HCT – Chapter 119 Bai Qi’s Jade Pendant

When Fan Ju and Bai Qi received the edict from the King of Qin, their expressions turned complex. There was confusion, disbelief, sorrow, joy, and even a hint of melancholy.

Zhu Xiang had spent many years with the two elders, but even he couldn’t quite read what they were thinking at that moment.

All he knew was that, after that day, Bai Qi’s health improved, while Fan Ju, though not sick, seemed physically worse than before.

Bai Qi quietly told Zhu Xiang, “Lord Ying is very grateful to His Majesty… It’s just that he was once again reminded—the late king is truly gone.”

Zhu Xiang speculated wildly—perhaps Lord Fan was grieving because King Zhu, the current Qin ruler, had a style completely unlike King Zhao of Qin. The realization that King Zhao’s era was truly over, and that his traces were gradually being replaced throughout court and country, made Fan Ju sorrowful.

Fan Ju had never committed any crimes in his life, so even until King Zhao’s death, he maintained a relationship that was both that of a ruler and a friend. Though he had once grumbled about the late king’s increasing suspicion in old age, those complaints had been washed away by mourning. The moments worth cherishing had become like flecks of gold polished bright by the river of time.

Even now, if Fan Ju wanted to return to court, King Zhu would probably honor him with the kind of grand welcome reserved for ancient legends. But the once-ambitious chancellor from King Zhao’s reign had already laid down all his vigor.

Those around Fan Ju offered comfort, and Zhu Xiang cared for him wholeheartedly. Fan Ju occasionally rallied himself, either out of the basic instinct to survive or the desire to help guide the new king on behalf of the old.

But he was probably too old. He knew what he should do, but his body couldn’t follow his will.

He was old. Just old—so old he could barely walk anymore.

When his eldest son came to fetch him home, Fan Ju stayed a night near King Zhao’s tomb.

Upon hearing this, Bai Qi turned pale. Thank goodness he was the one leaving later. If Fan Ju had gone to visit the late king’s tomb and he hadn’t, wouldn’t that bring trouble upon his own family? Why hadn’t Ying Hou mentioned this? No sense of coordination at all.

When Fan Ju had fallen ill, his family had already come to Xianyang—so he left a few days earlier.

Ten days later, Bai Qi also prepared to depart.

Before leaving, he left all his military texts with Zhu Xiang, telling him to give them to whomever he liked.

Zhu Xiang asked, “Lord Bai, if you regain your health, maybe you can still return to the battlefield. Lord Lian is still in the army.”

Bai Qi smiled bitterly. “If my body were strong enough, I’d surely want to return. But this body of mine…”

Bai Qi had led campaigns south against Chu and east against the Three Jin states, covering more territory than even Lian Po. The long campaigns and regional conditions had taken a heavy toll on his health.

None of Bai Qi’s sons were particularly outstanding. He wanted to live a few more years, hoping to personally raise a capable grandson to inherit his legacy. Otherwise, under Qin’s system, if no one exceptional emerged within three generations, the family would likely fall into decline.

Some of Bai Qi’s sons could fight, but none were truly commanding general material—at best, mid-level officers.

Looking at rising stars like Li Mu and Wang Jian, Bai Qi felt bitter. He was so capable himself—why hadn’t any of his sons turned out like them?

Forget it. He’d just focus on teaching his grandson. If he couldn’t, he’d leave the child to Zhu Xiang to teach how to farm.

Before leaving, both Fan Ju and Bai Qi spoke with Zhu Xiang about matters concerning their families.

This was a time of transformation in Qin. Only the truly talented could secure a foothold in the court. Though their sons wouldn’t enter central politics, they could still be county magistrates or mid-ranking officers. It wasn’t truly decline—they remained members of the noble class.

But looking at Zhu Xiang and his young, capable circle, the two old men couldn’t help but feel disappointed in their own sons.

When Bai Qi left, he gave a jade pendant he always carried to the young Ying Zheng.

He had heard from Zhu Xiang that martial generals exuded a fierce aura that could ward off evil, and that Li Mu had gifted his short sword to Ying Zheng for that reason. So Bai Qi gave the jade pendant.

Moreover, this jade pendant was an heirloom—supposedly originating from the royal family of Qin.

Only then did Zhu Xiang realize that this famed war god of the people was, like later high-born scholars who fell into poverty, originally from an aristocratic line.

