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"How about this? I'll call Xiahou Lan and have him make another trip to Zhao Family Village to verify the situation regarding the water flow."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Zhu Ji agreed.
Soon after, the Xiahou Family dispatched several individuals, led by Xiahou Lan. The Chu Family also sent a few people, with Chu Yan in charge of the team. This group did not make a grand show of their departure; instead, they quietly set off towards Zhao Family Village.
The distance from Xing Zhuang Village to Zhao Family Village was neither too far nor too close, roughly about ten miles. Although both locations were near the Hutuo River, their positions differed significantly. Zhao Family Village was situated at an old site along the Hutuo River, where sediment from the river had made the land extremely fertile.
While Xing Zhuang Village also had a decent location, its land had lost much of its fertility due to over a century of development. Cultivating new land was not as simple as just turning over the soil a few times. With the ongoing drought, even the existing land was difficult to farm, let alone reclaiming new territory.
One person quietly approached the agricultural area of Zhao Family Village. They hid behind a small hill and observed the situation from afar. Before them lay a vast expanse of cultivated land, with water flowing through it, nourishing every inch via irrigation channels.
Heavens, it’s true! Zhao Family Village actually has such abundant water resources! The Hutuo River should be shared; how could Zhao Family monopolize the water flow?
Yes! We must seize control of the Hutuo River's water source!
The crowd's emotions began to escalate, filled with anger towards the people of Zhao Jia Zhuang Village. At that moment, Xiahou Lan stepped forward to calm the atmosphere.
"Let’s not rush to conclusions. What if this water source comes from wells owned by Zhao Family?"
His words gradually cooled down the previously agitated crowd. Indeed, if this water was drawn from wells, then the situation would be entirely different. Although they could see flowing water here, there was no evidence that the people of Zhao Jia Zhuang Village were directly intercepting water from the Hutuo River.
Standing nearby, Chu Yan scoffed, "How large must a well be to meet the irrigation needs of such a vast field? And if this water is drawn from wells, would they really be so extravagant as to leave the valves open for it to flow into the channels?"
That was indeed a valid point. If this were well water, it was unlikely that any household would use such precious resources so wastefully. While opening sluice gates for drainage was convenient, doing so during a drought would be an enormous waste.
Water is typically used at a reasonable ratio of only one-tenth or even less. What kind of wealth would be required to support such extravagant usage? Therefore, a more sensible irrigation method should involve carrying water in buckets, one load at a time. Although this requires more labor, it can save more crops with the same amount of water resources.
Is it because Zhao Yun from Zhao Family Village is your friend that you are so hesitant? Chu Yan continued.
Xiahou Lan hesitated, clearly unsure how to respond to this accusation. It was true that Zhao Yun from Zhao Family Village was his friend, but he had no ulterior motives. He simply hoped that since they were already here, they should thoroughly investigate rather than hastily jump to conclusions.
Seeing this situation, Chu Yan took a step back and said, "How about this? To convince you, let’s go to the banks of Hutuo River and check for ourselves whether the Zhao Family has indeed diverted the water from Hutuo River."
Upon hearing this, Xiahou Lan said nothing further and nodded in agreement. The group then changed their route and headed toward Hutuo River.
Before long, they arrived at the riverbank, where in the distance stood the tall rammed earth walls of Zhao Family Village. They hid behind a small hill and stretched their necks to observe closely.
By the banks of Hutuo River, dozens of magnificent waterwheels stood tall. Surrounding the waterwheels were familiar villagers from Zhao Jia Zhuang Village. Though they were not seen every day, they would occasionally run into each other.
At that moment, the villagers from Zhao Family Village were diligently operating the interlocking mechanism beside the waterwheels with their feet. The mechanism spun rapidly, driving the waterwheels to operate slowly. Each time the waterwheel turned, it drew a large amount of river water into the nearby channels, flowing down to the fields.
Of course, the most crucial part was that these waterwheels directed the flow of Hutuo River's water toward their own fields, leaving only a trickle for others.
What do you think? Is it not true that the Zhao Family has intercepted the flow of Hutuo River? What else do you want to argue about? Chu Yan asked proudly as he looked up.
Xiahou Lan let out a long sigh, feeling unable to refute the situation.
"Let's inform everyone about what's happening," he said.
With that, the group turned and headed towards Xing Zhuang Village.
"What progress have we made?"
As soon as they arrived at the entrance of Daxingzhai Village, they were stopped by Xiahou Xing and Zhu Ji.
Impatiently, Chu Yan spoke up, "We've confirmed it; it was indeed the Zhao Family who intercepted the water from Hutuo River. We saw them setting up several waterwheels, continuously drawing water from the river to irrigate their fields, leaving us with only a trickle."
After speaking, Xiahou Xing and Zhu Ji looked towards the other followers. One by one, they affirmed Chu Yan's words. Xiahou Lan sighed softly and nodded in agreement. Given Xiahou Lan's consistent honesty, his silent acknowledgment this time seemed to confirm the undeniable fact that the Zhao Family had indeed diverted the water.
"There’s nothing we can do! Since you’ve cut off our means of survival, we can’t be blamed for taking action against you," he declared. "I will inform our clan about this matter."
"So will I," came the reply.
"Let’s gather here in half an hour and confront the Zhao Family together."
"Agreed."
Xiahou Xing and Zhu Ji exchanged glances before leading their respective teams back to the village in haste.
"Father, shall we go demand an explanation from the Zhao Family now?"
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