sovbooks Chapter 39 Obtaining the Book
Chapter 39 Obtaining the Book
On a fine spring day, the sunlight slanted across the covered walkway.
Zhao Heng and Zi Nu left the courtyard and walked slowly along the covered walkway towards the main hall.
Zi Nu lagged half a step behind Zhao Heng, only glancing at him from time to time.
The boy was already quite tall for his age, but his shoulders and back were still rather thin. His hair was tied in a simple bun at the back of his head with a black cloth strip, and not a single strand was out of place. From behind, he certainly looked like a clean-cut and neat-looking aristocratic boy.
However, most noble children of this age are either unruly and mischievous or arrogant and impetuous, and rarely have such composure.
It was precisely this peculiar contrast that made her ponder deeply, unable to reach a conclusion for a moment.
Is there really such a thing as innate wisdom in this world? If not, how can someone be so precocious as to be almost supernatural?
She shook her head slightly, suppressing these thoughts for the time being. Whatever the reason, the cooperation agreement had been finalized. Perhaps the matter entrusted to her by the clan could truly find a turning point through this.
The corridor meandered, and just as the two were turning through a moon gate, a person hurriedly walked towards them from the end of the corridor ahead.
It was a personal maidservant of Madam Fu. She walked hurriedly, her face showing a hint of anxiety. Upon seeing Zhao Heng, her eyes lit up, and she quickly stepped forward to greet him.
"Young master is finally back. There were guests visiting in the front hall, and the madam sent me to find you."
Who has come to visit?
"The visitor claimed to be a retainer of Lord Xinling, carrying a visiting card, saying he was sent by Lord Xinling. The lady has already invited the visitor into the hall and served him tea, and dares not be negligent. Please return quickly, young master."
A disciple of Lord Xinling?
Zhao Heng was slightly surprised. It had only been a few days since their meeting at Zuiyue Tower, and everything that needed to be said had already been said that day. Why was Wei Wuji sending someone to visit again, and even coming directly to his residence?
Is this a continuation of the story of Jianxin Jun from that day, or is there some other intention?
He pondered for a moment, but simply nodded to the maid: "I understand. Go back and tell my mother to ask the guests to wait a moment; I will be there shortly."
The maid agreed and hurriedly turned back.
After the maid had gone far away, Zi Nu smiled softly beside her.
"It seems I've arrived at the perfect time. Otherwise, I'm afraid I would have had to wait in line outside your residence and patiently wait to be summoned if I wanted to see you, sir."
Zhao Heng couldn't help but chuckle, waving his hand at Zi Nu, but inwardly he couldn't help but ponder.
His calm demeanor stems from the fact that he is an adult.
Zi Nu was only fifteen or sixteen years old, but observing her interactions with others, whether it was her composed and skillful handling of Jianxin Jun and him at Zuiyue Tower, her polite and considerate manners in front of Madam Han today, her calm deliberation and instantaneous decision-making in the side room just now, or even this perfectly timed teasing... she showed no trace of girlish shyness or awkwardness.
She could switch between alluring, dignified, and shrewd at will, and even Zhao Heng often had the illusion that he was dealing with a mature woman when he was with her.
Zhao Heng naturally did not believe that Zi Nu was a soul from another world, like himself.
In this world, precocious people do exist. Especially those with complicated backgrounds and unique experiences, it's common for their minds to far surpass those of their peers.
But Zi Nu's precocity extends beyond her mind.
Her graceful walk, the effortless movement of her skirt, her composed speech with its quotations of classical texts, and even the occasional look of astute observation in her eyes—all these qualities seemed uncharacteristic of someone from a merchant family.
In this era, even if a merchant is extremely wealthy, their social status is still inferior to that of ordinary people. Unless they are so rich that they can influence the political situation of a region, ordinary merchants, let alone sit at the same table with nobles, often have to be mindful of others' attitudes when they visit them, let alone cultivate such an almost innate air of nobility.
Then I remembered that she claimed her clan had a marriage alliance with the Korean royal family...
The "clan" that Zi Nu mentioned is probably not as simple as it seems.
However, these doubts can be explored later.
Zhao Heng pondered for a moment, then simply said:
"It was just a joke, take it as such. Miss Zi Nu, regarding the matter of improving the loom, although haste makes waste, the foundation of everything lies in having the right people. Since you said you could recommend a reliable craftsman skilled in mechanical woodworking for Heng, do you already have a preliminary plan in mind?"
