Chapter Three: Borrowing Money

Though only a few coarse grains of salt had been sprinkled into the fish stew, the freshly caught fish imparted a rich and savory flavor. Once wild greens were added, the pot became thick and hearty. While it could not compare to the fullness one might feel from a meal of wheat or noodles, the nourishment it provided was more than sufficient. After several days of subsisting on wild vegetable and fish stew, everyone felt noticeably stronger and more energetic.

Despite her title as the matron of the household, the lady of the house was not yet thirty; yet, in this era, such an age was already considered old, and she had begun referring to herself as 'the old woman.' She was visibly malnourished. As for Wei Renshi himself, his own frail frame needed no further comment; ample nutrition was all the more necessary for him. The young maid was thin as well, and at an age where her body required sustenance to grow.

Every member of the household needed to eat their fill—and eat well. The burden of responsibility weighed heavily on Wei Renshi’s heart.

He quietly pushed his bowl forward, glanced outside at the still bright sky, and said, “I’ll step out for a while.”

Li He's house was at the other end of the village; following the flow of the Daoyuan River, one could reach it within the time it took to drink a cup of tea. Arriving just outside, before he could even knock, he saw Li He astride a donkey, being led home by a young servant after seeking inspiration for poetry. Upon spotting Wei Renshi, Li He smiled and called out, “Renshi, what brings you here at this hour?”

“I came to discuss something with you,” Wei Renshi replied. Together they entered the house. Wei Renshi first paid his respects to Li He’s mother, then excused himself, drawing Li He into his study.

Though Li He’s family had declined since his father’s early passing, the man had once served as county magistrate, and the family was still in better circumstances than Wei Renshi’s.

“What brings you here, Renshi?” Li He asked, sending the servant to brew tea.

Wei Renshi produced his drawings and unrolled them before Li He. “Lately, I’ve spent much time observing the farmers at work. Their plows are cumbersome, and their efficiency is low. After pondering for several days, I’ve designed an improved plow, which I have named the Curved-Tail Plow. This new design makes the plow lighter and more compact, easier to turn and maneuver, saving both human and animal strength. With it, land that would have taken a whole day to till might be finished in a few hours. Do you know how much land one strong man and an ox can till in a day?”

Li He shook his head. “I do not.”

“Ah…” Wei Renshi was surprised by his frankness. After a pause, he continued, “With a regular plow, a man and an ox can manage two or three mu in a day at best. With my improved plow, they could till six to ten times as much!”

“That’s quite a lot,” Li He remarked blandly, nodding.

Wei Renshi scratched his head in exasperation. “Changji, do you understand what I’m saying?”

Li He nodded. “Of course. Your new plow allows a man and an ox to till much more land in a day.”

“Then why aren’t you excited?” Wei Renshi asked, baffled.

Li He looked even more puzzled. “Why should I be excited?”

Wei Renshi clapped his hands in frustration. Ah, the landed class simply doesn’t understand the hardships of the common folk!

“So what is it you wanted to ask me?” Li He inquired, as he set a bundle of papers on the desk.

“I’d like to borrow a few strings of copper coins. I need to hire some carpenters and blacksmiths to forge this device,” Wei Renshi said directly.

Li He nodded. “I do not manage the household finances. I’ll need to ask my mother. Wait here, I’ll fetch her and some coins.”

Wei Renshi agreed and remained in the study while Li He went to find his mother.

Before long, he heard footsteps approaching. Li He returned, accompanied by his mother.

Li He’s mother was about the same age as Wei Renshi’s—just over thirty. After accepting Wei Renshi’s respectful greeting, she smiled and asked, “I hear you’ve improved the plow and that it can increase a man's daily yield sixfold—is that true?”

Wei Renshi nodded candidly. “It is. I came to Changji precisely to borrow some capital to hire craftsmen and have the device made. Once it's finished, I’ll be able to recoup the cost and repay him.”

Li He’s mother studied him and glanced at his hands, a faint smile in her eyes. “Recoup the cost? So you intend to use this plow to till others' land for a fee?”

Wei Renshi, sensing the amusement in her gaze, asked, “My experience is limited; I would be grateful for your advice, Auntie.”

“Those who can afford to pay others to till their fields already have servants, tenants, and hired laborers. Even if this plow is more efficient, they have ample hands—at most, they save a few days’ work or a few laborers. What difference does it make? Why spend extra money for a little speed? As for small households that lack manpower—they need this tool, but they cannot afford it,” Li He’s mother explained.

Wei Renshi understood her meaning: those who could use it didn’t need it urgently, while those who did need it couldn’t afford it.

Indeed, this was true.

“Then let me simply borrow the money from Changji and make it for my own family. You know, Auntie, our household is all women and children—this is exactly what we need. Please grant me this favor; I promise to repay you within three months, and I’ll put it in writing if you wish.”

“You and He’er are close friends. It’s only a few strings of coins; how could I not trust you?” Li He’s mother replied graciously, sending someone to fetch the money.

She smiled at Wei Renshi again. “Don’t worry about whether people will pay to rent your plow. If it’s truly as beneficial as you say, you won’t need to go looking for clients. As long as—”

Her words made Wei Renshi pause; a flash of understanding seemed to cross his mind, though the thought was not yet fully clear.

He had never expected to make much money from the Curved-Tail Plow—just enough to exchange for some grain and build a small livelihood. After all, it wasn’t meant as a money-making device.

Tools are meant for people to use—especially agricultural tools. Only when every farmer in the land can easily access and use them do they serve their true purpose and meaning—wait!

Every farmer in the land should have access to it!

The advantages and progress brought by the Curved-Tail Plow were self-evident. If it spread throughout the country and replaced the old long and straight plows, the cultivation and productivity of farmland nationwide would be vastly improved.

And who would benefit the most from this process?

At this, Wei Renshi understood. He guessed the rest of Li He’s mother’s unsaid words.

It was only natural; as the widow of a magistrate, she possessed such foresight.

Wei Renshi sighed and looked up at Li He’s mother. “You’re right, Auntie. Unfortunately, I have no way of presenting this invention to the authorities.” After all, he couldn’t very well haul a plow to the county office, bang a gong, and declare he wished to offer his improved plow to the court—to the emperor!

Hearing this, Li He’s mother was quietly impressed. This young man was quick-witted, grasping her meaning so swiftly. No wonder he was her son’s closest friend.

A mother always feels her own child is the best, and though Li He was still young, he was already renowned for his talent. Only someone of such sharp mind, she thought, was worthy of his friendship.

“If He’er’s father were still alive, perhaps he could have found a way for you. But alas…” she said, shaking her head, as she handed the coins her servant brought to Wei Renshi.