The younger brother of the First Emperor

Chapter 162 Zheng Guo begged, the cold-blooded boy

Hongtai Palace.

Hong means prosperous and flourishing.

Tai, peace and stability.

Marquis Ai of Han destroyed the State of Zheng, moved the capital to Xinzheng, the capital of Zheng, and built the New Han Palace.

Han Aihou named the palace where the king of Han held meetings in the new palace of Han Hongtai Palace, hoping that the country would always be prosperous and peaceful.

Ironically, this palace, which symbolizes peace, was built on land gained through war.

Inside the palace, King Han sat upright on a chair, carefully reading the three bamboo slips thirteen times.

These three volumes of bamboo slips were all written by Han Fei.

"Your Majesty, the prince has been brought here." The eunuch came in to report.

Han Wangran's eyes were still on the bamboo slips. He said casually, "Hmm,"
"Let him in."

The eunuch bowed and responded "Yes", then went outside to introduce Prince Han An.

Prince An of Han was only eleven years old, with gentle features, and with a little dressing up, people would believe she was a girl.

He walked into the palace and saluted his father somewhat stiffly.

"Your Majesty, your son, greets you."

Ever since Prince Han An entered, King Han Ran had been observing his son out of the corner of his eye.

Seeing that his son was still timid, he was unhappy. How could such a cowardly prince prosper the Kingdom of Korea?
If it weren't for the fact that Prince Han An's mother's family was powerful and had made great efforts during the more than 20 years that King Han Ran was fighting against the power of the prime minister, King Han Ran would have deposed Han An from the position of crown prince long ago.

Han Wangran raised his head, smiling, and waved to the prince:
"Come here and see what your uncle has written."

Prince An of Han stepped forward, stood beside his father, and began to read the bamboo slips.

He read very quickly because he was afraid that his father would wait for a long time.

In less than a moment, he bowed slightly to his father:

"Your Majesty, An has finished reading."

Han Wangran smiled with his eyes narrowed, and there was anger in his pupils hidden by his eyelids.

Three bamboo slips filled with words, without paragraphs or punctuation.

Although the prince had been taught by famous teachers since he was young, and was outstanding in both civil and military affairs at the age of eleven, how could one understand the meaning of these three bamboo slips written by Han Fei by just quickly browsing them?
King Han Ran asked the prince to look at the bamboo slips, but he didn't really want to just look at them!
He raised the corner of his mouth, and felt like changing the storage again, and said with a smile:

"Do you think your uncle's words are feasible?"

Prince Han did not dare to look up and whispered:

"An thinks that what his uncle said is very correct. Giving the position of Prime Minister to Prince Chengjiao will benefit the king the most.

“Releasing the three clans of Zheng State will do more good than harm.

"As long as Qin lets Zheng build a canal, it will be unable to launch a campaign of more than 100,000 troops for at least ten years, and Han will have ten years to develop.

"In the past ten years, the national strength of Qin has been declining, while that of South Korea has been rising.

"As my uncle wrote, the key to water control and canal construction is not to get Zheng to change the river course, but to get Qin to employ Zheng.

"If Qin uses Zheng, the plan to exhaust Qin will be accomplished.

“If he is greedy and wants to destroy Qin with one trick, he wants Zheng to change the river course to destroy the canal, thus destroying Qin’s ten years of hard work in one fell swoop.

"Not only will this make the plan to weaken Qin fail, it will also give Qin a reason to attack us, bringing disaster to Han and the calamity of national destruction..."

Han Taizi An continued to speak, and basically expressed what Han Fei was thinking.

In just less than a moment, he not only finished reading it, but also understood its meaning, which was something that even Han Wangran could not do.

The more Han Wangran listened, the more surprised he became.

Two hours ago, Donghai Palace.

Han Fei explained his thoughts in detail to Prince An of Han for more than an hour, then sent the Queen and the Prince off and sat under a big tree in the courtyard in a daze.

