Chapter 57 Lin Fengzhi felt Ying Zheng's gaze...
Lin Fengzhi felt Ying Zheng's gaze, and she knew this was an opportunity.
She met his gaze, nodded slightly, and spoke in a calm voice with just the right amount of curiosity: "Your Majesty, I have also heard that strange phenomena often occur on the shores of the East Sea. I heard that Your Majesty once stayed in Langya for more than three months and obtained the Nine Tripods of the Zhou Dynasty. Regardless of whether there was any fortuitous opportunity, the magnificent scenery alone is enough to make Your Majesty want to go there again. Along the way, Your Majesty can also inspect whether the officials of Qin are doing their best."
These words, like the last straw, broke the balance in Ying Zheng's mind.
He leaned forward slightly, tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, and finally made his decision.
The First Emperor's majestic voice resounded throughout the hall, carrying an undeniable power: "Excellent! What Shusun Tong said is very much in line with my thoughts. Now that the nation is at its peak, it is the perfect time for an eastern tour to proclaim my virtue and authority, to observe the people's sentiments, and to explore the ways of Heaven! Chancellor Li Si and Senior Minister Meng Yi, begin preparations for the eastern tour immediately. I will personally go to Langya again to view the vast sea, inscribe it on metal and stone, and proclaim it to Heaven and Earth."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Regardless of what others thought, this time, the cheers in the hall sounded genuine and unified.
A potential crisis was cleverly transformed by Shusun Tong into a new national action.
Li Si immediately accepted the order, feeling both admiration and a hint of wariness towards Shusun Tong's quick wit. Meng Yi, on the other hand, calmly agreed and began to consider the details of the protection.
The Confucian scholars felt as if they had been granted a pardon, secretly relieved, and looked at Shusun Tong with a mixture of gratitude and complex emotions.
As Lin Fengzhi lowered her head, a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes. Langya, the East Sea... the road home seemed to be showing a faint glimmer of dawn in that direction.
The feast continued in a new and expectant atmosphere.
The lights remained bright, and the music rose again, but everyone's heart was filled with different thoughts, turning sharply eastward, towards that mysterious and unpredictable blue ocean.
-
After the palace banquet that decided on the eastern tour, Lin Fengzhi settled down in the former bestowed residence in the northern part of Xianyang City.
Although Emperor Qin Shi Huang entrusted the specific matters of establishing the archives to Li Si and others, given Li Si's abilities, he had to handle all the major and minor affairs of the empire, prepare for the eastern tour, and balance the power of various factions. Although he dared not neglect such "civil affairs" as the archives, he could not personally attend to every detail.
This conveniently provides Lin Fengzhi with an opportunity to intervene. Having someone personally appointed by the First Emperor to build a nationwide archive would likely yield little result in less than a year or two. It would be better to let her test the waters by creating a small archive in the residence bestowed upon her by the First Emperor.
The First Emperor didn't even need to think about it; seeing her insistence, he gave his permission.
Of course, the deeper reason is that, after experiencing the bombardment of modern social network information, Lin Fengzhi felt an unprecedented loneliness and...boredom in the Qin Dynasty, where there was no internet and entertainment was relatively scarce.
Yes, it's boring.
Despite being at the center of power, witnessing and participating in historical upheavals, and even contributing to changing history, her deep longing for her hometown often overwhelmed her in the stillness of the night.
She couldn't tell anyone about her longing for her homeland. Everyone assumed that as the high shaman of the Keluo people, she could simply return to Xiangshan and the Keluo people's territory if she missed home.
It was like returning home in glory.
Only she knew that she didn't belong here.
No, there is another person who knows she doesn't belong here.
Lin Fengzhi saw An's image before her eyes. She had given her her bow and arrows. Did she have a suitable weapon now? Were the children in the tribe obedient?
An's letters were all about good news, never mentioning the bad. Xiao Shui followed her example, never speaking of the difficulties she encountered while serving as an official outside the capital.
