Miao Cui Lan hurriedly said, “What should we do? Mr Wu, would you want to speak to the village office tomorrow? Perhaps we could gather everyone to build a water canal.”
Mr Wu chuckled, “We should fix the reservoir that stores our water before looking for a new water source from the hills to build the canal from. The ley lines in the hills are thicker, so they will have sufficient water supply that wouldn’t deplete easily. When the time comes, they will be needed! You can dredge the land behind your courtyard and build a small water reservoir which can be useful in the future.”
Lu Xiao Shu was listening in too as she added, “We still have our pond! Are we going to make it wider and deeper? I want to plant some lotus and water chestnuts too!”
Everyone could not help laughing as they listened. Miao Cui Lan chuckled and sighed, “Little girl, you only think of those fish and prawns in the pond! No one would have time for the fish pond when we’re all busy with the reservoir and canal. We have to build our mini reservoir at home too while managing the crops. If you have the strength for it, you can do it yourself.”
Lu Xiao Shu pouted but did not complain. She said promptly, “I will definitely get it done! It’s not easy to rear those fishes and prawns!”
Miao Cui Lan chuckled and shook her head without really minding her.
Miao Chu He’s eyebrows slightly furrowed as he said, “Mr Wu, everyone in the village would listen to you. You should talk to the village officer tomorrow. I believe that the plan will work out. It’s just that if a serious drought is looming, I worry that it won’t only affect our village. I’m afraid that the entire county consisting of eight villages cannot escape the effects of the drought…”
“You’re right,” Mr Wu nodded and exclaimed, “That’s why I’m telling you! You are now a Juren and I believe that the county magistrate will listen to you. Hopefully, you can convince him to have the government make an announcement. That will inform the other villages to prepare themselves with enough food when the harvest is poor. I can’t even imagine how many people will be forced to leave their home when the time comes!”
He sighed as he finished speaking.
Lu Zhong chuckled, “I don’t think that it would be that simple. We don’t have any proof over this prediction. How would the county magistrate listen? After all, it’s about something major in the future.”
Naturally, the county magistrate would have to help if a natural disaster happened. When that happens, if he were to do his best to provide support and rush to report to court, the issue would not concern him anymore, and his efforts would be recognized and greatly rewarded. Meanwhile, if he were to cause a great fuss about something that did not happen yet, he would be greatly humiliated if nothing happened and everyone’s efforts were in vain.
Would the squires, landlord and the people forgive him after the trouble he had caused? If anyone made an official complaint, he might not only lose his job!
It would be impossible for the county magistrate to agree to their requests if he thought about the safety of his own career. There was even a possibility that he would blame Miao Chu He for deluding the public with lies and causing disarray.
That did cross Mr Wu’s mind, but it was in his nature to remind others since he knew what was coming. If he did not know about it, then so be it. However, how could he let the matter rest when so many people would be affected?
Mr Wu laughed bitterly, “Lu Zhong is right and I’ve thought about it many times. With Chu He’s position and rank, the county magistrate would definitely hold a grudge if things didn’t go as expected, yet if we were right, but he didn’t follow our advice, he would be in a very difficult position. I think we need a different plan.”
Miao Chu He hastily added, “It’s fine. Since I know the issue now, I can never forgive myself if I don’t tell him. I should go and see the county magistrate privately. No matter what happens in the future, no one would know about our exchange. Even if he did not heed my warning, the people would not blame him if our prediction came true.”
Lu Xiao Shu could not help but interrupt, “But what if he gets worried that you would rat him out to the people? Since he can’t stop you from saying anything, would that not be very worrying for him?”
Miao Chu He was rendered speechless.
Mr Wu could not help bursting out in laughter as he commented, “You truly are my student. You might have a tiny brain but you’re clever!”
Lu Xiao Shu did not have the slightest bit of modesty as she replied, “My tiny brain has been useful to me since I was little!” Otherwise, how could she have won her battles with Madame Xia?
“Gosh, this kid!” Everyone chuckled and the heavy atmosphere slowly dispersed.
Lu Xiao Shu’s glanced around and tee-heed, “Actually, I think this can be resolved easily! Mr Wu would not need to show up, and neither does my uncle. Can’t we just hire a shaman?”
Everyone stared at her in bewilderment as she finished.
“Who wouldn’t love hearing the words from heaven?” Lu Xiao Shu added.
“What, what, what nonsense are you sprouting? You must not disrespect the Gods!” Miao Cui Lan was flabbergasted.
“I’m talking about a fake shaman! A fake one!” Lu Xiao Shu hastily explained herself.
“Would that not be tricking others?” Miao Chu He was startled.
Everyone could understand what Lu Xiao Shu wanted to do. She was suggesting they hire a shaman to spread the rumor that the Gods had sent word of drought. It would become a fuss among the public and news would reach everyone.
