HCT – Chapter 33 Icy Winter Snowflakes

Bai Qi hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping himself.

He wanted to say that even if the King of Zhao did not want to kill Zhu Xiang, when he led the troops to escort Prince Zheng back to Qin, he could have brought Zhu Xiang’s entire family along.

Though the surrendered soldiers of Zhao were sent back, Zhao had suffered a devastating defeat at Changping and was severely weakened. They must be very afraid of Qin and him. As long as he personally went to Handan, the King of Zhao and most of Zhao’s nobility would definitely be willing to exchange Prince Zheng and Zhu Xiang for a moment of peace.

Since Zhu Xiang would surely enter Qin safely, why would His Majesty have to harm him?

But looking at the Qin King and Lou Huan excitedly discussing how to get Zhu Xiang imprisoned, how to make the people of Zhao believe the King of Zhao would kill Zhu Xiang, Bai Qi suppressed the doubts in his heart deep down.

He recalled what Zhu Xiang had said to him in private. The Qin King and the King of Zhao were not very different — both capricious, both willing to sacrifice the interests of their states for their own pleasure.

The Qin King was the king of Qin, so Qin’s interests must yield to his feelings.

Zhu Xiang was very important. But the Qin King now obviously thought that winning a contest against Lin Xiangru and making the son of the King of Zhao — who had repeatedly caused him losses — suffer a big loss was more important than Zhu Xiang’s safety.

Of course, the Qin King was certain the King of Zhao wouldn’t really kill Zhu Xiang, and trusted that someone as capable as Lin Xiangru would definitely protect Zhu Xiang’s life. That way, he could both make the King of Zhao suffer losses and get Zhu Xiang, killing two birds with one stone.

But Bai Qi wondered: what if something happened to Zhu Xiang?

The prison conditions were harsh. What if Zhu Xiang fell ill and died in prison? What if there were nobles who hated Zhu Xiang and secretly sent assassins into the prison to kill him? What if the King of Zhao, provoked and insulted by his people, lost his mind in a fit of rage and really killed Zhu Xiang?

Had His Majesty not considered this?

No — a man as clever as His Majesty surely must have considered it.

Bai Qi had just narrowly escaped an unexpected disaster once before; seeing this scene now, he couldn’t help but feel a sympathetic sorrow.

“Your Majesty, once Zhu Xiang is imprisoned by the King of Zhao, and the Zhao people rage and curse the King of Zhao, I request permission to personally lead a rapid march to escort Prince Zheng and Zhu Xiang back,” Bai Qi said, bowing.

“As long as my troops move swiftly enough, the King of Zhao won’t have time to clarify that he never intended to kill Zhu Xiang.”

“Good!” The Qin King agreed happily, then sighed. “Rapid march… I fear I can’t keep up.”

Bai Qi tried again to dissuade the Qin King from going in person to Handan: “Your Majesty, even if our troops take Handan now, we cannot withstand the coalition armies from several states, nor can we hold Handan. When I can hold Handan, I will definitely request Your Majesty to lead the campaign personally!”

The Qin King glanced at Bai Qi. Could he live that long?

Well, the Chancellor had already sent several letters asking him to return to Xianyang; he would not stir up trouble here.

But he really wanted to personally go to Handan and startle Lin Xiangru and that King of Zhao. Sigh — the Qin King felt very regretful.

Lou Huan glanced at Bai Qi, understanding his thoughts, and smiled: “I will send someone to inform Lou Chang. Once His Majesty learns that Zhu Xiang has been imprisoned, and fears an attempt to assassinate Zhu Xiang to frame the King of Zhao, he will send someone to protect Zhu Xiang. The Lou family has considerable influence in Zhao, so His Majesty need not worry about Zhu Xiang’s safety. Zhu Xiang will definitely enter Qin safely.”

Bai Qi: “…” Lou Huan was ruthless every time he used the Lou family.

He truly hated how the Lou family had stood by idly when King Wuling of Zhao starved to death, and he hated King Huiwen of Zhao and his descendants even more.

