Night Visit to King Ji

The head clerk of the Changsha Prefecture, Wang Jingzu, had a clear mind and knew that his problems were mostly hopeless. However, some matters had to be raised, so he stood up and cupped his hands, saying, “My lord, I have an idea, but I am unsure whether it should be mentioned.”

Lei Qilong lifted his gaze and glanced at him. “Wang, please speak your mind.”

Wang Jingzu cleared his throat and said solemnly, “The recent flood disaster, though it was a natural calamity, has exposed many issues. Changsha Prefecture, located near Dongting Lake to the north and connected to the Jianghan Plain to the east, has a well-developed water system, making it a blessed land. However, the river channels have become seriously silted, and drainage is obstructed, which led to the great disaster. If we do not dredge the rivers promptly, we may face more floods in the future. I suggest that, during the post-disaster reconstruction, we organize the people to dredge the rivers and reinforce the dikes to prevent future calamities.”

Lei Qilong seemed uninterested in this suggestion. “Wang, I’ve heard that your ancestors worked on the Ling Canal. Your method for dredging is indeed sound. However, managing the waters is no easy task and requires long-term planning.”

Wang Jingzu frowned slightly, sighing inwardly. “As expected, another excuse.” However, he was reluctant to give up and continued, “You are right, my lord. But if not handled in time, the disaster could worsen. I suggest we immediately allocate part of the funds from the government treasury and mobilize labor from the counties, starting with the most urgent areas.”

Lei Qilong’s face showed a hint of impatience, and his tone turned somewhat cold. “Jingzu, regarding the funding, I have already mentioned that the treasury is stretched thin. Bringing it up again is of no use. Do not dwell on this matter.”

He paused for a moment, then continued, “As for manpower, I do have an idea.”

He scanned the room, and when he saw everyone listening attentively, he smiled slightly and said, “I have already requested that the Yuelu Academy be designated as a worksite. The students there spend their days idly discussing matters of character. Rather than this, why not have them work up a sweat and contribute to water management? They are scholars, and surely they can offer ideas and strategies for managing the waters. This way, we solve the manpower shortage while allowing them to put their knowledge to use—two birds with one stone.”

A look of self-satisfaction appeared on his face as he pleased himself with this brilliant plan.

Wang Jingzu felt a slight heaviness in his heart after hearing this. He knew that Lei Qilong was shifting the responsibility onto the students of Yuelu Academy. He understood Lei Qilong’s methods and dared not speak further. He simply cupped his hands and said, “Your excellency has a great point. I will make the arrangements immediately.”

Lei Qilong nodded, his tone gentler. “Jingzu, I trust you to handle it. If there are difficulties, come back and report them.”

The old man stood up and said, “Today’s meeting has been a hard one for everyone. There have been many good suggestions, but the situation is difficult, and some things need to be carefully considered over time.”

He paused and looked around the room at the gathered colleagues. “Is there anything else anyone would like to raise?”

The others exchanged glances, shaking their heads, not willing to speak further.

Seeing that no one else had objections, Lei Qilong smiled slightly, pleased with the outcome. He slowly stood up, brushed off his sleeves, and said, “Since no one has any more matters to discuss, this meeting is adjourned. Everyone, continue with your duties, and let’s work together to weather the storm.”

Just as Lei Qilong was preparing to leave, a bailiff rushed into the hall, holding a document in his hand, panting. “My lord, the Zhu order from the Provincial Government has arrived!”

Everyone in the hall looked up at the document, and Lei Qilong frowned, thinking to himself: The Zhu order comes at the right time.

He took the document, opened it, and his face immediately darkened. He slowly lifted his head, scanning the room, and said coldly, “Everyone, the Zhu order from the Provincial Government reads—‘Autumn grain will still be collected at the original amount.’”

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell into a dead silence. He Zhiqiang’s face turned ugly, and he murmured, “What… what should we do now?”

Li Mingda stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, “My lord, this is a matter I cannot explain. The rice fields in Shanhu County have been flooded, and the people are struggling to even feed themselves. How can they be expected to pay taxes?”

Lei Qilong sighed, “The disaster in Shanhu County has already been reported to the province, requesting exemption from taxes. The people are struggling to make ends meet, yet the province still demands taxes as usual. This is…” He shook his head, unable to continue.

At this point, Xia Xianyun spoke up. “My lord, this matter is indeed difficult. But the province’s decision was made out of necessity. The warfront is pressing, and the court urgently needs food supplies. How can national matters be swayed by the disaster in one county?”

He paused and then added, “However, I have a suggestion. Last year was a good harvest, and there is still some grain in the treasury. Perhaps it can be used to replace this year’s taxes.”

