Chapter 59: Fish and Rice

“Are the bamboo rafts in the water?” As the crowd grew denser, with people packed tightly as far as the eye could see, Zhao Mengcheng knew the time was right.

Liu Bingkun nodded, then asked, “But the current is so strong. Can our bamboo rafts really catch anything if we lower them?”

Although the water level had dropped, the power of last year’s flood remained. The silt buildup on the riverbed made the current even more turbulent. They didn’t dare enter the river lightly, as getting caught in the flow could be fatal.

Zhao Mengcheng simply said, “Wait.”

No one knew what they were waiting for, and Liu Bingkun was so anxious he was practically scratching his head in frustration.

Zhao Chun and Zhao Mao stood beside their father, craning their necks to look into the river channel, but they couldn’t see anything unusual.

The villagers who had come to watch the show were even more impatient, whispering among themselves.

“What are we waiting for?”

“Didn’t they say they were catching fish? Why aren’t they casting nets or launching boats?”

“The river on this side isn’t even that big. What kind of fish could there be?”

“What can a bamboo raft that size do? The fish could just jump right out.”

“Not necessarily. Zhao Mengcheng is a man of some ability.”

Amidst the chatter, Zhao Mengcheng remained as steady as a mountain. No one saw his Mental Power spreading rapidly, occupying the entire river channel as he prepared for the spectacle about to unfold.

Zhao Mao noticed his father’s face turning slightly pale and instinctively grabbed the corner of his robe, though he didn’t dare make his movement too obvious.

Tang Tang looked at him curiously, his large eyes filled with thought.

Just then, a burst of startled cries erupted from the front.

Liu Bingkun lost his ability to speak properly, shouting repeatedly, “Dragon, dragon, dragon!”

“A White Dragon! It’s a White Dragon!”

The people on both banks suddenly shouted. In the river, rising and falling amidst the waves, was a glimpse of a White Dragon with horns on its head.

Under Zhao Mengcheng’s training, the White Snake had mastered the art of pretending to be a dragon. It only ever showed parts of itself that sparked the imagination, never revealing its true form.

Zhao Mengcheng looked closely and saw that the fellow had even fitted deer antlers over its two small nubs. At a glance, it was quite intimidating.

“Blessings from the White Dragon!” The Old Village Chief was the first to kneel in worship.

As soon as he knelt, the others followed suit, kowtowing with profound sincerity. “May the Divine Dragon protect us!”

At that moment, a massive boom echoed through the sky, as if the world itself were splitting open. The river channel actually began to divide and spread. The riverbed, which had been raised due to silt, now surged toward Qingshan Lake.

Zhao Mengcheng’s face went pale, and he stumbled slightly.

“Dad!” Zhao Mao, who had been watching his father’s expression closely, hurried to support him.

Zhao Mengcheng rested his hand on his son’s shoulder to hide his condition.

He had merely guided the natural forces to connect the river channel with the ditches leading to Qingshan Lake, but that single action had completely drained his Mental Power. It was clear how taxing it was.

Fortunately, he had prepared in advance. During the spring plowing, he had guided the villagers to clear the ditches, including the section that led to Qingshan Lake.

Now, all that work had come into play.

The villagers kneeling on the ground were so terrified by the loud noise that they didn’t dare look up. Most were pressed flat against the earth.

“The White Dragon is angry!” the Old Village Chief cried out, trembling.

Zhao Mengcheng patted Liu Bingkun and Wang Ming. “Pull up the bamboo rafts.”

The two were also in a daze, but they still knew how to follow orders. They stood up and began hauling the rafts in.

This action startled the kneeling villagers.

They saw that the bamboo rafts, constructed with three mesh sides and one open end, were packed with fish. As the rafts were pulled, the fish tumbled and rolled over each other.

“Quick, pull them up,” Zhao Mengcheng reminded them.

The stunned young men snapped out of it and quickly hauled the rafts onto the bank. The shore was immediately covered in river fish, each one as thick as a man’s arm.