Bai Qi’s ancestors traced back to Prince Bai, son of Duke Wu of Qin. His descendants took “Bai” as their surname in honor of their ancestor. So when Bai Qi first joined the military, he called himself “Gongsun Qi” (Grandson of a duke), invoking his noble lineage to gain promotions.

But once he had earned his merits, he dropped the title and reverted to his original name.

After all, it had been centuries—so long that the Bai clan didn’t even dare to claim descent from the royal Ying family anymore. They simply called themselves “Bai.” Now that Bai Qi had earned status, it would be improper to cling to his ancestors’ glory.

In fact, Bai Qi even suspected whether his ancestors were truly descended from Prince Bai. His family also had a genealogy claiming descent from Baili Xi, and since both Prince Bai and Baili Xi had fiefdoms in his hometown, he couldn’t be sure.

That Bai Qi would even joke about his family history with Zhu Xiang showed how much he trusted him.

He was just a sliver away from full-hearted friendship—proof that Bai Qi felt entirely at ease in Zhu Xiang’s home.

Lin Zhi laughed, “Lord Bai’s story is like mine. My ancestors were royalty of the State of Lin, but by my father’s time, we were commoners. In this era, one generation is nobility, the next is peasantry—it’s all too common.”

Bai Qi stroked his beard. “All the more reason to teach the younger generation well.”

He blamed his lack of proper heirs on being too busy with warfare. Once he returned home, he would personally oversee their education.

Ying Zheng pounded his chest and promised, “Don’t worry! When I become King of Qin, I’ll restore the Bai clan back to the Ying name!”

Zhu Xiang burst out laughing, poking fun at the child. “So the mightiest general of Qin, Lord Wu’an, is your family? He has royal blood now? Ha! Zheng’er, why do you want every good thing to belong to your family?”

Ying Zheng, flustered, yelled, “I did not! That’s not what I meant!”

Zhu Xiang ignored his embarrassed protests and continued laughing.

Bai Qi, Lin Zhi, and the others laughed along, treating the boy’s words as mere child’s play.

After Xunzi became chancellor, he was busy with state affairs and had moved into the residence near Xianyang Palace granted by King Zhu. He only returned during official rest days. With both Bai Qi and Fan Ju gone, Zhu Xiang immediately felt the house growing quiet.

But he was about to leave too, so it didn’t matter.

Xue Ji was excited to travel with her husband and child this time, no longer left behind in Xianyang as a political hostage. But she was also nervous about the long journey.

She’d heard that traveling to Wu County—the newly established Qin territory—would require an extremely long boat ride. In both Zhao and Qin, boat travel was rare, and she was a bit afraid.

Zhu Xiang said, “If you’re scared, we can take a carriage instead.”

Xue Ji shook her head. “I heard boats are less bumpy than carriages. Zheng’er is still young—it’ll be better for him. I’m scared now, but if I ride enough, I won’t be.”

Zhu Xiang replied, “Alright. If you’re scared, just stay below deck. You won’t see the water there—it might help.”

Xue Ji nodded. No matter how scared she was, as long as she was with her husband and child, it didn’t matter.

Zhu Xiang hadn’t been reunited with Lin Zhi and Cai Ze for long when he had to leave again.

Cai Ze saw him off calmly. Lin Zhi, however, wailed and thrashed on the floor, accusing Zhu Xiang of heartlessness.

Cai Ze couldn’t take it anymore and turned to Zichu. “Once you become King of Qin, please exile Lin Li.”

Zichu nodded. “I was thinking the same.”

Lin Zhi howled even louder, now accusing both Cai Ze and Zichu of being heartless as well.

Upon hearing that Zhu Xiang was leaving again, Xunzi, no longer upset, quickly came to see him off. Even before he arrived, he heard Lin Zhi’s wailing.

Han Fei and Li Si—who had shamelessly come to mooch off the banquet—initially thought Lin Zhi was crying out of sorrow. But as they approached and heard what he was actually screaming, their faces turned pale and they hurried to cover their ears.

Did we just overhear something we shouldn’t have? Were they falling out as brothers and friends?!

Xunzi’s face darkened. He slammed his cane on the ground and stormed over.

Han Fei chased after him. “Master Xunzi! Slow down! You’ll fall!”

Wait… Han Fei wasn’t stuttering? Something was off. But no time to think about that—Li Si rushed after him too. “Master Xunzi! Watch your step!”

Lin Zhi, hearing Xunzi’s name, immediately rolled to his feet and took off running.