Lei Qilong pondered for a moment and then said slowly, “Li Mingfu, immediately record the disaster in Shanhu County and submit the people’s petitions to the province. We will try to negotiate for an exemption, but we must prepare for the worst.”

His expression grew serious, and his tone firm. “If the province refuses to compromise, we will have to calm the people and seek other solutions. In any case, we cannot let the people fall into despair.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Though there was still concern, they saw a glimmer of hope. Lei Qilong waved his hand to dismiss them, and soon the hall was empty.

That night, under the dim moonlight and with a gentle breeze, Changsha City was quiet, with most people already asleep.

A carriage silently arrived at the west corner gate of King Ji’s residence. The driver whispered, “My lord, we have arrived.”

Before he finished speaking, the curtain of the carriage was lifted. Lei Qilong, dressed in plain clothes, peeked out and looked around. Seeing no one watching, he quietly jumped down.

His few guards were lightly dressed and few in number, clearly accustomed to traveling this way.

Lei Qilong whispered, “Wait outside. Do not disturb anyone.”

The guards nodded and moved to the shadows.

Lei Qilong adjusted his clothes and walked towards the gate, knocking softly.

Soon, the gate creaked open, and a servant in a long robe poked his head out. Seeing it was Lei Qilong, he smiled faintly and whispered, “Lord Lei, His Highness has been waiting for you for some time. Please follow me.”

The servant lit a lantern and led Lei Qilong into the residence. The lantern’s light flickered in the night, illuminating the path ahead.

Lei Qilong walked along the stone path, passing through a deep courtyard with winding corridors. The servants of the mansion moved about, all dressed in bright clothes and moving with grace.

As they turned a corner, the sound of silk and bamboo music drifted from the east. The light music was soft and melodic, drawing Lei Qilong’s attention.

Through a winding corridor, the view ahead suddenly opened up.

The lake was like a mirror, moonlight shimmering on its surface. The artificial mountains along the shore were stacked in a natural manner, with pavilions and towers hidden between them, showcasing royal grandeur.

The music was coming from a pavilion by the lake, and with the night wind, it floated intermittently, drawing one in.

Lei Qilong slowly ascended the pavilion. As he reached the last step, the music abruptly swelled to a crescendo— it was the seventh movement of “Plains in the Falling Wild Geese”, the pitch rising suddenly, as if a flock of geese were taking flight into the sky.

Inside the pavilion, the lights were bright, almost like daylight.

He pushed the door open and saw Prince Ji, Zhu Cihui, draped in a golden robe, reclining on a fine purple sandalwood couch.

In his left hand, he held a glowing cup, and his right arm casually draped around a musician who was combing her double-bun hair. Her moon-white skirt spread across the Persian carpet, blending with its intricate patterns.

Several dancers and singers in bright silks were performing, each beautiful and graceful, with their jewelry clinking as they moved. The music and dancing mixed, creating an atmosphere of luxury.

Zhu Cihui smiled lazily and noticed Lei Qilong at the door. “Governor Lei, why are you standing at the door in a daze? Come in and join me for a drink.” His voice was lazy and magnetic.

Lei Qilong immediately cupped his hands and said, “Your Highness, I do not wish to disturb your enjoyment.”

Zhu Cihui waved his hand. “No need for formalities. I’m bored anyway. You came just in time. Come, sit.”

Lei Qilong dared not decline and sat down on a brocaded cushion beside the couch.

Zhu Cihui tapped the glowing cup lightly and said with a smile, “Governor Lei, you’re just in time. The wine from Hengzhou Old Cellar that you sent last month is still half a jar.”

He pushed the musician forward, and she brought the wine to Lei Qilong.

Lei Qilong stood up, cupping his hands again. “Your Highness, I do not wish to trouble the lady.”

Zhu Cihui waved his hand. “No worries. Relax tonight. Don’t be so formal.”

The musician filled a cup for Lei Qilong. He took a sip, and the wine was smooth and rich, pleasantly surprising him.

He drank it all at once, feeling a fiery warmth in his throat. Though he was anxious, he dared not spoil the mood of King Ji and had to drink a few more sips.

Zhu Cihui noticed Lei Qilong’s hesitation and laughed. “Let’s drink a few more cups tonight. We can talk business later.”

Lei Qilong, though not interested in the wine, couldn’t help but compliment, “Your Highness, this wine is indeed exquisite.”

The music and dance continued in the pavilion, the sounds blending, as Lei Qilong tried several times to speak but was always interrupted by Zhu Cihui’s gestures with the wine cup.