Chapter 951
Let's Play it safe first
Zheng Yi reached out and picked up a piece of charcoal from beside the brazier, then quickly drew the outline of a lake shore and a valley on the ground.
“If this is a lake and the southwest side is lowland, first dig a wide enough channel from the outside, then use external force to break the ice and frozen soil along the lake, and the water will flow downhill on its own.”
Wu Chen squatted down to look: "But this isn't summer, it's now. It's all frozen ground outside, so we can't dig fast."
Zheng Yi asked, "How many of you have the manpower to dig?"
Wu Chen said, "If we really want to dig, the Black Rock Tribe can find more than two hundred. Then we can get the Gray Deer Tribe... no, the Gray Deer Tribe doesn't count now. If the Fire Mane Tribe is willing to come, we might be able to add another hundred or so. But we have to notify them first and persuade them."
Bone Granny sneered: "You want people to come and dig up the lake with bone shovels the moment they hear 'something happened at White Bone Lake'? Do you think everyone is as hot-headed as Red Tooth?"
Chiya whispered, "I didn't say I was going to dig."
The old woman pointed her staff at him and said, "Shut up."
Zheng Yi looked at the charcoal map on the ground: "Besides digging ditches, is there anything else? For example, large carts, waterwheels, long pipes, or the methods you used to relocate water?"
The Bone Woman squinted as she thought.
Wu Chen was also thinking.
The room remained quiet for a while.
The older hunter in the corner suddenly said, "Old Frozen River Man."
Several people looked at him at the same time.
The hunter still had cloth wrapped around his shoulder; he was the one Zheng Yi had treated with acupuncture on a few days ago.
He hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, “When I was young, I went to the frozen river region further north. The people there draw water from the ice. In winter, they dig ice wells by the river and then use animal intestines and wooden pipes to draw the water to higher ground to form troughs for storing water in their camps.”
Chiya looked bewildered: "Lead it up? Water can go uphill?"
The hunter said, "It's not about going straight up; it's about accumulating at a low point first, then lifting it layer by layer. When there are many people, they use treadmills, like those used for grinding bone powder, but even bigger."
Zheng Yi's eyes flickered slightly: "Using pedals to draw water?"
The hunter didn't understand the word "draw water," but he roughly understood and nodded, saying, "More or less."
The old woman frowned: "That's a stream, not a lake."
“I know,” said the older hunter, “but perhaps the method can be changed.”
Wu Chen looked at Zheng Yi: "You mean, digging ditches to release water is one thing, and building things to pump water is another?"
“Yes,” Zheng Yi said. “It’s unrealistic to completely drain such a large lake. But lowering it by a section might be possible, especially if we can do several things at the same time.”
The old woman said, "Explain clearly."
Zheng Yi continued drawing on the ground with charcoal.
"First, explore the terrain. I need to know exactly how low the southwest valley is, and which section of the lakeside is the most suitable for making an opening."
"Second, explore the shallow layer beneath the ice. Not the lake bottom, but by drilling deep holes in several places along the shore to see if what lies beneath is solid soil, rock, or a hollow cavity."
"Third, if the southwest can indeed release water, we should first dig a diversion ditch. The ditch doesn't need to go all the way to the center of the lake; as long as it can make the water recede at the edge, we can continue to look inward along the receding bank."
"Fourth, if the ditch is not enough, pump more water. Perhaps we can borrow the method of the old frozen river people that you just mentioned."
Wu Chen squatted on the ground, staring at the few charcoal wires.
"I know how to survey the terrain. By looking at the snow line, the wind gaps, and the old marks left by spring water, I can roughly figure out the elevation."
The old woman said, "I can also find someone to drill holes. There's an old bone drill in the medicine storehouse. It's slow at drilling frozen soil, but it's good at drilling ice."
Zheng Yi nodded: "But there's still one more difficult one."
"what?"
“Time,” Zheng Yi said. “That thing won’t wait for us to slowly dig for half a month.”
Chiya finally couldn't hold back any longer: "Then why don't you go down now?"
Zheng Yi turned to look at him.
"Because if it goes down now, that's exactly what it's waiting for."
Chiya was speechless under his gaze.
Wu Chen said slowly, "It deliberately made us chase it to the lakeside today. I could tell too."
The Bone Woman asked, "Just how powerful is it?"
Wu Chen remained silent for a moment before saying, "Stronger than me."
Chiya gasped.
Wu Chen continued, "If we fight it head-on on land, Zheng Yi and I together could injure it, and might even kill it. But it will retreat, it will test us, and it will use the snow to deliver a fatal blow. Once we're in the water—"
He didn't say anything more.
Everyone understands.
Once you're in the water, half of the methods used on land become useless.
The old woman raised her hand and pushed an empty bowl next to the brazier to Zheng Yi.
"Drink the soup."
Zheng Yi was taken aback.
"You came back and immediately asked about digging the lake. Your brain isn't frozen yet. Drink first," said the old woman. "We'll talk about other things after you finish drinking."
Zheng Yi took it, the hot soup warming his palms. It had a slightly spicy medicinal smell. After drinking it, the stuffiness in his chest from the biting cold dissipated a little.
