Chapter Six: Simple Experience

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Li Si’s face was devoid of any smile as he stood under the moonlight, speaking in a low voice, “Young Master wishes to pay homage to Xunzi.”

Feng Quji laughed lightly, “That is commendable.”

“But the Young Master is uncertain which nation’s rites should be observed for the ceremony.”

Feng Quji pondered this for a moment.

Li Si closed the door to the study behind him; the old wooden door creaked loudly, and even after it shut completely, some dust fell from the door frame.

“Tomorrow, you shall counsel His Majesty.”

Feng Quji lowered his voice, “Counsel His Majesty on what?”

“Now that the rebellion in Chu has been quelled, it is time to redraw the prefectural boundaries.”

Feng Quji nodded.

Before His Majesty and the Young Master, Li Si often wore a gentle expression, but in the company of Feng Quji or others, the Chancellor usually kept a stern face and was unwavering in his words.

They parted ways in front of the residence.

As Li Si turned to return home, clutching a scroll of bamboo slips in one hand, a few Qin soldiers followed closely behind.

Suddenly, he halted, and so did the guards.

A gust of night wind stirred, and Li Si realized he had made a mistake earlier—one that nearly caused the Young Master to misunderstand.

When requesting land for the Young Master, he had asked His Majesty for too little; he should have requested more.

The Young Master was studious and mature; a child who wished for more and was willing to negotiate could no longer be treated like an ordinary boy.

Night deepened over the silent city of Xianyang, where the occasional footsteps of patrolling Qin soldiers echoed faintly.

In the eastern section of the city, most residences were larger than average, inhabited mostly by ministers who attended the Emperor’s court.

Previously, fewer people lived here, but as Qin absorbed officials from the former six states over the past two years, many vacant estates found new owners.

After midnight, most homes had extinguished their lights, save one that remained brightly lit.

Inside that residence, a lean man of over fifty peered through the crack in the door toward the main street.

Upon seeing a patrol of Qin soldiers pass by, he hurried back inside and said to Chunyu Yue, who was eating, “Have you noticed? There are more Qin soldiers patrolling at night than before.”

Chunyu Yue glanced briefly at the speaker, then handed him a bowl of bean rice, signaling that he should eat first.

The guest’s name was Zhou Qingchen, originally from Qi. In recent years, Qin had been recruiting talented men from the former six states, which brought him to Xianyang.

Chunyu Yue felt some displeasure; all of them had been “invited” by Ying Zheng to serve Qin. Many among the old six states were hardly sincere in their loyalty to Qin.

Chunyu Yue did not want to complain for Qin but found Zhou Qingchen irritating, especially since Zhou was easily frightened and distracted by every minor event.

As now, Zhou ate bean rice while frequently glancing back, fearful that the Qin soldiers might storm in and execute them all for treason.

Indeed, the Qin kings of old had been known to do such things.

After finishing his bowl in one gulp, Zhou wiped his hands and mouth, seeing no soldiers entering and the night remaining quiet.

He relaxed somewhat and sighed, “Do you know why there are more soldiers on patrol than usual?”

Chunyu Yue, absorbed in reading the bamboo slips, paid no mind.

Zhou slapped his thigh anxiously, “It’s because of you! How could you oppose Li Si during the court discussions?”

Chunyu Yue doubted the increase in soldiers, suspecting Zhou’s imagination, and even if there were more, what harm would it do?

Zhou lowered his voice, “You offended Li Si alone, and now all of us scholars from the six states may be oppressed. Do you know Wang Wan?”

Chunyu Yue’s gaze remained on the bamboo slips, “Hasn’t he left?”

Zhou whispered, “He fled Xianyang at a frantic pace, covering five hundred miles in three days. Do you know why?”

Chunyu Yue fell silent.

“That’s because Wang Wan offended Li Si. After escaping Xianyang, he feared assassins would come after him,” Zhou’s tone grew louder. “Do you think you can win Ying Zheng’s favor with a few words? You mention the Young Master Fusu, but do you know who Li Si is? What sort of man Li Si is?”

