The younger brother of the First Emperor

Chapter 92: Resignation, Establishment of Authority, Meeting with Second Son

"Explain."

As Prince Chu of Qin spoke, he knelt down on the brocade mat in front of the coffin again and sat down on his heels.

"Brother, wait until you become king before you are qualified to give me an account."

Weiyang Lord Qin Qi walked out of Jingquan Palace in a daze, his figure getting smaller and smaller. He returned home and fell seriously ill, and did not get out of bed for more than a month.

The next day.

The front hall of Xin Palace.

Great court meeting.

Prince Chu of Qin removed the chair at the highest position and replaced it with the straw mat on which he had been kneeling, and knelt at the very top.

Below that, the Queen Mother Huayang, who was so sad that she did not attend the ceremony yesterday, sat on a chair without making any noise.

Below the steps, the civil and military officials who were also sitting on chairs all felt that today's chairs were particularly uncomfortable and wanted to find a mat to kneel on.

Those who had accused Qin Zichu of seeking fame and reputation when he was the crown prince became even more uneasy when they saw that he was still kneeling on a straw mat after becoming the queen.

Prince Chu of Qin announced the convening of the court meeting. The noisy opening ceremonies of the past were not seen today.

Qin Wang Zichu smiled and said:

"Unfortunately, I have already sent that rebellious son to Xianyang Prison.

"If that rebellious son saw how quiet the court was today, even if he didn't say it was weird, he would definitely complain in his heart."

Place your hands on your knees and keep your back as straight as possible.

"In the past few days, some people have been urging me to release Cheng Jiao, but no one knows what crime Cheng Jiao has committed.

"I have thought about it over and over but still can't figure it out. I don't know what crime Cheng Jiao has committed, but you dare to ask for mercy. Aren't you afraid of getting into trouble?"

Prince Chu of Qin swept his gentle gaze over the ministers, and lowered his head wherever he saw.

He leaned forward slightly and said softly:
"If that rebellious son wants to rebel, then wouldn't you who are begging for mercy also want to rebel against me? This will be punishable by death, or even family extermination."

Today, the only voice in the front hall was that of Prince Qin Chu.

Meng Ao, Wang He, Bie Gong, who had pleaded for mercy, and Wang Ling, who was qualified to attend court again, were all startled, knowing that the new king was dissatisfied and wondering whether he would target them.

Those who had never spoken up were also doubly cautious, knowing that this was the new king's way of establishing his authority and they did not dare to bring bad luck.

This caused the hall to be silent for a long time after Prince Qin finished speaking, until an old female voice broke the silence.

"If Your Majesty doesn't tell us what crime Cheng Jiao has committed, how can we know?" Queen Dowager Huayang looked back at him with a calm expression: "Your Majesty, please tell us what Prince Cheng Jiao has done. Don't make us ministers feel uneasy and affect the stability of our Qin State."

Mi Buming's first words were intended to ease the situation, but they made the situation even more tense.

Many old ministers felt like they were back in the time of King Zhaoxiang and Queen Dowager Xuan, when the king and the queen dowager were fighting for the right to speak.

During that confrontation, more than half of the people in the court were replaced, and Queen Dowager Xuan was soon imprisoned in the palace and died suddenly.

The hearts of the Qin ministers who were from the Mi and Huayang clans were in their throats, beating "bang bang bang" louder than the beating of drums.

The new king is coming to the throne with the three major forces of destroying the country, suppressing Zhao and ascending the throne. The Queen Mother Huayang is going to lose no matter how she competes with him.

If the Queen Mother Huayang loses, then all of them will be liquidated. It goes without saying that they will be dismissed from their posts and titles. If they are able to survive, it will be a sign of the ancestors' help.

The atmosphere in the front hall of Xin Palace at this moment was like an extremely inflated balloon, which would burst if you blow it up again.

Mi Buming, who took the initiative to provoke, had a calm expression on his face but cold sweat ran down his back.

How could she not know what she was doing? How could she not know that she was losing big?

But she had to do it, this was the time when she had the best chance of winning.

She is now the mulberry leaf, and her son is the silkworm lying on the mulberry leaf.

She didn't start a fight now, fight for power and profit, and let the ministers who followed her know that she was okay if she kept silent. The longer she delayed, the greater her disadvantage would be, the weaker her prestige would be, and the less power she would have to resist, and she would eventually be completely eaten away.

The struggle in the court was not as fierce as the fighting on the battlefield, but it was no less dangerous.

Prince Chu of Qin smiled gently, just like when he was the crown prince, and lowered his head slightly to Chong Mi Bu Ming.

