The matter of Fuqiu being forced by his family to return home and inherit the family business was, in the eyes of the Qin people, utterly inconceivable.

What kind of parents would be so foolish as to stop their child from following Lord Zhu Xiang in making military achievements, only to make him into some mere merchant?

But in this era, information spread very poorly. A village on one side of the mountain might not even know that a village on the other side existed. Although Fuqiu’s family engaged in trade, they only operated within the Yue region, at most traveling as far as Chu. Thus, they had no knowledge of Zhu Xiang’s fame.

Many common people didn’t even know when dynasties changed hands, let alone who Zhu Xiang was.

Fuqiu’s parents had no idea how powerful Qin truly was. All they knew was that Chu had the broadest territory. When Qin’s armies from the west conquered Wu and Yue lands, they believed Chu would soon march against them. If their son served Qin as an official, they feared he might suffer a violent death. So, under the name of filial duty, they forced Fuqiu to return home.

Besides, their family was wealthy. To see their son serving only as a minor official, dressed in coarse cloth and straw sandals, even working the fields—it all looked like needless suffering.

Later, when they finally realized that Chu was not as strong as Qin, and that Lord Zhu Xiang was a man of unparalleled wisdom, they wept bitterly for their own ignorance. They knew they had ruined their son’s future, but by then it was far too late for regrets.

Such foolish parents exist in every age, not worth much discussion.

Although Fuqiu had been forced to return home, he seized the opportunity to join Lu Buwei’s “merchant army,” contributing greatly in the commercial wars and expanding the family business.

His parents, who were already full of remorse, eventually handed the entire family enterprise over to him and no longer meddled in affairs.

This time, Fuqiu came to Wucheng to send younger clan members to study, and also to reunite with old classmates—preparing for his own “comeback.”

Though he had no face to meet his old teacher again, he could still rely on Lu Buwei’s recommendation. Once he handed over the family estate to his cousin, he could still secure an official post.

Zhu Xiang joked, “With such a vast family business, you can actually bear to hand it to someone else?”

Fuqiu replied, “Commerce is but a minor path. My family understands this now.”

Zhu Xiang sighed, “Indeed.”

The Fuqiu clan surely understood: if they wished to preserve their wealth, they must depend on someone in office. And who could be more reliable than their own blood?

In later generations, what people called the great aristocratic houses were precisely this: the most capable family members studied and became officials, while those of lesser ability turned to trade. Thus they secured both wealth and nobility.

The Fuqiu family would likely follow the same path.

Zhu Xiang sighed inwardly but only smiled as he asked Fuqiu about his studies, testing whether Fuqiu had truly kept up.

From the fact that Fuqiu had never disappeared from his “favorability list,” Zhu Xiang had guessed he must not have slacked in learning and would one day return to the court. Now, after examining him, he saw Fuqiu’s true ability.

Indeed, Fuqiu was worthy of being the very first unfamiliar student to appear on Zhu Xiang’s list. He was not only gifted but also diligent.

Even while engaged in commerce, Fuqiu never let go of his books. Not only had his studies not regressed, but with the added experience of business, he grasped the knowledge in the classics more deeply. His temperament had grown smoother and more mature, his former greenness fading into polish and restraint, leaving him all the more gentle and refined.

Zhu Xiang was greatly pleased with Fuqiu.

“Since you’ve already handled your family’s affairs, then come back to my side for now, and help me with some miscellaneous work,” Zhu Xiang said. He believed in fate—since they happened to meet again, he might as well lend a hand.

As Fuqiu was still merely a “commoner,” staying by Zhu Xiang’s side was appropriate and would not cause trouble.

Now that Zhu Xiang’s affairs were growing ever more numerous, he also needed a kind of “secretary.” In the past, such matters had been handled by Han Fei and Li Si, but both of them had already gained Zheng’er’s recognition and should remain by his side.

Fuqiu immediately stood up in surprise and joy, only to bump his head and groan in pain.

Zhu Xiang laughed, teasing that Li Mu’s carriage was far too low, while Li Mu ignored him.

Casting several glances at Fuqiu, Zhu Xiang decided he would privately investigate Fuqiu’s family background.

Zhu Xiang’s judgment of people was keen: Fuqiu himself was unlikely to pose any problem, but his family members might not all be so clear-headed.

He did not want Fuqiu’s relatives, emboldened by Zhu Xiang’s favor, to commit misdeeds under his name and tarnish his reputation.

Fuqiu, clutching his head, was also thinking the same thing. He must sternly warn his family to be cautious and low-profile, never acting recklessly and bringing disgrace to the teacher who supported him.

Only Zhu Xiang himself did not care much.

He was not the type to cover up for kin. If Fuqiu’s relatives—or Fuqiu himself—committed offenses, they would be judged as they deserved. He would never protect them. That was why he did not worry too much about family matters.

Zhu Xiang continued testing Fuqiu, and the more he tested, the happier he became.

With Fuqiu’s talent, was it possible that his name did not spread to later generations? Could it be because he truly became only a merchant?

In truth, it was only Zhu Xiang’s own lack of knowledge.

