Qin Gong

Chapter 716: The clan members’ test, Ying Zheng’s inquiry

Chapter 716: The clan members’ test, Ying Zheng’s inquiry

Taifu Lu has been in high spirits these past two days. Now that his identity has been confirmed and there are no more hidden dangers, every tree and blade of grass in the mansion, as well as the eaves and corridors, are particularly comfortable. The sky outside the courtyard is even more rare and refreshing. Even when it is drizzling, it gives Taifu Lu a sense of comfort.

After a lifetime of ups and downs, I finally entered the palace and became a superior person. I sat in the mansion with good time and good wine, and all I saw were smiling faces...

"My lord, I have already ordered someone to spread the news!"

Under the pavilion, two maids were using their slender hands to gently massage Master Lu's shoulders and forehead, and a servant bent over and walked forward.

Upon hearing this, Master Lu nodded and finally breathed a sigh of relief. He looked at the scenery outside the pavilion with a pious look in his eyes.

Having lived for most of his life, Master Lu knew his own worth very well. He also understood that if the old man had not secretly rescued him, his identity as a fraud would have been suspected long ago. Especially what happened in the heavy rain that day. Master Lu still feels palpitations when he thinks about it.

At the moment, although Master Lu had never seen the real old man who wrote the book, and did not know why the other party wanted to save him, this did not prevent Master Lu from being grateful and pious to the old man in his heart.

Everyone has a heart and feelings, and the elderly Lu Taifu also has thoughts of admiration and respect, and there are times when he admires...

Spread the news that my mentor is still alive...

"I'm sure that old gentleman will understand my intentions after hearing this!"

Master Lu slowly closed his eyes: "I don't know when~! We can meet again!"

Good building.

In the mansion, Bai Yan received the news sent by his soldiers. After opening the bamboo slips and reading them, a hint of worry was revealed between his brows.

"But what happened in Yongqi?"

Bai Junzhu was kneeling beside him, and seeing Bai Yan's frowning expression, he couldn't help but ask.

Hearing the question, Bai Yan looked at Bai Junzhu, and then handed the bamboo slips to Bai Junzhu.

"The land of Yongqi is the former land of King Wen and King Wu. It was difficult to defend during the Zhou Dynasty, so it was handed over to Qin. Now that Qin has taken over the Zhou Dynasty, the former Confucian scholars of various countries are all mourning in their former lands. What's even more worrying is that among them... there are Qin people!"

Bai Yan explained.

With external threats still unresolved and internal worries mounting, Ying Zheng wanted to tour his hometown and go to Yongqi to pay homage to his ancestors. When many scholars and Confucianists, as well as various schools of thought, got the news, they took the opportunity to mourn Zhou and talk about Qin. Their purpose was self-evident: Qin gained the world from Zhou, but did not practice Zhou's "benevolence and righteousness", and therefore did not win the hearts of the people.

This benevolence and righteousness includes dividing the world into fiefdoms, where those who have made contributions will get it, those with bloodlines will support them, and those with fame will live in it.

Bai Yan knew that those scholars from the Hundred Schools of Thought could do these things so easily because they must have the help of the Ying clan members. It was nothing more than the issue of enfeoffment. It was easy to imagine that the Qin State in later generations had not completely settled the issue of enfeoffment and counties until the death of Ying Zheng.

In the study, Bai Yan slowly stood up, walked with his hands behind his back, and looked thoughtful.

Even though the Qin State annexed the world and all the former Zhou territory became Qin territory, even Ying Zheng could not act arbitrarily in many matters and had to consider many things. This is why Ying Zheng had to meet many great scholars in the world in the future.

Ying Zheng also understood that not only the world could not do without scholars and officials, but the Qin government and the people were also like this.

The Confucian scholars obviously knew this, so they took such an action.

Bai Yan recalled that it was recorded in later generations that from the initial debate, Li Si and a few officials in the Qin court supported it. After the debate, Ying Zheng quickly established the county system in the unified Qin State.

However, until the 34th year of Qin Shi Huang's reign, which was recorded as 213 BC in later records, eleven years later, officials led by Qin minister Chunyu Yue still advised Qin Shi Huang that the reason the Yin and Zhou dynasties existed for a thousand years was because they divided the world among their children and meritorious officials. Now the Qin world was so vast, and the children of the royal family had no fiefdoms, just like the common people. If the incidents of Tian Chang and the Six Lords happened, who would come to save them?

"That is to say, even if Ying Zheng implements the county system as it did in later generations, as long as the Ying clan and the old clans of various countries exist, the plight of Qin will not change at all. Even if one, ten, or a hundred people die, no matter how many people die, there will still be clan members who will continue to stand against Ying Zheng! Let Ying Zheng and Qin have no peace, both inside and outside Qin!"

