Chapter 10: Singing Love Songs in Tianzhuang

Having walked through some fields, I observed the dry ditches. The harvested wheat fields were cracked with numerous fissures, and the surface of the land was raised in alarming patches of hard crust. Some small snowflakes fell upon it, disappearing in an instant, further accentuating the desolation.

Huang Laifu nodded

However, at this time, the river has significantly dried up, with the water surface being several people high above the bank. Given the capacity of these waterwheels, they can only draw water to the lower fields near the riverbank; for fields that are slightly farther away or at a higher elevation, there is nothing that can be done. They can only rely on some manual or animal labor to carry water over long distances, but how much effect can that have? This is still for the fields close to the river with a water source; for those fields that are not near a water source, the situation is even more helpless.

After Huang Laifu finished singing a song, Gu Yunniang, with a flushed face, lightly retorted: "I don't know where you heard such a strange tune; it's quite crude"

Huang Laifu glanced at her and then smiled.

Gu Yunniang's face turned slightly red as she said, "What are you singing?"

Huang Laifu smiled and said, "Isn't it pleasant to hear? If you wish to listen, I will sing for you often in the future"

Butler Yang stood by with a constant smile. At this moment, he stepped forward and said to Young Master Huang and Miss Gu, "Young Master, Miss Gu, it is getting late; let's go to the farm to fetch the horses."

Water, we need water! We need to draw water from the river, we need irrigation for the fields that are not near a water source, Huang Laifu pondered

At this moment, he understood that during this period of severe drought and cold, known as the Little Ice Age, it could be said that everywhere was barren land stretching for thousands of miles, and even in Wuzhaibao, a place rich in water sources, it was no exception. In such circumstances, even more land would be of no significance. The lack of water sources and irrigation meant that vast amounts of fertile land had to be abandoned, let alone the prospect of reclaiming wasteland.

Which young girl does not harbor romantic feelings? Moreover, at this moment, Gu Yunniang is at the age of budding emotions. However, she has been promised to Huang Laifu since childhood. In Kelaizhou, which oblivious young man from a military family would dare to sing such songs to her? Therefore, although Gu Yunniang looks down upon those young men and women from military families and their pursuits, she actually envies them deep down for being able to enjoy carefree happiness with their beloved.

In previous years of favorable weather, this farm, covering over 1,000 acres, could yield nearly 300,000 jin of wheat annually. However, in recent years, at most, it has only produced several tens of thousands of jin each year, and this is still the best land in Wuzhaibao. As for the fields of other farms, it is better not to mention them.

He said, "Young master, would you like to visit our farm?"

Upon reaching the shore, Gu Yunniang pouted, seemingly annoyed at Huang Laifu for neglecting her for half a day. Jiang Dazhong and Yang Xiaolu, witnessing this, wanted to laugh but dared not do so.

Most of these love songs are straightforward and emotionally intense. In fact, whether in Wuzhaibao or within the Xiwai City of Kelaizhou Town, Gu Yunniang has heard the military youths singing such love songs. Although she is the daughter of a military officer and surrounded by rough men, she has been influenced since childhood by those legendary dramas and romantic novels, and she finds these songs too direct.

In the past, Huang Laifu was merely skilled in wielding weapons, a typical uncouth man who had no understanding of romance. When did he ever care about her youthful sentiments? Therefore, at this moment, although Gu Yunniang appeared to be angry and embarrassed on the outside, she was secretly delighted within.

Huang Laifu walked with his hands behind his back, carefully observing both inside and outside the estate, seemingly deep in thought. Jiang Dazhong and Yang Xiaolu naturally followed behind him, speaking in hushed tones, not daring to disturb Huang Laifu's contemplation. Although the two were puzzled about when the young master had come to understand matters of the estate, Steward Yang respectfully accompanied them, only offering quiet explanations when Huang Laifu inquired.

Gu Yunniang let out a shy hum, yet she did not express any desire to stop listening

In the popular love song "The Moon Rises" from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, the lyrics state: "I arranged to meet my beloved when the moon rises, but I did not see him at the top of the mountain when the moon was up. Oh! I did not know that my place is low and the moon rises early. Oh! I did not know that his place is high and the moon rises late"

On both sides of the river, there are several farms distributed, managing the surrounding fields. The larger farms cover thousands of acres, while the smaller ones span hundreds of acres, mostly owned by the officers of Wuzhaibao. Among them, the best and largest farms, which are primarily located near the riverbank, are owned by the Huang family

Butler Yang smiled as he watched the two bicker. To him, both Huang Laifu and Gu Yunniang had grown up under his watch. Although he was a servant of the Huang family, in his heart, he regarded Huang Laifu and Gu Yunniang as his own children.