The old woman watched him drink and asked, "Do you really think it's possible to bring the water down?"
“It’s possible,” Zheng Yi said. “It might not rely on just one method, but it can most likely reduce the price a little.”
"Would lowering it a little help?"
“Yes.” Zheng Yi nodded. “As long as I can see the shallow structure on the lakeshore, I can determine whether it’s a mass grave, a bone pit, or some kind of formation. The worst thing right now is to plunge in headfirst without knowing what you’re doing.”
The old woman hummed in agreement.
Wu Chen suddenly said, "There's another problem."
"what?"
"Even if we can dig and extract it, who will do it?" Wu Chen looked at the people in the room. "If something happens at White Bone Lake, most people from other tribes will think of hiding first, not coming to help. What if the Black Rock Tribe's own people go to dig, and that thing attacks at night?"
Red Fang immediately replied, "I'll guard!"
The Bone Woman retorted directly, "What are you guarding?"
Wu Chen ignored Chi Ya and looked at Zheng Yi: "Do you have a way to protect the construction site?"
Zheng Yi thought for a moment: "If it's just to block those skeletons and dead things, I can set up simple warning signs and ignition points at a few openings. But if that tall thing comes in person today—"
“You have to be there,” Wu Chen said for him.
"Correct."
The room fell silent again.
This matter suddenly became very serious.
We need manpower, time, and we need to protect the people digging the ditch while constantly guarding against anything coming out of the lake.
The old woman lowered her head and tapped the edge of the charcoal map on the ground with the end of her staff.
"Do the old people of Donghe know more?"
Zheng Yi looked up.
Wu Chen also looked at her.
The old woman said, "When you mentioned pumping water, I initially thought it was absurd. But absurd as it may be, if we really want to find someone who knows how to work with water, there's no one else in the north except the Frozen River people."
Chiya whispered, "But the people of the Frozen River are far away."
“We have to ask, even if it’s far away,” said the Bone Woman.
Wu Chen frowned: "It takes too long to go back and forth."
The Bone Woman said, "So it's not about waiting until you've finished asking before you do it; it's about asking while you're doing it."
Zheng Yi put down his bowl and slowly said, "First, explore the terrain and the shallow layer under the ice. If it's feasible, immediately dig the first trench. At the same time, send fast men to find the people of the frozen river and ask them if they have any methods for large-scale water diversion, carrying, and pumping."
Wu Chen nodded: "We still need to go to the Firemane Tribe."
Chiya was taken aback: "Why are you looking for them?"
Wu Chen said, "Digging frozen soil requires strength. The Firemane Tribe has no shortage of that."
Chi Ya curled his lip: "Their noses are practically in the sky, they might not even bother to come."
The Bone Granny sneered: "If you say that the things in White Bone Lake go south, the first thing they'll eat is the meat beasts they raise. Let's see if they'll be willing to come."
Chi Ya thought about it and agreed, nodding repeatedly. Zheng Yi suddenly asked, "Aside from the southwest valley, are there any other exits or underground river legends near White Bone Lake?"
The Bone Woman said, "I don't know. Wu Chen?"
Wu Chen thought for a moment: "My father once said that there is a snow-swallowing cave on the northwest side of the lake. In winter, when the wind blows, the snow will sink in piece by piece, as if it is swallowed up from below. But that place is more dangerous. The ground is hollow everywhere, and no one is willing to go near it."
Zheng Yi's eyes flickered slightly: "Snow-Swallowing Cave..."
If the lakebed is connected to those hollows, the waterways become even more complicated.
But on the other hand, it could also be an opportunity.
If a real outlet can be found, it may not be necessary to forcefully pump water from the lakeside.
Seeing his expression, the old woman immediately said, "Don't even think about going to that Snow-Swallowing Cave by yourself again."
Zheng Yi smiled and said, "I haven't said anything yet."
"It's written all over your face."
Chiya peeked inside: "Did you write it? I can't see it."
The old woman struck his calf with her staff.
"Because your face often says, but it says, 'I'm going to cause trouble again.'"
Chiya hopped around twice, hugging his legs, but didn't dare to utter a sound.
Zheng Yi stopped smiling and looked at the Bone Woman.
"I won't be reckless. At least I won't go into the lake again today."
The old woman stared at him: "Not tomorrow either."
"We need to scout ahead tomorrow."
"Exploration is allowed, but going down into the lake is not."
"it is good."
The Bone Woman clearly didn't believe her completely, but she didn't press her for more information.
She turned around and looked at everyone in the room.
"I heard everything. Don't spread rumors about White Bone Lake to scare children. Wu Chen, go and select people now, first measure the southwest valley and the lakeshore's elevation. Old Hunter, tell me everything you remember about the Frozen River people's water diversion methods, don't hide anything. And—"
She looked at Red Fang.
"Go and find those old animal hides; we need them for drawing."
Chiya responded first, then asked, "Can I come along to survey the terrain?"
"No."
"why?"
“Because you run fast, you can take it to deliver the message,” said Bone Woman. “After Wu Chen writes down the message clearly, you go to the Fire Mane Tribe.”