Bai Yan stopped and looked at the scenery outside the window, with a breeze blowing by.

At this moment, what emerged in Bai Yan's mind was the collapse of the Qin State in later generations, the chaos in the world, the emergence of many princes, and then the reunification of the world.

Bai Yan couldn't help but wonder, is it true that only by killing all the old clans of the six countries can the Qin State be established and unified?

But speaking of old ministers...

Is Zhao Qiu considered an old minister? Is my father-in-law Tian Ding considered an old minister? And are those aristocratic families of the six kingdoms who attached themselves to me during the wars in the past considered old ministers?

Muran, Bai Yan's mind flashed with faces, including Zhao Qiu, Tian Ding, Shi Cheng, and Wei Lao...

Facing these people, Bai Yan asked himself, he could not bring himself to say the words of exterminating all the old clans in front of Ying Zheng no matter what.

"Lord Wu Lie, there are two clan members outside the mansion who claim to be Ying Kun and Ying Bingren, asking to see you!"

At this time, Bai Junzhu, who had finished reading the bamboo slips at the wooden table, was putting them away and was about to talk to Bai Yan, when a servant hurriedly came to Bai Yan to report.

Hearing the servant's words, not to mention Bai Yan, even Bai Junzhu frowned subconsciously. Xianyang has not been peaceful in this period of time, and now with the arrival of the news, at this sensitive time, the appearance of the descendants of the Ying clan often means trouble.

"Please go to the main hall!"

Bai Yan instructed the servants.

"Lord Wu Lie is a great minister, and he is about to go on tour. The clan members dare not come to his house without permission! I am afraid that there are some things that the clan members dare not say to him in person, so they sent the clan members to come!"

Bai Junzhu stood up and walked to Bai Yan's side and spoke softly.

Looking at Bai Yan, Bai Junzhu had some worry in his eyes. Even if Bai Yan had no intention of getting involved in the power struggle, but with Bai Yan's return to Xianyang, with Bai Yan's status and power, Bai Yan would be caught in the vortex involuntarily no matter what. Just outside this mansion, no matter where he was, countless pairs of eyes were looking at Bai Yan.

"no need to worry!"

Bai Yan looked at Bai Junzhu, then told Bai Junzhu to put the bamboo slips away, and then walked out of the study.

In the main hall.

As the maids brought in wine and dishes, Bai Yan looked towards the main hall, where there were two young men kneeling behind the wooden table. Ying Kun and Ying Bingren were both in their early twenties. Although they were from the royal family, they did not look fat. However, looking at their faces and eyes, it was obvious that they had been drained by alcohol and sex.

Bai Yan was no longer surprised by this. Power, wealth, status, and beauty are what most people pursue throughout their lives, but only a very small number of people can remain successful in them. The circle one is in is often more important than one's own ideas.

"You two, please!"

After Bai Yan exchanged some pleasantries with the two, he smiled and said when he saw the maid serving the wine and food.

When beating a dog, look at its owner. Although Bai Yan was not familiar with these two people, he still gave enough face to the clan members and greeted them with a smile throughout the whole process.

"Thank you!"

Ying Kun and Ying Bingren raised their hands and smiled to express their gratitude to Bai Yan, then looked at each other. It was obvious that they were very excited to be able to come to Liangzao's mansion and to be personally received by the great Liangzao, even though they were both from the Ying clan.

Just this one thing will be enough to brag about when I go to a restaurant or somewhere else and drink and chat with friends in the future.

If there are many beauties around you, all of them will look at you sideways!

"Lord Wu Lie, we came here today because my two brothers have a favor to ask of you!"

Ying Kun looked at Bai Yan with a smile on his face and spoke first.

When Bai Yan heard Ying Kun's words, he already understood them in his heart, but he still pretended to be surprised, put down his wine cup, and looked at the two brothers.

"I have heard that those who have made contributions but are not rewarded are unkind. I have heard that capable ministers serve the king but are unfair. This is because the king is ignorant..."

Ying Kun bowed to Bai Yan and spoke word by word, but before he could finish his words, only two sentences, Bai Yan's face changed and he raised his hand to stop Ying Kun from continuing.

"Mr. Chongquan and I are colleagues and old friends, so I will treat you two with courtesy today! Now, if you two have anything to say about the king, please ask Mr. Chongquan to come in person!"

Bai Yan's smile faded as he spoke to the two of them. His meaning was very straightforward. He also took the opportunity to tell them that ordinary words were fine, but some words could not be said, no matter their status or occasion, they were inappropriate.

