Miao Chu

Chapter 129 Apology
Following the gatekeeper into the front hall, Han Li finally saw Li Zhai's stove, which was burning hot.

This man was around fifty years old, of medium height, with a round face and few wrinkles, and looked very kind and honest.

Seeing Han Li bow to him, Li Zhai stepped forward in a friendly manner, helped him to a seat, and carefully examined his appearance before sighing, "You probably don't remember, but during the Dazhong Xiangfu era, when I was an official in Puzhou, Master Fu brought a group of students to the prefecture to investigate the hydrology. At that time, you were the youngest."

Han Li said: "I remember—when Chan and Pu prefectures were flooded, you were appointed to lead the troops in Pu prefecture to pacify 100,000 refugees. During your two years in office, you governed the prefecture so well that no one would pick up lost items on the road. You always praised me when you mentioned it. A few years ago, when I went to re-survey the hydrology, we talked about the past, and the people of Jingdong still remembered it with gratitude."

Upon hearing these words, even though he held a high position, Li Zhai couldn't hide the smile on his face.

Han Li has a bad reputation, so his words must come from his heart.

Li Zhai was always very proud of his achievements as an official in Puzhou.

As if he had been tickled, he smiled so much that his eyes narrowed, and said, "You spent two years at the Imperial Academy, focusing on your studies and rarely going out. You know very well the details of the Six Towers River project in the court, so I won't explain further."

"Master Fu came from a background in river management and has a deep understanding of water affairs. You are his last disciple, inheriting his mantle and following him for many years. If we were to say who knows his knowledge the most, I'm afraid it would be you. I have read your articles and those river management regulations, which are very insightful and quite convincing."

“I asked the Directorate of Waterways, and they said that a transfer order had been issued to the Imperial Academy a long time ago, but you did not respond. Instead, you were temporarily transferred to the Kyoto Prefectural Government. Zheng Boqian seems reluctant to let you go—you came willingly, didn’t you?”

His tone was relaxed, with a friendly air reminiscent of someone speaking to their nephews or nieces.

But Han Li refused decisively.

He said, "Why ask such a question, sir? I would naturally not wish to."

Li Zhai frowned and said, "Why are you unwilling?"

He advised, “Master Fu has long wanted to restore the old course of Chanyuan and has been working on it for many years. However, the court has many concerns and he has not been able to accomplish it. This time, the excavation of the Liuta River is the same as his previous idea. If you can come, you will be fulfilling your master’s last wish. When you achieve success in the future, I will not let you go unnoticed.”

Han Li said, "Sir, your idea is to restore the Yellow River to nine channels. Nine is a figurative number. In reality, there are more than ten channels, and countless smaller ones. How is it possible to replace a hundred channels with one channel?"

As he spoke, his tone became increasingly solemn: "I visited Liutahe twice, last autumn and early spring this year. The river channel is very narrow and cannot be used for water diversion at all. Not only that, the Henglongdao Suspended River is extremely high. I'm afraid that once water is diverted, the dam will no longer be able to hold it back. I don't know what the riverside will look like then."

"After the court made its decision, I submitted several memorials in opposition, but as a mere student, my voice carried little weight, and I doubt anyone paid any attention."

“Since you want to use me and say you trust me, why don’t you take a look at my previous memorials? I just don’t know where they are lying on my desk right now.”

If it were someone else standing here, showing such disrespect, Li Zhai probably wouldn't bother to acknowledge them.

However, Fu Jiu was the most prestigious, and Chen Ting had also seen Han Li's writings and regulations. Most importantly, although Fu Jiu was dead, Chen Ting was still alive and had been teaching at the Imperial Academy for a long time, with many students and followers.

If Han Li could be brought into the Liutahe affair, even if this connection couldn't be used for one's own benefit, it might reduce some of the obstacles when doing things.

For this reason alone, Li Zhai was willing to be more patient.

He said, "Have you ever wondered why the imperial court would excavate the Six Pagodas River?"

"The war has just ended, and it is a time for recuperation and rest. The country has suffered from floods and droughts for years. You are not an ordinary student, so how could you not know about the state of the finances?"

"It is good that Elder Fu wants to restore the old course of the Yellow River, but the project is unprecedented in its scale. Who can make the decision, and where can we find the money to make such a decision?"

"The Liuta River is different. It draws water from Shanghu North to Henglong Road. Firstly, it does not require much labor and saves money and effort. Secondly, Lü Zhongchang has been in the Water Conservancy Bureau for many years, and his father is also an expert in water conservancy. He has already given his guarantee. Both prefectures have also considered it repeatedly and both think it is feasible. The emperor nodded in approval, and this method was adopted."

Seeing that Li Zhai had patiently explained so much, Han Li only shook his head and said, "I am not afraid to speak frankly to you, my lord, the day when the Shanghu River is blocked from flowing north will be the day when the Liuta River collapses."

Li Zhai's expression changed instantly.