“So… so many?” Liu Bingkun’s eyes were glazed with shock.

The Old Village Chief was the first to recover, shouting repeatedly, “These are fish bestowed upon our village by the White Dragon! Blessings from the White Dragon! Our offerings during the New Year sacrifices were not in vain!”

“What? You even set up an ancestral tablet for the White Dragon?” The people from the neighboring village were filled with regret. If they had known the White Dragon was so generous, they would have offered the finest meats even if they had to eat husks and water themselves.

The Old Village Chief ignored them and looked toward the river, but the White Dragon was nowhere to be seen.

Thinking about the White Dragon’s actions – the sudden clearing of the ditches and the river water now rushing into Qingshan Lake – the Old Village Chief looked at Zhao Mengcheng with lingering fear, hoping for an answer.

Zhao Mengcheng naturally wouldn’t explain. He couldn’t. The reason he had created this mystery was to cover up the truth.

As long as he didn’t speak, those who witnessed this “grand performance” would credit everything to the White Dragon. They would find their own ways to make the story make sense.

“Village Chief, since these fish are a blessing from heaven, let’s distribute them quickly.”

Zhao Mengcheng smiled at him and added, “Eating fish gifted by a god will surely keep us healthy and free from illness and disaster.”

“Yes, yes, let’s divide the fish quickly!” Everyone else grew excited.

The Old Village Chief tapped his tobacco pipe. “You’re right. We’ll divide them based on labor and head count. With this many fish, everyone who is here gets a share.”

“Old Uncle Liu, give us some too! Everyone who is here gets a share!” someone from the neighboring village shouted.

Another person added, “We’re all here. The White Dragon didn’t just send them to you. Some must be for us too.”

They were all living with tightened belts, and seeing so many fish made it impossible for them to look away. Their eyes were fixed on the catch.

However, out of fear of the White Dragon, none of them dared to step forward and snatch any.

The Old Village Chief instinctively looked at Zhao Mengcheng. He knew in his heart that this strange occurrence was inextricably linked to him.

Last year the White Dragon sent cotton, and this year it sent fish. It was clear the White Dragon truly favored Zhao Mengcheng. Perhaps he really was an immortal descended to the mortal realm.

Zhao Mengcheng gave a slight nod.

The Old Village Chief smiled. “With so many fish, everyone gets a share. Everyone go home and get a basin!”

“Who needs a basin? I’ll carry mine home in my arms!” Seeing that they would also get a share, the onlookers burst into laughter.

Zhao Mengcheng cleared his throat. “Uncle, while fish to fill our bellies are important, there is something else among the White Dragon’s gifts that is even more vital.”

The Old Village Chief looked at the river. Because Qingshan Lake was swallowing a large amount of river water – taking in more than was flowing out – the river channel had become shallower in a short amount of time.

“You mean?”

Zhao Mengcheng pointed to the riverbed. “The High-yield Farming Method mentions that if the silt from the river is scooped out, dried, and mixed into the fields, it can turn poor soil into fertile land. While mountain compost is good, we shouldn’t waste what’s right in front of us.”

“Village Chief, this was sent by the White Dragon. If we dig it all up and use it in our fields, it will surely guarantee a bountiful harvest for our village every year.”

The Old Village Chief immediately understood his intent. He smiled, realizing that after all that maneuvering, Zhao Mengcheng’s method for clearing the silt was actually quite simple.

He laughed in cooperation and shouted loudly, “You’re right! What are you all waiting for? Dig while the water level is low! Take the silt home, and we’ll have a great harvest this year!”

The allure of a great harvest was even stronger than the fish. Liu Bingkun was the first to jump into the river, quickly scooping up two baskets of silt and carrying them home on a shoulder pole.

Wang Ming shouted, “Dad, dig more! The Divine Dragon will surely bless our family more!”