The Qin King stroked his beard, smiling: “I believe Minister Lou has made thorough preparations. I will await your good news.”

Lou Huan stood and bowed deeply to the Qin King: “I will not fail Your Majesty’s trust.”

The Qin King stood and helped Lou Huan up, smiling very gently.

Bai Qi turned his gaze away.

Ever since he knew the Qin King had intentions to kill him, now when he saw this smile on the Qin King’s face, he felt afraid.

The slander in Handan was gradually clarified. The people increasingly believed Zhu Xiang could never be the Qin hostage Yiren.

Many had seen Zhu Xiang when he sought refuge with Minister Lin after being abandoned. Later, Zhu Xiang lived in Minister Lin’s fief, and neighbors saw him daily. Countless people could prove Zhu Xiang was indeed a man of Zhao.

The farmers who knew Zhu Xiang, to dispel the rumors, even raised their hoes threateningly at those who insulted him.

“Thinking carefully, Lord Zhu Xiang definitely can’t be the Qin prince. When Lord Zhu Xiang became famous, the Qin prince hadn’t even left Zhao yet.”

“Who spread the rumors? Were they trying to kill Lord Zhu Xiang?”

“Of course they wanted to kill Lord Zhu Xiang. When Lord Zhu Xiang went to Changping, some were jealous and spread rumors that he was a Qin spy.”

“Even earlier than that! When Lord Zhu Xiang taught us how to cultivate potatoes, King Zhao said Lord Zhu Xiang was a spy and stripped him of his office!”

“Sigh, why did the king…”

“The king just favors people like Zhao Kuo.”

“I heard Zhao Kuo’s own mother refused to set up a memorial hall for him, saying Zhao Kuo deserved to die, and whoever among the Zhao people killed him was a loyal minister of Zhao. I don’t understand how parents like that could give birth to someone like Zhao Kuo.”

“Yes, Marquess Mafu having such a son is truly a misfortune for the family.”

“The King of Zhao favors Zhao Kuo and distances himself from Lord Zhu Xiang—that is not the way of a wise ruler!” …

People inside Handan City whispered secretly. During the Western Zhou period, the commoners living inside the city were called “guoren” (state people). They had military obligations, paid taxes, could read, could hold official posts, and could discuss court affairs.

Now both “guoren” and “yeren” (wild people, i.e., peasants) have become commoners, but the descendants of the original guoren who live in the city still hold a higher status than farmers. They are cultured, take their surnames from their place of residence and ancestors, and dare to discuss politics.

King Zhao was young and had never seen the guoren openly insult the sovereign before. He felt ashamed, angry, and afraid all at once.

He recalled the past of King Li of Zhou, feeling even more ashamed and troubled inside. King Zhao sighed and gathered his close ministers, saying, “Now Handan is in turmoil because of Zhu Xiang, but Zhu Xiang just accomplished a great deed. I cannot kill Zhu Xiang. Ministers, what should I do?”

His trusted ministers and relatives fell silent. Lord Pingyuan Zhao Sheng wanted to speak but hesitated. Could it be the king really intends to kill Zhu Xiang?!

Zhao Sheng wanted to scold the king but was held back by his younger brother, Lord Pingyang Zhao Bao, who grabbed his sleeve.

Zhao Sheng glanced at his brother’s disapproving eyes. Because he had advocated accepting Shangdang, which led to the disastrous Battle of Changping and a major defeat for Zhao, his reputation had fallen considerably. Now Zhao Bao’s look reminded him to calm down. He clenched his teeth, lowered his head, and refrained from defending Zhu Xiang.

Zhao Bao stepped forward and said, “If Your Majesty rewards Zhu Xiang handsomely, everything will be resolved.”

King Zhao sighed, “Zhu Xiang killed Zhao Kuo. Although Zhao Kuo was defeated in battle, he refused to surrender and was an important minister of Zhao. Many ministers hate Zhu Xiang’s action deeply, and I cannot bring myself to reward him generously.”

