Chapter 44
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“There’s nothing I can do about the duke going to the capital. I’m ashamed of my inability to repay Huai’en Temple’s hard toil and kind charity,” Wang Wen sighed miserably to the visiting Nianfa.
Because he fervently believed in the prophetic dream sent by Buddha, he hadn’t left Jinyang during the plague outbreak but had adamantly remained in his residence instead, carrying out the disease prevention methods he’d learned from Physician Jiang. He’d stopped using powder and began wearing old clothes. He’d even shelved his prized jade ruyi for a feathered fan.
Unlike smaller, poorer households, the Wang family was able to carry out every precaution to the letter if they wanted to. In the last month, only a handful of servants had shown signs of infection, but all of his family members had escaped unharmed. That only made Wang Wen more adamant in his conviction. He’d heard that several of the families who’d fled Jinyang during the beginning of the outbreak had fallen sick anyways in the mountains. Hardly anyone had come out as unscathed as the Wang family.
He credited his luck in avoiding this disaster to Buddha’s teachings. To Wang Wen, who’d wholeheartedly backed the implementation of disease control measures, it was no less than a miracle. Thus, his faith in Buddhism had grown. Not only had he given alms many times, but he’d also written to all his friends, preaching to them of Buddha’s grace.
But who could’ve thought that the Duke of Dongying, who only returned after everything was over, would club him over the head? He didn’t even commend their efforts, much less give them the chance to enter the capital and behold the emperor’s visage. But Sima Teng was an imperial relative, so despite his indignance, there wasn’t a thing he could do about it besides claim that he was sick and refuse the duke’s invitation to go to Luoyang.
Because of this, his overwhelming guilt had made him blurt his thoughts out when Nianfa arrived at his doorstep.
Nianfa smiled, “There’s no need to feel that way. Saving the people was an edict from the Buddha. It is our prestige and merit to obey his divine will, and that’s not something that anyone can take away from us. In a certain way, this too is providence.”
Wang Wen’s disquiet abated at Nianfa’s reassurance, “But of course! What is the empty glory of the mortal world compared to karmic merit.”
Nianfa chuckled upon seeing Wang Wen pull himself together, “This is the reason my master intends to hold a ceremony in the middle of the seventh month to expiate the souls of the dead and worship the Buddha. Would you willing to honor us with your presence?”
“Isn’t that the day of Zhongyuan Festival?” Wang Wen asked confusedly.
“The day of Ullambana Festival, when Maudgalyāyana saved his mother, is also on the fifteenth of the seventh month,” Nianfa explained.
Wang Wen, who’d studied many sutras himself, instantly understood, “Very true! He was doing good deeds so that his mother’s soul could attain peace in the afterlife. We really should have a ceremony to celebrate the end of this plague, your abbot is most considerate! I’ll be sure to attend personally to thank the monks of Huai’en Temple for their mercy.”
Nianfa smiled, “Much obliged, Controller Wang. Aside from this, I have a small matter to ask of you. Jinyang was saved this time due to the counsel that Buddha conveyed through dream. If not for Benefactor Liang, there wouldn’t be the medical center and all its healers, not to mention that most sublime scripture. Thus I implore you, controller, to invite Benefactor Liang to Huai’en Temple. The monks are all willing to light incense and chant sutras so that he might avoid mischance and meet with fortune.”
Wang Wen hadn’t expected that request. But he felt rather indebted to Liang Feng as well. If his contribution could be known to the emperor, his reputation would soar immensely. With his looks and character, he could surely win over all the powerful nobles in the capital. But now, all of that was an impossibility.
After a long moment of consideration, Wang Wen nodded, “As the Buddha was the one to begin this all, let it end with the monks’ prayers. I will write to the Liang Estate and see what he thinks. Although, since Liang Zixi’s condition is frail, he might not be able to attend. I can only hope that such boundless merit might let his health recover….”
※
The summer heat was most intense at the tail of the sixth month. The cicadas cried tirelessly. Two figures carven from jade, one tall, one small, strolled along the long corridors, heading towards a watchtower in a side courtyard.
Ktf ajiifg bcf kbgf j rlcuif atlc rlixfc gbyf jcv kbbvfc ufaj. Ufgtjqr yfmjerf bo atf tfja, tf obgfkfca rbmxr, fzqbrlcu tlr oijkifrris vfilmjaf jcv qjif offa. Llr ufaj mijmxfv mtjgwlcuis jujlcra atf oibbg. Ktf rwjiifg bcf kbgf kliibk-ugffc mtliv’r mibatfr jcv rboa, ygbmjvf rtbfr. Llr oiertfv ojmf kjr gbecv jr j qfjgi jcv pera jr ibnfis jcv fcvfjglcu.
They held hands along the way to the watchtower. The child craned his neck and exhorted, “Dad, watch your step!”
“Mhmm, you too, Rong-er,” Liang Feng replied smilingly.
The two didn’t need servants to lend their support as they climbed the tower. It was tall as three houses. By the time the two of them, one feeble, one young, reached the top, they were somewhat out of breath. Lüzhu hurriedly handed them warm wet towels, “Master, young master, dry off your sweat first. You mustn’t catch a cold.”
