HCT – Chapter 209 Braised and Roasted Bear Paw

When Zhu Xiang headed south again, it was already February of 247 BC, a season when warblers flitted and grass grew long.

In the original history of Zhu Xiang’s previous life, this year marked the first year of King Zheng of Qin’s reign. Zichu passed away this year, and Ying Zheng ascended the throne.

However, Qin Shihuang had not yet formally stepped onto the historical stage, for he still had to wait until his coming-of-age ceremony before he could begin to wield real power.

Now, although Zichu still appeared frail and sickly, he remained the King of Qin. Ying Zheng, despite not being king yet, had already entered the historical stage early—later generations would begin writing his imperial biography from when he was just three years old.

Zhu Xiang sat at the bow of the boat, reviewing Huang Di’s assignments while drifting off in thought.

After Madam Chunshen entrusted Huang Di to Zhu Xiang, Zhu Xiang took the boy around inspecting fields throughout Qin, teaching him bits of practical knowledge not found in books.

When Zhu Xiang was preparing to go to the Hanzhong palace, the proud and stiff-necked Huang Di refused to rely on Zhu Xiang’s influence to secure favor before the King of Qin. Holding Zhu Xiang’s recommendation letter, he went alone to enroll at the Xianyang Academy.

Zhu Xiang was helpless.

As the grandson of Lord Chunshen and someone Zhu Xiang personally brought to Xianyang, even if he didn’t meet the king, the king would still keep an eye on him.

But since the young man had such resolve, an elder needed only to support and praise him—there was no need to puncture the childish yet beautiful persistence of youth.

Upon returning to Xianyang, Zhu Xiang checked on Huang Di’s health and mood, only for Huang Di to obediently take out a pile of completed assignments for Zhu Xiang to inspect.

Zhu Xiang: “?”

Holding the assignments, he was dumbfounded. Had he ever assigned homework to Huang Di?

After thinking hard, he guessed that perhaps while teaching Huang Di, he had casually mentioned which teachers’ annotated manuscripts were worth reading—Huang Di must have taken it to heart.

What a good student.

Although Zheng’er was also a bright and diligent student, he was too smart. He respected Xunzi, Lord Lin, and the other teachers, but as he grew older, whenever Zhu Xiang taught him one thing, he could argue back ten.

They all said his nephew would become the First Emperor. Look at that dragon—when it straightened its body, didn’t it look like a horizontal bar come to life?

“You’re holding it upside down.” Li Mu glanced at him while putting the freshly caught fish into the basket.

Zhu Xiang looked down and corrected the orientation of Huang Di’s paper. “Sigh, just looking at it makes me sleepy.”

Li Mu asked, “You’re the teacher. How do you doze off while reviewing a student’s work?”

Zhu Xiang replied, “Grading is boring. Why can’t I doze off? Besides, even if I finish grading now, I can’t return it to him immediately.”

When Zhu Xiang returned to Xianyang, he had already finished grading the assignments Huang Di had turned in then. This new pile had been extra work Huang Di completed in advance to send him off.

Li Mu asked curiously, “If you don’t want to teach, why not just say so?”

Zhu Xiang sighed. “It’s not that I don’t want to teach—just that without Xunzi supervising me, I get lazy. I don’t want to look at too many characters.”

Li Mu fell silent. He flicked his rod and ignored Zhu Xiang.

Unless Xunzi came out with a ruler to smack him, no one could manage Zhu Xiang.

He really wanted the students at Xianyang Academy, who adored Zhu Xiang and called him a sage, to see what a lazy creature he actually was.

After sighing for a while, Zhu Xiang still couldn’t bring himself to continue, so he put the assignments back into the chest.

His procrastination flaring up, he decided he would power through right before sending a letter back to Xianyang.

The river current was swift, and while Zhu Xiang was slacking, the boat had already reached Wang Jian’s territory.

Wang Jian stood at the dock, waving a wild pheasant in his hand.

Zhu Xiang nearly laughed himself off the bow.

“Why are you holding up a chicken?” Zhu Xiang jumped off the gangplank and clapped Wang Jian on the shoulder.

Wang Jian said, “I hunted it today. The feathers are beautiful.”

Zhu Xiang said, “If the feathers are nice, pluck them and give those to me.”

Wang Jian replied, “I’m waiting for you to roast it for me.”

Zhu Xiang gave him a sideways glance. “See? Your bad intentions are showing.”