"My Queen Mother asked me about this, and I shouldn't have concealed it.

"But this matter... ah, it is really hard for me to speak. Can I talk to the Queen Mother in private?"

Prince Chu of Qin paused for a moment, waiting for Queen Dowager Huayang's reaction.

This was his last chance to Queen Dowager Huayang.

For the sake of Qin's stability and development, he did not mind showing a little weakness and giving up some power.

It is impossible for him to do everything by himself. Some power must be given out, it just depends on who it is given to.

The Queen Mother Huayang did a very good job during her regency, so it is certainly possible for her to continue to hold some power.

But if Queen Dowager Huayang continues to pursue us relentlessly and refuses to cooperate, then it would be better to suffer a short pain than a long one!

He must recreate the Ji Jun Rebellion and make a major reshuffle in the court. He must not leave any source of chaos behind!

Empress Dowager Huayang nodded, said "OK", turned around, and leaned back in her chair. Her palms were sweaty and she felt a little difficulty breathing.

She was right.

She was doomed to lose the game, and being able to reach a tacit understanding with the new king was the best outcome she had expected.

A sound of exhalation suddenly came from the silent hall, as if all the civil and military officials had let out a breath together.

It was really suffocating just now.

Qin Zichu smiled warmly, and a hint of joy appeared on his thin, angular face.

Everything is stable, which is naturally the best.

He looked at his ministers with a smile.

"Although it's hard to talk about the boy's crime, think about it, he's only seven years old, how serious a crime could he have committed? It's just a private matter between father and son.

"Just now I saw that you were too serious, so I was just joking with you."

While Qin Zichu was catching his breath, the ministers below the stairs either wiped their sweat or spoke with dry laughs.

"Your Majesty is really humorous, haha."

"After hearing what Your Majesty said, I feel a little lighter."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for still thinking of us."

Prince Chu of Qin changed his tone and listened to the ministers' words for a while.

When the voice naturally became smaller, he stretched out a hand and pressed down twice in the air.

In an instant, the sound disappeared and only one could hear a pin drop.

Qin Wang Zichu said jokingly:
"That fellow has caused you all to worry about him. I will thank him here on his behalf. When he comes out, he will thank you one by one.

"Sending that bastard to the Xianyang Prison is a severe punishment for a minor offense. I just want to teach him a lesson for his ignorant temper.

"I have made it clear, so please do not ask me about that bastard anymore, or I will dismiss you from your position and take away your title."

These words have different meanings to different people.

Most people in the hall heard the meaning of beating and establishing authority.

Xianyang Prison was where important officials and important criminals were imprisoned.

Without listing the crimes, forcing Cheng Jiao, a top-level noble, to be imprisoned here violated the interests of the nobles.

But that's what the new king wants to do.

It doesn’t matter what crime Prince Chengjiao committed. What matters is that it was the new king who decided to send him to Xianyang Prison, and no one is allowed to ask.

This is a test of loyalty and obedience, and the same principle applies to forcing people to drink at the table.

Many people think this is dregs, and it is indeed dregs, but dregs also have logic.

I asked you to drink and you didn't drink, so can you do something else if I asked you to do it?

The leaders and the client don’t just want you to drink, they also want to see whether you are obedient, easy to deal with, whether you are principled, and whether you are tactful.

In addition to hearing warnings and commands to establish authority, the four veteran generals Meng Ao, Wang He, Bie Gong, and Wang Ling also heard respect.

The new king led a large army to besiege the Xianyang Palace, and the previous king died of mysterious illness in the palace.

The former king doted on Prince Chengjiao the most. Prince Chengjiao was impulsive and lawless.

Taking all these factors into consideration, it is not difficult to guess what crime Prince Chengjiao committed.

The new king had always addressed his ministers as "you gentlemen", and only changed the address when he said "that boy has troubled you gentlemen" because he was worried about them.

This is clearly saying that they should spare their lives for the sake of these four veterans.

The four veterans all breathed a sigh of relief.

Although I feel a little disappointed that I failed to rescue Young Master Cheng Jiao, this result is already very good.

The new king promised them privately that he would not harm Prince Chengjiao's life, and today he made it clear in front of all the ministers, thus fulfilling his promise.

All the grudges that had already formed and were not yet formed in the hearts of the four people were cleared away by Qin Wang Zichu's words.

Wang Ling, who had just been reinstated, felt this even more deeply.

How great would it be if King Zhaoxiang could be like this? How could such a King of Qin not ask Wang Ling to die for him?
Prince Chu of Qin gave his ministers some time to digest the news, then smiled and said, "The jokes are over, it's time to get down to business, Historian."