At this time of year, one could work up a sweat even if they didn’t move. It wasn’t so easy to catch a cold. But Liang Feng didn’t turn away Lüzhu’s kind intentions. He took a towel and dabbed at his forehead. The mini person next to him primly wiped his face before looking out towards the rest of the estate.
“Do you still remember what’s growing in the fields, Rong-er?” Liang Feng offhandedly asked after handing his towel to Lüzhu.
“Over there is millet rice! Over there is soybeans! Those are the hemp fields…” Liang Rong excitedly pointed out.
“Correct. Then can you see what the farmers are doing?” Liang Feng continued.
That question was more difficult. They were so far away from the farmsteads that all they could see were a bunch of ant-like shapes busying about. Liang Rong thought for a good while before mumbling, “I think they’re… watering the fields?”
“This is a drought year. In order for the millet rice to grow properly, they have to make sure the soil stays moisturized,” Liang Feng explained patiently. “They also have to apply fertilizer, shore up the ridges between fields, chase away birds… in order to reap a larger harvest, they must invest more labor. From this, you can see what hardship farmers must endure.”
Liang Rong nodded muddleheadedly then asked, “Dad, do I have to learn this too?”
“You must learn, not how to plant fields but how they should be planted, when to sow and when to harvest, how to weather drought and withstand flood, the benefits of rotating and diversifying crops, and how the change in weather affects the fields… all this has been recorded in agricultural texts by those who came before us. Only with these books can you distinguish the five grains, know the seasons, and understand your lands. Then, you can face disaster when it strikes and tell when you are being lied to.”
Those were all things that Liang Feng had only begun to grasp over the last two months. He’d learned much about agriculture just from the “Book of Fan Sheng” and “Monthly Instructions for Four Classes of People.” Using those books, he could even instruct old experienced farmers how to protect their crops against drought. In this age, most people’s livelihoods depended on the weather, but there were few who were able to systemize their agricultural knowledge. Often what they were missing was that final step of extracting the essence of their experience. But once a hole was poked through the paper window, the rest would follow in due course. That was why agricultural texts were so important.
Liang Feng didn’t want Liang Rong to become a pedant who only knew how to recite poetry, so, as they sought shelter from the summer heat atop the watchtower, he made him look at their family’s holdings and learn some general knowledge.
Liang Rong pondered for a moment then said, “I understand. If you understand agriculture, you can promote farming, increase yield, and let the people live better.”
“You’re very smart, Rong-er,” Liang Feng spoke from his heart. Not only was Liang Rong smart, but he was meticulous and patient. He had a steady calm that was far beyond his years. It only made him want to teach him all the more.
Just then, they suddenly heard a spate of neighing from below. Liang Rong’s eyes brightened, “Dad, they’re training horses again! Can I watch?”
“You can.”
Having gotten permission, Liang Rong hopped to his feet and dashed over to the wooden railing. Dust clouds rose up as the cavalrymen spurred their horses across the field. Liang Rong’s eyes were glued to the sight as he asked, “Dad, I want to learn how to ride too!”
Liang Feng nearly laughed aloud. The child had been fixated on learning horsemanship ever since the first time he saw Yiyan training the cavalry, never mind the fact that his little legs were too short to reach the stirrups.
He cleared his throat and said, “You’re too small, Rong-er. If you learn to ride now, your legs will change shape and you won’t grow tall.”
Liang Rong dumbly turned and looked at him, “But Sergeant Yiyan is really tall!”
“That’s because he didn’t learn to ride till he was older,” Liang Feng smilingly refuted. “You’ll have to wait till you’re at least six before learning archery and horseback riding.”
Liang Rong’s little face instantly fell, though he didn’t cry. A moment later, he said weakly, “I’ll be six really soon.”
“Haha, be good, Rong-er,” Liang Feng wanted to scoop the child into his arms and squish him. “Once you’ve learned all the characters in ‘The Classic of Filial Piety,’ I’ll buy a young colt for you that you may raise yourself.”
Liang Feng was not a “strict father” by the standards of this time. It couldn’t have been any easier to promise his child a pet. Liang Rong beamed, “Thanks, dad!”
As they were chatting, a swift steed bolted into the estate. Soon after, a servant brought a letter up the watchtower, “Master, there’s correspondence from Jinyang.”
“Oh? Hand it over.” Liang Feng received the letter. Unexpectedly, there were two this time, one from Jiang Da and one from Wang Wen. Liang Feng opened Jiang Da’s first without hesitation. He only took a few glances before exclaiming, “The plague in Jinyang has been suppressed!”
Jiang Da had thoroughly described the recent happenings in Jinyang. The spread of the disease had been completely controlled, due in large part to the medical center and the monks of Huai’en Temple. If it weren’t for the cooperation between the two, they couldn’t have managed it so easily. Then, he wrote that Physician Jiang was compiling a new medical text, and assured that once it was completed, Liang Feng’s name was sure to be in it.
