Miao Chu

Chapter 230 Rest
Having been in Liutahe for more than two months, Cai Xiu's reputation is a mixed bag.

He was in charge of leading the group of students transferred from the capital, coordinating their deployment and assigning tasks.

This person truly deserves to be one of the Four Scholars of the Imperial Academy. He is exceptionally talented and had memorized the names, origins, and backgrounds of over a hundred people before setting off. He had also already divided the people into groups.

Cai Xiu had her own principles. She evenly divided people with connections into groups and those without connections. When assigning tasks, she would assign the former to the easy tasks or those that would make her stand out and gain recognition, and the latter to the trivial, complicated tasks that would only be done in the back and make her look bad.

It has to be said that the most honest, cheapest, and most useful products are always those from students.

If people didn't realize something was wrong at the beginning, after working for a month or two, they discovered that they were the ones doing all the dirty and hard work, while those who got the benefits and the limelight were people with connections and backgrounds. How could they not know?

People do not suffer from scarcity but from inequality.

Upon learning that they would be working at Liutahe, everyone was prepared, knowing that the river construction would be busy and demanding.

But while he was getting up earlier than the chickens and working harder than the oxen, his colleagues were being called away for some inexplicable reason, either to attend meetings or by their so-called superiors, never to return. When asked what happened, they were told it was nothing more than routine receptions, inspections, writing articles, etc., which took several days.

Once or twice is fine, but if it happens every time, and people avoid everything, no one is a fool.

When it comes to recognizing merits, awarding prizes, and praising achievements, it's always the ones who don't do any work who reap the benefits, while those who endure hardship and do the work are never mentioned.

Who can tolerate such injustice?
As a result, some people, still angry, went to Cai Xiu to demand that they be reassigned to a new team, or wanted to leave their teams and return to Beijing.

Cai Xiu then adopted a difficult posture, saying that the group had already been reported to the Directorate of Waterways and then to the imperial court, and that merits would be awarded according to this in the future. Even if the group was changed, the merits would still be issued according to the original group. There was no point in changing it—after all, the report had already been signed and approved by the Council of State Affairs and could not be changed easily.

If you want to change it, it's not impossible—why don't you go to your superior, and then your superior will go to your superior, and then to Master Lü. Once Master Lü agrees, no matter how difficult it is for me, I will find a way to make it happen for you.

Secondly, leaving the group is even less acceptable!
It was the imperial court that drew them up. Although it wasn't for military service, it was still for the country. If you deserted in the face of battle and returned to the capital, what would others say and how would they view you?
I'm doing this for your own good. If I really let you go, not only will you be shameless, but your classmates, teachers, and the academy will also lose face because of it.

Why not be patient? There's still a month or so left. Just hang in there—everyone has put in some effort!

With Cai Xiu's eloquence, she naturally uttered flowery words, and after a series of persuasive remarks, it seemed as if she was doing everything for the other party's benefit.

When the group arrived full of enthusiasm only to leave empty-handed, they initially swallowed their anger. However, as more and more people became angry, some of the smarter ones inevitably blurted out, "You went to see him? He's the one who assigned the work. He really cares about us. Why didn't he assign it to those sons of officials, but only to us?"
Does that mean we can't attend conferences, receive guests, conduct inspections, or write articles?

But when everyone was about to unite and refuse to continue, Cai Xiu put them through a test.

If tasks are not completed or not done well, they will be graded. If the score is low, you will not receive any reward or will receive less compensation.

There is a stipend for temporary assignments, although it is not much. Over a few months, it is still a source of income for ordinary students. Moreover, these students from ordinary families have come from afar and have many expenses. They are counting on the money to cover their deficits.

Even a hero can be brought down by a single penny, let alone a group of poor students who haven't even graduated from the academy yet.

So everyone had no choice but to grit their teeth and bear it, preparing to get through the next month or so. But behind the scenes, they couldn't help but curse all those sons of officials, and together they cursed Cai Xiu mercilessly.

