August 25, Year 3 of Tongguang The torrential rains that began in the sixth month have finally stopped after s…
August 25, Year 3 of Tongguang
The torrential rains that began in the sixth month have finally stopped after seventy-five days. Worried about the Yellow River, Mohist Hill ordered me out to investigate. The Elder gave me a thousand taels of silver for disaster relief. Why a thousand? Ten would be enough. Beyond the mountain, there are always people eager to "deliver money" to my door.
August 26, Year 3 of Tongguang
Encountered refugees. Gave them ten flatbreads; spent one tael.
August 27, Year 3 of Tongguang
Encountered refugees. Gave out twenty-five flatbreads; spent two taels and five qian.
August 28, Year 3 of Tongguang
Encountered refugees. Gave out thirty flatbreads; spent four taels. Blast it, grain prices are soaring. Where are the bandits, and where is my coin purse?
August 29, Year 3 of Tongguang
Encountered refugees. Gave out eighteen flatbreads. My own money is exhausted, and I haven't seen a single bandit.
August 30, Year 3 of Tongguang
The world is vast, and my stomach is empty. Not a bandit in sight. I miss Mohist Hill, I miss the Elder, and I miss those nine hundred and ninety-nine taels of silver.
August 31, Year 3 of Tongguang
Still no bandits. I pawned my outer coat a while ago. It matters not; the fire of hunger burns so fiercely I don't feel the cold.
September 1, Year 3 of Tongguang
Hungry. Heard there was a bandit camp in the mountains. I rushed there in ecstasy, only to find the ground littered with the starved dead. After running around for half a day, all I got was a cracked bowl. I, too, have become a refugee.
September 2, Year 3 of Tongguang
Hungry. Met a young man by the Yellow River named Feng Nengqi. His swimming skills are phenomenal. He can navigate the currents with ease while carrying sandbags and catch fish barehanded. I am so envious.
September 3, Year 3 of Tongguang
Famished. Feng Nengqi actually recognized my Mohist mechanisms and wants to learn our mechanical arts. How can the secrets of Mohist Hill be taught so casually? What an insolent and insincere fellow.
September 4, Year 3 of Tongguang
Ate three fish. Feng Nengqi said he wants to learn mechanisms to repair the river dikes. Though his character is commendable, Mohist arts must never be shared with outsiders...
September 5, Year 3 of Tongguang
Ate five fish. This man is a piece of uncarved jade; it would be a true pity not to sculpt him. I permitted him to travel with me. I often toy with my gadgets and let him figure them out on his own. The quiet joy in this is something I cannot explain to others.