Han Li continued, “I am but an ignorant student who does not understand important matters of the court. If someone else were to ask me to do so, I would have to refuse. However, I have always respected your conduct and character, so I should agree. But the Yellow River is not just about the Liuta River.”

"Your Excellency is in charge of river affairs. The Yellow River flows upstream and downstream, and the Grand Canal is open to all. Except for the Six Towers River, I will obey your orders."

Li Zhai held up the tea, intending to drink it, but upon hearing this remark, he couldn't help but look up.

After confirming that Han Li was serious and not just saying it in anger, he began to waver.

They're willing to go anywhere except Liutahe. What does that tell us?
Is the problem with Liutahe so serious that he absolutely refuses to get involved?

Li Zhai's earlier statement was not just polite talk; he had genuinely read many of Han Li's articles on river affairs and highly approved of them—no wonder he was a disciple trained by Fu Jiu, having followed him in recording Yellow River hydrology since childhood. With the accumulation of knowledge over generations, he truly had some skill.

Even if they lack something, it's only experience in doing things; their perspective on problems is still there.

But the Liuta River is now only halfway completed, and there's no turning back once the arrow is released. Even if there are mountains of knives ahead, we must push forward with unwavering determination.

He thought for a moment and said, "You go first—I'll go and discuss with Zheng Boqian about getting it from you."

……

Han Li remained in a bad mood until he left the house.

What Li Zhai said was half true and half false.

The imperial court's decision to repair the Liuta River was not without its challenges. Not to mention the distant past, even in recent times, many people in the Imperial Water Conservancy Bureau stood up to oppose it, and there were numerous examples and evidence to support this.

But as we just heard, the court was short of funds and had no choice but to take this seemingly cheapest and simplest approach.

There were many different opinions in the court, and the memorials arguing over the matter could be piled up as high as the roof of Chongzheng Hall. But how many people who supported this matter actually went to the Liuta River line and measured it with their own feet?

But Han Li had been there, not only to Liutahe, but also to Shanghu and Henglong, which he traveled back and forth many times every year.

He wasn't exaggerating; according to Lü Zhongchang's plan, the two regions east of the river are in grave danger.

Sometimes, watching helplessly as people drive their carriages toward the edge of a cliff, unable to stop them, is an incredibly painful experience.

I can only hope that I misread or miscalculated.

It was already half dark by then.

He led the horse out and mounted it.

The Li family lives on Junyiqiao Street, right next to a bustling avenue.

The rain has been less these past two days, and the floodwaters have receded somewhat, but there are still not many pedestrians on the streets.

Han Li returned to the capital, only eating a few bites of dry rations along the way. He was actually hungry, his stomach was empty, but perhaps due to his mood, he had no appetite at all.

He rode his horse along the street for about the time it takes to drink two cups of tea. Every now and then, vendors would wade through the water and call out their wares, but no matter what they were selling—sweet treats, snacks, braised dishes, noodles, or even the invitations from waiters in roadside restaurants—he remained unmoved, as if his heart were still as water.

Fortunately, after running for a while, the night breeze refreshed him and he regained his spirits.

He experienced many hardships in his childhood, and even his later studies were not smooth sailing; he was never the type to give up easily. How many things in this world are truly effortless?

There are things we can't control, and there are things we can control.

Instead of sighing and complaining here, we should take care of what we can control first.

As long as we keep our spirits up and take things one step at a time, even if we can't achieve great things, we can still be a cornerstone of a dam, bearing the weight of the water and the waves, and living up to our conscience.

Having figured this out, he finally felt a little relieved.

Just as we reached a bend, we suddenly saw a rather large general store in front of us.

Outside the shop, there was a large sign for new goods, and lanterns were hung next to the sign, making the words "First Harvest Laver" very clear in white.

Han Li immediately reined in his horse.

If all goes well, the deployment of the Water Conservancy Bureau will be arranged soon.

As long as Cen Dezhang isn't stupid and Master Min is willing to put in the effort, then setting off for Huazhou should be within the next couple of days.

I'm used to running around on my own, so it doesn't bother me, but it's really pitiful that the stall owner, Ms. Song, is a young woman who has to go to such a difficult place just to help.

The food is nowhere near as good as in Beijing, and there's nowhere decent to stay...

We can't just stand by and do nothing, can we?
He found a shallow spot, dismounted, went into the shop, and found a shop assistant. Without asking the price, he only asked what items were light, easy to carry, convenient to cook, and didn't take up much space.

When Han Li came out again, he had another bundle on his back.

He had two purposes: to carry some things and to inform others of the progress. Once he entered the territory of the Vermilion Bird Gate, his hands seemed to have their own consciousness, gripping the reins and urging the horse to gallop towards the direction of Sour Jujube Alley.

By the time I reached the alley entrance, it was already completely dark.

Although the moon was obscured by dark clouds and the exact time was not visible, I could tell from my mental calculations that it was only late, not early.

By this time, both men and horses were exhausted. Han Li hesitated for a long time, but still continued to urge his horse forward, thinking to himself: "I'll just take one look. If there's no light coming from the crack in the door, I won't make a sound and will go back immediately."

