Friends

Mǎn Bǎo and his companions did not go directly to the county office. Instead, they arrived at the bustling street where they often sold flower baskets. However, it was quite strange that the children who used to play there frequently were nowhere to be seen.

Zhou Lùláng looked around and approached a vendor who appeared friendly and familiar to him to inquire about the whereabouts of the children.

The vendor also had a vague recollection of Zhou Lùláng. After all, these children were young and engaged in a unique business that was different from the others on the street. It was challenging to remember everyone in the crowd.

Upon learning that they were looking for the children, the vendor chuckled and remarked, "Who dares to let their children run around freely these days?" "Haven't you noticed that even the candy sellers have not set up their stalls?"

Glancing at the flower baskets in their hands, he remarked, "Selling snacks is already a challenging endeavor, let alone these items that are neither edible nor practical." I believe it's even more challenging to sell them. "It may be better to save time and return to weed the fields."

Zhou Lùláng remained skeptical. He knew that their flower baskets were not only visually appealing but also contained delicious candies, which had always been the reason for their popularity.

Even if they couldn't sell all of them, they could still sell a few, right?

At least enough to earn some money for lunch.

So, the four of them continued down the street, calling out to children and showcasing their goods. Mǎn Bǎo even ran past people with the flower baskets in hand, but despite the children eagerly watching, the adults did not purchase anything.

As they walked down the street towards the county office, they hadn't sold a single flower basket.

The four of them exchanged glances, and Dà Yā said, "Perhaps we really can't sell them anymore." "I noticed that snack sales on the street were poor."

Dà Tóu added, "It must be because of the recent heavy rain, which has caused financial difficulties for their families."

Zhou Lùláng looked at the flower baskets in his hands and asked, "What should we do? We've made so many flower baskets."

The key issue was that although they could bring back the bamboo baskets, the flowers could not be kept overnight.

And truth be told, their family had more than enough bamboo products. Taking back these small bamboo baskets would just be a waste of effort.

With shoulders slumped, Zhou Lùláng realized that their flower basket business couldn't thrive this year.

Mǎn Bǎo let out a sigh and suggested, "Since we can't sell them, let's give them away."

"To whom?"

"Let's go find those ladies who always buy lots of candies from us and give them all flower baskets."

Dà Yā had no objections, and after some thought, Zhou Lùláng agreed. If they couldn't store them at home, they might as well give them away.

So, the four of them skillfully made their way to the back of the county office and knocked on the door.

The gatekeeper welcomed them with a smile, "The weather has cleared up, and I had a feeling you would come." Today is the day. "Wait here. I'll inform them inside."

Fù Wényún quickly rushed out, pulling Mǎn Bǎo into the courtyard to chat. "Is your family alright?" I sent Qiū Yuè to look for your brothers on the street, but the vendors said your family members haven't been around lately.

"My family is fine, but it has been raining, and the mountain roads are challenging to traverse," Man Bao replied. "One section even collapsed, and a significant amount of water rushed down from the mountains, blocking the roads." It took our villagers and those from Wuli Village two days to clear the way.

Fù Wényún exclaimed, "Isn't that dangerous?"

Mǎn Bǎo nodded and shared stories of houses collapsing in their village. While Fù Wényún had heard such tales from her father, they had always seemed distant to her. Upon learning about the neighboring houses collapsing, she felt the gravity of the situation.

Mǎn Bǎo recounted many village happenings, and Fù Wényún reciprocated with tales from her village and rumors known only to officials.

During this period, the housekeeper and county officials frequently dined at their home. Despite her mother's disapproval of gossip and her elder sister's lack of interest, Fù Wényún found solace in conversing with Mǎn Bǎo.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Lùláng and his companions were also invited into the courtyard. The gatekeeper hastily brought out some stools for them to sit on and listened intently to their conversation.

"My father mentioned that the Deputy General and the Yìzhōu Governor were reprimanded by the imperial envoy from the capital." Even the King of Yìzhōu was accused. They are currently focused on relief efforts, so the Holy Emperor has not yet sought retribution. "But once this matter is resolved, all officials in Jiānnán Circuit may face consequences," Fù Wényún expressed her concerns. "I wonder if my father will be affected."

Mǎn Bǎo reassured, "If our Luójiāng County hasn't breached the levee, and the heavy rains are beyond your father's control, he should be safe, right?"

Fù Wényún whispered, "My father mentioned that it all depends on the aftermath. If the resettlement of refugees is mishandled, or there is a significant loss of population under his jurisdiction, even if Luójiāng County's levee holds, the repercussions may still reach us."

A thought occurred to Mǎn Bǎo, and she whispered, "I have a solution." If the common people are not starving, they are less likely to flee. With this recent rainfall, the harvest is bound to be affected. However, as long as no lives are lost and the lands are not severely flooded, providing relief grain from the county office should help us get through this.

"The county magistrate also mentioned this, but my father finds it challenging." The influx of refugees will only increase, and the county office must reserve a portion of relief grain for them to prevent unrest," Fù Wényún explained her father's predicament.

"What about autumn taxes?" If everyone is struggling to feed themselves, how will they pay taxes in the autumn? "It will certainly worsen the situation, and things might spiral out of control," Mǎn Bǎo contemplated, a concern that had not occurred to Fù Wényún.

Fù Wényún pondered this issue, realizing she hadn't considered this aspect.

Mǎn Bǎo inquired, "What have you been reading lately?" Due to the rain, our teacher has assigned us to read various historical texts and has even discussed the Jiān Wěi Weir with us.

"Jiān Wěi Weir?" Fù Wényún found the name familiar.

Mǎn Bǎo nodded, "It's the golden weir that encountered troubles in Yìzhōu this time." Our teacher mentioned that the Golden Weir is just a part of the Jiān Wěi Weir.

That must have been what her father and others were discussing.

"I have finished reading the Book of Songs." "I wanted to read the Book of Rites as you suggested, but my mother insisted it was meant for my brother and urged me to focus on the music lessons taught by our teacher," Fù Wényún disclosed.

Mǎn Bǎo exclaimed, "You play a musical instrument too?"

Fù Wényún nodded, with a hint of bitterness in her expression, "I have to practice the instrument for two hours daily now." "I only have a little time in the mornings and evenings to read."

Mǎn Bǎo expressed sympathy towards her and admitted feeling some envy because she couldn't play any musical instrument. She admired those who could.

As they conversed, they transitioned into discussing the refugees outside. Mǎn Bǎo then presented the six prepared flower baskets to Fù Wényún, saying, "You can place them in your study or hang them by the windows." If you find beautiful flowers, you can replace them. "I think flower baskets are quite aesthetically pleasing."

Fù Wényún also found them beautiful and accepted her kind gesture.

Sensing that the time was almost up, Mǎn Bǎo asked, "Do you still buy candies?"