After rambling on for five pages, the subject changed as he mentioned going to the capital. He didn’t seem enthused about it at all; he wrote that he’d failed to live up to Liang Feng’s trust, and that he’d find another doctor to help with his health, etc., etc. Liang Feng couldn’t help frowning at his bleak tone. In this era, wasn’t going to the capital and meeting the emperor the highest honor? Why was Jiang Da so unhappy about it?
Once he set down Jiang Da’s letter and read Wang Wen’s, he realized why. Wang Wen’s letter was much the same, save for the details about the Duke of Dongying. He rather ashamedly spoke of how the duke had neglected to bring any of the monks of Huai’en Temple with him. Then he mentioned that the temple was planning to hold a ceremony in the seventh month, during which they would also pray for his fortune, and inquired as to whether he would be able to travel to Jinyang and attend.
After attentively examining both letters, Liang Feng’s brows unfurrowed. It seemed that the Duke of Dongying was the cause of this trouble. Was it because Sima Teng had snubbed the monks that Huai’en Temple decided to hold a ceremony to promote his name? No wonder Jiang Da was so cheerless. They weren’t going to the capital to celebrate their success, they were just being used as political pawns.
Liang Feng had heard of numerous such occurrences during family gatherings and knew how the routine went. When something got done, someone would get promoted or rewarded; but the people who benefited most were never the base-level personnel. Only the superiors would be credited for their excellent leadership and noted for their achievements.
Of course, Liang Feng had no interest in such lousy trifles. What caught his attention the most was the invitation to attend Huai’en Temple’s ceremony.
Seeing his father’s odd expression, Liang Rong quietly asked, “Dad, is something the matter?”
“Controller Wang has invited me to Jinyang.”
“Then… then, are you going to go, dad?” Liang Rong fretted worriedly. His father’s health hadn’t recovered yet. Was he really going to go so far away?
Liang Feng snapped out of his daze and gently patted Liang Rong’s head, “Of course. This chance is hard to come by!”
He spoke a few words of reassurance to him, then had a maid lead him down the watchtower. Then he turned and said to Lüzhu, “Call Jiang Ni over. There’s something I need him to do.”
Shortly, Jiang Ni came jogging over. Liang Feng got straight to the point, “Have grain prices been severely inflating recently?”
Jiang Ni’s heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly answered, “That’s right, master. Now that the summer harvest’s already over, there’s not enough grain on the market and the noble families have started hoarding grain. I figure it’ll be a while before it comes back down.”
“If the merchants are short on grain, then do the nobles have any on their hands?” Liang Feng asked.
Not understanding what his master was getting at, Jiang Ni truthfully replied, “Noble families will have stores of grain, anywhere from a hundred stone up to a thousand stone. But they’re too prideful to buy and sell grain directly, they go through grain merchants as middlemen.”
The nobles would never lack for grain. What family didn’t have a few high and mighty officials? Just their salary was already a hefty sum. Not to mention that with the hundreds of mu of land they owned, they could afford to sell up to a thousand stones of grain each year. The drought had no impact on their finances at all. They might even take advantage of the chaos to buy a few more serfs and servants to expand their holdings.
Liang Feng chuckled, “It’s all good as long as they have grain. In a few days, I’ll be heading to Jinyang to attend a Buddhist ceremony. I want you to go there ahead of me with the messenger from the Wang Residence and probe out the situation there.”
Jiang Ni blinked. What situation?
Liang Feng smiled breezily at his confusion, “Didn’t I say before that I wanted to buy grain from Jinyang? This is the perfect opportunity to do so. I have a letter for you to bring to the Wang Residence, then I want you to……”
Jiang Ni’s eyes widened after hearing his master’s orders. Could this really work?
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“There’s nothing I can do about the duke going to the capital. I’m ashamed of my inability to repay Huai’en Temple’s hard toil and kind charity,” Wang Wen sighed miserably to the visiting Nianfa.
Because he fervently believed in the prophetic dream sent by Buddha, he hadn’t left Jinyang during the plague outbreak but had adamantly remained in his residence instead, carrying out the disease prevention methods he’d learned from Physician Jiang. He’d stopped using powder and began wearing old clothes. He’d even shelved his prized jade ruyi for a feathered fan.
Unlike smaller, poorer households, the Wang family was able to carry out every precaution to the letter if they wanted to. In the last month, only a handful of servants had shown signs of infection, but all of his family members had escaped unharmed. That only made Wang Wen more adamant in his conviction. He’d heard that several of the families who’d fled Jinyang during the beginning of the outbreak had fallen sick anyways in the mountains. Hardly anyone had come out as unscathed as the Wang family.
He credited his luck in avoiding this disaster to Buddha’s teachings. To Wang Wen, who’d wholeheartedly backed the implementation of disease control measures, it was no less than a miracle. Thus, his faith in Buddhism had grown. Not only had he given alms many times, but he’d also written to all his friends, preaching to them of Buddha’s grace.
But who could’ve thought that the Duke of Dongying, who only returned after everything was over, would club him over the head? He didn’t even commend their efforts, much less give them the chance to enter the capital and behold the emperor’s visage. But Sima Teng was an imperial relative, so despite his indignance, there wasn’t a thing he could do about it besides claim that he was sick and refuse the duke’s invitation to go to Luoyang.