Chiya's face fell: "Another messenger."
Wu Chen said, "You're the most suitable. Anyone else would freeze to death before they even reach the halfway point."
Chiya was about to retort, but then he realized it sounded like he was being praised, so he swallowed his dissatisfaction and just muttered, "That's true."
As Zheng Yi watched the people in the room, who were both afraid and already discussing digging ditches, sending messages, and drilling holes, he couldn't help but recall what the old woman had said last night.
Fear is useless.
Outside, it was already completely bright.
The wind swept over the stone wall, bringing down a flurry of fine snow.
Zheng Yi got up, walked to the door, and looked north.
He couldn't see the White Bone Lake during the day, but he could still feel the black water slowly undulating in the distance.
That thing didn't die.
It's below.
wait.
The Bone Woman's voice came from behind.
"Zheng Yi".
"Ok?"
“You asked about the lake, and I’ll say it’s impossible first.” The old woman leaned on her cane and slowly walked to his side, her gaze also looking north. “But many things in the wasteland seem impossible at first glance. When people first experience the hardships of life, they all think they will die. When they go hunting in the first winter, they all think they won’t come back. But they still did it anyway.”
Zheng Yi turned to look at her.
The old woman said, "Since you didn't recklessly jump into the lake, it means you still have a brain. If you do, think about it slowly. If you can really bring down some of the lake water, I'd like to see what's hidden at the bottom."
Zheng Yi said, "I want to see it too."
The Bone Woman snorted, "Then don't die yet."
Zheng Yi nodded: "Okay."
The old woman continued, "Also, ask away, think away. If you really intend to touch that lake, first get rid of that bit of typhoid fever in yourself. Don't let the lake's cold air drag you down before it's even drained."
"know."
"If you know, then come back and have your second bowl of soup."
Zheng Yi smiled, turned around and went into the house.
The second bowl of soup was more bitter than the first.
Chiya brought over animal hides and charcoal pencils, and as soon as he entered, he was overwhelmed by the smell of medicine, which made him wrinkle his nose.
"Bone Granny, did you boil the entire medicine storehouse down?"
The old woman didn't even look up: "If you think it's too bitter, then don't drink it."
Chiya immediately shut his mouth and obediently spread out the animal hide.
After finishing his soup, Zheng Yi put the bowl aside and squatted down in front of the animal skin.
Wu Chen had already led his men to dig out several old road maps near the Black Rock Tribe. These maps weren't the detailed maps of the Central Plains; they only roughly depicted mountain passes, wind slopes, animal trails, Black Stone Valley, and a few frequently visited hunting grounds. White Bone Lake was only marked with a white line, and next to it was an old mark that looked like an eye.
Zheng Yi stared at the mark for a moment.
The old woman said, "It was left by the older generation. She said that nothing else matters, just remember to keep your distance."
Zheng Yi nodded and circled White Bone Lake again with a charcoal pencil.
"Is the Southwest Valley located here?"
Wu Chen nodded, pressing his finger on the southwest side of the lake line: "About four miles out from here, there is a gentle slope, which then becomes steep. When the snow melts in late spring, wetlands will appear here."
"Where is the Snow-Swallowing Cave?"
Wu Chen moved his hand towards the northwest of the lake: "Further, closer to the edge of the old ice field. The ground there is thin, and the snow sinks. In the past, herds of deer would run there, and the next day only a ring of hoofprints and a pile of broken ice would remain."
Red Fang hissed, "This is the first time I've heard it so clearly."
The Bone Woman glanced at him: "Because you only remember where there is meat to eat before."
Chiya retorted, "I can remember the way too."
Wu Chen ignored them and only looked at Zheng Yi: "Which side do you want to sit on first?"
Zheng Yi used charcoal to touch the low-lying valley in the southwest.
"Let's do it here first. If we can release water, let's do it here first. Let's leave the Snow Swallowing Cave for now."
Bone Granny said, "Why don't we look at the Snow-Swallowing Cave first? If that's the drainage outlet, it'll save us a lot of effort."
Zheng Yi said, "Because we can't see it." He drew a few lines on the animal skin with charcoal. "If there are many vacuum layers below the Snow Swallowing Cave, we have to be careful of collapses before we can go there. Things in the lake may also come out of the cave entrance. We are small now and we don't have all the tools. Going there rashly is like stepping on thin ice into a wolf's den."
Wu Chen nodded: "The southwest trough is slow, but it is stable."
“Yes,” Zheng Yi said, “Let’s play it safe first. If that doesn’t work, then we can take the risk.”
Chiya listened for a while, then suddenly asked, "You say you're releasing water, but after the water flows out into the valley, isn't it still outside? What if the things inside come out with the water?"
The people in the room paused for a moment.
Bone Woman glanced at Red Fang first, as if she hadn't expected him to ask this question.
Zheng Yi nodded: "That's right. So the canal can't go directly to the tribe, nor can it be allowed to overflow. It has to lead to a dead end, to a place that can be sealed off, burned, and monitored."
Wu Chen crouched down, drawing another curve outside the southwestern valley. (End of Chapter)