The flowers sent him their fragrance, and the grass swayed in dance.

The sun in the sky cast a ray of sunlight on him, like a spotlight shining on the protagonist.

His eyes were open, but he was unaware of what was happening before him and was oblivious to everything.

[Although the crown prince is a coward, he cannot be changed for the sake of Korea's stability.]
[At this critical moment, when the survival of Korea is at stake, it is easier to control if we are weaker, and the reform will go more smoothly...]
He thought to himself.

As long as you don't speak, you won't stutter.

Speechless, but clear in mind.

Hongtai Palace.

Han Wangran listened quietly, and the expression in his eyes changed from surprise to complexity at some point.

He looked at the Korean prince, who was so eager to squeeze his whole body into a ball, and laughed:
"Everyone says that Master Chengjiao is a child prodigy.

"I think my son is no worse than the King of Qin's son!
"Hahahaha!"

[An has Fei's support and his mother is behind him.]
[As long as An does not make any serious mistakes, the royal family will support An as the crown prince.]
[The young man has grown up, and the position of the crown prince cannot be changed...]
After Prince An left, a palace maid came hurriedly, knelt in front of King Han Ran, and respectfully reported:

"Your Majesty, Madam Ji summoned Lü Buwei to the Peach Blossom Palace."

A little after 2:30 p.m.

Peach Blossom Palace.

Ying Chengjiao finally met his mother.

He put the little black tiger in his arms on the ground and shouted a little aggrievedly:
"Mom."

Ji Yaoyao nodded and responded with a smile:

"Ah."

"Mother, help me."

"it is good."

"I want Zheng to join Qin."

"it is good."

"I want Zheng to control water and build canals."

"it is good."

Zheng Guo didn't expect that he would come to Taohua Palace again so soon.

The day after I met Master Chengjiao, I met him for the second time.

He was barefoot, and the soles of his feet were covered in dust and were black (qu sound).

He leaned on the iron rod, nodded slightly to Ji Yaoyao, then nodded slightly to Master Chengjiao, and said:
"My lord, you asked Zheng Guo to come here today. Do you want Zheng Guo to come to Qin to build a canal?" The old water engineer's question was more of a sarcasm than a question.

Since the reign of King Yu, conflicts have been frequent throughout the country, and no place has ever used the correct water control method again.

The descendants of King Yu's flood control skills can have a place in all the countries, but they cannot dig a canal on the land of any country.

Zheng’s teacher, Zheng’s teacher’s teacher’s teacher… For nearly two thousand years, this lineage has all been skilled in dragon-slaying techniques. They knew that there were dragons in the world, but they were unable to slay them.

Now that Qin State dominates the world and its national strength is at its peak, why would it take such a big risk to build a canal?

Prince Chengjiao, Lord Chang'an, no matter how miraculous he is, he is still just a seven-year-old boy, not the King of Qin who is high above and judges all living beings. How can he be the master of Qin?

The little black tiger in Master Chengjiao's arms opened its big round eyes and looked at the old water worker.

The territory of the little black tiger's parents covers a hundred miles. They are the true king of tigers. Inheriting the king's blood, they are extremely talented.

It was less than three months old. Sensing the old plumber's contempt for its master, it opened its mouth and blew air at the plumber.

"Be good, don't make a fuss." Prince Chengjiao pressed the tiger's head to appease the little black tiger, and looked up at Zheng Guo: "How can Zheng Gong make me believe that he is really sincere in repairing the canal to benefit the people of Guanzhong?"

Zheng Guo glanced at Prince Chengjiao, disdainfully answered, and sneered in his heart.

[If you cannot enter Qin, what does it matter if the country makes you believe?]
[If it weren't for your mother, the country wouldn't even see you.]
At this moment, Lu Buwei came in from the palace gate and stood behind Prince Chengjiao.

After standing still, he bowed slightly to Master Chengjiao, then introduced himself to the old water worker:

"Lü Buwei."

Three words are enough.