"Lord Wu Lie is overthinking. Even if we two had ten times the courage, we would not dare to criticize the king!"

When Ying Kun saw Bai Yan's expression, he hurriedly spoke, and Ying Bingren on the side also nodded awkwardly.

Perhaps because they were anxious, the two of them did not notice that Bai Yan never mentioned Ying Zheng from beginning to end, while the answers of Ying Kun and Ying Bingren were frowning.

"Yes! The current king is a rare wise ruler in the world. If not, how could our Qin State plan to conquer the world!"

Ying Bingren said, but after he finished speaking, it was obvious that he had not finished speaking. He hesitated for a few breaths, looked at Ying Kun again, and then looked at Bai Yan: "However, from ancient times to the present, wise kings are rare, but treacherous ministers are very common!"

Seeing Bai Yan holding the wine cup and drinking silently, Ying Bingren continued.

"An ancient sage once said that even a wise man can make mistakes after careful consideration. Therefore, we two believe that even the wisest king can be deceived by treacherous ministers and make the wrong decision!"

That’s all I have to say. With such straightforward words, anyone who is not deaf can understand the intentions of Ying Kun and Ying Bingren.

"What do you two mean?"

After Bai Yan drank another glass of wine, he looked at the two men. He knew at a glance that these two men often hung out in restaurants with women, grew up in flattery, had simple minds, and were not the focus of cultivation in the clan.

"Hey!"

Ying Kun pondered for two breaths, then saluted Bai Yan with a wry smile.

"I heard that in the old land of Qi and Lu, there is a rumor that Lu Taifu once told someone that Qin is a tyrannical country, and the people of the world should be angry and attack it..."

At this time, Ying Bingren took out a roll of bamboo slips from the wide sleeve pocket of his silk clothes, looked at Bai Yan carefully, then stood up, bent down, took the bamboo slips, and placed them in front of Bai Yan.

"This is a book written by Lu Taifu! It is about punishing Qin! We don't know whether it is true or not, so the elders of the clan ordered the two of us to come here to ask..."

Ying Bingren turned his head and looked at Ying Kun. After seeing Ying Kun nod in encouragement, he took a deep breath and asked in a light yet intriguing voice.

"Madam Liang Zao, have you ever heard of this?"

The slightly dark complexion on Ying Bingren's face gradually tensed up as he finished speaking. He looked at Bai Yan with heavy breathing, gently picked up the bamboo slips and opened them to read.

In the main hall.

In the silence, Ying Kun and Ying Bingren looked at Bai Yan nervously, not daring to breathe, let alone disturb Bai Yan.

"Please go back and tell my father that Madam Bai Yan has never heard of this matter. Her encounter with the Grand Tutor was just a coincidence. Linzi did not notice it in the past, so she did not give the bamboo slips to my father!"

Bai Yan looked at the words on the bamboo slips. He knew very well that the Ying clan wanted to repeat what Yao Jia and Li Si did against Han Feizi. However, they wanted to replace the words of Yao Jia and Li Si with the words of the world and Tian Feiyan.

Perhaps in the eyes of the Ying clan, if Tian Feiyan could stand up and prove that Master Lu had the intention to rebel against and punish Qin, and if the rumors in Qi and Lu reached Ying Zheng's ears, then Master Lu would definitely lose Ying Zheng's trust and become the second Han Fei.

"This……"

Ying Kun and Ying Bingren heard Bai Yan's decisive refusal and saw that Bai Yan's face looked a little bad, and they felt a little nervous for a moment.

Before coming, both of them had made full preparations. If they really angered Bai Yan, the clan members would definitely not be on bad terms with Bai Yan, so they would blame them for "taking the initiative" to come to see Bai Yan privately, and then they would drive them out of Xianyang or Guanzhong to calm Bai Yan's anger.

In the future, the clan will not treat them unfairly.

They both understood that they were just sent here to test whether Bai Yan would agree to let his wife come forward and take risks in exchange for the possibility of being crowned king in the future.

Looking at Bai Yan now, Ying Kun and Ying Bingren actually couldn't understand why Bai Yan would refuse without hesitation. He just wanted his wife to stand up. After the matter was accomplished, after forcing Master Lu to leave, only a few people like Li Si would be left.

Being crowned a king and given a fiefdom, the future generation of Mengyin is just around the corner!

"This matter is not only known in the old land of Qi and Lu, but also in other places! The matter of Master Lu is of great importance. Bai Yan's wife is inexperienced and it is not worth mentioning!"

