The leisurely life of the Qin people

Chapter 100 The Affairs of the Pingyang Public Family

Fusu asked, "Did Father Emperor also bathe here with Duke Pinyang back then?"

Wang Jian felt the warmth of the hot water, let out a long breath, and said, "That was many years ago. Thinking about it, it should have been after Lü Buwei's death, when I escorted the First Emperor, who was then the King of Qin, to Mount Li."

Fusu sat up, washed himself, and changed into clean clothes, with the voice of the Duke of Pinyang in his ears.

Wang Jian, sitting in the tub, continued, "That was on Mount Li. The King of Qin wanted to see the palaces left behind. There was a hot spring on Mount Li, a pool enclosed by stone walls. The First Emperor called it a warm spring..."

Fusu said, "Fusu can take the old general there again."

Wang Jian shook his head and said, "I'm not going. The Lishan Hot Spring Palace has been abandoned for many years."

Fusu was about to leave when he saw the old man still soaking in the hot water. However, since the old general's servants were waiting for him, Fusu did not disturb him further and turned to leave.

When I stepped outside, I took a few deep breaths of fresh air and felt much better.

The slight intoxication from Tongguan had vanished by now.

The wind grew colder at night. Fusu sat in the courtyard, and the voice of the Duke of Pinyang could be heard from inside the house again.

This time, he spoke of Li Mu of the Zhao state and the war between the two states.

It's a bit frightening to think about now. Back then, Wang Jian wasn't confident he could defeat Li Mu, but Li Mu was killed by the King of Zhao at the time.

Therefore, Wang Jian felt fear whenever he thought about Li Mu's fate.

He worried that after returning to Qin, he would encounter the same thing that Li Mu had experienced.

Compared to his previous words, Fusu felt that what the Duke of Pinyang was saying now was probably the truth.

It was a rare treat to hear this old man speak the truth, so Fusu was naturally very willing to listen.

However, as he spoke the truth, Wang Jian began to recount his hardships and how wise and capable the First Emperor was, how he knew how to use people effectively, and how he planned and strategized. He claimed that Wang Jian's current success was all thanks to the First Emperor.

Fusu, however, hoped that someone could offer advice and constant reminders. Therefore, he kept the saying "Even if Chu has only three households left, it will surely be Chu that destroys Qin" in mind as a self-warning and self-reflection.

The old general's remaining words sounded as if they were coming from afar and near, probably because people were moving around.

Then his voice grew tired and lower, until it paused for a moment before a series of snores could be heard.

"Young master, Duke Pinyang has gone to sleep."

Fusu nodded and then left.

The next day, Fusu didn't know how long he had slept, and when he woke up it was almost noon.

Pinyang's mansion was really big. Fusu woke up early and ran around the mansion, taking in the sights of the grand house.

Since Duke Pinyang intends to give away this mansion, Fusu is determined to take a good look at this private property.

For the remaining days, Fusu stayed in Pinyang County, and even got to know some of Wang Jian's relatives and other uncles of the Wang family.

Wang Jian's family was very simple, so simple that after Wang Jian passed away, Wang Ben would definitely be in charge of the Wang family.

Fusu left Pinyang County when it snowed again in Guanzhong.

Wang Jian bid farewell to his granddaughter and son Fusu once again, smiling and stroking his beard as he stood at the village entrance talking with several old men and women from the village.

Most of the remarks were jokes, saying that the granddaughter brought her husband to visit Pinyang Gong during the winter, which showed her filial piety.

Prince Fusu is a filial son, and the Wang family is certainly not at a disadvantage to have such a son-in-law.

Back in his residence, Wang Jian had the doors closed. Leaning on his cane, he frowned as he looked at the group of Wang family relatives. Some of these people were Wang Ben's brothers, some were Wang Ben's cousins, and some were women from various collateral branches.

Wang Jian said in a deep voice, "Who told you about Wang Li, and who pleaded with you to let Wang Li return from Shangjun?"

The Duke of Pinyang spoke with authority, his tone more dignified and full of vigor than when the young master was still alive.

Wang Ben was not present, and Wang Jian was well aware of this. Naturally, Wang Ben would not allow his family members to plead with Prince Fusu on his behalf.

Wang Ben had already pleaded for leniency.

Wang Jian glared at the room full of relatives and shouted, "I only hope that all your families can be safe and sound. Why did you bring Wang Li back?"

Just as someone was about to speak in defense, they were pulled back by others.

The atmosphere inside the courtyard immediately became tense.

Wang Jian then asked, "Why did you mention Wang Li to the young master? Do you think the young master brought Wang Li back to curry favor with this old man?"