He was a scholar who lived by the orthodox of Confucius and Mencius. Of course, he would feel uncomfortable with the idea.
Nevertheless, Lu Xiao Shu pouted and added as a matter of fact, “It’s just a white lie. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that! Anyway, it won’t cause anyone any harm! It’s the perfect solution that won’t put anyone in a difficult position. Isn’t that okay?”
Miao Chu He was speechless as he glanced towards Lu Zhong.
Lu Zhong merely smiled, but he did not say anything about it.
Meanwhile, Mr Wu burst into laughter as he nodded after some thought, “I think Xiao Shu’s idea isn’t bad. A white lie that won’t require us to bother about the trifle matters. It might be unconventional but hmm… I think it’s great! We should do it her way.”
“Mr Wu, you agree with her too?” Miao Chu He was surprised.
Lu Xiao Shu grinned, “He’s not an old sour teacher who will sit and watch the day pass by. Of course, he would agree to it!”
“You flatter me,” Mr Wu smiled, “But where can we find a shaman that people would trust?”
That posed a problem as everyone realized it. It was not easy to find a shaman just when you need one.
However, time waits for no man. If they did not find out about the issue earlier, how would they have the time to prepare the canal and reservoir?
Lu Qi gave Lu Xiao Shu a look and laughed, “I think Bi Teng Shan Ren would be a great choice.”
“What, what nonsense? Bi Teng Shan Ren? He’s just a painter. How could he be a shaman?” Lu Xiao Shu was shocked by his suggestion and she could not help but protest. She was mad that her brother brought up Bi Teng Shan Ren. If she were exposed, she would give him the cold shoulders…
Miao Chu He’s eyes glinted, “I think Lu Qi is right! Bi Teng Shan Ren can be considered as the most famous man with a secret identity. If he could see the future, no one would doubt him, but where can we find him?”
Miao Chu He sighed and stated without hope, “This Bi Teng Shan Ren had never shown up. We don’t even know if anyone had seen him before! It’s such a pity. Besides, even if we did meet him, he might not agree with our requests.”
Miao Chu He still could not help praising Bi Teng Shan Ren. He wrung his wrists in exasperation because he had never met that man before. That Bi Teng Shan Ren really sounded like a mythical deity!
Lu Xiao Shu was nervous as they talked about it. She thought: Uncle, it’s not that Bi Teng Shan Ren did not want to show himself, he can’t! If he did appear, it would ruin everyone’s expectation of who ‘he’ is! All of you would simply want to beat her up!
“I think the idea is brilliant! Lu Qi, the Lin Family’s Jinshi shop must have some connections to Bi Teng Shan Ren. Why don’t you get Lin Fang’s help and perhaps, we could find the man. Perhaps, we could even convince him.” Mr Wu nodded in agreement.
“There’s no need to say that a drought is coming. We could convince the squires and lords to build a water canal to benefit the people. If the plan works out, it would be a great chance for publicity. I’m sure he would agree. Besides, the county magistrate might even get it done out of courtesy!”
Mr Wu’s tone was laced with sarcasm. Bi Teng Shan Ren might have yet to appear, but he was an influential person who seemed to have a good reputation. A reputable person would never refuse anything that could help them further boost their namesake.
Perhaps he would be wishing to do something to become even more famous!
“Alright, I’ll talk to Lin Fang when I see him.” Lu Qi grinned and glanced at Lu Xiao Shu out of the corner of his eyes, making her roll her eyes at him.
The matter was settled after their discussion.
Before saying their goodbyes, Mr Wu suddenly asked Miao Chu He, “By the way, is Bi Teng Shan Ren’s paintings really that good? I’ve actually never seen it myself!”
Mr Wu was never one for this sort of excitement. Of course, he would not purposely visit Jinshi shop to take a look. That was one of the reasons why Lu Xiao Shu was so daring.
Lu Xiao Shu was in relief a moment ago, but now she was nervous again.
However, Miao Chu He merely nodded and said honestly, “It’s not bad. His paintings are definitely not a fraud. The style and composition of the painting and calligraphy are ingenious and spiritual. At least to my knowledge, the work is incomparable!
“He’s that good?” Mr Wu was astonished as he smiled, “If I get an opportunity, I should take a look as well.”
Miao Chu He laughed, “I believe that you won’t be disappointed!” They chuckled at the comment.
Lu Xiao Shu watched them calmly as she thought gloomily: Sir, you’ll be deeply disappointed instead, because Bi Teng Shan Ren would never allow his work to surface in Gu Xi District ever again…
Mr Wu bid his farewell and everyone prepared to rest for the night. Meanwhile, Lu Xiao Shu shot Lu Qi a look and hinted at him to meet her outside.
“Lu Qi, you’re a scheming and terrible brother! You’re going to get me into trouble!” Lu Xiao Shu was pissed as she ranted at him.