Li Mu walked down from the boat with steady steps. “The feathers are beautiful. Did you only hunt a few chickens today?”

Wang Jian said proudly, “Good luck today—I even caught a bear. The cook is preparing bear paw. We’ll be able to eat as soon as we get back.”

Zhu Xiang’s eyelid twitched.

Though he’d lived in this world for over thirty years, he still found it hard to adapt to the casual eating of protected wildlife.

Modern people—never imitate this. Never eat wild animals unless you want to end up in prison forever.

Though people often joked that Zhu Xiang was the best cook among them, Zhu Xiang knew he only knew ordinary home-style dishes. Fancy grand dishes like bear paw—of course he didn’t know how to make those.

Bear paw was recorded in the Zhou Rites; even Mencius mentioned it. The chefs of noble households all had their own mastery of preparing this delicacy.

Zhu Xiang had introduced many new seasonings to this era, and as Wang Jian was his friend, the chefs in Wang Jian’s household had “trained” with Zhu Xiang, mastering the new flavors superbly.

To prepare bear paw—first braise, then roast, then pour hot oil over the skin to crisp it, finishing with a sprinkle of special spices—absolutely delicious.

Zhu Xiang gnawed two bites and felt that it wasn’t too different from chewing pig trotters or beef tendons.

The next time someone talked about choosing between fish and bear paw, he’d just give them a pig trotter.

When Zhu Xiang shared this “insight” with Li Mu and Wang Jian, the two nearly choked.

Wang Jian said irritably, “I went through all the trouble of hunting a bear to welcome you, and you say it’s no different from pig trotters?”

Li Mu said, “Go ahead and say that again. Let’s see if you can survive saying it in front of those Confucians who worship Mencius.”

Zhu Xiang said, “Bear paw tastes like this, but the bear hide is great. I want to take it back to scare Zheng’er.”

Wang Jian said, “Already prepared for you—and the bear’s head is intact too. But how are you planning to scare—His Highness? He doesn’t get frightened easily.”

Zhu Xiang smirked. “When he falls asleep, I’ll cover him with the bear hide and place the bear head right in front of him. When he wakes, the first thing he’ll see is a giant bear head.”

Wang Jian once again almost choked.

Li Mu, more experienced, had stopped eating the moment Zhu Xiang mentioned scaring Zheng’er.

“You keep saying Zheng’er grows less respectful toward you as he gets older. If you do this, how could he possibly respect you?” Li Mu sighed. “Don’t scare him. What if something goes wrong?”

Zhu Xiang said, “Have faith in Zheng’er. He won’t be scared that easily.”

Wang Jian coughed. “Are you seriously going to do it? Want a tiger skin too? I have one—still has the tiger head attached.”

Zhu Xiang beckoned with his fingers. “Bring it! The more the better. I’ll put the tiger head and bear head on either side of Zheng’er’s pillow.”

Li Mu said, “I hope he doesn’t get so angry he goes to complain to Xueji.”

Zhu Xiang’s wicked grin stiffened. He began to hesitate. “That… is a real possibility…”

General Wang Jian burst into laughter, the sound hearty and unrestrained.

After spending so long with Zhu Xiang, he finally understood why Zhu Xiang’s friends always laughed with such delight whenever they saw Zhu Xiang suffer a setback.

Zhu Xiang was worried about little Ying Zheng and little Chengjiao, so after resting only one day, he set off again.

When passing through Qianzhong Commandery and Wu Commandery, Zhu Xiang, as usual, disembarked to chat briefly with Zhang Ruo and Meng Wu—but he did not stay overnight.

Because Bai Qi refused to get off the boat.

Although Bai Qi knew that the current King of Qin was different from King Zhaoxiang, not as suspicious, and although he himself had been away from the battlefield for many years and didn’t need to be overly cautious—

—his nature was simply like that. Caution was a habit deeply ingrained.

This time he had come to Southern Qin without the king’s summons; it was essentially a private act. He believed he should not meet officials who held military authority.

Furthermore, Bai Qi’s health wasn’t very good. Most of the time he rested inside the cabin and didn’t participate in Zhu Xiang and Li Mu’s fishing activities at the bow.

To avoid keeping Bai Qi waiting on the boat for too long, Zhu Xiang and Li Mu used the excuse of worrying about little Ying Zheng and little Chengjiao and didn’t linger.

