The younger brother of the First Emperor

Chapter 239 He Should Call Me Zhongfu

Lu Buwei lowered his head and covered his eyes, as if testing Prince Zheng:
“Military merit is the basis for the advancement of the people and the foundation for our country’s strength.

“The people need military merit, and the generals need military merit.

"Except the king, everyone in our country needs military merit.

“The reason I was able to sit on the position of prime minister, besides the king’s trust, the most important thing was that I led the war to destroy the Eastern Zhou Kingdom.

“A thorough investigation of military merits will lead to serious disaster.

“If the people don’t fight bravely, the generals won’t fight for their lives.

"Our country will suffer the same fate as other countries and return to the period before Shang Yang's reforms.

“If it gets more serious, it might force the people to rebel.

“No one can bear so much harm.

"Our country has committed the crime of killing innocent people and claiming credit for their crimes, which is obviously a last resort.

"Why did the prince say that this action encouraged killing?"

Prince Zheng did not notice anything unusual as his teachers often tested him in this way.

Lu Buwei's tone was not much different from when he was teaching in the Guanzheng Qinxue Hall.

Ying Zheng fell into deep thought, speaking as he thought.

Because this is the first time I know this, most of the ideas are generated in my mind for the first time, so I speak slowly:
“What the commander said may be one of many reasons, but it is definitely not the decisive reason.

"Tolerating the killing of innocent people for personal gain is, in fact, using the state treasury's money and official titles to pay for the greed of these soldiers.

"To enrich the people at the expense of the state is contrary to what Shang Yang advocated, that is, to weaken the people and strengthen the state.

“For a country to be strong, its people need to be ignorant, poor, weak and tired.

“When people are ignorant, they don’t think and are easily controlled.

“When the people are poor and cannot get enough food and clothing, they only think about food and clothing.

“When the people are weak, they have no choice but to accept the arrangements of the state.

"People are tired. After completing the state's arrangements, all their energy will be exhausted. They have no extra energy to do other things. The state has gained the maximum benefit while maintaining national stability.

“So, although it seems that condoning the killing of innocent people to gain credit is a helpless move, in fact, nothing will go wrong if we don’t condone it.

“If the people wanted to revolt, they would have done so 200 years ago, not today.

"The fact that our country has become the hegemon of the world proves that our people have become accustomed to the Qin laws and the laws of Shang Yang.

“People, if there is a way to survive, they will not rebel.

“Where could there be a situation where military merits are strictly investigated but dissatisfaction leads to rebellion?

"They don't have the wisdom, the heart, the energy, or the courage.

"Looking back through the ages, we have the Xia dynasty, the Shang dynasty, the Zhou dynasty, and so on until today.

“It has always been the nobles fighting, and there has never been resistance from the people.

“The common people are all under the command of the nobles. When have they ever stood on the stage?

"If you're saying you're afraid of the nobles... haha."

Although young, Ying Zheng, who was increasingly powerful, chuckled and looked at his teacher:

“The biggest criminal case in our country was handled by the division commander.

“The second biggest criminal case was handled by Shang Jun.

“The seven or eight hundred heads in Caotan were all from Qin nobles.

"If our ancestor, Duke Xiao, had feared a rebellion by the nobles, Lord Shang would not have been able to change his ways, and the Qin State would have perished long ago."

Lu Buwei looked normal, but his heart was a little uneasy.

He executed two thousand people in one day just because of the assassination of Ying Zheng.

Was Ying Zheng taking this opportunity to warn him?

Let him, Lu Buwei, not forget his original attitude.

Warn him that no matter how powerful Lu Buwei is, he is still just a minister, not a king.

This feeling is very much like the king...

Ying Zheng, who said this, seemed to have just mentioned it casually, and did not mention it again in the following words:
“Therefore, the government believes.

“The country sits by and does nothing while innocent people are killed and people take credit for their crimes, because killing innocent people and taking credit for their crimes is in itself beneficial to the country.

"Killing people is beneficial to the country, right?"

Ying Zheng looked at his commander intently, waiting for his teacher's response.

At this moment, he seemed like Prince Zheng who was studying spontaneously in the Guanzheng Qinxue Hall, rather than the king who was about to succeed to the throne.

Lu Buwei felt awe-inspiring.

His eyes were always on the second young master who was far away in Qi State.

Before he knew it, the Crown Prince Zheng in front of him had grown up.

It seems that he has become a king who can switch states freely and can both show kindness and show power.

The King of Qin is a king of tigers and wolves, and is of the same lineage.

Qin Xiang, who had great ambitions, showed approval on his face, nodded, and encouraged:
"Go on."

Ying Zheng responded with a "yes" that sounded a bit harsh to Lu Buwei's ears, and continued:

"Bai Qi killed 400,000 Zhao soldiers, causing the Zhao State to fall to this point.

“I originally thought that this was just an isolated case of Bai Qi’s bloodlust.

“But now it seems that this trend has existed in our country for a long time, but it has not been so blatant as Bai Qi.

“Our country’s military merit is calculated per head, and there are people who verify it.

