could he know so much? He simply repeated what he had heard: "The Canzheng has already spoken, so what more is there?"

He added: "We students read books for nothing other than to rise in the world. Han Li gained fame through his writings and often points out the state of the world regarding court affairs. If he is summoned this time and does not respond, how will he ever have the face to criticize the times and people again in the future?"

Speaking, he gave another embarrassed smile and said: "I'm not afraid to tell Brother Cai the truth. If it weren't for the fact that Little Brother cannot enter the Taixue and has no reputation, I would want to recommend myself."

Cai Xiu took it in at once.

From the late Yan Chao period onward, the Huang He flooded far more severely than before.

In the decades of chaos following the fall of Da Yan, with several dynasties succeeding one another, many broke the river dikes to drown their enemies during battles. Since then, the river water had no restraint, flowing wherever it wished. During the Yongyou Era, it even nearly merged with the Chang Jiang.

After Taizu founded the dynasty, the river water raged without cease, almost breaking its dikes every year—three minor breaches a year, one major breach every three years.

Throughout the court, everyone had something to say about the way of controlling water. As for whether to control it and how to control it, everyone had their own ideas.

Not to mention court officials; even a student like Cai Xiu felt he had considerable insight.

The Liu Ta He was the plan decided upon after several rounds of contention and dispute, intending to divert the Huang He water into a new course. From after last autumn's flood until now, it had been under construction for nearly half a year.

Cai Xiu genuinely agreed with the Liu Ta He method and felt that once the matter was completed, he could earn credit.

He did not ask further about the secondment to the Du Shui Jian, but instead went along with it: "Such a rare opportunity, Worthy Younger Brother, you might as well go back and ask your elder brother. 'Recommending the worthy does not avoid relatives'—this is precisely the principle."

He added: "It is also thanks to Worthy Younger Brother's reminder. Put that way, I am indeed somewhat tempted—not because of credit or lack thereof, but because such a matter benefiting a thousand autumns, if one could participate in it, would be a fine story to tell in the future."

The two sat for a while longer. Seeing that the sky was no longer early, Cai Xiu found an excuse and left in a hurry.

The reason he was willing to condescend to attend this local tycoon's literary gathering this time was originally to "chance upon" Tang Lv.

Because he knew Tang Lv's uncle belonged to the Xiangshan Academy faction, which was currently under imperial order to compile the Jixianglu.

Rather than personally handling the tedious task of organizing ancestral records at the Capital Prefecture Office, it was better to be seconded to the Hanlin Academy and hang a name there.

With his own talent and reputation, once he went there, he would surely be the leading figure. Then, bringing a group of students to compile books and leave a name would be better than being a lone stick at the Capital Prefecture Office.

But now, upon learning that Tang Lv's Title of Title of Ershu had newly received a post at the Du Shui Jian, and hearing that the Liu Ta He urgently needed manpower, he found it hard not to feel shaken.

Staying in the Capital to compile books was clean and comfortable, but after all, they were compiling histories of the previous dynasty, and the credit would be limited.

If he went to the Liu Ta He and made the Huang He return to its old course of Henglong, this matter was strongly supported by the two prime ministers Cao and Li. As long as he could show his face a bit, when he received his official cap and gown, he could freely choose within the six ministries.

Completion in April, but there was still about a month's work. By then, seeing what posts were available and picking a better one to do would still be worthwhile.

Although Li Canzheng had temporarily designated Han Li, man makes the plan, and it was not impossible to maneuver.

Once Cai Xiu had an idea, he immediately acted.

He had extensive connections in the Capital. Without much effort, he confirmed the matter was true. Then he used every means at his disposal, leveraging influence through a scholar at the Taixue and an official at the Ministry of Revenue, to submit his name to the desk of the Du Shui Jian Cheng.

Thus all was ready; whether he could take the place of another now only awaited the east wind.

In Baima County, by the time the group sent out to search returned one after another to the official guesthouse and had eaten, Han Li was the last to return.

He sat in Xin Feng's room, flipping through the summarized results from various places while casually picking up the remaining oil cakes and soup.

The soup might have tasted better when hot, but now it had been left for half a day, with a layer of cold oil floating on top. The oil cakes had cooled and were naturally dry and hard.

A person who could eat several bowls of cold porridge the previous day without changing expression now, whether because the summarized content in his hand was too poor or for some other reason, wrinkled his brow while eating—a rare occurrence.

Xin Feng lay to one side. Though a coarse man, he hurriedly said: "The soup and cakes are both cold. How can they be eaten? Have someone take them to be heated!"

The base was like that; no matter how much you heated it, it could not become delicious.

Han Li shook his head. He did not drink the soup, but chewed the cakes with cold water to make do. Then he said to Xin Feng: "Today there are no clues either."

Xin Feng's expression immediately turned ugly.

Actually, when he saw Lv Mao escape that day, he had already sensed something was wrong.