Upon hearing this, Zi Nu's expression turned serious. She stepped forward slightly to walk alongside Zhao Heng and said:
"When it comes to the exquisite craftsmanship of mechanical woodwork, the Mohists and the Gongshu family are undoubtedly the best in the world. However, there is also a folk rhyme circulating among the people: 'The Mohist mechanism makes wood and stone walk. For bronze to open, ask Gongshu.' This shows that the Mohist technique is generally considered to be superior in the art of woodwork."
Zhao Heng nodded, signaling her to continue.
"However, the Mohist school adheres to the principles of universal love and non-aggression, with strict doctrines and rigorous rules. Its disciples mostly travel among the common people of various states, dedicating themselves to benefiting the people and rarely interacting with nobles. Even when recruited by feudal lords, they often refuse. Although I have a few connections that might be possible, I am not entirely confident that I can persuade a truly talented Mohist master craftsman who is willing to dedicate himself to this cause in a short period of time."
Zhao Heng nodded slightly, indicating that he understood the difficulties involved.
"As for the Gongshu family, their teachings are quite different from those of the Mohists."
So Zi Nu continued:
"The Gongshu lineage has no fixed doctrines, and its disciples prioritize honing their skills and pursuing practical benefits. Throughout history, Gongshu descendants have served powerful figures in various states, even forging weapons and constructing palaces. If you wish to expedite the process, I am confident I can quickly persuade master craftsmen from collateral branches or even the main branch of the Gongshu family to come to Handan. However…"
"However, since the Gongshu family prioritizes profit, it is inevitable that they will be tempted by it."
Seeing Zi Nu hesitate, Zhao Heng followed her train of thought and said, "Are you worried that the young master Gongshu, whom you invited, might harbor selfish motives, be difficult to control, or even be swayed by greater temptations in the future?"
Zi Nu couldn't help but smile knowingly, and then nodded solemnly: "Young Master sees things clearly, that's exactly what I'm thinking."
So Zhao Heng took a few steps slowly, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"The Gongshu family makes a living through their skills and pursues practical benefits to survive, which is their family tradition and is not inherently wrong. However, since their disciples are accustomed to serving the powerful and prioritizing profit, they are easily driven by profit and prone to developing ulterior motives. To be honest, I also have my own selfish motives in mind when I ask you to find a reliable craftsman today."
He looked at Zi Nu and said:
"Whether our plans will succeed in the future depends entirely on this textile technology. Although nothing stays hidden forever, and such technology will eventually be discovered and imitated by outsiders, the longer we can hold onto it, the more opportunities and advantages we will gain. Therefore, the most important thing is that the craftsmen are reliable, so as to prolong the time we can maintain our advantage."
Zi Nu nodded.
So Zhao Heng continued:
"While the Mohists are known for their strict discipline, their members often prioritize their beliefs over personal gain. If a disciple promises something, they are generally committed to keeping their word. While we don't expect them to be absolutely discreet, they are unlikely to easily reveal their skills to unrelated individuals for financial gain. More importantly, the Mohist techniques are often designed to benefit the common people, which might... align with our original intentions..."
Upon hearing this, Zi Nu's eyes suddenly lit up, and she realized something.
She hadn't considered this aspect. If the Mo family craftsmen truly agreed with the idea of "benefiting the people," then the cooperation would not only be an exchange of benefits but also a connection of beliefs, which would undoubtedly be more stable and lasting than a simple bond of interests.
"Young Master's considerations are thorough. In that case, although the Mohist school is difficult to persuade, it better suits our long-term needs. Then, I..."
Zhao Heng nodded in agreement, but then added:
"However, the Gongshu family must have unique skills and deep expertise in mechanical woodworking to have survived to this day, which I find quite interesting. If you have the relevant connections, you might as well make some contact with the Gongshu family. If we can understand their style of doing things, there may be other possibilities for cooperation in the future, which is never a bad thing."
Upon hearing this, Zi Nu's eyebrows relaxed and her lips curved slightly.
"Since you have already used the term 'we' and repeatedly referred to me as 'our own people,' it is clear that you consider me as someone who shares your fate. Therefore, I will do my utmost to fulfill your request and first try to find a suitable master craftsman from the Mohist school. We will also keep an eye on the Gongshu family."
