Chapter 130: Miao Chu Chapter 129: Making Amends

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

Following the gatehouse servant who led the way into the front hall, Han Li could be said to have laid eyes on Li Zhai, this stove that was currently burning red-hot.

This man was around fifty, of medium build, with a round face and not many wrinkles, looking very honest and kind.

Seeing Han Li salute him, Li Zhai stepped forward amiably, helped him up, guided him to a seat to the side, then carefully examined his appearance from head to toe before sighing: "You probably don't remember. During the Dazhong Xiangfu era, I served as an official in Pu Zhou Zhong. Master Fu Lao brought a group of students to the prefecture to survey hydrology. At that time, you were the youngest."

Han Li said: "I remember — back then, several prefectures including Chan and Pu were flooded. Sir accepted the perilous mission, relieved a hundred thousand refugees in Pu Zhou Zhong, served for two years, and governed the prefecture so well that lost items were not picked up on the roads. Master often spoke of it with high praise. Last year I went to re-survey the hydrology, and when discussing past events, the people of Jingdong still remember fondly."

Hearing these words, even though he already held high office, the smile on Li Zhai's face was one he didn't even try to hide.

Han Li had a notorious reputation outside; his words were always from the heart.

And the achievements from his service in Pu Zhou Zhong were something Li Zhai had always been very proud of.

Like an itch being scratched, he smiled until his eyes narrowed, saying: "You've been at the Taixue for two years, devoting yourself entirely to study, rarely going out. This time the Chao Zhong is building the Liu Ta He; you know the specifics very well, so I won't explain much."

"Master Fu Lao comes from a water-control background and knows water affairs deeply. You are his indoor disciple, inheriting his mantle, and have followed by his side for many years. If anyone understands his learning best, it must be you. I've read your essays and those few river-control regulations; they're written with great insight, quite convincing."

"I asked the Du Shui Jian; they said a transfer order was issued early on for you to go to the Taixue, but you didn't comply, instead transferring to the Capital Zhou Zhong Office. That Zheng Boqian seemed quite unwilling to let you go — you are willing to come, aren't you?"

His tone was relaxed, carrying quite a bit of the warmth one uses when speaking to younger relatives.

But Han Li refused with absolute finality.

He said: "Why must Sir ask this? This student is naturally unwilling."

Li Zhai frowned and said: "Why unwilling?"

He persuaded: "Master Fu Lao has long wanted to restore the old channel of the Yellow River at Chanyuan; he has rushed about for many years for this, but the Chao Zhong has many concerns and cannot accomplish it. This time excavating the Liu Ta He converges with his former vision via different paths. If you can come, it would fulfill your late master's dying wish, and when merit is established in the future, I will not let your contribution be buried."

Han Li said: "Master's vision was to restore the Nine Courses of the Yellow River. Nine is a figurative number; in reality there are over a dozen major old channels, and the minor ones are countless. Now using one channel to replace a hundred — how is that possible?"

As he spoke, his tone grew increasingly solemn: "I went to the Liu Ta He twice, last autumn and early this spring. The river channel is extremely narrow, fundamentally incapable of serving as a diversion channel. Not only that, the Henglong Dao suspended river is extraordinarily high; I fear that once water is diverted, the embankments and dams won't be able to hold, and at that time the scene along the river — who knows what it will be."

"After the Chao Zhong set the strategy, I have submitted memorials opposing it several times, but I am a mere student, lowly in status and light in words; presumably no one pays attention."

"Since Sir wants to use me and says you trust me, why not pull out those memorials I submitted before and read them — just don't know on which desk they're lying right now."

If it were someone else standing here, giving so little face, Li Zhai would probably not bother to deal with them further.

Only, Fu Gui's prestige stands before him; moreover he has seen Han Li's essays and regulations; most importantly, though Fu Gui is dead, Chen Ting is still alive, and has taught at the Taixue for many years, with many disciples and grand-disciples.