Because of this, his overwhelming guilt had made him blurt his thoughts out when Nianfa arrived at his doorstep.
Nianfa smiled, “There’s no need to feel that way. Saving the people was an edict from the Buddha. It is our prestige and merit to obey his divine will, and that’s not something that anyone can take away from us. In a certain way, this too is providence.”
Wang Wen’s disquiet abated at Nianfa’s reassurance, “But of course! What is the empty glory of the mortal world compared to karmic merit.”
Nianfa chuckled upon seeing Wang Wen pull himself together, “This is the reason my master intends to hold a ceremony in the middle of the seventh month to expiate the souls of the dead and worship the Buddha. Would you willing to honor us with your presence?”
“Isn’t that the day of Zhongyuan Festival?” Wang Wen asked confusedly.
“The day of Ullambana Festival, when Maudgalyāyana saved his mother, is also on the fifteenth of the seventh month,” Nianfa explained.
Wang Wen, who’d studied many sutras himself, instantly understood, “Very true! He was doing good deeds so that his mother’s soul could attain peace in the afterlife. We really should have a ceremony to celebrate the end of this plague, your abbot is most considerate! I’ll be sure to attend personally to thank the monks of Huai’en Temple for their mercy.”
Nianfa smiled, “Much obliged, Controller Wang. Aside from this, I have a small matter to ask of you. Jinyang was saved this time due to the counsel that Buddha conveyed through dream. If not for Benefactor Liang, there wouldn’t be the medical center and all its healers, not to mention that most sublime scripture. Thus I implore you, controller, to invite Benefactor Liang to Huai’en Temple. The monks are all willing to light incense and chant sutras so that he might avoid mischance and meet with fortune.”
Wang Wen hadn’t expected that request. But he felt rather indebted to Liang Feng as well. If his contribution could be known to the emperor, his reputation would soar immensely. With his looks and character, he could surely win over all the powerful nobles in the capital. But now, all of that was an impossibility.
After a long moment of consideration, Wang Wen nodded, “As the Buddha was the one to begin this all, let it end with the monks’ prayers. I will write to the Liang Estate and see what he thinks. Although, since Liang Zixi’s condition is frail, he might not be able to attend. I can only hope that such boundless merit might let his health recover….”
※
The summer heat was most intense at the tail of the sixth month. The cicadas cried tirelessly. Two figures carven from jade, one tall, one small, strolled along the long corridors, heading towards a watchtower in a side courtyard.
Ktf ajiifg bcf kbgf j rlcuif atlc rlixfc gbyf jcv kbbvfc ufaj. Ufgtjqr yfmjerf bo atf tfja, tf obgfkfca rbmxr, fzqbrlcu tlr oijkifrris vfilmjaf jcv qjif offa. Llr ufaj mijmxfv mtjgwlcuis jujlcra atf oibbg. Ktf rwjiifg bcf kbgf kliibk-ugffc mtliv’r mibatfr jcv rboa, ygbmjvf rtbfr. Llr oiertfv ojmf kjr gbecv jr j qfjgi jcv pera jr ibnfis jcv fcvfjglcu.
They held hands along the way to the watchtower. The child craned his neck and exhorted, “Dad, watch your step!”
“Mhmm, you too, Rong-er,” Liang Feng replied smilingly.
The two didn’t need servants to lend their support as they climbed the tower. It was tall as three houses. By the time the two of them, one feeble, one young, reached the top, they were somewhat out of breath. Lüzhu hurriedly handed them warm wet towels, “Master, young master, dry off your sweat first. You mustn’t catch a cold.”
At this time of year, one could work up a sweat even if they didn’t move. It wasn’t so easy to catch a cold. But Liang Feng didn’t turn away Lüzhu’s kind intentions. He took a towel and dabbed at his forehead. The mini person next to him primly wiped his face before looking out towards the rest of the estate.
“Do you still remember what’s growing in the fields, Rong-er?” Liang Feng offhandedly asked after handing his towel to Lüzhu.
“Over there is millet rice! Over there is soybeans! Those are the hemp fields…” Liang Rong excitedly pointed out.
“Correct. Then can you see what the farmers are doing?” Liang Feng continued.
That question was more difficult. They were so far away from the farmsteads that all they could see were a bunch of ant-like shapes busying about. Liang Rong thought for a good while before mumbling, “I think they’re… watering the fields?”
“This is a drought year. In order for the millet rice to grow properly, they have to make sure the soil stays moisturized,” Liang Feng explained patiently. “They also have to apply fertilizer, shore up the ridges between fields, chase away birds… in order to reap a larger harvest, they must invest more labor. From this, you can see what hardship farmers must endure.”
Liang Rong nodded muddleheadedly then asked, “Dad, do I have to learn this too?”
“You must learn, not how to plant fields but how they should be planted, when to sow and when to harvest, how to weather drought and withstand flood, the benefits of rotating and diversifying crops, and how the change in weather affects the fields… all this has been recorded in agricultural texts by those who came before us. Only with these books can you distinguish the five grains, know the seasons, and understand your lands. Then, you can face disaster when it strikes and tell when you are being lied to.”
