Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 234, Section 233: Laziness and Indolence

This martial arts demonstration, which involved only two people, instantly eased Ji Heng's increasingly irritable mood, which had been aroused by numerous government affairs before the new year.

Not only him, but all the officials and ministers were in high spirits at this moment, feeling that the prosperity of the Qin Dynasty was just around the corner!

Of course, it would be even better if the national treasury were a little richer, since even blacksmithing costs money.

At this moment, everyone in the training ground cheered. Li Jiu's excellence was well-known, but Dan Pu's clumsiness also left a deep impression.

Ji Heng turned his head: "Both of these two are under the Queen's command. Is there any arrangement for them now?"

Qin Shi smiled and said, "They have performed well in their martial arts demonstration. I will have someone inquire about their aspirations later before making any arrangements."

Ji Heng frowned slightly, knowing that the Queen was still very indecisive towards the palace servants. To receive the King's orders was a blessing for them, so why bother asking about their ambitions?
However, he was in a very good mood today and had no intention of interfering with the Queen's actions; he simply made a note of it—

I also need to remind Zhou Ju to keep a close eye on the situation in the Queen's palace.

If anyone is unruly, the Queen is kind and reluctant to punish them severely, but he wants to establish his authority.

The Queen of Qin was personally appointed by Ji Heng, and no one was allowed to lightly touch her power and dignity.

……

When everything fell silent, Qin returned to Ganquan Palace, and the first person he summoned was Danpu.

"You are so young, yet you are able to endure hardship and take risks; you have extraordinary courage."

"I wonder what you want to do in the future, whether you want to stay by my side or by the King's side?"

Qin Shi sat at the head of the table and patiently inquired.

Chi Nu and Wu Zi were helping to organize the bamboo slips when they heard this, and they couldn't help but secretly glance at the Queen again.

After following her for several days, they have now discovered that while the Queen is polite in her actions and words to those holding official positions, it is merely politeness.

But what about ordinary people, like Chou'er?

Or perhaps the Queen was exceptionally kind to palace servants like Danpu who had no status, even speaking much more gently.

On this point, the much-criticized Madam Chu would probably have something to say.

Danpu was clearly flattered.

But he had worked hard for this day, and so he bowed down in reverence.
"I am a servant of Ganquan Palace, and I obey the Queen's every command."

In that split second, following the king and following the queen were clearly two completely different paths to the future.

But what came to Danpu's mind was Lord Xin's ambiguous smile.

He answered respectfully, and the meaning behind his words was all too clear.

Qin Shi wasn't surprised, just curious: "You should know that if you work hard by the King's side, you might one day become a prefectural governor yourself."

Like Zhou Ju, the prefect of the Zhou family, who now serves the king day and night, the trust and invisible power he has gained are the envy of countless officials in the court.

Moreover, Danpu, being a eunuch, had no family burdens, making him a suitable person to share the king's worries.

This prospect was undeniably bright, and Danpu was deeply shaken.

But—all of this is predicated on the fact that he must first be alive.

While serving Lord Xin, he was repeatedly reminded of his boldness, and it was precisely because of his boldness that he distinguished himself.

The Queen was kind and appreciated the palace servants' fighting spirit. Even if they went slightly astray, their superiors would teach them a lesson, and it would not anger the Queen or endanger their lives.

But you can be by the king's side...

The king is autocratic and the whole world depends on his control. How can he tolerate those around him having the same autocratic ways?
The thought flashed through his mind, and Danpu's expression became more and more determined. He said, "I have no ability now. We can talk about it another day. Right now, I just want to listen to the Queen's arrangements."

Qin Shi was somewhat surprised: when faced with readily available credit, not everyone can rationally understand what they lack right now.

Danpu was clever, perceptive, and bold, but such palace servants were not uncommon in Xianyang Palace.

He said he lacked ability, which made his weaknesses all the more obvious...

What a clear-headed person.

Qin Shi laughed: "In that case, you may leave now." This time, Danpu got nothing from the inquiry.

But he was neither uneasy nor regretful; on the contrary, he felt at ease and quickly withdrew.

Next to enter the hall was Li Jiu.

Seeing him reminded Qin Shi of the other man's special skills, and now he couldn't help but chuckle.

However, her archery skills on the training ground truly showed her that her opponent had the ability to strive for excellence.

After all, when Li Jiu was transferred to the Imperial Stud, his best skill was pitch-pot.

Now, however, his skill in horsemanship and archery has earned Ji Heng's admiration, suggesting that he has put in a lot of extra effort.

Such talent, it's truly a pity he became a jade craftsman.

But compared to Danpu, Li Jiu, who was full of vigor on the martial arts field, was actually quite dull by nature.

His answer also surprised Qin Shi:

"Villain... villain..."

He seemed hesitant to speak, and Qin Shi, sitting above him, could only offer words of comfort:

"It's alright, say whatever you think. In my palace, no one has ever been punished for their words."

Li Jiu finally looked up at her, then quickly lowered his head again: "Your Majesty, I... I am lazy and do not want to go to the army."

He even blushed slightly: "If any noble lady takes a liking to someone like me, and the Queen bestows me upon me, I would gladly accept..."

Simply put, he wants to be a kept man.

Really Want.

Qin Shi was speechless.

After a moment, she said, "Your skill in archery and horsemanship is not something that can be achieved through laziness."

Many people imagine archers as lean, strong, and agile—but in reality, those who can wield a powerful bow and shoot fast arrows are all heroic figures, with a robust and stable lower body and strong, muscular arms.

It takes a long time of practice to develop such strength and a stable core.

When Li Jiu was first seen, his figure was not as outstanding as it is now, which shows that he also put in a lot of hard work at the Imperial Stud.

Now, despite clearly putting in a lot of hard work, they claim they love to be kept by women...

Qin Shi smiled and said, "Your Majesty already knew about the arrangements for you. If it was about the Lan Chi Palace incident, there was no need to worry."

Ji Heng's personality can be described in many ways: ruthless, autocratic, profound, etc., but he is not petty or jealous of talent.

Only the incompetent worry about not being able to manage the talented, while he has always respected and valued those who are truly capable. Li Jiu, born into the Imperial Household Department, is to him like a palace maid—

There's absolutely no need to treat them like human beings.

If they don't respect anyone, how can they be targeting anyone?

Qin Shi spoke earnestly, but Li Jiu lowered his head even further.

His voice trembled as he replied, “Your Majesty, I do not wish to fail in your great kindness. However, the riding and archery practice is simply too arduous. I… I only wish to serve you, Your Majesty…”

He mustered his courage and added, "It would be even better if we did nothing."

Everyone in Ganquan Palace fell silent.

Even Qin Shi looked at Li Jiu with surprise before he couldn't help but laugh out loud:
"To be a lazy bum who does nothing... There's nothing wrong with that idea, it's just that the times are a little off."

　Good heavens! I haven't had a break in ten days!

　　Today I'm recommending a book by one of the "Octopus Sisters"! You won't regret clicking on it!
　　After becoming a widow, I drove the entire court of officials mad by forcing them to farm.

　　二谦
　　Synopsis: After being bound to the wrong system, all the officials in the court are helping me with tasks.

　　(End of this chapter)