Everyone lowered their heads. Among them were people like Wang Ben, whose temples were already gray, and people as young as Prince Fusu.

"Or are you all going to persuade Prince Fusu to bring Wang Li back now, and then tell Wang Li that our Wang family is fortunate to have you people plead with Prince Fusu to let him return from Shangjun, so that you can use this favor to ask Wang Li for benefits in the future?"

Wang Jian's voice was heavy, and many people had already knelt down.

"Or do you all think I won't live for many more years!" This time, Wang Jian slammed his cane heavily on the ground, and everyone in the main hall knelt down.

Immediately, a servant handed over a scroll of bamboo slips, which contained writings about people who had mentioned Wang Li to Prince Fusu.

The servants remembered every word and action of these people, and they were all extremely loyal to Duke Pinyang.

Despite spending these days with Prince Fusu, Duke Pinyang is fully aware of everything that has happened at the mansion.

Wang Jian threw the bamboo slip in his hand to the ground, his eyes filled with even greater disappointment. He said, "I won't go through them one by one. Anyone who has mentioned Wang Li to Prince Fusu can go and collect two hundred gold coins. From now on, they will no longer be my relatives, and will never enter my household again."

After speaking, Wang Jian turned and left the main hall.

Duke Pinyang did not name anyone and ask them to leave the Wang family, but simply told them to leave voluntarily and never have any further contact with the Wang family.

Now the Wang family is the most prominent family in Guanzhong, so Wang Jian naturally has to be very careful in everything he does.

After receiving Prince Fusu's promise, Wang Jian felt at ease. He was truly at ease, knowing that the Wang family would likely no longer face any dangers.

Originally, it was a good thing that the granddaughter of the Duke of Pinyang and Prince Fusu came to visit the old man. Since Prince Fusu came to Pinyang, the Wang family mansion has been peaceful and harmonious, and Wang Jian has also been very happy.

But this was all temporary. After Prince Fusu left and the door was closed, Wang Jian gave his relatives a severe scolding.

Originally, Prince Fusu brought his wife to Pinyang County to visit the Duke of Pinyang, and should not have been disturbed by these relatives. However, as soon as these relatives arrived, Wang Jian heard things he did not want to hear.

Wang Jian was getting old, and he didn't want his relatives to be too shrewd or too calculating. The Wang family was already wealthy enough, and if they were all fools, Wang Jian would have no worries.

Not naming names was Wang Jian's final act of courtesy to them.

Afterwards, all of Wang's relatives left; not a single one remained.

Wang Jian wrote a letter of apology and sent it to Xianyang, where he had it delivered to Prince Fusu and his granddaughter.

In the letter, Wang Jian apologized to Prince Fusu, saying that he should not have allowed his relatives to congratulate the prince. He explained that Wang Li's garrisoning of Shangjun was a military matter, and that it was Qin law for men in each county to register at the age of seventeen.

Wang Li's enlistment in the army is a military service, while his remaining in Shangjun is a matter of state. How can I, an old man, allow my family and relatives to discuss this, disturbing Prince Fusu and his wife? This is my fault...

The Duke of Pinyang said a lot in his letter, and Fusu even read it carefully many times.

Two days later, Fusu sent a large quantity of millet to Pinyang County. The matter was thus closed; Prince Fusu pretended not to know anything and did not interfere in the affairs of the Duke of Pinyang's household.

Prince Fusu's meaning was also very clear: everything should be assumed as if he knew nothing beforehand, and the two families should continue as usual from now on.

For the remaining days, Wang Jian's life continued as usual. Apart from receiving more gold, nothing changed for the Wang family.

Inside the Xianyang Palace, Ying Zheng held a sword in his hand.

Tian An stood to the side and recounted the things that the young master had encountered these past few days, as well as what had happened to Wang Jian.

The sword in the First Emperor's hand was brought from Pinyang by Prince Fusu.

Following the young master's instructions, Tian An handed the sword to the First Emperor.

Ying Zheng said, "It's a real pity that Li Mu died like this."

Standing to the side, Tian An added, "The Duke of Pinyang said that before he conquered the State of Zhao, Li Mu was murdered, and he only got this sword after that."

Ying Zheng sheathed the sword again and said, "There are enough famous swords in Xianyang. Fusu can take it."

Tian An continued, "Young Master said that this sword was obtained by Duke Pinyang after his victory. Young Master felt that he had not accomplished anything and left behind this sword, but only a military book. He also said that he would present a better treasure when he made a contribution in the future."

"Li Si, this is what you taught Fusu to say."

As Ying Zheng's voice faded in the hall, Li Si stepped forward and said, "I only teach you about state affairs, not these things."

"Heh, Zhang Cang taught you that?"