Xunzi raised his cane. “Prepare to feel my stick, brat!”

Lin Zhi wiped away nonexistent tears and cried, “I was just joking! Master Xunzi, don’t be mad!”

Xunzi roared, “You insult Zhu Xiang as unfaithful and accuse the crown prince and chancellor of persecuting loyal ministers—such words deserve death!”

Lin Zhi said helplessly, “I really was just joking!” What was Xunzi doing here anyway? Wasn’t he still mad at Zhu Xiang? He thought Xunzi would avoid their silly farewell party and see Zhu Xiang off in private.

“What’s going on? Why is Lord Lin getting beaten again?” Qin King Zhu arrived late in plain clothes. “Lord Lin, what did you do this time? Apologize to Lord Xun already!”

Once the chaos had gone on long enough, Zhu Xiang and Ying Zheng each grabbed one of Xunzi’s arms and waist to stop him from further beating Lin Zhi.

“Xunzi, let it go. He’s always like this. He follows Laozi and Zhuangzi’s philosophy.”

“Yeah, Elder Xun. Uncle Lin studies Lao-Zhuang stuff—he’s just that kind of person. Don’t take it to heart, you’ll just get upset.”

Lin Zhi dusted himself off. “Xunzi, I really was just joking. They joke even worse in private—right, Zhu Xiang?”

Zhu Xiang scolded, “Right, my foot! Hurry up and apologize! It’s no big deal if you get beaten, but what if you upset Xunzi into falling ill?!”

Ying Zheng added, “Yeah, Uncle Lin, apologize quickly.”

Lin Zhi bowed deeply. “Xunzi, I was wrong!”

Owning up immediately—no shame about it!

Seeing Lin Zhi apologize so cleanly, Xunzi still felt a ball of frustration stuck in his chest. He really wanted to go confront Lin Zhi’s teacher.

“Out of my sight!” Xunzi adjusted his robe, smacked Lin Zhi once on the back with his cane, and—only out of respect for the king—didn’t go further.

“You two call yourselves my friends? Just stood by and watched me get beaten?” Lin Zhi saluted the king, then went to settle scores with Cai Ze and Zichu.

Cai Ze rolled his eyes and ignored him.

Zichu grinned. “You know I’m in poor health. It’s fine if you get beaten up, but what if I accidentally get hit by Xunzi?”

Zhu Xiang stepped in to smooth things over. “Alright, alright. With Zheng’er and me protecting you, what’s there to complain about?”

“How would I dare complain about the Crown Prince and the Chancellor?” Lin Zhi said sarcastically.

Cai Ze said calmly, “Then shut up.”

Lin Zhi was about to make an insulting gesture at Cai Ze, but under Xunzi’s fierce glare, he held back.

King Zhu of Qin, having enjoyed the spectacle, laughed heartily. “Isn’t this supposed to be a banquet? Why hasn’t it started yet? I’m starving. Huh? Han Fei, who’s that next to you? I’ve never seen him before.”

Han Fei stammered, “A f-friend. Li Si.”

Li Si: “…”

Your Majesty… the King of Qin?!

I just shamelessly tagged along for a meal and ended up meeting the King of Qin?!

Li Si instantly regretted everything. Han Fei had mentioned that only Lord Zhu Xiang’s friends would be attending the farewell, and since Li Si wanted to present a new policy essay to Zhu Xiang anyway, he shamelessly agreed when Han Fei casually invited him.

Xunzi hadn’t said he couldn’t come, so Li Si figured showing his face wouldn’t hurt.

Weren’t Zhu Xiang’s “friends” just Chancellor Cai and the incoming Chancellor Lin? If he could leave an impression on either, it would be great for his career.

Meeting the Crown Prince would’ve been even better.

But what he never expected… was to meet the King of Qin directly!

He wasn’t ready for this. What if he made a bad impression? His career would be over before it even started.

And the King of Qin was rumored to be suspicious and cunning—what if he thought Li Si was intentionally trying to cozy up to powerful people?

Well… he was, but he didn’t want the king to think that!

Li Si froze, unsure of what to do.

Should he… kneel first? Or act calm and composed?

Calm and composed, my ass! With a thump, he dropped to his knees. “This humble commoner greets the King!”

“The King? You’re from Chu?” King Zhu immediately picked up on Li Si’s accent and choice of words.

Li Si nervously replied, “Yes! This humble commoner is from the state of Chu and studies under Master Xunzi!”

