Zhao Hao followed the old man through the main gate of the magistrate's residence, walking along the narrow stone-paved path. The courtyard was not luxurious but spacious, with several old locust trees planted around, their branches swaying gently in the breeze, creating dappled shadows that gave off an ancient, rustic charm.
Entering the main hall, Zhao Hao saw a middle-aged man wearing a brown long robe sitting in the chief position. His expression was calm, his eyes sharp, clearly a seasoned and authoritative figure. This man was Wang Rui, the magistrate of Qingyang City, responsible for the city's daily affairs and security, holding considerable power in the area.
Zhao Hao quickly surveyed the layout of the hall. Besides Wang Rui, several middle-aged men in scholar robes stood by his side, likely the clerks or advisers of the magistrate's office. Not far off, a slightly plump man with an arrogant look leaned back in his chair, casually playing with a string of jade beads. His eyes held a hint of disdain, showing little interest in Zhao Hao's arrival.
"Liu Lao, what brings you here today?" Wang Rui put down his tea cup, his voice carrying a hint of authority.
The old man cupped his hands in greeting, smiling as he spoke, "Magistrate, I've brought a young man who has some knowledge of water management. I heard that the city's drainage system is damaged, and he wishes to offer a solution."
Wang Rui's gaze shifted to Zhao Hao, scrutinizing him with sharp eyes. Zhao Hao, still dressed in his modern construction attire, had done his best to tidy up along the way, but the reflective strips and the style of his clothing still seemed out of place.
"What is your name?" Wang Rui asked slowly.
"Replying to the magistrate, my name is Zhao Hao." Zhao Hao bowed respectfully, doing his best to present himself like a local.
Wang Rui nodded slightly and asked, "You say you know water management. Do you have any proof of that?"
Zhao Hao had anticipated that the magistrate wouldn't easily believe him, given that he had no foundation in this world. So, he got straight to the point. "I heard that a heavy rain recently caused flooding, and the city's drainage was inadequate, leading to water damage. As I passed through the market, I noticed that the drainage ditches in the city have long been in disrepair, and the drainage system is uneven. When the rain is heavy, the water easily accumulates and floods."
Wang Rui raised his eyebrows slightly, apparently surprised that Zhao Hao could spot the problem so quickly. The slightly plump man, however, sneered, "Who can't see that? What's the use of stating the obvious?"
Zhao Hao glanced at him, inwardly thinking that the man must be someone with power in the city, as his tone dripped with arrogance. It seemed like he was already hostile to Zhao Hao. But Zhao Hao didn't rush to respond. Instead, he continued, "Magistrate, are you aware that Qingyang City's terrain is high in the southeast and low in the northwest? The rainwater comes from the southeast, but because the drainage ditches are improperly placed, the water cannot flow out smoothly. If drainage gates were added in the low-lying areas, the main drainage routes could be cleared, and if the silt is cleaned regularly, it could greatly reduce the risk of flooding."
As soon as he finished, the hall fell silent.
Wang Rui squinted slightly, seeming to consider the feasibility of Zhao Hao's proposal. Meanwhile, the advisers whispered among themselves, some nodding in agreement, while others remained skeptical.
"Presumptuous!" The slightly plump man suddenly slammed his hand on the table, his tone hostile, "How dare a mere young man speak so freely about drainage? The water management of Qingyang City is always handled by the government. Who are you to interfere?"
Zhao Hao sneered inwardly. As expected, this man was intentionally targeting him.
Seeing the tension in the air, the old man quickly explained, "This is Xu Yuanwai, the wealthiest grain merchant in Qingyang City. Many of the city's infrastructure projects are funded by him."
Zhao Hao now understood. No wonder the man was so arrogant; he was a wealthy merchant, and Zhao Hao's words clearly threatened his interests.
But Zhao Hao did not back down. He turned to Wang Rui and said solemnly, "Magistrate, I mean no offense, but water management concerns the welfare of the people. If neglect leads to the suffering of the common folk, wouldn't that be a dereliction of duty on your part?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Rui's expression shifted slightly, and everyone in the hall turned their attention to Zhao Hao.
Xu Yuanwai sneered, "Even if you're right, how will you prove that you have the ability to do this?"
Zhao Hao smiled faintly. "That's simple. The magistrate can send someone to take me to inspect the drainage ditches, and I can immediately point out the repair solutions. If there's any falsehood, I will accept whatever punishment."
Wang Rui paused for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Fine. Let's see what you, a 'novice in water management,' are truly capable of."
Zhao Hao's heart leapt in excitement. He knew he had finally secured an opportunity. He understood that his next performance would determine whether or not he could establish himself in Qingyang City.
— End of Chapter 3 —