They also did not tell anyone that Bai Qi was aboard.

Although it wouldn’t have mattered even if they had, Bai Qi didn’t want it—and they respected his wishes.

When Bai Qi, now old, changed into a long robe with wide sleeves and stood at the bow, even his old subordinate Zhang Ruo couldn’t recognize him.

Zhang Ruo had once followed Bai Qi in the southern Chu campaigns and admired him greatly. When talking with Zhu Xiang, Zhang Ruo often mentioned Bai Qi.

Zhu Xiang urged Bai Qi to go ashore to meet Zhang Ruo.

In this era, every reunion was precious; how could one not meet an old acquaintance when fate brought them together?

But Bai Qi still shook his head.

“He was once my subordinate, and I was once his commander. When I am no longer his commander, we are no longer old acquaintances.” Bai Qi said. “This is an experience of mine, Li Mu. You should remember it.”

Li Mu replied, “Yes, Master Bai.”

In the end, Bai Qi did not go ashore. He only stood at the bow and looked at his old subordinate from afar.

When Zhang Ruo sent Zhu Xiang off, he felt the old man behind Zhu Xiang looked familiar, but no matter how he tried, he couldn’t recall who he was.

Perhaps it was just his imagination, he thought.

The Crown Prince Zheng, on his return to Southern Qin, brought good news— the King of Qin finally allowed him to return to Xianyang and assume a high court position.

Although the Zhang family enjoyed great prestige in Qianzhong Commandery, being able to serve close to the King of Qin was naturally something to desire.

“When I return to Xianyang, I must visit Master Bai,” Zhang Ruo said. “And some other old acquaintances… Ai, there are fewer and fewer old acquaintances these days.”

He sighed with melancholy.

When Meng Wu welcomed Li Mu and Zhu Xiang at the dock, he did not see his second son, Meng Yi, and felt a little disappointed.

“I thought Meng Yi would follow you to Southern Qin this time,” Meng Wu said. “Seems he still doesn’t have enough ability.”

Li Mu said irritably, “You’re too greedy. You want both your sons around the Crown Prince? Be careful people don’t impeach you.”

Meng Wu laughed. “Having both my sons accompany the Crown Prince was a decision set by the late King Zhao—how could that be called greed?”

Li Mu said, “Don’t say that to outsiders, or they’ll claim you’re dissatisfied with the present king.”

Meng Wu waved his hand. “You know my temperament. Before outsiders, I’m far more cautious than you. Zhu Xiang, is Yi’er doing well?”

Zhu Xiang hesitated. “Honestly… I don’t know.”

“Huh?” Meng Wu was shocked.

Zhu Xiang spread his hands. “I never even saw Meng Yi when I returned to Xianyang. Xunzi said he went traveling among the Six States with several senior disciples.”

Meng Wu: “WHAT?!”

Li Mu laughed. “Seems your son is more ambitious than you thought.”

Meng Wu was speechless. “Traveling…? Why? If he wants to gain experience, wouldn’t following you be better?”

Zhu Xiang smiled. “Young men with ambition. After touring the Six States, he’ll certainly gain insights different from what his teachers impart.”

Li Mu said, “Don’t worry about his safety. He’s with Xunzi’s top students and brought many guards.”

Meng Wu rolled his eyes. “As if they even need guards. Those Confucian disciples could probably beat ordinary guards themselves. Fine, let him go. Ting’er has already built his achievements in battle, so if Yi’er wants to become a scholar, let him follow his own heart.”

Although Meng Wu placed his hopes for advancing the Meng family on his son, that hope had its limits—he would not interfere with his son’s choices.

When he bid farewell to Zhu Xiang and Li Mu, Meng Wu muttered, “Why is General Bai here too? Could it be His Majesty is preparing to seize all of Southern Chu in one move and make the Huai River the border?”

He scratched his head, deciding he should go home and prepare the troops well—just in case they were needed.

When Bai Qi had lived in Zhu Xiang’s home, Meng Wu had been in Xianyang as well, often eating at Zhu Xiang’s house and becoming familiar with Bai Qi.

And although Meng Wu wasn’t suited to be a supreme commander, he had an excellent memory and sharp observation—otherwise King Zhaoxiang wouldn’t have kept him as a close attendant.

So with only one glance, he recognized the “well-disguised” Bai Qi.