"So the good people in the "Killing Good People to Get Credit" must not be old people, women, children, or those who seem to be worthless at first glance.

"These three types of people cannot be soldiers, so how can they be A-level soldiers?
"Then, the only possibility for this Liang is an adult man.

“Killing men who are capable of joining the army and doing heavy work.

“Leave behind the old men, women and children who are unable to join the army and have poor physical strength.

“Kill those in other countries who can grow food and fight, and leave those who can eat food but cannot fight.

"In this way, they are secretly weakening other countries."

Lu Buwei clapped his hands softly:
"color.

“What the prince said hits the nail on the head.

"Then, Prince, do you think this approach is right or wrong?"

Prime Minister Qin's eyes were dark and deep.

He was in charge of Crown Prince Zheng's studies, and he knew clearly what the crown prince was learning.

But even though he had already made up his mind, he still felt somewhat unwilling.

Through this question, he wanted to explore once again what Prince Zheng's governing philosophy was.

What kind of impact will Prince Zheng's becoming king have on the people of Qin and on the people of the world?

Prince Zheng was somewhat inappropriately excited.

He was often questioned and tested on politics and teaching by his father, but this time was different.

He could clearly feel that the teacher was asking for his opinion.

And his opinions seem to be able to actually influence the course of events.

After countless simulations, the actual practice finally came.

Prince Zheng looked serious and took things even more seriously, not daring to neglect the matter:

“Zheng thought it was right.

"The state bears the extra cost of military merit in exchange for the sharpness of soldiers, the passion of generals, and the weakness of other countries.

“This is the right thing to do.”

Lu Buwei bit his upper and lower teeth lightly together, applying a little force.

The next moment, he smiled and said:
"Isn't the prince going to make any changes?"

Ying Zheng was silent for a moment, then said carefully:
“Logically speaking, when our country encounters a series of major events, we should seek stability rather than change.

“Zheng’s talent and thinking will not be higher than those of the counselors and predecessors in the past two hundred years.

“But since it was the teacher who asked, Zheng spoke out everything that was on his mind.

"This is only for teachers' reference. Teachers must not use it directly in practice just because of their political status."

The corners of Lu Buwei's mouth curled up unconsciously, and he nodded expectantly.

Prince Zhengdao:

“In our country, there are people who kill innocent people and take credit for their achievements.

"On the other hand, is there any omission in the confirmation of military merit?

"For example, if a soldier who killed an armored soldier died on the battlefield, how should his military merit be calculated?"

Lü Buwei's heart sank. This was not what he wanted to hear. The general direction was wrong. He suppressed his displeasure and answered truthfully:
"After his death, his military achievements were inherited by his eldest son in the family."

"What provisions does our country have to ensure that this military achievement will be given to his eldest son?"

"If the dead soldier has a good friend who can remember him, he can be awarded military merit after verification by the government."

"On the battlefield, swords have no eyes. Being alive is a blessing. Who would keep track of the number of enemies killed for others? If no one keeps track, will the rewards not be issued? There should be many similar cases in the army, right?"

"So, what the prince wants to do is..."

"Killing innocent people and claiming credit for it is easy, while military merit is delegated and strictly controlled. Those who fight for their country should get what they deserve."

"How do you do that?"

“Zheng has never thought about it.”

“…have you never thought about it?”

"Zheng is now the crown prince of Qin, and will be the king of Qin in the future. The king is responsible for making demands and making decisions. How the demands are met is the responsibility of the officials in the court."

The master and the disciple fell silent at the same time.

Prince Zheng has finished speaking.

Qin Prime Minister Lu Buwei...he saw the Qin monarch, King Zheng of Qin, who was more domineering than King Zichu of Qin.

If King Qin Chu were here, he would definitely not say this.

Instead, he would say modestly:
"I am stupid, so I'll have to trouble you a lot on this matter."

Lu Buwei clenched his teeth together again and applied a little force.

If it was just that the attitude towards him was different, he would feel a little unhappy, but he would not remain silent.

This also reflects a larger problem.

Prince Zheng proposed to delegate military merit and strictly control it, saying that it was to protect the benefits of the people who fought for the country, but the result would be that the already warlike Qin people would become even more warlike.

The Qin prince Chu was a tyrant who wanted to unify the world through military force.

And Prince Zheng of Qin is even worse than the King of Qin!
The first problem that Prince Zheng saw was not people’s livelihood, but the lack of fighting power of the Qin State!

Lu Buwei's mind was full of thoughts, and he suddenly spoke:
"It has been almost a month since Lord Chang'an left Qi. Has the Crown Prince heard any information about Lord Chang'an?"

Prince Zheng raised his eyebrows, and his pupils gradually showed a fierce look:

"Master, what do you want to do by asking this?"

Lü Buwei looked back at Prince Zheng presumptuously, his eyes like the deep sea, drowning out all of Prince Zheng's sharp edge:

"Changan Jun may have different ideas about this matter."

Prince Zheng leaned forward slightly:
"My brother thinks the same as I do."

"Not necessarily." Lu Buwei lowered his eyebrows and narrowed his eyes.

"That's it." Ying Zheng emphasized slightly.

