First Visit the DongBin Royal Manor

"That's right, let's head back to the manor and find Uncle Shan（Uncle Mountain in meaning). Cheng Mo, dock the boat directly at the manor." The painted boat traversed the passenger dock, entered through a stone gate, sailed through a water passage flanked by stone buildings, and halted at a small Han white jade square.

A middle-aged scholar approached, showing great warmth and joy as he bowed respectfully, "Young Master."

"Uncle Shan, you came in person. Xiangbei, this is Cheng Shan, Uncle Shan. And this is Tong Xiangbei, Miss Tong. The servants affectionately call her Miss North. She's interested in inspecting our waterway, so I brought her directly to you."

"Miss Bei!"

"Hello,Uncle Shan, glad to meet you . The spring attire I'm wearing was personally guided and tailored by Master Yang. I love it dearly. Please convey my gratitude to her, and I truly wish to meet her if the opportunity arises."

"Miss, your words are too kind. Our humble skills in needlework are nothing compared to the importance Master Yang places on the attire. She sincerely hopes it meets your satisfaction."

Chang Shan's tone became extremely respectful with intentional distance, indicating he is a key figure around Cheng Mo's.

"More than just satisfaction, this isn't merely a spring attire; it's a work of art. It should be properly preserved. But I truly appreciate this fragrance of an empty valley orchid, blossoming in seclusion within the deep mountains. Wearing it, I feel as if I've stolen a hint of its elegance."

"Miss, you truly resonate with my wife; she was crafting it while sighing in the same manner." The change in Cheng Shan's tone revealed his devotion to his wife. "Miss Bei, which waterways are you interested in? I'll accompany you."

"While on the boat, Cheng Mo explained a one-way navigation from Dongbin to Huibao. We discussed establishing an East Bin Dock on the east bank to realize a single-loop diversion waterway and the Circular City Relay Road. He wanted to inquire about the feasibility with you."

"Single-loop diversion? What's that? And the Circular City Relay Road?"

"Let's discuss it in the study later. I'll take Miss Bei to my East Purple Courtyard first." Cheng Mo gestured for others to attend to their tasks and led Xiangbei to the right until they reached a waterside solitary courtyard.

Built with rammed earth and stones, adorned with exquisite carved beams and painted rafters, the most unique aspect was the transformed river into a lake. Lotus leaves floated gracefully, willows hung delicately, and various flowers and trees adorned the surroundings. The ancient and lush lychee orchard began bearing fruit, and the longan trees were in full bloom, with bees buzzing around. A scene of vibrant vitality.

Along the way, people referred to him as 'Prince' or 'Young Master.'

"Cheng Mo, are all the people here from the Cheng family?"

"Not entirely. This is the residence of the East Bin Prince, renovated from the mansion of a prominent family from the previous dynasty ten years ago. After completion, my father, following ancestral traditions, assembled the staff for the prince. Many eunuchs, palace maids, and servants involved in cleaning and maintenance have been here for seven or eight years. I only came here when I was eighteen, after my time in the frontier. Therefore, both East Bin and Zebei are actually managed by the elderly members of the Cheng family. Uncle Shan is particularly skilled in planning and strategizing, even the old guards like Hai and Feng listen to him. I just visit occasionally."

"So, technically, two years ago, they should have changed their address to 'Prince,' right?"

"They are very loyal and protective of me, but perhaps they feel I haven't grown up or gained their full trust yet. Most of the time, they seem more like caretakers looking after a child."

"Meaning each of them has some authority until you can earn their wholehearted trust. In essence, the Cheng family guards only submit to those with talent and virtue. Alright, Cheng Mo, let's make a big move to show them what we can do!"

"Yeah, let's go with your plan. Xiangbei, this is my residence, Dongning Qingshan. You can see the clouds rising and the rosy clouds at sunrise, hence the name Ziqi Donglai. You can stay at Ziling Yuan. There are plenty of fruit trees there. I especially like the two Tian Tao trees by the water, the water is sweet and clear, like a string of little bells. They are even tributes from the South Sea merchants."

"Oh? Sounds good." Those Tian Tao trees are lychee trees, Xiangbei's favorites. "This courtyard is really grand. How about we pick some fruits later and enjoy them while discussing the waterway?"

"Since you're eager, alright. As you wish, let's go to Ziling Yuan." The two went inside and sat at the desk. Xiangbei took out a pencil from her wide sleeves and sketched the outlines of the North-South waterways and the eastern foothills.

"Cheng Mo, take a look. This is the situation of the waterways between East Bin and Huibo. I think if we can dig a canal at the tributary outside the north bridge on the east bank, coming out north of the south bridge, it will form a double waterway with a single turnaround bay. The inner side, close to the west, will have a docking area around the north bridge, mainly for incoming merchants into the city. The outer side, along the mountain, will be a pier for passengers who want to go south directly by land after getting off, passing through the southern bridge and heading to the highway outside the city. The western waterway will be reserved for official ships, merchant ships, and cargo ships. This way, the pressure on Huibo Bay will be much less, and it can serve as a diversion during the busy festival times."

"Xiangbei's idea really solves a big problem. Let's go, let's find Uncle Shan."