Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 235, Section 234: Special Envoy from the Western Regions
Li Jiu's idea was not entirely wrong, but as Qin Shi said, he was born in the wrong era.

In this era, Ji Heng would never tolerate commoners who could do nothing and eat and drink for free.

As queen, it's not unreasonable for her to grant this person special privileges.

However, compared to the mutual understanding between Ji Heng and Ji Heng, it's not worth it.

However, she then remembered the other person's special skills.

As we all know, in an era when women's rights were not yet restricted, it was only natural for the powerful and influential to have several beautiful women.

However, she doesn't have a suitable person by her side who requires Li Jiu, and as the Queen of Qin, she doesn't need to use such means to win over others.

But the other party did indeed put in effort...

Qin Shi's mind raced, and after looking at his appearance again, he smiled and said, "Every sip and every bite in this world requires a price."

"Your diligent practice of archery and horsemanship has pleased the king, which is commendable—but your lack of effort is unacceptable."

Li Jiu lowered his head, looking listless.

He was trained to please dignitaries, and thus he was adept at displaying his emotions and showing vulnerability at the right time. But this tactic only worked on the queen, because if it were the king, he would never show the slightest reluctance, let alone state his demands.

Qin Shi looked at him and suddenly asked, "You are handsome and have a good sense of propriety—since you don't want to endure hard training, then, next year, would you dare to go to the Western Regions as a special envoy?"

Li Jiu was stunned.

Practicing archery and horsemanship is arduous these days, but most of the time it's safe. However, if one were to travel to the Western Regions, not only would the journey be arduous, but safety would also be uncertain…

After all, the kingdoms of the Western Regions are still not at peace.

This is like adding insult to injury!

But after thinking for a moment, Li Jiu asked again, "Is it... that we're leaving Xianyang Palace?"

"That's natural."

“Then…” A hint of hesitation and unspoken hope appeared on his handsome face: “I want to go. I haven’t left since I entered Xianyang Palace at the age of six.”

Leaving Xianyang Palace sounds dangerous and arduous.

But for some reason, he felt his heart pounding and his cheeks turning red—what was it like outside Xianyang City?
How were the various states in the Western Regions different from the Qin state?

Qin Shi sighed: She knew that the Jade Women had basically never left the Shaofu, which was why she made this suggestion.

However, it must be said that the journey to the Western Regions is fraught with danger, and if Li Jiu agrees now, he may very well lose his life.

But in this era, the common people had no right to refuse.

All she could do was try her best to get closer to her dream, considering the other person's efforts.

She gave the order: "Have someone take him to Mao Sheng's side. He only needs to be proficient in archery and horsemanship; there's no need for arduous training. Let him rest and recover a bit more..."

At this time, the Silk Road had not yet appeared. Although there were no Princess Jieyou and Lady Feng from the time of Emperor Wu of Han, by developing along the Salt and Cinnabar Road, which transported minerals through the Ba family, subtle connections could be established with various countries in the Western Regions.

At this time, the ancient Persian kingdom already had a royal princess and wife in power, and the Spartan city-state also had political women.

Even with the laws enacted in Qin, many regions remain quite open-minded regarding gender relations today. Li Jiu might not be of much use, but if he were to gain the favor of a powerful figure, his influence could save them a considerable amount of time.

Along the Silk Road, tribes and states stood side by side; who knows if there were any favored princesses, ladies-in-waiting, or queens?

Li Jiu could be treated as an envoy, traveling with Mao Sheng in a fragrant carriage on fine horses. Although the journey would be arduous, it would not be too much of a torment for him.

But the things they need to do are the same, albeit through different paths.

After all, what she wanted to do was to open up trade routes. Since the cavalry couldn't get through in a short time, she should try to use some means to mediate and open the door to convenience.
Otherwise, would they really follow Zhang Qian's example and be imprisoned for 10 years, isolated and helpless? This is a minor path, but only the righteous path is the way forward, and the Qin Dynasty cannot afford to wait.

If someone unfortunately passes away along the way...

She watched Li Jiu's joyful yet uneasy figure retreat from afar, and could only sigh softly.

……

Xin was the last to enter the hall.

"You have rendered meritorious service this time. Is there anything you wish to ask for?" Qin Shi asked his close advisors much more casually.

Xin smiled slightly: "I was merely acting on the Queen's orders, and I deserve no credit."

"Moreover, my position as a junior official is already a reward from the Queen in advance."

The position of Zhongshuzi (中庶子) did not come with a high salary, only 600 shi (石) of grain per year. However, it was a close confidant of feudal lords, high-ranking officials, and even the crown prince, and was often filled by sons of noble families.

Because it allowed them to directly face the emperor, it was an extremely coveted official position.

The fact that the Queen entrusted him with such an important task so soon after her coronation—in Xin's view, this represented absolute trust and affection, as well as a bright future.

If things continue like this, he might really become a close advisor to the Crown Prince in the future.

If that's the case, and you're already asking for rewards and promotions now, how will the Queen reward you for any further meritorious deeds in the future?

Therefore, Xin bowed his head and said, "Next year, I will be busy with the iron slag matter and will be living on the banks of the Wei River, moving between new workshops. Therefore, I humbly request Your Majesty to grant me a house that is convenient for me."

Qin Shi laughed.

"Xin, you are really smart."

She hadn't figured out how to promote him, but she also hadn't expected him to present horseshoes and stirrups so well.

So he nodded and said, "Granted—"

As for gold ingots and other valuables, they are nothing but trivial matters to Xin now.

His true future lies not in this crucial military weapon he cannot control, but in laying the foundation for the nation's livelihood.

cement.

"Make sure the handover is done properly," Qin Shi instructed. "Take another seven-day holiday for the New Year. Before it gets too cold, gather the new workshop and materials on the banks of the Wei River."

She thought of Danpu again, who was overly clear-headed and hardworking. He was young and small in stature, but the ambition in his eyes was astonishing, completely different from Li Jiu.

But a soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier.

She then instructed, "If Danpu proves useful, take him along as your deputy."

"If any useful talents are discovered, regardless of gender, age, or disability, they can all be reported to me. The King has decreed that all appointments and removals of officials in Ganquan Palace will be at my command."

Xin was stunned for a moment, then bowed down, her face beaming with joy: "Congratulations, Your Majesty."

Although he hadn't received any promotion, he was in high spirits at that moment, and so he smiled and said:

"I do have a request—Mo was taken away by Prince Qian, but the other day he sent a message saying that he wants to stay at the glass workshop for a long time."

"Your Majesty, I believe that Mo has a new idea."

He paused, then remembered that the other person often traveled inside and outside the palace with Prince Qian, so he changed his words: "Or perhaps, Mo has already made new items."

　I'm coming!
　　(End of this chapter)