The younger brother of the First Emperor

Chapter 263: The First Emperor to Travel Through Time, Lu Buwei, Prime Minister of Qin, Makes a Sensation in Xianyang and the World
In winter, it gets dark early and gets light late.

The cold wind blew tiny snowflakes against the streets and alleys of Xianyang City.

The icicles hanging under the eaves glowed coldly in the faint morning light, like sharp daggers piercing the silence of winter.

Farmers who rely on the weather and the fields for their food are busy all year round in spring, summer and autumn, and all their laziness is concentrated in the winter when they cannot farm.

In the past, they would curl up in their warm beds and sleep until noon.

The first year of the reign of Qin Shi Huangdi, December, 12th day.

The curfew had just passed, but the sound of the night watchman's clappers was still echoing in the empty streets, and the lingering sound had not yet faded.

As if they had agreed on something, the doors of every household opened simultaneously. The heavy wooden doors made a dull sound, announcing the start of a new day.

Outside the Xianyang Palace, the Fourth Ring Road, Eighth District and Seventeenth Street seemed to come alive in an instant.

Figures wrapped in thick winter clothes walked forward in the dark on the snow.

They walked hurriedly, their breath condensed into white mist in the cold air and dissipated in the wind.

Most of these people were farmers, and they were heading in the same direction - Zhangtai Street.

One month was enough for the story of "a word worth a thousand gold pieces" to spread to every corner of Xianyang.

Whether it was casual chat after dinner or discussion on the streets, people were talking about the "Gold Release Day" promised by Prime Minister Lu.

Today is the day that everyone has been looking forward to.

The road was bustling with people, and the sounds of footsteps, whispers, and coughs intertwined together, breaking the silence of the winter.

The farmers who had earned a fortune had excitement and anxiety on their faces, and they walked briskly, as if they had already seen their future becoming extremely wealthy.

Those who did not get the fortune were filled with regret, with a bit of jealousy and unwillingness in their eyes.

They murmured to themselves, regretting why they did not go to the East Gate that day, secretly hoping that those who had won a fortune would end up being disappointed.

at the same time.

The Palace of the King of Qin, the Central Palace, and the Palace of Observation and Diligence in Learning.

There were several bronze lamps burning in the hall, and there were two sets of tables and chairs.

One of the sets of tables and chairs was used by King Zheng of Qin.

The dim firelight shone on the bamboo slips, reflecting the young and calm face of King Zheng of Qin.

He sat at the desk, his elbows resting on the table, holding a scroll of memorials reviewed by the Prime Minister's Office, and reading it carefully.

His brows were slightly furrowed and his eyes were focused, as if everything in the outside world had nothing to do with him.

At his feet were densely packed bamboo slips, neatly stacked together. The scene was exactly the same as the main hall of the Prime Minister's Mansion.

A young man was sitting at another set of tables and chairs.

He looked four or five years older than King Zheng of Qin. There was a hint of weariness between his brows and he was flipping through the bamboo slips in his hands absentmindedly.

His name is Wang Wan. He used to be the study partner of King Zheng of Qin. Now he is still with King Zheng of Qin, assisting him...in learning government affairs.

His eyelids drooped slightly, and there was no light in his eyes. They were full of sleepiness, as if he would fall asleep at any time. He did not sleep all night.

During the night that was about to end, he stole glances at the king several times when he felt sleepy, and each time he saw that the king was full of energy.

He covered his mouth with his hand and yawned, then glanced at the king again - the king's eyes were still as bright as ever.

[Why isn't your Majesty sleepy?]
"Get out of here! Do I need you to report to me when I see my brother?" Suddenly, an arrogant voice came from outside the palace, breaking the silence in the hall.

Wang Wan was distracted and only vaguely heard the words "get out" and "I want you to report".

He shuddered suddenly, his sleepiness instantly disappeared, and he looked towards the palace gate involuntarily.

[The king has not yet taken full control of political affairs, but his words are law within the palace.]
[Even if Lu Xiang enters the palace, his life or death is only a matter of time before the king decides.]
[Who on earth dares to be so rude, scolding and cursing the king's confidant Zhao Gao... Who is the confidant of the queen mother?]
As Wang Wan was thinking, the palace door was suddenly pushed open with a "bang". A gust of cold air blew in his face, making him shiver involuntarily.

A young man strode into the hall, with sword-like brows and narrow eyes. There was a sharpness in his eyes, like a sword drawn from its sheath, revealing its edge.

His eyes swept around the hall and finally fell on King Zheng of Qin.

Wang Wan turned his head away, avoiding the boy's gaze, but was secretly alert in his heart.

He didn't know if he had seen it wrong just now, but there seemed to be a hint of murderous intent in the boy's eyes.

