Chapter 3, The Offering of the Drift Mother

Unfortunately, not long after, Han Fei was harmed by the slander of Li Si, a fellow disciple of Xunzi, after he submitted a memorial to the King of Qin advocating for an attack on Zhao before launching an assault on Han. Li Si maliciously claimed: "Han Fei is a son of Han. Now the king wishes to unify the vassal states; it is only natural that he would ultimately serve Han and not Qin. If the king does not employ him and allows him to linger, it will only invite trouble. It would be better to execute him for his transgressions." The King of Qin believed this and handed Han Fei over to Li Si. Li Si provided Han Fei with poison, urging him to take his own life. Han Fei wished to express his true intentions to the King of Qin but was unable to gain an audience, ultimately succumbing to the poison.

Han Huaichu was not polite either, carrying the fish and following the old woman to the laundry area. The old woman served a bowl of rice, took some chopsticks, and Han Huaichu began to eat from the bowl.

In the wake of her sorrow and indignation, Zheng Hui left the State of Qin alone and journeyed to Huaiyin in the State of Chu, where she chose to live in seclusion

He inquired about the location of the Huaiyin River and walked towards the riverbank. Upon reaching a bridge, he found a favorable spot for fishing and sat down. He took out fishing line and hooks from his treasure pouch, broke a branch to use as a fishing rod, and skillfully dug up a worm from the ground to use as bait, beginning to fish.

It seems that this is the case. Although the long robe I wear is tattered, it still represents noble status. No wonder Han Xin refuses to take off this foul-smelling robe.

Suddenly, a thought arose in his mind

After staying up all night, he felt an unbearable hunger in his stomach

The book states that Han Xin encountered the drifting mother by the river, and later became the King of Chu, expressing his gratitude to the drifting mother for her kindness in providing him with a meal. Could this be the drifting mother? It seems that she and I are destined to meet. This lady has generously offered me food and treats others sincerely, indicating that she is not a treacherous person. I might as well speak frankly.

The old woman then became curious, approached, bowed slightly, and asked, "Young man, may I take a look at your fishing gear?"

At that time, productivity was low, and the fishing gear used was very crude, with fishing lines made entirely of hemp. In contrast, the nylon fishing line in Han Huaichu's hand appeared crystal clear and was definitely something that people in ancient times could not have encountered

Now, with the emergence of a person from the future, Zheng Hui could not help but recall her husband, while simultaneously becoming deeply immersed in the painful memories of her country’s destruction and her family’s demise

Those who can create such tools must be great masters of their time. The old woman then asked the young man, "Young master, who crafted this set of fishing gear?"

The old woman smiled and said, "A fish in exchange for a bowl of rice, then you would be at a loss. Young master, you must be hungry; come over to my place for a bowl of rice. It is just that there is no wine or side dishes, so I apologize for the lack of hospitality."

The old woman complied with Han Huaichu's suggestion and prepared to gut the fish. However, in that moment, she could not find a knife. Just as she was at a loss, she saw Han Huaichu take something out of his bag.

At an accidental gathering, Han Fei encountered Zheng Hui, who was also a person lost in the world. Although Zheng Hui was a woman, she was deeply concerned about the fate of her country. Han Fei, seeing her profound understanding of righteousness and exceptional talent, could not help but develop feelings of admiration for her. Despite his stutter, Han Fei's reputation for talent had already spread throughout the world, and even the renowned talented woman of the time, the extraordinarily graceful Ji Yanran, held him in high regard. Zheng Hui also greatly admired Han Fei, and soon the two became united in marriage. Despite his stutter, Han Fei's reputation for talent had already spread throughout the world, and even the renowned talented woman of the time, the extraordinarily graceful Ji Yanran, held him in high regard. Zheng Hui also greatly admired Han Fei, and soon the two became united in marriage

The broken road household, Han Xin, was familiar with them, which is why Han Huai and Chu entered the city without inquiry

Upon closer inspection, it is quite similar to those depicted in television and films, with a few passersby occasionally dressed in ancient attire. The roads are all dirt paths, and one can see no trace of the future's concrete roads. The low houses are constructed of mud bricks and tiles or made of wood. Wisps of smoke rise in the distance, indicating that early-rising farmers are cooking. The greenery along the roadsides suggests a lack of pollution, and the air that fills the nostrils is particularly fresh. The pedestrians walk slowly, showing no sign of the fast pace of future society. A sense of ancient desolation naturally arises in Han Huaichu's heart.

