Chapter 133: Miao Chu Chapter 132: Hearts No Longer Ancient

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Protagonist:

Song Miao

"How come you all came too?" Lao Cao Fuzi was instantly dumbfounded.

It would have been better if he hadn't spoken; the moment he did, the person standing closest outside almost immediately cursed out loud.

"Pitch dark, we originally came because we were afraid you old fellows would fall walking the night road, wanting to come check on you; who knew you only grew a conscience to come back and hog the delicacy for yourself!"

That Lao Cao Fuzi, exposed by a single sentence, instead puffed out his chest and righteously declared: "I have an old wife at home; she heard the taste and method of the Tian Luo Niao and said she wanted to eat it — what could I do? Wasn't it because I was afraid if you all heard, every single one of you would come place orders too, and the Young Lady wouldn't be able to handle it!"

Thus what was originally one person's anger became everyone's anger.

"Only you have a wife, I don't have a wife???"

"Stall Owner Song, if you can manage it, I want a pot too!"

"I couldn't hold back when I went back and tried to learn the Tian Luo Niao method; two little granddaughters and one big grandson all cried wanting to eat — I'll pay more than Lao Lao Cao, don't mind him, do mine first, alright!"

A group of people half-joking half-serious here; Song Miao smiled and replied: "Tomorrow I'll ask first; if we're not leaving immediately and there's still time, I'll accept the various sirs' invitation; when it's done, I'll pack it in food boxes and send it over, how about that?"

Because everyone still had money lying on their accounts, and she told them not to rush to pay.

So the bunch of old men immediately lowered their flags and silenced their drums.

In front of Song Miao, everyone was harmonious, laughing as they took their leave.

But once they went out the door and turned the corner, seeing they were about to walk out of Sanzao County Alley, several people surrounded Lao Cao Fuzi.

"Lao Lao Cao, do you not know what 'a gentleman is cautious in solitude' means??"

"Ancients had Zhen Yu yielding the sheep and Kong Rong yielding the pear; when you quoted classics before, you were perfectly articulate, but now that it's your own turn, you're Lao Cao Du snatching snails!"

"Oh! Oh! No wonder your family named you Lao Cao Du; turns out the name wasn't given for nothing! This character isn't read 'du', it's read 'du', du as in 'duo' (seize)!!!"

"The hatred of seizing snails! The hatred of seizing snails!!! Morals decline daily, hearts are no longer ancient!!!"

Lao Cao Fuzi blocked this one, couldn't cover that one's mouth; for a moment he looked at the sky — the sky was misty and dark; a moment he looked at the ground — the ground had standing water not shallow; he could only "ai" "ai" several times.

Looking at several pitch-black old faces glaring at him, at first he still used wiping sweat to block those vicious gazes; then he simply put his hand down, pushed the crowd outward, and said as they walked: "The water's deep here, the sky's dark too, what are you doing standing here talking — if the Young Lady Song hears, what then? Don't drag down everyone's reputation, make her think we have bad tempers and poor relations!"

He also said: "Now it's a good thing too! Everyone gets Tian Luo Niao; judge by deeds not hearts, a gentleman judges by deeds not hearts!"

For a moment everyone was angry again: "Who's judging by deeds not hearts with you??"

Lao Cao Fuzi knew he'd done wrong; he took the scolding and didn't dare talk back much, shamelessly heh-heh-heh-ing as he walked out.

These sirs saw he wouldn't retort and instead got even more fired up, all together exerting the full ten-tenths of the energy they used to scold students in the past.

Just as they were babbling non-stop, walking along, they saw not far ahead a group of acquaintances — actually several other sirs waiting for them to catch up at an empty spot beside a wine shop.

The various people were just scolding; suddenly they were like ducks caught by their long necks simultaneously; some had a sentence half-spoken, yet they all unanimously swallowed it back, forcing a laughing, nothing-happened appearance.

— If they spoke louder, these ones would also clamor to go back and buy Tian Luo Niao; when the time came if it couldn't be made in time, the Young Lady Song couldn't favor one over the other, and might not honor the previous orders — what then?

Right now, more monks than porridge; better not to publicize it!

Seeing a group pretending so well — just now noisy ducks, in a blink turned into sickly chickens — that Lao Cao Fuzi who had been playing mute all along surprisingly opened his mouth, leisurely saying: "A gentleman is cautious in solitude; hearts are no longer ancient!"

Early the next day, Song Miao received someone sending word, informing that the departure time was the day after tomorrow at the end of Chen hour; at that time carriages and horses would be arranged to pick her up; please wait at home.

In this way, it finally freed up time for the food shop to prepare quite a lot of Tian Luo Niao for several sirs.

As for when the food shop sent dishes, those many food boxes so large, so large, delivered portion by portion, seen by others — especially by the sirs who had also eaten at Song Ji the previous night but hadn't reacted in time and thus failed to place orders — how shocked they would be, and how they would sigh "morals decline daily" and "hearts are no longer ancient," is not known.