[This is the palace. Who does he want to kill? The king?]
In Wang Wan's peripheral vision, the young man took two steps at a time and went straight towards King Zheng of Qin.

The movements were swift and decisive, like a cheetah ready to pounce.

Under Wang Wan's horrified gaze, the young man suddenly jumped up and sat down on the bamboo slips held by King Zheng of Qin.

The bamboo slips were bent by the pressure, making a slight creaking sound.

Wang Wan's pupils shrank slightly and he was secretly shocked.

Some time ago, King Zheng of Qin punished a eunuch with five strokes of the cane because he lost a scroll of bamboo slips. Today, this young man is so rude, how can King Zheng of Qin let him off easily?
However, to Wang Wan's surprise, King Zheng of Qin not only did not get angry, but he threw down the bamboo slips and laughed before he spoke:
"Brother came quickly."

Wang Wan's doubts were immediately resolved, and he glanced calmly at the small table and straw mat in the corner.

When he first accompanied King Zheng of Qin to study here, he wanted to use those straw mats and small tables, but King Zheng of Qin, who was still the crown prince, rebuked him and forbade him to overstep his authority.

[Brother...it turns out this boy is the famous Lord Chang'an...]
Until this point.

Zhao Gao, the chariot officer who was supposed to make the announcement, finally arrived. He bowed his head and stood in front of Qin Wangzheng, apology in a 70% tone and grievance in a 30% tone:

"minister"

As soon as he said a word, Zhao Gao saw King Zheng of Qin frowned slightly, raised his hand and waved, signaling him to leave.

The hand drew a cold arc in the air, like an invisible knife, cutting off the words before he could say them.

Zhao Gao's throat choked, as if something was blocking it.

What he originally wanted to say was "I failed to stop Chang'an Jun, please punish me, Your Majesty."

Ostensibly he was asking for forgiveness, but in reality he was accusing Chang'an Jun of his tyranny.

However... King Zheng of Qin didn't even have the patience to listen to him finish.

The flickering candlelight in the hall reflected on the stern face of King Zheng of Qin, making him look particularly majestic.

Zhao Gao lowered his head, a hint of unwillingness flashed in his eyes, but he didn't dare to show it at all.

He bowed slightly, his voice low and submissive:
"only."

He took three steps back, his steps slow and gentle, as if he was afraid of disturbing something.

As he turned around, his sleeves brushed the ground lightly, raising a tiny bit of dust.

His back looked particularly thin in the candlelight, as if a gust of wind could blow him away.

Ying Chengjiao sat on the table with his legs crossed, tapping the bamboo slips under his butt with his fingers, making a slight "tapping" sound.

"Zhao Gao... I don't like this name, just kill him." Ying Chengjiao said this in a casual tone, just like a "good morning".

The voice of this sentence is neither loud nor soft.

King Zheng of Qin, who was nearby, could hear it; Zhao Gao, who was not far away, could hear it; and Wang Wan, who was farther away, could hear it.

Wang Wan hissed and clenched his sleeves tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

[The hidden palace maiden whom the king wanted to make his queen died at the hands of Prime Minister Lu, and Zhao Gao was the only son of the hidden palace maiden.]
[Everyone in the court knows that the king favors Zhao Gao. Even if Chang'an Jun has a good relationship with the king, he should not say such words.]
Zhao Gao paused slightly.

Although he quickly continued to move forward, his body was shaking unconsciously, as if it was in vibration mode.

King Zheng of Qin, who knew his brother's virtue well, frowned in surprise.

He stared into his brother's eyes, trying to read something.

Ying Chengjiao's gaze was as calm as water, without the slightest ripple.

King Qin Zheng spoke slowly, his voice deep and powerful:
"Don't joke around, brother.

"He is Afang's son, the only one Afang left for me."

Keep Zhao Gao, treat Zhao Gao well, and favor Zhao Gao.

King Zheng of Qin can then prove that he deeply loves Afang.

One can fight against the power of the prime minister at the moment.

Second, he could not appoint a queen in the future on the pretext that no one else was worthy of being queen except Afang, thus ending the queen's power in Qin that had lasted for hundreds of years.

The air in the hall seemed to freeze, and even the candle flames seemed to have stopped flickering.

There was still a faint smile on Ying Chengjiao's face, as if the words he just said were just a casual remark.

His eyes swept across Zhao Gao's back, and then fell on Qin Wangzheng's face, and he said in a relaxed tone:

"Since he is my brother's man, I will not kill him. I will kill him when he offends me."

Ying Chengjiao knew very early that his brother had another person, Zhao Gao, by his side.

According to the records in history books, the Zhao Gao in front of him is obviously taller than the deceased prince of Zhao, and more like the Zhao Gao in history.

