Miao Chu

Chapter 161 Neglect
Despite his complaints, Li Huaiduan immediately arranged for officers to meet him on the road and follow up at the dock.

Lu Wenming knew that too many people could easily cause trouble, and fearing that he might cause trouble for his old friend, he replied, "I'll go to the dock. If anything happens, I'll know what's going on."

Li Huaiduan said, "You can't persuade anyone to go, so I'll go with you!"

He urged his men to harness the horses, and the two of them left the yamen one after the other, hurrying towards the dock.

As Lu and Li hurried toward the dock, Granny Li, who came from a village under the jurisdiction of Linghe Town and had become acquainted with Song Miao through green garlic and water celery, and who then eagerly volunteered to return to her hometown to help Han Li and others recruit manpower, was also looking around, determined to head toward Fu'an Wharf in Ji County.

She was followed by seven or eight people, and two others walked alongside her.

The two men, both around twenty years old, were holding a drawing in their left hand. One of them pointed to a house and trees on the right side of the road and said, "That's it, the Earth God Temple! Look, it's drawn exactly the same. It has four doors, and the strokes of the characters on it look quite similar. Even the branches of the tree next to it are the same!"

The other person quickly leaned closer to take a look and replied, "Yes, this is the place!"

Then he turned to Granny Li and said, "Grandma, go to the right!"

Grandma Li, however, looked skeptical and went over to take a look as well.

The old man didn't know that seal script and regular script were different; he only knew to compare the three characters "土地庙" (land temple) stroke by stroke. Finally, he said, "Why do these three characters seem to be written differently in terms of horizontal and vertical strokes?"

He added, "What if there's another local temple on the other road? To be on the safe side, let's ask someone! If we go the wrong way and we're unfamiliar with the area, it's one thing to waste our time, but what if we're late for reporting for duty?"

She was the most senior and the oldest. Although she was talkative, she was the leader this time, and it was because of the news she brought. The group of young men behind her, though impatient, could only express their dissatisfaction with their eyes and grumble "Hey!" "Sigh!"

Grandma Li knew perfectly well that these young men found her annoying—after all, she had followed the map all the way and hadn't gone astray, but she still insisted on asking for directions every time she came to a fork in the road.

This kind of approach is long-winded and tedious, which naturally makes the younger generation feel embarrassed and that it's trivial.

But the old man was experienced and sought stability in everything. He also felt that he was the leader and was afraid of making mistakes. He would rather be blamed than relax his guard.

She said, "If you're too embarrassed to ask, I'll ask!"

He was about to go forward and find a passerby.

A group of young men, how could they possibly ask an old woman to ask for directions?

So some people hurriedly pulled, some tried to persuade, and others rushed forward to ask.

Sure enough, she returned shortly afterward and said, "Grandma, turn right, the dock is about five li away!"

The group hurried on their way.

When they reached the fork in the road, they saw about ten people standing there. Each person in the fork held a piece of paper with road directions drawn on it and was following the map to find their way.

The two people, upon seeing each other's appearance, guessed that they had the same goal, so they went up to greet each other and found out that they were both from Linghe Town.

How did you know they were hiring here?

“A chicken and duck dealer from our village came specifically to ask if we had any free time, even if not, we could work a day and get paid – we were idle anyway, and they provided a meal and a stipend, so we could save on our expenses. That's why I came to check it out! How did you find out?”

Granny Li stepped forward and said, "I recognize that scholar who recruited people, and I've also seen many high-ranking officials in the Huazhou government office!"

She then recounted how she had taken shelter from the rain at the entrance of the official post station, how she had met Song Miao, how she had gotten to know Wu Gongshi from the Capital Water Conservancy Bureau and many students led by Han Xiucai, how she had learned that the other party was short of manpower to repair the dike and dig the river, and how she had volunteered to return to her hometown to help recruit people.

