Chapter Fifty-Seven: A Name Etched in History

Mo Zidu, Qin Huaiyu, and their two companions were released without a scratch, acquitted of all charges. This news swept through the Imperial Academy, causing an uproar. The Head of the Academy had already reported the matter to the court, yet no punishment had been meted out to the four; where was the justice in that?

"Officials shielding each other—when will common students like us ever get our day?" one of the students cried out in despair.

"Hush, be careful what you say! This isn't as simple as it seems," another quickly warned.

Upon further inquiry, it turned out that the thing they had concocted simply to shirk their studies had won the admiration of all the civil and military officials—deemed an instrument to enlighten the people.

"Heaven truly turns a blind eye!"

Countless students in the Imperial Academy were consumed by jealousy and rage. Why had such an achievement—block printing, a boon for both present and future generations—not fallen into their own hands?

"Consider yourselves lucky!"

Xiong Maocai spat out the words, frustrated that even with irrefutable evidence, the four had managed to overturn the case.

Missing this opportunity meant that finding fault with Mo Zidu in the future would be even harder.

"We’re truly fortunate," Qin Huaiyu said, still shaken.

He had thought they’d barely escape with their skins, yet not only were they unpunished, they’d inadvertently brought forth a device that could educate the masses.

"Haha! That’s just how formidable I am—anyone care to challenge me?" Cheng Chumo crowed, shouting at the students who had mocked them before.

Back when they were punished to stand at Zhicheng Road, many had ridiculed him; he had not forgotten a single face, and now made a point of boasting in front of each.

The students, as if forced to swallow a fly, could do nothing but endure. In the end, it was Mo Dun who, unable to stand the scene any longer, hurriedly dragged the three away.

"Hmph! Still daring to mock me!" Yuchi Baolin refused to let it go, even as they left.

Within the Mo Residence,

The four sprawled in their chairs, still riding the thrill.

"Mo Dun, do you really think this block printing press is that remarkable?" Qin Huaiyu asked, as if in a dream.

"It’s called block printing," Mo Dun corrected.

"Yes, yes, block printing!" Yuchi Baolin and Cheng Chumo quickly chimed in, curiosity lighting their faces as they looked to Mo Dun.

Mo Dun considered for a moment, letting suspense build, then finally said, "It’s enough to earn a place in history."

"Wha...at!"

"A place in history?"

The three gaped, dumbfounded.

"You must be joking!" Qin Huaiyu said, his voice dry.

Mo Dun slowly shook his head.

"Truly?" the three asked, in disbelief.

"Truly," Mo Dun affirmed.

"Howl!" The three erupted into wolfish howls, leaping up and down on their chairs, unable to contain their excitement.

"Now that we’ve stumbled into inventing something so great, let’s see who dares look down on us again," Cheng Chumo said proudly.

Until now, they’d been dismissed as scoundrels, not taken seriously by anyone. Finally, they had an achievement to boast of for a lifetime.

"A decree from the emperor!" a shrill voice suddenly echoed through the Mo Residence.

"Hahaha! It must be a reward for us!" Qin Huaiyu and the others rushed out in wild joy.

With the imperial edict arrived, Mo Dun did not dare be negligent and hastily gathered everyone in the front courtyard.

There stood a slightly plump, fair, clean-shaven eunuch, with Steward Fu respectfully attending him.

This was none other than Pang De, the eunuch who served by Emperor Taizong’s side.

"Greetings, Your Excellency," Mo Dun led the household in a deep bow.

At this time, kneeling rituals were reserved for ceremonies of ancestor worship or heaven; a deep bow was formality enough.

"Grand Eunuch Pang, have you come to find us? You must have gone to some trouble to track us to the Mo Residence," Qin Huaiyu said delightedly.

"No," Pang De replied curtly, leaving Qin Huaiyu stunned.

"How could that be?" Cheng Chumo forced a laugh.

"Where is Mo San?" Pang De swept his sleeve, his voice sharp.

Mo San stumbled out, bewildered as to why so important a figure from the palace would seek him.

"Mo San of Mojia Village, master craftsman, loyal to the nation, has presented the art of block printing. By imperial decree, he is to be granted the title of Grand Artificer, ennobled as a baron, and rewarded with a thousand taels of silver. Thus decreed!" Pang De’s shrill voice rang through the Mo Residence.

"Grand Artificer!"

Mo San was as if in a dream; the Emperor himself had conferred upon him the title.

"Mo San, receive the decree!" Pang De prompted, seeing Mo San still dazed.

Mo Dun nudged him from behind, finally bringing him back to his senses.

"Your humble subject Mo San receives the decree," Mo San said, bowing as he accepted it.

"That’s all?" Qin Huaiyu said, crestfallen.

"That’s all," Pang De replied with a smile.

"How could that be! Block printing was invented because of us!" Qin Huaiyu protested.

"You three were the main culprits in shirking your studies; Mo Zidu helped you in making block printing, making him an accomplice. Only Mo San is a master of his craft, diligent and loyal, and deserves reward. Though you accidentally brought about block printing, your motives were impure. The Emperor considered rewarding you, but your fathers firmly declined on your behalf. Thus, your merits and faults cancel each other out," Pang De explained.

"Merits and faults cancel out! And our fathers themselves rejected the reward!"

The three were devastated; moments ago, they had been jubilant at escaping punishment, but now they would rather stand a few more days on Zhicheng Road. This was an achievement to go down in history, and now it was gone!

"Betrayed by our own fathers!" They had spent their lives outwitting their fathers, never expecting to be outmaneuvered in turn—truly a cycle of retribution.

Mo Dun took it in stride. He had always understood the importance of block printing, but with the Mo family still weak, there was no need to draw undue attention.

That Mo San could be granted the title of Grand Artificer, the rank of baron, and a thousand taels of silver was already a most unexpected blessing.

"Grand Eunuch Pang, please wait a moment!"

Mo Dun caught up to Pang De as he was about to leave, offering him a stack of papers.

"Baron Mo, you’re too courteous. I have no need for such things," Pang De said, his expression darkening as he assumed Mo Dun was attempting to bribe him.

"You misunderstand, Grand Eunuch. These are the latest fish recipes by Master Yu, the head chef of Mojia Village. I’ve heard His Majesty is fond of fish; we present these recipes for His Majesty’s pleasure," Mo Dun announced.

"Oh! Mojia is famous for its live fish cooking techniques. If you have something novel to offer, I shall accept them," Pang De said, intrigued.

"It is my honor to do my part for His Majesty," Mo Dun replied.

Pang De smiled, and just as he was turning to leave, he said suddenly, "Mo Zidu, you’re quite remarkable. Chang’an has not seen such interesting events in a long time."

Mo Dun was struck by the words, immediately understanding that such praise could scarcely have come from a eunuch—it must have been from the Emperor himself.

"This young catfish is quite the troublemaker. In so short a time, he’s stirred up so many good things, and he knows when to advance or retreat. Let’s see how far he can go," Pang De mused, smiling knowingly at the youth still lingering at the door before boarding his carriage and departing.