"Auntie." Han Huaichu noticed that the old woman was silent with her head down, and when he inquired about Xiang Shaolong's news, she did not respond, which made him feel somewhat anxious, prompting him to call out.

What was the Qin Dynasty like? Han Huai Chu pondered along the way

Then he said: "To be honest, madam, I actually come from two thousand years in the future"

It is also a common sight for an old woman by the river to wash clothes, and Han Huaichu does not pay it any mind

It was also a moment of carelessness for Han Huaichu, as he took out a Swiss Army knife. In modern times, this would not be surprising; many people who cannot obtain an authentic one simply collect a counterfeit. However, this is the era of the Qin Dynasty. Not to mention that the exquisite craftsmanship of the Swiss Army knife was unseen and unrecorded in the texts of that time, what tools like bottle openers and screwdrivers had the old woman ever encountered? Thus, doubts arose regarding Han Huaichu's identity. But this is the era of the Qin Dynasty; not to mention that the exquisite craftsmanship of the Swiss Army knife was unseen and unrecorded in the texts of that time, what tools like bottle openers and screwdrivers had the old woman ever encountered? Thus, doubts arose regarding Han Huaichu's identity

The old woman's reaction was also within Han Huaichu's expectations. Upon hearing it, she was greatly astonished and exclaimed, "Two thousand years later! You are from the future?" Han Huaichu nodded and replied, "Indeed."

Little did he know, the old woman suddenly asked a question that left Han Huaichu astonished: "Do you know Xiang Shaolong?"

The old woman looked at the fishing line, then adjusted the fishhook again, feeling even more astonished. The fishhook was made of lightweight metal, coated with a layer of chrome, and appeared very smooth and shiny. Unlike the fishhooks of that time, which were roughly forged by blacksmiths and slowly polished, not only were they made of coarse materials, but they also rusted easily. How could they compare to the fishhook in Han Huaichu's hand? From the perspective of that era, describing it as a work of divine craftsmanship would not be an exaggeration.

The Great Qin Dynasty, I have arrived!

Zheng Hui was interrupted in her thoughts by Han Huaichu, her expression still serious as she asked, "Young man, have you truly come from over two thousand years in the future?"

The old woman gazed at the horizon, remaining silent for a long while, as if she had become entranced.

Han Huaichu could not help but turn his head to look. He saw an elderly woman several dozen meters away, cooking over a fire. The woman placed rice in a steamer to cook, then rolled up a pile of clothes from a basket and washed them in the river, continuously beating them with a wooden pestle

Han Huai and Chu walked towards Huaiyin City, as the sky began to show a fish-belly white, gradually brightening up

This is a placeholder text.

In the fourteenth year of King Zheng of Qin, the Qin army advanced directly towards Han. Zheng Guo's strategy to weaken Qin transformed into a plan to strengthen Qin. How could the weak Han resist the fierce troops of Qin? In a fierce battle, the Han army suffered a great defeat, and the state was subsequently destroyed

From the bottom of the bridge looking up, one can see that more people have begun to gather on the bridge. Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, along with men in red and women in green, come and go in a continuous flow. The small bridge and flowing water, with green willows providing shade, create a beautiful scene of the Jianghuai region

The purpose of Han Huai and Chu's journey was precisely to find Xiang Shaolong. Upon hearing the old woman's words, they were filled with surprise and joy, and asked, "Do you know the whereabouts of Xiang Shaolong?"