"My king, wait a minute!" Prime Minister Wei Zhe interrupted the King of Qin and stood up: "May I ask what crime Prince Chengjiao has committed?"

The originally lively atmosphere immediately became tense again.

The ministers saw that the smile on the new king's face disappeared and turned into a cold expression.

"Wei Zhe." Qin Prince Chu called him by his name. "Didn't I say that this is my private matter and you guys shouldn't ask about it? Didn't you hear me?"

Prime Minister Wei Zhe had a stern face.

"If Your Majesty wants to beat Master Chengjiao, then this old minister cannot do anything about it.

“But since your Majesty’s son Cheng Jiao has been imprisoned in Xianyang, I, an old minister, have no choice but to intervene.

“Using torture instruments is not only a private matter, but also a national matter!
"Your Majesty, don't forget that you are the King. You are not only the King and father of Prince Chengjiao, but also the King and father of millions of people in the Qin State!"

The ministers were secretly shocked, thinking that Wei Zhe was stubborn. It was strange but also felt there was a hint of normality in it.

This is what Prime Minister Wei Zhe was like.

From reprimanding Crown Prince Qin Zichu in the palace for not properly managing Ying Chengjiao, to exposing Queen Mi Buming for taking personal revenge and damaging the country's dignity.

He went to Jingquan Palace and refused to give the late king the posthumous title of "Wen" alone, and urged Zongzheng to hold the ceremony as soon as possible.

Today, when the new king takes the throne, the first thing he does is to find out what crime Prince Chengjiao has committed.

Regardless of friend or foe, the ministers could not help but feel a little respect for this old prime minister who stuck to dogma. Everyone would admire the integrity of a gentleman.

They looked towards the new king.

The old Prime Minister Wei Zhe had served as Prime Minister since the late years of King Zhaoxiang, and had served three Qin kings up to that point. He had made great contributions and held great power in the court. He had even argued for the crown prince, even at the cost of offending the queen.

Now that the prince has succeeded as the new king, what will he do?

Qin Wang Zichu narrowed his eyes.

"Wei Zhe." He still called him by his name: "I only asked whether you heard what I just said. I didn't ask you anything else. Just answer."

"Although I am old, my hearing is still good. Of course I heard it." Prime Minister Wei Zhe spoke with sarcasm.

"I know, but you're still asking. You're committing a crime knowingly." Prince Chu of Qin nodded and said calmly, "Then I will have no choice but to dismiss Duke Wei from his position as Prime Minister."

He opened his voice and raised it.

"Someone is coming!"

The two axe-wielding officials who were always on guard outside put down their axes, strode inside, and stood behind the chairs of the ministers.

He bowed his head and waited for orders.

"Take Duke Wei out of the court!"

The ministers were very anxious and kept whispering to each other.

Prime Minister Wei Zhe often stood on the side of the crown prince and made great contributions to the crown prince.

Was he going to be dismissed for just saying one more word? That was the undisputed first position for civil officials, the Prime Minister!
The two officials didn't care about that and just followed orders.

He responded with "Yes", and went to the front row of the ministers. One of them grabbed Wei Zhe's arm and left.

Wei Zhe struggled and kicked repeatedly.

He was dragged backwards by two palace attendants and angrily scolded Prince Chu of Qin.

"Ridiculous! Ridiculous!

"The king is new! The government is not stable! The government and the people are in chaos!
"The King of Qin should govern the country by law, uphold the rules and keep the people safe!
"Your Majesty has set up your own punishments and has not followed the laws of Lord Shang. Your Majesty is harming the State of Qin!"

"Wait!" Qin Wang Zichu stood up, as if he wanted to change his mind.

Many Qin officials including Prime Minister Wei Zhe held their breath and looked at the new king earnestly, hoping that their leader would be pardoned.

The ministers were also watching.

If Prime Minister Wei Zhe is fine and the new king is just making a lot of noise but not much action, then... it will be good for everyone.

Standing on the high platform, Prince Chu of Qin pointed at the struggling old prime minister and said solemnly to the two eunuchs who had stopped and were waiting for orders:
"Duke Wei was once a loyal minister of the Qin State. How dare you delay him?"

Before the two officials could apologize.

Before Wei Zhe and his Qin officials could even smile.

Before the ministers could relax.

Prince Qin flicked his finger, pointed at the front palace gate and shouted:
"Get out!"

The old prime minister’s heart-wrenching cries still linger.

