HCT – Extra 13 Those Youthful Years (Xia Tong)

“Master, you’re going to apply for the accountant position, but…” Bu looked troubled.

Yiren shook his head. “I’m just going to take a look, not really to become an accountant.”

Yiren’s eyes were fixed on a strange object in his hands called “paper.”

It was something Bu had quietly brought back when he went to help out at the household of a man named Zhu Xiang.

Yiren was a hostage sent by Qin to Zhao.

Even among hostages, there were distinctions. Powerful states could demand a favored prince—or even the crown prince—to serve as a hostage. Weaker states either dared not send a hostage or could only offer an unfavored prince, a token gesture.

Qin was stronger than Zhao, so Prince Yiren was the latter type of token hostage.

When Yiren was sent as a hostage, his father was still merely the Lord of An, and Yiren was only twelve or thirteen.

After Yiren entered Qin, it seemed Qin almost forgot there was such a prince.

Qin frequently fought with Zhao, and the King of Zhao had little regard for this Qin hostage, failing to provide him the financial support a hostage should receive. Yiren’s life was extremely difficult.

Now that his father was about to become crown prince, Yiren was overjoyed, thinking that even if he couldn’t return home, his status as the son of the Lord of An would be elevated to that of the son of the Qin crown prince, and his living conditions would improve.

The sad truth was that he had hoped for too much.

Qin still forgot him, and Zhao still belittled him.

His life remained no different than before.

Yiren had to find a way to draw the attention of his grandfather, the King of Qin, and his father, soon to be the Qin crown prince.

Recently, Yiren had occasionally overheard a name—Zhu Xiang—during casual conversations among scholars in Handan.

It was said that this year, Lin Xiangru had repeatedly recommended his retainer, Zhu Xiang, to the King of Zhao. But because Zhu Xiang was of lowly birth—merely the son of a farmer—the king had always refused.

Yiren rarely saw his grandfather, the King of Qin, but every encounter left a deep impression on him.

He remembered that his grandfather had once spoken of Lin Xiangru with great admiration, though there was a bitter undertone that Lin Xiangru was not employed by him.

If someone was recognized by his grandfather as a worthy person, then that person recommended by Lin Xiangru must be a true talent.

Yiren himself despised those of humble origins. But someone so lowly repeatedly recommended by Lin Xiangru—surely this person must be an extraordinary talent.

At first, Yiren inquired about Zhu Xiang out of curiosity.

When he learned that Zhu Xiang could increase crop yields and had even invented a miraculous thing called “paper,” which could replace silk for writing, he became alert.

If the rumors were true, and Zhao made use of Zhu Xiang, he would become a serious threat to Qin.

Yiren was thrilled; he thought he had found a way to return to Qin.

If he could report Zhu Xiang’s achievements back to Qin, his grandfather would certainly investigate him.

Whether his grandfather would take action or not, at least Yiren would have a legitimate reason to attract the attention of both his grandfather and father, rather than having all his letters fall into oblivion.

Coincidentally, Zhu Xiang had set up a small shed outside Handan to hire temporary workers.

The locals had never seen “temporary workers” before and gathered to ask what they were.

Bu, curious as well, went to take a look.

After understanding what “temporary workers” were, Bu thought he could earn some money to ease Master’s burdens, so he went to apply.

Though Bu was a servant of the unfavored Qin prince, being selected to serve near the prince was far better than the fate of ordinary commoners, and he naturally succeeded in becoming a temporary worker.

Once Yiren learned of this, he initially felt embarrassed, but then realized he could use the opportunity to observe Zhu Xiang up close, so he allowed it.

Bu reported back.

What Bu saw was even more astonishing than what Yiren had heard.

Zhu Xiang was actually a year younger than himself!

Lowly in birth, yet so young—no wonder the King of Zhao ignored Lin Xiangru’s recommendation.

But Yiren did not underestimate Zhu Xiang; he valued him even more.

This defied logic, which meant Zhu Xiang must be an extraordinary talent.

If he could persuade Zhu Xiang to come to Qin, perhaps he could not only return to Qin but also earn considerable merit in the eyes of his grandfather and father.

