Han Ji

Liu Bei did not reply immediately.

He forced himself to calm down, suppressing the surging emotions within him. Now was not the time to act impulsively.

He sat back down at his desk, and by the light of the snow outside the window, he laid out the materials Xun Cai had sent and the water conservancy map Lu Zhi had given him side by side, studying them word by word and comparing them with the water gate sketch, repeatedly deducing the meaning.

Those exquisite annotations and novel sketches acted like a key, unlocking the shackles of his thinking. Many points that he couldn't understand before suddenly became clear.

Drawing on his own knowledge, he began to rethink the plan for managing the Juyang Weir. His focus was not just on how to repair the weir, but more importantly, on how to integrate the repair with the resettlement of displaced people.

He stayed up until late at night, the charcoal fire long since burned out, and the dormitory was as cold as an ice cellar. Liu Bei breathed out white puffs of air, rubbing his hands, which were so frozen he could barely hold a pen, and finally wrote down his final idea on a new bamboo scroll.

Its core principle is: to provide relief through work, and to integrate relief into work.

Using the repair funds allocated by the imperial court, displaced people due to the floods were recruited as laborers, paid wages and rations, and allowed to participate in the fundamental repair project of the Juyang Weir. Simultaneously, during breaks in the construction, they were organized to cultivate wasteland along the canal and restore production. In this way, the manpower problem for the project was solved, displaced people were resettled, local stability was maintained, and in the long run, it would also increase the imperial court's tax revenue.

After finishing writing, he let out a long sigh of relief, feeling utterly exhausted but also unusually excited.

Only then did he pick up the stack of papers that Xun Cai had given him again, his gaze falling on the last few lines of text.

"I happened to be flipping through some old books... which may be of some help to the matters you have been worrying about lately."

They spoke of it so casually, as if it were truly just a coincidence.

But Liu Bei knew that was definitely not the case.

This thoughtfulness, this act of kindness in times of need, is too profound.

He had to reply. He couldn't just offer a dry thank you; that would seem distant and would disrespect the sentiment of a kindred spirit.

He spread out a clean sheet of Caihou paper—a fine gift that Gongsun Zan had given him earlier. He ground the ink, picked up his brush, and carefully considered his words.

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the valuable information and sketches she provided, saying that it was like "seeing the sun after the clouds have parted, and suddenly understanding everything."

Then, without hiding anything, he frankly wrote down his initial concept of work relief, which he had developed based on her inspiration and which ultimately formed the idea of ​​integrating relief with work. He clearly and concisely stated the core points of this concept, without showing off, just a plain narration.

Finally, he changed the subject and wrote:

"...Although this strategy originates from the classics and is also greatly inspired by your sketches, young lady, my knowledge is limited. I wonder if there are any oversights or improprieties in its actual implementation? The allocation of labor, the supervision of funds and provisions, and the obstruction from powerful figures all require careful consideration. You are wise, young lady; could you perhaps offer me some guidance?"

He laid out his thoughts and sincerely sought her advice.

This was more than just gratitude; it was about regarding her as a kindred spirit with whom one could discuss practical matters.

After writing, he blew on the ink to dry it, carefully folded it, and placed it in a brand new envelope. It was unsigned, but he knew she would understand it.

He found a moment of respite and located the old servant who had delivered the letter—he vaguely remembered the direction the old servant had left in, and found him at a quiet street corner not far from the manor, where it seemed he had been waiting all along.

When Liu Bei handed the letter to the old servant, he asked no questions, and the old servant said nothing. He simply accepted it respectfully, bowed, and left.

Watching the old servant disappear around the street corner, Liu Bei stood in the snow, his breath blurring his vision.

A peculiar, secretive connection, tinged with trepidation and anticipation, was thus established.

He didn't know if this constituted a private exchange or if it conformed to propriety. He only knew that in that cold winter filled with the harshness of reality and the fog of the future, this spark of starlight stemming from spiritual resonance was incredibly precious.

After sending the letter, Liu Bei remained outwardly calm, continuing his studies and martial arts practice as usual. But only he knew that deep in his heart, there was a faint, almost imperceptible expectation.

He continued to meticulously study the plans and designs for the Juyang Weir every day, awaiting Lu Zhi's further review and... a possible response.

However, instead of receiving a reply, he was summoned by Lu Zhi.

It was the same study, the charcoal fire still burning. Lu Zhi carefully examined the detailed plan presented by Liu Bei regarding the management of the Juyang Weir.

