The younger brother of the First Emperor

Chapter 262: All the money is gone, Zhao Ji is dissolute

Chengjiao Palace, Li Yi Palace.

Lu Buwei took a sip of the tea and found it was a new flavor he had never tasted before.

He perked up and smacked his lips as he savored the taste.

After a moment, he put down the teacup.

Pointing to the remaining ounce of green water in the cup, he asked the disciple sitting opposite him with a smile:
"A recent invention?"

"Discovered." Ying Chengjiao corrected: "Discovered recently."

An invention is something that has not existed before, a discovery is something that has already existed.

"It tastes refreshing and has a bitter aftertaste, not bad." The minister did not hesitate to praise it and asked for more directly: "You keep half of this tea, and I will give the remaining half to you."

"How can a teacher ask for something from his disciple?"

"How many times have you paid tribute to Confucius? Confucius asked for a few strips of bacon, so why can't I ask you to order some tea?"

"Okay!" The young man agreed immediately, and with a shameless face, he came closer, put his arms on the table, and said, "I will give you some tea, Master. Can you give me a chance to discuss the Dao?"

"Look at how rude you are! You're just like a city fox, a rat, and a scoundrel!" Lu Buwei scolded with a smile.

When the young man showed a look of joy and thought that the teacher was going to agree.

The Prime Minister's face turned stern and he said coldly:
"No!"

"Give me a chance! The name of 'Lüshi Chunqiu' was thought up by me! How can I be missing from the compilation of the classics? 'Lüshi Chunqiu' is incomplete without my participation!" The young man was extremely dissatisfied.

Seeing the condition of his disciples, Lu Buwei nodded secretly.

[It seems that this beggar's plan has nothing to do with you, young master.]
[Oh, this is completely in line with the nature of these idiots!]
The corners of Minister Quan's mouth curled up slightly, and the words he said were totally inconsistent with what Master Chengjiao said:

“Your Majesty follows your heart, and I follow your heart.

"This is a win-win situation, so please don't get involved any further.

"Sir, you should go to your fiefdom more often when you have time. I heard that the resentment of the Biao clan's children is very strong."

After saying this, the Prime Minister stood up.

The Qin Palace is the palace of the King of Qin, not his territory.

He is the Prime Minister, and his territory is the Prime Minister's Palace.

"Don't forget to send the tea to me." Lu Buwei reminded him, nodded slightly to Ji Yaoyao who came out from the inner room to greet him, and was about to leave.

My arm tightened.

Ying Chengjiao grabbed the commander's arm and said earnestly, with a hint of pleading:
"Master, you will die if you do this."

"Not necessarily." Lu Buwei turned slightly and gently stroked the disciple's head with his left hand that was not caught: "Maybe they died."

"Without royal authority, one cannot be too radical."

"Maybe, in the future, I will have it."

"Gu" is not a title exclusive to kings.

Scholar-officials, wives of princes, empress dowagers, queens, etc. could also call themselves this.

But at this moment... Ying Chengjiao's heart tightened, his hands tightened, and his eyes tightened:
"Master, do you want to usurp the throne?"

Lu Buwei pushed away his disciple's hand and said with a smile:

"Maybe."

Lu Buwei left.

Come quickly and go even faster.

Ji Yaoyao, who was always smart, walked to the palace gate and looked at Lu Buwei's leaving back. For the first time, confusion flashed in her eyes.

Since she came of age, the court struggles and palace turmoil have been completely transparent to Ji Yaoyao.

She doesn't need to take it too seriously; her brain will automatically unravel everything.

It allows her to see the essence of every conspiracy and learn the truth behind every conspiracy.

But today, she couldn't understand.

She knew what the master and disciple said to each other, but she didn't know what they were trying to do.

The mighty power of a powerful minister of a country was broken by the lowest beggar.

When she heard about this plan, she was full of praise and was amazed. She said with a smile that there were still capable people in the Qin State.

The most that Lu Buwei could do was to push out a dead person to reduce the impact on the people, but his prestige among the Qin high-level officials was actually shaken and could not be changed.

It was such a brilliant plan, but both her son and the most powerful prime minister Qin had ever had looked so strange.

It was as if... the Qin King's group had made some stupid move.

Ji Yaoyao looked at her dazed son and asked with genuine curiosity for the first time:
"Qian'er, what does your master plan to do?"

"All my money is gone..." Ying Chengjiao lowered his eyebrows and spoke slowly.

That afternoon, the Prime Minister's residence was blocked by hundreds of people, who demanded a thousand gold coins.

When passers-by heard about this, more and more people stopped to watch, resulting in an ever-increasing crowd of onlookers, making it even more lively than during the New Year.

Meng An, the internal historian who was responsible for maintaining order in the streets of Xianyang, received two orders.

A copy came to the Prime Minister's Palace, with the Prime Minister's seal and the Qin King's seal:

【Don't move.】

One copy came from the Qin Palace, stamped with two orders from the Queen Mother, and was delivered by eunuchs who were only allowed to be kept in the palace:

[If you are loyal to Qin, please stay in peace. ]

The Nei Shi, who was a little worried about receiving two orders, was no longer worried after reading the contents of the two orders.

