This is a story about a “strict father” and an “innocent heart.” Ying Zheng rules the realm with the iron fist of Legalism, yet entrusts his only tenderness to the name of his eldest son: “Fusu,” meaning fragrant herbs and fine trees in the Book of Songs. But father and son differ in their political views. Fusu champions benevolent Confucian rule and repeatedly risks his father’s anger by speaking out frankly. In a fit of rage, Ying Zheng dispatches him to Shangjun to oversee the army. It is called a demotion, but is really meant to toughen him up.
