Chapter Thirteen: Greed

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The "Catfish Effect."

As time went on, this phrase became increasingly popular throughout Chang'an. No one doubted that Mo Dun was deceiving anyone, for the story of the Catfish Effect felt too real. Although the people of Chang'an had never even heard of sardines, it did nothing to hinder their understanding of the concept.

There was no shortage of clever Han people, especially those in positions of power, who had often used the tactics described in the Catfish Effect, though never so systematically or clearly summarized. Upon hearing this explanation, many suddenly saw the truth laid bare before them.

Inside the Pan Family Tavern, a crowd gathered around a middle-aged man who looked like a scholar.

"The Catfish Effect is everywhere around us. The fisherman is the one in power, controlling everyone’s fate. The sardines represent us, the ordinary folk, each fulfilling our duties in silence, serving the fisherman without ambition or drive to improve.

"But the catfish is the talent parachuted in by those above—ambitious, resourceful, aggressive. If the one in power is dissatisfied with his subordinates or wants more work done without paying more, he introduces a catfish. This catfish is ruthless to its peers and constantly eyes the position above. It forces everyone to work harder for the fisherman, hoping not to be devoured by the catfish. Those just above the catfish work even more diligently, terrified of being replaced if they slip up." The scholar spoke with eloquence, dissecting the Catfish Effect incisively.

"However, being a catfish is not without risk. While the catfish may rise, it might also be beset by the united resistance of all, and must always beware of the fisherman discarding it to appease public anger," the scholar pointed out sharply.

"Scholar Sun speaks the truth. But the fisherman must also guard against the catfish—should the catfish grow too strong, it may well bite the fisherman in turn."

"The lower ranks..."

Soon, everyone in the tavern joined in analyzing the Catfish Effect. The more they discussed, the more profound the concept seemed, and their admiration for Mozi only deepened.

Thus, Mo Dun’s plan to spread the fame of Mozi was proceeding smoothly.

"By the way, has anyone managed to uncover Mo Family Village’s secret for keeping fish alive?" Scholar Sun asked suddenly.

"No, putting a catfish in doesn’t seem to help much. The fish only live half an hour longer at best," someone replied, shaking his head.

"That’s right. I’ve tried too—no real improvement, just half an hour more at most," another chimed in.

Scholar Sun’s eyes lit up. "That’s it! Living half an hour longer means the method works. The Catfish Effect is real, you just haven’t found the exact technique. Try a few more times—you might succeed."

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The innkeeper, having overheard the discussion about the Catfish Effect, dared not approach earlier—after all, he often employed such tactics himself. Now, hearing them talk about the secret to keeping fish alive, he came up to refill their cups, laughing, "You think that, and so does everyone else. Almost every catfish in Chang'an has been bought up. The price of catfish has risen fivefold—selling fish now makes more than running this tavern."

"Exactly—Mo Family Village must have another secret. The secret for keeping fish alive can’t be that simple," a worker from the neighboring village quickly agreed.

The scholar glanced at him and sneered, "Isn’t it obvious? Mo Family Village said from the start that their technique was inspired by the Catfish Effect. If it could be cracked so easily, why would they announce it publicly?"

The innkeeper nodded in heartfelt agreement. If anyone asked for the secrets of his tavern, he wouldn’t give them up so easily—let alone a technique worth a fortune like this one.

The worker suddenly gloated, "I doubt Mo Family Village can keep their secret much longer. Shopkeeper Wang down the street has already posted a reward—five hundred strings of cash to anyone who can uncover the technique."

The innkeeper was astonished. "Who would’ve thought Old Iron Rooster Wang would part with his feathers—five hundred strings!"

The whole tavern erupted in laughter; clearly, Shopkeeper Wang’s stinginess was legendary.

Someone called out, "Isn’t that so? Shopkeeper Wang was once the biggest fish merchant in Chang'an. If he gets his hands on the secret, he’ll make far more than five hundred strings."

The innkeeper said, "That’s what I thought! That old miser would never do a losing deal."

"I’ll bet this whole business with the city gate official, Chi Zhiyong, targeting Mo Family Village, was instigated by Shopkeeper Wang," someone murmured quietly.

The innkeeper quickly protested, "Let’s not say such things."

The crowd snickered and dropped the subject, but it was clear their suspicions all pointed to Shopkeeper Wang. Yet, as he was powerful and well-connected, they had no desire to cross him without cause.

Wang’s Fish Shop.

Shopkeeper Wang’s face was grim as he stared at ten basins full of dead fish floating on the surface.

"Why hasn’t it worked? Didn’t Mo Family Village claim putting in a catfish would keep the fish alive?" he roared in fury.

Not a single worker dared raise his head or risk provoking his wrath.

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"Maybe it’s the wrong fish! Mo Family Village said sardines, but we’re using grass carp and bighead carp," the accountant behind Wang ventured.

"That’s right, Accountant Zhao makes sense. Mo Family Village must still have a secret—we just haven’t found it yet," another worker hurried to excuse himself.

Shopkeeper Wang’s brow furrowed as he bellowed, "Of course there’s a secret! Otherwise, what am I paying you for? We sell grass carp, not some unheard-of sardine. We need a way to keep grass carp alive.

"I refuse to believe Mo Family Village can keep their secret forever. Has anyone taken up the reward and cracked the technique?" he demanded, turning on Accountant Zhao.

Accountant Zhao shook his head with a bitter smile. "Everyone is getting the same result—adding a catfish helps the fish live only half an hour longer, but they still die in the end."

Shopkeeper Wang asked in disappointment, "And what about Mo Family Village? How long can they keep fish alive?"

Accountant Zhao replied gravely, "From what we know, the latest Mo Family Village sold fish was at the time of the Goat. Assuming they fished the catch at the time of the Snake, they can keep the fish alive for at least five hours."

"Five hours..." Shopkeeper Wang’s expression eased a little.

"But!" Accountant Zhao didn’t let him celebrate long, "After the city gate incident, Mo Family Village is digging a huge fish pond for their shop, preparing to sell fish long-term. By my calculations, they may be able to keep fish alive as if they were in a real pond."

"How is that possible?" Shopkeeper Wang exclaimed in shock.

"It’s very possible," Accountant Zhao replied with grave certainty.

Silence fell over Wang’s Fish Shop.

"We must get the secret of keeping fish alive."

At last, Shopkeeper Wang spoke, his voice tinged with a chilling cold.