Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 205, Section 204: Kunlun Holy Land
Ji Heng returned to Lanchi at night, and after undressing and sitting down, he asked:

"I have heard that the Queen has distributed the power of the six palaces among the ladies."

"But we don't have enough manpower right now?"

He did not comment on this, but fearing that Qin Shi would not understand, he said, "As the Queen, you can select capable ministers and officials at the end of the year by conducting an examination."

"The Queen can then make her own selection."

Although the Qin state no longer has an imperial examination system, everyone from low-ranking officials to high-ranking ministers is required to participate in assessments. Ordinary people also receive regular training.

Of course, this only applies to ordinary people.

Many people do not qualify as "ordinary people".

This "examination" system for selection is not just for show. Officials are evaluated based on local governance indicators and judicial and security performance, while the military is evaluated based on combat achievements, training results, and border defense standards.

Even officials and village heads are judged by their efficiency in completing daily tasks.

In this way, the Qin state was able to have a continuous supply of talent.

As for the ladies of the harem...

Ji Heng said calmly, “They may have received training from their clans before entering the palace, but they have been neglecting their studies in the palace for a long time. Now that they are to start practicing, I’m afraid it will cause the Queen some worry.”

The implication is that hiring people is acceptable, but one should be selective and choose the best ones.

Qin Shi laughed:

"Human abilities always decline with disuse. Ladies, you have lived in the palace for a long time, so perhaps your ways are not perfect. But this is also my first time as queen, so we should all work together to get to know each other."

Besides... with so many people idle and doing nothing, some depressed and some with their own agendas, they might as well contribute to the country.

But it wouldn't sound good to say that out loud.

If Ji Heng were to suddenly develop feelings for them again, Qin Shi, though she became queen, had no intention of actively being "virtuous."

She then pressed her forehead against Ji Heng's shoulder again, her voice muffled:

"The ladies have been in the palace for quite some time. I'll arrange some tasks for them to do, so they won't have to come and serve soup and dances to His Majesty..."

You never need to talk much to a smart person.

Ji Heng indeed hummed in agreement again, and then simply said:
"The Queen is the head of the six palaces. I am only worried that you do not have enough talent. How to arrange things is naturally up to the Queen."

That's it!

My relationship with the Queen is harmonious, and since her investiture, I have not seen a single woman in the harem. Does Heaven not know of the sacrifices I have made for the sake of my Qin state?

The Queen's love and care were indeed profound; even so, she still felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

Fine, let her do as she pleases.

If she could spend less time on these romantic affairs and instead urge Xin, who has been staying at the Imperial Stud for a long time, and Prince Qian, who has just received some secret mission, to present those beneficial items to the country as soon as possible, I would truly be happy.

He glossed over these points, but Qin Shi had other plans:
"The examination and selection process proposed by Your Majesty is very useful for me in selecting talents. However, those involved are all officials of my Qin state, each with important responsibilities. If I were to randomly select them, I'm afraid their abilities would not be fully utilized elsewhere."

Another possibility is that some people only want to serve the king and become important ministers under his command.

Forced relationships are never sweet, and Qin Shi doesn't want subordinates who lack initiative.

Therefore, she suggested, "Why don't I spread the word first that the talent selection ceremony will be held in Xianyang after the New Year?"

The term "抡才" means to select talented individuals.

Although the imperial examination system, which began in the Sui Dynasty, did not yet exist, Ji Heng still understood:

"Does the Queen intend to hold the examinations herself?"

Qin Shi nodded: "The people I employ do not need to be like officials who have all kinds of abilities; therefore, I can focus on one particular quality."

"For example, some are good at math, some are good at drawing, and some are good at shorthand. Or there are some who are fast at weaving, some who are good at making soy sauce and vinegar, and some who know how to farm..."

From top to bottom, from civil to military affairs, in every aspect.

Now, she wants to take the exam for anything that can be used.

After all, there's always a way to arrange for talented people to handle the rest of the matters.

It's best if we can use it now.

Even if they are not needed, or cannot be used for 10 years, in 10 years, the Qin state will have entered a new stage, and at that time, these talents will be able to show their skills.

Knowledge reserves always start from scratch.

Ji Heng nodded. Although it was a bit trivial, he thought that the Queen had only been settled in Xianyang Palace for one day, yet she had already started to improve the diet, showing that she was very fond of food.

As the queen of a kingdom, if she is not able to eat properly, wouldn't that indicate that the Qin state is weak?

That being the case——

"Your Majesty, please make the preparations yourself. If anything is lacking, just take it from the storeroom."

This is supposed to be a way to cultivate talent for the country, but what can the national treasury actually produce?
Qin Shi sighed inwardly again—

When will coal, brown sugar, refined salt, glass, medicine, tea, cement... be mass-produced and then sold?

This feeling of poverty, where even the initial funding for a project is hard to come by, is like having struggled for many years and then returning to start a business all over again.

but……

Her soft, slightly cool cheek gently pressed against Ji Heng's cheek, and then she said happily:

"I am always delighted by Your Majesty's generosity and trust!"