Chunyu Yue remained calm and untroubled, unlike the restless Zhou.

“Li Si becoming Young Master Fusu’s teacher—what’s wrong with that? Do you intend to compete with him?”

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Hearing Zhou grow increasingly agitated and anxious, Chunyu Yue still did not respond nor try to calm him.

Since arriving in Xianyang, not only Zhou Qingchen but many scholars from the six states feared Qin officials and Ying Zheng himself.

Now, they feared Li Si even more, as he had become the Chancellor of Qin.

Though the Emperor and Li Si had treated Zhou and others with great respect and generosity, they remained cautious and fearful, especially of Li Si’s potential for retaliation.

Regardless of past deeds, at present, they believed that Wang Wan lost the chancellorship because he opposed Li Si, and that Li Si would seek revenge.

In truth, Li Si never intended to retaliate against Wang Wan, who posed no threat in his eyes.

Chunyu Yue mused that Xunzi, a great Confucian sage, had taught two remarkable students of Legalist thought: Han Fei and Li Si.

A few days ago, Wang Wan sent word that he had safely returned home. All signs indicated Li Si had not sent anyone to harm him, yet their fear persisted.

Outside Xianyang, beyond Hangu Pass, a Qin army numbering tens of thousands arrived.

Leading them was the great general Meng Wu.

The first troops to attack Chu had returned, with more soldiers streaming continuously toward Hangu Pass, all eager to return home after the campaign.

Some hurriedly packed, while others spotted waiting family members beyond the pass, who watched with tear-streaked faces at their loved ones’ homecoming.

Among the army were two Zhao soldiers clad in Qin armor. Many in the ranks came from Zhao, Yan, or other former states, often fighting alongside Qin forces.

One asked, “With all the enemies we’ve slain, do you think the King of Qin will grant us land?”

“Probably. I recall many from Qi who pledged loyalty to Qin also received land.”

A young man just over twenty smiled broadly facing west toward Hangu Pass, the direction of their homeland, saying, “Back home, I have my mother, an older brother, and a wife waiting for me.”

The others, strangers to each other, smiled awkwardly.

News of General Meng Wu’s return spread swiftly from Hangu Pass. With the Emperor’s permission, the army would soon enter and return home.

The message was hastened by swift riders through the night to Xianyang.

Three days later, an imperial edict arrived at Hangu Pass, commanding General Meng Wu and his entire army to return home.

“Home! To see mothers, wives, and children!” cheers arose among the troops.

The two Zhao soldiers recognized the young man, who had entered the pass with them—he had a brother who had also marched out to war.

As unit after unit passed through Hangu Pass into Guanzhong, the region, then in the midst of spring planting, seemed to regain life and vitality.

With soldiers home, the fields were tilled, and the once desolate Guanzhong began to revive.

Outside Xianyang, Fusu held land deeds while Tian An lectured him about careful land use, warning that failure to produce grain or frivolous crop changes would result in punishments ranging from reprimands to starvation for all household servants.

Though the Young Master himself would not starve, the death of servants would also earn Emperor Qin’s displeasure.

Fusu spotted a family walking together in the distance and smiled, “Those must be the returning soldiers.”

Tian An replied, “The Emperor has issued an edict; General Meng Wu has returned.”

“No wonder General Meng Tian didn’t come to escort today,” Fusu said, holding the deed. “Tell them to plant some wheat—I like wheat.”

Tian An nodded slightly.

Fusu continued, “The ten thousand-plus acres west of the Chan River need to be reclaimed. Dig a canal.”

Tian An looked puzzled. “Young Master, that isn’t land granted by His Majesty.”

“Though it isn’t granted to me, the Chancellor did not forbid me from using it, did he?”

Tian An was silent.

A few days prior, the Chancellor had implied as much: the land bestowed by His Majesty was limited, but land the Young Master could utilize was another matter.

