Heaven moves with vigor; the gentleman never ceases striving to strengthen himself (1/3)

Hundred Lands Mountain Range, Li Household Village.

Another downpour, and at this time of year no less!

Gazing at the gathering dark clouds and the flashing lightning, the old village chief, sitting at the village entrance, murmured worriedly.

"This weather is very unusual. Should we ask Non-Crying Child when she gets back later?"

Li Yu, who also returned to the village early due to the unusual weather, looked equally puzzled and worried.

Since Li Boyang was born, the surrounding area had enjoyed favorable weather for six or seven years, and this was the first time he had encountered such an unusual celestial phenomenon.

"Yu'er, this rainstorm will probably exceed Non-Crying Child's expectations as well."

Under Li Yu's surprised gaze, the old village chief revealed what he was truly worried about.

"You have little experience and limited knowledge, so it's normal that you don't know."

"But having lived for so many years, I have personally witnessed those fertile lands blessed by the gods."

Generally speaking, places blessed by the gods enjoy favorable weather and rarely experience unexpected events.

"If such an accident occurs, it's either because the god has abandoned its followers, or because the impending crisis is beyond the god's control."

"Given the relationship between Non-Crying Child and that Grandmother Mountain God, which possibility do you think is more likely?"

Li Yu stared in disbelief, immediately understanding the old village chief's unspoken meaning.

This was a torrential rain that exceeded the capabilities of the mountain god, a calamity beyond the reach of even Divine Power.

"Also, before you came back, I had someone check out the reservoir—"

"According to the water level line previously drawn by Non-Crying Child, the water level there has now exceeded the highest safety warning level."

"We don't even need a heavy rain; we have to open the floodgates ahead of schedule—"

"Otherwise, if the reservoir breaches its banks, our village will be destroyed before the heavy rains arrive."

Unconsciously scratching the back of his head, Li Yu remained silent for a while before asking.

"When did this happen? Does Non-Crying Child know?"

In situations like this where the water level reaches the warning line, theoretically, the Non-Crying Child should be informed immediately.

But from the old village chief's tone, Li Yu seemed to hear another answer.

"About three days ago, I hadn't yet told anyone to tell Non-Crying Child."

"Although I don't know what Non-Crying Child is doing, I can tell he's been very busy lately."

Shaking his head with a wry smile, the old village chief, though quite annoyed, did not regret his decision.

Do you remember the textbook that "Non-Crying Child" planned to use for early childhood education?

"I think one of the sayings is quite good: 'A gentleman constantly strives for self-improvement.'"

"Ultimately, we are Mountain Folk live off the mountains and rivers, not those cowardly bunch outside who only know how to rely on gods and priests."

Listening to the old village chief's ramblings, Li Yu fell silent once again.

"If mountains come, we move them. If water comes, we release it."

"Whether it's the Non-Crying Child, or the Grandmother Mountain God— "

"They are our source of strength and our support, but we can't rely on them for everything and wait for them to solve all our problems."

"Otherwise, what difference is there between us and those livestock and poultry domesticated by the Non-Crying Child?"

Seemingly persuaded by the old village chief, or perhaps because Li Yu had always had this idea, after a brief hesitation, a resolute look appeared in Li Yu's eyes.

What are your plans?

The old village chief chuckled, his kind expression returning to its previous gentle demeanor.

"What else can we do? Expand the reservoir, of course!"

"With these three years of experience, the villages in the vicinity have basically gained experience in building reservoirs."

"Expanding the reservoir based on this foundation is actually not a difficult task."

"I went to check on it a few days ago. Even if the paving of the Outer Dao is temporarily suspended, the brick factory can still supply stone bricks at full capacity."

Li Yu tilted his head slightly, knowing the old village chief's personality well.

Knowing that the other person definitely had more to say, I wasn't in a hurry to interrupt them.

"In fact, we not only need to expand the reservoir, but also find ways to widen the river channel."

"Furthermore, this cannot be done by just a few villages in the vicinity; all the villages in the Hundred Lands Mountain Range must know the seriousness of this matter."

"Haven't they been envious of our Mountain God Reservoir for a long time?"

"As long as they are willing to get involved, and we can build some reservoirs along the way, it's not something that can't be discussed."

Nodding in sudden realization, Li Yu finally understood the old village chief's intention.

A combination of coercion and incentives should be used to mobilize the enthusiasm of the Mountain Folk while carrying out basic flood control and disaster relief construction.

"Isn't that enough?"

"Not all village chiefs have your vision and foresight."

What Li Yu said was true; wise men like the old village chief, who had matured with age, were truly rare among the Mountain Folk.

Just considering the Mountain Folk that Li Yu himself had come into contact with.

Hard work and perseverance are common traits, but ignorance, stubbornness, and short-sightedness also make up the vast majority.

"Then tell them, all the villages involved in this operation—"

"During the off-season, their younger generations can come to our village and learn to read for free from Non-Crying Child."

"If we encounter someone a little more stubborn, our village can definitely provide them with a meal."

A glint of cunning, typical of the elderly, flashed in his eyes as the old village chief added slowly and deliberately.

"You really are—"

He gave the old village chief a silent warning look.

Li Yu couldn't find a suitable word to express his feelings at that moment.

After all, as Li Boyang's biological father, Li Yu may not necessarily understand his son's vision and ambition, but he is quite clear about his attitude towards such matters.

It's no exaggeration to say that if he could actually get children from the Hundred Lands Mountain Range to learn to read and write with him, Li Baiyang would probably be laughing all the way to the bank.

What about the water veins?

"If you want to build a reservoir or widen a river, it's very important to understand the flow of the watercourses and any potentially hidden springs."

Just as Li Yu raised another practical question, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind them.

"There's a complete map of the Mountain Terrain and waterways over there Non-Crying Child. '"

After listening for an unknown amount of time, Chen Yun walked to her husband's side and said with a smile.

"That Big Girl has never been one to keep her mouth shut; I heard about it from her a long time ago."

"The Non-Crying Child, following the Grandmother Mountain God, drew a map covering most of the Mountain Terrain and rivers of the Hundred Lands Mountain Range."

"I even suspect that the map probably already marked suitable locations for building reservoirs, as well as the tributaries and their locations that could be used to widen the river."

"Our son has always liked to plan ahead; I even suspect that the problems we're facing now might have been within his expectations."

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