"Quite beautiful indeed. Uncle Shan, have you ever seen these grapes? Grapes, oh, red wine, white wine, grape vinegar... there are so many delicious ways to prepare them." Excitement filled Xiangbei's mouth as he immediately inquired with Chengshan.
Cheng Mo took over the conversation, "These air-dried grapes are sweet with a hint of acidity, easily obtained from the grassland traders. That's why both the shop and home always have some stocked. Later, we'll pack a bag for you here to satisfy your cravings. However, these fresh grapes rarely make their way here, so they are a rarity.
In the previous dynasty, people in the northwest started planting them in their front and back yards. The vines provide shade in the summer, adding a touch of tranquility and elegance.
Even in the capital, there was once an imperial manor that planted some, but they abandoned it as the small fruits were too sour. Occasionally, one or two plants were left for ornamental purposes."
"That's great. Thank you. If it's convenient, please cut some branches for me. I'd like to plant a few to enjoy the scenery," Xiangbei said.
"Miss Bei, there are already two plants in our Mansion garden, along the corridor. The new leaves are sprouting now, looking beautiful. I'll have someone cut a few branches for you later," Cheng Shan spoke as he entered with a stack of deeds and a pile of drawings. Seizing the opportunity, he continued, "Master, Miss, this stack of deeds was sent by Yang Baiwan just now. It has been transferred and recorded, and now it's under Miss Tong's name. It includes the entire South Street, with a total of ten shops, all of the property's with three consecutive sections and ourtyards behind."
"Oh, Yang Baiwan works quite fast. Here's the plan: let's use this street entirely for the establishment of the new school.
Starting with agriculture and commerce, we'll train new, capable individuals within our business system.
The new school will be open to the public, and at the street corner, we'll place a monument for educational donations.
Yang Baiwan, as a family supporting education, will be at the forefront.
Cheng Mo, you'll write the inscription personally and organize a grand plaque award ceremony for him. What do you think, Cheng Mo?"
"Your Highness, I'll comply. Xiangbei, with this plan, I'm afraid the prominent figures in Dongbin will compete to contribute money."Chen Mo quickly recognized the enormous potential of these plans, a hint of mockery appearing on his face.
"No, it's not for me; it's for the contribution to the prosperity of Dongbin," Xiangbei corrected.
"Miss Tong, your talent is truly admirable. In addition, please excuse me for interrupting your meal. We have been contemplating the diverting of this waterway ever since the lord left the city, and your idea is truly ingenious. However, there is one pressing concern," said Shan Shu, "Is it okay if I speak frankly?"
"Please go ahead. Take a seat and let's talk while we eat," responded Cheng Mo, gesturing for Shan Shu to sit down.
Uncle Shan continued, "The issue is about a shallow ford located about thirty miles downstream from Lingshui County, right in the middle of the river. Sometimes, especially during the dry season, the shallow water levels pose challenges for the navigation of large ships.
Normally, many boats turn around at that spot, causing congestion in the waterway. Although it often leads to traffic, the local officials in Lingshui are delighted because it allows more boats to dock their ashore.
Moreover, since the shallow ford is outside the city, the congestion doesn't inconvenience Lingshui.
Regardless of negotiations or discussions, they have been handling it with a laissez-faire attitude, and over the years, it remains unresolved. If we, in Dongbin, change this situation, it may lead to discord."
"I think, in the case of our frequent river traffic in DongBin, diverting some upstream should not have a significant impact." Xiangbei believed that with the changes she brought, the influx of merchants would only increase, and Dong Bin would be more concerned about overloading. Thinking of various city roadways with turning lanes, she felt that the Presence of this shallow ford in the river was a indeed wonderful.
"Miss, you may not be aware that although the river surface is extremely broad at that location and the shallow ford only emerges during the autumn and winter dry seasons, it is also a stretch with the most giant rocks and hidden reefs. All ships keep a considerable distance from the shallow ford and travel close to the two banks."
Considering the water accident reports he had collected over the years, Cheng Shan felt burdened.
"Alright, Uncle Mountain, you go ahead and enjoy your meal. We'll go out of the city later to inspect the terrain, finalize our renovation plan. I think we might be able to draw on many practices for clearing reefs from sandbars in other river channels. We'll see the situation on-site before making any decisions." Watching the young girl in front of him, whose appearance seemed tender but spoke with shining, confident eyes, Mountain Uncle inexplicably believed that she must have a solution.