Therefore, she still decided to transform this spacious and magnificent mansion into a public library, not only to fulfill her promise to Ying Zheng and the students of the world, but also to find a spiritual sustenance for herself.
It's like I've found something to do for myself.
She was not alone.
Qi.
He was still studying at the Xianyang Academy.
Upon hearing that Lin Fengzhi wanted to convert her residence into a storage room, he actively offered his help and called over his classmate and neighbor, Li Zhao.
Li Zhao was a social terrorist; with just a few words, he gathered more than a dozen people, including Ying Yuanxi, who was still studying by the side of the First Emperor.
Suddenly, a group of young people appeared around her.
Many people often overlook Lin Fengzhi's age because of her extraordinary identity and methods. They regard her as an equal or even higher status, leading more and more uninformed people to believe that the divine messenger is an elderly and mysterious woman.
So much so that when the two sides first met, Li Zhao and the others were so surprised that they were speechless.
Regardless of the circumstances, the arrival of Qi and his classmates transformed Lin Fengzhi's once empty mansion into a bustling scene.
Tall bookshelves were initially erected, with bamboo slips, wooden tablets, and precious paper books neatly arranged on them. The air was filled with the fresh scent of bamboo, wood, and ink.
Lin Fengzhi, dressed in a simple, plain-colored robe with her sleeves rolled up, was personally directing everyone to organize the bamboo slips and books.
Qi arrived early and buried himself in a pile of agricultural and technical books, carefully checking the contents and putting temporary labels on the bookshelves.
Li Zhao entered with two maids, carrying some food boxes and stationery. She was dressed more smartly today, clearly having come prepared.
"Divine Envoy," Li Zhao said, stepping forward quickly upon seeing Lin Fengzhi. He bowed respectfully with a warm smile on his face. "I heard from Qi that you enjoy sweet drinks, and I happen to have a secret recipe at home. Please, Divine Envoy, try it."
She gestured for the maid to put down the things she had brought, and personally served Lin Fengzhi a bowl of crispy mountain ice cream.
Lin Fengzhi took it, and a faint fragrance immediately filled her nostrils.
Li Zhao watched her with a smile. Seeing that she had eaten several bites, he thought to himself that Qi's information was indeed accurate, worthy of being a member of the Divine Envoy's clan. She smiled and said, "The Divine Envoy mentioned before that he wanted to change the name of this storage room to Library. I have already asked my grandfather to inscribe 'Library', and it will be hung up when the library is completed."
Lin Fengzhi still couldn't let go of the word "library".
She still used those three words, and even went so far as to find explanations for them in the book in order to justify the library.
The Book of Changes (Zhouyi) states, "The Yellow River produced a map, the Luo River produced a book, and the sages modeled themselves on them." The word "book" here refers to the use of a brush to make written characters clear. Whether it is bamboo slips, silk books, or paper books, although their forms have changed, their core function of "carrying the Way" has remained unchanged throughout the ages.
A library, in its original sense, is a dwelling or inn. It provides a place for books and books to reside, and is also an open public space. This implies that a library embodies a spirit of openness and inclusiveness, welcoming all those who come seeking knowledge as if they were honored guests from afar.
Upon hearing this, Li Zhao immediately praised, "'Map' is the warp and weft of heaven and earth, 'book' is the imprint of the hearts of the past and present, and 'hall' is the gathering place of scholars throughout the world. In this small space, one can connect thoughts across a thousand years and see across ten thousand miles. It can also be distinguished from the library built by Your Majesty. The gods have made a wonderful ingenious idea."
Lin Fengzhi was too embarrassed to answer. She considered herself to be merely copying others' ideas, but Li Zhao and her classmates were indeed true geniuses.
Lin Fengzhi liked Li Zhao very much; she always solved many problems with a smile.
She and her colleagues provided perfect solutions for classifying and registering the books, verifying and storing them, and even managing and maintaining them in the future.
Of course, this does not mean that Lin Fengzhi did nothing.