Gu Yunniang pouted playfully and said, "What are you doing? You startled me!"

On this side of the river, not far to the west, there is a farmstead, which is the largest farmstead owned by the Huang family on the southern bank of the Qinglian River, managing nearly a thousand acres of surrounding farmland. Over the course of a century, the Huang family has occupied a total of over ten thousand acres of farmland in Wuzhaibao. However, in recent years, due to unfavorable weather conditions, apart from the farmland near the river, several thousand acres of remote farmland, which are not close to a water source, have been left abandoned.

Huang Laifu saw Jiang Dazhong beside him laughing heartily, and he gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder, causing him to grimace and smile. "Yun Niang, if it weren't for the circumstances, why would I bring you all here? Your brother Laifu has his own plans, but now is not the time to reveal them"

Walking to the riverbank and gazing at the Qilian River before him, Huang Laifu sighed. Wuzhaibao is later known as Fushun County, often referred to as the county sitting on a reservoir. However, it is evident that this title has significantly diminished at this moment. In Huang Laifu's childhood memories, the Qilian River was about one hundred meters wide and over ten meters deep, with the water level nearly equal to the riverbanks. Yet, the current volume of the Qilian River is clearly much lower than before, exposing a large area of the riverbank.

Upon hearing him say "Laifu Ge," Gu Yunniang's charming face flushed slightly, and she gave a light pout.

Ah... Huang Laifu suddenly began to sing

By the river, there are indeed some water-lifting tools such as dragon backbone waterwheels and chain bucket waterwheels that rely on human or animal power. These irrigation tools appeared during the Han and Tang dynasties and were once the primary means of irrigation for the fields on both banks.

The leading tenant, upon seeing Huang Laifu arrive, was somewhat apprehensive and hurriedly stepped forward to attend to him, clearly aware of Huang Laifu's notorious reputation. Contrary to his expectations, the young master Huang Laifu was surprisingly amiable; after inquiring about the situation of the estate, he allowed the tenant to leave. This brought a great sense of relief to him

Gu Yunniang snorted and was about to ask what you were laughing at

Only Gu Yunniang occasionally glanced at Huang Laifu, feeling puzzled. After half a day's interaction, she sensed that the current Huang Laifu seemed like a different person, with a changed temperament and demeanor. Previously, he was rough and ignorant, but now he appeared much more mature, exuding an air of calm and composure. Could such a significant change occur after just one outing? Gu Yunniang felt curious and kept casting sidelong glances at Huang Laifu.

Huang Laifu dismounted and was led by Jiang Dazhong and others towards the fields by the river. Gu Yunniang still pouted and followed closely beside him, but seeing that Huang Laifu indeed appeared to be serious about his business, she couldn't help but feel a bit surprised. Could it be that he has changed his ways?

Seeing the situation before him, Huang Laifu finally understood. He had been puzzled yesterday; the Five Zhaibao was said to have a total arable land area of 600,000 mu, with an annual grain output reaching 200 million jin. Moreover, at this time, Five Zhaibao had not yet established a county, so theoretically, the military fortress area should belong entirely to Five Zhaibao. There was an abundance of wasteland available for reclamation, and there would be no troublesome disputes over military and civilian lands from the inland garrisons. Regardless of the circumstances, with hundreds of thousands of mu of land, how could it not support even a mere few thousand people? There was an abundance of wasteland available for reclamation, and there would be no troublesome disputes over military and civilian lands from the inland garrisons. Regardless of the circumstances, with hundreds of thousands of mu of land, how could it not support even a mere few thousand people?

... foolish Junyong, my brother. ! Let us mold two figures from yellow clay. One for you, one for me, shaping them to resemble living beings; we will rest together on the bed. If the clay figures break, we will add water and knead again, making one for you and one for me. The brother has a sister, and the sister has a brother...

Moreover, although Huang Laifu's song is rough and straightforward, the melody is somewhat peculiar, yet it is quite pleasant to sing, possessing a unique charm that is quite different from the songs heard in the Ming Dynasty at this time. In fact, Huang Laifu's songs are not superior to the love songs of the Ming Dynasty, but they excel in their freshness.

