The leisurely life of the Qin people

Chapter 45 A Peaceful Winter

While the young master spoke in front, Zhang Han ate eggs all the way behind.

He walked along, and with one left over, he hid it in his pocket.

Xin Sheng was visiting this place for the first time. When he looked at the village from the outside, he didn't think much of it. But when he walked into the village, he found that the county was unusually clean. This is a county with a population of 3,000. It is rare to see it managed like this.

Ordinary villages and counties are generally filled with various smells.

In contrast, the roads in this county, which should have been muddy, were now covered with fine pebbles. There was no debris on the ground, and even the doorways of each house were kept clean, with the furniture placed in front of the houses arranged neatly.

Xin Sheng had heard before that the young master's servants had very strict rules, and... it certainly seemed harsh.

The scene before us might be related to the rules.

Xin Sheng was ignorant about governance; in his understanding, the stricter the rules, the more desolate the people's livelihood.

The houses here are neatly arranged, each with people living inside, and quite a few children. They are actually living better than in any other county.

This contradicts what Xin Sheng considered to be common sense.

In other words, the situation here is illogical. The rules of this county are stricter than those of any other county, and it is private property under the rule of Prince Fusu.

However, the current state of governance in this county is better than that of any other county.

A light rain shrouded Shangyan Mountain in mist. While Zhang Han and his son went to report on various matters in Jingye County, the old general Xin Sheng, still clad in armor, continued walking through the village.

It wouldn't be too late for him to go back and escort the young master back to the palace once the young master was about to return.

Xin Sheng wanted to see more of the place so that he could report the situation to the First Emperor after returning to Xianyang.

As he watched the children run past and heard the laughter of the women, Xin Sheng felt a sense of unease lingering in his heart, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

After walking a few steps, Xin Sheng arrived at the Jingye Canal, where the water was flowing, heading towards the distant underground canal.

Several men were seen shouting loudly, and then a few more men arrived and hurriedly ran to the other side of Shangyan Mountain.

Suddenly, a cold wind blew, and Xin Sheng immediately noticed the strangeness of Jingye County.

It's understandable to say that a county is tidy or well-maintained.

In the past, Xin Sheng, who had spent half his life fighting, had seen many villages and many people.

It gave him a refreshing feeling, not just because the place was very clean, but because there were no idlers here.

In the past, in other villages and counties, there would always be one or two idle men wandering the streets and alleys.

But there wasn't one here, not a single idler.

They made the idlers disappear and sent all the men to repair ditches.

The idlers outside dared not disturb this place, for this was Prince Fusu's territory, and General Zhang Han and his troops were also watching over it.

Do you think these idle thugs from outside would dare cause trouble here? They're asking for it.

After thinking it through, Xin Sheng understood a bit more. He then went to the study at the foot of the mountain, where a group of guards were standing, because the young master was in the study there.

Xin Sheng stood outside, his gaze still scanning his surroundings, while he could hear the voices inside the house.

Zhang Han and Shusun Tong reported the recent situation in the county to the young master. Xin Sheng listened to these words with a somewhat dull tone, but he vaguely understood what they meant.

They were talking about how many children had been born in the county recently, and how much grain was left this year.

Xin Sheng also vaguely heard some information about the allocation and cultivation of land for the coming year.

It seemed like they only said a few words before the conversation stopped, and Xin Sheng stood aside.

The study door opened, and Fusu came out to continue talking with Shusun Tong and Zhang Han.

Xin Sheng continued to follow behind the young master, and the group continued to walk through the county, with the escorting soldiers following on both sides, protecting the young master.

Xin Sheng followed behind, listening to the young master's words to General Zhang Han, which made the young master seem even more mysterious.

It is said that this young master was precocious from a young age and also very studious.

I heard that this young master often helped the First Emperor with state affairs and was also very filial.

But judging from the way the young master governed, Xin Sheng felt that the young master's talent and learning were unfathomable.

What child, at the age of seventeen or eighteen, doesn't want to have fun, even if it's just being silly?

Whose child could be as composed and articulate as Prince Fusu?