When she started her own business in her later years, she used her hard-earned salary. Although her boyfriend's salary was high, it wasn't something he could easily access.

After all, when one's palms are up, poverty diminishes one's ambition.

And now...

Oh dear! It's not that her standards are low, it's just that Your Majesty has this trait, please keep it up in the future!

Ji Heng remained motionless, letting the Queen cling to his arm and act coquettishly. A smile involuntarily crept onto his calm face.

The queen was already so delighted before even seeing the actual item.

It is evident that the Queen's devotion to the King was so sincere and pure that even the smallest things could move her to such uncontrollable emotion.

The hall was quiet, and all the servants stood like lampposts in the corner.

Only the newly promoted Danpu glanced up cautiously, then noted down the Queen's voice and mannerisms—

He was still young, and his face was still tender.

Next time I encounter female officials or palace maids on official business, I wonder if I could learn from them?

Although she dared not have any involvement in the palace, women are always soft-hearted. If she could find more convenience in handling matters, wouldn't the Chief Secretary rely on her more in the future?

Danpu, who was good at self-reflection, sighed silently: his speech always lacked a certain pleasantness.

Seeing that the king had no intention of dealing with the memorial, Zhou Ju and Chi Nu exchanged a glance, and then tacitly retreated outside the hall.

After everyone had left, Ji Heng suddenly asked:
"I have heard that the Queen imparted the method of Foundation Establishment and Immortal Cultivation to Mao Sheng, but he is so dull-witted that he could not comprehend this divine decree and thus fainted..."

Qin Shi was speechless.

The rumor spread like wildfire so quickly, like a tiger being believed by three men.

She then recalled all those supposedly absurd claims she had made, such as the "Six-One Mud Method" and the "Nine-Turn Elixir"... each one more unreliable than the last.

That so-called Nine-Turn Elixir is simply the process of transforming mercury over and over again, cycling nine times.

If the elixir is this pure, swallowing it whole will only make one incredibly lucky to survive; if one dies, it's called ascending to immortality.

Ji Heng hasn't mentioned sending anyone overseas to search for immortals, but Qin Shi certainly couldn't possibly serve a king who was so focused on seeking immortality.

Taking elixirs is one thing, but if it's like the Jiajing Emperor of later generations...

She then said seriously, "They're all made-up stories."

Fearing Ji Heng wouldn't believe her, she listed them one by one: "A thousand-year-old white snake cultivated itself into a spirit, a judge of the underworld had his head replaced, and demons and evil spirits transformed themselves into spirits through skin painting..."

"It's all made up and nonsense."

Ji Heng nodded: "Like the story in the 'Guicang' about Chang'e stealing the elixir and fleeing to the moon, transforming into the moon spirit?" The so-called "Guicang" was written during the Warring States period and has long been lost to later generations. Only a few words are quoted in some ancient books. Qin Shi had not seen it.

But now, she had no choice but to nod.

Ji Heng seemed to be deep in thought: "The Queen's 'Huangting Jing' (Yellow Court Classic) discusses the refinement of essence into qi and the theory of internal and external alchemy. It is quite substantial and in line with the principles of Laozi and Zhuangzi in Taoism."

"It seems that the book is indeed based on evidence. However, the elixir he refined, like the one presented by Mao Sheng, contained sulfur, lead white and other highly toxic substances, and the poison was difficult to remove."

"But so?"

He was over 36 years old, and the older he got, the more he realized how precious life was—his great Qin Dynasty!

Where the Queen came from, the Qin Dynasty had long been lost to time.

But as the ruler of Qin, if there was any hope, he would naturally want to witness this for all eternity.

Seeing his expression, Qin Shi could only sigh and say:
"Your Majesty, I come from a world more than two thousand years in the future, where no one has yet been able to refine the Golden Elixir and ascend to immortality."

She grasped Ji Heng's hand; it was hot and dry.

However, the other person's expression showed seriousness and contemplation.

She paused, then smiled and said sincerely, "Your Majesty is the Emperor, and all things under heaven submit to you."

"Therefore, we must shoulder the responsibility of protecting the state and ensuring that the Qin state will not be left in peril for thousands of years."

"If you still wish to seek immortality, wait until the day you enter the underground palace of Mount Li. I ask that Your Majesty and I sleep together in the underground palace, seeking to achieve immortality through corpse liberation, to reverse life and death, and to enter the sacred land of Kunlun."

……

……

Side hall of Ganquan Palace.

Madam Chu, who had just moved in, watched the maids moving things back and forth, but no matter how they arranged them, she was very dissatisfied. At this moment, she shouted again:
"Enough! It's not the original palace, it's uncomfortable no matter what. Stop setting it up, everyone, get out of here."

The personal maid looked nervous: "Madam!"