If it was Ying Chengjiao who had just traveled through time, he would grit his teeth and give the order to kill Zhao Gao, and then vomit while looking at Zhao Gao's corpse.

Now... not worthy.

Even if this really was the Prime Minister Zhao Gao who called a deer a horse, it was not worth him spending too much effort on it.

He could kill Zhao Gao with just a few words.

The reason why he didn't kill him was because his brother kept Zhao Gao useful, and because killing a person who had no way to die might open Pandora's box - he was afraid that he had become accustomed to killing and no longer took human life seriously.

When one has the power to decide life and death with a single word, he does not regard people as insignificant and says that everyone can become a saint.

Only then will other scholars believe in and follow it, and regard it as the hope to end this dark age.

These two sentences let Zhao Gao know that without the protection of King Zheng of Qin, he would die immediately at the hands of Ying Chengjiao.

It is best to accept the beating without any change of heart and be loyal to your brother. If you don't accept it and still have the courage to have a change of heart... According to his mother Ji Yaoyao, it is impossible to hide what a person wants to do.

Ying Chengjiao is the only person at the moment who can mobilize the forces of both the king and the prime minister.

If Zhao Gao did something, even if he could hide it from King Zheng of Qin, he could not hide it from Chang'an Jun.

If you are found to be seeking death, then die.

At the palace gate, Zhao Gao stopped, his back looking particularly lonely in the dim light.

His hands tightly grasped the palace gate, his knuckles turned white from the force. His body was still trembling slightly, as if he was trying hard to suppress something.

The door opened a little, and Zhao Gao hurriedly and awkwardly dodged and fell to the ground.

He looked at the magnificent palace behind him and his teeth chattered.

It’s like what you see is not the Qinxueguanzheng Hall, but the Hall of Yama.

Inside the hall, a cold wind blew in, and the candlelight flickered.

It shone on the faces of the brothers Ying Chengjiao and Ying Zheng, making their expressions flicker.

A time traveler from two thousand years later struggled to restrain himself in order not to fall into the abyss of indiscriminate killing.

The first emperor under the feudal monarchy would do anything to seize power.

"Are you Wang Wan?" The young man seemed to have just discovered that there was another person in the hall.

"Greetings, Lord Chang'an." Wang Wan, who came from the old Qin family, stood up and bowed slightly, unconsciously, with beads of sweat visible on his forehead.

The young man in front of him, who was seven or eight years younger than him, brought him more pressure than his grandfather.

"Hearing about you is worse than meeting you in person. My brother is indeed a man of genius as you said." The young man jumped off the table and bowed formally, "I know a lot about physiognomy. Judging from your face, I think you can be a physiognomist in the future."

Wang Wan was slightly delighted, as the Xianyang prodigy was well-known for his ability to judge people.

With a wry smile on his face, he said:

"Changan Jun, please stop making fun of Wan.

"Who dares to claim to be a genius in front of the king and Lord Chang'an?"

King Zheng of Qin laughed loudly, pointed at his brother and said to Wang Wan:
“Don’t think this kid is praising you.

"I remember my brother once said this: Talent is just the threshold to his success.

"When he said you were a genius, he meant that you, Wang Wan, were just qualified to meet him."

"I'm talking about genius, not giftedness." The young man corrected his brother. Classics cannot be tampered with.

Then, facing Wang Wan's stunned gaze, he recalled the past and said in a very mature manner:

"Hey.

"I was young and full of energy at the time, so I said something a bit exaggerated."

Wang Wan looked at the short, immature-looking boy and lowered his head in silence.

Silent at the words "Genius is just the threshold to see me", and also silent at the young boy's recollection of his youth.

"Wang Wan." The voice of King Zheng of Qin seemed to ring right next to his ears.

"I'm here." Wang Wan woke up, bowed, and found that King Zheng of Qin had come to him.

King Zheng of Qin patted Wang Wan on the shoulder and said sincerely:
"In front of me, as long as it is the truth, no matter how unpleasant it is, you can say it, you should say it, and you should say it.

“My wisdom is not as good as my brother’s.

"You put me on the same level as my brother, which saves my dignity, but it will breed my arrogance.

“It is reasonable for you to say this in front of outsiders.

"I am a king, and a king should have the dignity of a king.

“But this is absolutely not allowed in private meetings.

“Be casual.

"If Wang Wan doesn't dare to tell me the truth, who else would dare to do so?"

Wang Wan's head felt numb, as if a warm current was flowing continuously, and he was unable to speak for a moment.

Ying Chengjiao curled his lips, as if he had seen his deceased father:

"Let's go and see the excitement at the Prime Minister's Mansion. I have reserved a seat on the balcony."