The next day, the three people at Song Family Eatery were each busy — some chopping meat filling, some scrubbing snail shells and cutting snail tails, some going to pick and wash mint leaves — Du Shui Jian Cheng was reporting progress to that Canzheng Li Zhai.

"... Already mobilized five hundred Jingxi Xiang Army, also requested two thousand civilian laborers, five hundred craftsmen; daily can increase workforce by four thousand five hundred; additionally allocated thirty thousand long bamboos..."

Hearing subordinates ask for manpower and materials again, Li Zhai only glanced once, then put that list aside, saying: "I know doing things outside isn't easy; I won't cut your budget; I only ask — before the summer flood, can the Liu Ta He be used?"

"This river has been repaired for over half a year; now the spring flood, the Capital flooded to such an extent, the Liu Ta He is completely useless, wasting people and money; you walk a few steps outside and see, how many people at the Censorate are cursing? Inside and outside the Capital, never mind His Majesty constantly asking, even when I return to my residence, the old folks at home all come ask why the water rose so much this year!"

"Now all trades are full of complaints, people's livelihoods are hard; how many commoners below have stopped work and stopped eating, plus those disaster-stricken along the river..."

That Du Shui Jian Cheng almost had spittle sprayed on his face, yet didn't dare wipe it, hurriedly saying: "Sir, rest assured; Jia Zongchang reported last time, already made a vow, definitely will finish repairing the Liu Ta He before the May summer flood!"

Li Zhai heard this, urged a few more sentences, then let it go.

That Du Shui Jian Cheng then said: "Following past practice, borrowed some students from various major academies, and there's that Taixue's Han Li; this morning already came to report — I remember you mentioned last time, wanting to..."

Li Zhai shook his head, saying: "."

Du Shui Jian Cheng stared blankly, but didn't ask further, again saying: "Originally wanted him to lead the team; after all, there are over a hundred borrowed students; right now the person isn't coming..."

He hesitated a moment, asked: "Just right, the day before yesterday someone sent a person over, also a Taixue upper-she student, named Cai Xiu, quite famous for literary reputation, said to also have some administrative talent; why not let him replace Han Li's position..."

Valuing that Han Li, aside from this person's ability, more important was the resources he might mobilize behind him.

Since this person cannot go, then no matter who replaces him in the end, it's just doing some simple odd jobs, and won't have much effect on the matter itself.

After all, it's not accomplished; Li Zhai also couldn't be bothered to explain more, waved his hand saying: "These trivial matters, you decide yourself; no need to ask me."

Then spoke of other matters again.

That Du Shui Jian Cheng originally still wanted to mention a sentence; seeing Li Zhai completely change his previous attitude when mentioning Han Li, not the slightest intention to chat further, he closed his mouth and honestly returned to official business.

He waited until high noon before returning to the Du Shui Jian; after gathering subordinates to convey Li Zhai's meaning once, and urging everyone to work hard — those who should depart pack things and prepare to depart, those who should prepare hurry to prepare, those who should urge people and money hurry to act — don't delay the work; only then did he let everyone disperse.

Others all left, but there was that Guan Kou who led this trip to support Liu Ta He, from the Du Shui Jian Cheng's department on official business, came forward and carefully asked: "Sir, about that Cai Xiu matter, don't know what Li Xianggong said?"

Du Shui Jian Cheng "oh"ed, saying: "Let him go along too; just short of hands; the rest you decide."

This official business instantly breathed a sigh of relief, face also showing a smiling expression, saying: "You don't say; worthy of an upper-she student; these two days since coming, speech and conduct are very good, written essays also good, and quick-witted."

"He knew today Cheng you were going to see Canzheng Li; before daybreak he came, also said to organize his previous essays, plus these two days' water-control arguments, saying he feared superiors wouldn't agree, prepared to personally deliver to Canzheng for review if asked."

Du Shui Jian Cheng said: "Your own chosen person, you use well yourself; I've guaranteed the Liu Ta He; before summer flood, even if I die I'll make the river flow!"

That official business didn't dare stay longer, responded and hurriedly left.

This person had just returned to his own official residence, just sat down, when he heard someone knocking at the door outside.

He looked up and saw Cai Xiu carrying a stack of things walk in.

"Official business, these are the manuscripts I, the student, have organized; many of them concern water affairs..."

The official laughed: "No need for that. The Supervisor says Li Canzheng has already agreed; this time you will lead the team. Over these two days I will give you the roster in installments—the student candidates borrowed from several places in Jingji..."

Cai Xiu held his own writings in his arms, and for a moment could hardly believe it.

He hurriedly asked: "Really no need to look at the writings? I heard people say that these past two days Li Canzheng had someone search through old case files and find Han Li's writings previously transferred by the Silver Platform Department to send over; how is it that when it comes to me, there's no need to look?"