Lin Fengzhi personally participated in the layout design of the library.
She rejected the common practice of hiding classics in secret rooms, demanding the creation of a spacious and bright reading room. She customized bookshelves for easy retrieval and access, established regulations that allowed entry for reading based on the academy's identity card or with the guarantee of three elders, and strictly stipulated measures for fire prevention, moisture control, and insect prevention.
She even drew up simple blueprints for tables and chairs, which were then made by craftsmen, breaking the tradition of having to kneel to read.
In this process, Lin Fengzhi did not merely issue orders.
She often immersed herself in those mountains of bamboo slips and paper books, personally sorting, flipping through and proofreading them.
As fingertips glide across rough or smooth writing materials, inhaling the scent of ink and bamboo, those ancient characters record the wisdom of our ancestors, the cruelty of war, philosophical contemplation, and the nascent stages of science…
She realized that she was building a bridge connecting the past and the future, and also connecting her with this unfamiliar era.
Perhaps this is why she insisted on building a library, and why she named it a library.
The three characters for "library," personally written by Li Si, plunged Lin Fengzhi into a state of flux between reality and fantasy.
If this library still exists thousands of years later, will its reputation be further enhanced by the plaque inscribed by Li Si?
Whether in his own time or in later generations, Li Si's calligraphy was second to none, standing at the pinnacle of small seal script calligraphy.
Aside from the stone inscriptions ordered by the First Emperor, Li Si rarely wrote anything. Furthermore, given his current high position and busy schedule, he had no time to write.
Lin Fengzhi could certainly ask Li Si for it, but that would be a completely different experience from Li Zhao asking for it. The former carries a sense of forcefulness, while the latter truly represents Li Si's domestic bliss.
Lin Fengzhi looked at the small seal script written by Li Si and was extremely satisfied and full of admiration.
His calligraphy is strong and vigorous, yet dynamic, with strokes of consistent thickness and flowing smoothly.
Lin Fengzhi was about to say something when she turned around and saw that everyone was doing their own job.
She smiled to herself and let it go.
Li Zhao immersed himself in engaging with classical texts.
When she touched the illustrations of the Mohists depicting ingenious instruments, read the detailed agricultural experiences recorded by the Farmers, and even saw the medical practitioners' explorations of the human body and herbs, she felt an unprecedentedly vast world unfolding before her eyes.
This is far more vivid and interesting than the rules and regulations of etiquette that are repeatedly emphasized at home.
The relevant content that had been heard only superficially in the academy before seemed to have become profoundly meaningful.
Li Zhao walked to Lin Fengzhi's side and asked, "Divine Envoy, I have a question. The library contains thousands of books, including the words of all schools of thought, and even some knowledge that was previously regarded as 'strange skills and tricks'. Aren't you afraid that the diversity of ideas will be detrimental to the stability of the Great Qin?"
This question actually reflects the doubts of many people at this moment, including those who are currently helping. Some of them heard the voice and silently stopped.
Lin Fengzhi's gaze swept over the pile of books before her, and she slowly said, "Knowledge itself is neither good nor evil; the key lies in how it is used and who leads it. The Great Qin needs laws to maintain order, agriculture and industry to increase wealth, medicine to strengthen the people's health, and even an understanding of various schools of thought to know itself and its adversaries, and to govern effectively. Gathering knowledge here, placing it under the sunlight, and having it overseen by the court is far better than letting it circulate wild and be exploited by those with ulterior motives. Furthermore,"
She paused, then looked at Li Zhao, “Only when the people’s wisdom is awakened and they can distinguish right from wrong can the foundation of the Qin Dynasty be more solid. Keeping the people ignorant may make it easier to rule for a while, but it is not a long-term solution.”
Li Zhao seemed to be deep in thought.
Lin Fengzhi's words differed from the strict Legalist education she received from childhood, which emphasized "taking the law as teaching and officials as teachers," but the wisdom of "control" and "guidance" contained within them subtly resonated with some of her grandfather Li Si's deeper governing philosophies. She felt as if she had touched upon a deeper layer of governance logic.
