Chapter Seven, The Secret Classic of Gongshu
Quickly tell me, how did Jing Jian suffer a loss? Haha, that kid was dealt with by you, and yet he still wants to rely on us for help. What a skillful man you are, sir! You actually made him convinced and submissive. Such a remarkable person, Bai Chong must get to know him. You also share the surname Bai; I wonder which branch of the Bai family you belong to. Perhaps we are even relatives...
Before Bai Dong could inquire, the Liyang Ling recounted the events: how Jing Jian had asked him to take Bai Dong to meet the monarch, and how he had advised him to navigate the situation carefully. It seemed that Jing Jian was quite a decent person, considering his own interests. As the story progressed, it became clear why Bai Chong held such a dislike for Jing Jian; it turned out that Jing Jian had not informed him of the reason for taking him to meet the monarch, only stating that he had jeopardized a significant matter for the State of Qin, yet he refused to clarify the circumstances.
Two-wheeled grain carts not only have limited carrying capacity, but also rely on horses as one of the triangular support points, resulting in slow movement that may not be much faster than ox carts. In this era, oxen are more precious than horses; there are not enough for plowing, and their use must be supervised by local officials. The sovereign cannot mobilize them in large numbers, otherwise those old aristocratic families with extensive farmland would dare to threaten the state by "retreating from cultivation," which is far more alarming than street protests in later times, as it concerns the very foundation of the state and its ancestral temples.
Looking at Bai Chong's appearance, he seems to be a straightforward man, tall and robust, with bright eyes and a pale complexion. If it weren't for the battle armor that added a touch of authority, he would resemble a simple-hearted beggar, not one to deceive himself. Moreover, he listened curiously to my account and left the carriage satisfied, then mounted his horse to patrol, proving to be a diligent and responsible leader. However, as he turned to leave, a rumble echoed from his stomach, and his face turned red. Can the esteemed magistrate of Liyang really be shy?
After lamenting the technological backwardness of this era, Bai Dong prepared to get off and take a few steps. Although he did not understand why Jing Jian had thrown him into a pile of grain, he was fortunate that this Qin army treated him relatively well. Not only was he not bound hand and foot, but they also specially arranged a horse-drawn carriage with a compartment for him. Is this the privilege of a scholar? It makes sense, as what the Qin state lacks the most today is not fierce generals or soldiers, but intellectuals.
Jing Jian did not respond, lightly striking Bai Dong on the back of the neck with a palm, he handed him over to an armored man, saying: "Jia Wu, the grain transport team from Liyang Ling is just ten miles down the ridge. You will take Mr. Bai to the Hexi camp. Remember, do not harm Mr. Bai. Upon arrival at the camp, do not meet the monarch immediately. First, please have Liyang Ling ascertain the situation at the front lines, whether our army is victorious or defeated. If the monarch is in a bad mood, then first hand Mr. Bai over to the Second Young Master. The Second Young Master has always valued talent and respected scholars, and will make proper arrangements."
Indeed, the gentleman is in a difficult situation. However, that woman in black has stolen something of vital importance. I must provide an explanation to the monarch, and thus I can only take offense.
Although Jing Jian appears quite effeminate, he is not a real rabbit, but rather a renowned minister of his time. At this moment, even with just his little feet, he can deduce who the person that saved that woman is, without needing to examine the footprints.
Jing Jian turned and walked down the ridge: "Yi Chi, Bing Tie, Ding Bei, the three of you come with me down the ridge to fetch the horses. That woman has received outside assistance and is surely fleeing east with it. If she manages to escape into the State of Wei, it will become troublesome."
No!
Five figures quickly dispersed, and Jing Jian hurriedly led three armored men eastward. The one named Jia Wu, an armored man, carried Bai Dong down the ridge from the north. This fellow was much more brutal than Jing Jian, as he hoisted Bai Dong onto his shoulder like a sack, indifferent to whether it was comfortable or not
The desire to sleep beautifully has become a luxury. Bai Dong woke up amidst the sounds of people shouting and horses neighing, with a burning pain in his shoulders. Just as he intended to sit up straight, he was jolted back down by a violent bump. Fortunately, this body is young and full of vitality; had it been the old arms and legs from his previous life, it would have been surprising if he didn't hurt his back.
On both sides of the grain convoy, there were two groups of armored soldiers wielding spears and swords, equipped with bows and quivers, fully armed. The grain carts were horse-drawn and did not move quickly. During the Warring States period, stirrups and saddles had not yet been invented, making it difficult for riders to exert force while mounted. The idea of mounted combat was essentially a dream. It was not until King Wuling of Zhao adopted the Hu clothing and mounted archery that cavalry could be effectively utilized on the battlefield. Currently, reliance is still on chariot warfare, with cavalry primarily serving as scouts, and only those with excellent horsemanship could fulfill this role. Therefore, horses were not as precious as they would be in later times, and using them to transport military provisions was not considered wasteful.
What do you want to do
If the historical records are not mistaken, Bai Dong need not worry about the Jing Supervisory Committee plotting against him. His words were passionate and resonant; the four armored men were all capable subordinates of the Jing Supervisor. Upon a moment's reflection, they understood Bai Dong's intentions. Rather than harboring any hatred, they secretly gave him a thumbs up: "Truly a scholar, indeed calculating and responsible! If I were in his position, it seems I would act in the same manner."