The young master also possessed an inexplicable aura that made people unconsciously want to listen to him.

You even think that Prince Fusu's words are mostly correct.

Xin Sheng considered himself to have fought many wars over the years and seen countless people, but he had never seen a child like the young master.

Take Li You, for example, the prime minister's son, who was very learned.

He is indeed very knowledgeable and stands out among his generation, but how does he compare to Prince Fusu?

Xin Sheng smiled helplessly; the gap was too wide.

When the young master explained that the servants of Lishan could take the grain grown next year for their own use, they were overjoyed.

Xin Sheng felt that the young master's actions were mostly inappropriate. These fields should belong to the young master, and the harvested grain should also belong to the young master.

But the young master continued speaking.

"From now on, the amount of farmland in Jingye County can only increase, not decrease."

Zhang Han nodded and said, "This subordinate obeys the order."

Logically, the grain harvested by these servants should go to the young master, who only needs to pay taxes to the state, and the rest should belong to him.

Therefore, the servants are only responsible to the young master, and the young master is only responsible to the country.

The best-grown trees in Jingye County are mulberry trees.

Zhang Han said that mulberries would be available next year.

Fusu nodded with a smile.

The county now has some income, the only source of which is the grain earned by Shusun Tong from teaching, all of which goes into the county's warehouse.

Shusun Tong taught diligently, yet he received not a single grain of rice.

What else can we do?

The servants valued food as their life, and should have protected it as if it were their own life. They could take out food to dig canals, but they should never give away the food they earned easily.

Furthermore, the county government was responsible for Shusun Tong's food and drink, so they also needed grain.

Fusu felt that no matter how much grain was grown in the county, it would never be enough; even if everyone was fed, it still wouldn't be enough.

Tian An dug up a few radishes on the mountain. He used a small knife to cut the radishes into chunks, washed them, and put them into a ceramic jar. He also washed the mutton, roasted it slightly, and put it into the jar.

Then cover the pottery jar tightly with a wooden lid.

A group of village women surrounded Tian An, watching as he meticulously prepared the food.

Then Tian An sealed the edges of the wooden lid with mud to prevent the internal heat from escaping, allowing the mutton to simmer in the pot until it became even softer.

Firewood and straw were placed around the earthenware pot, and after a fire was lit, the radishes and mutton were left to cook.

The women watching nearby began to discuss among themselves.

Tian An's cooking movements and posture have a natural sense of ritual, but this is not just for show; he truly has the ability to turn the mundane into the magical.

If they could provide their children and men with a delicious meal, and make their children stronger, these women would be eager to become Tian An's apprentices.

However, Tian An only lets these women watch; he doesn't teach them.

As for how much they can learn, it all depends on their talent.

Then, Tian An sat by the fire, feeling the warmth of the flames while reading the book in his hands, enjoying the admiration in the eyes of the women around him.

The flames had died out, leaving only the charcoal still burning.

Tian An wanted this residual heat to keep the stack of pancakes warm.

Calculating the time, Tian An finally stood up at noon, put down the book in his hand, kicked away the charcoal on the ground that had long since lost its heat, and dug out the clay seal on the pottery jar lid.

When the lid was lifted, a fragrant aroma wafted out.

The women looked up, breathing deeply, inhaling the aroma of food in the air.

They tried their best to memorize the scent and replicate it when they got home.

Seeing that the guards protecting the young master had arrived, the women all withdrew.

Tian An poured the soup from the earthenware pot into several bowls, then used a wooden spoon to scoop out radishes and mutton, put them into the bowls, and distributed them to the generals and Prince Fusu.

Fusu took the soup bowl and a flatbread.

While drinking soup and eating flatbread, you can occasionally take a bite of mutton from the soup. Eating such a meal on a rainy day can also ward off the cold.

It couldn't be more perfect.

After everyone had started eating, Tian An served himself a bowl of mutton soup. As he ate, he also popped garlic into his mouth. This old man couldn't live without garlic these days.

Looking to his side, Fusu saw Zhang Han eating mutton, while the general also chewed on a scallion.