When Bai Yan had said this, without waiting for Ying Kun and Ying Bingren to continue speaking, he made an excuse that he had something to do and called the servants to send the guests away.

Unlike when he was welcoming guests, Bai Yan's attitude was very tough when he was seeing them off.

..............................

"My lord, meet the king!"

In the study of the Xianyang Palace, Bai Yan, wearing official uniform, hurriedly came to Ying Zheng to pay his respects.

At this moment, apart from the many eunuchs outside the door and a few maids, the only people in the study were Ying Zheng kneeling behind the wooden table, and Meng Yi placing bamboo slips back and forth beside the wooden rack in the distance.

"Have you heard the news from Yongqi?"

Ying Zheng raised his head and looked at Bai Yan, asking softly.

Although there was no difference in Ying Zheng's words, Bai Yan was still keenly aware of the fleeting gloom in Ying Zheng's eyes when he mentioned the news about Yongqi.

Obviously, Ying Zheng was very concerned about the Confucian scholars going to mourn, but because the world had just been settled and Qin originated from Zhou, Ying Zheng was angry, but he did not dare to mobilize troops to arrest people, which would be criticized by people all over the world.

You must know that in the past, in order to prove that after the Zhou Dynasty, Qin inherited the great destiny of heaven, Qin State did not hesitate to perfect the theory of the Five Elements, and even advocated black since Qin, but in the end the effect was minimal and was not believed by people in the world.

It was not until Bai Yan moved back the Jiuzhou Ding and received the dream bestowed by Heaven and showed it to the world that everyone could verify and check it. Only then did people in the world have to admit that after the Zhou Dynasty, the Qin State had indeed received the Mandate of Heaven and that it was God's will!

At the moment, Ying Zheng really didn't dare to send troops to arrest people. You have to know that those Confucian scholars were mourning not the Zhou ancestral temple, but King Wen and King Wu, just like the world commemorating the saints Yao and Shun. Ying Zheng had no excuse to stop them, not to mention that even the Qin State was the descendant of King Wen and King Wu, and was granted a fief by the Zhou emperor.

"Your Majesty, I have received your message!"

Bai Yan nodded, and then told Ying Zheng in detail the news he knew.

"The sacrifice is imminent and there can be no mistakes. You must leave immediately tomorrow and deal with it in person. You cannot let this matter affect the sacrifice!"

After listening to this, Ying Zheng instructed Bai Yan to go and deal with this matter tomorrow. The Yongqi area would be holding a sacrifice soon, and at this time they must not be influenced by these Confucian scholars.

"promise!"

Bai Yan nodded and bowed quickly.

"Why can't we live in peace in this land of Chu?"

After talking for a while, Bai Yan, who was left behind by Ying Zheng, helped Ying Zheng deal with affairs together with Meng Yi as he did in the past. While Bai Yan was holding the bamboo slips, he soon saw Ying Zheng looking at them with a frown, and his eagle-like eyes were full of fatigue.

Bai Yan stacked the bamboo slips in the wooden box according to the counties so that they would not be mixed up.

"Bai Yan, why do the people of Chu have to be enemies with Qin?"

Ying Zheng put down the bamboo slips, and under the light of the many candles in the study, he tiredly leaned on the wooden table with his hands and rubbed his forehead.

Meng Yi came to the wooden table, picked up the bamboo slips that Ying Zheng had just processed, exchanged a glance with Bai Yan, and then walked towards the wooden rack and placed the bamboo slips properly. Although his hands were moving, Meng Yi's ears were always paying special attention to the wooden table.

After all, Meng Yi was very curious about how Bai Yan would answer.

"Your Majesty, the customs of Qin and Chu are different, and the habits of the people of Qin and Chu are different. Perhaps the method of governing the people of Chu is wrong!"

As Bai Yan's voice rang out in the study, Meng Yi couldn't help but turn his head and look at the wooden table.

Even Ying Zheng, who had been gently rubbing his forehead beside the wooden table, couldn't help but pause after hearing Bai Yan's words. He turned to look at Bai Yan, his eyes full of curiosity.

　The delivery was changed from natural delivery to cesarean section. My wife had an intrauterine infection, a moderate infection. The anti-inflammatory drugs were ineffective. Later, I tried penicillin, but she was allergic to it. I have been taking care of my wife during this period and she was hospitalized for half a month. I am sorry for the update.

　　As for the child's name, Daidao's mother wanted a name like Huang Ximu, a well-known Chinese writer, while his wife liked the characters "Lin" or "Sen". After two days of hesitation and debate, Daidao finally chose the character "Tang".

　　Tang, symbolizes longevity, also means, I hope that all the lost territory will be recovered.

(End of this chapter)