"Divine messenger, your insight is profound; I have learned much," Li Zhao said sincerely.
Meanwhile, in the Prime Minister's study.
Li Si was hunched over his desk, reviewing government documents, his brow slightly furrowed. The eastern tour involved countless matters, and he also needed to coordinate the administration of various regions. A servant tiptoed in and whispered a report about Li Zhao's recent frequent visits to the neighboring Divine Envoy's residence to help build a library.
Li Si paused, his hand holding the pen still, without looking up, and simply asked, "How did she do?"
"Reporting to the Prime Minister, the young lady has done her best and has earned the praise of the divine messenger."
Li Si grunted in acknowledgment and waved for his servants to leave.
The study returned to silence.
Li Si put down his pen, leaned against the armchair, and stared into a deep gaze.
He was not entirely unaware of his granddaughter's behavior; some of it even stemmed from his tacit approval and hints.
According to conventional wisdom, women should be quiet and stay at home; to appear in public like this was considered improper. However, he was Li Si, a pragmatic statesman who rose from a minor official in Shangcai, Chu, to the pinnacle of imperial power. Moreover, times had changed; even women could now hold official positions.
Li Si looked at the list of places for reporting for the imperial examination on the desk.
This year's imperial examination has 35 female applicants.
This number is not large; it's even less than the number of men in a single examination hall.
But this number meant that women now had the opportunity to sit at the table.
Since the general trend seems to be in this direction, it's better to let Li Zhao try and gain a foothold as soon as possible than to be excluded. As long as the fundamental interests of the Li family are not harmed and the bottom line of Legalist rule is not crossed, some "compromises" are acceptable.
In addition, Li Si saw things much deeper and further.
The divine messenger held a transcendent position and enjoyed the First Emperor's deep trust. The various changes she brought, whether in technology or institutions, were tangibly strengthening the nation's power. The First Emperor was pleased with this outcome.
When the First Emperor learned that Lin Fengzhi was determined to build a library, he was not angry. He simply sent her the official catalog of books from the library. If she wanted anything, he would send it to her to enrich her collection.
From a family interest perspective, Li Zhao's close relationship with the divine envoy and his involvement in the matter were not necessarily bad things. This could even be seen as a channel for the Li family to establish an informal connection with the divine envoy. Although Lin Fengzhi had no explicit allies, her influence was not to be underestimated. In the imperial court, who dared not give her some face?
If Li Zhao could gain their favor, he might become a link between the Li family and this force in the future.
That evening, after Li Zhao returned to his residence, he was summoned to the study by Li Si.
"I heard you've been helping out at the Divine Envoy's library lately?" Li Si asked calmly, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger.
Li Zhao's heart tightened slightly, and she replied respectfully, "Yes, Grandfather. I believe this matter is beneficial to education and can also broaden one's horizons."
"Hmm." Li Si flipped through a volume of laws, not looking at her. "The divine messenger is very knowledgeable and knows more about the mysteries than anyone else in the world. It would be good for you to ask him for advice. The matter of the library was approved by His Majesty. Since you are involved, you must be careful with your words and actions and not lose your composure or disgrace the Li family."
"Granddaughter understands," Li Zhao replied, bowing her head.
"Did you gain anything from your interactions with those people from the Hundred Schools of Thought?" Li Si asked casually.
The various schools of thought reacted differently to Lin Fengzhi's construction of the library, but most were positive.
They almost all printed two copies of their own theories, one to be sent to the archives and the other to Lin Fengzhi's library.
This was, after all, a great opportunity to legitimately incorporate one's own doctrines into a library recognized by the Qin Dynasty, making them available for students throughout the land to read.
Of course, the premise is that the content of the book must "comply with the Qin laws".
