Chapter 22: The Fallen Doctor

Mao Heng's age is similar to that of Zhang Cang and Li Si.

There are too many people in this world who hold a blood feud against Qin, and Mao Heng is hardly the only one.

Facing the Prince's inquiry, Mao Heng explained: "Serving the Prince is for the sake of the inheritance of my school of thought, and has nothing to do with any blood feud. I heard the Prince enjoys reading the books of Han Fei, so I came specifically to pay my respects."

Fusu smiled and said: "I read many books, and I have dabbled in all the Hundred Schools of Thought; I do indeed enjoy Han Fei's books."

Mao Heng bowed and said: "I am a disciple of Xunzi. If the Prince has any confusion regarding the classics of Xunzi, I can provide answers."

By now, Fusu has met the third disciple of Xunzi: Prime Minister Li Si, Censor Zhang Cang, and this Mao Heng before him.

Originally, today was just for coming to see this residence bestowed by the Imperial Father.

This is an inheritance left behind by Lv Buwei; to be precise, it is simply a building in Xianyang City, previously located where Lv Buwei lived.

I do not know if it was intentional on the part of my teacher, but the door opposite this residence is my teacher's home.

Back then, Li Si was a retainer of Lv Buwei, and now the Prime Minister of Great Qin is Li Si; Li Si set up his home directly opposite the old residence of Lv Buwei.

After eating breakfast, Fusu came to look at this property, just to calculate his private assets; he could not simply ignore it.

And when the door here was opened, this Mao Heng was the first to rush over.

Fusu did not want to stay here long, worried that there would be even more people coming to pay their respects like Mao Heng.

In terms of status, Mao Heng is indeed a disciple of Xunzi, but he is also one of those who came to Xianyang with the Qilu Doctors, brought along incidentally when Prime Minister Li Si recruited famous scholars from various regions.

This Mao Heng, in all likelihood, entered Qin in the same batch as Shusun Tong and the others.

"Regarding confusion in the classics, I can ask my other teacher, Zhang Cang; he answers in great detail every time."

Mao Heng nodded in understanding, and seeing the Prince's scrutinizing gaze, added: "I did not come for the sake of any so-called blood feud, and besides, I have always been distant from my uncle."

People, after all, must unite all who can be united, to make more friends and fewer enemies.

Fusu said in a clear voice: "Go to Shangyan Mountain; there is a general there named Meng Tian—no, named Zhang Han—he will take you in. You may teach there for now."

Having received the Prince's acceptance, Mao Heng bowed once more; because of his long-term poverty, his sleeves were somewhat worn, and his clothes had even come apart at the seams.

Thus, feeling his own embarrassment, Mao Heng gave a sheepish smile.

Tian An handed him a wooden tablet and instructed: "Since the Prince has accepted you, just take this wooden tablet and go to Shangyan Mountain."

"Thank you, Prince."

After the other party left, Fusu walked toward the depths of the residence; there was an open courtyard in this estate, with several cushions piled to one side.

Fusu felt that this was likely the place where Lv Buwei's three thousand retainers gathered; at that time, the three thousand retainers might have been here compiling the Lushi Spring and Autumn Annals.

Fusu also saw wooden tablets hanging on the wall; the ink on these tablets had blurred, perhaps the names of the three thousand retainers from back then?

Fusu looked up and saw that the roof of one room was still leaking rain.

Tian An said: "Prince, I have already arranged for craftsmen to come and repair it."

Following this courtyard toward the back, they arrived at Lv Buwei's library. Fusu opened the old wooden door, and what met his eyes were rows of bookshelves, with varying numbers of Bamboo Slips placed in the compartments on the shelves.

This was a place sealed by dust; with every step Fusu took, he left a footprint in the dust here.

Some Bamboo Slips still had wooden tablets hanging from them; Fusu unexpectedly discovered the names of his teacher Li Si and Zhang Cang.

Fusu took a rough look around, his heart inevitably feeling somewhat shocked; these remaining books were the full picture of the Lushi Spring and Autumn Annals.

The books compiled by those three thousand retainers were all here, totaling over a thousand scrolls of Bamboo Slips.

Lv Buwei was dead, but the Lushi Spring and Autumn Annals compiled by those three thousand retainers had remained.

This was undoubtedly a massive treasure. Fusu said in a low voice: "Teacher's intentions were profound."

Tian An still stood outside the room; this old Attendant was very strict about a clean environment, which was also the reason why Gaoquan Palace was often kept very clean.

He believed that in a day or two, this old residence would also take on a brand-new look under Tian An's supervision.

Fusu walked out of the library and instructed: "Clean this place up well, but do not touch the Bamboo Slips on the bookshelves."

When walking out of this residence, Fusu turned back to look at the main gate of the estate; previously this should have been the Prime Minister's Mansion, but now the one opposite had become the Prime Minister's Mansion, while this place had been left idle for many years and had no name.

Fusu thought for a moment and simply decided not to give this residence a name, returning to the palace under the escort of a team of guards.