At that time, the Zheng family was detained in the Qin state, and his daughter Zheng Hui became acquainted with Han Fei, a prominent representative of Legalism who was also trapped in the Qin state

According to what is said, Han Huai and Chu are experts in fishing, and it should be the time to catch a fish. However, today was truly unexpected; after half an hour of fishing, not a single fish had bitten the hook.

Han Fei was also a Korean, a disciple of the renowned Xunzi of his time, yet he established his own school of thought, returning to the teachings of Huang-Lao. He inherited the Legalist ideas of Shang Yang and Shen Buhai, becoming the foremost exponent of Legalism at the end of the Warring States period. He authored significant works totaling over one hundred thousand words, including "Inner and Outer Reserves" and "Shuolin." The King of Qin, having read his writings, greatly admired him and sought to acquire him, thus ordering an attack on Korea. The King of Korea, who had never valued Han Fei, in a moment of desperation, offered Han Fei to the King of Qin. The King of Qin, having read his writings, greatly admired him and sought to acquire him, thus ordering an attack on Korea. The King of Korea, who had never valued Han Fei, in a moment of desperation, offered Han Fei to the King of Qin.

This text appears to be a placeholder or a non-specific symbol. Please provide a specific text for translation.

"Man is like iron, and food is like steel; one cannot go without eating. But where can one find something to eat to comfort one's uncooperative stomach?" Upon arriving in ancient times, Han Huaichu faced a practical dilemma.

The rice is steamed, and then the old woman stops rinsing, serving the rice into a bowl with chopsticks, and begins to eat by herself

In this city, there are also restaurants, and on the roadside, there are vendors selling steamed buns and pancakes. However, Han Xin was truly a destitute man, having left not even a single copper coin for Han Huai and Chu, making it impossible for him to buy a steamed bun

Han Huai Chu responded with great certainty: "This is certainly the case"

When he arrived at the Huaiyin city gate, it was already morning. He saw a bustling flow of vehicles and horses passing through the city gate, all ordinary people busying themselves early in the morning to make a living. Several officers from the Qin army were stationed at the city gate, continuously inspecting the incoming and outgoing pedestrians

How could an old woman know Xiang Shaolong? Isn't that too coincidental

There are no coincidences in a story. It turns out that this old woman is the daughter of Zheng Guo, a noble from the Han state during the Warring States period

"Young Master?" Han Huaichu was taken aback upon hearing this address, feeling it was somewhat strange

At this moment, Han Huai Chu began to understand Han Xin's predicament. "As a noble, Han Xin would be better off lowering himself to beg for food, yet he lacks the ability to secure a livelihood. He spends his days idling on the streets, relying on the hospitality of friends and relatives. How could this not bring him shame? Now, if I were in Han Xin's position, what means would I have to solve the problem of hunger?"

The old woman had long seen Han Huaichu fishing, and it was not surprising to her when he caught a fish. However, when she noticed the hook glinting in the morning light, it captivated her attention.

Zheng Hui once heard Han Fei mention that King Zheng of the Qin State had a master named Xiang Shaolong. This person is enigmatic and is rumored to come from the future

Han Huai-Chu was certainly not like the destitute Han Xin, who struggled to make a living. He was originally an outstanding member of the special forces, frequently encountering survival training in the wilderness. Placed in the wild mountains and forests, he would not only avoid starvation but also gather numerous spoils—game. Now in Huaiyin City, he could not hunt as freely as in the remote countryside; the only viable option was to fish by the banks of the Huaiyin River

That object was shining brightly, with knives, scissors, files, and many other tools whose names the old women could not recall. Han Huaichu handed the object to the old woman. Upon seeing it, her expression suddenly changed dramatically, and she exclaimed, "Young master, who exactly are you? Where did you obtain this item?"

In the twenty-third year of King Zheng of Qin, General Wang Jian of Qin attacked Chu, achieving a great victory over the Chu army. The land of Chu, specifically Huaiyin, was also trampled under the iron hooves of the Qin army

At that time, King Zheng of Qin, though still young, was remarkably open-minded. Instead of expressing anger, he showed joy and pardoned the State of Zheng, allowing it to continue its canal construction. Thus, the State of Zheng was granted a reprieve.

