Zhao Hanzhang was also frank, directly pointing at Ji Yuan.
Ji Yuan met Zhao Ming’s gaze and smiled slightly. “Years ago, Xiahou Ren entered the capital for official selection and joined the Ministry of War, serving in the職方司 Office of Geography. Due to conflicts with the Jia clan, he angrily resigned. The Lord chased him out of the capital and specially entrusted him to draw maps for Great Jin. He refused on the grounds that currently stored maps had many inaccuracies, but afterward the Lord continued writing letters with this request, so he began drawing and verifying as he traveled.”
The Office of Geography was the Ministry of War department specifically in charge of maps, also responsible for compiling maps submitted from localities. When it came to who understood Great Jin’s territory and regions best, apart from some particularly attentive important figures, it would be the Office of Geography, because that was their job.
That Zhao Changyu had entrusted this to him already showed Xiahou Ren had considerable ability in this area.
“In earlier years he still exchanged letters with the Lord, occasionally mentioning he had drawn quite a few provincial maps. Unfortunately, later when Empress Jia seized power and the capital became chaotic, he and the Lord ceased correspondence,” Ji Yuan said. “This time seeing him here, I only then remembered.”
Zhao Ming pondered, “I wonder if he plans to submit these drawings to the court, or keep them for the Xiahou family?”
Ji Yuan contemplated for a moment before saying, “Years ago the Lord promised him that as long as he drew verified maps, he would present them to His Majesty on his behalf.”
From Xiahou Ren’s manuscripts, he had even marked river silt blockage situations—submitting such a detailed map would allow Xiahou Ren to receive a noble title.
However, no one expected the situation would change so drastically. Afterward not only did Empress Jia die, now the Emperor had died too. A new Emperor replaced him, and Zhao Changyu had died as well.
Ji Yuan said, “He was willing to wager this life’s work to you, certainly because the glass workshop has high value, but it may not be without consideration for the Lord.”
Zhao Ming’s heart stirred, “If we could obtain more of his manuscripts…”
Zhao Hanzhang gave him a thumbs up. “Uncle has excellent aspirations. I thought the same way, so we need to maintain good relations with him. If we could keep him residing in the fortress long-term, that would be even better.”
Zhao Ming said, “…Aren’t you afraid he’ll discover those tricks of yours in Xiping County?”
From the maps he drew, Xiahou Ren was clearly not a careless person.
Zhao Hanzhang’s enthusiasm was doused with cold water. Although she was confident she could conceal it, still… better safe than sorry. She was still so weak now, so helpless—she shouldn’t casually show her face before the Grand Rectifier and Inspector He.
Zhao Ming put down the drawings. “Copy them quickly and send him on his way.”
Now the Zhao clan and Zhao Hanzhang were bound together. If she had trouble, that meant the Zhao clan had trouble. He would never allow anyone to endanger the Zhao clan.
Zhao Hanzhang obediently agreed, “But there are so many manuscripts…”
Zhao Ming said, “I’ll have clan youth come help you.”
Zhao Hanzhang immediately thanked him, smiling as she saw Zhao Ming out. With him taking action, it was much more convenient than her making requests herself.
Indeed, once Zhao Ming gave the word, Zhao Kuan and the others had to obediently come.
Those selected all had good calligraphy and painting skills. Even Eleventh Great-Uncle came to look. Seeing such detailed drawings, he couldn’t help stroking his beard in praise. “Xiahou Zitai truly lives up to being a renowned scholar. The drawings are excellent. Have the survey proportions been calculated? Are there any problems?”
Zhao Hanzhang said, “None. He was very careful—the survey proportions used are all the same.”
This also made consolidation convenient for them.
Eleventh Great-Uncle looked at the Xiping County map, repeatedly praising, “Marvelous, truly marvelous.”
Zhao Hanzhang’s heart stirred as she watched. She moved closer. “Eleventh Great-Uncle, these maps are all separated. For example, our Xiping County map—he divided it into two parts. It’s completely drawn wherever he went, and some even have modifications on the original maps. People with ordinary learning can’t distinguish what’s correct and what’s wrong.”