Those were all things that Liang Feng had only begun to grasp over the last two months. He’d learned much about agriculture just from the “Book of Fan Sheng” and “Monthly Instructions for Four Classes of People.” Using those books, he could even instruct old experienced farmers how to protect their crops against drought. In this age, most people’s livelihoods depended on the weather, but there were few who were able to systemize their agricultural knowledge. Often what they were missing was that final step of extracting the essence of their experience. But once a hole was poked through the paper window, the rest would follow in due course. That was why agricultural texts were so important.
Liang Feng didn’t want Liang Rong to become a pedant who only knew how to recite poetry, so, as they sought shelter from the summer heat atop the watchtower, he made him look at their family’s holdings and learn some general knowledge.
Liang Rong pondered for a moment then said, “I understand. If you understand agriculture, you can promote farming, increase yield, and let the people live better.”
“You’re very smart, Rong-er,” Liang Feng spoke from his heart. Not only was Liang Rong smart, but he was meticulous and patient. He had a steady calm that was far beyond his years. It only made him want to teach him all the more.
Just then, they suddenly heard a spate of neighing from below. Liang Rong’s eyes brightened, “Dad, they’re training horses again! Can I watch?”
“You can.”
Having gotten permission, Liang Rong hopped to his feet and dashed over to the wooden railing. Dust clouds rose up as the cavalrymen spurred their horses across the field. Liang Rong’s eyes were glued to the sight as he asked, “Dad, I want to learn how to ride too!”
Liang Feng nearly laughed aloud. The child had been fixated on learning horsemanship ever since the first time he saw Yiyan training the cavalry, never mind the fact that his little legs were too short to reach the stirrups.
He cleared his throat and said, “You’re too small, Rong-er. If you learn to ride now, your legs will change shape and you won’t grow tall.”
Liang Rong dumbly turned and looked at him, “But Sergeant Yiyan is really tall!”
“That’s because he didn’t learn to ride till he was older,” Liang Feng smilingly refuted. “You’ll have to wait till you’re at least six before learning archery and horseback riding.”
Liang Rong’s little face instantly fell, though he didn’t cry. A moment later, he said weakly, “I’ll be six really soon.”
“Haha, be good, Rong-er,” Liang Feng wanted to scoop the child into his arms and squish him. “Once you’ve learned all the characters in ‘The Classic of Filial Piety,’ I’ll buy a young colt for you that you may raise yourself.”
Liang Feng was not a “strict father” by the standards of this time. It couldn’t have been any easier to promise his child a pet. Liang Rong beamed, “Thanks, dad!”
As they were chatting, a swift steed bolted into the estate. Soon after, a servant brought a letter up the watchtower, “Master, there’s correspondence from Jinyang.”
“Oh? Hand it over.” Liang Feng received the letter. Unexpectedly, there were two this time, one from Jiang Da and one from Wang Wen. Liang Feng opened Jiang Da’s first without hesitation. He only took a few glances before exclaiming, “The plague in Jinyang has been suppressed!”
Jiang Da had thoroughly described the recent happenings in Jinyang. The spread of the disease had been completely controlled, due in large part to the medical center and the monks of Huai’en Temple. If it weren’t for the cooperation between the two, they couldn’t have managed it so easily. Then, he wrote that Physician Jiang was compiling a new medical text, and assured that once it was completed, Liang Feng’s name was sure to be in it.
After rambling on for five pages, the subject changed as he mentioned going to the capital. He didn’t seem enthused about it at all; he wrote that he’d failed to live up to Liang Feng’s trust, and that he’d find another doctor to help with his health, etc., etc. Liang Feng couldn’t help frowning at his bleak tone. In this era, wasn’t going to the capital and meeting the emperor the highest honor? Why was Jiang Da so unhappy about it?
Once he set down Jiang Da’s letter and read Wang Wen’s, he realized why. Wang Wen’s letter was much the same, save for the details about the Duke of Dongying. He rather ashamedly spoke of how the duke had neglected to bring any of the monks of Huai’en Temple with him. Then he mentioned that the temple was planning to hold a ceremony in the seventh month, during which they would also pray for his fortune, and inquired as to whether he would be able to travel to Jinyang and attend.
After attentively examining both letters, Liang Feng’s brows unfurrowed. It seemed that the Duke of Dongying was the cause of this trouble. Was it because Sima Teng had snubbed the monks that Huai’en Temple decided to hold a ceremony to promote his name? No wonder Jiang Da was so cheerless. They weren’t going to the capital to celebrate their success, they were just being used as political pawns.
Liang Feng had heard of numerous such occurrences during family gatherings and knew how the routine went. When something got done, someone would get promoted or rewarded; but the people who benefited most were never the base-level personnel. Only the superiors would be credited for their excellent leadership and noted for their achievements.
Of course, Liang Feng had no interest in such lousy trifles. What caught his attention the most was the invitation to attend Huai’en Temple’s ceremony.