Everyone else thought the same. People from nearby villages ran back to get bamboo baskets. Those who lived further away were frantic with worry, fearing they would be too late.

Zhao Mengcheng let out a breath. The first step was a success. The price was the total exhaustion of his Mental Power, and this method was only a temporary solution.

If it weren’t for the natural reservoir of Qingshan Lake being able to take the water, this method wouldn’t have worked.

Furthermore, this trick could only be used once. To thoroughly perform River Dredging on the Shang River would require immense effort, involving more manpower, resources, and funding, as well as coordination with Fengzhou Prefecture.

Zhao Mengcheng’s mind whirled, but he set the matter aside. There had been a major incident involving the construction of river dams in Fengzhou Prefecture last year, so they certainly wouldn’t take action again anytime soon.

For Shanghe Town, clearing the silt from the Shang River would keep them safe for the time being.

The work in the river was proceeding with great fervor. Zhao Mengcheng gathered several village chiefs. “Uncles, Magistrate Huang appointed me as an Agricultural Officer. I didn’t expect such a thing to happen just as I took office. What do you think?”

The Old Village Chief laughed. “It’s a wonderful thing! When you fell into the water and almost died, the Divine Dragon saved you. It’s clear his eminence likes you and is willing to look after you. Look, as soon as you take office, such a good thing happens.”

The others nodded in agreement, fully accepting the Old Village Chief’s words.

In truth, many of them hadn’t even seen a shadow of the Divine Dragon, but since everyone else said so, they believed it.

Zhao Mengcheng continued, “The Shang River is vital to our harvests. I know it’s the busy season and labor is needed most, but we cannot ignore the warning from heaven.”

“What do you mean by that?” someone asked, puzzled.

Zhao Mengcheng said, “The Shang River suddenly changed its course and flowed into Qingshan Lake. What do you think that signifies?”

Just now, they had been so focused on catching fish and gathering silt that they had forgotten this important detail.

An old man spoke up. “I remember forty years ago, a County Magistrate who was skilled in River Dredging came here. He wanted to connect the Shang River to Qingshan Lake to turn the lake into a local reservoir. But he left when the project was only half-finished.”

Hearing this, Zhao Mengcheng realized that his ability to connect the river and the lake was built upon the foundations laid by those before him.

“That was many years ago. Back then, the silt in the Shang River wasn’t so severe, the riverbed wasn’t so high, and we rarely had floods here.”

Hearing this, the Old Village Chief agreed. “This year’s flood really terrified everyone. In the end, it’s because the riverbed is too high, and no one has ever bothered to manage it.”

Zhao Mengcheng took the opportunity to urge them. “The hardest step has already been accomplished by the heavens. What remains is to organize manpower to continue the River Dredging, completely connecting the channel to Qingshan Lake while digging out the silt from the riverbed.”

“It would be even better if we could build a dam, but with the combined strength of our few villages, our resources are limited. We’ll have to set that aside for now.”

At the mention of organizing labor for River Dredging, the various village chiefs fell silent.

The Old Village Chief asked pointedly, “It might not be right to ask every household for labor right now. Everyone needs to work in the fields, otherwise, the spring plowing will be delayed.”

Zhao Mengcheng replied, “Spring plowing is coming to an end. But if the river isn’t managed, another flood in summer or autumn will mean everyone’s hard work was for nothing.”

“How about this? We set aside a portion of the fish caught today as compensation for the River Dredging. Having fish to eat is surely better than going up the mountain to dig for wild vegetables, isn’t it? Doesn’t digging for vegetables take time as well?”

“If we truly have a bumper harvest this year, those responsible for the River Dredging will have performed a great service. At that time, every household can contribute a portion of their grain to subsidize those who went down to the river to dredge.”

First offering benefits, then painting a vision of the future. Most importantly, everything they had seen and heard today had shocked everyone, instilling a sense of awe within them.