The scallions in Guanzhong have always grown very well and are a rare cold-resistant vegetable.

Noticing the young master's gaze, Zhang Han chewed on his food and picked up a clean scallion from the side, offering it to him.

Fusu waved his hand slightly, took a clove of garlic from the side, and handed it to him.

Seeing this, Zhang Han took the garlic clove, took a bite, and juice splattered everywhere.

Fusu was slightly shocked, but then he saw Zhang Han eating as usual, silently gazing into the distance.

The meal was eaten in quiet. Fusu looked into the distance. Guanzhong in winter was indeed very desolate. You couldn't see a person for dozens of miles in winter.

Even in the dead of winter, Fusu felt it shouldn't be this desolate.

Guanzhong should have a larger population; it looks empty now, which makes Fusu feel uneasy.

After lunch, Fusu returned to Xianyang City in his carriage.

Sitting inside the carriage, Fusu was still looking at the files he had brought from Jingye County.

The next day, just as dawn broke, Fusu woke up early and started moving his limbs.

The palace maids and eunuchs of Takasen Palace were very curious as they watched the young master stretching his legs and bending over.

Then, Fusu picked up a bronze halberd and repeatedly thrust or slashed forward, frowning each time to feel the change in the feel of it. After swinging it a few more times, he finally felt much more comfortable using it.

Qin's halberds were very heavy. Fusu had seen iron halberds from the Han Dynasty that were unearthed in later generations. If they were improved, could they be made into the shape of a horse lance?
With cavalry equipped with lances, their combat effectiveness should be elevated to another level.

Fusu placed the halberd aside and pondered for a while, thinking of every possible way to make Qin stronger. These methods could either enhance Qin's soft power or its hard power.

"Young master, I heard that General Wang Ben has also sent people to investigate the war situation between the Western Rong and the Xiongnu."

Fusu nodded as he drank a bowl of hot water.

Tian An added, "General Wang Ben also sent a message saying that if the Xiongnu people come south from the river valley, they will inform you, my lord."

The Qin Dynasty was still beset by internal and external troubles, and this was another piece of good news that Fusu heard after the winter hunt.

Once someone visits the bountiful Hexi Corridor, they will never forget its richness.

As Fusu polished the halberd, he felt more and more strongly that Guanzhong without the Hexi Corridor was incomplete and flawed, while Guanzhong with the Hexi Corridor was complete.

This is similar to how, throughout history, every unified dynasty in the Central Plains had to unify the Western Regions.

In other words, the Central Plains would be incomplete without the Tianshan Mountains.

Tian An said, "There is one more thing."

"whats the matter?"

"General Zhao Tuo was invited to General Wang Ben's house, where he was said to drink every day."

Fusu nodded and said, "To have a good winter, you need wine and meat."

Tian An smiled and nodded.

The winter passed peacefully, and Shangjun in the north was also quiet. Half a month ago, Meng Tian sent a message saying that the Xiongnu had not invaded again.

"Young master, this is a roster sent by General Zhang Han."

Fusu did not return to the palace, but walked around looking at the roster. The roster contained nothing but the selection of this year's model workers.

A total of twenty can be selected.

Each of these twenty people can be rewarded with three lambs from their own family, for a total of sixty lambs. If they breed well enough, Jingye County will be able to raise sheep pens and become a large flock of sheep.

In the past, we wouldn't have dared to think about these things, because there wasn't enough food for people to eat back then, let alone for livestock.

There are also families in Guanzhong that raise sheep, but they are all wealthy families. There are also many families in Guanzhong that own land. Almost every household has one or two people serving in the army. Anyone who has been on the battlefield and made a meritorious decapitation will have land.

After reviewing the list, Fusu instructed, "Then distribute the rosters according to the list. Has Jianlu sent any news?"

"There is still no news from you, young master."

As the Vice Minister of the Imperial Household Department, he was in charge of the officials under his command. Jian Lu was currently serving as the Chief of the Waterways. He belonged to the Imperial Household Department and was therefore considered an official of the Vice Minister of the Imperial Household Department.