Seeing his father’s odd expression, Liang Rong quietly asked, “Dad, is something the matter?”
“Controller Wang has invited me to Jinyang.”
“Then… then, are you going to go, dad?” Liang Rong fretted worriedly. His father’s health hadn’t recovered yet. Was he really going to go so far away?
Liang Feng snapped out of his daze and gently patted Liang Rong’s head, “Of course. This chance is hard to come by!”
He spoke a few words of reassurance to him, then had a maid lead him down the watchtower. Then he turned and said to Lüzhu, “Call Jiang Ni over. There’s something I need him to do.”
Shortly, Jiang Ni came jogging over. Liang Feng got straight to the point, “Have grain prices been severely inflating recently?”
Jiang Ni’s heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly answered, “That’s right, master. Now that the summer harvest’s already over, there’s not enough grain on the market and the noble families have started hoarding grain. I figure it’ll be a while before it comes back down.”
“If the merchants are short on grain, then do the nobles have any on their hands?” Liang Feng asked.
Not understanding what his master was getting at, Jiang Ni truthfully replied, “Noble families will have stores of grain, anywhere from a hundred stone up to a thousand stone. But they’re too prideful to buy and sell grain directly, they go through grain merchants as middlemen.”
The nobles would never lack for grain. What family didn’t have a few high and mighty officials? Just their salary was already a hefty sum. Not to mention that with the hundreds of mu of land they owned, they could afford to sell up to a thousand stones of grain each year. The drought had no impact on their finances at all. They might even take advantage of the chaos to buy a few more serfs and servants to expand their holdings.
Liang Feng chuckled, “It’s all good as long as they have grain. In a few days, I’ll be heading to Jinyang to attend a Buddhist ceremony. I want you to go there ahead of me with the messenger from the Wang Residence and probe out the situation there.”
Jiang Ni blinked. What situation?
Liang Feng smiled breezily at his confusion, “Didn’t I say before that I wanted to buy grain from Jinyang? This is the perfect opportunity to do so. I have a letter for you to bring to the Wang Residence, then I want you to……”
Jiang Ni’s eyes widened after hearing his master’s orders. Could this really work?
There's nothing I can do about the duke going to the capital. I'm ashamed of my inability to repay Huai'en Temple's hard toil and kind charity, Wang Wen sighed miserably to the visiting Nianfa.Because he fervently believed in the prophetic dream sent by Buddha, he hadn't left Jinyang during the plague outbreak but had adamantly remained in his residence instead, carrying out the disease prevention methods he'd learned from Physician Jiang. He'd stopped using powder and began wearing old clothes. He'd even shelved his prized jade ruyi for a feathered fan.Unlike smaller, poorer households, the Wang family was able to carry out every precaution to the letter if they wanted to. In the last month, only a handful of servants had shown signs of infection, but all of his family members had escaped unharmed. That only made Wang Wen more adamant in his conviction. He'd heard that several of the families who'd fled Jinyang during the beginning of the outbreak had fallen sick anyways in the mountains. Hardly anyone had come out as unscathed as the Wang family.He credited his luck in avoiding this disaster to Buddha's teachings. To Wang Wen, who'd wholeheartedly backed the implementation of disease control measures, it was no less than a miracle. Thus, his faith in Buddhism had grown. Not only had he given alms many times, but he'd also written to all his friends, preaching to them of Buddha's grace.But who could've thought that the Duke of Dongying, who only returned after everything was over, would club him over the head? He didn't even commend their efforts, much less give them the chance to enter the capital and behold the emperor's visage. But Sima Teng was an imperial relative, so despite his indignance, there wasn't a thing he could do about it besides claim that he was sick and refuse the duke's invitation to go to Luoyang.Because of this, his overwhelming guilt had made him blurt his thoughts out when Nianfa arrived at his doorstep.Nianfa smiled, There's no need to feel that way. Saving the people was an edict from the Buddha. It is our prestige and merit to obey his divine will, and that's not something that anyone can take away from us. In a certain way, this too is providence.Wang Wen's disquiet abated at Nianfa's reassurance, But of course! What is the empty glory of the mortal world compared to karmic merit.Nianfa chuckled upon seeing Wang Wen pull himself together, This is the reason my master intends to hold a ceremony in the middle of the seventh month to expiate the souls of the dead and worship the Buddha. Would you willing to honor us with your presence?Isn't that the day of Zhongyuan Festival? Wang Wen asked confusedly.The day of Ullambana Festival, when Maudgalyyana saved his mother, is also on the fifteenth of the seventh month, Nianfa explained.Wang Wen, who'd studied many sutras himself, instantly understood, Very true! He was doing good deeds so that his mother's soul could attain peace in the afterlife. We really should have a ceremony to celebrate the end of this plague, your abbot is most considerate! I'll be sure to attend personally to thank the monks of Huai'en Temple for their mercy.Nianfa smiled, Much obliged, Controller Wang. Aside from this, I have a small matter to ask of you. Jinyang was saved this time due to the counsel that Buddha conveyed through dream. If not for Benefactor Liang, there wouldn't be the medical center and all its