Fugitives are hardest to catch, especially such a cunning one. Having run once, he would be more cautious and careful the second time.

Indeed, there was no news for the following two days.

Now even Han Li had come, helping to coordinate manpower. They searched for several days straight with no news at all, showing that the man was no longer within the designated area.

Twenty-four circuits within the realm—how vast the world is. If this man secretly hid in some countryside for a year or two, waiting for the wind to die down, he might truly escape the law.

And if he made a comeback, who knew how many families he would harm...

This person was let go by my own hands!

Xin Feng felt both hate and shame, feeling he had no face left.

His mouth was bitter, but he still said: "If that's the case, stop searching here. The other places can continue the usual wanted notices."

Han Li nodded.

The search had gone on this long; manpower and material resources were enormous expenditures. For something already known to have no result, it naturally could not go on wasting away.

Xin Feng added: "Han Younger Brother, your coming this time has already been a great help. Though I am useless, I will remember clearly the matters of the past and today. If there is an opportunity in the future—never mind, with your talent, where would there be any use for me!"

He added: "It's settled here. You should go back quickly. There are many important matters in the Capital. Do not delay any longer."

Han Li did not argue these points with him, but said: "Set this matter aside for now. I just wanted to ask—Xin Brother, I went to that ship again today. The ship was very large, with two levels. Was Lv Mao the one who jumped into the river from the wooden window of the top cabin and finally escaped by diving?"

Xin Feng nodded in agreement.

Han Li asked again: "I asked the boatmen and those present at the time. They all said that when Lv Mao entered the water, the sound was very slight. Did you hear it?"

Xin Feng shook his head and said: "I was already half-dazed at the time, with a buzzing in my ears. I couldn't distinguish what kind of sound it was. If you want to find someone from your own side to confirm, you'd better ask Qin Zong. He returned to the Capital several days ago. It was only an arm injury, and it doesn't hinder speaking. If you can make it in time, ask him then."

Just as he was speaking, they heard a knocking at the door from outside.

Han Li had just called "Come in" when the person pushed the door open and entered. It was a Chai Guan.

The other party entered and said: "Young Master Han, an urgent letter has arrived from the Capital."

Han Li took it, opened and read it once. When he turned to face Xin Feng again, his expression had become serious.

He said, "I have business and must return to the Capital for a trip."

Xin Feng hurriedly said, "You go! You go! This injury of mine is nothing, rough skin and thick flesh, it'll be fine before long. As long as I can move a little, I know how to get back to the Capital myself."

"Your injury is in the leg bone. Rest and recover properly. Don't move about recklessly, lest you leave behind future ailments." Han Li advised a couple of sentences, then said, "Now that Lv Mao has left, it may not be possible to catch anyone back for a while. Have you thought about how to wrap things up?"

Xin Feng fell silent for a good while.

He said, "Zheng Yan, I know you're reliable. I'm not afraid to tell you — if it weren't for Qin Zong stirring up trouble this time, Lv Mao might not have gotten away."

"But this time I'm the one in charge of the frontline search. This responsibility can't be shaken off either way. Moreover, he's new here, very green. Where would he find the strength to bear such a mess? I figure, when I go back, I might as well shoulder the whole thing myself."

"Anyway, there's the credit from the frontline raid on the gambling den to pad it. At most it'll be merits offsetting demerits. They'll scold me a few sentences, and in the end still have me continue following up on this case..."

"It's just a pity. Many years without promotion. Hard to get this chance with you, Zheng Yan, bringing the tally. Two major cases as padding. I thought I could move up a step." Xin Feng spoke on and on, then gave a bitter laugh. "Before I set out, I patted my chest and told your sister-in-law I'd definitely win a great merit and go back, raise my salary a bit."

"She usually complains about this and that, nags that the food money isn't enough. I quarrel with her too, but in my heart I know, I run around outside all day, she alone manages the household young and old. Who knows how hard it is... What a pity I can't get a great merit this time. A small merit probably can't get a promotion and raise either — truly no face to go back and see her."

Hearing Xin Feng's self-account here, Han Li knew he didn't know what the dispatches sent back to the Capital said, and even more didn't know the follow-up would likely not fully offset it. Not only no credit, but he'd also be reprimanded.

But even if he pointed it out now, it would have no meaning at all.

Qin Zong's status as the Right Army Censorate Judge's younger cousin, Xin Feng's status as the one in overall charge of the search — both decided that when it blew up in the end, even if they tore faces now and sorted the matter out clearly, they'd still have to bear the responsibility. And in the long run, the one who suffers is still Xin Feng.

He kept not speaking. Xin Feng had already sensed something was off, and said, "Zheng Yan, did you hear some news? Is there some bad talk in the yamen?"

Han Li didn't answer directly, only said, "This time I have business and must go to Yingzhou for a trip. I'm afraid it'll take one or two months before I can return to the Capital. Temporarily I can't spare a hand to look after the rest."