This February, the climate in Guanzhong was rainy; before the arrival of a warm spring, all of Guanzhong was damp, and there was also continuous rain and snow.

This kind of continuous overcast and rainy, snowy weather would likely end in the middle of the third month.

The sky had just brightened, and Gaoquan Palace began to bustle with activity.

Fusu was pulling noodles; last year, a lot of wheat was planted on Shangyan Mountain, and the wheat remaining now was enough for the servants and himself to eat.

The water in the earthenware pot had already boiled; Fusu put the noodles into the pot and then steamed the buns as well.

Fusu poured out clear, glistening mutton soup from the earthenware pot, then plucked a few stalks of freshly sprouted green onions from a potted plant nearby.

He used a small knife to chop the onions, then fried some mutton fat.

There were three stoves in front of the Prince, all three burning at the same time, and the Prince was actually able to use the three stoves simultaneously in an orderly fashion—changing the heat, changing the earthenware pots, and even adding water during this process; all of this was so skillful that it felt... incredible.

Before long, Fusu had prepared four bowls of noodles tossed in mutton fat, sprinkled with some shredded mutton, accompanied by a bowl of clear, glistening mutton soup and over ten mutton buns.

This year, there were many, many sheep in Xianyang; Meng Tian had defeated several Xiongnu tribes in the north and sent the harvested flocks to Xianyang, which resulted in an endless supply of mutton in Xianyang.

Moreover, there was still a lot of mutton frozen in the palace, and they did not know how to eat it all.

Fusu said: "Today, you all eat more mutton; we must find a way to finish it."

Hearing this, the palace attendants bowed one after another and said in unison: "Thank you, Prince."

Fusu also had Tian An prepare a Food Box, sending the other three bowls of noodles tossed in mutton fat, mutton soup, and mutton buns to the Imperial Father, Prime Minister Li Si, and Censor Zhang Cang respectively.

Unlike the Prince's refined meal, the palace attendants roasted the mutton and then divided it up to eat; it was very simple.

If everyone ate their meals like the Prince, they felt they would likely be exhausted to death.

Before dawn, when the Prince had just woken up, he began preparing for this refined meal, and the Prince even took pleasure in it.

But the attendants of Gaoquan Palace were different; they had many things to do every day.

Now, the palace maids and Attendants of Gaoquan Palace were occasionally able to eat the cakes or flour-based foods bestowed by the Prince, which was a very happy thing.

Accustomed to simple food, they all unanimously believed that what the Prince ate was the most delicious in the world.

Tian An watched as three Attendants carried the Food Boxes away, then walked back into the hall and said, "Reporting to Prince, General Zhang Han has sent news."

Fusu said, "Just tell me."

Tian An opened the Bamboo Slip to look at the contents, first smiling as expected, then whispering, "Mao Heng said it was too impoverished as soon as he arrived at Shangyan Mountain."

Fusu drank a mouthful of mutton soup and whispered, "Heh... what use do I have for someone who cannot endure hardship?"

Tian An nodded in understanding; the Prince wanted talent that could endure hardship, just like Zhang Han.

After a moment's pause, Tian An added, "Upon entering Shangyan Mountain, Mao Heng first ate—three flatbreads, a bowl of pickled radishes, and a basin of mutton—before sleeping... General Zhang Han says that although the man looks gaunt, his appetite is inconceivable."

Fusu recalled meeting Mao Heng yesterday; the man was dressed simply.

He could be considered one of the more down-and-out Qilu Doctors.

But as for his appetite, perhaps Xunzi's disciples all possessed such abilities and were all uniquely gifted?

Fusu admitted he did not understand Mao Heng, nor did he understand Mao Sui or Chunshen Jun; perhaps after being defeated by the Qin Army back then, the descendants of Mao Sui's lineage had all lived poorly.

If he hadn't known the other party was also one of the old nobles of the former Six States, he would have thought him a son of a humble family.

Tian An continued to look at the report sent from Shangyan Mountain and added, "Mao Heng sleeps once full, and in the dead of night, he talks in his sleep, cursing Prime Minister Li Si."

Fusu slowly turned his head to look.

Seeing this, Tian An hurriedly bowed and lowered the Bamboo Slip in his hand so the Prince could see clearly that General Zhang Han had indeed written it so.

Fusu was first somewhat surprised, then seeing with his own eyes that Zhang Han had truly written it, he gazed at the overcast sky, "In this world, there are too many people who curse Prime Minister Li Si; I imagine Teacher wouldn't mind one more person cursing him."

Tian An whispered, "Early this morning, Zhang Han dragged Mao Heng to teach the children; Mao Heng refused at first, but later the Prime Minister sent another letter to Shangyan Mountain."

"Oh? There were complications?"

Tian An nodded and explained, "The Prime Minister's letter stated... if Mao Heng does not serve the Prince, General Zhang Han may beat him severely."

Fusu finished the mutton soup in the bowl and set the bowl to the side.

