Chapter Forty-Two: Fertilizing

Outside the Wei family’s home, a dense crowd had gathered, leaving not even a gap for water to seep through.

For these ordinary, impoverished folk, the county magistrate was likely the highest official they would ever lay eyes on in their lifetime. Simply to follow the magistrate on his rounds was already a tale they could boast about countless times.

If one could squeeze a bit closer, perhaps even exchange a few words with the magistrate himself, why, he would be able to walk out with his back straight, envied by all for such an honor.

The crowd surrounded the magistrate, who greeted them all with a genial smile, a portrait of approachability.

Were there newsmen here today, the scene before their eyes would have been captioned: “Deep Affection Between Officials and People.” But how much of this was genuine and how much a performance, who could say?

“Madam Wei, wife of Liu, greets the magistrate!” The old lady emerged, dressed simply yet immaculately, and performed a respectful bow from behind.

“Heh, Madam Wei. The Wei family’s sons were all men of learning, yet fate was cruel, leaving only this single child to carry on the family line. Though you’re not yet old, you did not remarry, but instead raised this sole heir to adulthood and now have fostered his talents. As his mother, all credit is owed to you!” The magistrate sighed as he addressed her.

“Thank you… Many thanks to the honorable magistrate!” Overcome with emotion at these words, the old lady’s many years of toil and sacrifice seemed, at last, acknowledged. In that instant, all the hardship felt worthwhile, and two lines of tears sprang to her cheeks.

“Mother, your son is now grown. It is time for me to repay the kindness of your upbringing!” Wei Renshi stepped forward, gently comforting her.

The crowd cheered in approval. The magistrate exchanged a few more jovial words with Wei Renshi, promising to submit a report of merit on his behalf, instructing him to await his reward in peace at home.

Then, amid the throng’s escort and admiration, the magistrate took his leave.

He did not put on any airs. After all, what Wei Renshi had accomplished greatly benefited agriculture and the people, and the magistrate, too, wished to earn a good reputation among the villagers, thus presenting himself as ever more personable.

Though the magistrate had departed, the excitement among the villagers did not abate. They crowded once more before the Wei family’s doors, offering congratulations to the old lady.

To have the county magistrate personally come bearing rewards was the highest honor imaginable to these commoners. For such a person to hail from their own village filled them with pride, something to speak of with heads held high.

The old lady, both thrilled and moved, saw the villagers gathering to offer their good wishes and, waving her arm, declared she would host a banquet for all neighbors, which drew cheers and laughter from the crowd.

The gifts left by the magistrate could be exchanged for a considerable sum, not to mention the ox cart—those few oxen alone were an immense award. In these times, such a gift was akin to being handed several plows!

Wei Renshi, too, was elated. Now he finally had the capital to start a winery and icehouse, without needing to ask Jiao Haiqing for an advance on profits.

Outside, he could hear the old lady’s joyful laughter. Wei Renshi grinned as well. He couldn’t recall ever hearing her so genuinely happy or seeing her so moved. Hearing her speak of inviting the whole village, he couldn’t help but smile. She had suffered so many years for this family—today, let her do as she wished, let her be happy!

He hurried out to send Xi’er to the Li family to borrow help, for their family alone could not manage the preparations.

Fortunately, no one was idle, waiting merely to eat. Under the direction of Elder Zheng, everyone pitched in to help. The village was filled with laughter and joy, a contagious atmosphere that lifted all spirits.

Yet Wei Renshi was never fond of such lively gatherings. Quietly, he took a bowl of clear water and slipped away, watching the bustling crowd from a distance.

The early summer breeze caressed his cheek, brushing gently across his reserved heart.

“Renshi, congratulations.” Suddenly, footsteps and a voice sounded beside him. Turning, Wei Renshi saw Li He approach, holding a bowl of wine. “I noticed you weren’t at the front and guessed you’d hidden yourself here.”

“Changji, I’m planning to open a shop just for selling ice,” Wei Renshi replied with a smile. “Would you like to partner with me?”

Li He’s days ahead would not be easy. Otherwise, he would not have written, on seeing “himself” off at the pass, such lines as, “I dwell in the hills, a single acre of poor land. Night rains summon the rent collector, and spring’s voice brings silent hardship.” Nor would the two brothers have been forced to leave home in search of a living.

At present, his family was managing, likely thanks to the help of the “Twenty-Eighth Uncle.”

But from what he’d heard, that uncle’s health was failing.

If they had income from selling ice, at least there would be some earnings each year.

“Go into business together?” Li He was momentarily stunned.

“Not you,” Wei Renshi replied with a laugh. “I know your heart is set on study and earning your degree; I won’t distract you. I mean your family. When you go home, tell your mother she can invest whatever amount she likes, and I’ll give her a share of the profits. She’ll need only wait to collect dividends.”

Li He considered this. “I’ll tell my mother when I return, but whether she agrees, I can’t say for sure.”

“She’ll agree,” Wei Renshi said with a smile.

The villagers’ enthusiasm lasted well into the night. Fires were lit, and everyone gathered around the flames in boisterous celebration. Only at Elder Zheng’s urging did the crowd finally disperse.

When all had left, Elder Zheng found Wei Renshi and spoke to him again.

“Wei lad, it’s time to fertilize the fields. I’m letting you know—it’ll have to wait until the day after tomorrow before I can bring people to tend your land,” Elder Zheng said.

Wei Renshi paused. “Fertilize with what?”

Then, understanding dawned. In these times without chemical fertilizer, there was only manure.

He couldn’t help but recall the stench of dung that filled villages in later eras, and his face paled.

But there was no help for it. Without fertilizer, nothing would replenish the soil’s nutrients. Manure was still the best way to enrich the earth.

People produced waste, which fertilized the fields, which grew good crops, which fed the people, who then produced more waste… A cycle—this, too, was sustainable agriculture!

Wei Renshi rubbed his face, comforting himself with this thought.

“It’s fine, Uncle Zheng. Do as you see fit,” Wei Renshi replied. “As for the money for those chickens and ducks tonight, once I’ve sold some of the magistrate’s rewards, I’ll repay you.”

“Nonsense,” Elder Zheng shook his head. “It was just a few chickens and ducks. Would I, your uncle, really ask for money? With the plow you made, I’ve already earned a fair bit myself.”

As they spoke, a sudden idea flashed in Wei Renshi’s mind, and he asked, “How many families in Changgu raise chickens and ducks?”

“Most have a few,” Elder Zheng replied.

Wei Renshi blinked, considered, and said, “Uncle Zheng, could you do me a favor?”

Elder Zheng nodded. “Go on.”

“Could you spread the word for me? Tell everyone I’m buying earthworms—ten coins a pound, but they must be alive.”