Yu Xin stepped forward to support King Zhao, “Marquess Mafu has made so many contributions to Zhao. Zhu Xiang killed his son. If I reward Zhu Xiang highly, would that not chill Marquess Mafu’s heart?”

Zhao Sheng looked at Yu Xin in disbelief. Yu Xin was talented and would surely understand the benefits of using Zhu Xiang for Zhao. Why would he say that?

Yu Xin continued, “Moreover, the Qin people are untrustworthy. Zhu Xiang, as the Qin state hostage’s uncle, is part of the Qin royal family’s relatives and holds immense power. How could he be willing to serve Zhao loyally? If we rely on Zhu Xiang, he will surely harm Zhao!”

Zhao Sheng saw the hateful expression Yu Xin had when mentioning the Qin royal family. His lips moved, and he lowered his head again, not defending Zhu Xiang.

He understood now: Yu Xin did not want King Zhao to favor Zhu Xiang because Qin’s king forced Fan Ju to kill his close friend Wei Qi. He hated the entire Qin royal family and state, so he extended that hatred to Zhu Xiang, who was a relative of the Qin royal house.

But Yu Xin did not think he was unfair or prejudiced against Zhu Xiang. The Qin were cunning, ruthless, without virtue or trustworthiness, and could never be trusted. Zhu Xiang, as a relative of the Qin royal family and repeatedly slighted by King Zhao, could not possibly be wholeheartedly loyal to Zhao and risked traveling to Changping on a mission.

Yu Xin believed from the start that Zhu Xiang’s mission to Changping had other motives. If Zhu Xiang really could persuade the Qin king, then Yu Xin was even more certain Zhu Xiang had ties to the Qin king, maybe deliberately sent back by Qin to become a key Zhao minister and act as the Qin king’s spy.

Zhao Bao retorted, “I have asked the generals who returned to Zhao; they all say it’s a rumor. Zhao Kuo died in a mutiny at the camp and had nothing to do with Zhu Xiang!”

Lou Chang stepped forward, grieving and indignant, “Even if Zhao Kuo was incompetent, he was still Marquess Mafu’s son. Maybe he lacked experience, but how could he commit a great military taboo? When surrounded, he should have raised the soldiers’ morale, yet he deliberately withheld provisions from the troops! Do you believe such rumors? Are you being fair to Marquess Mafu?”

Zhao Bao said with a stern face, “I only believe what my own ears hear.”

Yu Xin said, “Lord Pingyang, I know you fear Qin. When Zhao’s army fought Qin’s, you only sought peace, lowering Zhao’s morale. But Zhu Xiang is only the relative of the Qin hostage, no need for such fear.”

Zhao Bao sneered, “I say the same to Minister Yu. Zhu Xiang is just the relative of a discarded young Qin hostage. Minister Yu, don’t vent your hatred for the Qin king on an innocent man.”

Yu Xin angrily said, “I bear no grudge against Zhu Xiang! I swear to heaven. Do you dare swear to heaven and speak for Zhu Xiang without fearing Qin?”

Zhao Bao continued to sneer, “I dare swear now!”

Zhao Sheng looked at Zhao Bao in disbelief.

Lord Pingyang Zhao Bao was always cautious and prudent. Even if he sometimes voiced different opinions, he never argued heatedly. He usually stayed behind the scenes; Zhao Sheng had never seen him so aggressive in court before.

King Zhao was also shocked by Lord Pingyang.

This uncle was timid and modest, lacking the courage, poise, and talent of the other uncle, Lord Pingyuan. How come he was quarreling today?

Zhao Sheng took a deep breath, let go of his cautious mindset, and said, “Now the rulers of all states praise Zhu Xiang greatly. Lord Xinling and Lord Chunshen have already sent envoys to Handan with heavy rewards to recruit talent. Your Majesty, if you give up such a great talent, you may be ridiculed.”

King Zhao hesitated once again. Although he greatly disliked Zhu Xiang—just thinking of him made his heart inexplicably uneasy—he could still listen to the words of his two uncles.

