Chapter Seventy: Another Difficult Problem

Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but curl his lips at this, thinking to himself, “Brother, just spare me, would you? My education really isn’t that high. These two phrases are ones I’ve heard all the time, so I went to look up their origins online. It’s been so many years—how could I possibly remember the exact source?” But since he was seeking help, he couldn’t speak too bluntly and risk chilling the other’s heart. “Brother Zhao Ding, to tell you the truth, I don’t recall exactly where these two phrases come from. I was just interested in them at the time and wrote them down. I vaguely remember that ‘strict orders and prohibitions’ might come from the ‘Guanzi,’ while ‘when the general is outside, orders may not be followed’ is from the ‘Art of War.’ But the exact chapters escape me—it’s been too long. Of course, it’s possible they’re from somewhere else as well.”

Looking at Zhang Xuan, Zhao Ding didn’t seem to think he was lying. After all, it was normal not to remember after so much time. He made a mental note of the two phrases to confirm them later.

After walking for a short while, Zhang Xuan and Zhao Ding arrived at Zhao Ding’s residence. Zhao Ding instructed his attendant to bring over a small chest of books. Inside were both paper books and a few bamboo slips. He said to Zhang Xuan, “These books are all ones I’ve personally copied and engraved. You mustn’t damage or lose them; I only have this one set, and if they’re ruined, they’re gone forever.” He then handed all the books to Zhang Xuan.

Zhang Xuan hurriedly thanked him, beating his chest in assurance that he would take good care of them, not letting them get damaged or even dirty. At that moment, he found Zhao Ding increasingly pleasing to the eye.

Zhang Xuan leafed through the books Zhao Ding handed over, flipping through a few pages at random. He couldn’t recognize a single character. To him, the writing on the books and bamboo slips might as well have been magical symbols. As he browsed, it suddenly dawned on him what he had been forgetting.

“Uh, Brother Zhao Ding, you see, you don’t have much to do here at the Yan family, right?”

Zhao Ding nodded. He used to be able to read, but now that he had lent his books to Zhang Xuan, it seemed he truly had nothing to do for the next few days.

“Well, since you’re idle, could you lend me a hand? Don’t rush to refuse. Since you’re free anyway, would you spare some time to teach our group of uncultured folks the contents of these books? Of course, we wouldn’t let you teach for nothing—there would be compensation. What do you think?” Seeing Zhao Ding hesitate, Zhang Xuan pressed on: “Brother Zhao Ding, if you agree, I’ll go talk to Elder Tong and have the Yan family arrange for someone to take you to Yingchuan Academy. The head of the Yan family is quite interested in group instruction, and many in the Yan clan have traveled far and wide. With them leading the way, you’d avoid many detours. What do you say? I’ll ask Elder Tong about it and let you know. Generally speaking, it should be feasible.”

Zhao Ding was rather interested in the proposal. Since he was idle anyway, finding something to do wouldn’t hurt. And if the Yan family really sent someone to lead them to Yingchuan Academy, it would save him a lot of trouble. He had already experienced how much easier it was to have a guide than to wander and constantly ask directions—there was a significant difference in time.

Seeing Zhao Ding still hesitating, Zhang Xuan decided to let him think it over and also needed to discuss the arrangement with Elder Tong to see if it was possible. “Brother Zhao Ding, you consider it, and I’ll ask Elder Tong if the Yan family can send someone to guide you to Yingchuan. Once I have confirmation, you can give me your answer.” With that, Zhang Xuan took the books and bamboo slips and went off to find Elder Tong.

He searched all around, but couldn’t find Elder Tong. Perhaps his efficiency was so high that Elder Tong was still busy recruiting people to copy books and engrave bamboo slips.

Yang Zaixing spotted Zhang Xuan, noticed the bundle in his arms, and asked, “Xuan, what precious things are you carrying?”

“Nothing much, just some books and bamboo slips I borrowed from Brother Zhao Ding. Since we’re planning to add reading to our curriculum, if we don’t have books, how can we read? Big Brother, have you seen Elder Tong? I sent him to find people to copy the books, but he hasn’t returned yet.”

“No, I haven’t seen Elder Tong. If there’s no one else, I can copy the books—I’ve been to school myself. Or you might check the martial training courtyard; maybe you’ll find someone willing to help. But there’s one issue: we have no paper. And bamboo slips have to be made—you can’t just chop down bamboo and use it straight away.”

“There’s such a process? I thought you could just cut the bamboo, saw it, tie it together, and start carving.”

“It sounds simple, but first you need to find the bamboo. Then you have to saw it to the right length, split it open, shave it smooth and flat. You also have to dry the bamboo, or else it will warp or attract insects. Afterwards, you need thin cords or hemp ropes to string the slips into a book. It’s all rather complicated. Paper is even more complex—I don’t know how it’s made.”

“How do you know all this, Big Brother?”

“I watched my family do it before. I thought it was interesting, so I tried it myself.” After speaking, Yang Zaixing seemed to recall something, sighing deeply.

At that moment, Zhang Xuan didn’t notice Yang Zaixing’s sigh. “Where am I supposed to find paper and bamboo slips right now? I’ll ask Elder Tong when I see him!”