walk to the water

The uneasiness in Chu Xiang's heart gradually expanded. Fu Ling was always strong and conceited, and looked down on the world. He had never shown weakness before, why did he go uncharacteristically today and talk about the affairs behind him?Chu Xiang coughed softly, interrupted Fu Ling, and changed the subject: "Your Majesty just said that you want me to do something, what is it?"

Fu Ling was stunned for a moment, then returned to normal, and said: "That's right, although the weather in the south of the Yangtze River is smooth, the lower reaches of the Yellow River are flooded every year. The floods are difficult to calm, and the people are displaced. Xiang'er helps me think about it, is there any good way?" Take out a memorial and show it to Chu Xiang.

Chu Xiang looked over it, and said: "The Yellow River floods every year because of the silt deposits in the river, raising the river bed and forcing the river to divert. The silt must be cleared and the waterway dredged, instead of blindly building embankments to block it."

Fu Ling said: "That's right, that's what I mean too. It's just that the project is huge, and the government can't send competent people for a while. Is Xiang'er willing to take this heavy responsibility?"

When Fu Ling made this request suddenly, Chu Xiang couldn't help but widen his eyes, inexplicably surprised. It's been three years, and life has been repeated day by day, like an ancient well without waves. This is the rest of his life, but Fu Ling's request cannot be refuted in public or private.After a long while, Chu Xiang said: "Treatment of floods is related to the national economy and the people's livelihood. If His Majesty asks, Xiang will not hesitate to do so. It's just a matter of great importance, my ability is limited, and I have no experience in flood control. I rashly accept orders. I am afraid that I will miss Your Majesty's important event!"

Fu Ling pointed to the documents and documents in the room, and said with a smile: "Xiang'er, if you do something with your heart, you will never fail to do it well, and you have never written a history book before. Now it has been written into a million-dollar masterpiece. Ten LiuK Literature Network Let’s talk about the ancient sages, Dayu and Li Bing, did they have any experience when they controlled the water?”

Chu Xiang heard this.After a moment of contemplation, there seemed to be a gleam of light in the black eyes.Finally stood up and bowed down, with a solemn expression: "Since His Majesty trusts you, Xiang will do his best and never disgrace!"

Fu Ling supported Chu Xiang and patted him on the shoulder.He smiled gratifiedly, but the smile didn't fade away, and his expression turned bitter, "I'm sure you'll be relieved when you're doing things, but it's going to be difficult for me to see you every now and then. For such a long time, I can wait until you have served for three years. I can also wait until you return from curing the water.”

Chu Xiang was slightly stunned, and looked down at the black clothes on his body. His name was Xiushu.It's actually mourning, and both of them tacitly agree.He can tolerate himself to keep filial piety for Zhou Guo and his parents for three years.Purity of heart and asceticism.It is the utmost benevolence and righteousness, and I can't be ignorant of good and evil again and again.Knowing that he does not repay his kindness makes him wait for a lifetime.It's time to change this clothes.Chu Xiang said apologetically, "When I come back after finishing this matter, I will serve His Majesty wholeheartedly without distractions."

Fu Ling smiled when he heard the words: "Serve me wholeheartedly? I don't have such extravagant expectations. I know you are an eagle in the sky. I don't ask you to be a bird in a cage. Let you fly, but remember to come back!"

Leaning on Fu Ling's arms, Chu Xiang choked for a moment when he heard his heartbeat.

A few days later, Fu Lingguo appointed Chu Xiang as the second-rank imperial envoy, and went east to rule the Yellow River.On the day before leaving, Chu Xiang put on the official Qin official uniform in addition to the black clothes, went to the hall to bid farewell to the king, and Fu Ling gave him a gold medal to act on his behalf.The matter between Fu Ling and Chu Xiang, although there was no lack of criticism from the top and bottom of the court, but under Fu Ling's prestige, no one dared to speak out.Moreover, water control is a thankless job, and no one is willing to take the order. Therefore, Chu Xiang did not arouse too much opposition from the officials when he took office.

Fu Ling sent Chu Xiang out of the hall, watching him stepping on the chasing horse.Chu Xiang brought his entourage, went out of the city gate, and galloped in the wilderness of the northern country. Looking around, the sky and the earth are vast, the wind blows and the grass is low, and the scenery beyond the Great Wall is filled with emotion.The aspirations of the past have become floating clouds, and the so-called destiny cannot be easily changed by one's own strength.

In a blink of an eye, spring went to autumn, the grass was withered and yellow, and the westerly wind was bleak. It had been half a year since Chu Xiang left Shangjing.He led tens of thousands of strong men recruited from all over the country to clear silt and control sand, weather the wind and rain, take the lead in hard work, eat and live in temporary shacks beside the river, and have never left the Yellow River for half a year.

At dusk one day, the work was over, and everyone went to eat. Chu Xiang was alone along the river to check the progress of the day's project, when he suddenly heard someone calling from behind: "Xiang'er?"

Chu Xiang turned around in surprise, it was Fu Ling!The afterglow of the setting sun casts a tall shadow on him, dressed in dust and loneliness.Chu Xiang rushed over, "Your Majesty! When did Your Majesty come? How could I not know?" After half a year, Chu Xiang was pleasantly surprised when they met for the first time, but Fu Ling looked haggard and gloomy.

Fu Ling said coldly: "If I don't come again, you're afraid you'll forget about me completely! In the past few months, there were occasional letters, but in the past two months, there hasn't been a single word!"

Chu Xiang argued: "The report was played twice in January. Xiang never dared to miss it. I just sent it away yesterday at the beginning of this month. I'm afraid your majesty hasn't received it yet?" With a wry smile in his heart, how could he have forgotten him?Every sleepless cold night, he seemed to be by his side, warming his dying heart with his hands and heart... But why didn't he want to write a letter or tell him?How can I have this affectionate feeling?There is no redemption for the sins of this life, I just want to be his courtier and his... plaything...

"Zubao? What I want is a family letter, not a Zoubao!" Fu Ling snorted dissatisfiedly, grabbed Chu Xiang's wrist, and pulled him in front of him, forcing him to meet his scorching gaze, The tone was aggressive, "Is there nothing to say between you and me other than the routine between the monarch and his ministers?"

Chu Xiang turned his head in a panic, and begged in a low voice: "Your Majesty, don't... they will see... the last two months... I was negligent, please forgive me!"

Fu Ling let him go, still angrily: "Forgive me? I don't want to listen to your explanation and apology... If you really miss me, like I miss you, how can you be negligent because of your busy schedule? You don't miss me, apology What's the use?" After speaking, he sighed and turned around.The wind in Shuoye was strong, blowing his clothes and rattling, and a blood-colored sunset was slowly sinking in the sky.

Fu Ling whistled, and a small black spot appeared on the horizon in the distance, and soon the black spot became bigger and bigger, but it was Fu Ling's mount, Mo Yun, who fell from the sky like a black cloud, and quickly floated to the two of them. before.Holding Chu Xiang in his arms, Fu Ling jumped onto the horse with a light leap.He asked Chu Xiang to sit in front of him, with one hand around Chu Xiang's waist and the other hand holding the rein, and let Mo Yun carry the two of them, strolling westward into the light of the setting sun.Fu Ling suddenly said: "Since you left, at sunset, I often stand on the highest point of the palace, thinking about the past. Xiang'er, do you remember that time we went to see the Yellow River? The sunset over the long river is also like this Magnificent and colorful."