Zhao Heng merely smiled wryly at the subtle, intimate teasing in her words, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and gestured for them to continue on their way.
When Zhao Heng and Zi Nu entered the front hall, there were indeed two more guests besides Madam Han, who was in the main seat.
One of them was Xue Gong, whom Zhao Heng had met briefly a few days earlier at Zuiyue Tower, who was chatting with Madam Han with a smile.
Upon seeing Zhao Heng enter, Lord Xue nodded to him amicably. He paused slightly when glancing at the accompanying Zi Nu, but with great discretion, he did not reveal any inquiring expression, nor did he ask any further questions.
As for the other person, Zhao Heng had never seen him before.
The man was about forty years old, with a square face, slightly dark skin, and a neatly trimmed short beard. He wore only a faded coarse linen shorts, sat upright with his hands on his knees, and had a very serious expression, even looking somewhat fierce.
Unlike Xue Gong's free and easy manner, this man exuded a calm and resolute aura, like a piece of iron that had been forged through countless trials.
In the spacious courtyard outside the hall, several servants could be seen carefully carrying in several rather heavy-looking boxes and neatly placing them in the shade under the eaves.
Zhao Heng hurriedly stepped forward and bowed to Lord Xue: "I apologize for keeping you waiting."
"Young master, there's no need for such formalities. It is I who have been presumptuous in coming."
Lord Xue chuckled and waved his hand, then pointed to the middle-aged man beside him and introduced him: "This is Master Xu. Master Xu is deeply versed in classical texts, especially in textual research and exegesis. He is a learned scholar who usually lives in seclusion in the city and is little known to the public. His Majesty has always held Master Xu in high esteem for his scholarship and character."
Upon hearing the words "Master Xu," Zhao Heng was initially taken aback, then slightly surprised, but immediately turned to the man and bowed with the same utmost respect.
"Greetings, Master."
Master Xu merely nodded slightly in return, then looked Zhao Heng up and down as if weighing something.
After Zhao Heng straightened up, his face remained calm, but he couldn't help but ponder in his heart.
If he remembered correctly, in the world of Qin, the Mohist school had a master swordsmith known as Master Xu. However, he had no prior dealings or interactions with the Mohist school…
Wait a minute, Zhao Heng's heart skipped a beat, and he suddenly remembered the mysterious black-robed man beside Lord Xinling in the Drunken Moon Pavilion that day.
That person... could he be the contemporary leader of the Mohist school, the Six-Fingered Black Knight?
Meanwhile, Zi Nu, who had already taken her seat comfortably below Madam Han, had been observing the situation in the hall. Upon hearing the name of Master Xu, her eyes flickered slightly, and she then looked at Zhao Heng with great interest.
After Zhao Heng was seated at the lower seat, Lord Xue stopped exchanging pleasantries, straightened his expression, and said directly, "I have come here today with Master Xu on the orders of Lord Xinling."
Upon hearing this, Madam Han, seated at the head of the table, leaned forward slightly, showing that she was listening attentively.
"On that day at the Drunken Moon Pavilion, His Majesty overheard the young master's conversation. After returning home, he pondered it repeatedly and was filled with many emotions."
Lord Xue looked at Zhao Heng and said, "His Majesty said that although the young master is young, he cares for the common people and has the demeanor of a benevolent person. Therefore, His Majesty greatly admires him and has mentioned him to us many times."
Zhao Heng quickly replied humbly, "Your Majesty is too kind. I am unworthy of such praise. My views were merely superficial and I am fortunate that they have reached Your Majesty's ears."
Lord Xue waved his hand, then pointed to the wooden box in the courtyard and continued:
"In his early years, His Majesty traveled far and wide, making many friends among heroes. By chance, he acquired a set of ancient books. His Majesty felt that some of the thoughts of the sages contained in these books might resonate with your own thoughts and ideas. Therefore, he specially ordered me to come today to present these books to you. It is hoped that you will peruse them in your leisure time and perhaps gain some inspiration that will benefit you in the future."
Upon hearing this, Madam Han, who was seated at the head of the table, immediately radiated genuine joy. She couldn't help but look at Madam Fu, who was standing beside her, and Madam Fu's eyes also showed undisguised excitement.