After returning home, she had already told this to everyone in the village many times, repeating it over and over along the way. The younger villagers had long heard it so many times that they were tired of hearing it, and each of them looked impatient upon hearing it.

But none of the dozen or so people opposite them had heard of it before. They all listened intently, asking questions about the details.

After Granny Li finished answering, the person opposite her said, "I was afraid he was making things up, but it turns out he wasn't lying."

Some people said, "Why doesn't Huazhou prioritize its own people when it's such a good thing?"

Granny Li had asked this question before. Although no one was around, she lowered her voice and pretended that it was a secret that she didn't want to reveal, saying, "I heard that their magistrate got into a fight with his subordinates. The subordinates refused to help, so the big official could only glare and cry out, but no one would listen to him. He originally didn't plan to spend money, but instead conscripted laborers. Now he has no choice but to use the money meant for helping the refugees to recruit people."

Separated by a river, Weizhou naturally knew nothing of what was happening in Huazhou.

However, such old-fashioned officials are all too common in the world. When the person opposite heard this, not one of them questioned it and believed it all.

The two teams walked forward while talking, and gradually merged into one team. They inevitably chatted with each other for about half an hour. Following the simple guide map they had received from the registration booth in Linghe Town, they asked for directions until the dock finally came into view, only three or four hundred steps away.

As the group was about to move forward, they saw a wide open space ahead, which was used by some family for loading and unloading goods. There were five or six long tables set up in the open space, with people sitting behind the tables. Two bamboo poles stood next to the tables, with cloth banners that were stretched out, displaying the words "recruit" and "accept" in large characters. Next to them was a large wooden board that read "River Workers Reporting for Duty" and had a picture of a person digging soil on it.

Someone nearby would occasionally tap a gong or drum and shout, "Anyone going to Huazhou to apply for a job, come here to register! You need to change your nameplate before you can board the ship!"

With signs and the sound of gongs and drums, and so many reminders, how could anyone, unless they were deaf or blind, not know that they had arrived at their destination?
By this time, a few people had already gathered around those tables. It was clear that Granny Li dared to sell vegetables across state lines by herself, which showed her courage and decisiveness. She took the lead and found a table with a shorter queue. She stood behind the crowd and called over a young man from the village. When it was her turn, she handed a document to the person opposite her and said, "This is one of the nine people from Bajiao Village. I am the one in the middle!"

On the other side was a young man, who looked to be only ten years old. Seeing so many people arriving all at once, he seemed a little nervous and turned to call out, "Manager Zhang, nine people have arrived here all at once!"

The manager, who had been standing behind another table, came over and instructed the young man, "Brother, let's not rush. First, check the names one by one and copy down the name tags."

He then looked up at the crowd and said, "Those whose names I call, step forward one step!"

He waved his left hand and read out the names from the document; sure enough, one by one, people stepped out.

The young man had a large basket on his right, filled to the brim with bamboo tags tied with hemp rope. He quickly placed it on the table, and upon hearing a name, he would find it in the document, copy the name onto the bamboo tag, and then number it according to the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches.

After copying the names on the bamboo tags, the manager had people come forward one by one to press their fingerprints with red clay. He then distributed the tags to them and told them to keep them with them. He said, "Tomorrow afternoon at the beginning of Shen Shi (3-5 PM), hang these bamboo tags around your necks and come here to line up to board the ship. If you are late, the ship will not wait for you, and it will not count."

He then gave Granny Li a separate plaque with the two large characters "Jia Shen" written on it, saying, "Granny, remember to come with me tomorrow. Only after you see people off on the boat will your previous matter be considered settled. As for what comes next, there are still other matters to consider."

Grandma Li said, "I know, I know!"

He added, "Today, Scholar Han specifically instructed us to scout out the route so that we can lead other teams tomorrow. He told me to tell you to write your names on the roster so you can get an extra half-day's pay later!"

As she spoke, she took a letter out of her bosom.