Fusu thought for a moment and then said, "Now that Jianlu has gone south, and Li You is still in Shu, he has scouts who can go south. Send someone to find Li You and have Li You's men find Jianlu and inquire about the recent situation of the southern expedition."

Tian An bowed and nodded, "General Xin Sheng went to Zhangtai Palace early this morning."

Fusu said, "I will also go and see my father."

At this moment, in Zhangtai Palace, Xin Sheng was reporting on his observations in Jingye County.

Ying Zheng held a scroll in his hand, which was the report written by Xin Sheng after he went to Jingye County.

Xin Sheng bowed and said, "This is all I know."

Ying Zheng carefully reviewed the report. Agriculture is the lifeblood of Guanzhong, and this lifeblood still needs to be carefully protected. Who could have known that Prince Fusu would reap such a great reward from opening a canal?

“Fusu is a precocious child. From a young age, he has had insights far beyond those of his peers. Don’t look at him the way you would look at your peers.”

Xin Sheng nodded.

Ying Zheng recalled the enormous skeleton now placed in Xianyang Palace, and the words Fusu had spoken: even such a colossal beast would one day die, and even the most wondrous tortoise that had lived overseas for thousands of years was nothing more than livestock.

Ying Zheng has been pondering this question lately. Could it be that Fusu had considered the question of life and death before, or that the child had already seen through life and death?

Ying Zheng knew that everything about Fusu was under his watchful eye, and he could even know his every move.

If necessary, Ying Zheng could know which books Fusu read and what he said every day.

Fusu's Jingye County could bring a huge granary to Guanzhong. If the granary had a good harvest the following year, Ying Zheng would have plenty of confidence for both the southern and northern expeditions.

The Zheng Guo Canal transformed the Qin state, and now the Jingye Canal will bring about tremendous changes to Guanzhong.

"Your Majesty, the young master has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng put the report aside and indicated that Xin Sheng could leave.

Fusu walked to the front of Zhangtai Palace and saw the old general Xin Sheng who had just come out of the main hall. He bowed slightly.

Xin Sheng also bowed respectfully, then lowered his head guiltily, not daring to let the young master know that he had escorted him to Jingye County yesterday and had also gone to inquire about the matter.

Having reached an advanced age, Xin Sheng was planning to retire before the First Emperor. He hoped that he wouldn't arouse the prince's suspicion before retiring.

Fusu first saw off the old general in front of the palace, and then took off his shoes and entered the palace.

Ying Zheng held a scroll in one hand and a piece of cake in the other, chewing on it while keeping his eyes on the book, without saying a word.

Fusu walked into the main hall, which was empty whenever there was no court discussion. “Your subject has heard news of a southern expedition. As the Vice Minister of the Imperial Household Department, I would like to see if there is any news of the Director of Waterways’ Lu.”

Ying Zheng gave a wink to the eunuch beside him, and then a box was brought up.

Fusu opened the box, took out several scrolls, and confirmed that they were the files from Shu and the Southern Expedition, and that the whole box contained them.

The Emperor's general meaning was that you can look at it as you please.

Fusu simply sat down at the table to the side. Looking at his father, he was still the same as before, chewing on a biscuit and staring at the documents without saying a word.

He looked through the files in the box and found several with labels, including one of Du Shuichang Lu Cheng.

There were three documents in total. Fusu opened the first volume according to the date. This was the first volume after the beginning of autumn this year. It recorded that General Tuju led his troops across the river, encountered an attack by the villagers, and then successfully counterattacked and won.

There were no losses, and the enemy surrendered quickly; the prisoners of war were all sent to Sichuan.

The second volume tells the story of Jianlu and Tuju being attacked at night by a group of barbarians, after which the Qin army counterattacks and wins.

However, these were all small-scale conflicts, which continued downstream along the Xiang River.

In the third volume, the army encountered heavy rain and frost, and some soldiers fell ill, so they set up camp along the Xiang River.

The files of Du Shuizhang consist of only these three volumes.

