Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 238, Section 237: The Censor of Crafts
Xin looked at the two pieces of glass in Mo's palm, feeling utterly helpless.

But he still shook his head: "I know what you're doing, and the Queen agrees to what you're doing. That's enough."

"But since you are serving the prince, you must be careful and obedient."

He was also from a noble family, and among those he met with, the Queen was exceptionally kind and magnanimous.

Mo was highly regarded by the Queen, but he was still insignificant in front of the princes and princesses.

Mo didn't quite understand, but Xin was always right.

Therefore, he nodded, wrapped the glass shard in linen and put it back into his bosom, and then said, "The Queen praised me for my unparalleled talent and told me to study it carefully. She said that once I succeed, she will promote me to a higher rank."

He cheered up: "Xin, I know you've had a hard time. Don't worry about me. I'll listen to the Queen."

Xin's expression was gentle, and he paused for a moment to think.

“With your personality, simply burying yourself in research is clearly not enough; you will also need the cooperation of the Imperial Household Department and various workshops. In that case, I will send more people to help you.”

"Just tell him what you need, and he can handle all the subsequent negotiations and cooperation."

Mo was indeed very happy.

When he was with the prince, he was busy running around the workshop, explaining his incomprehensible needs to the craftsmen, which was no easy task. Now that Xin was there, it felt like he was back in the ironworks, with Xin protecting him and relying on him.

Therefore, he nodded obediently.

Xin patted his head, and only then did he slowly relax.

He summoned Danpu:

"You have given so much this time, yet you have received no reward. Are you resentful?"

Danpu didn't care at all: "Since the Queen has personally inquired, I am also willing to serve the Queen. How dare I say that I have not been rewarded?"

The Queen was known for her kindness and generosity; she was generous in bestowing wealth even on the smallest matters.

He has achieved such outstanding results, yet he has gained nothing; clearly, there are greater benefits to be gained from behind.

Having spent many years in the palace, Danpu had no shortage of patience.

Xin paused for a moment, then said, "Stirrups and horseshoes—from now on, you and I shall never touch them again. The New Year is approaching, and I intend to transfer you to another location. Are you willing?"

Having made his choice before the Queen and determined to follow the wise superior, Danpu naturally obeyed orders at this moment.

He also learned that Mo and Xin were sworn brothers who had worked together as laborers in the Ironworks, and thus became even more respectful.

This official is simple-minded, making him even easier to get along with.

Isn't it just about interpersonal relationships?
What Mo avoided at all costs was precisely what he excelled at.

With the Queen's handprint present at this moment, everyone was of one mind and obeyed without question.

However, he was patient, but not rewarding merit was not in Qin Shi's nature, so after only two days of travel, he heard Xin was summoning him:
"The Queen has ordered that you be temporarily promoted to the position of clerk under the Ganquan Palace Examination Director, and you shall be at my disposal. Danpu, what you need to do now is to assist Mo well."

Danpu was momentarily taken aback.

He never expected to be promoted so quickly, nor did he expect to be promoted to the position of clerk so suddenly.

This insignificant official position was not worth mentioning, but for him, it represented a significant leap in social class.

Moreover, the clerks were under the command of the Director of Works, and were in charge of making weapons, including bows, crossbows, swords, armor, and sacrificial and daily utensils.

At this moment, he was filled with both fear and ecstasy, and even his keen senses could not contain the overwhelming joy he felt.

But right now, the Mo Ke he's supposed to assist doesn't even hold any official position yet!
But Danpu did not dare to underestimate him in the slightest.

Because in Ganquan Palace, there was another person like Mo who had no official position, but was protected by soldiers when he went out, had maids to remind him of his meals, and was taken care of by a doctor.

The Black-Eyed Lord who had not yet obtained an official position, like Mo, had won through his outstanding intellect. Thinking of this, his agitated emotions finally calmed down, and he solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

"promise!"