"No need to look at the writings—isn't that a good thing?" the official laughed heartily. "You're not like him; just hearing his name makes people feel uneasy all over, and they simply can't rest easy."

"I've read those memorials he wrote; they're all alarmist nonsense, and he even talks about repairs?"

Cai Xiu was overjoyed beyond expectation.

He hurriedly said: "If I am asked to lead the team, I will naturally do my best to manage these several students and will not disappoint the official—however, that Han Li is also among the students; am I to lead him?"

The official said: "I suppose so. I heard that Han Li already reported in this morning, but I have too much on my hands and no time to join in the fun..."

Cai Xiu stood in place; hearing these words, it was like eating ice during the Three Fu Days—so refreshing that every pore on his body seemed to breathe, and even his hair strands wanted to stand straight and shoot up to the sky.

—At last there is a day for me to put my talents to use!

—At last there is a day for me to manage the man surnamed Han! Let everyone see and know that my abilities far surpass his!

For a moment he couldn't tell whether the first "at last" made him more ecstatic or the second "at last" made him more gleeful; he couldn't help but secretly think: from today on, he and I are no longer on the same level, and I no longer need to take this person to heart.

This time is merely a beginning.

The sky is high for birds to fly, the sea is wide for fish to leap; I will step on Han Li as a stepping stone and climb all the way. One day in the future, I will look down on him, and he will look up to me!

Cai Xiu thought his wish had been fulfilled, and here he was self-satisfied. When the rosters began to be handed out in installments that afternoon, he naturally busied himself seriously, studying the list thoroughly.

No matter where, there is always a division between the easy tasks and the hard tasks.

When assigned an easy task, it is simple to do and easy to achieve results; when assigned a hard task, it is arduous and burdensome, and yet there is not even a chance to get started.

But all tasks must be done by someone.

At such a time, he, as the team leader, must guard the main pass: he cannot assign the work wrongly, and must ensure all tasks are completed—someone must always be sacrificed, and who is sacrificed is very important.

He first looked at everyone's conduct and family background, second at who they studied under, third at which school they came from; after looking, he specially went to ask Guan Kou, the external official of the Du Shui Jian Cheng office.

The latter, seeing him so sensible, was greatly satisfied, and indeed marked quite a few names.

Cai Xiu carefully noted them down, so that when making later arrangements, he wouldn't accidentally step on a landmine.

He studied the rosters one by one, busily and happily; even without meeting them in person, after reading them several times, he had almost memorized the situations of these dozens of people seven or eight parts full—truly a scholar of the Imperial Academy, with an excellent memory—though he did not see Han Li's name, he didn't think much of it at the moment, only assuming it would be delivered last.

At the end of the Chen hour the next day, a carriage drove into the end of Sanzao County Alley.

Song Miao heard the carriage noise and knew it was most likely coming to pick her up, so she went out to the door; indeed she saw a carriage and a black horse.

The carriage driver was a stranger, but the person on horseback looked very familiar.

She stepped forward and greeted him.

The person on horseback didn't wait for the horse's hooves to stand steady; he immediately dismounted and said with a smile: "Song Stall Owner, sorry to trouble you. Where is the luggage? I'll help carry it."

—It was precisely Han Li.

As the two spoke, the carriage had already stopped; the rear cart body door suddenly opened, and a short person jumped out from inside, quickly came around, saw Song Miao, made a proper bow, and nimbly called out: "Young Lady Song!"

That person was about ten years old, wearing a head wrap, short clothes, and leg wraps, dressed like an older child servant.

Song Miao was stunned and replied: "Dabing?"

This person was precisely one of the apprentice small workers named Dabing whom she had seen helping in the back kitchen of the Capital Prefecture Office that day.

When Dabing saw Song Miao call his name, he was even more delighted and said: "Young Lady still remembers me!"

After finishing his bow, he called out again: "I'll help carry! I'll help carry!"

Saying this, he very eagerly rushed into the door.

Soon after, Han Li and Song Miao also followed inside; with Cheng Erniang helping out, in a short while everyone put the luggage into the cart body.

Dabing was very active; he voluntarily stayed in the cart body to rearrange the positions.

Han Li explained to Song Miao: "I found you a helper to run errands. Although young, he is quite clever. Because his family situation was too poor to support him, he was sent to the Capital two years ago."

"His uncle has been a miscellaneous servant in the Capital Prefecture Office for many years and vouched for him; he is more trustworthy than outsiders. Most importantly, he used to praise you all the time."

?? Thank you EvC for gifting me the Sachet, Ice-Condensing Smoke Cold, and two book friends for gifting me one Peace Talisman each =3=

? Thank you Book City Ao Te Man Xiao Jie, A Straw Raincoat in the Rain Let Life Be as It Is, Feng Ma, and Jing Yuan for gifting me one Small Gift each:)

? Thank you Xiao Xiang's Cute Cat Mommy and Xiao Xiang Ni'er for gifting me one Peace Talisman each ^_^