"I understand." Lu Buwei put away the bamboo slips.

"Master, what does your commander want to do?" Ying Zheng asked.

"This is not something the Crown Prince should ask about." Lu Buwei said very naturally, so naturally that he seemed to be nonchalant: "The King has already given instructions."

Prince Zheng was slightly annoyed.

He was already grown up and would become king, but what Lü Buwei meant by that was that he was still treating him like a child! He was using his father to pressure him!

"Master." Ying Zheng held the rolled-up bamboo slips on the table, his face unhappy: "Can't you really talk to me?"

"No." Lu Buwei pulled out the bamboo slips.

The bamboo slips were pulled out so quickly that Ying Zheng's hand, which was pressing on the bamboo slips, slammed down on the table, making a slight sound.

This voice rang out from a major case, and finally touched the hearts of Lu Buwei and the prince.

Ying Zheng stood up suddenly and glared at him angrily.

Lu Buwei was busy reviewing memorials and ignoring the crown prince.

After an unknown amount of time, Gan Luo, the chief secretary of the prime minister, came in holding bamboo slips.

As soon as he entered the door, the boy felt the strange atmosphere and his face turned slightly pale.

The originally smooth pace became staggering.

Gan Luo carefully placed the bamboo slips next to Lu Buwei, making almost no sound.

After completing the task, the boy tiptoed away.

"Stop!" Ying Zheng called the young man and said in a bad tone: "You are not polite when you come or go. Do you think your words are nothing to the Prime Minister? You have no manners at all!"

The boy turned pale:

"Luo's fault! Luo's fault!"

He turned around and saluted Lu Buwei:
"Master Xiangbang, Luo will take his leave."

Lu Buwei waved his hand:

"I've told you so many times that there's no need for these empty formalities. Go down now."

He glanced at the prince, lowered his head, and said casually:
"Changan Jun hates these red tapes the most."

Ying Zheng was angry and left with a wave of his sleeves.

The young man Gan Luo huddled aside.

After Ying Zheng left, he approached Lu Buwei and said:

"My Lord, who is this?"

"Crown Prince." Lu Buwei paused and said, "The crown prince who will become the king."

The boy's face changed drastically, and he was about to cry:
"I didn't mean to offend the prince, I just..."

Lü Buwei had a gentle look on his face. He patted the boy's head and interrupted with a smile:
"It has nothing to do with you. He was mad at me."

"How can the master still smile when you are angry at him?" The young man raised his head and said worriedly: "Although the master is trusted by the king, the king has his own ministers. It is better not to anger the new king, okay?"

"The king is young and inexperienced." Lü Buwei continued with a smile: "He is still a child, just like you. Children will get into trouble if they are not taken care of properly."

"This is different, you are my lord, but he..." Gan Luo said anxiously.

He was interrupted by Lu Buwei when he was halfway through his words:
"He should call me Zhongfu."

Gan Luo: “…”

The young man looked at his lord with a kind face, his heart pounding with fear and legs trembling.

night.

The palace of King Qin.

Prince Chu of Qin now wakes and sleeps according to fate, not the weather.

Day and night are not different, it all depends on your body and mind.

At about 2:30 am on the 2nd quarter of an hour, Prince Chu of Qin opened his eyes.

In addition to the second son Ying Chengjiao, the eldest son Ying Zheng also appeared in sight.

Prince Qin Wangzichu knew it just by looking at the eldest son's expression.

Something must have happened while he was asleep.

"Father, today..." the prince began to speak.

"Qian'er, you go out first." Qin Wang Zichu glanced at him and said forcefully, "Since you are not the king, don't listen to government affairs before I die. Let me die in peace."

"If you don't know how to talk, you can shut up." Ying Chengjiao said irritably, and stood up and walked out: "I'm in the front hall."

The back room door closed.

Prince Chu of Qin stretched out an arm.

Prince Zheng grabbed his father's arm and helped him sit up.

He picked up two pillows and placed them on the wall behind Qin Wang Zichu.

Qin Wang Zichu leaned on the pillow and calculated the time in his mind:
“The battle is over.

"This is probably what made my son lose his composure."

"Yes and no." Prince Zheng's face was filled with anger. After telling his experience in the Prime Minister's Mansion, he punched the bed angrily: "Lü Buwei bullied me too much!"

Qin Wang Zichu's eyes fixed:
"You should call him Master, Sir, or at least Prime Minister.

“You are master and apprentice in name only, and master and apprentice in reality.

“No matter how angry you are, you can’t call him by his name!
"You're a bit cunning! Don't let anyone see what you're thinking at a glance! Cough cough cough!"

Perhaps because his words were too harsh, Qin Zichu coughed repeatedly.

Prince Zheng responded silently and patted his father's back gently.

Qin Wang Zichu paused for a moment and lowered his eyelids:

"This matter has indeed been discussed between me and Lu Buwei. It is best for you not to ask about it. This is for your own good.

"I am still the king now. This matter has nothing to do with you. Do you understand?"

"What if my son insists on knowing?" Prince Zheng looked paranoid.

(End of this chapter)