The village chiefs looked at each other and felt the plan was feasible. “You have a point. The heavens have already sent us fish to eat, so we can’t simply do nothing.”

Zhao Mengcheng knew the matter was half-settled upon hearing those words.

The remaining half was the construction itself. In this era, River Dredging was incredibly difficult. Fortunately, the section he wanted to work on wasn’t too long, and with Qingshan Lake acting as a buffer, the construction period could be greatly reduced.

With the White Dragon Manifestation fresh in their minds and the temptation of fat fish following close behind, any family that could spare a hand was willing to help by the river.

Even the silt dug from the riverbed found a use. It became a treasure everyone scrambled for, with people saying that if it were dried and tossed into the fields, it would ensure a bountiful harvest this year.

After a few days, villages near Shanghe Town heard the news and rushed over to dig up the river silt.

Lord Huang had known of Zhao Mengcheng’s plan for a long time. He immediately conscripted laborers to assist, attempting to tackle the great difficulty of River Dredging in one fell swoop.

With efforts coming from both sides, the management of the Shang River proceeded more and more smoothly.

However, the folk rumors grew increasingly outrageous. Some even claimed the river silt could cure all ailments, leading people to soak the silt in water to treat illnesses.

Even Lord Huang asked privately, “Was it truly a White Dragon Manifestation, or did you secretly have people clear the channel?”

Zhao Mengcheng answered bluntly, “It was done secretly, of course. If the White Dragon were truly so powerful and cared so much for the people’s livelihood, why would it wait so many years to get to work?”

Lord Huang exhaled. “A gentleman does not speak of gods and demons¹, yet sometimes a deity is more useful than a government decree. My words aren’t nearly as effective as those of a god.”

Zhao Mengcheng knew this meant he agreed, so he smiled without saying a word.

Lord Huang also understood the importance of River Dredging. Last year’s flood had nearly reached the County Yamen, and he had been panicked at the time. Now that such a good opportunity had arisen, he naturally wouldn’t let it pass.

As June gradually arrived and the rice stalks in the fields began to sprout ears, the Shang River basin had actually been mostly dredged.

Strangely, Shanghe Town, which was usually rainy, saw very little rainfall this year. Consequently, the water level of the Shang River never rose.

Some people began to gossip, saying Zhao Mengcheng was poking his nose where it didn’t belong. It was clear the heavens wouldn’t send rain, so why waste time on River Dredging?

But with the good omen of the White Dragon and the support of the County Magistrate, the local people continued to flock to the river.

With so many people coming, the riverbanks became bustling, and a small market slowly began to form.

The families in Qingshan Village who made Tofu began working again. Tofu that previously couldn’t be sold was now pushed to the riverside, where some was actually bought.

The temporary market at the village entrance disappeared, replaced by the small market along the Shang River.

When the Cao Family heard the news and came over, they were stunned by the lively scene.

“Mengcheng, you are truly capable. This is the kind of god-like skill that can turn rivers and seas upside down,” Cao Da praised.

Zhao Mengcheng gave a self-deprecating laugh. “It’s all thanks to the villagers giving me face and the heavens being kind. Otherwise, a single rainstorm would have ruined the entire plan.”

The good thing was that it hadn’t rained recently, and the water level remained low, making it easy to dig up the silt. If the water level had risen, no one would have dared to go in.

Cao Da sighed with emotion. “You’ve caused quite a stir. I even heard about it in the city. Tell me, did the White Dragon really appear and clear the path to Qingshan Lake?”

Zhao Mengcheng was noncommittal.

Cao Da didn’t press him, adding, “Is there any fresh silt left? I’ll go dig some.”

“Your family doesn’t farm, so why are you digging it up?” Zhao Mengcheng asked curiously.

Cao Da laughed. “To put in a water vat in the courtyard for planting lotus flowers. Everyone says this silt carries divine power and can keep a family safe and free from disaster.”

Seeing that he truly believed it, Zhao Mengcheng didn’t stop him. However, river silt could no longer be found near Qingshan Village; one had to go further downstream.

