Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 157, Section 156: Fidelity Within a Time Limit
Qin Shi finally relaxed at this moment.

She quietly observed Ji Heng's expression and found that he was not angry because of her words, nor did he seem to show any defensiveness or displeasure.

It is evident that although he was assertive, he was also truly tolerant.

They can tolerate her outrageous and bold words.

Her previously tense nerves suddenly relaxed, and she smiled at Ji Heng, blinking her eyes to let a few tears moisten her dry pupils.

Seeing this, Ji Heng nonchalantly released the hilt of the sword in his sleeve, then turned and went back.

"Three days from now, I will announce this to the world."

"You can sleep soundly tonight."

He strode confidently, and Zhou Ju, stunned for a moment and still reeling from this huge turn of events, hurriedly followed.

During that time, she didn't even have a chance to make eye contact with Qin Shi.

The servants also hesitated briefly before quickly following suit.

The central courtyard of Zhangtai Palace suddenly fell silent.

Qin Shi turned around and found Chi Nu and Wu Zi standing there blankly.

She had barely taken a step forward when the two men suddenly knelt down with a thud. Their faces turned pale, and they looked up at her as if they were pitiful victims being bullied for no reason.

"Qin Jun actually..."

The two men were trembling and their words were incoherent.

Despite this, there was an unbelievable shock in his eyes, as well as an indescribable admiration and surprise.

—The King of Qin actually dared to say such things to the King…

After thinking about it carefully, the two of them trembled again.

But it is absolutely impossible to get up at this time.

They pleaded pitifully, "Our legs are too weak..."

Qin Shi: ...Actually, her legs were a little weak too.

But you have to put on a brave face.

He then calmly withdrew his hand, turned his head, gazed quietly at the moon in the sky, and said as if nothing had happened:

"It's alright, you guys take it easy for a bit longer."

At the same time, she also had a slight question in her mind:

With Ji Heng's mindset and habit of wanting to control everything, even if she secretly decided that she should be the Queen of Qin, that was not something she could ask for at the moment.

But why did he seem... not angry at all when I spoke up so boldly?

Qin Shi did not understand.

He decided to go back and think about it slowly that night.

After all, this is a matter that concerns my entire life!
……

Back at Zhangtai Palace, Ji Heng, who had settled back into his chair, held a scroll of bamboo slips. Just as he was about to continue reading, Zhou Ju asked in a low voice:
"Didn't Your Majesty say that after meeting the King of Qin, you should retire for the night?"

Ji Heng then came to his senses.

Then he sighed and said, "In that case, let's go back to Fang Palace."

The group walked silently along the corridor, the lamplight flickering slightly in the night breeze. Ji Heng remained as unaffected as ever.

As Zhou Ju looked at the lights of the attendants leading the way, he was filled with mixed emotions.

Should I ask or not?
This unexpected night was originally thought to be Qin Qing returning from Pinyang to report to the King on General Yan's various matters.

Since General Yan had passed away some time ago, the king's mind did not seem heavy.

If they could chat a little longer at night, Zhou Ju would naturally be happy to see it happen and would look forward to it. However, he never expected that in just two or three days, Qin Qing couldn't contain her feelings and boldly spoke her mind—

I want to be the Queen of Qin!
We must also enter the underground palace of Mount Li with the King!
And Your Majesty...

Zhou Ju couldn't figure out whether he was happy or angry.

He shouldn't have asked.

But if you don't ask, you can never figure out what the king is thinking.

This was especially fatal for those close to the king.

But if one were to ask, what should one ask? The king even seemed to have rather complicated feelings at this moment…

Just as he was pondering this, Ji Heng gave the order: "Tomorrow at dawn, have someone accompany me to Shanglin Garden."

Zhou Ju immediately perked up: "Yes, Your Majesty! I will make the arrangements immediately. May I ask if Your Majesty intends to stay at Shanglin Garden for a while?"

Could it be that arrangements are being made at Shanglin Garden in preparation for the Queen's affairs?
Ji Heng shook his head: "If the edict to bestow the title of Queen of my Great Qin is not issued, I fear that you, Qin Qing, will not be able to sleep soundly at night. In that case, it will be promulgated to the world in three days."

"With such haste, there was no time to prepare all the necessary ceremonial procedures for the Queen, and the three letters and six rites could not be completed."

"Her love for me is unwavering, and now it's impossible to conceal. Moreover, she possesses extraordinary talent..."

This deep affection is not only difficult to conceal, but it may even overflow, to the point that they dare to openly declare that they want to be buried with him at Mount Li...

How is this any different from reciting the Book of Songs in person, singing the lines "Though we live in different rooms, we will die in the same grave"?
This talented woman was, ironically, his chosen queen. Now, caught off guard, the roles have reversed, and his promise seems all the more hasty.

Thinking of this, Ji Heng unconsciously quickened his pace.

Zhou Ju hurried along beside him, already sweating profusely, when he heard Ji Heng's voice continue:
"Such sincerity deserves my reward—tomorrow I will hunt a pair of geese in the Shanglin Garden to comfort Minister Qin's heart."

His heart skipped a beat again.

In fact, when the Qin state conferred titles upon its queens, there was no need for the three letters and six rites—the king simply bestowed the title.

Wild geese, loving and harmonious, always return in spring and migrate in autumn, never deviating from the appointed time. Such unwavering faithfulness is unparalleled in the world.

Similarly, it is now an indispensable auspicious item in marriage matters in the Qin state.

The King's order clearly shows that his tolerance and affection for Qin Qing far surpasses that of anyone else!

His mind raced, and he smiled, saying, "In that case, I would like to take my leave."

"Although it is difficult to perfect all the rituals, I will immediately instruct the Minister of the Imperial Household Department, and then summon the Minister of the Imperial Household Department and the Minister of the Imperial Clan to discuss this matter."

Ji Heng stopped in his tracks.

Then he looked at Zhou Ju and nodded in agreement: "Go."

His figure gradually disappeared into the distance within the palace. Zhou Ju stood there respectfully seeing him off, and only then did he finally raise his head to gaze at that tall figure from behind.

For some reason, a sense of trepidation, as if about to face the wheels of history, arose spontaneously.

His hair stood on end in the night wind, as if ever since Qin Qing said, "I want to be the Queen of Qin," the entire Qin Dynasty was about to face an unprecedented and unheard-of transformation.

……

On the carriage returning to Nangong, all was quiet.

The physician and his attendant were waiting in the palace, intending to help their lord rest well, and had already prepared a sleeping potion.

Of the three who returned, Qin Qing looked radiant, yet her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were pondering an exceptionally difficult question.

The woman, Wu Zi, showed no signs of being a servant. Her steps trembled, her knees were weak, her face was slightly pale, but a strange blush appeared on her cheeks.

I was both afraid and trembling, yet I also felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and joy...

The physician rushed forward: "Has Your Majesty been frightened? This servant will brew a calming soup!"

Chi Nu Wu Zi has been in the palace for many years, yet she now acts so fearful... What could have happened?
　You're here! Let's go eat.

　　(End of this chapter)