Another member of the Zhao royal clan, Zhao Hao, stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, Zhu Xiang is suspected of killing Zhao Kuo. If this matter isn’t thoroughly investigated and you still employ him, it might cause the scholars and gentlemen of Zhao to become disloyal!”

The king remained indecisive. “That’s true… sigh, what should I do?”

Seeing King Zhao hesitate, the factions of ministers argued heatedly.

“Zhu Xiang must not be employed again!”

“If not by us, then shall another state employ him?”

“Zhu Xiang really might be a spy for Qin!”

“Qin is willing to use over a hundred thousand Zhao defectors to pave the way for Zhu Xiang as a spy in Zhao? Think about it—is that possible?”

“Qin never dares to kill Zhao defectors who surrender voluntarily. Zhu Xiang going to Changping to persuade them is just pulling the reins along the direction the horses are walking. Can you say Zhu Xiang is a strongman who can drag horses? This matter cannot prove his talent. Your Majesty should investigate more carefully!”

“Zhu Xiang had already made a name for himself before going to Changping. Have you forgotten his debates with the renowned scholars of Handan?”…

The ministers argued incessantly, the noise buzzing in King Zhao’s ears like a hallucination. At one moment, he thought one side was right; then he felt the other side had reason.

Zhu Xiang was indeed talented and should be employed; but so many believed he had killed Zhao Kuo and hated him. If he employed Zhu Xiang again, it would indeed cause division among his people.

King Zhao sighed continuously, wavering, his head beginning to ache. He pressed his temple and waved his hand, “For today, withdraw. Let me think it over.”

Though displeased, the ministers could only leave after the king’s order.

Once they left, the troubled king sat alone, sighing deeply.

The attendant who brought water to the king was also a favorite, but lacking talent, he had gained favor only by flattering and attending to the king, holding no high rank. During the earlier court debate, he had only listened and had no chance to speak.

Now that others had left, he spoke up, “Your Majesty, what’s so difficult about this?”

King Zhao lowered his hand from his temple. “What plan do you have to solve my worries?”

The attendant replied, “It’s not much of a plan. But the Lord Pingyuan and the Lord Pingyang personally visited the generals returning from Changping. They all say that the death of General Zhao is unrelated to Zhu Xiang. Perhaps it truly is so. Your Majesty’s uncles—how could they harm Your Majesty?”

King Zhao sighed, persuaded. He calmed down and set aside his prejudice against Zhu Xiang. Indeed, the two uncles’ words made more sense.

Seeing the king’s expression waver, the attendant continued, “Those who hate Zhu Xiang do so only because he is a relative of Qin and they despise Qin. But though Yu Qing also despises Qin, he is upright in character. If Yu Qing investigates the truth, he will surely agree with Your Majesty’s decision to employ Zhu Xiang.”

King Zhao sighed again. “But how can I let Yu Qing find out the truth? It seems he has already condemned Zhu Xiang in his heart.”

The attendant said, “Why not order Yu Qing to thoroughly investigate the truth? Someone accused Zhu Xiang of killing General Zhao. According to Zhao’s laws, Zhu Xiang is a civilian. If he killed Ma Fuzi, he should be imprisoned and interrogated. First imprison him, investigate the truth, then release him. This way, Yu Qing and others won’t oppose Your Majesty’s employing Zhu Xiang, and Zhu Xiang’s name will be cleared.”

King Zhao’s eyes brightened. “Right! After Zhu Xiang’s name is cleared, I will personally go to the prison to apologize to him and appoint him as my minister!”

King Zhao rose from his seat and paced in the room, increasingly convinced this was the right course.

Although Zhu Xiang had merits, others accused him of killing Ma Fuzi, and yet he still put Zhu Xiang in prison. This shows his fairness in rewarding and punishing!

Having Yu Xin and Lou Chang, who opposed employing Zhu Xiang, work alongside the Lord Pingyuan and Lord Pingyang, who supported Zhu Xiang, to investigate the murder of Ma Fuzi would both dispel Yu Xin and Lou Chang’s bias and clear Zhu Xiang’s name. Then he could openly employ Zhu Xiang!

