Thank you to Yuki for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
Originally thought this year would be a difficult one, but unexpectedly, it turned out much smoother than anticipated. The severe drought did not harm the foundation of Yang County. The rebellious Shi Le, who had occupied Yu and Yan, was also slain. The emperor’s position became increasingly stable, and even the commercial taxes from the thriving trade routes saw a considerable increase. With the New Year approaching, Sima Rui let go of his worries, and a few more smiles graced his face.
“I wonder if this year, Bing County will still present congratulatory gifts,” Sima Rui said with a smile to Wang Dao. “The cosmetics and floral essences presented last year were truly effective; even the queen eagerly anticipates them.”
Nowadays, many Bing County goods are being sold in Jianye, but the prices are indeed high. Some items can’t even enter the market and are directly taken by the wealthy. Although Sima Rui holds the prestigious position of Grand Tutor, his wealth is incomparable to the influential families in Jiangdong. If he can continue to receive offerings from Bing County, it would undoubtedly be ideal.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Wang Dao’s expression became serious. “Now that the drought in Jiangdong is easing, how can Your Majesty not consider the hardships of the common people and indulge in pleasure?”
Hearing this, Sima Rui was taken aback and quickly responded, “What Mao Hong said is true; I was too hasty.”
Over the past year, with Wang Dao handling internal affairs and Wang Dun managing external matters, the situation in Yang County has gradually stabilized. There are still countless affairs in the court and beyond, relying on the Wang family of Langya. Naturally, Sima Rui needs to heed Wang Dao’s advice humbly.
Seeing Sima Rui’s straightforward apology, Wang Dao’s expression softened slightly. “The value of congratulatory gifts is not crucial; it lies in Duke Liang’s attitude. However, no matter how valuable the gifts are, they cannot offset the tax burden. After the famine is over, consider re-imposing land taxes on the Three Provinces and controlling salt and iron production.”
A severe drought struck this year, and Bing County promptly reported to the court, requesting relief. Where would Yang County have surplus funds and grains? However, a reduction or exemption of taxes could be considered. It was heard that Bing County initiated extensive construction projects, probably to absorb the influx of refugees. To maintain stability in the face of a severe drought, secure the regions of Si and Ji, kill Shi Le, and reclaim Hedong is an achievement even Wang Dao acknowledges he couldn’t achieve.
Nevertheless, as capable as Liang Feng is, the greater the threat to the court. Minor favors cannot compare to the menace he poses, prompting Wang Dao to advise against it.
Sima Rui nodded repeatedly. However, deep down, he harbored some skepticism. The court handed the entire northern region to Liang Feng, who lacked funds, grains, and military support. In such a precarious situation in Bing County, how could there be surplus resources to contribute? It might be better to rely on Wang Dun moving north to stabilize Yu County.
Of course, if both Bing County and the Han forces suffered losses, followed by an advance from the royal army, that would be even more advantageous.
In the end, a cautious approach is required. Sima Rui pushed the troubles of the northern region to the back of his mind and discussed with Wang Dao the establishment of new prefectures and counties to settle the northern residents.
※
Awakening from a nap, Liang Feng felt an unusual cold, and even the silk quilt on him couldn’t ward off the chill. Had the temperature dropped again? Rubbing his eyes, he intended to turn over and get more sleep, but to his surprise, Yiyan exclaimed from the side, “It’s snowing.”
What? Liang Feng swiftly flipped off the bed and walked to the window. Outside, everything was covered in a vast expanse of white. The ground had accumulated more than an inch of snow, and snowflakes continued to fall from the sky. Indeed, it was snowing!
“Auspicious snow heralds a bountiful year!” Liang Feng couldn’t help but feel delighted. This winter, extensive plowing took place across the Three Provinces, and winter wheat was sown. This snowfall was more precious than any treasure.
A fox fur cloak draped over his shoulders, and Yiyan wrapped his arms tightly, enveloping Liang Feng. “Your Lordship has toiled throughout the year, and heaven will surely show mercy.”
“Snow is undoubtedly good, but we must not relax. We need to focus on pest control…”
He paused abruptly, realizing these matters could wait until official discussions. Loosening his shoulders, Liang Feng leaned against Yiyan’s chest. The warmth of the fur and the equally warm body temperature dispelled the cold.
※
Days passed, and the harsh winter gradually receded. The beginning of spring arrived.
“You’re back, finally back!” Leaning against the door, a woman in a simple dress, with wind-bitten features, called out loudly.
Her cry drew the entire family to the door. Not far away, a man in a coarse cloth coat walked briskly towards them. Despite being covered in dust, with a torn coat, his face beamed with joy.
“Did you get it?!” Before the man entered the house, the woman rushed up and grabbed his sleeve.
“I got it! Thanks to the help of Lu Er and the others!” The man laughed heartily, taking out a cloth bundle from his pocket. The woman screamed and tried to grab it, but he dodged, saying, “This time it’s going in the field!”
“The locusts will hatch next month, so we need to raise them!” The woman raised her eyebrows, refusing to give an inch.
Seeing the two arguing, an old man standing nearby intervened, “Don’t argue, don’t argue. This big bundle can be split in half.”