The folk songs of the Ming Dynasty were exceptionally prosperous, with a considerable number, estimated to be nearly one thousand by the mid-Ming period. The majority of these folk songs were love songs. They express genuine emotions, with simple language, devoid of any pretense.

Gu Yunniang cast a sidelong glance at Huang Laifu and said in a delicate voice, "Huang Laifu, you brought us to see the military farms; do you have some plan in mind?"

According to him, the estate is surrounded by 1,165 acres of farmland, with 20 plots of vegetable gardens and 3 pigsties within the estate, as well as dozens of sheep being raised. Approximately 50 tenants work here. In fact, there are hundreds of similar tenants in the Huang family, most of whom are the families of military personnel from Wuzhaibao, and some are directly from the regular banner troops of the Qianhu Office. For decades, these individuals have been working for the Huang family and have long since become accustomed to this way of life. In fact, there are hundreds of similar tenants in the Huang family, most of whom are the families of military personnel from Wuzhaibao, and some are directly from the regular banner troops of the Qianhu Office. For decades, these individuals have been working for the Huang family and have long since become accustomed to this way of life.

The most famous work, originating from the Central Plains and widely circulated across the Yangtze River and beyond, is "Locking the Southern Branch," which has remained well-known through the ages

Huang Laifu turned his head, looked at her, and sang passionately: "... From now on, you build that red embroidered tower, scattering the red embroidered balls, just hitting my head, let us drink a pot together ..."

Jiang Dazhong and Yang Xiaolu stared in astonishment. They thought to themselves, when did the young master start singing love songs? This song is quite strange, but it is indeed very pleasant and full of charm. Seeing Gu Yunniang's bashful demeanor, the two couldn't help but secretly admire Huang Laifu, thinking that the young master has indeed changed a lot, becoming increasingly adept with women. In the past, he wouldn't even dare to breathe in front of Miss Gu.

Unexpectedly, at this moment, the song sung by Huang Laifu was even more rugged and raw. The portrayal of the romantic relationship between the man and woman in the song was overly intense, causing Gu Yunniang's heart to race and her face to flush. At the same time, she felt a strange sensation within her.

Gu Yunniang could no longer withstand Huang Laifu's gaze, her charming face flushed with a rosy hue, her delicate head nearly drooping onto her soft bosom, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz: "Where did you hear this folk song?"

On both sides of the Qinglian River, the terrain rises from low to high. As far as the eye can see, along the banks of the river, there are unevenly distributed fields. The waters of the Qinglian River flow northwest towards Xiaoketou Fortress and Sanchabao, with fields continuously appearing along both banks of the river. The entire military households' farmland in Wuzhaibao is most densely concentrated in the area from Wuzhaibao to Xiaoketou Fortress and then to Sanchabao.

After observing the fields on the southern bank of the Qinglian River, Huang Laifu and a few others left their horses at the farm and boarded a boat to visit some estates of the Huang family on the northern bank. As it was nearing noon, they decided to return. Standing at the bow of the boat, Huang Laifu noticed a considerable amount of greenery along the river. He couldn't help but feel a surge of ambition; although the current situation was quite dire, he was confident that he could change it.

Butler Yang walked beside Huang Laifu, and upon seeing the situation before him, he sighed and said: "The times are difficult; I do not know what is wrong with the heavens. It is either drought or cold, and the water from the river cannot be diverted. The fort's settlement has suffered consecutive years of poor harvests. If this continues, what shall we do?"

Entering the farmstead, it was the off-season for farming, so apart from a few tenants guarding the estate, there were hardly any people present. The estate contained some arable land and several vegetable gardens; in addition, there were mostly storage houses, granaries, livestock pens, and threshing grounds. There were also a few houses for habitation. The exterior of the estate was surrounded by a wall made of earth and stone, along with some defensive structures, giving it quite a military fortress feel.

Huang Laifu ignored her and continued to sing: "... ... Sister, boldly move forward, move forward, do not look back, the road to the heavens, nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine... ..."

The farmstead is situated within a field, surrounded by farmland on all sides. In front of the farmstead lies a large pond, bordered by rows of elm and mulberry trees. However, at this moment, the water in the pond has nearly dried up, and the elm and mulberry trees along the edge exhibit a rather lifeless appearance.