The leisurely life of the Qin people

Chapter 339, January of the Sixth Year

"I have a feeling that Xu Fu will not return."

Fusu stood before Wang Jian's memorial tablet, bowed and said, "He has returned, and I will repay him. If he had not returned, someone would have gone to look for him in the future. If he had broken his oath, he would have been a sinner of the Great Qin."

Ying Zheng said, "Going overseas to find a fairy island that no one has ever seen is no easy task."

Fusu nodded and said, "What Father Emperor said makes sense."

Li Si's expression relaxed somewhat, and he said, "Your subject first pays respects to the Duke of Pinyang."

The little princess was unfamiliar with the memorial tablet in front of her, and everything here was also unfamiliar to her.

After Li Si paid his respects to the Duke of Pinyang, Fusu, along with his father-in-law and father, walked towards the backyard of the royal residence.

Everyone still remembers that when Duke Pinyang passed away, it was snowing heavily.

It is still late autumn, and the wind is cold.

Fusu stopped by the pond in the backyard, looked at the waterside pavilion in the pond, and thought of the promise he had made to Duke Pinyang.

The true owner of this mansion is Prince Heng.

Speaking of his son, Heng is probably still busy at the Censorate at this hour.

The group sat by the pond reminiscing about the past. Li Si mentioned that when he was a guest minister in Qin, he greatly admired Wang Jian.

Of the three elderly people in front of us, Wang Ben is the one who has aged the fastest.

After pouring tea for the three elderly people, Fusu tactfully left, as it was now their turn to reminisce about the past.

At times like these, anyone who has nothing to do with their past memories is an outsider.

Fusu walked in the front hall with his wife, listening to her talk about how she grew up in this mansion.

She had said some things many times, and Fusu had heard them many times as well.

But his wife was willing to keep talking, and Fusu was willing to keep listening, even after so many years and so many times.

At this age, the couple understands each other better than they understand themselves.

Wang Tang'er asked, "Are you worried about state affairs again?"

Fusu nodded.

Holding her husband's hand, Wang Tang'er said softly, "Let's go back. Visiting Grandpa today is enough."

Fusu shook his head again and said, "We came here today to pay homage to Duke Pinyang. How can we just come and go as we please?"

Wang Tang'er then said that the emperor should still prioritize state affairs.

But Fusu still decided to wait until tomorrow to return to Xianyang.

After nightfall, the three elderly people went to bed early, while Fusu and his wife, dressed in mourning clothes, kept vigil for the Duke of Pinyang all night.

At dawn the next day, Tian An summoned several eunuchs and gave them instructions, mostly telling the eunuchs who remained to take care of the three elderly people. He also repeatedly reminded them not to let the three elderly people drink alcohol.

As the emperor and his wife boarded the carriage, Tian An hurriedly sat on the carriage shaft as well.

Sitting on the carriage shaft, Tian An could still hear the couple's conversation, because their son, Gongzi Heng, would be coming of age next year.

This year, we came here to pay homage to Duke Pinyang. When Gongzi Heng was still very young, Duke Pinyang had high hopes and expectations for him.

Before returning to Xianyang, Fusu set off from Pinyang County and then went to Jingyang.

I saw Xiao He again. The prefect was wearing a coarse cloth short coat and had just come up from the Baiqu Canal, his feet still covered in mud.

Upon meeting the emperor, Xiao He bowed respectfully.

The emperor's carriage was not far away, surrounded by soldiers who remained vigilant.

Fusu said, "The expansion of Weibei to six counties is now very well done."

As the population of Guanzhong increases, more counties will be established. People need a place to live, making the newly established counties particularly important.

Xiao He said, "I believe that five more counties need to be established."

Fusu reached out and took a scroll from Tian An's hand, handing it to him and saying, "This is your appointment."

Xiao He took the scroll, opened it, and saw that it was an official appointment: Prefect of Pengcheng.

Xiao He will be the first governor of Qin, and will be able to supervise the officials of various counties and prefectures in Chu.

Fusu took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "I haven't told anyone about this, but I've already stamped it."

When Xiao He saw the last part of the document, he saw that it was indeed stamped, but the date was not written.

Fusu said, "Whenever you want to go to Chu, write down the date and hand it to the Prime Minister's office, then you can go to take up your post."

"Your subject bows in gratitude." Xiao He bowed and paid his respects.

"You don't need to thank me. You did it all for the country. I am grateful for your help."

Fusu then said, "The position of governor was established by me to strengthen the supervisory system. You are the first one, and I hope you will set an example for future officials."

"I accept your order."