Seeing their father’s suggestion, the two couldn’t continue to quarrel. The old man chuckled, “Quick, open it and take a look!”
The man then flattened his palm, carefully unfolding the cloth. Inside was a piece of mud, not very large, round, and with a shoe print on one end as if someone had accidentally stepped on it.
However, this piece of mud made the old man and the woman exclaim simultaneously, “Could it be a bull’s horn?”
“Exactly!” The man chuckled, “I snatched it from Liu Wu’s possession, half of a bull’s horn!”
This “bull” naturally referred to the clay bull used in the Spring Whip ceremony, specifically placed in the south of the city to welcome the God of Wheat. The mud on the Spring Bull’s body was a treasure for farmers. Placed in the fields, it could assist in a bountiful harvest, and covering locust eggs could ensure the success of spring silkworms. Every Spring Whip ceremony was a fierce competition.
To snatch a bull’s horn was undoubtedly an auspicious omen!
“Good! Good! Good!” Shouting three times in excitement, the old man’s voice changed pitch with joy. “This spring, we’ll cultivate the fields and raise locusts diligently, not disappointing the protection of the gods!”
Indeed, their family of five had all survived the disastrous famine year! In the past, who would have dared to imagine this? With such gods and Buddhas, they would strive to cultivate and diligently raise locusts this year, not letting down the blessings of the Buddha.
From the northernmost Yanmen to the easternmost Leling, the three provinces of Bing, Si, and Ji, and all the counties and prefectures, everyone began their year of farming amid the drums and gongs of the Spring Whip ceremony.
Turning the soil, weeding, sowing, and even reclaiming fallow fields, everyone was busy and joyful. Even the local officials and leaders had no leisure. They were assigned a significant responsibility.
The loud sound of the gong echoed in the fields, and a group of people immediately rushed over. With shovels, hoes, and rakes, they quickly dug a large hole, revealing shiny white locust eggs inside.
Such a thing, under normal circumstances, might have disgusted people endlessly, and they might not have been able to bear looking closely. However, today, the surrounding farmers all widened their eyes, their faces filled with surprise.
“Quick! Pack it up!” Without the need for officials to urge them, someone took the initiative, shoveling the clumps of soil containing locust eggs into baskets. After carefully checking again to ensure nothing was missed, they finally stopped.
Without resting, these people immediately rushed forward. Among this group, there weren’t many young and strong individuals; most were elderly and children. They flipped over rocks and inspected soil crevices. Once they spotted locust eggs, a rush of people would converge.
From sunrise until noon, the team finally came to a halt. The leading officials brought out a large pot and an incense table, placing them in an open space. The incense table was lit, and the fire burned. The clerks ordered people to pick out the locust eggs and pour them into the pot, followed by a bag of flour and a pinch of salt, all tossed and stir-fried together.
After a short while, a strong fragrance wafted from the pot, causing those who had been toiling around for half a day to salivate uncontrollably.
Seeing that the stir-frying was almost done, the official shouted, “Take the pot off and present it!”
Immediately, someone placed the pot in front of the incense table. As the main offering, the official stood in front of the table, bowing deeply three times. Then, he loudly recited a prayer. The words were quite simple, revolving around welcoming the Medicine Buddha and praying for abundant food and drink. After finishing the prayer, he stepped back, indicating it was time to eat.
Having seen this countless times, the group of farmers immediately formed a long line, one by one approaching the incense table. Some took out wooden bowls, others had plates. Each official scooped a spoonful for them, serving the stir-fried noodles. The noodles in the bowls were golden, emitting a fragrance that resembled both meat and wheat. No one would waste such a good thing. After receiving the stir-fried noodles, everyone immediately devoured them eagerly.
The flavor was simply better than the chicken pie they ate during their own New Year celebrations!
Truly an offering to the Buddhists! Perhaps only the Buddhists could turn such dreadful pests into a delicious meal! From the old to the young, no one was willing to waste a single bit. Some even took out water pouches they carried on their bodies, rinsing their bowls twice, not letting go of any residue, and pouring everything into their mouths.
These are just locust eggs. If locusts grow and devour the grains and green grass, wouldn’t they become even more delicious, just like a chicken turning into a mother hen? Many people secretly pondered this, and some clever ones memorized the prayers thoroughly. If they discovered locust eggs at home, reciting a couple of verses would surely transform the locusts into meat, benefiting their families!
In less than half a moment, the pot of noodles was cleaned out.
After having a satisfying meal and resting for a while, the group of people once again beat the drums and gongs, seeking new pests.
In these times of oilless and meatless diets for everyone, nothing is more tempting than eating. The pest control work in each county proceeded vigorously and exceptionally smoothly. However, it was only due to the blessing of the Buddhists in the Three Provinces that they dared to deal with this disaster. The neighboring provinces and counties didn’t have such good fortune.
As the spring chill diminished, tiny insects emerged from the soil, vibrating their wings and heading towards the newly sprouted fields.
Author’s Note:
In May of the fourth year of Yongjia during Emperor Huai of Jin, a massive locust plague spread from You, Bing, Si, and Ji to Qin and Yong, and all grass, trees, and the hair of animals were consumed.
This was another straw that broke the back of Western Jin in the historical records.
Translator’s corner:
Happy New Year, everyone!~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