Although Fuqiu never had his own separate biography, his name appeared in others’ accounts, and in folklore his legend lived on.

In later times, he was respectfully known as “Lord Fuqiu” or “Master Fuqiu.”

Master Fuqiu was a disciple of Xunzi, skilled in the Book of Songs, and served as the teacher of Liu Jiao, the younger brother of Han’s founding emperor Liu Bang, later King of Chu.

Later generations often misunderstood Liu Bang’s origins. In fact, Liu Bang was recognized at the time as a “commoner,” not just an ordinary peasant. His family was what later times called a “humble house.”

Liu Bang’s great-grandfather had been a high official of Wei; his father, Liu Taigong, though a farmer, owned most of the land in Pei and Feng counties. His fourth brother Liu Jiao studied under the great scholar Master Fuqiu, a disciple in the line of Xunzi. Liu Bang himself had once been a retainer of the famous Wei scholar Zhang Er.

Because Wei had been destroyed by Qin, they were reduced to “commoners.” But even so, one only needed to look at Liu Bang’s childhood friends—either local officials or wealthy butchers—to see the Liu family were actually local gentry. That was why Liu Bang dared to act so unruly at the county magistrate’s banquet.

When Liu Taigong scolded Liu Bang as useless, it was because the family had the means for him to succeed, but Liu Bang was too carefree and lazy.

After all, only when there is a family fortune to squander can one be called a prodigal son. Had Liu Bang truly been born poor, his father would never have rebuked him that way.

There were few records about Master Fuqiu, so later generations could only speculate from folklore that he was a native of Zhejiang and later retired there.

Thus, though he left no writings of his own, with Liu Jiao as his disciple, he pioneered the study of the Book of Songs in Chu and must have had some influence on history. His appearance in Zhu Xiang’s list may not have been due to Zhu Xiang’s teaching.

But Zhu Xiang did not know this, and so he “shamelessly” took it as proof of his own excellent instruction.

Originally, Fuqiu had gone to Xianyang intending to study under Xunzi. But upon meeting Zhu Xiang, his fate was “changed for life.” He regarded himself wholeheartedly as Zhu Xiang’s student, even though Zhu Xiang only formally acknowledged Ying Zheng as his disciple and the others merely as students.

Now that he had finally gained Zhu Xiang’s recognition and could serve at his side, Fuqiu nearly wanted to burst into Chu songs and dance on the spot to express the joy in his heart.

The Yue people were also Chu people, and Chu scholars were all skilled in song and dance.

Zhu Xiang looked at Fuqiu’s sparkling eyes and remembered how he always liked to dance and sing whenever he was happy. He chuckled:

“Don’t sing and dance inside the carriage. Wait until we return. I’ll set aside a small courtyard for you, right next to Han Fei and Li Si. Once you finish handling your family affairs, you can come live there.”

Fuqiu replied, “Yes, Master!”

Zhu Xiang corrected him: “In officialdom, don’t call me ‘Master’ or ‘Teacher.’ You may call me Lord Changping or Duke Zhu Xiang.”

Fuqiu’s heart sank. He knew his teacher was “drawing a line” with him. But being able to serve at his teacher’s side was already something he hadn’t dared dream of before. That moment of gloom quickly passed, and he recovered his cheerful spirit: “Yes, Duke Zhu Xiang.”

Zhu Xiang said, “Now that you’re back, Zheng’er will have someone to read the Book of Songs with again.”

Fuqiu was puzzled: “But Brother Li and Brother Han should also be skilled in the Book of Songs, no?”

Zhu Xiang sighed: “By now the two of them are complete disciples of Legalism. The kind that even Xunzi would draw his sword against if he saw them.”

Fuqiu: “…”

Stop, stop! Any further and even he would want to draw his sword.

Just the thought of living next door to two “traitors” filled Fuqiu with immense pressure. He feared he would become their target.

Li Mu saw Zhu Xiang’s unconscious “sowing discord” and couldn’t help but laugh inwardly.

Zhu Xiang truly loved to stir up trouble, even when he wasn’t aware of it.

When Zhu Xiang returned from a stroll, he brought back not only pickled fish and silk as gifts but also a person.

Ying Zheng, his eyes swollen red, pretended to be very calm and indifferent: “Uncle, who did you bring back?”

Zhu Xiang pinched the hand Ying Zheng had hidden in his sleeve.

“Ahh!” Ying Zheng yelped, jumping up.

Zhu Xiang said, “That’s for being rude.”

Xue Ji, whose eyes were even redder, scolded: “Zheng’er!”

Ying Zheng instantly behaved, obediently greeting Zhu Xiang’s guest.

Li Mu sighed: “Xue Ji, don’t let Zhu Xiang mislead you. Zheng’er wasn’t actually impolite—he is the Crown Prince of Qin now.”

Xue Ji retorted: “So what if he’s Crown Prince of Qin? Xia Tong was once Crown Prince too! Xia Tong always observed proper etiquette.”

Li Mu: “…”

Forget it. A mother teaching her son—what business did he have interrupting?