Isn't this different!

Meng An, who came from the Meng family, one of the three major clans of the Qin Dynasty, stroked his chin, muttering in his heart and mouth:
"It is only natural that the king does not allow me to move, but why does Prime Minister Lu also not allow me to move?
"If these untouchables are not evacuated in time, the situation will only get worse.

“The untouchables are not a concern.

“But when the news of this situation in the Prime Minister’s Mansion reaches everyone, everyone will think that Prime Minister Lu is incompetent.

“If left unchecked like this, these untouchables can cause trouble until curfew.

"The longer the time goes, the worse Lu Xiang's situation will become."

The sky gradually darkened, and the sunset filled the sky with bright red.

The sun peeked out from the west hills, and I was curious as to why there were still so many people on Zhangtai Street, which used to be deserted.

As curfew approaches, the crowd will disperse.

Anyone wandering the streets after curfew will be regarded as a thief. This is clearly stated in the Qin Law.

The best outcome for thieves caught during curfew is imprisonment, which means unpaid labor reform with food provided.

Shang Yang established the supreme status of Qin Law in the hearts of the Qin people by moving the trees to establish trust and killing 700 nobles at the Caotan execution ground.

Just when the matter was about to be completed, the Prime Minister came out.

In front of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

Lü Buwei held a loud speaker in his hand, stood on a wooden table, and said loudly:
“The amount of money is too much, please allow me to raise some.

"Today, there are 517 people in Dongmen Zhongjin. Their identities have been recorded, without a single mistake.

"Come here to collect your money next month and on this day!"

The crowd was still for a moment, and then the noise rose to the sky.

"Your Excellency won't lie to us, will you?"

"Who is the Lord? Is your words effective? Is the Prime Minister here?"

"My lord, my lord, have you memorized my name? My name is Ergou! I live in Xipo District, Xianyang... Don't get my appearance wrong and let another Ergou take me away!"

"..."

Lu Buwei used a loud speaker to announce that he was the prime minister, and repeatedly emphasized that he would not make a mistake among the 517 people.

He shouted until his voice was hoarse, and finally persuaded all the people to leave before curfew.

The news reached all parties who had been waiting, and the reactions were mixed.

The old Qin nobles, the new Qin nobles, the military families... These Qin high-ranking officials, whether they stood on the side of royal power or prime ministerial power, did not understand - why did Prime Minister Lu make such a stupid move?
A delaying tactic? That's not like Lu Xiang's style.

On the day that the king wanted that bitch to ascend to heaven, Prime Minister Lu killed her.

Then...really give it to me?
Five hundred and seventeen people, that would be five hundred and seventeen thousand gold.

Didn't Lu Xiang Chamber of Commerce disappear? Where did all this money come from?

Even if there is so much money, why should we distribute it to the untouchables?
If those untouchables really got 517,000 gold... they don't deserve it!
The families supporting Lu Buwei's power sent people to ask the prime minister what he really thought, but they were all persuaded by Gan Luo, the prime minister's chief secretary, not to tell them.

Standing in the palace of Qin Wangzheng’s family to announce the good news.

The three loyal followers of King Qin Zheng, namely the Chu clan, the Zhao clan, and the royal family, gathered together and discussed overnight the meaning of Lu Buwei's move.

There are three final results:
1. This was Lu Buwei's delaying tactic.

Within this month, he will use ruthless means to replace these 517 people with his own people, making money from his left hand and gaining a good reputation.

2. Lu Buwei was dragged down by his reputation for benevolence and righteousness.

Because Lu Buwei had always pursued benevolent governance and always cared about the people's will, so when the real people's will came, he had to swallow his anger and raise money to protect his reputation.

3. Lu Buwei suffered from madness.

Lu Buwei is also a human being and he also makes mistakes. It is normal for him to do foolish things when he is distracted.

Queen Mother Zhao, Ji Yaotiao, was overjoyed when she heard the news and laughed until tears came out.

Let’s not talk about what will happen a month later, and just talk about the present.

After the incident of paying a thousand gold coins for a single word, Lu Buwei's prestige had been greatly negatively affected.

Two powers in opposition.

As the power of the prime minister declined, the power of the king increased, and her son Zheng was one step closer to truly taking power.

Today is the happiest day for Queen Mother Zhao in recent months.

She decided to treat herself.

After King Huiwen of Qin passed away, Queen Dowager Xuan had an affair with King Yiqiu and gave birth to two sons for him.

Queen Dowager Zhao, who had always admired Queen Dowager Xuan and took her as a role model, summoned her 18 male favorites to serve in the palace.

Among the eighteen people, the closest one was Shan Feng, who had been on duty outside the Queen Mother Zhao's bedroom as a palace attendant.

When the second male favorite arrived, he heard the charming voice of Queen Dowager Zhao outside the palace.

After he was ordered into the palace, he saw a beautiful body lying on the ground in a mess, with the embroidered mandarin duck curtains all tossed to the ground.

Queen Dowager Zhao had a sleepless night tonight.

There was such a big commotion in Queen Mother Zhao's bedroom, and many people knew about it. How could it be hidden from anyone?