Fusu helped Xiao He up as he bowed and said, "If you feel that the affairs of Chu have been well managed, you can return to Guanzhong in the future. The Prime Minister's Office will always reserve a place for you."

Xiao He held up the document of his appointment with both hands and said loudly, "Your subject thanks the Emperor."

Fusu heard another thank you from Xiao He, waved his hand with some annoyance, and got into the carriage to return to Xianyang.

When the emperor returned to Xianyang, the country continued to function smoothly.

On the winter solstice, the emperor summoned Prince Gao.

Since Prince Gao was appointed as the head of the Imperial Clan, he has been living in Yongcheng and presiding over matters concerning the Imperial Clan.

Standing before the bronze armillary sphere beside the Zhangtai Palace, Fusu looked at the enormous sphere and said, "You've worked hard all these years."

"I dare not complain of the hardship," said Prince Gao, bowing respectfully from behind the emperor.

Fusu shifted his gaze from the bronze armillary sphere. "Heng's coming-of-age ceremony will be held in Yongcheng."

"Yes."

Fusu then instructed, "There's no need for excessive formality. If there's anything I can teach you, just give me your advice. Don't worry about me; just teach me what needs to be taught."

"I accept your order."

Looking at the gloomy sky, Fusu continued, "When we went to pay homage to the Duke of Pinyang this time, Father Emperor and I talked about Xu Fu."

Gongzi Gao still remembered Xu Fu and asked, "Is there a plan?"

"There are no plans. It doesn't matter whether Xu Fu comes back or not." Fusu paused for a moment, then continued, "Perhaps Father doesn't want me to focus my attention on finding Xu Fu."

"I believe," Prince Gao hesitated for a moment before saying, "Xu Fu will definitely return. Everything Xu Fu possesses now was bestowed upon him by the Emperor. If he betrays the Emperor and does not return to Qin, people will despise Xu Fu in the future. Xu Fu is a traitor to Qin, and his descendants will also be despised."

Fusu placed one hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist and said, "What you said is also correct."

Gongzi Gao bowed once more.

Perhaps it is because people often remember it fondly, or perhaps it is because people in this era value the word "trust" and "righteousness," which is related to the good qualities that Qin Ting often promoted.

In the first month of the sixth year of the new emperor's reign, Wang Li was walking on the beach, listening to the teacher from Langya County who was going to teach there talk about his future teaching plans.

But as they were talking, a fisherman pointed into the distance and shouted loudly.

Upon hearing this, Wang Li also looked into the distance and asked, "Are there people fishing in the deep sea even in this freezing winter?"

“That’s not our fishermen’s boat.”

The tutor beside him gave a reply.

Wang Li ran all the way to a high cliff by the sea, looked into the distance, and said loudly, "It's really not a fishing boat."

As the other party drew closer, Wang Li said again, "Quick! Send a boat to check." The approaching vessel was indeed not a fishing boat; it was enormous, larger than any other boat along the coast of Langya County.

Of all the ships Qin sailed out to sea over the years, only one was this big—that was the one Xu Fu sailed out to sea on.

As the enemy ships drew closer amidst the wind and waves, Wang Li suddenly smiled, "Xu Fu..."

"He's back! Magistrate Xu is back!"

Someone was shouting on the beach.

"Magistrate Xu is back!"

The calls rose and fell as they were passed from person to person.

As the ship drew closer, Wang Li suddenly stopped stroking his short beard, for he had clearly seen the shape of the ship.

The ship that set sail back then was so big and magnificent, but now... it looks like it has been repaired many times, and its former splendor is long gone.

When the ship finally arrived, Wang Li still couldn't believe it. He quickly walked to the beach and saw people stepping off the ship through the seawater.

These people were all exhausted and emaciated; they collapsed as soon as they reached the beach.

Seeing everyone's state, Wang Li exclaimed in surprise, "How could this be?"

The last old man with white hair and beard disembarked; he was none other than Xu Fu, who had set sail on the seas.

In people's eyes, Xu Fu, who had been at sea for four years, looked more than ten years older. He was thinly dressed, emaciated, and walked unsteadily.

Wang Li quickly stepped forward to help the man up, asking, "Xu Fu?"

Xu Fu simply nodded, and then fainted on the spot.

"Call for a doctor! Call for a doctor!"

Having lived in Langya County for so many years, Wang Li still maintains his Guanzhong aristocratic demeanor, and even his way of speaking and accent have not changed.

Inside the county government building in Langya County, Xu Fu finally woke up again. Wang Li said, "The doctor said that you are only like this because you are short of water and food."

Xu Fu said in a low voice, "Give me a bowl of porridge. I need to see the emperor."

