Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 112, Section 111: The Blazing Golden Crow
As the sun rises from the sea of ​​clouds in the east, all the mountains, rivers, and oceans of this land are bathed in its supreme radiance.

How magnificent and soul-stirring it must be!

But this blazing golden crow doesn't favor anyone; it simply burns on its own, illuminating the land it wants to illuminate.

Just like Ji Heng at this moment.

Qin Shi knew that the reason he reached out was not out of affection for his child, but rather—

His favor.

His tolerance.

He showed some respect.

She is useful, and very useful, so as long as she remains useful, Ji Heng will always tolerate her.

But to what extent should we be tolerant...?

Qin Shi stood there, unable to help but clench his fists.

The carriage was exceptionally spacious. As Ji Heng entered and took his seat, he saw Zhou Ju smiling and saying in a low voice, "Your Majesty's majesty has already pleased Minister Qin."

Outside the carriage, Qin Shi was still standing there, seemingly lost in thought.

Ji Heng glanced at him, then picked up his teacup.

The tea in the cool, cloud-patterned jade cup was lukewarm. He paused for a moment, and then saw Zhou Ju smile and say, "Qin Qing once said that the tea was too strong and disturbed her sleep at night, so the servants prepared lukewarm water."

At that moment, Qin Shi had already bent down and entered.

She no longer wore the Four Seasons Crown today; instead, she simply styled her hair into a bun on top of her head, using only a wooden hairpin.

From the perspective of the Qin Dynasty, the jewelry presented by the Shaofu was indeed a kind of understated luxury, made of fine sandalwood and inlaid with silver cloud patterns and turquoise.

However, this did not stop Ji Heng from taking a second look.

It's a bit too plain.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Zhou Ju, I remember that there is a green pine flower crown in the Qi State Treasury, so I will bestow it upon Minister Qin."

After conquering the State of Qi, the gold, silver, pearls and jade obtained were naturally sent to Xianyang. Ji Heng vaguely remembered that this pine flower crown was made of gold with layers of pine, and was inlaid with exceptional beauty and brilliance.

Therefore, it is fitting to match Qin Qing's sincere feelings.

Qin Shi had finally calmed down, but upon stepping into the carriage, he heard these words and was startled once again.

But whatever! Who could refuse jewelry?

She instinctively said, "Thank you, Your Majesty. I will wear it tomorrow."

Ji Heng: ...

Qin Qing is good in every way, but her feelings are so straightforward and undisguised that it's hard to refuse.

After she took her seat, the carriage fell silent for a moment.

Zhou Ju served him carefully, watching Qin Shi slowly drink water and Ji Heng slowly sip tea. At this moment, he couldn't help but curse inwardly:
Stop talking! Say something nicer!

Little did they know, the two were each lost in their own thoughts.

Ji Heng thought to himself: Qin Qing has been in high spirits lately, and with both divine weapons and artifacts, it is clear that my generous reward has greatly encouraged her.

He subtly stroked the hilt of his sword, knowing full well that she had long admired him and often boldly approached him... Never mind!
Since you possess such great talent, I should be more tolerant of you!

Qin Shi thought to himself: He hadn't gotten angry when Qin Shi asked for help, and had even condescended to ask, which showed a high level of tolerance (relatively speaking). And the origin of this tolerance—

Refined steel, black powder.

Alas, this king who is obsessed with conquest! No matter how vast his territory is, with poor transportation and difficulty in implementing his policies, the people will be in turmoil, and the court will be instable!

But then I thought, Guangdong and Guangxi aren't even part of our country now, isn't that a bit too awkward?
Or...should we fight?
Oh dear, she's a conservative! She hates war the most!

……

Despite being said to be accompanying the king, no one spoke after finishing a cup of tea. Zhou Ju racked his brains and finally came up with a topic:

"I heard that Prince Qian has visited Qin Qing's palace again. This shows that Qin Qing treats people with sincerity, and everyone is happy." Although the Queen's identity has not yet been announced, Prince Qian already has a good relationship with her. Doesn't this make the King seem even more fortunate?