The third volume, which arrived recently, was delivered about two weeks ago. Judging from its location, Jianlu is very close to the site where the Lingqu Canal was being dug.

When Fusu looked up again, his father had already left. He stood up to leave as well, when a eunuch walked quickly towards him.

"Sir, please come this way."

Fusu said, "It is Father Emperor..."

The eunuch nodded and said, "His Majesty instructed this old servant to wait here, but also forbade this old servant to disturb the young master."

Fusu followed them all the way to the back hall, where the skeleton was placed. His father was staring at the skeleton in a daze.

"Father."

Ying Zheng said, "Once the cold winter is over, Tu Ju will send someone to deliver the battle report again, so you don't need to rush."

"My son understands."

Ying Zheng sighed again, "The construction of the Jingye Canal should be expedited. I have sent someone to inquire with the Prime Minister."

There were more fossils than when they were first brought to the palace. Many more were unearthed during the excavation of the underground channel and were all sent to the palace.

Ying Zheng picked up a fossil from behind him. The fossil was about the size of a fist, and the rock had a fossil shaped like a tooth sandwiched between it.

"What was it like when it was alive? How many years did it live?"

Fusu said, "No matter how many years it has lived, it is now nothing more than a handful of yellow earth. Even giant beasts eventually die."

Ying Zheng put down the stone in his hand and said, "When your great-grandmother passed away, did you ever think about keeping her alive?"

"I've thought about it, but I can't do it..."

At this point, Fusu continued, "It is precisely because life is only a few decades long that it can be so wonderful."

Ying Zheng nodded slightly, turned away from the skeletons, and his expression became more serious, as if he had been greatly encouraged after initially being confused.

It feels like, perhaps I can't live forever, but I can live a more fulfilling life.

"As the Vice Minister of the Imperial Household Department, you must oversee the construction of the canals. The Prime Minister will assist you."

"My son understands."

Half a month later, it snowed for another half month this winter. I heard that it was even colder in the north, and countless sheep and warhorses froze to death. Even many people froze to death.

For Guanzhong, perhaps they can just grit their teeth and get through this.

But for the herders in the north, this was a natural disaster.

Fusu looked at the letter sent by Meng Tian. He learned that during the freezing weather, he had sent out several troop groups to investigate the Xiongnu. They captured a thousand prisoners without bloodshed, all of whom were herdsmen who had survived the natural disaster.

Meng Tian took these prisoners into Shangjun and used them as manpower to cultivate the land. He made these captured herdsmen work the fields and speak the Guanzhong dialect.

After reading Meng Tian's letter, Fusu asked, "Has the military report from Shangjun been sent to Zhangtai Palace?"

Tian An replied, "It's been sent."

The Gaoquan Palace was bustling with activity. The First Emperor had said that he would have Prince Fusu oversee the construction of the canals, so the prince was going to leave the palace again to supervise the construction of the canals.

Inside a grand hall of the palace, Prince Gao was telling his younger siblings stories of the Qin people, specifically about the events during the reign of Duke Xiao of Qin.

These stories circulate in Jingye County.

When Gongzi Gao saw that Gongzi Huhai was about to sneak out to play again, he gave his younger sister a look.

Yin Man, the younger sister, received a look from her brother, stood up silently, and walked to the palace entrance.

Yin Man picked up the younger Hu Hai and dragged him back by the ear.

Even after bringing him back, she still felt uncomfortable, and Yinman kicked him twice.

Hu Hai pursed his lips in grievance, then obediently sat down and listened to his elder brother Gao's lecture.

Gongzi Gao nodded in satisfaction and continued the lesson.

Just then, a eunuch hurried over and whispered a few words in Prince Gao's ear.

The eunuch of Gaoquan Palace said that his elder brother Fusu had gone to supervise the construction of the canal and asked him to take good care of the fish, potted plants and trees in Gaoquan Palace.

Gao felt a great sense of accomplishment in being able to help his brother, even if it was just in the smallest way.

Helping to look after Takasen-gyu Palace is one thing, but I can also read books there, which is the most delightful thing.

(End of this chapter)