The leisurely life of the Qin people

Chapter 95 The Miraculous Sacrificial Text

Inside the academy in Jingye County, the children had already gone home early. The freezing rain, carrying ice pellets, fell down, stinging the skin.

Even in this kind of weather, people in Weinan are still rushing to harvest millet in the fields.

Whenever this happens, people from neighboring counties, seeing this scene, mostly think that the people of Weinan live a very tough life.

Actually, they weren't in Weinan, so they didn't know how difficult it was there.

According to Zhang Han, Weinan is actually very poor.

Inside the study, it was still warm. Shusun Tong was used to drinking hot water, and charcoal was burning. The earthenware pot was on the stove, boiling water.

When winter comes, being able to drink a sip of hot water to warm one's internal organs makes Shusun Tong feel that he can prolong his life.

Since drinking more water, Shusun Tong felt that his complexion had improved a lot.

Looking at what was in front of him, seeing that Zhang Cang remained silent, Shusun Tong remembered the food that had been sent from Xianyang that day. It was sent by people from Gaoquan Palace, and the thing was called tofu.

After eating tofu pudding so often, it's actually not that special, and sometimes you don't even get to eat it.

Whether or not people in the county can afford to eat tofu pudding depends on whether the county has surplus beans and the quality of the beans.

Generally speaking, Shusun Tong could eat a bowl of delicious tofu pudding every three to five days.

Now, sitting in front of Zhang Cang, Shusun Tong thought of tofu. He wondered when he would be able to eat that delicious tofu again, and when the young master would send someone to deliver the tofu again.

Then, Shusun asked, "How is tofu made?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Cang, who had been keeping his eyes closed, slowly opened them and said, "I remember earlier, when Gaoquan Palace had just made tofu, the young master gave a donkey as a reward."

"donkey?"

Zhang Cang added, "It's not really a reward for the donkey, but rather a way to tell it that it won't have to work anymore. Anyway, that donkey will never pull the millstone again, and I heard it can't pull it anymore."

Shusun Tong then asked, "And then what?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Cang looked up again, thought for a moment, and said, "Let's see the flowers and add the sauce."

"Look...look at what?"

Shusun Tong became increasingly puzzled.

Zhang Cang said, "Looking at the flowers and adding the brine, I heard that when Attendant Tian of Gaoquan Palace was making tofu, he would recite a kind of sacrificial text. It is said that when he recited this sacrificial text, the tofu was made."

Shusun Tong nodded in understanding. Seeing the water bubbling in the pottery pot, he poured out a bowl of water and asked, "Did the young master send Du Shuichang to Longxi?"

Zhang Cang nodded.

For some reason, Shusun Tong found talking to Zhang Cang very tiring.

"Prefect Zhang hopes that the Chief of Water Resources can help Jingye County repair the culvert. Originally, the plan was to reinforce the culvert after the flood season in autumn and during the dry season."

Zhang Cang said, "Before leaving Guanzhong, Du Shuichang met with Zhang Han."

As the two were talking, they heard footsteps outside.

The newcomer was Zhang Han. He took off his bamboo hat, bowed, and said, "Imperial Censor Zhang."

Zhang Cang said, "Young Master sent me to see you. He also said that Weinan County did a very good job this year and will give you the secret recipe for tofu. Please plant more beans in early spring next year."

Zhang Han bowed and said, "Please convey this to the young master. Zhang Han obeys."

As soon as he finished speaking, he seemed to suddenly remember something and added, "This year's radishes and celery have been loaded onto the carts. I've had the carriages prepared, and I would appreciate it if Imperial Censor Zhang could take them back with him."

Zhang Cang glanced at Shusun Tong, who was in a somewhat embarrassed state. He slowly stood up, walked to the eaves, looked at the still-falling freezing rain, put on a straw hat and raincoat, hesitated for a moment, and then took a carriage back to Xianyang.

Zhang Han bowed solemnly and respectfully to see them off. When he turned back to look at Shusun Tong, he said, "Young master, you want to give us the secret recipe for tofu. Next year, I want to plant beans all over the mountain."

At this moment, Shusun Tong's expression had returned to normal. He said, "Selling tofu will also be a major source of income for Jingye County in the future."

Zhang Han glanced at the rain outside the window and frowned, saying, "I thought Zhang Cang would go and see Mao Heng, since they are both disciples of Xunzi."

"Hehehe..." Shusun Tong laughed, "Besides getting drunk and cursing Li Si, what else can Mao Heng say?"

Zhang Han said, "Even when Mao Heng wasn't drunk, he would still curse Li Si."

Shusun Tong wholeheartedly agreed. Originally, he wanted to get the method of making tofu from Zhang Cang, but Zhang Cang was too tight-lipped and kept his mouth shut, so he couldn't get any information out of him.

It seems that Zhang Cang never wanted to befriend anyone.

Back then, Shusun Tong studied under Confucius, and many famous scholars from Qi and Lu had dealings with him, so naturally he had friends all over Qi and Lu.

But when facing Zhang Cang, Shusun Tong felt a sense of unease.

"Will the culvert need repairs next year?"

