When I woke up the next day, I found the place teeming with people. Only then did I realize it was already afternoon. Since everyone was here, I figured I should at least go out and greet them. I hadn’t written the spring couplets yet, so I called my two maids to bring out the watermelons. Yesterday, I hadn't had enough to share, but now there were only about a thousand people, so there would naturally be plenty for everyone.
I specifically instructed them to save all the seeds. Looking at the snack I had just brought out, everyone looked bewildered. I explained that this was called a watermelon. We had grown very few last year, but if we planted another crop this year, we would be able to have all the watermelon we wanted by the second half of the year. It’s especially refreshing when the weather is hot, served chilled on ice. I also mentioned that I had brought back many other delicious things, but unfortunately, there was very little to go around right now, mostly seeds. By the time the next New Year arrived, however, everyone would be able to enjoy them to their heart's content.
I immediately added, "As your City Lord, whenever I have something good, you are the first people I think of." Many immediately chimed in, "The City Lord treats us best! From now on, we will follow the City Lord’s every command." That was exactly what I wanted to hear. Afterward, I told everyone to sit down, eat, and chat. I had thought about having some wine, but decided against it; I felt like…
Chapter 58