If Han Li can be brought into the Liu Ta He project, even if this connection cannot be used for himself, when doing things there might be one or two points less resistance.

For this alone, Li Zhai is willing to grant a few more points of patience.

He said: "Have you ever thought about why the Chao Zhong would excavate the Liu Ta He?"

"War has just ceased; it is precisely the time for recuperation. The country has suffered continuous flood and drought disasters year after year; how are the finances? You are no ordinary student; how could you not know?"

"Master Fu Lao wanting to restore the Yellow River's old course is naturally good, but the scale of the engineering is unprecedented in history. Who can make the final decision, and where is the money to make that decision?"

"The Liu Ta He is different. Diverting water from the Shanghu Northern Flow to the Henglong Dao: first, the labor cost is not large, saving money and effort; second, Lv Zhongchang has been in the Du Shui Jian for many years, his father was also well-versed in water control, he has already guaranteed it, the Two Prefectures have repeatedly studied and judged, all deem it feasible, and the Emperor nodded in approval, so this method was adopted."

Seeing Li Zhai patiently explain so much, Han Li merely shook his head and said: "I don't fear speaking bluntly to Sir: the day the Shanghu Northern Flow is blocked up is the day the Liu Ta He collapses."

Li Zhai's complexion changed instantly.

Han Li added: "I am but an ignorant student, I don't understand Chao Zhong affairs. If someone else came to transfer me, I would only decline. But I have always respected Sir's conduct and character, so I should agree. But Yellow River water affairs — how could they stop at just the Liu Ta He?"

"Sir manages river affairs; the Yellow River upper and lower reaches, canal transport left and right — aside from the Liu Ta He, this student obeys whatever orders."

Li Zhai held his tea, about to drink, but hearing such a sentence, he couldn't help raising his head.

After confirming that Han Li was genuinely agreeing, not just speaking in anger, he too began to waver.

Willing to go anywhere, just not the Liu Ta He — what does this indicate?

The Liu Ta He's problems are that severe, making him refuse to touch it no matter what?

Li Zhai's earlier words were not mere politeness; he had truly read many of Han Li's essays on river affairs, and highly approved — worthy of being Fu Gui's disciple, having followed Yellow River hydrology surveys since childhood, the accumulation of several generations, truly possessing real skill.

Even if lacking a bit, what's lacking is practical experience in doing things; the vision for seeing problems is still there.

But the Liu Ta He is now half-built; once the bow is drawn there is no turning back the arrow. Even if there's a mountain of knives ahead, they must brace and charge up.

He thought for a moment, then said: "You come first — I'll go discuss with Zheng Boqian, and we'll talk after you're transferred over."

……

Until he walked out of the residence, Han Li's mood was not good.

Li Zhai's words were half true, half false.

The Chao Zhong's decision to build the Liu Ta He was not smooth sailing; not to mention distant matters, just recently, many people in the Du Shui Jian stood up to oppose it, with numerous precedents and evidence cited.

But just as heard a moment ago, the Chao Zhong suffers from being stretched thin, and the arrow is already on the string and must be fired; they could only choose this method that looks cheapest and seems simplest.

Opinions in Chao Zhong are divided; the memorials arguing back and forth piled up could reach the roof of Chongzheng Hall. But in the end, how many of those strongly supporting this matter have personally been to the Liu Ta He front line, and measured it with their own two feet?

But Han Li has been there — not just the Liu Ta He, the Shanghu and Henglong two channels, he has walked back and forth many times every year.

He wasn't just speaking alarmist words just now; according to Lv Zhongchang's plan, the two regions east of the river are in peril.

Sometimes watching helplessly as people drive a carriage toward a cliff edge, unable to stop them even if you try — it is truly a thing more painful than anything.

One can only hope one saw wrong, calculated wrong.

By this time the sky was already half dark.

He led his horse out, mounted in one fluid motion.

The Li family lives on Junyi Bridge Street; stepping out one faces a bustling thoroughfare.