“But these manuscripts were won, so we’ve already gained an advantage. It wouldn’t be good to request Uncle Xiahou’s help again. And in our clan, the only one with the ability to consolidate and draw these maps is Eleventh Great-Uncle,” Zhao Hanzhang looked at Zhao Qin with pleading eyes. “Eleventh Great-Uncle, won’t you help me?”
Zhao Qin nearly pulled out his beard. With a serious expression he said, “Stop this nonsense. Your Uncle Ming and Uncle Cheng are both skilled at drawing—aren’t they both stronger than me?”
Though he said this, the corners of his mouth weren’t so obviously upturned.
Before Zhao Hanzhang could continue persuading, he had already agreed on his own. “However, they’re both busy and probably don’t have time. These maps are critically important, so I’ll help you out.”
Zhao Hanzhang immediately said, “I’ll have someone clean out a separate courtyard right away. From now on, Eleventh Great-Uncle and the brothers can draw maps in the courtyard. Whatever you need, just ask me and I’ll find it for you.”
Fu Tinghan watched as with just a few words she had coaxed an elder into doing unpaid labor. He couldn’t help shaking his head slightly and followed along to the new courtyard.
Zhao Qin and the others worked all morning but only made a start—they had merely organized the drawings in order and by location.
The maps covered half a room. Everyone gathered around pondering, “Eleventh Great-Uncle, where should we begin?”
Zhao Qin was still thinking when Fu Tinghan pointed to a spot. “Start from here.”
Everyone looked and discovered it was Guancheng. They couldn’t help being surprised.
However, Zhao Qin considered briefly then clapped his hands. “Excellent! From there runs an official road and river leading straight to Luoyang. Yuzhou also begins from there. It’s a pity we don’t have Luoyang maps.”
Luoyang belonged to Sizhou, and moreover, Luoyang maps couldn’t be casually drawn. Even if Xiahou Ren had drawn them, he couldn’t possibly give them to Zhao Hanzhang.
Fu Tinghan examined the maps on the ground bit by bit. Seeing they were still struggling with how to begin, he said, “Let me start. I’ll draw the outline, then you can fill it in afterward.”
Fu’an immediately spread out the silk cloth Zhao Hanzhang had found early that morning, covering the entire floor.
Zhao Qin wanted to stop him—Fu Tinghan had already dipped his brush in ink and begun. He immediately restrained himself, afraid of disturbing him and ruining the drawing.
Such a large piece of specially-made cartographic silk wasn’t cheap.
Zhao Qin felt Fu Tinghan was too impulsive—at minimum he should draft it first before starting, right?
But watching, watching, an unusual gleam passed through Zhao Qin’s eyes. Zhao Kuan and the others also gathered around, watching Fu Tinghan hold a ruler and bit by bit draw from Guancheng downward. Without looking at the original maps, he accurately marked villages and towns, and the survey data between roads was exactly the same.
Zhao Kuan and the others stared at Fu Tinghan in shock. What kind of mind was this—he didn’t even need to compare?
Zhao Qin was also shocked. After he finished the beginning and set down his brush, Zhao Qin grabbed him. “Tinghan, why don’t you go to the garden and attend the ceremonial banquet?”
Fu Tinghan paused, then said, “There are too many people, and I don’t know anyone.”
“How can you not know anyone? Aren’t Zhao Kuan and the others here?” Zhao Qin immediately began assigning tasks. “You few stop just playing by yourselves—take your brother-in-law along.”
He said, “Tinghan isn’t an outsider. You should look after him more in daily life.”
Zhao Kuan and the others nodded repeatedly, also warmly greeting Fu Tinghan. “We’ll take you. Don’t worry—although many outsiders have come to the fortress these two days, most attending the ceremonial banquet are familiar with the Zhao clan—relatives and classmates. We’ll introduce you around.”
Fu Tinghan said, “Aren’t we supposed to be drawing maps?”
“Maps can be drawn anytime, but the ceremonial banquet only lasts three days. You all shouldn’t work today—go to the garden and have fun. I can handle things here.” With that, Zhao Qin pushed them out, having Zhao Kuan and the others take Fu Tinghan to play.
With such talent, how could it not be known to the world?
Sanniang keeping him confined at home was such a waste.