Chapter Twelve: The Catfish Effect

Everyone stared at Mo Dun in disbelief. Just moments ago, the people of Mo Family Village had risked their lives to protect the secret of the live fish, yet now Mo Dun was about to reveal it.

Chi Zhiyong’s heart trembled violently, and a glimmer of hope welled within him. If Mo Dun could reveal the secret behind the live fish, he would at least have something to report to those behind him and might avoid being discarded.

The villagers of Mo Family Village wore grave expressions, but none stepped forward to stop Mo Dun. They trusted that he would never endanger the interests of their village.

Under the watchful gaze of all present, Mo Dun slowly began to speak: “During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the great Mozi, leader of the Mohist school, traveled the lands. When he reached the shores of the Eastern Sea, he witnessed something most intriguing.

“In the deep sea, there was a certain kind of sardine of exceptional flavor—especially prized when alive. Those fortunate enough to taste it sang its praises, and its price was exceedingly steep. All the fishermen vied to catch it, but the species was extremely delicate. Once caught, the fish would perish within half an hour, no matter what methods the fishermen tried; they always returned with dead fish.

“Only one old fisherman always managed to bring back live sardines. Mozi, greatly curious, asked the old man what method he used to return with live fish.

“The old fisherman, deeply respectful of Mozi, said, ‘Honorable Mozi, you are a man of noble character and would never covet my secret.’

“He then revealed his simple method: these deep-sea fish are so fragile that, once caught, they are fated to die quickly. So he would place a catfish in the fishing boat. The catfish, which relished these sardines, would chase them about in the tank. In their struggle to escape the catfish, the sardines swam frantically and thus survived the journey.

“Mozi observed this phenomenon carefully and was deeply inspired. He reflected from the animal world to mankind, realizing that people, too, are like these sardines—struggling desperately in the face of adversity for a chance at survival.

“Mozi said: ‘This is the Catfish Effect.’

“Unwilling to let such wisdom be lost, but also not wishing to expose the old fisherman’s secret livelihood, Mozi recorded it in a secret manuscript, decreeing it was to remain confidential for a thousand years.

“Now, at last, Mozi’s secret writing has resurfaced. The Mo Family Village’s live fish technique was inspired by the Catfish Effect. If any of you wish to unravel the secret of our live fish, it will depend on your own abilities.”

With that, Mo Dun led the Mo Family Village’s convoy away in grand fashion.

“The Catfish Effect!”

Long after Mo Dun’s departure, the crowd at the southern gate of Chang’an still murmured the phrase, lost in contemplation.

“Perhaps I’ll go buy a catfish and give it a try,” someone muttered.

His words, though softly spoken, carried clearly in the hush, reaching everyone’s ears.

Yes! Why not try this Catfish Effect myself? The crowd at the southern gate instantly dispersed, leaving the city guards staring at one another in surprise. Chi Zhiyong wished he could swap shifts at once to test the Catfish Effect himself.

The Mo Family Village convoy traveled along the streets of Chang’an. After the incident at the city gate, none felt like beating drums or making a show of things.

Yet Mo Dun clearly sensed a mixture of fear and inexplicable pride among his people. Only a few within the village truly understood the live fish technique; they feared that once Mo Dun revealed the Catfish Effect, someone might decipher their secret.

But their pride was justified. The deeds of their spiritual forebear, Mozi—rediscovered, the Catfish Effect revealed, and a thousand-year vow of secrecy honored—spoke to Mozi’s extraordinary virtue. As Mozi’s descendants, the people of Mo Family Village felt themselves worthy heirs of his legacy.

“Young master, is Mozi’s secret manuscript real?” Li Yi asked with a trembling voice.

“Of course!” Mo Dun replied without hesitation.

“That’s wonderful!” Li Yi exclaimed, overwhelmed with excitement.

This meant everything to them. The Mo Family Village had long followed Mohist teachings, considering themselves Mozi’s disciples, but if Mo Dun truly possessed Mozi’s secret manuscript, then their claim to legitimacy was unassailable.

With Mozi’s secret manuscript in hand and a millennium-old promise honored, who could question the rightful status of Mo Family Village as Mohist heirs?

This was precisely why Mo Dun had attributed the Catfish Effect to Mozi’s secret manuscript. First, it would restore Mozi’s renown, thereby elevating the reputation of Mo Family Village. Second, to forge Mo Family Village into the new sacred ground of Mohism, he needed his people to feel proud of their heritage and thus strengthen their unity.

“But won’t our live fish technique leak out?” Li Xin asked anxiously.

“You rascal, you’re blinded by thoughts of money! This is our best chance to establish the legitimacy of Mo Family Village. Never mind the secret of the live fish—if we had to risk life and limb for this, we would!” Li Yi retorted, beard bristling and eyes wide.

The other elders escorting the convoy nodded in firm agreement, holding their heads high with growing pride.

The younger folk, however, remained unconvinced. Although they, too, felt pride in possessing Mozi’s secret manuscript, they were more concerned about the possibility of the live fish technique being leaked.

“It won’t,” Mo Dun said lightly. His words immediately set everyone’s mind at ease, and the entire convoy relaxed.

As if it could be leaked! The Catfish Effect describes how external stimulation sparks vitality within, which has absolutely nothing to do with the use of artificial oxygenators.

The elders of Mo Family Village beamed with satisfaction. For them, the legitimacy of their lineage mattered most, but to achieve that without compromising their secret technique was even better.

Mo Dun smiled knowingly. In truth, even if he hadn’t encountered Chi Zhiyong’s obstruction today, he would have revealed the Catfish Effect. Beyond restoring Mozi’s fame and spreading his wisdom, the more pressing reason was that they had brought fifteen wagonloads of catfish to market today. Now, it seemed sales would no longer be an issue.

Chang’an was once again in an uproar. The Catfish Effect spread rapidly throughout the city, and the wisdom and noble character of the great Mozi, dormant for a thousand years, conquered Chang’an once again.

“The Catfish Effect—aren’t we all like sardines pursued by a catfish?”

An unfortunate soul sighed, gazing at the sky.

“To honor his promise to the old fisherman, Mozi buried his wisdom for a thousand years.”

“Such astonishing intelligence, such noble character—Mozi truly was the greatest of the pre-Qin philosophers.”

Countless people in Chang’an praised Mozi’s wisdom and integrity. In every era, the wise and the trustworthy are deeply respected, and the Mozi recounted by Mo Dun embodied both virtues. This also perfectly explained why the live fish technique had remained hidden until now.

“The live fish technique is actually derived from the Catfish Effect! If I could obtain the Mo Family Village’s secret, I’d make a fortune. I hear someone has already offered five hundred strings of cash for it!” someone exclaimed, only to notice his companion hurrying away.

“Where are you off to?” he called after him.

“Going to buy a catfish!” the companion shouted back, not even turning his head.

The first man panicked. “Wait for me—I’m coming too!”

Business in Mo Family Village boomed once again, and all fifteen wagonloads of catfish sold out in the shortest time possible.