How could Cai Xiu not know this?
When he was in the capital, he had a very good reputation among scholars. Now that he has come to Liutahe, his years of hard work have been destroyed overnight. It would be a lie to say that he is not heartbroken.

But deep down he also knew that you have to give up something to gain something.

Compared to the praise of ordinary scholars and students, the recognition of officials and powerful figures is undoubtedly more meaningful and helpful.

Sure enough, after two months, the students who had received his care all knew what was going on.

Some reciprocated by sending him invitations to their elders, allowing him to visit them in the future; others made special invitations to him to participate in their small circle of friends, no longer avoiding any sensitive topics when speaking, clearly treating him as one of their own.

Aside from these, his superiors were very satisfied because he had arranged things well for these sons of officials. Even Lu Zhongchang, the chief administrator of the Six Towers River, was very satisfied and praised him repeatedly.

With these benefits and the recognition from those who are useful, what do a few curses and slanders from those who are useless matter?
A group of ants, as long as they memorize everyone's names, can take revenge when the opportunity arises in the future.

With everything going so smoothly, Cai Xiu, feeling quite pleased with himself, couldn't help but become concerned about the situation in Huazhou.

Han Li brought a few students with no background to Huazhou, which was a cold and insignificant place. Not only could they not do anything, but even if they could, the dikes would still collapse when the summer floods came. What would be the point?
Han Zhengyan has never experienced doing something in vain or sitting on the sidelines before, has he?

This time, he's had his fill. He'll waste his time and return empty-handed, while I see that I've achieved remarkable results. Compared to him, and with people outside talking about it, I wonder what he'll feel.

Cai Xiu became increasingly excited as she thought about it.

He desperately wanted to know the progress in Huazhou, but frustrated that he had no way to do so. He could only go to the sons of officials and ask them directly, saying that he studied with Han Li in the same study and was genuinely concerned. He added that Huazhou was different from Liutahe and he didn't know what was going on with his friend. He asked everyone to inform him if they had any news.

And then, on that day, the news finally arrived.

When the manuscript was handed to her, Cai Xiu was still somewhat bewildered.

Upon hearing that it was Han Lixin's new work, which had recently spread throughout the capital and was praised by almost everyone from the imperial family to ordinary people, he felt a pang of anxiety and immediately looked down to read it.

The article was short and he had read it quickly, finishing it in the blink of an eye. After reading it, a raging fire immediately ignited in his heart.

Han Zhengyan, what a trick you've played!

Even with Cai Xiu's talent, in his extreme anger, he couldn't find a single accurate word to describe the resentment and rage in his heart.

That's too cunning!

That's too opportunistic!
That's disgusting!!!

What business is it of yours, a mere student on loan from the Water Conservancy Bureau in Huazhou, to be a patrol inspector from the Kyoto Prefectural Government?
Ultimately, it all boils down to seeking fame and fortune!
Seeing that Huazhou was failing and could no longer make contributions or gain benefits in water affairs, they immediately turned back and looked for ways to make a name for themselves in other places!

And yet, he still managed to get it; the picture arrived!

The article was well-written, but it was nowhere near enough to have spread throughout the capital and be praised by everyone.

The writing style is neither elegant nor impressive, and in fact, many of the expressions were deliberately altered to please the relatives and friends, which significantly lowered the overall quality of the article.

Cai Xiu could write things like this, or even better things!
But unlike Han Li, he didn't have as many connections or background as Han Li, so he was able to learn about the case's progress immediately, seize this crucial moment, and write such an article!
Opportunistic! A sycophant!
Everyone in the capital, from top to bottom, has been paying close attention to the case of the missing women and children during the Lantern Festival for months. Such a clever choice of subject matter and topic is bound to attract attention. Moreover, with Master Chen and his disciples and followers promoting it, it would be strange if it didn't become famous!
Anyone who writes about this subject would cause a sensation!
If he had stayed in the capital and learned that the case had been solved and that Han Li had written such an article, he would have reacted immediately and followed suit.