The King’s expression, which had tensed at the sight of a stranger, softened upon hearing that Li Si was a disciple of Xunzi. “Since you’re Master Xunzi’s student, get up. Take good care of him.”

Xunzi was getting old and recently overworked. Han Fei stuttered and wasn’t reliable—having another disciple by his side made sense.

For a sage like Xunzi, disciples were more like attendants. If others could bring servants to a banquet, why couldn’t Xunzi bring disciples?

“Li Si is Han Fei’s friend. He’s also quite talented,” Zhu Xiang added, helping Li Si out. “I originally planned to wait until he refined his essay before recommending him, but since Your Majesty has seen him today, perhaps this is a good time for you to get acquainted. Though, like Han Fei, he still needs tempering. His ambitions are too volatile—he needs to cultivate himself first.”

Zhu Xiang praised Li Si’s talent while criticizing his temperament. Li Si felt a mix of joy and sorrow.

King Zhu completely trusted Zhu Xiang’s recommendations.

He immediately helped Li Si up and said kindly, “Zhu Xiang rarely recommends anyone. If he does, they must be future sages. Work hard. I await your entry into court.”

Tears welled up in Li Si’s eyes. “Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Zhu Xiang, would he benefit more from training under Cai or under Lin?” King Zhu asked casually, too lazy to decide himself.

Since he was talented, even if his temperament wasn’t ideal, he had to be put to use immediately. No more wasting time arguing in the academy like Han Fei.

Zhu Xiang replied, “Either is fine. What Li Si lacks is a grasp of when to advance or retreat, and the balance between firmness and flexibility. Whether he learns even a bit from Cai Ze or Lin Zhi, he’ll benefit greatly. It depends on what Your Majesty wants to cultivate in him, or which of the two needs an assistant more.”

“A grasp of advance and retreat, and balance of firmness and flexibility…” King Zhu pondered. “Doesn’t sound very Confucian.”

Xunzi said, “Even Confucian disciples can lack judgment and balance.”

Zhu Xiang laughed, “Your Majesty is wise! Just from one sentence, you could tell—he’s a Legalist!”

Xunzi: “…”

Li Si: “…”

Xunzi’s hand trembled slightly on his cane.

Qin King Zhu quickly cleared his throat. “The Academy in Xianyang teaches all schools of thought. Xunzi, I’m feeling tired—come inside and rest with me.”

He hurriedly dragged Xunzi away, shooting Zhu Xiang a look that said, you troublemaker.

Zhu Xiang looked innocent. He hadn’t meant to cause trouble—he just had a quick tongue!

“Hahaha, both of Xunzi’s favored disciples lean toward Legalism,” Lin Zhi snickered behind his hand.

Cai Ze shot him a glance. “Oh? Whispering now? I thought you’d shout it out.”

Zichu added, “If he dared shout, Xunzi wouldn’t even have to act—Zhu Xiang would slap him to death. He really wants to anger Xunzi to death. You’re Li Si?”

Zichu looked Li Si up and down. “Go tidy yourself up. If Xunzi sees you in this disheveled state, he’ll be even angrier.”

Han Fei finally recovered and quickly apologized to the others before dragging Li Si off to freshen up.

On the way, Han Fei whispered, “You didn’t… didn’t tell Xunzi you’re studying Legalism?”

Li Si whispered back, “Do I look like I dare?”

Han Fei puffed out his chest. “I dared!”

Li Si: “…” Oh, good for you. Want a medal?

Watching the two leave, master of sowing discord Cai Ze commented shrewdly, “Friends? Their smiles hide thorns.”

Lin Zhi chuckled. “Their friendship is real. But Li Si is probably trying to get closer to Zhu Xiang by sticking to Han Fei.”

Zichu said, “It’s normal for scholars to seek official positions. As long as he’s talented, Qin won’t turn him away. But Zhu Xiang, you should be cautious.”

Ying Zheng nodded vigorously.

His future right-hand man, Prime Minister Li Si, was still too green—easily seen through by the elders.

Han Fei really was naive.

Even in the dream-memories he had, future Han Fei never seemed all that clever in interpersonal matters…

Sigh. The man was a headache. Even if I don’t kill him, won’t he just fall into someone else’s trap?

“I know. He’s a wolf that only cares about benefits—he’ll follow whoever benefits him most. So I’m not afraid of him,” Zhu Xiang said with a smile. “I have three generations of kings—Your Majesty, Xia Tong, and Zheng’er—protecting me. He wouldn’t dare turn on me.”