The Legalists were naturally the first to respond, respectfully presenting the officially printed Qin Laws, various decrees and judicial interpretations, as well as finely bound copies of works such as "The Book of Lord Shang" and "Han Feizi." This was not only to enrich the collection, but also to demonstrate to the First Emperor and the world the unshakeable position of the Legalists.
As the first school of thought to follow Lin Fengzhi, the Mohists, led by Sheng Kuan and Xiang Liliang, brought bundles of bamboo slips and brand-new paper books. The contents covered topics such as machinery manufacturing, city defense fortifications, geometry and arithmetic, physical principles, and even some basic optical and mechanical experimental records, all aimed at practical application.
The books they sent included not only the "Mozi," written by the ancestors of the Mohist school, but also a new book compiled based on actual events.
The farmers presented their meticulously compiled "Complete Encyclopedia of Agricultural Administration," which records the habits of various crops, the timing of cultivation, soil improvement, breeding methods, and composting techniques previously mentioned by Lin Fengzhi. Now that the winter wheat harvest is bountiful, Xu Chu and others have added precautions for planting winter wheat, complete with illustrations, clearly demonstrating their considerable effort.
Physicians, military strategists, Yin-Yang masters... even some minor schools of thought all offered their own classic texts, which were then preliminarily reviewed by Li Zhao and others to ensure that there was no content that obviously violated Qin law, incited rebellion, or was too superstitious or supernatural.
The most conflicted is still the Confucian school.
Offering one's own classics would mean placing them on par with other "miscellaneous studies," seemingly leveling their status. However, refusing to offer them might lead to complete marginalization in future intellectual competition.
Ultimately, after intense internal debate, the faction represented by Shusun Tong prevailed. They carefully selected chapters from the Book of Poetry and the Book of Documents that praised unity, emphasized order, and conformed to "great righteousness," as well as sections from the Book of Changes concerning change, the way of heaven, and the correspondence between human affairs. They added annotations that suited the needs of the Qin Dynasty and carefully placed them in the library.
Li Zhao found it quite amusing to see their troubled expressions.
Thinking of Li Si's question, Li Zhao snapped out of her reverie, carefully considered her words, and then summarized her conversation with Lin Fengzhi during the day, as well as her observations while organizing the books. She especially emphasized Lin Fengzhi's views on "knowledge is controllable" and "enlightening the people to consolidate the foundation of the country."
After listening, Li Si remained silent for a moment before saying, "The divine messenger's insight is indeed extraordinary. It's good that you've gained some understanding. Remember, no matter what school of thought you encounter, you must never forget the foundation of Legalism and the ironclad laws of Qin. Go now."
"Yes, Father." Li Zhao left the study, feeling relieved yet also somewhat elated. Her father hadn't explicitly objected, and even seemed to approve, which strengthened her resolve to participate in library affairs and get closer to Lin Fengzhi.
-
Summer has passed, winter has come, and spring is approaching again. Just as the library's preparations are nearing completion and various books are being categorized and shelved, the results of the first large-scale imperial examination of the Qin Dynasty are about to be announced.
The entire city of Xianyang, especially the areas where students gathered, was filled with an atmosphere of tension and anticipation.
On this day, the spring chill lingered, and a fine drizzle fell from the sky.
Lin Fengzhi, enjoying a rare moment of leisure, arrived alone at a rather elegant wine house in the south of Xianyang City, though it was not a gathering place for the top elites.
She chose a quiet spot by the window on the second floor, ordered a pot of warm wine and a few side dishes.
The tavern was bustling with noise, a diverse mix of people.
There were scholars in Confucian robes, anxiously wringing their hands, glancing out the window every now and then, awaiting the fate that would decide their destiny. There were merchants in silk robes, discussing the latest market prices. And there were ordinary people, gossiping about local gossip.
The conversation of several people at the next table, dressed in fine linen clothes and seemingly scholars or minor officials with some property, caught Lin Fengzhi's attention.
"Have you heard? His Majesty will be making another eastern tour soon!" A tall, thin man said in a low voice, unable to hide his excitement.