Truly powerful people don’t need a series of prefixes and suffixes to introduce themselves, just their first and last name will be enough.

Zheng Guo's eyes, which had been as turbid as the Yellow River bursting its banks, suddenly brightened up and stared at Lu Buwei's face.

To him, the three words "Lü Buwei" sounded much more resounding than the three words "Ying Chengjiao".

After a while, the old water engineer Fang slowly shook his head and said in a deep voice with a look of disappointment: “You are not Lu Buwei.

"I met Lu Buwei several years ago, and he was not like you."

In Zheng Guo's memory, Lu Buwei had a round face, a slightly bloated figure, and a big belly.

The person in front of him had prominent cheekbones and was tall and thin. He was completely different from Lu Buwei.

"Zhengguo." Ji Yaoyao spoke with dignity: "I, Ji Yaoyao, swear on my life that this man is indeed the prime minister of Qin, Lu Buwei."

Zheng Guo already trusted Ji Yaoyao very much, and Ji Yaoyao swore on her life, so he immediately believed that the person in front of him was really Lu Buwei.

He suppressed his excited heart and held on to the iron rod firmly to stop his hands from shaking.

He was just about to answer Master Chengjiao's previous question when he suddenly seemed to remember something and cast a searching and eager look towards Ji Yaoyao.

Ji Yaoyao nodded slightly:
"Your people will follow you into Qin."

Although Han Wangran has not given her an answer yet, she believes that Han Wangran will not refuse as long as Han Wangran still wants to revitalize South Korea.

An open conspiracy works like this. As long as it is used and the target is not an extremely stupid idiot who insists on his own way, it will succeed 99% of the time.

Zheng Guo was overjoyed and bowed deeply to Ji Yaoyao:
"Thank you, madam!"

He didn't kneel down, not because he didn't want to, but because the water measuring vessel in his hand symbolized King Yu.

Holding the token of King Yu, he refused to kneel before anyone.

After thanking Ji Yaoyao, he looked eagerly at Prince Cheng Jiao, with Qin's Prime Minister Lu Buwei standing behind him.

The person is still the same person, and the age is still seven years old.

But in just that instant, Prince Chengjiao became a hundred times more important in Zheng Guo's eyes.

The little black tiger began to breathe out again with its mouth open. It realized that the person in front of it wanted to steal its master.

The old plumber said solemnly:
"I, the State of Zheng, hold the precious iron of Dinghaishen and swear to King Yu that I will wholeheartedly help Qin control the floods!

"If you tell lies, both gods and men will forsake you!"

Young Master Chengjiao watched quietly for a moment, then lowered his head and stroked the little black tiger's head, causing the little black tiger to squint his eyes and look very happy. He said:

"Let me correct you. Although you are building canals for Guanzhong, it is for the benefit of the people, not just for Qin."

Zheng Guo didn't understand what the difference was, but it didn't matter.

Serving the Qin State and the people of Guanzhong are just a title. As long as he can control the flood, he only wants to control the flood.

At that moment, the old water worker immediately agreed:

“You are right, sir, it is the country that is wrong.

"The country is controlling floods for the people of Guanzhong, not for the Qin State."

Ying Chengjiao said "hmm" and nodded:
“If you fail to control the floods, and waste ten years of Qin’s manpower and resources, and commit such a heinous crime, you will surely be forsaken by both gods and men.

"Gun failed to cure the flood in nine years, so Emperor Shun exiled him to Yushan and killed him. I think your ending will not be better than Gun's.

"Public utilities deserve to be punished, and swearing is a bit slippery."

Zheng Guo took a step forward excitedly, and raised his hoarse voice:

"May I ask you, sir? How can we trust the country?"

Prince Chengjiao glanced at the water measuring instrument in Zheng Guo's hand, the source of the Dinghaishen precious iron in "Journey to the West".

He pointed a finger at the iron rod and said with a smile:
"Just give this to me."

Zheng Guo's face turned pale and he gripped the iron rod tightly as if by reflex.