After Shang Yang’s reforms, Qin princes without merit could not be granted titles—actually, only unfavored Qin princes could not gain titles.

Introducing a talent should count as an achievement, right?

It was uncertain whether his grandfather and father would believe him.

Yiren was desperate to return to Qin; he would seize any hope.

So when he learned that Zhu Xiang was hiring an accountant, he saw a chance to observe him closely.

Of course, he never intended to become an accountant himself. A proud Qin prince, even in poverty, would never serve as an accountant for a commoner.

This year was 266 BCE.

Yiren was fifteen.

…

“Xia Tong! Finished the accounts yet?” Zhu Xiang pushed the door open.

Xia Tong looked up, complaining, “Why are you shouting? I’m still working. Why do I have to calculate the income and expenses for the entire village?”

“The capable ones work more,” Zhu Xiang said with a smile. “How much is left? I’ll help.”

Xia Tong gritted his teeth, “I’ve been helping you all along!”

Zhu Xiang raised his hands in surrender. “Don’t be so particular. Being too particular will age you prematurely.”

Xia Tong: “…” He wanted to stab the pen into Zhu Xiang’s nose!

Lin Zhi came in, hands behind his back, laughing heartily. “Xia Tong, you’re so patient. If I were you, I definitely wouldn’t endure it. Aren’t you going to fight him?”

Fight, fight! I want to see these two clashing like sparrows!

Xia Tong glanced at Lin Zhi. “Come help.”

Lin Zhi said, “You really won’t hit Zhu Xiang? Hit me first, then help.”

Zhu Xiang covered Lin Zhi’s mouth. “Shut up and help. Let’s finish the accounts quickly, then go eat roasted beef! Today, Lord Lian received several cows from Yanmen Commandery for guests. We get a share.”

Xia Tong was surprised. “They brought the whole thing for you?”

Lin Zhi pulled Zhu Xiang’s hand aside and said, “Don’t listen to Lord Lian talking nonsense about dividing the beef. Lord Lian is here to have Zhu Xiang serve as the chef.”

Zhu Xiang said, “Just tell me—are you eating or not?”

Lin Zhi rolled up his sleeves. “Eating! Xia Tong, hurry up! Don’t waste time!”

Xia Tong’s mouth twitched. “You’re the one wasting time!”

After a few mutual jabs, the three of them bent over the abacus beads to do the calculations, then hurried back in time to eat the roast beef.

Lian Po was already sharpening his knife, ready to feast.

With Lian Po’s appetite, if they had returned a moment later, there would have been no beef shank left.

Bu was still working at Zhu Xiang’s house.

He also got a share of the beef.

Bu gnawed on the roast beef while watching his master, Zhu Xiang, chatting happily with Lin Zhi, feeling a deep sense of melancholy.

His master had clearly said he was only coming to take a look and would not serve as an accountant for a commoner.

But why, after being treated to a meal by Zhu Xiang, did his master stay on instead of leaving?

It was just a meal!

Although the food at Zhu Xiang’s house was indeed delicious…

…

Xia Tong didn’t understand why, after being led by Zhu Xiang to eat an extraordinarily delicious meal, he had somehow agreed to act as Zhu Xiang’s accountant.

He also didn’t understand why he had allowed his servant to pretend he was staying in, closing the door behind him, and move directly into Zhu Xiang’s house with his luggage.

He tried to convince himself that he was merely gathering information about Zhu Xiang and Lin Xiangru, so he could write to his grandfather and father, seeking a chance to return home. But later, he stopped thinking about these things.

At Zhu Xiang’s house, he studied with Zhu Xiang and Lin Zhi under Lin Xiangru and Lian Po—something he had never even dared to dream of back in Qin. Xia Tong felt that staying a few more years in Zhao wasn’t so bad.

He was still young and could study more outside. After reaching adulthood, he could look for a chance to return home.

The food at Zhu Xiang’s house was delicious, Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji treated him extremely well, and though Lin Zhi could be exasperating, he was entertaining. He had never lived so joyfully since becoming aware—perhaps he could enjoy a few more carefree years.

But the appearance of Lu Buwei disrupted everything.