Cao Da left laughing, leaving behind a piece of meat before he went.

Zhao Mengcheng refused to take it, but Cao Da said, “Wu Mei specifically asked me to bring this. It’s a special gift for Zhao Xin.”

He whispered, “Ever since she returned from your house, Wu Mei has been much better. Now she has a fierce temper and hits anyone who dares to speak ill of her. Others say she’s too shrewish, but I think it’s better this way.”

Zhao Mengcheng had no choice but to accept it.

Carrying the meat back, he found Zhao Xin playing at the door with Tang Tang. As usual, one was sitting while the other braided his hair into little pigtails.

Seeing him return, Tang Tang ran over as if he had been rescued. “Uncle, you’re back. Are you tired? I’ll massage your legs.”

Zhao Mengcheng knew exactly what he was thinking. He handed the meat to the pursuing Zhao Xin. “Your sister from the Cao Family gave this. We’ll eat it tonight.”

“Why didn’t Sister Cao come herself?” Zhao Xin asked quickly.

Zhao Mengcheng replied, “Her brother came to dig silt, so naturally she didn’t come along.”

“Oh, if she had come, she would have known I have a handsome little brother now. We could have braided Xiao Tang’s hair together.”

Tang Tang’s little face turned dark. He grabbed the hem of Zhao Mengcheng’s clothes and wouldn’t let go, fearing his sister would drag him back to continue braiding.

Zhao Mengcheng pinched his cheek. After a few months, the scar on his face had faded a lot. A child’s recovery power was indeed good, especially since he had been provided with good food and drink.

He had recovered even better than Doctor Liu had predicted, but the scar was in a prominent position and quite large, so it was still visible.

“If you don’t want to do it, just refuse. You don’t always have to give in to Zhao Xin,” Zhao Mengcheng said.

Tang Tang shook his head. “I like playing with Sister.”

Zhao Mengcheng knew he was trying to please the family, and advising him further would be useless, so he said no more.

Given enough time, the child would eventually figure it out for himself.

“Dad, are we just having meat tonight? Are we still eating fish?” Zhao Xin asked.

Zhao Mengcheng asked, “Do you still want fish? Haven’t you grown tired of it yet?”

“Fish is so delicious, how could I ever get tired of it?” Zhao Xin said.

Zhao Mengcheng then said, “Then we’ll have braised pork with fish fillet congee.”

“I love fish fillet congee the most! Dad, I’ll go pick a fish.” Zhao Xin trotted into the kitchen. They hadn’t finished the fish caught from the river earlier, and more had been caught since then. The ones they couldn’t finish were kept in a water vat.

Zhao Xin greedily chose the largest one. “Dad, this one!”

Zhao Mengcheng reached in. No matter how agile the fish was, it couldn’t escape and fell directly into his hand.

With his knife rising and falling, Zhao Mengcheng, who had been killing fish for days, was quick and nimble. He swiftly turned the fish into fresh fillets.

Zhao Xin salivated and asked, “Dad, can raw fish be eaten? I heard Grandpa Fengshou say it can be.”

“It can be eaten, but river fish have parasites. If you eat it raw, worms will easily grow in your stomach.”

Zhao Mengcheng held up a translucent slice and asked, “Do you want to try?”

Zhao Xin immediately lost her craving and shook her head vigorously. “Never mind then. I prefer it cooked.”

Ever since their father got better, their family didn’t even drink raw water. Throughout the four seasons, they only drank water that had been boiled. Their father said this was the only way to keep worms from growing in their stomachs.

Zhao Xin hadn’t been afraid at first, until Zhao Mengcheng took them to see a child who had roundworms.

After seeing that once, even Zhao Chun, who lived the most roughly, didn’t dare drink raw water directly. He didn’t want to pull out long, long worms one day.

Zhao Mengcheng put the raw fish slice down. He couldn’t control other families, but his own children had to eat cooked food.

