Chapter Seventeen: Repairing the Roof

Gan Sui and Ban Xia didn’t give the matter much thought. The two went to a nearby general store to purchase materials for repairing their house, then borrowed Manager Yan’s donkey cart to return to the village, laden with bags.

The weather was unbearably muggy. Upon arriving home, Ban Xia hurriedly poured two large cups of boiled water, handing one to Gan Sui. They drank deeply, finally feeling revived.

“I really miss air conditioning. Even if there’s no air conditioning, an electric fan would do. Boss, could you make a fan?”

“A fan is easy to make, but I can’t generate electricity.”

“You’re no longer my almighty Doraemon Sui.”

Thank you, I never thought I was.

After resting a while, Ban Xia took out a few pastries—leftovers from the restaurant earlier—and headed to Gan Second Aunt’s house next door. Gan Second Aunt was stitching shoe soles in the courtyard. Seeing Ban Xia enter, she called, “Lady Su, is something the matter?”

“Our roof needs repairs, but neither my husband nor I know how. Aunt, do you know anyone reliable? It’s going to rain soon, and if it’s heavy, the roof won’t hold.” She handed over the pastries. “I packed these from lunch at the restaurant, please try them. They’re clean, don’t mind them, Aunt.”

“Oh, it’s not right to accept gifts from neighbors. Old Li at the west end of the village is a master at repairs. I’ll go with you to find him.”

Ban Xia insisted, forcing the pastries into her hands. Gan Second Aunt, unable to refuse, accepted them and led Ban Xia to the west end of the village.

Fortunately, Old Li was free that afternoon and followed Ban Xia home to begin the repairs.

“This house must be quite old, isn’t it?”

Neither Gan Sui nor Ban Xia could reply, but Gan Second Aunt spoke up, “Indeed, it’s about as old as Scholar Gan himself.”

“This old house won’t last much longer after repairs. Why doesn’t Scholar Gan consider building a tile-roofed house?”

“You’ve no eye for things. If Scholar Gan passes the exam next year, he’ll become a county scholar and move to the city. This shabby house is only a temporary shelter,” Gan Second Aunt said bluntly.

“Aunt, that’s really a joke. No one can predict the outcome of the imperial exams. We’re simply too poor to build a tile house,” Ban Xia replied, not wanting to burden Gan Sui with expectations. They were two souls from another world; for Gan Sui to read and write was already miraculous—expecting him to compete with thousands and win top ranks was unreasonable. So Ban Xia had little hope for Gan Sui’s prospects in next year’s exam.

They chatted idly as Gan Sui copied books at the stone table in the backyard. The house was small, so repairs were nearly finished by late afternoon. Ban Xia hurried to the kitchen to cook several good dishes to thank Gan Second Aunt and Old Li.

Old Li received his wages and enjoyed a delicious meal, grinning broadly as he went home.

That evening, Ban Xia lay in bed, gazing at the refurbished roof. At last, the worry that had weighed on her heart eased. Gan Sui lounged at the bedside reading. He’d planned to use the oil lamp, but Ban Xia insisted it would harm his eyes; the moment they had money, she bought candles.

“Gan Sui, do you want to take the imperial exam?”

“I hadn’t thought much about it before, but lately I feel I should try.”

“Why?”

“Manager Yan at the bookstore owns several shops and is quite prosperous. But when it comes to the government, he’s extremely cautious. That Lin Qianbao, even as a distant relative of the county magistrate, can flaunt his power in town. I used to think that business, if successful, would be enough for a good life, but now it’s clear that in this era, business is no match for officialdom. An official can find fault at will, and a fortune can vanish in an instant. So I must give it a shot.”

“Drip, drip…”

“Gan Sui, it’s raining outside.” The rain grew heavier, with thunder rolling. Ban Xia was delighted. “Luckily, we repaired the house today. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have held against such a downpour.”

“You’re really clever,” Gan Sui praised her again.

Ban Xia felt a bit embarrassed, then spoke after a while, “When I was little, living in the countryside, whenever it rained, we’d bring out every container to catch water. Yet when the rain was heavy, it turned into ‘heavy rain outside, light rain inside.’ My father was often away, so no one fixed the roof. I was truly afraid of heavy rain then, because upon waking, everything around was soaking wet.”

“It’s alright, you see, our roof doesn’t leak anymore.”

“That’s wonderful.”

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window lattice onto Ban Xia’s face. She woke to see Gan Sui already reading by the window. “Boss, you keep staying up all night; be careful not to stunt your growth.”

“Research shows that seven hours of sleep per day suffices for energy needs, while those who sleep over eight hours are more likely to die.”

Heh. What a refreshing wake-up call. Ban Xia was still groggy, but immediately felt awake.

She got up to prepare breakfast, only to find it already set on the table. “Wow, Boss, just how early did you get up?”

“We went to bed around ten last night, so I got up at five and ran around the village. The air is quite good here. I also gathered some firewood. When I saw you still asleep, I cooked porridge and reheated the dishes you made last night.”