Manager Zhang took it and saw Han Li's signature and seal at the end, confirming that he had indeed made the registration at the end of the register.

When Lu and Li arrived, they saw the scene before them. Lu Wenming saw Granny Li and quickly went up to her, calling out to her.

Upon seeing an acquaintance, the latter was extremely excited and exclaimed, "Scholar, you're here too!"

Lu Wenming hurriedly asked, "Weren't we supposed to be setting off tomorrow? Why are you here today?"

Grandma Li said, "I was thinking of bringing the villagers here first to get a feel for things, so we won't be in a rush tomorrow."

After saying that, he puffed out his chest, looking very proud, and said, "It just so happens that when I was registering in Linghe Town, I met Scholar Han. He said that since I'm here, I shouldn't have come for nothing. He said I should be paid for half a day's work and that we should guide the people who register later tomorrow so they don't get lost!"

Lu Wenming knew perfectly well that most of the villagers were hesitant to believe it and wanted to see for themselves, but he didn't point it out and just smiled and agreed.

After a while, Granny Li and the villagers took their leave. Lu Wenming breathed a sigh of relief and was about to speak with Li Huaiduan when he saw the other party walk straight ahead, first introducing himself and his official position, and then asking about the background of the steward Zhang.

Upon seeing that he was wearing an official robe, the steward Zhang hurriedly bowed. When he learned that he was the county magistrate, he became even more respectful and said, "I apologize for disturbing you, sir. My surname is Zhang, and I am the steward of the Zhang family in Xinxiang County. My master is called Zhang Gui."

Li Huaiduan naturally knew that the wealthy family in the neighboring county was also from a scholarly background.

He couldn't help but ask, "Since you're the steward of the Zhang family, what brings you here? Are you recruiting laborers for Huazhou?"

The implication was quite clear—why doesn't the Zhang family seem so concerned about Xinxiang's own affairs?

Steward Zhang laughed and said, "Our master has always admired Han Li, the young master, for his literary talent and character. This time, we had the opportunity to meet him and learned that he is planning to dig a river and repair a dike. If this is done well, it will be a great thing for both Weizhou and Xinxiang. So we volunteered to help with the personnel and grain transport and boarding of the ships."

"Besides you, who else did Zhang Gui arrange to come?"

"In addition, there are three managers, ten shop assistants, and twenty-seven students from the clan school in the lower pharmacy..." Manager Zhang reported respectfully.

Li Huaiduan then asked, "With so many people coming all at once, what kind of subsidies has Han Li given you?"

Steward Zhang hurriedly replied, "We've done our part for the state and county, managing the rivers and waterways. What kind of subsidy do we need?"

He added, “Our family has always been at the forefront of building bridges and roads. This time it’s also for the sake of our fellow villagers, so we certainly won’t ask for any subsidies. Rest assured, sir, I have received the assignment from my master, and Young Master Han has also provided the rules, procedures, and guidelines. Everything has been arranged in great detail. As long as we follow them, we will definitely handle the reception smoothly this time without leaving any loose ends!”

"For the sake of the villagers, I don't even need the subsidies"—this is just something you can use to coax children.

But since the person in charge had spoken so succinctly, Li Huaiduan couldn't help but sigh that great families always had their own traditions. Knowing that he wouldn't get anything out of them, he let it go.

He then walked towards the dock, and sure enough, the dock area had been marked out on the ground with talcum powder, a signboard had been set up, and several tables and chairs had been placed. When he went up to ask, he found that they were also members of the Zhang family, with a manager and three or four assistants and students.

The managers were all skilled workers from the shop, experienced in their work, and adept at adapting to changing circumstances in their speech and actions.

Lu Wenming followed behind, and seeing that the process was so well-organized that there wasn't a single flaw, he couldn't help but laugh and say, "Huai Duan, are you relieved now?"

Li Huaiduan remained silent for a long while, then sighed and asked, "Does Han Li always act this way?"