Zheng Hui slowly said, "I hope you don't mind my asking, will the Qin state perish?"

When King Qin met Han Fei, he was initially very enthusiastic and often sought his advice on various issues. However, because Han Fei was born in an enemy state, the king ultimately did not dare to employ him extensively. Although Han Fei was not successful in this situation, he originally had no intention of serving Qin and did not mind. He was deeply worried as he saw the state of Han on the brink of collapse, likely to perish in the near future.

It is unclear how much time has passed, when suddenly a wisp of smoke floated into view

Han Huaichu nodded

Han Huaichu then smiled and said, "It doesn't matter, I will go to the mountains and forests tomorrow to hunt some game and send it to the lady to sell"

What is this object? Why is it so pretentious?

Zheng Hui's expression brightened, and she asked, "Can Korea be revitalized?"

At this moment, Han Huai and Chu were in a very awkward situation, unsure of how to explain themselves. If the old woman continued to ask questions, it might attract the attention of the authorities and lead to trouble.

This text appears to be a placeholder or a non-specific symbol. Please provide a specific text for translation.

Suddenly feeling a weight in his hand, he knew that the fish had taken the bait. With a quick shake, a silver carp over a foot long leaped out of the water. He hurriedly concealed his joy and held the struggling carp in his hands

Later, the Zhengguo Canal indeed fulfilled the promises made by Zheng Guo, further strengthening the Qin state. The canal now lies within the boundaries of Jingyang, Sanyuan, Gaojun, and Lintong, stretching approximately 150 kilometers and irrigating an area of 40,000 hectares, complementing the Dujiangyan in the north and south. After the canal was constructed, Guanzhong became the granary of the world

"Others have food, but I do not." Han Huaichu watched the old woman eating over there, and his hunger intensified.

This old woman is actually unwilling to eat even a single fish. It turns out that during the late Qin period, the common people lived such difficult lives that it is no wonder that so many people in history rebelled against the emperor

However, the aroma of rice drifting from the old woman's side grew increasingly intense, enticing his appetite. Han Huaichu could not help but feel his fingers twitch, swallowing hard.

This old woman actually knows Xiang Shaolong

Zheng Guo argued: "Even if the construction of the Zhengguo Canal causes the Qin state to expend considerable resources, it can only allow the Han state to survive for a few more years. In contrast, building the river canal can enrich the people of Qin and strengthen the state, achieving lasting success for generations to come"

While eating, he asked, "Madam, how about I give you this fish to make a dish?" The old woman replied, "The world is difficult; young master, it would be better for you to sell the fish and exchange it for some grain, so you can survive a bit longer."

Han Huaichu took the hook out from the fish's gills, handed it to the old woman, and said: "Please go ahead"

At that time, the military strength of the Qin state was formidable, while the Han state was weak, situated at the stronghold east of the Qin state, near the Hangu Pass. The Qin state had long been eyeing the Han state, seeking a reason to annihilate it. In desperation, the rulers of Han devised a strategy to exhaust the enemy and sent the spy Zheng Guo into Qin. Zheng Guo, well-versed in water conservancy, persuaded the then-powerful chancellor of Qin, Lü Buwei, that he was willing to construct a canal for Qin. Lü Buwei was very pleased and approved this grand project, naming it the Zheng Guo Canal. However, the construction of the Zheng Guo Canal took many years and remained unfinished, wasting a significant amount of manpower, resources, and finances of the Qin state. Ultimately, the astute Lü Buwei discerned the underlying motives and realized that Zheng Guo's actions were intended to weaken Qin, preventing its army from advancing eastward. In a fit of anger, Lü Buwei sought to execute Zheng Guo.

"This seemingly ordinary fishhook, she actually treats it as a treasure. If I were to tell her it was made by some future FACTORY, she would surely think I was a monster. " Han Huaichu chuckled silently, not bothering to explain. He then asked, "Madam, may I exchange this fish for a bowl of rice?"

***