Rarely these two days the rain has lessened, the standing water has receded somewhat, but pedestrians on the street are still few.

Han Li rode back to the Capital all the way, only eating a few mouthfuls of dry rations on the road; he should actually be hungry, his stomach empty, but perhaps affected by his mood, right now he has not a shred of appetite.

He rode along the street for the time of two teacups; from time to time small vendors waded through water hawking their wares, but whether sweets, snacks, pickled brine, noodles, or even the waiters from roadside wine shops inviting customers, hearing it all in his ears, he was completely unmoved, as if his heart were still water.

Fortunately, after running for a while, the night wind blew on him, and he regained his spirits.

He had endured hardships since childhood, and even when he later pursued his studies, things were not always smooth sailing; he had never been the sort to be crushed by setbacks.

How many things in the world go exactly as one wishes?

There are things one cannot manage, but there are also things one can.

Rather than sighing and lamenting here, feeling sorry for yourself, it is better to first manage what you can manage.

As long as you pull yourself together and take it step by step, even if you cannot achieve great feats or grand undertakings, you can still be a cornerstone of an embankment, bearing water and resisting waves, with a clear conscience.

Having figured this out, his heart finally relaxed a little.

Just as he reached a bend, he suddenly saw a fairly large north-south general store ahead.

Outside the store was a large sign for new goods, and beside the sign a lantern had been specially hung, making the white characters "Head Water Purple Laver" stand out clearly.

Han Li immediately reined in his horse.

If nothing unexpected happened, the Du Shui Jian's deployment would be arranged soon.

As long as Cen Dezhang was not foolish and Min Fuzi was willing to put in the effort, then setting off for Hua Zhou Zhong should happen within these two days.

He was used to running around himself, so it didn't matter, but that Song stall owner was just a young lady; to help, she wanted to go to such a difficult place—truly pitiful.

One couldn't eat as well as in Jingcheng, nor find a good place to stay...

He couldn't just stand there watching and do nothing, could he?

He found a shallow spot in the water, dismounted, entered the store, found a shop assistant, didn't ask the price, only asked what was light and easy to carry, convenient to cook, and didn't take up space.

When he came out again, Han Li had an extra bundle behind him.

First, he had brought things; second, he also wanted to notify them of the progress. By the time he entered the Zhuque Gate area, his hand seemed to have a mind of its own, holding the reins and urging the horse to run toward Suanzao Alley.

By the time he reached the mouth of the alley, the sky was already completely dark.

Although the moon overhead was covered by dark clouds and not a face was visible, making it impossible to tell the exact hour, he reckoned it in his heart and knew it was late rather than early.

By this time, both man and horse were weary. Han Li hesitated for a while, but still continued riding forward, thinking to himself: Just take one look; if there is no light in the door crack, I won't disturb them and will return immediately.

Thinking this, the horse stepped heavily through the water to the end of the alley. When there were still fifty or sixty steps left, it slowed down—because the reins had been unconsciously pulled tight by him.

The horse slowed down quite noticeably, but for some reason, Han Li didn't notice. He only looked with his eyes toward the Song Family Eatery in the distance, and couldn't help but think: Actually, one glance might not show anything clearly; what if the back courtyard had lamps lit, but the front hall didn't...

Better to look a few more times.

By the time he turned the corner, with twenty or thirty steps remaining, he saw the eatery's two large doors open, emitting dim oil lamp light, and the sound of moving tables and chairs came from inside. Han Li's hand let go all at once.

The horse, freed, ran fast for a while, and soon reached the front door.

Late at night in a deep alley, the sound of horse hooves was naturally noticeable.

In a short while, someone came out holding a lamp.

Although the candlelight was shielded by oil paper, it still flickered in the wind. With a thin wick, the flame was only as big as a soybean, so one really couldn't see the face clearly.

But Han Li immediately recognized the person. Although he knew the other couldn't see his expression, a smile unconsciously appeared on his face. He dismounted, holding the reins and walking forward, calling out: "Song Stall Owner."

