Chapter Forty-One: The Magistrate's Inspection

Before long, the faces of the constables lit up with delight as they exclaimed, “Your Excellency, this plow is truly remarkable! It’s light and easy to handle, and turning it around is effortless too. Even a single person can use it without trouble. You can adjust the depth of the plowing as you wish. Look, the bottom is curved downward and then lifted upward, so it cuts into the soil more easily and even brings up debris from below!”

Another constable chimed in, “Your Excellency, this plow is indeed efficient and saves a great deal of effort. Look at the furrow—stones and grass roots from the soil are picked out and pushed to either side in a single pass. After plowing, you can sow seeds immediately.”

“You both make excellent points!” Village Head Zheng added hastily, “Here in Changgu, we now plow first, then someone follows to sow, and another comes behind to cover the seeds with soil. In one sweep, the field is planted.”

“Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!” the magistrate nodded repeatedly, then continued, “Now, what about the irrigation device? I am most curious—how does the water come from the river to the field on its own? Quickly, show me.”

The group hurried along the path and soon reached the riverside, entering a wooden shed where a waterwheel was housed.

Village Head Zheng pointed at the waterwheel and said, “This is the new waterwheel designed by Master Wei—it is truly ingenious! It consists of just a few wheels joined together. Though it doesn’t spin quickly, the force is considerable, lifting water from the river all the way into the outer canal.”

He then invited the magistrate outside and pointed to a long wooden chute. “The water runs up this chute, then flows into the bamboo conduit.”

“This bamboo conduit seems quite long,” remarked the magistrate.

“We must continue a bit further,” Village Head Zheng replied, leading the group along the bamboo conduit to the far slope. “A large reservoir has been dug at the top of the slope. The water flows from the bamboo conduit into this reservoir. Then, on Master Wei’s advice, we connected bamboo pipes from the reservoir directly to the fields. What you saw earlier were the pipes that channel water from the reservoir to the fields. When irrigation is needed, simply pull out the bamboo valve in the middle of the pipe, and water will flow from the reservoir, through the bamboo pipes, into the field. The pipes in the fields have small holes, allowing water to seep directly into the soil.”

The magistrate was astonished and exclaimed, “Remarkable! What kind of mind could devise such a thing? Village Head Zheng, let me see it in action!”

“At once!” Village Head Zheng replied, rubbing his hands together as he ordered men to start the waterwheel and connect the chute.

Soon, water could be seen flowing through the bamboo conduit into the reservoir.

Village Head Zheng sent someone to remove the bamboo valve, then led the magistrate down the slope, back to the edge of the fields.

By this time, streams of water were already trickling from the small holes in the bamboo pipes, moistening the soil.

“You see, if a family wishes to irrigate, they need only connect the waterwheel and chute, then pull out the valve on their own field’s bamboo pipe. When enough water has been applied, they simply replace the valve,” Village Head Zheng explained.

“Splendid! What an ingenious device!” the magistrate exclaimed in amazement. “Master Wei is truly gifted. This irrigation mechanism is as clever as it is useful! Tell me, can it be used elsewhere?”

All eyes turned to Wei Renshi, who replied with a smile, “Your Excellency, all of Fuchang is flat, so it can be used anywhere. The only requirement is that the reservoir be higher than the fields. If there’s a slope, build it on the slope; if not, construct a platform. The only difference is the length of the chute. But in mountainous regions, I fear it would be less effective.”

“As long as it works for Fuchang, that is enough! Agriculture must always adapt to local conditions,” the magistrate said cheerfully. “In my opinion, this method is highly practical. Master Wei, when I return, I will summon every village head to learn of this mechanism—please do not keep it to yourself. Also, regarding the plow, I will write a memorial for commendation, but I need a physical example to present. It would be best to provide one.”

“I would not dare withhold it,” Wei Renshi replied with a smile. “These implements were made precisely to make farming easier for the people—I would never keep them to myself. Naturally, I will provide a plow for Your Excellency as well.”

“Hahaha! What generosity, what a noble heart!” The magistrate was deeply satisfied with Wei Renshi’s answer. “Having seen all of this with my own eyes, I can say that Master Wei’s work is truly an extraordinary achievement. To have such a talented man in my jurisdiction, who brings benefit to the people and improves agriculture—how could I, as the local governor, fail to reward him?”

As they spoke, the group had returned to the front of Wei Renshi’s house.

The magistrate glanced at a constable, who promptly ran off.

Before long, there was a commotion behind them. Turning around, they saw several bailiffs driving oxen and carts laden with bolts of silk and costly goods, all deposited in front of Wei Renshi’s door.

“These oxen and silks are bestowed by the Fuchang County Office,” the magistrate said jovially. “Master Wei, your devotion to the people and your invention of the new plow and this irrigation device have greatly improved agricultural tools. How could I not reward such merit? Fuchang is not wealthy, so the gifts are modest—please do not take offense. When your achievements are reported to the court, the Emperor’s reward will be the highest honor.”

“Were it not for Your Excellency’s good governance and care for the people, I would never have had the opportunity to develop these things. My contributions are meager, and I am unworthy of such praise,” Wei Renshi replied respectfully, sharing the credit.

From later experience, Wei Renshi knew never to be stingy with flattery at such moments.

All credit must be given to the leaders; it was only under their wise leadership and vigilant supervision that he had managed his small part. This attitude must be clearly expressed.

The leader would not truly take all the credit, but such humility would win favor in the future.

In this society, where official authority far outweighed that of later eras, and with a family depending on him alone, Wei Renshi had no choice but to employ the strategies he once scorned.

As expected, the magistrate beamed with pleasure at his words, clapping Wei Renshi on the shoulder. Looking around, he declared with pride, “Not at all. As the governor of this land, it is my duty to seek the greatest benefit for my people. Anyone who works for the good of the people will have my sincere thanks and generous reward!”

The magistrate stood tall, his words ringing with magnanimity.