“Fields with different terrains naturally cannot be connected. What I mean by connecting them are fields on the same terrain, so that we can connect them and save water,” Du Zhiqian said.
"You mean to connect all our fields? Then, the water in my fields will all flow into his house. How can that be allowed?" Er Gou said.
“Young man, the water has already irrigated your field, and the water needed for the crops has been reserved. The excess water has flowed elsewhere. So there’s no question of who irrigated first. Because all fields are interconnected. If your field is irrigated, it means that his field is already being irrigated,” Du Zhiqian said.
Upon hearing this, Lanqin couldn't help but applaud his method. In the past, farmers regarded their fields as their lifeblood, surrounding them like iron barrels, building high mud walls around them, for fear that their produce would be lost to others.
Now, Du Zhiqian is using the issue of water to break down this feudal, small-scale peasant economy mentality and instead instill the idea of large-scale agriculture in these farmers. I wonder if they can accept it? Du Zhiqian is truly a remarkable person; his understanding of agriculture has surpassed the thinking of many people in this era.
Fourth Master pondered Du Zhiqian's words and said in a low voice, "Farmers regard their land as their lifeblood, and water is like the lifeblood of the land. Without the lifeblood, crops are a dead land."
"So Du Zhiqian persuaded these people to connect their respective fields, just like untying a knot in their blood. My lord, I think his idea is very good," Lanqin said.
“But these people might not understand!” Fourth Master said.
Sure enough, chatter broke out among the crowd; they couldn't understand why they should connect their fields with others'.
“No, how can this connect the fields? This has never been done in our ancestors’ history,” someone shouted.
“Yes, the fields are our lifeline. Water is the key to crops bearing fruit. How can we open up the fields and let the water flow to other people?” someone shouted.
Listening to these words, Lanqin felt that Du Zhiqian was probably no longer effective. These people were simply the most traditional and primitive farmers; they didn't understand the meaning of symbiosis. They were only willing to take shovels and risk breaking other people's heads to obtain water.
“You, you’re talking nonsense. We’ve never done this before. Where are you from, and why did you come here?” Stone Ox said first.
Everyone's emotions were completely drawn to Du Zhiqian's side. They seemed to have forgotten the fact that they had just drawn their swords and raised their sickles as if they were about to cut off each other's necks.
"This is just a suggestion; everyone can decide for themselves," Du Zhiqian said, seeing everyone glaring at him angrily.
"Look, some policies sound appealing, but in practice, they're simply impossible to implement," Fourth Master said in a low voice.
Lanqin watched as those people glared at Du Zhiqian, as if what he had just said was a monstrous flood, utterly unacceptable.
"Master, please think of a way to prevent them from harming Young Master Du. Actually, I think Young Master Du's idea is excellent, but unfortunately these people can't see the benefits," Lanqin said.
Fourth Master rolled his eyes at Lanqin and snorted, "We'll see if he still has the ability."
"Gentlemen, I am a Jinshi who passed the imperial examination this autumn and am on my way to take up my post in Xiangzhou. We met by chance, and I'd just like to offer my advice." Seeing that the crowd's stares at Yanzi were becoming increasingly hostile, Du Zhiqian had no choice but to assert his status to intimidate them.
Sure enough, as soon as they heard he was an official, the group immediately stopped.
“Sir, you are unaware of the true situation here. Please continue on your way. We will handle our own affairs,” Er Gou stepped forward and said.
The common people dare not offend the officials! This is an old custom formed over thousands of years of feudal life, and it is probably ingrained in the bones of these people.
Lanqin had a profound understanding of the living conditions and mental state of farmers three hundred years ago. She had previously studied the mentality of farmers at that time when she was doing her doctoral dissertation in her later life.
“If you carry weapons like this and hurt someone, you’ll regret it. Let’s not resort to violence. You all have families to support. Why not discuss and come up with a solution peacefully?” Du Zhiqian said.
Perhaps his words were genuinely for everyone's benefit, or perhaps it was because of his official position, but in any case, the farmers stopped causing trouble.
When Fourth Master and Lanqin returned to their carriage, Du Zhiqian followed behind. He walked to the carriage, turned around, and saw that the others had already gone back with their hoes, and immediately breathed a sigh of relief.
“Young Master Du, your eloquence just now was quite impressive. Especially that method, I think it was excellent,” Lan Qin said.
Fourth Master nodded and said, "But these people can't accept it yet. Mr. Du, why don't we continue our discussion?"
Du Zhiqian broke out in a cold sweat. Although it was the coldest time of winter, he felt a thin layer of sweat on his back. The way those people were holding up sickles and staring at him was truly frightening.
“Alright, Brother Ai, if you'd like to chat, I'll be waiting anytime,” Du Zhiqian said.
When the Fourth Prince and Du Zhiqian got into the same carriage again, Lanqin and her two maids also got into the carriage.
“Master, just now, that Master Du was really something. So many people were pointing weapons at him, but he was still fearless in the face of danger!” Shui Ling said.
“Yes, this person is indeed a talented individual,” Lan Qin said.
Si Hua looked like she was still in shock. Seeing that she didn't speak, Lan Qin asked, "Si Hua, what's wrong?"
"My lady, it's nothing, it's nothing!" Si Hua quickly covered up when Lan Qin asked.
“Hehe, Si Hua, you should tell the master the truth. I think you’re a bit too high-ranking. That Young Master Du is an official!” Shui Ling said.
"Shui Ling!" Si Hua turned around and glared at Shui Ling.
Lanqin finally understood and looked at Sihua in surprise, saying, "You, you've taken a liking to that Young Master Du, haven't you?"
Si Hua blushed, unwilling to admit it, and quickly said, "Master, don't listen to Shui Ling's nonsense."
"Sihua, stop denying it. If you like him, just tell your master. You seemed so distracted just now because you were worried that Young Master Du had been beaten up by those people," Shuiling said.
“Si Hua, look me in the eyes and tell me the truth,” Lan Qin said immediately.
"Master! I!" Si Hua cried out in distress, tears streaming down her face.
“Sihua, if you really like her, your master isn’t against making it happen, but we should also consider the other person’s feelings,” Lanqin said. Shuiling was right. Du Zhiqian already had official rank; how could he possibly marry a maid? He wasn’t like Cui Da or Cui Er, nor was he like Li Wei.
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