……

Qin Shi neither cared about nor needed to care about the thoughts and plans of his subordinates.

She only knew that she had to delegate tasks and have someone complete them properly, and that was enough—only Ji Heng could handle such a massive workload as grasping everyone's thoughts and intentions.

She admitted that human strength has its limits, and if she wanted to live like that, she would be trapped in the trivialities of this Ganquan Palace for the rest of her life.

What's the point of being queen then? Isn't that putting the cart before the horse?

At this moment, the walls inside the hall gradually warmed up, emitting a warm fragrance. Even with the windows open, the gradually warming atmosphere inside could not be blocked.

In the corner, a small bronze stove exudes a faint fragrance of plum blossoms, which blends subtly with the spices in the pepper wall. The aroma is delicate and lingering, neither cloying nor overwhelming, and when a breeze blows, it releases a warm and sweet scent, making it very pleasant.

These subtle yet perfectly placed touches of luxury truly amazed Qin Shi.

She was currently trying on the New Year's dress that had been presented to her in the inner palace.

Formal Qin ceremonial attire always featured black and red, and these two colors were universally flattering regardless of who wore them.

Moreover, after being adorned with pearls and jade, she appeared extremely dignified, which she greatly appreciated.

Seeing that her clothes had been changed repeatedly in order to make them comfortable and convenient for her, and now they were turning slightly bluish-black, I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her.

She couldn't say things like "whatever," so she could only show it through her actions:
"Today is the Beginning of Winter. Since His Majesty has gone to the outskirts to welcome winter and offer sacrifices to Heaven, let us all in the palace receive another reward."

"You've been working hard lately, so you don't need to do anything else. Take a couple of days to rest."

Fu Cai pursed her lips, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. Then she watched as the Queen put on her newly made clothes. When she turned around, she was majestic and dignified, yet her expression was gentle and very approachable.

She couldn't help but say again, "This servant doesn't feel tired at all."

Serving the Queen, I also gained an official position and received such generous rewards from her. How could I possibly be tired?
This is a hundred or a thousand times easier than serving the king.

Wu Zi also smiled and said, "Today is the Beginning of Winter, and the Queen will bestow rewards. The day after tomorrow is the New Year, and the Queen will also bestow rewards."

"The day after tomorrow is the first day of the tenth month, the New Year, and also the King's birthday—the Queen will bestow gifts upon him..."

To be honest, even Wu Zi, who was in charge of the Queen's private treasury, was a little apprehensive.

When she took stock of the treasury at the end of the year, she always wanted to ask the Queen again: "Didn't the Queen discuss many national policies with the King? What national policies can make the private treasury more abundant? If we continue to give rewards like this, I'm afraid that in another two years, the treasury will be in dire need of funds."

But with the New Year approaching and the Beginning of Winter approaching, it would be inappropriate to bring this up at such a joyous time, so I quietly held back.

Fu Cai's heart was filled with excitement as she thought about how the ceremonial robes she and her team had made would be worn by the Queen at the New Year's ceremony to worship the gods and the heavens.

Staring at the Queen's shoes now, a touch of regret arose:

"The Imperial Household Department is busy, and the weavers are also in a hurry. The gold brocade on these shoes hasn't even been woven into the black bird pattern yet. I'll think of another way and take someone to alter it..."

Qin Shi was both amused and exasperated:

How can you blame the officials and weavers?
The appointment of the queen was so rushed, and the New Year's ceremony was so close together, that even if the weavers worked day and night, they couldn't keep up!

She shook her head helplessly and had no choice but to give other instructions to change the subject:
"Have all the gifts for the ladies, princes and princesses in the palace been prepared?"

　Here it comes! The Qin Dynasty was too short, and no records have been found of activities such as sacrificing to the winter moon and welcoming winter, so we've made them up here.

　　The clear records mentioned above only appeared during the Han Dynasty.

　　(End of this chapter)