It's too late now.

Cai Xiu was so angry that her liver hurt.

At this moment, the room was filled with sons of officials, all discussing Han Li's writings.

Some praised, some admired, some were sour, and some were annoyed—a letter came from home, telling the younger generation to study hard, not to aspire to write articles like Han Zhengyan, but to seize the opportunity and make a name for themselves in Liutahe—this person couldn't help but grumble.

Hearing everyone talking about Han Li and Han Zhengyan, Cai Xiu couldn't stand it anymore. He grabbed a few reports from the river and hurried out the door, intending to report to his superior. But just as he reached the window, before he even got to the door, he heard people talking inside.

The wooden windows were covered with paper, and the windows were even half-open, so they couldn't block out the sound at all.

"What exactly is the article that Lü Gou Dang mentioned earlier?"

"Didn't you receive the letter? Because the abduction case during the Lantern Festival has been solved, a new article has appeared in the capital, about a patrol inspector who solved the case, named Xin Feng..."

"He solved his own case; what does that have to do with Lord Lü?"

"You'll know as soon as you see it."

Sensing something amiss in the tone of the words, Cai Xiu immediately stopped in her tracks.

He peered through the crack in the half-open window.

The room was quiet, with only the sound of pages turning.

The canal official, who was usually quite serious and didn't talk much, was now staring intently at the manuscript in his hand. As he read, he shook his head and swayed his body. After finishing it, he would look at it again and again, reciting it repeatedly, as if he were mesmerized and yearning for it.

After reading it in one go, the man said, "This penmanship... is truly of the same lineage, but I dare not recognize the writing style—is it him? The one surnamed Han?"

The person on the other end nodded.

The man's tone was full of disbelief as he asked, "The fighting rooster isn't pecking at people today?"

"Not only did it not bother anyone, it even started crowing today! And it was really loud, quite pleasant to hear—it got to the palace! The Empress Dowager is hosting a banquet, and the Emperor is meeting with us. Let alone you and me, even if Lord Lü came to the capital right now, he might not get this kind of treatment, right?"

"To wield the pen as one would a knife—this is how a scholar should be! The younger generation is truly formidable!"

Upon hearing this, Cai Xiu could no longer stand.

He didn't want to hand over the documents anymore and turned to leave.

But after taking only a couple of steps, they heard people talking behind them.

"You didn't see how envious Lord Lü was—Counselor Li originally wanted to transfer Han Li to Liutahe, but he refused and chose to go to Huazhou instead!"

"What? In what way is our Liutahe inferior to Huazhou?"

"Who knows! Young people have their own ideas. No wonder Mr. Lü is heartbroken. You don't know, I overheard him and Mr. Peng chatting this morning. They both said that apart from the Qionglin Banquet, they have never eaten imperial food."

"Alas, even the food served in the imperial court is nothing special."

"Everyone's eating at the imperial banquet, who's there to enjoy the food? Besides, does Lord Lü even care about such things? That Xin Feng, a mere patrol inspector, was previously unknown, but with just one article, he became famous overnight, known throughout the land. Lord Lü has been in Liuta River for over a year now, with letters and messengers from the court constantly urging him on. Who knows how hard it is here? They just think it's a delaying tactic!"

"Sigh, if Han Li were here, he would write a biography of Lü Zhongchang, detailing the difficulties of this river. Not to mention Lü Goudang, our lives might be a little easier. Last time His Majesty sent an envoy, the Council of State Affairs sent another letter urging that the river be opened by the end of this month. Lü Goudang's face turned green. When I went to report to the emperor, I didn't even dare to breathe loudly!"

He does not mean that.

Cai Xiu's mind stirred.

Yes.

Xin Feng was just a lowly patrol inspector, but because so many women and children were abducted in Shangyuan, the case became so big that it attracted a lot of attention and made people more easily moved.