"Zhang Han raised his whip, but before he could even strike, Mao Heng had already begged for mercy; in the end... the man pointed angrily toward Xianyang... cursing Prime Minister Li Si for being sinister and cunning."

"After being questioned by Zhang Han, it was found that the man is well-versed in the Classic of Poetry and the teachings of Xunzi."

Having finished speaking, Tian An closed the Bamboo Slip and whispered, "Prince, that is all."

Fusu asked, "Did Mao Heng have some deep-seated hatred for Teacher in the past?"

Tian An replied, "This old servant does not know; there are too many people in this world who hold grudges against our Prime Minister..."

"Mm, there are too many." Fusu asked again, "Does it have anything to do with Han Fei?"

"This old servant does not know either; should I send someone to inquire?"

Fusu waved his hand and whispered, "No need."

Before the hall, the master and servant spoke in low voices; the Prince sat leaning against the pillar behind him, occasionally frowning as he spoke, occasionally showing an expression of understanding.

Tian An bowed his body, and for every word the Prince spoke, the old man replied.

The palace servants were curious, not knowing what the Prince and Tian An had discussed.

Fusu was in a 'watching the show' frame of mind; as it appeared now, Mao Heng and Li Si likely had a grudge, while Zhang Cang was likely a centrist who would not participate in the dispute.

In this era, there were many past events that were unspeakable, and yet tangled and complex.

A cold wind blew, still freezing enough to make people shrink their necks.

Another Attendant hurried over, saw the Prince, and bowed, "The Official of the Imperial Kitchen follows the Emperor's edict to inquire about the method for cooking mutton soup."

Tian An said, "No need to trouble the Prince; this old servant will make a trip."

After eating breakfast, Fusu went to the Imperial Censor Office to continue looking through documents.

Today, only Cheng Miao was in the Imperial Censor Office; the weather had warmed up a bit, so he continued to study calligraphy.

In his spare time, Fusu looked at his characters; he had to admit that Cheng Miao was indeed a master of calligraphy. Although these characters had many strokes, every one was very neat.

"This isn't Small Seal Script, is it?"

Hearing the Prince's question, Cheng Miao replied, "Prince, this is the script of the Zhao lands."

Fusu held the document he was reading, looked toward Cheng Miao's desk, and asked again, "And what script is this?"

"Replying to Prince, this is the script of the Chu people, and this is the script of Yan, Zhao, and Wei."

Fusu looked closely at the characters one by one and asked in surprise, "You can write all of these?"

"Your subject usually enjoys studying scripts." Speaking of scripts brought him to Cheng Miao's most proficient field, and he explained, "The scripts of the Six States appear complex, but in reality, many share similar forms. The script of the Chu lands is long and thin; it looks beautiful but is complex to write. The script of the Wei lands appears simpler, but it is not as good-looking as the Chu script."

Cheng Miao said, "This is the Small Seal Script promoted by His Majesty. It was formerly the Qin Seal Script. The Qin Seal Script is the script left over from the Zhou era, and the scripts of the Six States all evolved from it."

Fusu looked at these characters, his expression moved, and he sighed, "Truly profound."

Cheng Miao felt quite a sense of accomplishment and stroked his beard with a smile.

Fusu withdrew his gaze and continued looking at his own documents; in truth... he hadn't really taken in much of what Cheng Miao had just said.

To avoid making the other person feel that his words had been in vain, which would inevitably disappoint him, Fusu simply sighed.

The sigh was genuine, but it was mostly impossible to reach this person's level of calligraphy just by listening to a few words.

Not being well-versed in this path, he would not offer an evaluation; Fusu felt that focusing on reading was the proper path.

In the afternoon, some sunlight appeared briefly outside, but by evening, the sunlight hid behind dark clouds again.

The sky at this hour... night fell quickly, and the wind was very strong.

The second month was about to pass, and people were hoping that the third month would be warmer; a military report was sent into Xianyang Palace.

Tian An stepped onto the stairs before the hall and entered, "Prince, a military report has been sent."

Fusu was still admiring the calligraphy copybook of Cheng Miao that he had brought from the Imperial Censor Office and said, "What military report?"

"Great General Wang Jian has arrived in Luoyang."

The Grand General was still over a hundred kilometers away from Hangu Pass; even with the movement of a great army, it would likely take ten days or half a month before they could enter the pass.

"The Grand General has not yet reached Hangu Pass, but several vanguard units have returned first, and they have also relocated quite a few people into the pass."

Fusu continued to look at Cheng Miao's characters; the characters in this copybook were neither Qin Seal Script nor the scripts of the old lands of the Six States, but a Clerical Script that was simpler to write.

This is the prototype of Clerical Script, the very appearance of the Clerical Script font at its birth.

Fusu felt that as long as he was in this Xianyang Palace, and as long as he was good at discovering things, he would be able to witness history often.

Among the many fonts that continued into later generations, the retro Clerical Script is still often talked about with relish by people two thousand years later.

(End of this chapter)