The reputation of scholars was extremely important. His action was to help Zhu Xiang clear his name, and later personally welcome Zhu Xiang from prison. Zhu Xiang would surely be very grateful and even if he had some reservations before, he would then be loyal to him with all his heart and soul!

King Zhao grew more pleased and even a bit proud.

After so much arguing among the ministers without any solution, the king had, with a little thought, come up with a perfect solution. He really was a wise ruler!

Feeling so proud, King Zhao did not summon the ministers again for questioning. He directly ordered Zhu Xiang to be imprisoned and assigned the Lord Pingyuan Zhao Sheng, Lord Pingyang Zhao Bao, Yu Xin, and Lou Chang to jointly investigate whether Zhu Xiang killed Zhao Kuo.

King Zhao generously rewarded the attendant, who was very pleased with his double bounty. He immediately informed the generous benefactor who had given him the money, telling him the matter was settled.

The benefactor promptly gave more money and countless praises, making the attendant delightfully overwhelmed.

After the rumors in Handan gradually settled, Zhu Xiang’s mood became calmer.

This November was quite warm, but when December came, the temperature suddenly dropped for some unknown reason. Many farmers, having never experienced such a cold winter, felt very uneasy.

After Zhu Xiang learned about this, he felt somewhat anxious. Once the rumors finally died down, Zhu Xiang could no longer contain himself. Riding on the tall horse bestowed by King Zhao, carrying little Zheng’er—who kept mumbling “jia jia jia” and wagging his short legs—he went to inspect the fields and soothe the restless farmers.

“Lord Zhu Xiang, why is this winter so cold? This is the first time I’ve encountered such a harsh winter.”

“Indeed. But don’t worry, winter wheat can grow even further north, so this temperature isn’t a big deal. Just continue to tend to the seedlings as usual.”

“Lord Zhu Xiang, what if the water we pour freezes?”

“If the water freezes, compact the soil tightly. If there are cracks caused by ice, pour water immediately to prevent the ground from splitting. After compacting the soil, sprinkle thawed soil over the compacted earth—loose on top and firm below. Then use a roller to flatten the seedlings…”

“Ah, flatten? Won’t the seedlings die?”

“No, they won’t. The wheat has just sprouted. Pressing the seedlings in winter helps prevent frost damage, and in spring, after the wheat grows taller, the seedlings will stand up by themselves.”

“Lord Zhu Xiang, I’m so worried the seedlings will freeze to death. What if they do? Sob sob…”

“Don’t cry, don’t cry. The cold actually helps by killing pests in the field. I see the sky is cloudy; it might snow this year. If it snows, the snow will cover the seedlings like a thick blanket, keeping them warm. When it melts in spring, it can ease drought. Maybe the harvest will be even better than usual.”

The farmers around Zhu Xiang laughed.

An old farmer, brushing the horse tethered nearby, chuckled, “I haven’t seen snow in years. The young people nowadays probably don’t even know what snow is.”

Another young farmer, braiding straw toys for Ying Zheng, looked up and said, “Snow? No way. I heard from people in the city that it hasn’t snowed for many years. If it suddenly snows, it’s a bad omen.”

Zhu Xiang shielded Ying Zheng, who was running around waving the little straw horse and nearly falling, smiling as he said, “It’s cold, so snow is normal. It’s not a bad omen.”

The farmers laughed and said, “If Lord Zhu Xiang says it’s not, then it’s definitely not.”

Suddenly, Lin Zhi hurried over on horseback: “Zhu Xiang! Hurry home!”

“All right.” Zhu Xiang saw Lin Zhi’s urgent demeanor and that he wasn’t saying why, causing his heart to skip a beat.

Still, he smiled and said goodbye to the farmers, lifted Ying Zheng onto the horse, and rode home immediately.

The farmers, understanding Lin Zhi’s urgency, grew worried for Zhu Xiang.