The Liuta River was the most important waterway in the dynasty, and there are many things worth exploring about Lü Goudang.

While writing about officials may not be as relevant to the common people as writing about an inspector, this article could certainly take a different approach.

It could be shown to scholars, poets, officials, and nobles, and even then, it could be sent to the palace.

As long as it is written down and written well enough, it may be passed down to future generations along with this water project that may not happen once every few centuries once it is completed!
Although he didn't have a great Confucian scholar like Master Chen to support him, he still had many teachers, classmates, and friends. He could ask them to help spread the word and spend some money to get people to promote it—wasn't the poem from last time promoted very well?

There was no need to even bring this up beforehand to boast to Lord Lü.

Once the article circulates, as a veteran official, he will naturally appreciate the favor shown to him.

Cai Xiu made up his mind and indeed spent a lot of time carefully writing the article, repeatedly revising and refining it until he was sure there were no more mistakes. Only then did he send it back to the capital as his own new work, asking for corrections.

After the article was sent out, he eagerly awaited the day, hoping that the flood would come quickly so that the Liuta River could show its power and let everyone know that this project was a foundation for hundreds or thousands of years, and that his participation in it was truly remarkable.

At that time, he would not only gain merit, but also have another reputation and benefits from the article "Lü Zhongchang". In addition, he would befriend the sons of officials and gain many practical benefits.

This trip to Liutahe was definitely worthwhile!

As for Han Li, let him be arrogant for a few days. After a while, when the summer flood season arrives, everything will return to the right path!

***
Leaving aside how Cai Xiu eagerly awaited the summer flood season and waited to make a name for himself, on the other hand, in Suanzao Lane, Song Miao had been back in the capital for a few days. Although she said she was resting, she hadn't had a single day of leisure.

Almost the day after she returned, acquaintances kept coming to her door.

Needless to say, He Qi, Sun Lizheng, the Zhu family, and others, as well as the patrolmen of Zhuque Gate, who had connections with the patrolmen, quickly received the news and immediately sent someone to ask Song Miao when she would resume business, so that they could send her breakfast as soon as they had a spare moment—without Song's glutinous rice and shumai, they had been struggling to make ends meet for the past two months! They had no hope of going to work in the morning!

Then neighbors came to greet them, old customers came to place orders, and even Xin Feng's wife, Madam Du, came to thank them and tell them that her family had moved to Zhouqiao and asked them to visit when they had time. She also asked if it was convenient for her to send a message to Han Li, the young master, to express her gratitude and to put his mind at ease.

Song Miao agreed immediately.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, we also received a man named Dabing who came to our door with his uncle and aunt, wanting to formally become their apprentice.

Having spent over two months together in Huazhou, Song Miao had already gained a general understanding of the flatbread. Moreover, she was already short-handed. Although she did not immediately decide to take on an apprentice, she agreed to keep him under her tutelage as a short-term helper, paying him a small monthly wage and supplementing his income from the business.

Uncle and Aunt Liu were naturally delighted, and Dabing was overjoyed, immediately signing the contract.

After some preparation, the three members of the Song family spent half a day busy preparing all the food. Cheng Erniang went out with great enthusiasm to deliver breakfast to various places, while Song Miao carried a fresh flatbread, some old items and some new items, and together they pushed a cart to the food alley behind the Imperial Academy, which they had not visited for a long time.

　Many thanks to the lively Tangtangtang for the peach blossom fan and the amulet, and to the two kind ladies, Rennishibudao and Xianlin, for the sachet each :)

　　Thank you to book friend 20210301105364913388 for sending me two peace charms, and to Crazy's Eyes for sending me one peace charm ^_^
　　Thank you to the bookstore owners, I love Nongnong and Liu Nan, for each of the little gifts you sent me =3=
　　Thank you everyone for your votes!
　　(End of this chapter)