"Young Master Han?"

Song Miao, who had come out holding a lamp, saw that he looked dusty and travel-worn, and that the horse was covered in mud and sweat, panting with its long horse mouth open. She hurried forward to welcome him and asked: "Have you just returned to the Capital? Why so late?"

She added: "Have you eaten?"

Han Li hesitated for a moment, then said: "I haven't eaten—is the family preparing to rest?"

Song Miao immediately understood his intention and replied: "No, the stove is still warm."

Han Li's furrowed brow relaxed at once. Thick-skinned, he asked: "Is there anything to eat? Anything at all, just enough to fill two bites."

Song Miao immediately said: "Yes, I left some steamed buns, both meat and vegetarian. I'll heat them up. Young Master, go tie up the horse first."

Han Li nodded. Without needing Song Miao to say another word, he went around the wall to the back courtyard as if it were his own home.

Behind him, Cheng Erniang had already opened the courtyard gate and brought out two buckets of water, intending to help wash and brush the horse. Han Li politely declined, washed and cleaned it slowly himself, and fed it food and water.

When he had finished tidying up and came out to the front hall, Song Miao had already heated two plates of steamed buns and brought a bowl of congee water and a plate of yellow sprout cabbage to the table. Seeing him come out, she smiled: "I was just about to urge you—you came at just the right time!"

The yellow sprout cabbage today was stir-fried with lard and lard residue, the fat fragrance hitting the nose.

This dish was stir-fried very crisp and tender. After being parboiled, it was tossed a few more times, reaching just the right doneness.

Yellow sprout cabbage was already tender, and she used the vegetable hearts. Stir-fried, the leaves and stems were crystal clear like sheep fat jade, while the sprouts and leaves were a tender yellow, like a gosling's down.

Looking at this plate of vegetables, Han Li felt his stomach suddenly "come alive." He sat down and began to eat.

He first took a sip of congee.

Plain congee, with few grains of rice. The congee water was a translucent pale white. In the mouth it had only a slight thickness, a faint rice aroma, slightly cooler than warm, and went down very soothing to the stomach.

Then he ate the steamed buns.

White and plump, oil-soaked unfolded steamed buns underneath.

This one was a fresh meat steamed bun.

Song Miao didn't use a steamer basket to heat it. Instead, she pan-fried it in thin oil, frying the sealed edge into a golden, crispy layer. Then she added flour water to simmer-fry and dry it. Biting into it, the crisp skin was fragrant, crisp, and crunchy, dropping crumbs. Chewing it brought the wheat fragrance of the dough, the rich aroma of the meat filling, and the fresh fragrance of the meat filling's juice...

Beside it were a dish of vinegar, a dish of sauce, and another dish of evodia sauce.

Han Li didn't need any dipping sauce at all. One after another, without paying attention, he ate them clean with the plain congee before finding the leisure to eat the yellow sprout cabbage.

The vegetable leaves were tender and slightly sweet, the stalks crisp, tender, and clear-sweet, with plenty of sweet vegetable juice. Even more wonderful was that when the yellow sprout cabbage was stir-fried, it was coated with the fragrance of lard, but only on the outside, not seeping into the inside. It tasted oily but not greasy.

The lard residue had also soaked up a body of vegetable juice. Because it was stir-fried hot and fast, it was still very crispy when eaten. The bit of lean meat inside was fragrant and slightly chewy, while the fatty meat had a melt-in-the-mouth fat sensation. But because of the clear sweetness of the vegetable juice neutralizing the greasiness...

Han Li cleared it all in one sweep.

After eating, he cleared the bowls and chopsticks himself, wiped the table, then asked Song Miao to sit down. He lifted his bundle from his person and placed it on the table, gently pushing it across, and said softly: "I have no sense of propriety, coming to disturb you at dawn and midnight. Let me offer my apologies to Song Stall Owner."