“You’re amazing.” What’s frightening isn’t that others are better than you, but that those better than you work even harder. Compared to Gan Sui, Ban Xia suddenly felt like a slacker—a lazy, aimless slacker. No, time is so precious; I must strive, yes, strive hard!

“What are you standing there for? Hurry and wash your hands for breakfast. A girl shouldn’t be so slovenly in the morning…”

Ban Xia died a little inside.

No sooner had they finished breakfast than someone knocked at the door. “Brother Gan, are you there? Brother Gan…” It was Lin You.

Gan Sui and Ban Xia stepped outside to find a carriage parked out front, with Lin You standing beside it.

“Your house is so hard to find. The rain last night made the roads muddy—look, I stepped in mud. Your home is so small; it’s not even as big as the quarters for our servants.”

What a hardship for you to visit us.

Lin You was simply venting, not expecting an answer. He happily grabbed Gan Sui’s arm. “Brother Gan, I showed my father that diagram yesterday. He was very interested, and there were parts I didn’t quite understand. He called craftsmen this morning; let’s go see together.”

This was a benefit to the people, so Gan Sui naturally supported it. “Wait a moment while I change clothes.”

Lin You was about to speak to Ban Xia when more people arrived—it was Hui Niang.

“Hui Niang, what brings you here? Have you eaten breakfast?”

“Ban Xia, you’re so biased. I was here first, yet you didn’t ask if I’d eaten breakfast.”

“Then, Young Master Lin, have you eaten breakfast?”

“Yes, yes, I had three fresh meat buns.” He smiled brightly.

Children with quirks are always cheerful.

Hui Niang smiled as well. Ban Xia noticed Hui Niang wasn’t alone; two villagers followed behind. Hui Niang caught Ban Xia’s look and explained, “These are workers Master Lin found for spring plowing. I thought you and Scholar Gan must be tired, so I brought them here to help plant your crops first before moving on.”

“That’s not quite right,” Ban Xia thought, since these were hired for the Tian family.

“I already told Master Lin yesterday; he agreed.”

“No problem, my second uncle has plenty of money, he doesn’t mind the expense.”

Just then Gan Sui came out, and Ban Xia told him, “Hui Niang brought workers to help us with spring plowing…”

“I’ll take them to see the fields.”

Only then did Ban Xia realize she didn’t even know where their fields were.

Gan Sui showed them which fields to plant what, while Ban Xia quickly bought rice and vegetable seedlings from villagers. They were busy for most of an hour. Lin You tried several times to hurry them, but seeing Gan Sui and Ban Xia hard at work, he felt embarrassed to speak up.

Ban Xia knew he was anxious, so once Gan Sui finished with the fields, she said, “Go along with Lin You; I’ll look after things at home. When you’re done, ask Manager Yan where to buy fish fry. Once the seedlings grow for half a month, I’ll buy some to stock the fields.”

“Alright. The weather’s hot and there aren’t many crops, let them rest more to avoid heatstroke. I’m off.”

Hurrying all the way, they arrived at the county office around midday.

“Young master, you’re finally back. The master has asked for you several times,” said the attendant at the gate.

“Where’s my father?”

“He’s waiting for you inside.”

“Brother Gan, let’s go in together.”

They entered the inner hall, where Magistrate Lin was discussing with the craftsmen. Seeing Gan Sui, his eyes brightened.

“Scholar Gan, you’re here. Mr. Wu and I were just talking about this waterwheel. If it constantly requires someone to turn it, it’s still rather laborious. Do you think there’s another way?”

“This waterwheel can use not only manpower, but also animal power. Here…” Gan Sui pointed to the ends of the axle. “You can attach ropes here and drive it with oxen or horses. The waterwheel would have to be built larger, but it would irrigate a broader area.” As he spoke, he drew diagrams, causing everyone to marvel.

“Additionally, human power can be harnessed with a foot-treadle waterwheel, which children can operate and find fun.” Gan Sui drew another diagram. “It can also be used as a vertical waterwheel beside a well, providing convenience.”

They watched and asked questions, unaware that it was already noon.

The hall steward came to urge lunch, and only then did they reluctantly break off.

Wu Bai stroked his beard and sighed, “The mind of youth is truly inventive. I’ve examined devices for years, yet never thought of these.”

“Mr. Wu, you overpraise. I merely borrowed the wisdom of others; these are all mentioned in books by previous scholars. I just happened upon them and remembered. It's all theory—real skill is yours, if you can bring them to life.”

“Ah, enough with the mutual praise—let’s go to the dining hall. I’m starving!” Lin You, after a morning’s bustle, was famished, but seeing the three elders still discussing, he was reluctant to interrupt.

“All you think of is food. Look at him—same age as you.”

And just like that, Gan Sui became everyone’s model child.

Lin You cast a plaintive glance at him, but Gan Sui pretended not to notice, chatting with Mr. Wu as they headed to the dining hall.