"Isn't it too early?" Qin Wangzheng, who had taken the initiative to ask his brother to go see the scene in front of the Prime Minister's Mansion today, pointed to the palace window where no light came in and said, "It's not even dawn yet. Last month, Zhongfu didn't show up until curfew."

Ying Chengjiao, who was grumpy after waking up, yawned and patiently explained:
“That’s different.

“Last month was the commitment.

“The commander waited until curfew to show up because the longer he waited, the more people would gather, and the bigger the incident would become.

“This month is about fulfilling that promise.

"When it comes to fulfilling a promise, the sooner you fulfill it, the better your reputation.

"Brother, if you say a few more words, the gold will be gone.

"Stop talking nonsense and go away. Don't let me get up so early in vain."

"Is Zhongfu really going to give out gold?" Qin Wangzheng couldn't believe it. "Where did he get hundreds of thousands of gold?"

"Stolen, robbed, picked up!" Chang'an Jun's tone was a little bad: "My dear brother, don't ask, just go away, okay?"

After being moved, Wang Wan, who was able to speak, kept his mouth tightly shut and dared not move.

Wang Wan, who had just been asked by King Zheng of Qin to tell the truth in private without worrying about the king's face, felt that the king's words were more casual, but definitely not as casual as Chang'an Jun's.

This is too casual!
Half an hour later, it was daybreak.

In front of the Prime Minister’s Mansion.

In the cold wind, the officials called for people by name and summoned the people who had received thousands of gold coins to the front.

These people stamped their feet, rubbed their hands, breathed out white air, and their eyes flashed with excitement and joy.

It seems... it's really going to be a huge fortune!
The entire Zhangtai Street was crowded with people.

Farmers and merchants crowded on both sides of the street. Those who were not on the list of 517 stretched their necks to look forward, but could see nothing but a sea of ​​heads.

"It's fake, it must be fake." they muttered.

The same statement was made by high-ranking Qin officials who were in the depths of the royal palace and in high-ranking mansions, closely following the development of the situation.

If they knew that the untouchables on Zhangtai Street were saying the same thing as them, they would definitely feel ashamed.

Outside Zhangtai Street, there are Bashu towers that cater to government officials.

Legend has it that a night in the building called "Wushan" would cost a hundred gold coins. It was as hot as summer, and one had to take off everything except a single piece of clothing to avoid sweating.

Ying Chengjiao ordered the manager to lower the temperature of the floor heating.

King Zheng of Qin lay in front of the window, holding a binocular telescope in front of his eyes, and could clearly see the scene in front of the gate of the Prime Minister's Mansion a thousand meters away.

His father-in-law Lu Buwei came out and stood on a temporary platform, smiling and saying something.

"Cheng Jiao! I can't hear you!" Qin Wang Zheng shouted: "If you have a thousand-mile vision, then you also have a thousand-mile hearing? Bring it to me!"

The young man who had just sent out the call and was walking towards the window looked annoyed and took a few quick steps:

"Can you speak what others say?"

[Can making a telescope be as difficult as making a cell phone? Can it be the same!]
Lu Buwei stood on the high platform, his eyes swept across the tall buildings of Bashu in the distance, and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

He deliberately didn't bring the loudspeaker today.

As long as he is unwilling, the King of Qin will not be satisfied.

"Those on the list will receive their gold in turn!" Lu Buwei said only eight words and then stepped down from the platform.

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous cheers broke out in front of the Prime Minister's Mansion.

Five hundred and seventeen common people rushed forward, fearing that those ahead would receive a huge sum of gold, but they would have none left.

A group of warriors in armor advanced, and used their hard and cold armor to drive back the irrational people.

Li Si climbed onto the platform holding a scroll of bamboo slips, and said sternly:
“Those whose names I call out, please come forward and receive the money.

"If anyone approaches without reading the name, his money will be confiscated."

The chaotic and agitated people regained their senses and stood still and waited obediently.

Amid the ecstasy of 517 people, the incredulous gazes of other common people, and the incomprehensible thoughts of the Qin high-ranking officials.

The golden cakes blinded Xianyang's eyes and brightened Xianyang's sky.

On this day, Qin Prime Minister Lu Buwei distributed 517,000 gold coins.

Sensation in Xianyang.

Soon, it caused a sensation around the world.

And before it caused a sensation around the world.

Qin Palace, Chengjiao Palace, Liyi Palace.

Queen Mother of Zhao, Ji Yaotiao, came here to look for the wife of the previous king, Ji Yaoyao.

"Yaoyao, you have a good brain. What do you think Lü Buwei wants to do?" Ji Yaotiao pondered and was puzzled: "He actually distributed 517,000 gold to the people. Where did he get so much money?"

(End of this chapter)