Oh my, this topic is perfect!

Speaking of this, Qin Shi laughed: "I wonder if the princes and princesses have any good suggestions in the political discussions these past two days?"

Zhou Ju's heart immediately turned bitter.

Yes, this is Qin Qing.

Every time the king is pleased for a moment, he will stab him in the back with words.

Heaven has sent such a talented person to Your Majesty's side; surely they must have a mission to fulfill every day?
It's all to tug at Zhou Ju's heart!

Why should a mere magistrate like him do such a thing!

Sure enough, Ji Heng said with a somber expression, "I have not received any good advice, and indeed, none of them are of any use!"

Qin Shi: ...

Why don't you reflect on your own behavior? Raising children without teaching them won't work! Suppressive education won't work either!
She could only manage a forced smile: "I think Prince Qian is quite fond of gambling." As she left, he was still struggling with a game of Gomoku, pulling his servant along!
They might say they don't like it, but it actually tastes really good.

"In that case, why not ask the general to give him proper instruction, and make another sand table so he can attack cities and territories and command the troops?"

Nowadays, there are rudimentary sand tables, simply piled up with cement and sand, but it's unknown whether they are used in military education.

Seeing that Ji Heng's expression changed slightly, Qin Shi said, "Parents who love their children plan far ahead for them."

"Since Your Majesty believes that Prince Qian is ill-suited for politics, then let's try the art of war; if that fails, then let's try literature..."

As she said this, she remembered that the other person looked like a poor student, so she changed her tune:
"Mathematics, astronomy, craftsmanship, medicine, and so on. As for those who are craftsmen and physicians like Lu Ban and Bian Que, I hope Your Majesty will not be disappointed, for this is also their way of making a living."

Let the child learn whatever they want!

Otherwise, with no one to keep him in check, what if he one day imitates Liu Qi by stealing the chessboard and hitting people?

Ji Heng's expression remained unreadable, but he said in a low voice, "In the past, when my Qin state attacked Zhao, the Queen Dowager of Zhao asked Qi for help, but Qi demanded that her son, Lord Chang'an, be taken hostage."

"When the Empress Dowager Zhao refused, it was Chu Long who persuaded her: 'Parents who love their children plan far ahead for them.'"

In that battle, the Qin state ultimately withdrew its troops.

But after he finished speaking, his expression suddenly became satisfied, and his smile softened slightly:

“What you say makes sense, so we will do as you say.”

Qin Shi: ...Sometimes she felt that she was very good at observing people, but she still couldn't quite figure out what the king was thinking.

But at this moment, this topic is just a starting point, because Zhou Ju, the straight man, will never let the conversation fall flat.

For example, right now:

"Qin Qing can tell at a glance that Prince Qian is fond of gambling; she is truly meticulous!"

Isn’t this coming?
Qin Shi smiled slightly: "Prefect Zhou, you flatter me. It was Prince Qian who came over excitedly, saying that the beauty Qin from the King's palace also wanted to play a game with me..."

She smiled, as if she knew nothing: "I wonder what kind of person this Lady Qin is? Is she good at gambling? I'm not an expert in this at all."

"If I lose, please don't laugh at me, Your Majesty. Please give me something as a consolation prize."

Ji Heng put down the cloud-patterned jade cup in his hand.

After a moment, he asked softly, "I remember that Consort Qin is related to the Imperial Censor Wang Xueyuan."

"Zhou Ju, is this true?"

　Ji Heng: She's a hopeless romantic! Oh, she loves me, then it's alright.

　　Qin Shi: He's a war maniac! Oh, it's our territory that we've retaken, so it's alright then.

　　Although the events described in the "Strategies of the Warring States" occurred during the Warring States period, it was compiled and edited during the Western Han Dynasty.

　　Also, let me wash my hair first to entertain my friends...

　　Let's do it tonight!
　　(End of this chapter)