“Is something wrong at Lord Zhu Xiang’s home?”

“Could it be that the slanderers who targeted him are causing trouble at his door again?”

“Let’s go. We don’t have to finish the farm work now. Maybe we can help Lord Zhu Xiang!”

“What can we do to help? I don’t think we can do anything.”

“Let’s just go and see. What if he needs help?”

“True, let’s go.”

The farmers put away their tools and ran toward Zhu Xiang’s home.

Zhu Xiang hurried back home to find Zhao Sheng, full of guilt, and Yu Xin, with a stern expression, standing at the door with a squad of guards.

Xun Kuang stood nearby accompanying them.

Zhu Xiang hid Ying Zheng behind him and bowed to Zhao Sheng and Yu Xin: “May I ask what matters Lord Pingyuan and this gentleman seek with me?”

Yu Xin snorted coldly: “You’re still a commoner now; why don’t you kneel?”

Zhao Sheng slammed the table and angrily said, “Enough! Before Zhu Xiang went to Changping, His Majesty already decreed that Zhu Xiang enjoys the status of a senior official. You yourself are a man of righteousness; must you let baseless slanders disgrace a loyal hero who made great contributions to Zhao?”

Although Yu Xin escaped Zhao with Wei Qi due to the Qin king detaining Lord Pingyuan Zhao Sheng and demanding the handover of Wei Qi, he was grateful to Lord Pingyuan, who preferred being detained rather than surrendering Wei Qi. Yu Xin often argued with Zhao Sheng over politics but privately respected him. After being rebuked, he fell silent.

“Someone falsely accused you of killing Zhao Kuo. To clear your name, His Majesty had you detained temporarily. Once Yu Xin and I finish investigating, we will release you immediately,” Zhao Sheng stepped forward, holding Zhu Xiang’s hands, “Don’t worry, I will clear your name quickly!”

Xun Kuang stood up, his voice cold and sharp: “The rumors in Handan City have been proven slanderous. The Zhao troops who returned can all testify for Zhu Xiang. Do you really think the Qin king could control over a hundred thousand Zhao people?!”

Zhao Sheng felt very distressed. Of course he knew! Among those who went to Changping was his own agent sent to gather intelligence!

Zhao Sheng not only knew Zhu Xiang did not kill Zhao Kuo, but also that Zhao Kuo, for reasons unknown, insisted on stopping starving Zhao soldiers from eating potatoes to fill their stomachs and threatened to kill Zhu Xiang, who promoted potatoes. As a result, Zhao Kuo was killed by angry soldiers.

But he did not dare to tell King Zhao the truth; he could only say that Zhao Kuo was indeed killed by the soldiers. Because he feared that if King Zhao heard that Zhao Bing dared to kill someone for Zhu Xiang, he might kill Zhu Xiang even more!

But Zhu Xiang could not die, absolutely could not die — at least not now! Zhao Bing was willing to kill Zhao Kuo for Zhu Xiang; now Zhu Xiang had saved their lives. Zhao Sheng could not imagine what else they might dare to do for Zhu Xiang! Fortunately, King Zhao only ordered an investigation to clear Zhu Xiang’s name. This should be fine, it should be fine; this would also be good for Zhu Xiang.

“Now rumors are spreading, many people distrust Zhu Xiang. The ruler only wants to clear the rumors and restore Zhu Xiang’s innocence,” Yu Xin spoke to Xunzi with a respectful tone.

Xun Kuang sneered coldly, “To clear the name of someone whom all the evidence points to as innocent won’t put him in prison!”

“It’s alright, Xunzi, I’ll be back soon,” Zhu Xiang stopped Xun Kuang and Yu Xin from clashing. King Zhao had already given the order; no use struggling.

Xunzi ordered Xue to hide in the backyard and forbade her from coming out. Zhu Xiang patted Ying Zheng’s head, “Go stay by Xunzi’s side, uncle will be back soon.”

Ying Zheng pouted, “Really?”