Thinking this, the horse pounded heavily through the water to the end of the alley. When there were only fifty or sixty steps left, it slowed down again—because he unconsciously pulled on the reins.

The horse was noticeably slow, but for some reason, Han Li didn't notice. He just kept looking at the Song family's restaurant in the distance, and couldn't help but think: Actually, you might not be able to see it clearly at a glance. What if the backyard is lit up, but the front hall isn't...

Let's take a few more glances.

As they turned the corner, about twenty or thirty steps away, they saw the restaurant with its two doors wide open, letting in the dim light of the yellow oil lamps. They could hear the sounds of tables and chairs being moved inside. Han Li immediately let go of Han Li's hand.

The horse, now relaxed, galloped quickly and soon reached the gate ahead.

In the dead of night, deep in the alley, the sound of horses' hooves is naturally noticeable.

A short while later, someone came out carrying a lantern.

Although the candlelight was shielded by oiled paper, it still flickered in the wind. With its thin wick, the flame was only the size of a soybean, making it difficult to see faces clearly.

But Han Li immediately recognized the person. Although he knew the other person couldn't see his expression, he couldn't help but smile. As he dismounted and pulled the reins forward, he called out, "Shopkeeper Song."

"Young Master Han?"

When Song Miao came out with a lantern, she saw that the other party looked travel-worn, and that the horse was covered in mud and sweat, panting with its long mouth open. She hurriedly stepped forward to greet him and asked, "Did you just return to the capital? Why are you so late?"

Then he asked, "Have you eaten?"

Han Li hesitated for a moment, then said, "I haven't eaten—are you planning to rest at home?"

Song Miao immediately understood the other party's intention and replied, "No, the stove is still warm."

Han Ligang's furrowed brows immediately relaxed again, and he shamelessly asked, "Is there anything to eat? Anything is fine, just something to tide you over."

Song Miao immediately replied, "Yes, I left some steamed buns, both meat and vegetarian. I'll heat them up for you. Young master, go and tie up your horse first."

Han Li nodded, and without needing Song Miao to say another word, he walked familiarly around the house wall to the backyard.

Cheng Erniang had already opened the courtyard gate and brought out two buckets of water. She wanted to help wash and brush the horse, but Han Li politely declined. He slowly washed the horse clean himself and then fed and watered it.

When he finished getting ready and came out of the front hall, Song Miao had already heated up two plates of steamed buns, and brought a bowl of porridge and a plate of cabbage to the table. Seeing him come out, she smiled and said, "I was just about to go and urge them—you've come at the perfect time!"

The yellow cabbage was stir-fried with lard today, and pork cracklings were also added, giving it a wonderfully fragrant aroma.

The dish was stir-fried until very crisp and tender, and after being briefly cooked through, it was flipped a few times to achieve the perfect doneness.

The bok choy is already very tender, and she used the heart of the bok choy, so when it was stir-fried, the leaves were white and translucent like mutton fat jade, while the seedlings and leaves were a tender yellow, like the feathers of a goose.

Looking at the dish, Han Li felt as if his stomach had suddenly "come alive," and he sat down to eat.

He took a sip of porridge first.

The congee has only a few grains of rice, and the broth is a translucent light white. It has a slightly thick consistency and a faint rice aroma. It's a little cooler than warm and very soothing to the stomach.

Then we ate steamed buns.

Plump and white, without pleats, with oil seeping from the bottom.

This one is a steamed bun with fresh meat.

Song Miao didn't use a steamer to heat it up. Instead, she pan-fried it in a thin layer of oil until the sealed part was golden and crispy. Then she added flour water and simmered it until it dried out. When you bite into it, the crust is fragrant, crispy, and crunchy, crumbling into pieces. Chewing it brings out the wheat aroma of the crust, the rich aroma of the meat filling, and the savory aroma of the meat broth...

There was a dish of vinegar, a dish of soy sauce, and a dish of dogwood sauce on the side.

Han Li didn't need any dipping sauce. He ate one after another without even noticing, finishing off the congee before he could finally have time to eat the yellow cabbage.

The cabbage leaves are tender and slightly sweet, while the cabbage stalks are crisp, tender, and sweet, with plenty of sweet vegetable juice. What's even better is that when the cabbage is stir-fried, it is coated with the aroma of lard, but only on the outside and not inside, making it oily but not greasy.

The pork cracklings were soaked in the vegetable juice. Because they were stir-fried quickly, they were still very crispy. The lean meat inside was fragrant and slightly chewy, while the fat melted in your mouth. However, the sweetness of the vegetable juice neutralized the greasiness.

Han Li swept it all away.

After finishing his meal, he cleaned up the dishes and wiped the table himself before inviting Song Miao to sit down. He then placed his personal bag on the table, gently pushed it to the opposite side, and said softly, "I have no sense of propriety and have been bothering you in the early morning and late at night. I apologize to stall owner Song."

(End of this chapter)