Even Zi Nu, who was quietly sipping her tea, was momentarily surprised.
It should be understood that although the Zhou rites have gradually declined and music and rituals have collapsed in the present world, the so-called "gift of books" is still an extremely high honor. It is not given to anyone other than a close friend or someone who highly values and expects much from the person's character and learning.
Who was Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji? He was the foremost nobleman in the land, renowned throughout the seven kingdoms, and even the King of Zhao had to sweep the steps of his palace to greet him. His gift of his treasured ancient books to Zhao Heng was more than just simple appreciation; it was a public affirmation and expectation.
If this matter were to spread, the public's perception of Zhao Heng in Handan would undoubtedly change drastically. Consequently, the reputation and situation of Lord Chunping's household in Zhao might also improve as a result.
"Your Majesty's kindness and favor to my son is boundless," Madam Han said, unable to contain her excitement. She bowed slightly to Lord Xue, her voice trembling as she said, "My son and I are deeply grateful."
Lord Xue smiled and nodded: "Madam, there is no need for such formalities. Your Majesty and Lord Chunping are old friends. Your Majesty's care for a junior and your promotion of talented individuals is a pleasure in itself."
Zhao Heng also stood up again and bowed deeply to Lord Xue.
"I am deeply grateful for Lord Xinling's generous gift. I am also extremely grateful to Lord Xue for personally delivering it despite the trouble. This book is very precious, and I will certainly study it diligently to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."
Lord Xue stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes filled with even greater admiration.
This young man, despite receiving such a generous gift, remained composed and spoke earnestly without being servile or arrogant; he certainly possessed a certain magnanimity.
"also,"
Lord Xue turned to look at Master Xu and continued speaking to Zhao Heng:
"His Majesty is concerned that the young master may have some questions that are difficult to answer, and that ordinary teachers and friends may not be able to answer them. Master Xu is very learned and especially skilled in this field. His Majesty has already asked Master Xu to agree that for the next six months, Master Xu will stay temporarily at the 'Youjian Inn' in the city."
If you encounter any difficulties while reading the classics, or wish to delve deeper into their meaning, you may send someone to the inn to inquire, or you may visit me in person. Master Xu will surely do his best to answer your questions.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Heng's heart stirred once again.
In his memory, the so-called "Youjian Inn" had always been a stronghold of the Mohist school hidden in important cities of various states. This Master Xu must be the swordsmith of that Mohist school.
The incident of Lord Xinling inexplicably gifting him the book was probably the work of that six-fingered black swordsman...
"I see. Your profound knowledge is truly an honor for a junior like me."
Zhao Heng hesitated for a moment, then simply looked at Madam Han:
"Mother, since Master Xu has been entrusted by the Emperor to answer my questions, how can we let him stay in an inn? There are quiet rooms in the manor. If Master Xu does not mind the simplicity, why don't you move to the manor to stay? In this way, it will be more convenient for me to ask Master Xu for advice, and I can also show some hospitality as a host."
Mrs. Han immediately nodded in delight:
"That is indeed the case. The Master is a wise man recommended by His Majesty. It is already an honor for our household that he has condescended to instruct my son. How could we dare to let the Master stay at the inn? We must ask the Master to stay."
As she spoke, she was about to call for Madam Fu to make the arrangements.
"Wait a minute."
Master Xu suddenly spoke.
Lord Xue smiled without speaking, as if he had anticipated this scene. Zi Nu sat quietly to the side, sipping her tea, but her gaze shifted between Zhao Heng and Master Xu.
Master Xu remained silent for a moment, then said, "I appreciate your kindness, young master. However, I have been entrusted with this task, and it is my duty to answer your questions and impart knowledge. Staying at your residence might be a disturbance, and I apologize for any intrusion."
He paused slightly, then continued, "However, if you are truly sincere in your pursuit of learning, then I have a question that I have pondered for a long time but have yet to find the answer to. If you could answer this question and explain it to me, so that I may gain some insight, or even realize that you have the quality of a scholar who is thoughtful and eager to learn... then it would be convenient for us to discuss this further while I am staying at your residence."
"If your answer, sir, is far removed from what I have thought, or merely superficial and parroting others… then the quiet of the inn will be more suitable for my study. I wonder if you would be willing to give it a try, sir?"