“That’s right! I heard this trip is even bigger than the last one! They’re saying they’re going to Langya to see the sea!” another, fatter man chimed in.
"Alas, while the emperor's tour is certainly a display of national power, the tributes from the counties along the way and the conscription of laborers are also a hardship," sighed an older man with a composed face.
“Brother Wang, you are mistaken,” the tall, thin man retorted. “Times have changed. The divine messenger offered a plan, the winter wheat harvest was bountiful, and the treasury is full. I heard that the laborers conscripted this time are paid more than before, and they are even provided with enough to eat! Besides, His Majesty’s eastern tour and the inscription of his achievements on stone are momentous events that will be remembered for all time. It is an honor for us common people to witness this prosperous era.”
The portly merchant nodded in agreement: "That's exactly right! Moreover, with His Majesty's tour, trade routes are also open, allowing our cloth, lacquerware, and paper to be sold to the East. Especially the newly produced 'white sugar' and 'refined salt,' I've heard they're more valuable than gold in the Qi-Lu region!"
"Speaking of sugar and cloth," the elder stroked his beard, "they are truly blessings brought by the divine messengers. The maltose of the past was cloudy and sticky; nothing compares to the exquisite white sugar granules of today. And the improved looms—my husband weaves cloth faster and denser now, bringing in more income. And this winter wheat has saved countless lives..."
Lin Fengzhi listened silently, a complex sense of comfort rising in her heart. The changes she brought were indeed gradually seeping into the lives of ordinary people.
Just then, a commotion erupted at the stairwell. Several young students who had just run from the direction of the academy rushed up, their faces full of excitement, almost incoherent.
"The results are out! The results are out!"
"My God! First place! The first place is actually..."
"What is it? Tell us!" Everyone in the tavern perked up their ears.
The student, panting heavily, announced loudly, "The top scholar is Lü Zhi from Pei County! She is... she is a woman!"
"Whoosh—"
The entire restaurant erupted in chaos.
"A woman? The top scholar? This... how is this possible!"
"The imperial examination system did not explicitly prohibit women from taking it! It's just... it's just that it never existed!"
"Lü Zhi? Is she the daughter of Lord Lü from Shanfu County? I've heard her father is skilled in physiognomy and once said she would be incredibly noble in the future..."
"A woman, actually able to surpass all the scholars in the world and win the top prize? This... this change brought about by the divine envoy is just too..."
Discussions, exclamations, and doubts mingled together.
Some people found it unbelievable, some thought it was a sign of the world going downhill, but others, especially young students, had their eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation.
The women looked at each other, and a sense of ambition arose between them.
When Lin Fengzhi heard the name "Lü Zhi", her hand holding the wine glass paused slightly.
Empress Lü Zhi. Empress Lü, wife of Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang).
This woman, known in Chinese history for her fortitude and ruthlessness, unexpectedly stepped onto the historical stage so early in such a way?
Was it her arrival that caused the butterfly effect to change the trajectory of her destiny? The imperial examination system opened up a path to advancement that would have been impossible for this woman with extraordinary wisdom and courage.
Her heart was filled with turmoil. On the one hand, she felt a sense of relief for Empress Lü and for all talented women in the world; on the other hand, she also knew that Empress Lü's rise to prominence would inevitably attract more controversy and undercurrents.
This is not merely a matter of exam rankings; it touches upon the most fundamental gender order and power structure of this era. The road ahead for Lü Zhi was destined to be difficult. To be the first to blaze a trail, it's hard to imagine what trials and tribulations she would face.
Lin Fengzhi recalled the fleeting glimpse she had of Lü Zhi in the carriage half a year ago, and wished her a smooth journey ahead.
"Speaking of which, the new decree recently issued by the Court of Justice seems to be more lenient than before. Although the laws are still severe, it is said that the punishment for some minor offenses is no longer as severe as in the past, such as tattooing the face or cutting off the feet."
"Yes, the patrol officers in the market seem to be more reasonable now, unlike before when you could be arrested for the slightest mistake."