Li Si thought for a moment and said, "Zhang Cang has always been unsociable and taciturn. He certainly did not teach him."

Seeing that the First Emperor had placed the sword on the shelf to the side, the First Emperor was about to turn his gaze towards it.

Li Si hurriedly added, "I believe it was Duke Pinyang who instructed him."

It doesn't matter who taught Prince Fusu his behavior; what matters is that the First Emperor's tone was one of pleasure, indicating his satisfaction with the prince's actions.

Even though the prince had formed a marriage alliance with the royal family, he did not hide anything from the First Emperor.

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "Li Si, don't misunderstand Wang Jian."

Li Si lowered his head in shame and said, "I am still guessing."

After delivering the sword, Tian An bowed and left. Since it was a sword left behind by Li Mu, it was naturally a famous sword.

Ying Zheng dismissed all the palace servants and began the rest of his conversation with Li Si.

"I have read your report. Regarding the matter in the South, is it true that some people harbor such suspicions?"

What they suspected was that Zhao Tuo, Ren Xiao, Tu Ju and others would rely on the natural defenses of the south to establish themselves independently.

Li Si bowed and said, “In my opinion, Ren Xiao, Zhao Tuo, and Tu Ju are all generals and officials of Qin. Their troops were bestowed by the First Emperor, and their provisions were also transported to the south by the army under the First Emperor’s decree. The First Emperor has rewarded them for their merits. How could they dare to rebel? They should be loyal to Qin for their entire lives. We must not listen to any suspicious words.”

It is quite rare to hear these words from Li Si.

The last time Li Si offered such advice was when he wrote a letter advising against expelling foreign guests.

Ying Zheng said, "Alright."

The First Emperor replied with a "good," and Li Si added, "I believe that those who spread rumors to sow discord among the troops should be punished."

Ying Zheng nodded and said, "Let the Court of Justice handle this matter."

Li Si responded and bowed.

Afterwards, the First Emperor and his prime minister Li Si discussed the standardization of writing and the unification of cart axles.

Three years have passed since Li Si stood in Zhangtai Palace and declared that standardizing writing and cart axles would be the first major event after Qin unified the world.

Right now, Li Si is telling the First Emperor about the achievements of the past three years. The policy has been implemented in all counties of the Central Plains, and it is also the duty of the county magistrates and officials to instruct the people of each county.

As a practitioner, Li Si consistently carried out every edict of the First Emperor, changing the world.

The world is indeed different now, as Li Si observed from documents from various places.

He needed to report the truth to the First Emperor.

Ying Zheng said, "I still remember Fusu's words."

Li Si lowered his head and remained silent.

Ying Zheng said, "Back then, the rulers of the six states couldn't even govern their own lands well. I have unified the world, and the world I govern is the sum of the six states, so it is naturally difficult."

Li Si said, "What you say is correct, sir."

Ying Zheng continued, "Fusu also said that governing a country is difficult, and a person's life is also very long. Now, whenever I think back to the past, I always feel that I have experienced more in my half of life than many people have in their entire lives."

Li Si did not deny that the First Emperor's life was extremely bumpy.

Ying Zheng then asked, "Is Tongguan Pass completed?"

"It's finished."

"Did Fusu promise rewards to those craftsmen?"

Li Si said, "The young master has not yet promised any rewards, but he has given them farmland and food. The young master has settled these craftsmen very well and has won their hearts."

Ying Zheng nodded slightly.

After reporting state affairs to the First Emperor, Li Si left Zhangtai Palace and hurried to the Prime Minister's residence.

Inside the Prime Minister's residence, Zhang Cang was reading a book, while Wu Gongzheng was tidying up the bookshelves.

Cheng Miao sat to the side, half asleep.

"Prime Minister."

Hearing the muffled voices outside the mansion, Zhang Cang reached out and nudged Cheng Miao.

Cheng Miao then came to his senses. He perked up and continued looking at the documents in front of him.

In the document, Cheng Miao saw a name, Zhui, which is a kind of bird. The Qin people would use bird-shaped wooden carvings to worship during the spring sacrifice, which symbolized the protection of disasters.

Zhui was a fifteen-year-old young man who studied under Shusun Tong in Weinan.

A group of children who were educated in Weinan left Guanzhong, and no one knows what they did there.

Later, I heard that they went to teach in various places, but what happened to them after they left Weinan is unknown.

Now, the governor of Luoyang has sent news about one of the students, saying that he has opened a school in Luoyang and is making a living by teaching, which has caused conflict with the local people of Luoyang.

Just by looking at this document, Cheng Miao could vaguely tell that there must have been a struggle between people.

(End of this chapter)