Way of Utmost Sincerity

The work shed

Rows of simple work sheds had been built along both sides of the road. Most were dark, with snores sounding from time to time. Only a few still had lamps burning.

Even the largest work shed was dim, lit only by an oil lamp on the desk. Su Ziji closed the official document, narrowed his eyes, and yawned. Then someone said, "Lord Su, it's late. You can't wear yourself out. Why not get some rest?"

"So it's you, Gao Mo!" Su Ziji turned and saw Gao Mo, one of the three junior clerks who had been beaten during the day. Though he walked with a slight limp, he had brought hot water and a towel. Su Ziji's heart stirred. "Give me the towel. There's no need to wash my feet. You're an official clerk, after all."

Gao Mo agreed and waited while Su Ziji wiped his face, washed his own feet, and sat down on the couch. Then Gao Mo said, "My lord, I've managed to find the writings from the prefectural office that you asked for."

"They're all essays by Presented Scholars from years past."

Su Ziji took them, glanced at the contents, and said slowly, "You were beaten today. Do you resent it?"

Gao Mo gave a short laugh. "My lord, how can anyone in officialdom avoid a beating? Never mind lowly clerks like us—even proper officials get demoted and punished."

"I didn't do my job well. Getting the cane was only natural. What would I have to resent?"

Su Ziji nodded. Whether Gao Mo meant it or not, his attitude was sound. Su Ziji held the three manuscripts beneath the lamplight and read them. Only after a long while did he speak. "A storm is coming. The waterworks are nearly finished, and pressing the