"Perhaps this is also the influence of the divine messenger? I heard that the divine messenger once advised His Majesty that although the laws are strict, people should also be given a chance to repent..."
"Be careful what you say! Be careful what you say! How can we presume to discuss matters of law and order?" the elder quickly interjected.
But the conversation had already begun, and although everyone lowered their voices, they still discussed with great interest the subtle changes in their lives: cheaper cloth, sweeter sugar, more filling food, and what seemed to be... a slightly more comfortable living environment.
The noise in the tavern lasted for a long time before gradually subsiding as the crowd dispersed to gather information or process their shock. The rain had stopped sometime earlier, with only residual water droplets still dripping from the eaves.
Lin Fengzhi sat alone by the window, the wine and food on the table had gone cold. The sounds of what she had just heard echoed in her ears: the preparations for the eastern tour, the sensation caused by the female scholar's academic achievement, the people's enthusiastic discussion about cloth, sugar, and wheat, their sensitivity to subtle changes in the law...
All of this is closely related to her.
She longed for her hometown, for that modern society with its convenient technology, egalitarian ideals, and familiarity with everything. That longing, like the spring rain, was pervasive, damp yet chilling. She often dreamt of returning home, only to wake to find dim candlelight and cold palaces.
But at this moment, listening to the sounds of the city gradually returning outside, thinking of the farmers who were spared from famine because of the winter wheat harvest, the women whose lives were improved because of the new looms, the underprivileged students who had the opportunity to access more knowledge because of the library, and even the criminals who might save their limbs because of a slight relaxation of the law...
A strange feeling began to grow in her heart.
She wanted to go back. But at the same time, she couldn't deny that she was changing the world, making life a little bit better for the people on this land.
The sense of accomplishment brought about by this "change" resonated strongly with the most basic compassion deep within my heart.
"Perhaps... my coming here wasn't entirely accidental?" A thought quietly surfaced, only to be suppressed by her longing to return home. Two emotions battled fiercely within her.
She stood up, walked to the window, and gently pushed open the carved wooden window.
A moist spring breeze, carrying the fresh scent of earth and the budding fragrance of grass and trees, immediately swept over her, ruffling the stray hairs on her forehead and dispersing some of the lingering stale air in the tavern.
Outside the window, the streets and alleys of Xianyang City appeared hazy and tranquil in the twilight. In the distance, the Wei River stretched like a ribbon, and further away, the outline of Zhongnan Mountain appeared and disappeared in the clouds and mist.
The wind and rain of March washed away the dust and seemed to cleanse some of the confusion in her heart.
She saw students hurrying by downstairs, carrying scrolls they had just copied, their faces beaming with satisfaction; she saw vendors selling new cloth on the street corner packing up, their faces showing the peace that comes after a long day's work. Further away, she could vaguely see government officials posting notices, presumably about the specifics of the eastern tour.
This era, under the flapping of her unexpected butterfly wings, is slowly but steadily turning towards an unknown direction.
Her primary goal was to travel east in search of a way home. But along this path, could she also sow some seeds to make this world—which she was destined to leave (as she hoped)—a little better?
The spring breeze caresses the face, carrying both coolness and vitality.
Lin Fengzhi took a deep breath, feeling the spring air of Xianyang in the thirtieth year of Qin Shi Huang's reign.
Counting the days, this is her second year here.
The March rain fell on Lin Fengzhi's shoulders, like a wisp of wind that had finally reached her when she arrived in the world.
Looking out from the tavern, she saw female workers at their posts in the distant textile workshops, their expressions excited, and she could faintly hear the words "female official." She heard the ceaseless turning of the millstones along the Wei River, and in a daze, she heard the comforting breaths of the people of this land. She smelled the aroma of food carried on the wind.
She closed the window, shutting out the chill from outside.
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Author's Note: I'll still be giving out red envelopes in the comments! [dog head with rose in hand][dog head with rose in hand]
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