The Dinghai Shenzhen Iron was passed down by King Yu. It is a symbol of his lineage and an important item that has been passed down to this day despite the fact that his lineage was unable to control floods.

This thing is more important than his life.

"Are you joking, sir?" Zheng Guo asked anxiously, trying to make Prince Chengjiao change his mind.

Young Master Chengjiao stroked the little black tiger's fur and smiled slightly:
"Do you think I'm joking?"

Zheng Guo was stunned and took two steps back.

The iron rod was dragged in his hand, making a short series of dull noises.

The old waterman turned his head and stared blankly at the iron rod, his hoarse voice filled with confusion and anger:

"My lord, you'd better go to the country and die!"

Prince Chengjiao put down the little black tiger, jumped off the chair, and walked three steps away from Zheng Guo.

Just as he was about to speak, he saw that the iron rod was quite large. If it fell down, he might not be able to dodge it as the distance was too close.

So the boy stepped back to the chair and stood in front of his mother's right side. He felt relieved and cleared his throat:

"Ahem, why does Lord Zheng value this iron rod so much?"

Zheng Guo stared at the iron rod and said:

"This is a token of King Yu's will. With this, we can prove that our flood control is legitimate."

"I see, then can you think so? King Yu passed down this item so that the correct way to control water will not be lost."

"That's how it is!"

"I see. In other words, the existence of this water measuring device is for the purpose of water control, right?"

"…What exactly do you want to say, young master?"

"What I want to say is that since this dead thing exists to control water, then when it conflicts with water control, it has no meaning, right?"

"..."

"I think if Duke Zheng really wants to control the flood, he doesn't necessarily have to use only this instrument to measure the depth of the water, right?"

Zheng Guo turned his head and stared at the boy, making him feel guilty. He said:
"That's right, it's just as you said.

"Since this is a meaningless dead object, why did you insist on taking it away, sir?"

The boy raised his lips:

“Because you value it.

"Give this to me and I'll keep it for you temporarily.

“If you succeed in controlling the flood, I will return it to you.

"If you fail in flood control, haha."

The young man pointed to the east and said:

"The Dinghai Divine Treasure Iron, as the name suggests, is the treasure of Dinghai, and should be sunk to the bottom of the East China Sea!

“Although the water engineer is called the water monkey, it should not be an easy task to find the Dinghai Shenzhen Iron at the bottom of the East China Sea.”

Zheng Guo's eyes widened, and he immediately understood why the young man in front of him insisted on having this thing.

If the flood control fails, the young man will make his lineage disappear from the world! The world will never hear of King Yu's method of controlling water again!
"Sir, this..." Zheng Guo was in an unprecedented dilemma.

No one can guarantee a foolproof way to control water flow or build canals, especially when it comes to managing the water in the complex terrain of Guanzhong.

When digging a canal, a slight mistake at the beginning can lead to a huge mistake at the end.

He originally thought that failure would mean only losing his life, and at most he would die together with the three tribes.

And now… Zheng Guo looked at the iron rod in his hand.

If they fail, the nearly two thousand years of inheritance will be gone. The price is too high...

He looked at Master Chengjiao pleadingly, hoping that the young man would give in. His prematurely aged eyes were full of hope, and he said:

"The terrain of Guanzhong is extremely complex. There are only a few people in the world who can govern it. No one dares to say that it is perfect. Can you..."

The young man shook his head firmly, interrupting Zheng Guo's words.

He had a blank expression on his face, like an emotionless stone sculpture, and his words were cold-blooded and ruthless:

“Mr. Zheng, we have a clear division of labor.

"It is my job to make Qin use you to control the floods. I don't want to tell you how difficult it is.

“Water control is your business, and I don’t want to hear you tell me how difficult it is.

“If you can cure it, give me this iron rod.

"It cannot be cured. Take your iron rod and leave."

　Thank you very much for the reward of 1500 from Luohuazhi. I kowtow to you!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)