So long as ownership was not infringed, the Chancellor had ways to legitimize the arrangement.

Now that the first troops from the Chu campaign had returned, accompanied by many new settlers, manpower was no longer a concern.

Being a prince of Qin had the advantage of never worrying about one’s estate.

With a single word, Tian An would ensure the Young Master’s property was well managed.

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In the former six states, which noble’s son lacked some private estate?

General Meng Tian was not by his side; instead, a young unfamiliar officer guarded Fusu.

Fusu looked at the slightly older general and asked, “What is your name, General?”

Qin had many young officers and several aged generals, most of whom Fusu did not know.

The man respectfully replied, “I am Lieutenant General Zhang Han.”

He bowed deeply, appearing somewhat nervous; his hands trembled slightly, and his sword at his waist swayed as he loosened his grip.

Fusu withdrew his gaze. “Zhang Han? I have not seen you before.”

“I have been serving within Xianyang city until General Meng Tian assigned me to protect Your Highness,” Zhang Han said anxiously.

A sense of security comes from one’s weapons and strength; having a loyal guard nearby is crucial.

Such men, wielding swords close to those in power, can sway the tides of fate.

If loyal, they can carve a bloody path out of encirclement; if disloyal, one cannot rest easy.

Fusu handed him a flatbread. “Eat with me.”

Zhang Han raised both hands to receive the bread, still cautious.

Tian An watched the scene with a meaningful look.

Fusu continued, “General Zhang Han, could you invite a few people for a meal on my behalf?”

“May I ask whom Your Highness intends to invite?”

Zhang Han held the bread with both hands, head lowered.

Fusu pointed to the distance, “The heads of five villages west of the Chan River, and two county deputies—the location is Lü Buwei’s old residence. Tian An will oversee the arrangements; General Zhang Han, please bring them tomorrow.”

“I obey, Your Highness.”

To be Fusu’s guard meant following his orders without delay. Zhang Han left at once with his men.

Qin officials were straightforward; the next day, Tian An reported that Zhang Han had gathered everyone as instructed, and the county deputies and village heads agreed to help the Young Master build the irrigation canal.

General Meng Wu had returned, and the Emperor had been feasting with him for days.

The atmosphere in Xianyang was much improved. With more people returning, the formerly desolate city slowly flourished again.

General Wang Jian had led six hundred thousand troops into battle, nearly emptying Qin’s treasury—how could Xianyang not be desolate?

Today, Fusu was summoned by the Emperor to dine with the generals.

In Zhangtai Palace, the scent of wine filled the air. This was Fusu’s first formal meeting with many great generals as a prince of Qin, summoned by imperial decree.

The Emperor’s intent was clear: his eldest son had come of age and was to be looked after by the kingdom’s greatest generals.

No one dared to show disrespect. Having the Emperor’s invitation, the generals would readily follow Fusu’s commands in the future, even at great personal risk.

Seeing his father smiling from the seat of honor, Fusu rose and, facing the generals, raised his cup, declaring loudly, “Fusu thanks the generals for fighting for our great Qin.”

The generals responded with respectful bows.

With wine loosening tongues, the hall’s atmosphere lightened. The Emperor, somewhat intoxicated, rose and left, silently permitting the others to relax.

With the Emperor gone, everyone felt more at ease. Fusu sat beside his teacher, listening to the generals’ conversations.

Encouraged by wine, they shared anecdotes, speaking of the beauty of women from Chu, the toughness of those from Yan and Zhao...

Or discussing where the finest wines came from, the superior soil and water of certain Qi regions, the difficult roads and abundant wild beasts in Chu.

Their words were simple yet sincere, valuable life experiences. Fusu listened patiently, thinking they might prove useful one day.

“I’ve heard about the Chan River county matter; Young Master handled it well,” the teacher murmured nearby.

Fusu took the warm wine jug and poured a cup for his teacher.