Zhang Han tidied up the firewood and replied, "We'll start repairing the canal next spring, after the dry season."

Shusun Tong drank a mouthful of hot water and let out a long breath. He felt that although Zhang Han was somewhat stupid, he had the advantage of perseverance and the ability to endure hardship.

In Shusun Tong's view, the people of Jingye County were all a bit silly.

Shusun Tong thought it might be his past self, who had been associated with famous scholars from Qi and Lu, and whose words and deeds were all based on poetry and classics.

Looking back now, people are actually quite simple.

Some people say that the people of Qin are like tigers and wolves, but after entering Qin from Qi and Lu, his opinion of the people of Qin changed quite a bit.

Furthermore, Shusun Tong wanted to stay here for a long time, not because he thought his knowledge surpassed that of the people here, nor because he was arrogant. He believed that someone with talent like Gongzi Gao would surpass him, Shusun Tong, sooner or later.

Shusun Tong had no intention of grooming one of the First Emperor's sons into a renowned scholar.

He simply loved this place so much. Shusun Tong gazed at the distant scenery as freezing rain drizzled down. People were returning home with the millet they had harvested, and most of them had smiles on their faces.

"Prefect Zhang, how many beans do we have?"

Zhang Han said, "It's in the accounts."

Shusun Tongdao: "How many beans do you think Tongguan County has?"

“What beans could they possibly have?” Zhang Han continued, “The people of Tongguan are all building the city. General Xin Sheng asked me to borrow a thousand shi of grain.”

"You borrowed it?"

"The young master replied, saying that it is possible to lend it, and I will have someone send the grain over right away."

"This……"

Just as Shusun Tong was about to speak, he saw Zhang Han hurriedly leaving and could only sigh deeply…

……

Since meeting Xiang Bo this spring, Zhang Liang has planned to travel to the Chu region. He found several old acquaintances and asked their family members to see him off.

However, on his way to Chu, before he even left the land of Qi and Lu, Zhang Liang was intercepted by a group of people halfway there.

Zhang Liang also brought his personal guards with him. He wasn't sure whether to kill or defeat them; he was considering whether he could escape unscathed.

But after the other party explained their purpose, Zhang Liang hesitated. Since they were both preparing to overthrow the Qin Dynasty and restore their country, he agreed to talk to them.

Di County, the former territory of the State of Qi, is where Zhang Liang has been staying for half a year.

For the past six months, Zhang Liang had agreed to talk with the other party, but unexpectedly he was placed under house arrest for six months, confined to a house.

"I am willing to fight my way out with you, sir!" Zhang Liang shook his head when he heard the guard beside him speak.

There were three guards, all of whom were descendants of the old Han people and were extremely skilled.

Zhang Liang did not want to fight to the death right now. Besides, the three Tian brothers only wanted to keep Zhang Liang with them to rebel against Qin, and they even provided him with food and clothing.

Zhang Liang sat in the courtyard, looking at the bamboo slips on the table. They were sent by the three Tian brothers, and they mentioned several scholars who came from the Qin region, teaching and recruiting disciples.

Among them was a student from Qin named Lang. He taught students without charging a penny, only requiring a single bread to fill his stomach each day. Moreover, he would stay in one place for a month before moving on to another.

This news surprised Zhang Liang.

However, since this matter was only written at the end of the bamboo slips, the three Tian brothers did not pay much attention to it.

Zhang Liang's gaze lingered on that last column for a long time.

"ovary!"

Upon hearing the voices, Zhang Liang looked up and saw a middle-aged man leading two young men into the courtyard.

The middle-aged man leading the group was Tian Dan, who was rumored to be a member of the Tian clan, the ruling family of the State of Qi.

As for which branch of the Qi state's ruler they belonged to, Zhang Liang had no idea. He only knew that the villagers of Di County greatly supported the three Tian brothers.

The three Tian brothers had the support of the people of Di County. Fortunately, the Qin officials did not pursue the matter. If the three Tian brothers had caused any trouble, had they ever considered that they might have implicated the entire county?

Zhang Liang had become accustomed to keeping a low profile and working alone over the years, which was completely opposite to the approach of the three Tian brothers.

The three Tian brothers, on the other hand, were much more high-profile, so much so that they could rally the villagers of Di County to rise up in rebellion with just a shout.

Zhang Liang knew that there were a thousand able-bodied men in Di County, and the rest were old and young. Qin had always stationed heavy troops in Qi, and it was only because the current First Emperor had not exterminated the old nobles of the six states that the three Tian brothers were spared.

After six months of contact, Zhang Liang felt that the three brothers were only able to act like thugs in this area because of their connections. Once they left, they would be of no use.

To be honest, Tian Dan has some real skills.

Tian Heng appeared very brave and had a decisive, heroic air about him. In the eyes of the locals, Tian Heng was very righteous.

Tian Rong looked more like a strategist and was also good at dealing with officials around Di County.

In Zhang Liang's view, Tian Heng and Tian Rong each had their own strengths and could complement each other.

The three brothers stood before him, and Zhang Liang rose and bowed.

