In no time, Du Liangchuan, having heard the commotion, came rushing over like a gust of wind.
Having spent many years together, the two of them no longer observed formalities of rank. After skimming through the letter from Prefect Liu, Du Liangchuan couldn’t hold back and blurted out, cursing: “Who does he think he is? Just a border county magistrate, and yet he dares to speak to you so arrogantly?”
Although Pei Zhu’s wording in the letter was polite enough, his requests were far from modest. No ordinary magistrate would dare address a Prefect this way. Only this one—recklessly bold and utterly shameless!
Liu Dai said nothing.
Du Liangchuan pondered for a moment, then asked in surprise, “Sir, you’re not actually thinking of granting his request, are you?”
The Prefect slowly replied, “There’s no harm in going to take a look.”
He had long been curious about this unusually talented Pei Zhu. Moreover, since the canal had been financed by the prefecture, it would be a waste not to see the results. Besides, Prefect Liu also wanted to give Pei Zhu a few words of guidance in person, to ensure that the audacious fellow didn’t simply default on repayment.
Pei Zhu, having received the reply, gleefully announced to everyone that the following spring, the Prefect himself would visit Yongning County, accompanied by other magistrates, and that everyone must be ready to properly welcome and see them off. This instruction was mainly aimed at Zheng Xingcheng, who had been the most idle lately.
Before Pei Zhu could even give further instructions, Zheng Xingcheng energetically declared, “Don’t worry, Sir. Leave it to me. I’ll start preparing today and will absolutely not let down the magistrate or Yongning County!”
Pei Zhu was momentarily taken aback. “The Prefect won’t come until spring.”
Zheng Xingcheng merely smiled, “All the more reason to prepare in advance. It’s rare for the Prefect to visit; everything must be flawless.”
With that, he called Zhang Rusheng and cheerfully went down to start the preparations. He had barely woken up when someone handed him a pillow. Just as he had been worrying about how to connect with officials in Youzhou, Pei Zhu had actually arranged for the Prefect to visit—now he had to make the most of this opportunity after years of effort.
The two of them moved briskly, their backs radiating pride.
Somehow, Wei Ping had come up beside Pei Zhu. After observing them for a moment, he lowered his voice: “Sir, I fear Deputy Magistrate Zheng’s heart is elsewhere.”
“It doesn’t matter. Water flows downward, people rise. If he aims for a promotion at the prefecture, we can’t stop him.” Pei Zhu knew Zheng Xingcheng was restless but also capable. If he could use this chance to move up to the prefecture, so be it. He’d just lose a sparring partner, and life would be a little quieter.
With Zheng Xingcheng’s conscientious attitude, Pei Zhu had no worries about hosting Prefect Liu. He simply advised Zheng carefully not to be extravagant or wasteful, not to spend more than necessary from the funds. Even so, Zheng Xingcheng didn’t get angry. Eager to curry favor with Prefect Liu, he didn’t mind spending his own money to make things right.
Zheng Xingcheng was determined to rise above Yongning County and secure a position at the prefecture.
Time passed, and soon it was New Year’s Eve.
Although Pei Zhu was anxious about the workshop, he wasn’t stingy enough to skip the holiday entirely. He paused work for the first two days of the New Year. After all, it was his first New Year in Yongning County. Even without money, he wanted to enjoy some festivity.
Pei Zhu’s monthly salary had been modest, so he had been saving for this occasion. A few days prior, he had asked Reng Si to take his salary to the prefecture and buy a number of items for him.
After bringing them back, Pei Zhu tinkered with them privately, with no one else knowing what he was preparing.
Zheng Xingcheng privately teased him about “making a mystery” anyway, since he had no expectations of what Pei Zhu would do.
On New Year’s Eve, Yongning County was livelier than usual. Villagers from surrounding areas gathered at the city gates to watch a ceremonial Nuo performance. With few entertainment options, especially in a poor county like Yongning, the Nuo performance—a ritual for warding off evil and welcoming fortune—was the highlight of the season.
This show had been organized by wealthy families and came to the county every New Year’s Eve. The townsfolk could watch it without spending money, so they looked forward to it each year. This year’s play, Mulian Rescues His Mother, told the story of Buddha’s disciple Mulian saving his mother from hell. Even those who had seen it before were enthralled.
Children perched on their parents’ shoulders shouted in amazement at the dazzling spectacle. Nearby, people lit bamboo sticks in fires, producing crackling “exploding rods” that matched the excitement of the Nuo performance.
Pei Zhu had quietly climbed onto the city wall, with Wei Ping and Wang Chuo flanking him, unsure of his intentions.
After the Nuo performance ended, night had fallen. The city gates stayed open late; those living nearby could wander and view lanterns. Those living further away had to head home for the New Year’s vigil.
Many were leaving when suddenly a loud “bang” rang out, followed by objects exploding in midair. Flames shot skyward in succession, bursting like meteors, dazzling all who saw.
“What is that?” people whispered at the gate.