"A hundred days for injured tendons and bones. Brother Xin, if I ask you not to rush back to the yamen, and not to mind what others say, no matter how big the temper, wait until I return to deal with it. Don't start conflicts with people, don't quarrel with people. Whether it's Qin Pan, or Prefect Zheng, or the other Censors, Guan Cha — don't mind any of them. Can you do it?"

Xin Feng is no fool. Hearing this, he already guessed the reason. For a moment his face turned ashen. After a long while, he forced a smile and said, "Brother, your kind intentions, I know them all. This matter you needn't worry about. I've exerted myself for half a lifetime. If it's said to be a superiors' problem, why have so many superiors been changed, others can all promote, yet I alone cannot?"

"It must not be others' problem. It's my problem!"

"Injured this time, I've thought it through. In the future I won't be so reckless either. Only thinking of doing work, handling cases, not knowing advance or retreat, not understanding human relations."

"I'll just treat this Censor post as striking a clock to pass the days. Get by, be worthy of this salary, that's enough!"

The resentment in this was almost soaring to the heavens.

Han Li did not persuade.

He rarely didn't address him as brother, called out "Xin Feng," and asked, "Do you trust me?"

Xin Feng was originally half-leaning against the head cloth pillow. Hearing this, he slowly propped himself up straighter, opened his mouth and replied, "Of course!"

Han Li then said, "Then you endure for now. Wait for me. Wait until I free my hands, and let you see fairness, justice. How about that?"

Although Xin Feng is stubborn, impatient, unwilling to curry favor, unwilling to bow and scrape, he has after all been in the Capital Prefecture Yamen for many years, handled who knows how many cases, seen countless people and matters. Naturally he knows that behind rewards and promotions, besides those truly deserved, more are interest exchanges.

Han Li is merely a student. That Qin Pan values him, is willing to listen to his words and follow his plans. The most important reason is precisely that he doesn't fight for credit. All his words and plans do not harm Qin Jie's interests.

But if it's for the sake of this drag on his legs to fight for benefits for himself, the situation is completely different. How would Qin Pan agree?

"Zheng Yan, I'm useless now. Don't cause a rift with Qin Pan for my sake." He couldn't help saying.

"Why mind him?" Han Li's tone completely didn't put Qin Jie in his eyes. "I only ask you. For this one or two months' time, can you endure?"

"If even this can't be done, might as well strike the clock every day!"

Perhaps his attitude was too certain.

Perhaps all along, this young student's ability was truly out of the ordinary. Every time trouble was encountered, he could do what others could not.

Perhaps his character and integrity were truly reliable...

Too many perhapses made Xin Feng's thick neck unable to support that big head any longer.

He couldn't help heavily nodding several times, and said, "All listen to you! I'll endure this once!"

While speaking, he thought in his heart: What can you do? What can you do?

Half-believing half-doubting aside, Xin Feng had not the slightest regret.

Even if in the end he couldn't see fairness, justice, having such a younger brother willing to run about for him — isn't that enough to be content?

Just as Han Li was rushing toward the Capital all the way, the ten-odd Taixue professors also grouped together, wading through water, also each and every one full of joy rushing toward Suanzao Alley.

Since that day eating the banquet, everyone started finding various reasons to go eat at the Song Family Eatery. By now it's already the fourth day.

This group has also grown increasingly large.

The leader is naturally Chen Fuzi.

They walked along. At first it was still quiet. Slowly they couldn't help but someone started talking.

"Don't know what Song Xiaoniangzi will make for us today!"

"Say it's meat buns, and a few dishes to go with them, with soup."

"Ah, sounds delicious. But yesterday and the day before's dishes made again would be pretty good too!"

"Right, right! Yesterday's leek stir-fried kidney noodles were especially good! Really want to eat them once more today!"

"She also said the kidneys have a bit of a gamey smell. My tongue is old. I really can't taste any gamey smell at all. Just feel they're tender and fragrant. Ai yo, that sauce fragrance! The noodles are good too. The flavor all wrapped inside! How can it be both moist and oily yet not greasy? Her skill — if there were a chef examination, she'd definitely place first!"

"I think yesterday's scallion oil noodles were also delicious! How can that scallion oil be so fresh and bright! First time tasting fried scallions like that. Crispy, crunchy, with scallion fragrance, scallion sweetness, and oil fragrance. Ai!"

"I still want to eat the day before's carrot stir-fried meat. Carrot shreds fine and soft, stir-fried spicy. The sauce used to mix rice. She actually calls this home cooking! Is there such unreasonable home cooking?? That taste, I've truly been thinking of it these two days!"

The group was about to reach the eatery entrance, still each proposing the dish they felt was most delicious. Everyone talked on and on. Because they walked closer and closer, slowly the voices suddenly stopped one after another. Quiet for a few breaths. Finally turning into a uniform single line —

"Smells so good!"

"Incredible! How can meat buns be this fragrant? Could they have become spirits??"