In Henan, far away, Fourth Master was at his wits' end.
The flooding in Henan had been severe the year before last, and substantial funds had been allocated by the Imperial Court for the construction of levees and dams last year. Fourth Master had seen the account books at the Ministry of Revenue; it was a significant amount of silver.
But upon arrival, he discovered that while the levees and dams had indeed been constructed, even an outsider like Fourth Master could tell they were not sturdy.
Should there be a flood, disaster would surely strike again.
However, the reason for Third Master and Fourth Master's urgent visit was not this issue. It was because the workers on the river projects were causing trouble!
They actually gathered together and headed south, directly to the Emperor's presence.
Fourth Master was indeed astonished; even if they reached where His Majesty resided, how could a group of river workers gain an audience with the Emperor?