After a long silence, he put down the bamboo slips, looked up at Liu Bei, and said sharply, "Using work as a form of relief, combining relief with work... a good idea. What are your plans regarding the supervision of funds and provisions?"

Liu Bei was prepared and said in a deep voice, "We can set up an independent accounting office, which will be jointly supervised by the upright officials of the prefecture and county and representatives of the gentry. The accounts will be posted publicly on a regular basis and subject to the supervision of the people. If there is any embezzlement, it will be severely punished."

"What should be done if powerful local figures obstruct and seize newly cultivated land?"

"In newly reclaimed land, priority will be given to displaced people who participate in the project, and they will be registered and issued land deeds by the government. At the same time, powerful local families will be allowed to invest money and grain in the project and receive dividends according to their shares, thus turning obstacles into assistance."

Lu Zhi asked a tricky question, and Liu Bei answered cautiously. Although the plan was still immature and many details could not withstand repeated scrutiny, the thinking it demonstrated, especially its consideration of people's hearts and interests, far surpassed that of ordinary students.

"Hmm." Lu Zhi remained noncommittal, tapping his fingers on the table. "Leave the memorial. You may leave."

There was neither praise nor criticism.

He emerged from the study; it was still early. His mind preoccupied with the possible reply, his feet unconsciously led him back to the street corner where he had met the old servant the day before.

No one is empty.

The streets after the snow were clean and somewhat desolate. He stood there for a while, gave a self-deprecating laugh, and turned to leave.

"Young Master Liu."

A deep voice sounded from behind.

Liu Bei turned around abruptly and saw that the old servant had appeared in the shadows of the corner of the wall like a ghost, still with his head bowed and eyes lowered.

"Old man." Liu Bei steadied himself and stepped forward.

The old servant took out a blue cloth package from his bosom, identical to the one from yesterday, and presented it with both hands: "Master, please reply."

Liu Bei suppressed his excitement and took the package, which felt thicker than the last one. "Thank you for your trouble, sir."

The old servant bowed and retreated silently once again.

Liu Bei clutched the package and practically ran back to his quarters. He closed the door, leaned against it to calm his rapid breathing, and then went to the window to eagerly unpack the package.

Inside was still Cai Hou paper, a thick stack of it.

He couldn't wait to unfold it.

The opening, still in that neat and powerful handwriting, skips the salutation and goes straight to the point:

"Having read your work on relief, I find it both broad and pragmatic, deeply embodying the ancient principle of teaching people how to fish. I am filled with admiration."

Upon seeing the character "Cai" used to refer to herself, Liu Bei's heart skipped a beat. She directly told him her name: Xun Cai.

He continued reading.

In the letter, Xun Cai did not mince words, but directly raised several very precise questions and additions to his plan:

"Regarding the supervision of funds and provisions, I suggest that, in addition to public disclosure, civil servants could elect representatives to participate in the auditing process, thus linking their personal interests with the project and making supervision more effective."

"The strategy of having powerful figures invest in the project is ingenious, but we must guard against them turning the tables and manipulating the project. We should limit their shareholding and make it clear that the government has the final say in the project's management."

"Furthermore, the project will likely take a long time, and resettling displaced people is not something that can be accomplished overnight. I happened to come across some notes from a previous dynasty, which described how displaced people were gathered in workshops and gradually formed villages. Perhaps we can learn from this example..."

Each point, each clause, was not only well-thought-out but also cited appropriate evidence, hitting the nail on the head. In some places, it even showed a deeper understanding than Liu Bei himself had.

This is more than just a confidant; she is practically a strategist who can work alongside him!

At the end of the letter, she wrote:

"Your ambition lies in governing the world, and I agree with this. Confined to my boudoir, I am only accompanied by fragmented books and ancient texts. I occasionally gain some insights, and if they can be of any benefit to you or alleviate the suffering of the people, then I will be content. The road ahead is long, and I hope you will take care."

There were no sentimental words, only understanding, support and encouragement based on shared interests, and a hint of barely concealed regret about their own fate.

Liu Bei held the letter in his hand, remaining silent for a long time.

Something was burning intensely inside my chest.

He sat down at his desk, laid out paper, ground ink, and began to reply. This time, it was no longer a request for advice, but a genuine discussion, as if he were discussing a crucial matter with a dear friend from afar.

Outside the window, dusk was gradually settling in.

Inside the dormitory, the young man was engrossed in writing, his eyes focused and bright. The melancholy born of the coldness of reality seemed to be quietly melted away by the letters exchanged with kindred spirits across numerous barriers.