Zhu Xiang smiled, “I’ve returned from Changping before, this is just to clear my name. Is it more dangerous than tens of thousands of Qin soldiers? Don’t be afraid, be good.”

Ying Zheng knew now was not the time to be willful, nodded, and obediently held Xunzi’s hand, “Uncle, you must come back soon.”

“Mm.” Zhu Xiang’s hands were tied, and he was put on the prison cart.

“What are you… what are you doing?” A breathless farmer who arrived just as Zhao Sheng and Yu Xin were about to leave exclaimed in surprise.

Before he finished, a guard kicked him to the ground and drew his sword.

Commoners who do not kneel and dare to question should be executed.

“Stop!” Zhu Xiang anxiously said, “I’m fine, you should leave quickly!”

The guard hesitated, then sheathed his sword. Yu Xin glanced at the guard with a furrowed brow.

The farmer crawled a little farther away, nervously watching Zhu Xiang inside the prison cart. At that moment, more farmers came running over. They gathered quietly at a distance, silently watching Zhu Xiang inside the cart.

“I’m fine, I’ll be back soon, don’t worry,” Zhu Xiang comforted, “Lord Pingyuan, please proceed.”

Zhao Sheng sighed deeply and ordered them to continue moving. Yu Xin, riding a horse, looked back at the frightened farmers with a tight frown.

At that moment, a cold sensation fell on his nose. Yu Xin looked up and was surprised to see white fluffy flakes the size of chicken feathers drifting from the sky. Is this… snow?

Yu Xin, who hadn’t seen snow in many years, widened his eyes in surprise. Zhao Sheng also looked up, staring at the snowflakes blankly.

Xunzi shouted loudly, “The way of Heaven is constant, it does not preserve Yao nor destroy Jie. This rare heavy snowfall after many years is surely not because you have wronged a loyal minister who just made great contributions. If Heaven has eyes, the world would not be so full of injustice. Lord Pingyuan, Yu Qing, you need not worry or fear. It is only heavy snow; if your conscience is clear, what is there to fear?”

Zhao Sheng’s hand gripping the reins trembled slightly as he hurriedly cracked his whip. Yu Xin did not respond. He only stared at Zhu Xiang in the cart, feeling a bit unsettled.

Could it really be that he misjudged and wronged a loyal man? The farmers stood quietly, watching the prison cart disappear into the distance.

“King Zhao… is he going to kill Lord Zhu Xiang?” Only when the cart was too far to see did someone’s voice tremble.

Then the farmers dropped their tools and held their heads, making painful sobbing sounds.  Snow fell on their heads, quickly covering their dry, grass-like hair with a layer of white frost, as if they had instantly turned white-haired.

The snow grew heavier and heavier. By the time the prison cart entered Handan city, there was already a thick layer of snow. Horse hooves carefully stepped on the snow; the convoy moved very slowly. So the people of Handan, who dared not get close along the way, stood on tiptoes and craned their necks, able to clearly see inside the snow-covered prison cart the figure of Zhu Xiang, his hands bound, shivering in the cold wind.

After the snow started, he felt a little cold.

“Who is that?”

“Looks like… looks like Lord Zhu Xiang?!”

“Impossible, isn’t Lord Zhu Xiang a great meritorious minister of Zhao?”

“It is Lord Zhu Xiang! I have seen Lord Zhu Xiang, it’s really him!”

The people of Handan who learned the identity of the prisoner looked silently at the tracks left by the carriage in the snow for a long time.

The snow kept falling heavier, covering the wheel tracks. The convoy pushed forward through the heavy snow, becoming increasingly difficult.

There were many scholars in Handan city. After learning that Zhu Xiang was arrested, they put on straw raincoats and went out to inquire about the news.

The scholars saw Zhu Xiang shivering in the prison cart, and Lin Xiangru, who had somehow appeared by the cart, being supported as he followed step by step.

Suddenly, a line from the Book of Songs flashed through their minds:

“The north wind is cold, the rain and snow fall heavily. Is it empty or evil? So urgent and relentless.”