Chapter 48: The Resurgence of the Confucian-Mohist Debate

"The Mohist Village is about to reveal the secret of keeping fish alive."

Like a gust of wind, this news swept through the entire city of Chang'an, from the south to the north, from inside the city to its outskirts. In less than half a day, the whole of Chang'an was abuzz.

"So fast! Impossible," someone expressed their doubts.

The secret technique of keeping fish alive was a peerless treasure, a source of daily fortune, sustaining more than five thousand people in Mohist Village. Coupled with the village's reputation for a thousand years of honesty, it was precious beyond measure.

"I don't believe it either! That's the most valuable asset of Mohist Village. If I were one of them, I'd hold onto it for as long as possible. Even just one more day—perhaps not earning a fortune each day, but at least a gold coin daily!"

...

Many refused to believe the rumor, reasoning that no one would willingly spit out the fat morsel already in their mouth.

But as time passed and the news was confirmed, Chang'an was thrown into uproar.

"It's true. Several fish shops run by Mohist Village have already been transferred, leaving only those in the major markets."

"I personally asked a clerk from the village, and the news is real!"

...

The secret technique for keeping fish alive was indeed about to be revealed! Once this was confirmed, the most excited were the fish merchants, both big and small. Mohist Village had nearly monopolized the live fish business in Chang'an, squeezing their survival space to the limit. If the secret was truly made public, everyone would start on equal footing.

"Haha, Mohist Village is giving up their advantage!" Manager Wang of Wang's Fish Shop was overjoyed. Earlier, Mohist Village had suppressed his business with their secret technique, forcing losses. Now, if he could obtain the secret, why fear Mohist Village anymore?

"Everything that belongs to Wang's Fish Shop, I will reclaim, bit by bit!" Manager Wang declared with confidence.

"Mohist Village is truly trustworthy!" someone praised.

Those who heard nodded silently. Though they might not support Mohist Village's actions, they couldn't help but admire its integrity.

"This time, it seems we've lost some advantage, but we've built credibility and established our own brand," Mo Dun explained to Master Fish.

---

"Young master, I understand your intention. But once the secret is revealed, the village's live fish business will surely be hit. That could affect the development of our village," Master Fish said worriedly.

"Uncle Fish, don't worry. Selling live fish might take a hit, but compared to the brand we've established, this loss is insignificant. Mohist Village will have new sources of income. Uncle Zhang will soon finish renovating your restaurant," Mo Dun said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Old Zhang swallowed a delicious steamed bun, satisfaction written on his face. He glanced at the bun shop ahead and then at the nearly two acres of grand estate behind, thinking, "I never expected the young master to acquire such a vast property in Chang'an!"

The shop bought by Qin Huaiyu for eight thousand coins stood at the intersection of two roads, occupying a large area. Only three shops were currently used for the 'Dog Doesn’t Care' buns, with many more shops and the estate behind still under renovation. Even though Mohist Village was short on manpower, Mo Dun had not stopped work here, including the restaurant he promised Master Fish.

"Uncle Zhang! How should we deal with this rockery?" A young man from Mohist Village came to consult.

"Level it, flatten everything. The young master has big plans for this spot—the secret technique will be demonstrated here," Old Zhang said with a grand gesture.

"Rest assured, Brother Fish, nothing will delay your big moment. You'll be amazed, I guarantee it. Honestly, I was stunned the first time I saw the blueprint from the young master. It's one of a kind in all of Chang'an," Old Zhang boasted.

"Sounds wonderful," Master Fish grinned from ear to ear, looking expectantly at the nearby three-story building.

The rumor grew, with new details every day. Soon, word spread about where Mohist Village would reveal the secret: directly opposite the Imperial Academy.

"Wow, Mohist Village dares to choose such a location, challenging the Confucians head-on," some said, eager for drama.

"Is Mo Dun courting disaster? He’s still studying at the Imperial Academy, yet dares to be so bold!"

...

"Mo Dun, you’re amazing—daring to confront the Imperial Academy?" Qin Huaiyu grinned mischievously and gave Mo Dun a thumbs-up.

"Get lost! If you hadn't bought the property here just for your gluttony, I wouldn't be facing off against the Academy!" Mo Dun retorted.

He hadn’t intended to hold the event here, but Mohist Village was strapped for funds—saving money was essential.

"Hypocrite! You were just waiting for this opportunity. Why else would you have started work on the estate right away?" Qin Huaiyu scoffed.

He had bought this estate, so Mo Dun’s actions couldn’t escape his notice.

---

Mo Dun shook his head, "Mohist Village's reputation is too low. I doubt many will come. If we don't borrow some popularity from the Academy, the event might flop."

"Now you’ve succeeded—and it’s gone viral!" Yuchi Baolin entered from outside. "The whole Academy is in an uproar; the teachers are gritting their teeth, looking for you."

"Uh-oh!" Mo Dun turned to Qin Huaiyu. "Didn't I ask you to call in sick for me?"

Qin Huaiyu replied awkwardly, "The Academy was so agitated, I didn’t dare hand it in directly. I just left it on the Dean’s desk and went!"

Mo Dun shot him a look of contempt. For all his usual bravado, he always chickened out when things got tough.

"Where’s Mo San?" Qin Huaiyu asked.

"He’s out. Why?" Mo Dun replied.

"Heh, I just wanted to thank him properly—his special skill was a huge help," Qin Huaiyu said, eyes twinkling.

"Oh! Didn’t Teacher Liu suspect anything?" Mo Dun asked, surprised.

Printed characters and handwriting are clearly different, since printed text lacks brushstrokes.

"Of course he suspected," Qin Huaiyu said, still uneasy. "He even compared my previous assignments and found the handwriting identical—that’s why he let us off."

"At least we passed!" Yuchi Baolin laughed.

"Be careful! Teacher Liu already suspects you. Don’t let them catch you red-handed," Mo Dun warned.

"Why worry? It’s our handwriting. As long as we aren’t caught in the act, I’ll insist I wrote it myself," Qin Huaiyu said nonchalantly.

For these sons of military families, writing assignments was the worst punishment. Now, with the miracle of printing, their homework woes were solved—nothing else mattered.