A sharp-eyed observer pointed out, “Look, it’s the County Magistrate! It must be his exploding rods.”
Burning bamboo was meant to drive away disease spirits; this fireworks-like display had the same intention.
Indeed, it was their magistrate standing atop the gate, holding a fire torch, lighting paper bundles one after another, producing the spectacular scene above.
The fireworks blazed repeatedly, turning the night as bright as day.
Children’s faces glowed in the flickering light, their eyes wide. They had never seen anything so magnificent. Screams of delight grew louder and louder, even adults couldn’t look away, calling out to Pei Zhu:
“Sir, one more!”“Make it go higher!”“The blue one just now was the best!”
Encouraged, Pei Zhu worked the fireworks even harder. After all, it was New Year—how could there be no fireworks?
He had recently discovered that gunpowder had only just reached Liang Kingdom, not widely used yet, let alone for fireworks. Pei Zhu cleverly applied his knowledge from the future to create an entry-level version. Each paper bundle contained only one shot, but it was better than nothing.
Amid the crowd’s anticipation, Pei Zhu lit another bundle. As the fireworks bloomed in the sky, cheers rang out. He joined in like a child, shouting phrases like “Blessings to all” with red fireworks and “Auspicious purple energy arrives from the east” with purple, teaching the townsfolk to repeat them.
By the end, even children who barely spoke could clap and shout garbled blessings in unison.
It was wonderful—everyone’s hearts warmed with hope for a prosperous and auspicious year.
The city gate remained lively long into the night.
Wang Chuo watched Pei Zhu’s skill in rallying the crowd and thought of the months of savings spent on this fleeting joy. In the past, he might have grumbled, but now, seeing the delighted townsfolk, he felt it was worth every coin.
The optimism born of hardship was priceless. For a moment, Wang Chuo felt enlightened; his past hardships seemed trivial. The people could welcome the New Year—why cling to the past? He had lost before, but could rise again.
The more he thought, the more encouraged he felt. If he could support one ruler, why not a second? This young man before him would be his next charge.
Luck—Pei Zhu had it in abundance.Reputation—still within reach.As for the team, Wang Chuo would gather it for him.
Everything was falling into place. He realized his rescue had been fate, and he could only go with it.
Pei Zhu seemed to sense something and asked blankly, “Master, is there something on my face?”
All he received in response was Wang Chuo’s calm, faint smile, which left Pei Zhu strangely flustered.
The noise at the gate was loud enough to rouse Zheng Xingcheng, who had been quietly keeping vigil at home. Looking up, he saw the fireworks shooting high, visible across Yongning County. No need to guess who had done it, he muttered curses at Pei Zhu for extravagance and showing off…
Yet, as he cursed, he couldn’t help but admit it was rather beautiful.
“Go, bring out all the young masters and daughters to see this spectacle,” Zheng Xingcheng urged his servants.
After the lively New Year’s Eve, the townsfolk continued to savor the fireworks. Unfortunately, only the magistrate knew how to make them, and they were expensive, so others couldn’t join in.
Fortunately, the magistrate promised even bigger and more abundant fireworks next year. The townsfolk, who had felt little excitement before, now eagerly anticipated the next New Year.
Life always needs something to look forward to.
By the second day of the New Year, Pei Zhu resumed his busy routine of early mornings and late evenings. Under his and Magistrate Zhang’s supervision, the workshop quickly took shape, and all materials were prepared.
Regarding the materials, Magistrate Zhang winced at the expense. Though he knew the investment was necessary, it was still very costly. He had suggested cheaper alternatives, but Pei Zhu, once given the funds, paid no heed.
The funds Zhang provided dwindled day by day, leaving him anxious. Next time, he swore he wouldn’t deal with Pei Zhu again; he couldn’t bear to see such lavish spending even if he had mountains of gold at home.
Thankfully, with the workshop established, the days of spending like water finally came to a pause.
By late February, the weather in Youzhou warmed, and the reservoir had partially filled—about half full. The rest would be released during the flood season.
Prefect Liu, keeping his promise, finally set out to inspect Yongning County.
Although the county officials were reluctant, they arrived early to await him. Pei Zhu, as host, was busy from dawn. Zheng Xingcheng, however, was even more meticulous and responsible than Pei Zhu.
Seeing the Prefect approach, Zheng Xingcheng nervously asked Zhang Rusheng, “Check if my robe is messy!”
Zhang Rusheng circled him quickly.
Pei Zhu, having heard this countless times, tugged his ear and deliberately interrupted, taking over Zhang’s role: “Messy? Totally! Not just the robe, even the crown on your head looks bad. If I were you, I’d go change it immediately.”
Zheng Xingcheng gritted his teeth. Nonsense—that was his finest crown!
He decided it wasn’t worth arguing with someone so clueless. Zheng Xingcheng swallowed his irritation, knowing that once he rose to the prefecture with Prefect Liu, there would be plenty of days ahead for Pei Zhu to grovel before him.