Ying Zheng nodded again. “That’s true.”

Zhu Xiang continued, “Actually, while Li Si is flawed in temperament, he’s not that sharp in human dealings either. He’s not great at playing power games—in fact, he’s more likely to be used and destroyed. No need to fear him.”

Ying Zheng nodded once more. “Exactly.”

Zichu rubbed Ying Zheng’s head. “Oh? You know all this too?”

Ying Zheng lifted his chin proudly. “Of course I do!”

“Fine, you know everything,” Zichu said. “Your father plans to hold a hunting ceremony at the foot of Mount Li before you leave Xianyang, so you can show your valor. Since you’re so confident, how many animals will you catch?”

Ying Zheng was stunned. “What? I haven’t heard anything about this!”

Zichu said, “How long have you been hiding at home? Your father just decided, probably planned to tell you today.”

Zhu Xiang was puzzled. “But we’re only just out of mourning. Isn’t Your Majesty still in the mourning period? Wouldn’t Xunzi oppose hunting?”

Hunting was considered a noble pastime, but overindulgence was seen as poor governance. Due to Qin’s fusion with Rong and Di cultures, Qin rulers loved hunting and treated it as military training. Xunzi had regulated hunting rites under Qin law.

While Xunzi wouldn’t stop the king from hunting, he would likely prohibit it during mourning.

Zichu explained, “Father won’t launch campaigns soon, but the eastern states are getting restless. He wants to use the winter hunt to show strength. He and I won’t participate—Zheng’er will lead it.”

Zhu Xiang tapped Ying Zheng’s head. “Little Zheng’er leading the hunt?”

Ying Zheng jumped up and bumped Zhu Xiang’s arm with his head. “I’m not little! I’ll bring you back a deer!”

“Symbolizing your pursuit of the Central Plains, eh?” Zhu Xiang laughed. “Good. Your Aunt  and I will be heading south—we may not be able to join the hunt. Can you handle it alone?”

Though “pursue the deer” is more famously a Records of the Grand Historian reference, it appears earlier in the Spring and Autumn Annals, so Zhu Xiang caught on right away.

Ying Zheng puffed his chest. “I can!”

Zhu Xiang said, “Then I’ll pack you a lunchbox.”

Ying Zheng nodded. “Okay!”

Zichu held his head. “It’s just a hunt, not a military expedition. Do you have to pack a lunch? You think the imperial park won’t feed him?”

“Zhu Xiang! Why are you still out there?” Qin King Zhu shouted from the door. “What are you all talking about?”

These kids… even if they forget I’m the King of Qin, can’t they at least remember I’m their elder like Xunzi?! Leaving elders outside while they chat?!

“Coming!” Zhu Xiang, Ying Zheng, Zichu, and Cai Ze rushed inside.

Lin Zhi said, “I’ll go change and come in later with Han Fei and Li Si. They might be too embarrassed to come in now.”

He waved and headed to Zhu Xiang’s room to find something to wear.

After changing, Lin Zhi returned to the courtyard and, sure enough, found Han Fei and Li Si still loitering outside.

“You’re here, so just go in—Xunzi’s waiting for you to serve him,” Lin Zhi joked. “Li Si, how about becoming my clerk for a while?”

Li Si was thrilled. “Thank you for your favor, Chancellor!”

Lin Zhi smiled. “Zhu Xiang is my younger brother. Anyone he recommends, I’ll naturally take good care of. Don’t worry—my office isn’t too busy, just some laws about land and taxation. You’ll pick it up quickly.”

He needed to see what kind of person Li Si really was. He couldn’t let Zhu Xiang’s reputation for only recommending sages be tarnished.

Even if Li Si was a wolf inside, he’d have to act like a sage on the outside.

If Li Si pretended to be a sage his whole life—then he was one.

Obsession reveals your weakness. Just like Han was Han Fei’s weakness, power was Li Si’s. As long as he controlled that weakness, Lin Zhi was confident he could control Li Si.

A few flattering words and Li Si was already floating. He was starting to realize just how much influence “recommended by Zhu Xiang” could bring.

Han Fei, watching from the side, showed a hint of doubt. After thinking for a moment, he sighed inwardly.

Li Si’s taken the bait.

Still… Zhu Xiang’s friends must be kind people. It should be fine. He wouldn’t warn him—this must be part of the test.