healers, not to mention that most sublime scripture. Thus I implore you, controller, to invite Benefactor Liang to Huai'en Temple. The monks are all willing to light incense and chant sutras so that he might avoid mischance and meet with fortune.Wang Wen hadn't expected that request. But he felt rather indebted to Liang Feng as well. If his contribution could be known to the emperor, his reputation would soar immensely. With his looks and character, he could surely win over all the powerful nobles in the capital. But now, all of that was an impossibility.After a long moment of consideration, Wang Wen nodded, As the Buddha was the one to begin this all, let it end with the monks' prayers. I will write to the Liang Estate and see what he thinks. Although, since Liang Zixi's condition is frail, he might not be able to attend. I can only hope that such boundless merit might let his health recover.The summer heat was most intense at the tail of the sixth month. The cicadas cried tirelessly. Two figures carven from jade, one tall, one small, strolled along the long corridors, heading towards a watchtower in a side courtyard.Ktf ajiifg bcf kbgf j rlcuif atlc rlixfc gbyf jcv kbbvfc ufaj. Ufgtjqr yfmjerf bo atf tfja, tf obgfkfca rbmxr, fzqbrlcu tlr oijkifrris vfilmjaf jcv qjif offa. Llr ufaj mijmxfv mtjgwlcuis jujlcra atf oibbg. Ktf rwjiifg bcf kbgf kliibk-ugffc mtliv'r mibatfr jcv rboa, ygbmjvf rtbfr. Llr oiertfv ojmf kjr gbecv jr j qfjgi jcv pera jr ibnfis jcv fcvfjglcu.They held hands along the way to the watchtower. The child craned his neck and exhorted, Dad, watch your step!Mhmm, you too, Rong-er, Liang Feng replied smilingly.The two didn't need servants to lend their support as they climbed the tower. It was tall as three houses. By the time the two of them, one feeble, one young, reached the top, they were somewhat out of breath. Lzhu hurriedly handed them warm wet towels, Master, young master, dry off your sweat first. You mustn't catch a cold.At this time of year, one could work up a sweat even if they didn't move. It wasn't so easy to catch a cold. But Liang Feng didn't turn away Lzhu's kind intentions. He took a towel and dabbed at his forehead. The mini person next to him primly wiped his face before looking out towards the rest of the estate.Do you still remember what's growing in the fields, Rong-er? Liang Feng offhandedly asked after handing his towel to Lzhu.Over there is millet rice! Over there is soybeans! Those are the hemp fields Liang Rong excitedly pointed out.Correct. Then can you see what the farmers are doing? Liang Feng continued.That question was more difficult. They were so far away from the farmsteads that all they could see were a bunch of ant-like shapes busying about. Liang Rong thought for a good while before mumbling, I think they're watering the fields?This is a drought year. In order for the millet rice to grow properly, they have to make sure the soil stays moisturized, Liang Feng explained patiently. They also have to apply fertilizer, shore up the ridges between fields, chase away birds in order to reap a larger harvest, they must invest more labor. From this, you can see what hardship farmers must endure.Liang Rong nodded muddleheadedly then asked, Dad, do I have to learn this too?You must learn, not how to plant fields but how they should be planted, when to sow and when to harvest, how to weather drought and withstand flood, the benefits of rotating and diversifying crops, and how the change in weather affects the fields all this has been recorded in agricultural texts by those who came before us. Only with these books can you distinguish the five grains, know the seasons, and understand your lands. Then, you can face disaster when it strikes and tell when you are being lied to.Those were all things that Liang Feng had only begun to grasp over the last two months. He'd learned much about agriculture just from the Book of Fan Sheng and Monthly Instructions for Four Classes of People. Using those books, he could even instruct old experienced farmers how to protect their crops against drought. In this age, most people's livelihoods depended on the weather, but there were few who were able to systemize their agricultural knowledge. Often what they were missing was that final step of extracting the essence of their experience. But once a hole was poked through the paper window, the rest would follow in due course. That was why agricultural texts were so important.Liang Feng didn't want Liang Rong to become a pedant who only knew how to recite poetry, so, as they sought shelter from the summer heat atop the watchtower, he made him look at their family's holdings and learn some general knowledge.Liang Rong pondered for a moment then said, I understand. If you understand agriculture, you can promote farming, increase yield, and let the people live better.You're very smart, Rong-er, Liang Feng spoke from his heart. Not only was Liang Rong smart, but he was meticulous and patient. He had a steady calm that was far beyond his years. It only made him want to teach him all the more.Just then, they suddenly heard a spate of neighing from below. Liang Rong's eyes brightened, Dad, they're training horses again! Can I watch?You can.Having gotten permission, Liang Rong hopped to his feet and dashed over to the wooden railing. Dust clouds rose up as the cavalrymen spurred their horses across the field. Liang Rong's eyes were glued to the sight as he asked, Dad, I want to learn how to ride too!Liang Feng nearly laughed aloud. The child had been fixated on learning horsemanship ever since the first time he saw Yiyan training the cavalry, never mind the fact that his little legs were too short to reach the stirrups.He cleared his throat and said, You're too small, Rong-er. If you learn to ride now, your legs will change shape and