What's more, Ji Yaotiao didn't intend to hide it from anyone.

When King Zheng of Qin learned about this, he became extremely upset, and even his joy of defeating his teacher was diluted a lot.

On the one hand, King Zheng of Qin felt deeply ashamed of what his mother had done.

A lustful man is romantic, while a lustful woman is lewd.

On the other hand, he also understood his mother.

I know that the Queen Mother acted this way because of her nature and the guidance of my father.

King Zheng of Qin really wanted to draw his sword and kill all the male favorites who had blasphemed his mother one by one!

The first time he learned from Zhao Gao that the man Shan Feng, whom he had admired, was his mother's male favorite, he wanted to kill him.

Tonight, no one died in Queen Mother Zhao's bedroom.

At dawn, King Zheng of Qin, who had also not slept all night, ordered the Imperial Medical Bureau to send the imperial physician who was best at treating women's health to the Queen Mother Zhao's bedroom.

His mother's bedroom was in turmoil all night and he was worried about her health.

Doctor Long, who often walked around the harem and treated concubines, wives, the queen mother and the queen, came to the outside of Queen Mother Zhao's bedroom with a medicine box on his back and asked the eunuch to report.

While waiting, the imperial physician Long, who was over 40 years old, stroked the three neatly trimmed short beards under his chin, and the image of a child emerged in his mind.

Before he came out of the Imperial Medical Bureau, Xia Wuqie, who was the darling of the Imperial Medical Bureau, came to carry his medicine box for him.

Whenever the imperial physicians of the Imperial Medical Bureau went out to see patients, as long as Xia Wuqie was present, they would take Xia Wuqie with them.

If the two imperial doctors went out to see patients together, they would fight over who would take Xia Wuqie with them.

Doctor Long said that it was not suitable to take care of the child this time, which made Xia Wuqi frown and ask if he had done something wrong.

[What could the young doctor do wrong?]
Doctor Long shook his head and chuckled, with a doting look on his face.

All the imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Bureau have successors. The fact that Xia Wuqie can make all the imperial physicians rush to take him out for medical consultations is not something that can be achieved by just being a medical genius. One must also have a good character.

After a while, the eunuch was informed to come.

Doctor Long picked up the medicine box and followed the eunuch into Queen Dowager Zhao's bedroom with ease.

Before I even stepped in, I could smell the strong smell of war.

Doctor Long frowned. He had heard that Queen Dowager Zhao was promiscuous and was very unhappy.

[How debauched!]
He sighed deeply inwardly, lowered his head, and watched the eunuch in front of him walking forward.

The man’s belt, the torn red gauze dress… Doctor Long felt that his eyes had been tainted.

If he hadn't had to follow the eunuch in front of him, he really wanted to close his eyes.

Walking from the front hall to the back room, the eunuch stopped and Doctor Long also stopped.

Then, a pair of large feet passed by Doctor Long who lowered his head, and it was obvious that they were all men.

Doctor Long closed his eyes, held his breath, and his body was shaking with anger.

[Too slutty!]
It seemed like a short time had passed, but Doctor Long felt like a long time had passed.

"I haven't called the imperial physician yet. Who sent you?" An extremely charming voice came.

Hearing this extremely charming voice with a hint of laziness and dullness, Doctor Long immediately thought of a beautiful woman who had not yet woken up, lying on the bed and talking lazily.

"Your Majesty," Doctor Long just said one word.

"Raise your head." The charming female voice suddenly became majestic.

Doctor Long hesitated for a moment, looked up as he was told, then quickly lowered his head, turned around and left:
"I am waiting for the Queen Mother to dress outside!"

The forty-year-old imperial physician took four hurried steps, heard the sound of wind around him, and bumped into a soft and delicate body.

A pair of white and tender little feet appeared in my eyes, and there was heat in my ears:
"Aren't you here to treat me? Why are you running away before I've even treated you?"

Doctor Long closed his eyes tightly, stood still, and summoned up the righteousness in his heart, and shouted sternly:

"Please respect yourself, Queen Mother!"

Ji Yaotiao looked at Doctor Long’s face.

The forty-year-old man's face was different from those of her little male favorites.

Less strength, more maturity.

This loud shout not only failed to repel Ji Yaotiao, but instead aroused her sexual interest.

She chuckled and ran her slender fingers across the face of Doctor Long, who could barely be described as a "handsome man":

“I don’t know whether I am in good health or not.

"From the powerful words the imperial physician just said, and from his well-maintained face, the imperial physician must be in very good health.

“Let me give it a try.

"Close the palace!"

Imperial Physician Long returned to the Imperial Physician's Office at noon. His steps were unsteady, he was holding his waist, and he did not carry his medicine box.

Soon after, the medicine box was delivered by the eunuchs in the palace of Queen Dowager Zhao, together with one hundred gold coins and two pairs of jade bi given by the Queen Dowager Zhao to Doctor Long.

Soon, the news of Queen Mother Zhao's promiscuity spread like wildfire and became known to everyone.

One month later, it’s the day of spending all your money.

The front of the Prime Minister's Mansion was crowded with people.

(End of this chapter)