Yun Dahai worked quickly. Within a short time, he had convinced the villagers to try the food they once feared, and organized groups of young men to dig up sweet potatoes from the mountain.
The whole village was overjoyed—finally, they could eat their fill. Everyone praised the village chief for his boldness.
That evening, Yun Dahai returned home, and the family ate boiled sweet potatoes—another method Yun Xi taught him. As they ate, she explained different cooking methods and the details to watch for while digging. Yun Dahai listened intently, nodding again and again.
“With food settled, at least we won’t starve this winter. Just relying on these sweet potatoes is enough to carry us through. But with no rain for months, even drinking water is becoming a problem. The river in the fields is drying up.”
His good mood deflated as he remembered the worsening drought.
“Father, the trees on the mountain are still lush—that means there must be a water source nearby. I think if we follow the river upstream, we might find it.” Yun Xi suggested.
“Find the source of the water?”
“Yes. If not… we’ll soon have no drinking water left.”
“You’re right. I’ll send someone to check.”
“Father,” Yun Xi hesitated, then decided to be honest, “I think the water source might be in the back mountain.”
“Oh? And how does Xier know this?”
She told him about the humidity and the moist air near the forbidden area. Yun Dahai remained silent for a long moment before speaking.
“Xier… are you curious why no one is allowed to enter the back mountain?”
“A little,” Yun Xi admitted. “But I won’t go. You don’t have to worry.”
“Good. You’re sensible. I’ll explain the back mountain to you someday… but no one else must ever speak of it.”
“But what about the water source…?”
“I’ll go myself. If I find the source, I’ll figure out the rest.”
“Father, isn’t the back mountain forbidden? How can you go?” Yun Xi finally voiced her suspicion.
“Only the village chiefs of each generation are allowed to enter. Xier, don’t ask too much.”
Yun Xi had no choice but to swallow her curiosity.
The next morning, Yun Dahai left at dawn. He didn’t return until midday, covered in dirt and looking exhausted.
“Father, what happened?” Yun Xi quickly walked over.
He glanced at her, then said:
“It’s fine. I found the water source. Xier… you were right. There’s a large lake in the back mountain. Normally, water from that lake flows down to our river. But during the drought, the lake stopped overflowing, so the river dried up.”
“That’s great news! If there’s a lake, the village won’t have to worry about drinking water anymore.”
“Yes, but… how do we get the lake water to flow back into the river?”
The concern returned to his face.
“That’s simple, Father. Find where the lake connects to the river and open a small passage. Then the water will flow naturally.” Yun Xi explained.
“Oh—and did you check where the lake gets its water? What if the lake itself dries up?”
“I looked. I didn’t find the source. But the lake is big enough to support the whole village. And winter snow will come soon—the drought won’t last forever.”
“That’s good. But Father, the opening must be done carefully. Don’t make it too big, or the water might flood and destroy the riverbank. You’ll need to reinforce the sides too. You can’t do it alone—you’ll need people to help.”
Yun Dahai fell silent again.
Then, without a word… he turned and walked out of the house.
Yun Xi watched his back, knowing he had a lot to think about.