Seeing that the other person was about to get up, Wang Li said again, "I have already sent a message to Xianyang by fast horse, so you don't need to worry."

Xu Fu then said, "I want to see the emperor."

Seeing that the person had gotten up from the bed, Wang Li had no choice but to step aside.

Then Xu Fu walked to the county government and saw the people who had gone to sea with him eating.

Xu Fu then asked, "Have you all spoken?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Having confirmed that the number of people was still complete, Xu Fu returned to his own ship, seemingly searching for something, until he brought a bundle ashore.

Wang Li stood by the sea, anxiously saying, "I've already sent a message to Xianyang at top speed, you don't need to do this..."

"I must see the emperor."

Wang Li saw that the other party's gaze was very firm, and that he only needed to compromise to have carriages and horses prepared.

As Xu Fu boarded the carriage bound for Xianyang, Wang Li stood there, watching intently.

No one knows what Xu Fu encountered overseas.

This man didn't say a word, but as soon as he met someone, he would say that he wanted to see the emperor.

Wang Li took a deep breath and instructed the officials around him, "Write down everything about Xu Fu and send it to Xianyang as fast as you can."

"Yes!"

Hearing the response from the clerk beside him.

Wang Li frowned as he looked in the direction Xu Fu and his fleet had left.

They didn't stay long in Langya County and hurriedly went to Xianyang, presumably to inform the emperor of something important.

Wang Li could only guess at this.

Xu Fu's large ship was still anchored at the seaside. He asked the boatman beside him, "How is this ship?"

The old boatman, who often sailed out to sea from Langya County, looked at the tattered sails and the old hull of his boat.

Even one side of the ship has many holes.

Wang Li followed the boatman onto the boat. The deck was full of dried fish and wooden barrels, which were probably what they used to eat to fill their stomachs.

"County Magistrate Wang."

Upon hearing the words, Wang Li followed the boatman's gaze and saw a wooden box. Inside the box was soil, and bean sprouts were growing in the soil.

"I remember that Xu Fu took a lot of crop seeds with him when he went to sea."

The boatman looked at the tattered plank and pressed down on it, only to find that the plank had holes in it.

"This ship has weathered many storms and been exposed to the scorching sun; even the best wood would have deteriorated by then."

The old boatman sighed deeply and said, "It's so hard for them to come back."

Wang Li followed them into the cabin, where there was a strong, musty smell.

The boatman explained, "The moisture from the sea gets into the hull, and after a heavy rain and then being exposed to the sun, this happens."

The boatman sat on a couch in the cabin and said, "There's not a drop of water left."

Wang Li also saw the current situation. Looking at the empty cabin, there were more than a thousand people who went to sea, but now only a dozen or so have returned. These dozen or so people all look like they have lost half their lives.

Wang Li couldn't believe what they had gone through at sea, and that the ship wouldn't last much longer and could no longer go out to sea.

In the second month of the sixth year of the new emperor's reign, news came that Xu Fu had returned.

Xu Fu, who had been at sea for four years, had indeed returned from overseas.

The news arrived in Langya County when Xu Fu arrived at the winter solstice, and by the time it reached Xianyang, it was already February.

On Mount Li, Ying Zheng was surprised to hear this news and looked at Li Si beside him.

Li Si said, "This man's return has stirred up a lot of people's hearts. I heard that after Xu Fu returned to Langya County, he didn't say a word to outsiders or mention anything about overseas affairs."

Ying Zheng asked, "He's come to Xianyang?"

Li Si replied, "When Xu Fu arrived at Langya County, he brought his entourage from the sea to Guanzhong. Judging from the journey, they should be arriving at Sanchuan County soon."

If the messenger horse and Xu Fu set off at the same time, the difference in their journeys should only be two or three days.

Ying Zheng asked, "What is Fusu doing?"

The eunuch beside him replied, "Today is the coming-of-age ceremony for Prince Heng, and people have all gone to Yongcheng to offer their congratulations."

Ying Zheng said, "The same number of people who supported Fusu back then are now going to congratulate Fusu's child."

Because of this love for the emperor, people not only loved Prince Fusu, but also loved his sons and cared about the emperor's children.

Moreover, Prince Heng is of excellent character and even has the remarkable feat of traversing the entire Great Wall.

Ying Zheng asked, "Where has the ceremony gone?"

Li Si replied, "The news I received last month is that Gongzi Li is guarding the northwestern border, alone in a desolate desert, hundreds of miles away from any sign of human habitation, guarding it all by himself."

Ying Zheng asked, "Can that child hold on?"

Li Si said, "If we want to win people over, this is the only way. Prince Heng and Prince Li are both good children. They both know how to be good people."

(End of this chapter)