“C-Crown Prince of Qin?!” Fuqiu was so shocked his knees nearly buckled. Thankfully, his strict etiquette training saved him from losing composure.

He hurriedly bowed: “This humble subject Fuqiu pays respects to His Highness.”

Ying Zheng waved his hand: “No need for such formality… I remember you! The Confucian scholar whose foolish parents dragged him back home to be a merchant!”

Xue Ji’s icy gaze silently fell on Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng: “…”

“Ahem.” Ying Zheng forced a kindly tone: “Your family matters are all settled now? You’ve worked hard. I look forward to the day you achieve great success.”

Xue Ji’s eyes softened.

Ying Zheng breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhu Xiang nearly burst out laughing. Serves you right for being in your rebellious phase! With your aunt here, let’s see how long you dare act up!

Li Mu explained: “Fuqiu followed Lu Buwei in trade across Chu and achieved much. Zhu Xiang intends to keep him close and train him. Since Li Si and Han Fei will be entrusted with important duties by you, Zheng’er, Zhu Xiang also needs a new capable aide at his side.”

Ying Zheng immediately understood the deeper meaning.

He said stiffly, “Then I leave my uncle in your care. I hope you remain cautious and never betray his trust.”

“Yes!” Fuqiu quickly responded.

Ying Zheng’s face softened, his icy demeanor melting away: “Since you will serve as my uncle’s aide, you needn’t be overly formal before me. We’ll see each other often—such ceremony would only be bothersome. Learn much from Han Fei and Li Si.”

Fuqiu’s face went pale. He gritted his teeth: “Yes!”

Ying Zheng noticed his strange expression and glanced at Zhu Xiang in confusion.

Zhu Xiang gave him a “I’ll explain later” look, then led Fuqiu to meet Li Si and Han Fei.

The three greeted each other cordially, but in truth, all felt awkward.

Though Fuqiu privately called himself Zhu Xiang’s disciple, in outsiders’ eyes he was also a student of Xunzi—thus, a fellow disciple of Li Si and Han Fei. Now that Li Si and Han Fei no longer hid their allegiance, fully embracing Legalism, their meetings could only be awkward.

Fortunately, since Fuqiu had abandoned Confucianism for trade in the past, he lacked the confidence to stand his ground, which allowed the three of them to maintain superficial harmony instead of clashing outright.

Zhu Xiang, fully aware that Fuqiu would have “conflicts” with Li Si and Han Fei, still tossed him to them and washed his hands of the matter. Li Mu sighed helplessly once more.

Was Zhu Xiang doing this on purpose?

When Zhu Xiang later told Ying Zheng about the potential “conflicts” between Fuqiu and Li Si, Han Fei, the boy burst into raucous laughter.

Hearing his nephew’s awkward goose-like cackle, Zhu Xiang also couldn’t hold back his own laughter.

Of course Ying Zheng knew Zhu Xiang was mocking him—competing with him for victory even in front of his aunt.

This time, however, Xue Ji didn’t reprimand Ying Zheng.

In front of outsiders, the Crown Prince must maintain decorum. But in front of family, he should be lively.

If he remained stiff even at home, what kind of home would that be?

While playing around, Zhu Xiang caught sight of Ying Zheng’s swollen palm. His heart ached.

But he dared not show it in front of Xue Ji, lest it undermine her authority in her child’s eyes. So he excused himself under the pretense of handling documents and brought Ying Zheng into the study to apply medicine.

Ying Zheng muttered helplessly: “Aunt already treated it once. She was crying the whole time while applying the ointment. I swear I’ll never take risks again—her tears are truly terrifying.”

Terrifying? To describe his aunt’s tears like that? Zheng’er really ought to relearn his choice of words. Zhu Xiang muttered inwardly, then switched to business:

“There’s little left for me to do in Wu Commandery. I plan to head to Guangling. Wu will be left in your hands.”

Ying Zheng drew a sharp breath: “Uncle, I just said I’d never take risks again—why are you taking one now? Guangling is north of the river; Chu war chariots could drive straight up to its gates!”

Zhu Xiang replied: “Guangling is right on the riverbank. If Chu truly sends an army, I’ll just sail back. It’s not dangerous.”

Ignoring the ointment on his hands, Ying Zheng clutched Zhu Xiang’s shoulders and shook him hard: “Uncle, why must you go to Guangling! What’s so good about Guangling? You mustn’t go!”

Zhu Xiang explained: “The land there still lies fallow. If we hurry and plant now in the seventh month, we can harvest again before year’s end. With so many refugees pouring into southern Qin, waiting to cultivate land, we should make use of the fertile fields near Guangling. Yields will be much higher.”

Ying Zheng grabbed his head, shaking like a giant roly-poly doll.

Ah, a headache! Once his uncle talked about farming, there was no way to dissuade him!

Aunt, help me!

He rushed to Xue Ji for support, but she only said: “I’ll go too. We’ll establish textile workshops in Guangling—that way, we can take in many refugees and provide them with cheap cloth to keep warm.”

Ying Zheng: “…Then I’ll go too.”

Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji: “You must not go.”

Ying Zheng: “!”

I’m about to make a scene!