you won't grow tall.Liang Rong dumbly turned and looked at him, But Sergeant Yiyan is really tall!That's because he didn't learn to ride till he was older, Liang Feng smilingly refuted. You'll have to wait till you're at least six before learning archery and horseback riding.Liang Rong's little face instantly fell, though he didn't cry. A moment later, he said weakly, I'll be six really soon.Haha, be good, Rong-er, Liang Feng wanted to scoop the child into his arms and squish him. Once you've learned all the characters in The Classic of Filial Piety,' I'll buy a young colt for you that you may raise yourself.Liang Feng was not a strict father by the standards of this time. It couldn't have been any easier to promise his child a pet. Liang Rong beamed, Thanks, dad!As they were chatting, a swift steed bolted into the estate. Soon after, a servant brought a letter up the watchtower, Master, there's correspondence from Jinyang.Oh? Hand it over. Liang Feng received the letter. Unexpectedly, there were two this time, one from Jiang Da and one from Wang Wen. Liang Feng opened Jiang Da's first without hesitation. He only took a few glances before exclaiming, The plague in Jinyang has been suppressed!Jiang Da had thoroughly described the recent happenings in Jinyang. The spread of the disease had been completely controlled, due in large part to the medical center and the monks of Huai'en Temple. If it weren't for the cooperation between the two, they couldn't have managed it so easily. Then, he wrote that Physician Jiang was compiling a new medical text, and assured that once it was completed, Liang Feng's name was sure to be in it.After rambling on for five pages, the subject changed as he mentioned going to the capital. He didn't seem enthused about it at all; he wrote that he'd failed to live up to Liang Feng's trust, and that he'd find another doctor to help with his health, etc., etc. Liang Feng couldn't help frowning at his bleak tone. In this era, wasn't going to the capital and meeting the emperor the highest honor? Why was Jiang Da so unhappy about it?Once he set down Jiang Da's letter and read Wang Wen's, he realized why. Wang Wen's letter was much the same, save for the details about the Duke of Dongying. He rather ashamedly spoke of how the duke had neglected to bring any of the monks of Huai'en Temple with him. Then he mentioned that the temple was planning to hold a ceremony in the seventh month, during which they would also pray for his fortune, and inquired as to whether he would be able to travel to Jinyang and attend.After attentively examining both letters, Liang Feng's brows unfurrowed. It seemed that the Duke of Dongying was the cause of this trouble. Was it because Sima Teng had snubbed the monks that Huai'en Temple decided to hold a ceremony to promote his name? No wonder Jiang Da was so cheerless. They weren't going to the capital to celebrate their success, they were just being used as political pawns.Liang Feng had heard of numerous such occurrences during family gatherings and knew how the routine went. When something got done, someone would get promoted or rewarded; but the people who benefited most were never the base-level personnel. Only the superiors would be credited for their excellent leadership and noted for their achievements.Of course, Liang Feng had no interest in such lousy trifles. What caught his attention the most was the invitation to attend Huai'en Temple's ceremony.Seeing his father's odd expression, Liang Rong quietly asked, Dad, is something the matter?Controller Wang has invited me to Jinyang.Then then, are you going to go, dad? Liang Rong fretted worriedly. His father's health hadn't recovered yet. Was he really going to go so far away?Liang Feng snapped out of his daze and gently patted Liang Rong's head, Of course. This chance is hard to come by!He spoke a few words of reassurance to him, then had a maid lead him down the watchtower. Then he turned and said to Lzhu, Call Jiang Ni over. There's something I need him to do.Shortly, Jiang Ni came jogging over. Liang Feng got straight to the point, Have grain prices been severely inflating recently?Jiang Ni's heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly answered, That's right, master. Now that the summer harvest's already over, there's not enough grain on the market and the noble families have started hoarding grain. I figure it'll be a while before it comes back down.If the merchants are short on grain, then do the nobles have any on their hands? Liang Feng asked.Not understanding what his master was getting at, Jiang Ni truthfully replied, Noble families will have stores of grain, anywhere from a hundred stone up to a thousand stone. But they're too prideful to buy and sell grain directly, they go through grain merchants as middlemen.The nobles would never lack for grain. What family didn't have a few high and mighty officials? Just their salary was already a hefty sum. Not to mention that with the hundreds of mu of land they owned, they could afford to sell up to a thousand stones of grain each year. The drought had no impact on their finances at all. They might even take advantage of the chaos to buy a few more serfs and servants to expand their holdings.Liang Feng chuckled, It's all good as long as they have grain. In a few days, I'll be heading to Jinyang to attend a Buddhist ceremony. I want you to go there ahead of me with the messenger from the Wang Residence and probe out the situation there.Jiang Ni blinked. What situation?Liang Feng smiled breezily at his confusion, Didn't I say before that I wanted to buy grain from Jinyang? This is the perfect opportunity to do so. I have a letter for you to bring to the Wang Residence, then I want you toJiang Ni's eyes widened after hearing his master's orders. Could this really work?