Lu Wenming was taken aback and asked, "What action?"

He paused, as if he had already realized it, and said smugly, "You can see it too, right? Leader Han is extremely capable in his actions. I can't find a single fault with his learning and talent. If I had to nitpick, it would be that he is too young and doesn't have an official position yet. Once he is released from his official post, he will definitely achieve great things. Although it's too early to say that, he must be someone who will be remembered in history."

After he finished speaking, he looked proud and said, "Being able to do such pure things with such a person, where I don't have to worry about anything falling through and there's always a safety net—don't you think I've finally hit the jackpot this time!"

Li Huaiduan simply didn't want to talk.

His old friend was already under a spell; even if Han Li were to fart in front of him right now, he would probably praise how loud and fragrant it was.

But he remained rational.

After spending just over ten days together, he asked his old friend to work tirelessly, contributing manpower and connections.

After just one meeting, he managed to get something for nothing, asking Zhang Gui to send his students from the clan school and his capable manager from the family business to help out.

I have no idea what scheme or method this person used.

Once they meet, he'll have to see for himself!
***
Not to mention that almost every county in Weizhou was busy procuring grain for Han Li.

Meanwhile, in Huazhou City, early that morning, Song Miao finally received her group of "subordinates".

The person who brought the person over was a minor official.

The other party led a group to the official post station and pointed at the crowd, saying, "The first batch consists of twelve people, and more will come later. Young lady, please make the necessary arrangements."

He added, “Although you are a laborer, I will teach you a lesson, listen carefully—be careful when employing people, don’t overdo it. They are all born of parents, otherwise if things get out of hand, I won’t be able to explain to my superiors, and you won’t be able to explain either!”

After saying that, he slammed the roster on the table and stormed off.

Song Miao was prepared for this attitude because Han Li had warned her beforehand, so she didn't take it seriously. However, Da Bing was quite annoyed.

Normally, all the students, and even Wu Gongshi, would treat Song Miao with utmost courtesy and respect. It goes without saying that back in the Kyoto government office, all the officials on loan from the military patrol were also very polite to her.
Even the Prefect of Kyoto and Prefect Zheng were eager to have another bite of stir-fried bean sprouts, so why did they have to be given such a bad attitude by this arrogant little official in Huazhou?

He came from the Kyoto government office. Although he was a kitchen apprentice, he was used to seeing officials and clerks. He was not afraid of the word "government" on the other person's body. He wanted to step forward and grab the person to argue, but Song Miao pulled him back.

"Don't worry, there will be a time when he's eager to deliver."

She comforted Dabing with a few words, took the roster, and asked each of the twelve people opposite her for their names and backgrounds.

For some reason, the laborers sent by the prefectural government this time were all young men around twenty years old. They all looked different, but they all spoke and acted with a similar sense of arrogance, as if they didn't take Song Miao seriously. Some of them were better at hiding it, while others didn't even bother to hide it and answered questions in a nonchalant manner.

Another time, when Song Miao asked him his age and hometown, he chuckled and said, "Isn't that a roster you're holding, young lady? Oh, so you can't read either? Guess how old I am?"

Seeing Song Miao frown in displeasure, he added, "Oh, just kidding, young lady, don't take it to heart—I turned twenty a month ago, which is the perfect age for marriage. My family has a little bit of wealth, and I'm just worried about not having a wife to manage the household!"

　Thank you so much, Miss Ultraman from the bookstore, for the one "Light of Inspiration" and two small tokens of appreciation! Thank you so much! :)

　　Thank you so much, Crazy Mom, for the nine little tokens you sent me. So many heartfelt wishes! Thank you so much!
　　Thank you Rainbow After the Rain for the two small gifts. And thank you to Memories of Bygone Days, Kyoku Kin, and Falling into the City for the one small gift each. Thank you so much! (#^.^#)
　　(End of this chapter)