Are you the one who made that pretty boy Jing Jian suffer? Well done! Throughout my life, I, Bai Chong, have admired true men the most. That kid Jing Jian is so pretentious, often considering himself a cultured gentleman. This time, he has encountered a real scholar, and isn't he just going to be at a loss?
Four armored men returned dejectedly. Bai Dong still held himself in high regard; his clumsy disguises could not fool anyone. The cave had been discovered, and the footprints and bloodstains left behind were sufficient to prove that the woman in black had once been rescued into the cave. However, judging from the traces at the scene, it appeared that a third party had also taken her away.
Bai Dong found it quite strange; just now, that was clearly the sound of a hungry stomach, and it was a noise that could only be made after two or three days of hunger. In this day and age, it is all too common for commoners and the impoverished to go hungry. Every winter, he and Cao Er have to tighten their belts, but he had never heard of officials going hungry as well. Liyang is the capital of the Qin state; the position of Liyang Ling is not insignificant, yet he too would go hungry? Turning to look at the Qin soldiers outside, each one bore a gaunt expression of hunger. What is going on? Liyang is the capital of the Qin state; the position of Liyang Ling is not insignificant, yet he too would go hungry? Turning to look at the Qin soldiers outside, each one bore a gaunt expression of hunger. What is going on? There are not fewer than five hundred grain carts, or at least four hundred; could it be that they are only carrying sand?
He peered into the carriage and glanced at Bai Dong, which made Bai Chong burst into hearty laughter. He came from a legitimate military background, having earned his accolades amidst mountains of corpses and seas of blood, unlike Jing Jian, who hailed from a noble lineage. Although he held the title of deputy general, most of his work involved espionage, lacking both the refinement of literature and the valor of martial prowess, which genuine soldiers naturally disdained. Moreover, they all shared the surname Bai; even if they were not closely related, the name itself fostered a sense of kinship. Upon seeing Bai Dong, he felt genuinely pleased, thinking of making friends and sharing in some literary spirit. For true scholars, there exists an innate sense of closeness even with rough individuals.
Cautiously sitting up, I looked around and found myself in a carriage. In front, the driver was shouting, and a wave of foul odor hit me, accompanied by the sound of hooves. I confirmed that I was on a moving horse-drawn carriage. That effeminate fellow still had some conscience, but this carriage was truly subpar; it jolted violently, pitching back and forth, performing a thirty-degree tilt up and down. This was due to the fact that four-wheel steering technology had not yet been applied; carriages of this era were all two-wheeled. Sitting in it felt like a punishment, hardly better than walking.
The person is the one I saved. Since I cannot bring myself to kill him, I can only save him. Scholars have their own ways of doing things. It is getting dark, and there is no escape, nor is there any reason to hide. Engaging in a few trivial conversations with Duke Jing can be considered as fulfilling my duty. Duke Jing is a wise and open-minded gentleman; he should understand my predicament
In fact, Bai Dong is also quite curious. Jing Jian can be considered a renowned minister of his time; he is handsome and possesses great martial prowess. It was he who brought Wei Yang into Qin, facilitating the reforms. Such a person, instead of engaging in earth-shattering deeds, is instead wandering the mountains and fields to pursue a woman. Is this woman of great value, or does she possess something precious? As a dignified scholar, merely offering assistance in a moment of crisis to save a woman, why must he be taken to meet the monarch? To say he is being taken is not entirely accurate; his treatment is far superior to that of the soldiers outside, resembling more of a guest. As a dignified scholar, merely offering assistance in a moment of crisis to save a woman, why must he be taken to meet the monarch? To say he is being taken is not entirely accurate; his treatment is far superior to that of the soldiers outside, resembling more of a guest.
"Lord Jing, it is this person who saved that lowly maid. Why do you trouble yourself to scheme for him?"
After confirming that these Qin soldiers meant no harm, Bai Dong was just about to get out of the car to stretch his legs when he suddenly heard someone laughing heartily. In the distance, he saw a fine horse galloping towards him.
Peering out from the window, one could see grain trucks lined up in front and behind, a vast number whose exact count was unknown. Each truck was piled high with dozens of grain bags, and perched atop each was a soldier, a burlap sack slung diagonally over his shoulder, the contents of which remained a mystery.
Short-sighted! This Mr. Bai possesses the demeanor of a distinguished person, and if we fail to pursue that woman, it is likely that the "Gongshu Secret Classic" will ultimately fall into his hands. I sent him to the Hexi Camp because the monarch is concerned about this matter and requires an explanation, but it was not my intention to truly harm him, do you understand
Is Mr. Bai awake? Haha
Jing Jian's gaze shifted repeatedly. He, too, came from a noble background and was no stranger to the integrity of scholars. If he were in Bai Dong's position, he would likely act in a similar manner. Although the man before him, Mr. Bai, appeared disheveled and was dressed in the simplest of hemp garments, his words were novel, and his actions were resourceful yet retained a sense of dignity. Such a person was truly worthy of respect. However, the black-clad woman was of significant importance, and he could not afford to let this man go lightly.