Prince Chu of Qin clapped his hands, and all the ministers fell into deathly silence, their faces turning pale with horror.

"You all just had a lot of discussions, but do you think I handled the situation inappropriately? Is there anyone who wants to speak up for Duke Wei?"

A man stood up from his seat. It was Li Li, the Chief Censor promoted by Wei Zhe.

He was a subordinate of the Grand Censor, holding a bronze seal and a black ribbon, and was in command of the Assistant Censors and the Censors-in-Chief of various counties. He could order the Censors to criticize and impeach officials according to the rules, and his power was particularly great.

The butt has just left the seat and the hands have not yet arched.

Qin Wang Zichu pointed at the man and said with a smile:

"I said I would dismiss him if he dared to ask again. Duke Wei asked, and I dismissed him. Do you think this is inappropriate?"

Li Li sensed danger in the King of Qin's laughter, but as he was deeply indebted to Wei Zhe, he gritted his teeth and said:
"Wei Gongta"

He had just said three words when he was interrupted by King Qin's Prince Chu.

"Then you are taking my words as bullshit."

Li Li was horrified.

"I absolutely do not have any"

"Someone come! Drag him out and give him five thousand beatings!" Prince Chu of Qin refused to listen and waved his sleeves violently.

Li Li, the Chief Censor, was dragged out with a look of despair, shouting "tyrant", "incompetent ruler", and "Qin will perish in your hands".

The words were still fresh in his ears when Prince Chu of Qin asked with a smile:
"Is there anyone else who wants to speak for Duke Wei?"

All the ministers were silent and no one dared to speak.

Five thousand beatings in court, that means Li Li must be put to death.

Qin Wang Zichu looked at the court judge Huayang Bufei with a smile and said:

"Lord Huayang, you are the Tingwei, the highest judicial officer in Qin State, and you know Qin law best. Do you think what I did is appropriate?"

Without even looking at his younger sister Mi Buming, Huayang Bufei immediately stood up and said respectfully:
"Law is the tool for the king to govern the country. Whatever the king does, it will be inappropriate."

Qin Wang Zichu nodded, pointed at the court official and praised him:
"Lord Huayang is a reasonable man. I will give you five hundred gold coins and a pair of jade discs as a reward."

Huayang did not fly to express his gratitude.

There were many trivial matters at the court meeting afterwards, so I won’t go into details. What is worth mentioning is that three major events were confirmed.

First, Prince Chu of Qin appointed Lu Buwei as prime minister, and no one objected.

Second, the Grand Historian ordered Xishi Bingshu to calculate the date of the late king's burial, and said that the best date would be the La Festival on December 30th.

Prince Chu of Qin and Queen Mother Huayang both agreed to it, and all the ministers had no objection.

Third, Prince Chu of Qin ordered the Minister of State Mi Chen to notify all other countries and personally send envoys to Xianyang to present congratulatory gifts to the new king of Qin upon his accession to the throne.

From then on, the Qin State entered the era of the rule of Prince Chu of Qin.

After the court session, it was noon.

Prince Chu of Qin had his meal in the Council Hall.

Junior Attendant.

No, the attendant Ying Bai went in to report that Prince Cheng Jiao did not have breakfast today, and claimed that if he could not see his father, he would follow the example of the two sages Boyi and Shuqi and starve himself to death.

Prince Qin's expression changed slightly.

He had just established his authority and won the hearts of the people. All his ministers were submissive. He was excited and ready to do something big. He felt that there was nothing in the world that he could not do.

At this moment, when he heard his second son threatening to go on a hunger strike and demanding to meet him, he suddenly felt that there were still things he could not do, such as meeting a certain boy.

The night before, that brat had cursed at Qin Jian so harshly that every word he said stabbed him in the heart.

Whenever he thinks about it now, he feels chest tightness and shortness of breath, and feels like fainting.

He considered for a moment, then said helplessly:

"Pack up the food, I will go and eat with that boy."

Ying Bai said "Yes" and was about to go out to prepare for the king's travel when he was stopped by Prince Chu of Qin.

Prince Qin sighed.

"Bai, that brat doesn't like you. I can't bear to see you being wronged. Don't follow him."

[Without Ying Bai, that brat should be able to curse less...]
　I will try my best to break down the political schemes and tell you about them. If you still don't understand or can't continue reading, just give up. At least 30% of the rest is about these things. Ying Chengjiao also relied on political schemes to make a living. I hope that this book can help you in your life after reading it, while being refreshing. Political schemes are nicknamed "human relations and worldly wisdom" and can be found everywhere.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)