Tian Dan ordered his younger brother Tian Heng to place some fine jade, furs, and silver ingots on the table.

Seeing this, Zhang Liang asked, "What does this mean?"

Tian Dan first had his two younger brothers bow in respect, while he grabbed Zhang Liang's hand and said excitedly, "Zifang! Why don't we join forces with the Tian family to plan the restoration of our kingdom?"

Zhang Liang bowed and said, "Brother Tian, ​​you flatter me."

Tian Dan continued, "I heard that you were almost captured by the Qin army in Luoyang. Knowing that you have the ambition to overthrow Qin and restore your country, the three of us brothers are willing to join forces with you. One day we will overthrow the Qin Dynasty and restore our country!"

Zhang Liang then looked at the younger Tian Rong and Tian Heng and said, "Brother Tian, ​​Zifang has seen the construction of Di County. Brother Tian Dan is both wise and brave. Tian Heng is brave and righteous and is deeply respected by righteous people from all walks of life. Tian Rong is good at planning and can deal with the officials of the surrounding counties to protect Di County."

Zhang Liang bowed again and said, "Zifang is of limited talent and learning, and I am truly grateful for Brother Tian's kind invitation."

The three Tian brothers' faces immediately turned cold, and their smiles vanished.

Their repeated requests for Zhang Liang to stay were met with another refusal.

That's right, this isn't the first time, it's the third.

Enraged, Tian Heng slammed his fist on the table and roared, "Zhang Liang!"

After he finished speaking, the three guards behind Zhang Liang also drew their swords and pointed them at Tian Heng.

Tian Heng, however, was not afraid at all and stepped forward.

Despite being unarmed, Tian Heng's imposing presence forced the three sword-wielding guards to retreat several steps.

Tian Rong pulled back Tian Heng, who was about to explode, and hurriedly said, "Brother Zifang, the three of us brothers are sincere and wish to treat you as an honored guest."

Zhang Liang remained humble and polite, bowing and saying, "I appreciate the kindness of the three of you, but I still need to go to Chu."

Tian Dan wanted to recruit Zhang Liang because Zhang Liang was indeed a righteous man who opposed the Qin Dynasty.

Among the nobles of the six states at that time, quite a few surrendered to Qin, and only a few were truly loyal to Qin. Others were two-faced.

Tian Dan naturally hoped to keep Zhang Liang. He looked at Tian Rong and Tian Heng beside him, bowed and said, "If Zifang goes to Chu, Heng can escort him and protect him."

Zhang Liang bowed and said, "It's not that Zifang (Zhang Liang's courtesy name) is unwilling to join you all in opposing Qin, but rather that I need to go to Chu to see an old man..."

Tian Dan left his belongings behind and departed with his two younger brothers.

After the others had gone some distance, Zhang Liang's guard asked, "Sir, did you really bring Tian Heng along? Is Tian Dan trustworthy?"

Zhang Liang was used to being alone. He looked around and said, "I'll leave tonight."

"Alright." The three guards sheathed their swords one after another. They had been eating, drinking, and loafing around here for half a year, which was enough.

The next day, when Tian Heng came to see Zhang Liang again, he found the courtyard empty and Zhang Liang's luggage was gone.

"Ah!" Tian Heng was so angry that he kicked over the table in front of him and ran all the way to tell his elder brother Tian Dan about it.

"Brother! Zhang Liang has escaped!"

Upon hearing this, Tian Dan was also startled and said, "Chase them!"

The three Tian brothers had considerable influence in Di County, and many people immediately left the county to search for Zhang Liang's whereabouts.

However, they searched for three days in a row, even chasing after Zhang Liang for more than ten miles, but still couldn't find him.

In the Tian residence, Tian Dan sat in his own courtyard, with Tian Rong and Tian Heng standing behind him.

Tian Heng, finding no outlet for his brute strength, roared in fury, "Zhang Liang!"

The roar was loud, making Tian Rong frown and his ears ring. He said, "Back in Luoyang, the Qin army searched more than ten counties and mobilized thousands of soldiers, but they still couldn't find Zhang Liang."

Tian Dan sighed and said, "Never mind."

Afterwards, once Tian Heng had calmed down, the three brothers discussed the matter.

Tian Dan said, "I've been thinking that Zhang Liang wanted to go to Chu because there was an old man he absolutely had to see, most likely a great sage?"

Tian Rong asked, "Which great sage? Kong Fu?"

Tian Dan shook his head and said, "I had heard before that Mr. Luli left Qin and went straight to Chu after passing Hangu Pass."

Tian Rong asked in surprise, "Old Master Lu Li?"

"Hmm?" Tian Dan frowned and said, "Old Master Luli has an appointment with Zhang Liang to meet in Chu?"

Tian Heng said, "Brother, go and bring Zhang Liang back."

Tian Rong quickly stopped him and said, "Zhang Liang may not be able to help our three brothers, and we don't need him. Don't make things too difficult for us. Leave some room for maneuver now, so we can be on good terms with him in the future."

Tian Heng asked, "Big brother?"

Tian Dan nodded in agreement.

(End of this chapter)