“If General Bai has come to Wu Commandery, then Ting’er will be able to study military strategy under him.” Meng Wu laughed for a while, then sighed. “So why did Yi’er go touring the Six States? Staying with Zhu Xiang would’ve been far better.”

Whatever. His son had his own ideas. As a father who had already “laid flat,” he didn’t need to interfere.

If Yi’er regretted it one day, he could cry over his own youthful choices.

The old father laughed cheerfully.

…

“Uncle, so you do remember to come home,” Ying Zheng said sharply. “I thought you planned to stay in Xianyang and become the Chancellor. Perfect timing—Uncle Cai has long wanted to resign, so you can take his place.”

To Zheng’er’s snark, Zhu Xiang’s usual response was to directly reach out and pinch his cheeks. “Haven’t seen you this long, and this is how you welcome me? I hurried back as soon as I finished business. Ask Li Mu if you don’t believe me!”

Li Mu said, “He’s telling the truth.”

Ying Zheng slapped Zhu Xiang’s hand away while grumbling, “I don’t believe it. Teacher always sides with Uncle.”

Bai Qi couldn’t help smiling. “Then let me vouch for Zhu Xiang. Will the Crown Prince believe me?”

“Grandpa Bai!” Ying Zheng first punched his hateful uncle out of the way, then bounced up like he had springs under his feet.

Zhu Xiang, very experienced, easily dodged the punch, clasped his hands behind him, and said, “You always mention Grandpa Bai, so I finally brought him back for you. Aren’t you happy?”

Ying Zheng was holding Bai Qi’s hand and smiling when he heard this; instantly, his smile collapsed. “Happy… I’d be even happier if Uncle hadn’t forgotten me and Aunt in Xianyang while playing around.”

Zhu Xiang was helpless. He turned to Xue Ji, who was covering her mouth while laughing. “What’s wrong with him? And where’s Chengjiao? Why isn’t he here?”

Xue Ji said, smiling, “Chengjiao lost his first tooth recently and got a slight fever, so he’s staying home today. As for Zheng’er’s mood… Ai, he promised His Majesty that he could properly teach Chengjiao, but it seems things didn’t go well.”

Ying Zheng complained miserably, “Auntie, must you say that in front of everyone?”

Xue Ji laughed. “If you didn’t act disrespectful to your uncle in front of everyone, how would he have noticed?”

Zhu Xiang burst into laughter. “Who would’ve thought that the mighty Crown Prince Zheng can’t even teach his little brother properly? Looks like you were waiting for your uncle to come back and save you. Why don’t you write a letter to His Majesty admitting your incompetence?”

“Go away!” Ying Zheng lunged at Zhu Xiang, baring his teeth.

Zhu Xiang dodged while continuing to laugh loudly.

Bai Qi smiled with nostalgia. “Zheng’er is still as lively as ever.”

Li Mu said, “With Zhu Xiang taking care of him, he’ll always be lively. Even His Majesty is lively, isn’t he?”

Bai Qi shot Li Mu a look. “Watch your tongue.”

Li Mu coughed. “Yes.” He couldn’t help it.

Bai Qi sighed. “His Majesty indeed became much livelier compared to his time as a prince. If King Zhao and the late king could see him now, they would be very comforted.”

As Zhu Xiang dodged Ying Zheng’s attacks, he added loudly, “Wouldn’t they also want to beat him?”

Bai Qi chuckled. “They would want to beat him—very much so. But they would still be comforted.”

Xue Ji asked curiously, “What happened to His Majesty?”

Zhu Xiang replied, “Nothing much. He’s about the same as he was back in Handan. It’s just that after becoming King of Qin, whenever he loses to Lin Li, he uses his status as king to cheat. He’s become even more shameless.”

Xue Ji covered her mouth and laughed.

Ying Zheng tidied his slightly messy clothes and grumbled, “That’s exactly how Father is. When he can’t win, he uses his status as King of Qin to suppress people.”

Zhu Xiang said, “Well said! Zheng’er, do you want to write a pledge promising that you’ll never learn from your father, and that when you can’t win an argument in the future, you won’t rely on the identity of the King of Qin?”

Ying Zheng sneered, “No!”

Zhu Xiang clicked his tongue. “Tsk.”

Bai Qi laughed aloud again. Li Mu also shook his head while smiling.

Watching Zhu Xiang and Ying Zheng bicker—it was simply too amusing.