The raw fish fillets went into the congee, the fresh meat was braised, and two vegetable dishes were prepared to complete the meal.

Zhao Mengcheng timed it perfectly. Just as the food was ready, Zhao Chun and Zhao Mao returned.

As soon as Zhao Chun entered, he looked for water. After gulping down half a bellyful, he shouted, “I’m starving! Dad, can we eat yet?”

“You knew it was time to eat yet you still drank so much water. Will you still have room for food?” Zhao Mengcheng countered.

Zhao Chun chuckled. “I can eat. I could eat a whole cow right now.”

Now he and Zhao Mao traveled together every day, one going to the city’s Escort Agency to practice martial arts and the other to the private school to study. The two brothers had each other for company.

The June heat was intense. Every time the brothers returned, they were drenched in sweat and their clothes were soaked through, but neither ever complained. Instead, they seemed to enjoy it.

“We’re having braised pork and fish fillet porridge today. Go get the bowls,” Zhao Mengcheng called out.

Zhao Chun strolled into the kitchen, shouting, “Xin’er, I learned a move called ‘Divine Dragon Swings Its Tail²‘ today. I’ll teach you later.”

Zhao Xin grumbled, “I’m not learning from you. You trick me every time.”

Zhao Mengcheng’s gaze fell on the second son. “What’s wrong? Were you bullied at the school?”

Zhao Mao was young, but he was meticulous. Since entering the school, he had maintained good relationships with both the teacher and his classmates, never having any conflicts.

Usually, while Zhao Chun was boisterous, Zhao Mao would also share what he had seen and heard during the day.

Today, though nothing showed on his face, he was much quieter. Zhao Mengcheng noticed it immediately.

Zhao Mao pursed his lips. “It’s nothing. I’m just a bit tired.”

Zhao Mengcheng was even more surprised. Normally, if anything was bothering Zhao Mao, he would definitely seek him out to talk. It was rare to see him being evasive.

Had the child grown up and started keeping his own counsel?

Zhao Mengcheng sighed inwardly and called the children to eat first.

The fish fillet porridge had cooled slightly and was just right for eating. Paired with the braised pork and a refreshing cold salad, the meal was thoroughly satisfying.

Zhao Chun ate five bowls of porridge in one go until his belly was bulging. He said proudly, “Now I eat as much as Dad. Zhao Mao, you need to work hard and learn from me.”

“What kind of skill is eating?” Zhao Mao ignored him.

Zhao Chun countered, “I don’t just know how to eat; I know martial arts too. Even Second Brother Cao praised my talent. Dad, just you wait. In the future, I’ll win the title of Martial Arts Scholar for you.”

Zhao Mengcheng didn’t discourage him. “Alright, I’ll be waiting.”

Zhao Chun was the type who couldn’t sit still. Once he finished eating, he began to tidy up. The other children silently helped. Even Xiao Tang had learned how to wash dishes now, stepping onto a small stool to help with the chores every time.

After dinner, while it was still light out, Zhao Mengcheng would rest under the veranda for a while, making revisions to his dredging manual.

Zhao Mao would practice his calligraphy beside him, while Zhao Chun would practice martial arts in the courtyard after finishing his own tasks.

During these times, Zhao Xin and Xiao Tang were never noisy, either practicing their writing or doing their own things.

This was the quietest and most leisurely time of the day for the Zhao Family.

Suddenly, Zhao Mengcheng glanced at the characters Zhao Mao was writing and gave a light cough. “What happened today? Won’t you tell your dad?”

Zhao Mao pressed his lips tight.

Zhao Mengcheng’s brow quirked. “Does it have to do with me?”

Zhao Mao couldn’t hold it back this time. He burst out angrily, “Dad, I don’t want to go to the private school tomorrow! The teacher is too much! He said you’re playing at ghosts and gods, wasting labor and money!”

Translator’s Notes