Lu Buwei saw him as a rare talent and wanted to help him return to claim the throne.

Bu knew the opportunity was rare; it was time to leave his friends.

But he hesitated—once he returned to Qin, should he really reveal Zhu Xiang’s situation to the King of Qin?

Zhu Xiang was extremely close to Lin Xiangru, treating him like a father. Lin Xiangru was loyal to Zhao, and out of consideration for Lin Xiangru’s feelings, Zhu Xiang would hardly switch to an enemy state.

Even if Xia Tong revealed his identity to Zhu Xiang, it wouldn’t work.

If the King of Qin recognized Zhu Xiang’s talent but Zhu Xiang refused to serve Qin, Zhu Xiang could be in danger.

Xia Tong thought for a moment and decided they were still young—they could wait.

By the time he became King of Qin, Lin Xiangru would probably have passed. Lin Zhi and Zhu Xiang, both disdainful of the current King of Zhao, would be much easier to recruit to assist him in Qin.

Even if one of them refused to help, with him protecting Zhu Xiang and Lin Zhi, they could live as wealthy gentlemen in Qin, better than being at the mercy of others in Zhao.

Even if they didn’t serve officially, he could still consult them in private—at least one of them would be serving Qin.

Xia Tong made up his mind.

Then Chunhua appeared, disrupting everything again.

Xia Tong had heard Xue Ji gnash her teeth describing Chunhua’s appearance, especially the charming beauty mark on her face.

Having heard the description so many times, Xia Tong noticed a faint resemblance between Chunhua and Zhu Xiang in their features. And Chunhua had also gone to a wealthy household as a singing girl… After a little inquiry, Xia Tong confirmed Chunhua’s identity.

Should he scheme against Zhu Xiang?

Zhu Xiang would get angry, right?

Xia Tong was caught in a dilemma.

This year was 264 BCE. Xia Tong was seventeen.

…

Lin Zhi: “In the end, he still schemed against you!”

Cai Ze: “In the end, he still schemed against you.”

Li Mu: “Sigh.”

Zhu Xiang: “In the end, you still schemed against me!”

Xia Tong laughed: “Yes, I schemed against you.”

Meng Wu perked up his ears, listening with satisfaction. Xue Ji wanted to laugh and was a little angry at the same time, turning to pinch Zhu Xiang.

Zhu Xiang shouted: “Xue! Xia Tong schemed against me, why are you pinching me?!”

Xue Ji blushed, and to hide her embarrassment, lightly pinched Ying Zheng, who hadn’t been paying attention and was stuffing his cheeks with fruit.

Ying Zheng: “???”

Father did something bad—why pinch me?

Ying Zheng was displeased and wiped the juice from his hands onto his uncle.

Zhu Xiang: “…Are you two teaming up to bully me?

 Xia Tong laughed heartily: “Zhu Xiang, your status at home is really low, huh?”

Lin Zhi: “Exactly, Zheng’er and Xue Ji can both bully him.”

Cai Ze: “This isn’t bullying.”

Li Mu agreed: “Not bullying, just affection.”

Zhu Xiang, proud: “That’s right. My family—Xue, Zheng’er, and I—we’re especially close, right, Zheng’er? Come, uncle, take a bite.”

Ying Zheng pushed his uncle away, hiding in his aunt’s arms, continuing to eat fruit.

Meng Wu scratched his head, sensing something was off, but couldn’t quite figure it out.

It wasn’t until the feast ended and everyone returned home that Meng Wu suddenly slapped his thigh: “Zheng’er, Zhu Xiang, and Xue Ji are a family of three—what about Master Zichu?”

On the first day, he shared his doubts with newly made friends while carrying Master Zichu on his back.

Zhu Xiang: “He’s nothing.”

Lin Zhi: “He’s nothing.”

Cai Ze: “Just a tag-along for Zheng’er.”

Li Mu: “Don’t speak like that about Master Xia Tong.”

Ying Zheng gnawed on his jerky, saying nothing.

Xia Tong approached menacingly: “Are you all talking behind my back again?”

This year was 258 BCE. Old friends and new allies had all entered Qin, and Xia Tong was twenty-three.