Lady Chu said resentfully, "The Queen is vicious and cunning. She knows I have a photographic memory, yet she still sent him to make this 'Promotion Chart.' This is a waste of time and energy, and it will only cause my son to neglect his studies. What if the King is displeased..."

Even so, the voice was still much quieter.

The maid beside her applied lead powder to her face, ignoring these resentful words, and only sighed:

"This servant has learned that the Queen has a box of face powder that, when applied to the face, is delicate and adheres well, leaving the skin smooth, even, and radiant, as if flawless..."

"If Madam were to restrain herself, for example, instead of wanting to dance for the King as she did yesterday, she should dance for the Queen instead..."

"In that case, the Queen might bestow such a rare and precious gift upon you."

Lady Chu frowned deeply: "Am I to harbor resentment towards the King because of my desire for such cosmetics, like Lady Zheng?"

The maid carefully used her fingertips to gently apply the lead powder to the patches under her eyes, and then asked softly again:

"So, does Madam want it or not?"

Madam Chu remained silent.

The bronze mirror was bright and clear, reflecting her pale face, with large patches under her eyes being particularly noticeable, making her overall complexion appear much duller.

It's like a white lotus standing tall in a pond, with one of its petals withered.

The more perfect the flower, the more unbearable its withered half becomes.

As the maid carefully applied makeup powder, the dullness gradually faded.

But Madam Chu was lost in thought, staring at the bronze mirror.

Everyone in the palace knows that lead powder is harmful to the human body. But she's now drinking poison to quench her thirst and can't live without it.

Seeing her silence, the maid sighed softly again.

The Queen was trusted by the King and was a very kind person. Although she ordered the two ladies to move palaces, this was in accordance with the rules of Qin and also the King's command.

Moreover, the palace that was moved to was only a bit more remote, but all the treatment was improved. What could the lady possibly complain about?
"But this place is even further away from the King's Zhangtai Palace."

How could Lady Chu be satisfied?

The maidservant replied, "Even if we lived close by before, could His Majesty summon his wife every day?"

Madam Chu remained silent.

Compared to the other women in the harem, she did have more opportunities to see the king.

That's because I've been in the palace for many years, and my dancing skills have been constantly improving. I've never dared to slack off in the slightest.

Therefore, when the king was troubled by state affairs and wished to invite various performances, she would volunteer to perform a dance.

But apart from that, he did not receive any special favor.

Whether she moves the palace or not, it really doesn't bother her.

Her resentment stemmed from a deep sense of injustice.

"But the Queen's appearance..."

She gently touched her cheek, and though she didn't say it explicitly, the Queen's appearance was clearly inferior to hers in her youth.

Why does the king cherish it so much?
He not only valued him highly, but even bestowed upon him five private armies.

This was a reward that no queen in history had ever received. What did their young queen have to offer?

The maid hesitated for a moment, then whispered:

"Madam, there is no need to be distressed. I have also secretly inquired and learned that the reason why the Queen is favored by the King is because she is no ordinary person."

what?
Lady Chu immediately found it absurd.

However, the maid's expression was extremely serious: "It has already been quietly spread in the palace that the Queen had a secret conversation with the alchemist Mao Sheng and personally taught him the method of the Golden Elixir."

"Not only that, there's also the path of Foundation Establishment and Immortal Cultivation. It's just that the alchemists are too dull-witted, crying and saying they're not skilled enough to learn it..."

She whispered even lower, "I've heard that the Queen possesses a divine elixir; if refined, it can make all nations submit..."

The more the maid spoke, the more solemn her expression became, and her voice became so low that it was almost inaudible.

"I heard that the sorcerer couldn't stand the immortal's teachings and was directly knocked unconscious by the divine decree."

"Now everyone in the palace knows that the Queen's true identity is that of a celestial messenger from Kunlun."

Madam Chu gasped in shock.

A celestial messenger from Kunlun?!
What is Kunlun?

Kun is compared to the sun, and Lun is the order of succession.

The sun moves in its cycle every day, and Kunlun is the sacred place that connects heaven and earth, the sun, moon and stars, and time and space.

Even today, in Langzhong County of the Qin State, there is still the Ascension Altar with its five towers and twelve cities of Kunlun.

Although no one has succeeded in ascending to immortality to this day and it has gradually become a legend, Kunlun is still the holy land for all those who ascend to immortality, and it is already a concept in the hearts of everyone today.

And their Queen of Qin was actually a celestial messenger from Kunlun?

Lady Chu was both convinced and skeptical.

The entanglement of confusion and contradictions caused her brows to furrow.

Just then, Wu Zi, the chief secretary of Lan Chi Palace, suddenly arrived:

"Lady Chu, the Queen requests your presence."

……

　The more capable a person is, the more stubborn they are. The king's dream of seeking immortality will not be shattered in just a few words.

　　However, seeking immortality while alive, or pursuing immortality through corpse liberation in a tomb after death, is a different matter altogether.

　　When we were little, we really used a lot of sweet words!

　　(End of this chapter)