Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 243, Section 242: The Sage's Frugality
Exam?

To promote talented individuals?

Upon hearing this, Wen Xun observed the Queen's words and actions and concluded that this kind of assessment was likely different from what had been done in Xianyang Palace in the past.

His relatives, friends, and even students had previously refused to serve the tyrannical Qin Dynasty, which is why they remained secluded.

But times have changed, the world is now unified, and all that I have learned in my life, if I want to speak up for the common people, I have no choice but to enter the imperial court.

He pondered silently, also feeling that this examination was probably a rare opportunity.

However, whether all of this is worthwhile can only be determined by him and the Queen in person.

The group arrived at the main hall, and Wen Xun bowed with his hands clasped, saying, "Greetings, Queen."

Qin Shi smiled and said, "Mr. Wen."

"I have heard that Mr. Wen is well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge, and his teachings on Xunzi have attracted a great many followers. I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to meet him."

"I wonder if you, sir, are willing to plead for the Qin Dynasty this time you enter the Xianyang Palace?"

Having heard that Xun had traveled extensively throughout the country and traversed countless mountains and rivers, and was also a renowned scholar, he was already accustomed to such praise.

The queen's attitude was neither humble nor arrogant, unlike any of the nobles he had encountered before.

The nobles treated scholars with respect and sincerity, yet their attitude carried an air of haughtiness that belittled them.

The Queen of Qin spoke directly and without any euphemisms, which made him feel quite surprised.

But at that moment, he didn't answer; instead, he asked in return:

"If the Queen truly desires me to plead for the common people, wouldn't the extravagant and wasteful actions within the entire Ganquan Palace contradict these words?"

Oh, he's a troublemaker.

Qin Shi slowly raised his eyebrows, his expression vaguely similar to Ji Heng's:

"What are you referring to, sir, as actions that waste resources and manpower?"

Wen Xun was not afraid of power, and at this moment he listed them one by one:

"The winter sun shines brightly, the light outside the palace is just right, and the palace is also brightly lit. For this light, Ganquan Palace is decorated with glass mother-of-pearl and white jade flower windows. Isn't this extravagant?"

"There were no fireplaces, bronze tripods, or charcoal braziers in the hall, yet it was warm as spring, with fragrant pepper-scented walls and a touch that warmed the skin—how much manpower was used to maintain this temperature?"

Qin Shi laughed.

Her expression softened, and the red-haired woman beside her quickly bowed and explained:
"Mr. Wen has misunderstood."

"The Queen has always been compassionate towards the poor and weak, and kind to the people and all things. I dare not accept the word 'extravagance'."

"Since you come from Shangdang, I wonder if coal briquettes are now being distributed in Shangdang County?"

Wen Xun was taken aback, then calmly cupped his hands and said, "I came to Xianyang because I heard that the Queen is benevolent."

That's why I think the Queen is such a contradictory person.

Then I heard the Red Maiden smile again:
"The reason why Ganquan Palace is warm and fragrant with pepper walls is because the walls are hollow and each main hall is equipped with a kitchen. It not only arranges for people to burn cheap coal briquettes for heating, but also serves as a place for maids and eunuchs to take a short rest and drink hot soup."

"I'm sure Mr. Wen has heard about the price of coal briquettes."

"Compared to the past when the palace needed to burn fine sandalwood charcoal for heating in winter, the Queen is now living a much simpler life."

Despite her young age, she speaks clearly and logically, with neither arrogance nor servility.

Now that Wen Xun remains silent, one more thing must be added:
"So that Mr. Wen may know that when the Queen was renovating Ganquan Palace, the first place in the palace to be heated was not the Queen's residence, but the servants' quarters."

Wen Xun's expression indeed relaxed.

However, the bright sunlight shining through the flower windows inside the hall revealed a faint, shimmering glow, and there was a light, dancing dust in the air.

He added, "This glass..."

Mother-of-pearl is one thing, but nowadays nobles often use it for decoration, and wealthy families can afford to use it.

It would be too harsh for him to use this as the sole basis for criticizing the Queen for her extravagance.

But this glasswork is truly a rare item, especially such a large, colorful, and flawless piece, just like that, pieced together on the window frame… And in the corner, there is a tall, exquisite, and brightly colored glass tree—

Before he could recover from the vibrant colors, he saw the maid above smiling again:

"Mr. Wen has not been to Xianyang for a long time, so he probably does not know that a new glass workshop has been built on the banks of the Wei River. The glass pieces pieced together for these decorative windows are just practice works by the workshop's apprentices."

Actually not.

The artisans were quite dedicated to experimenting with new techniques for glassmaking.

Those presented to Ganquan Palace were naturally the best of the best.

However, Qin Shi would not undermine Chi Nu at this moment, so he simply listened with a smile.

She discovered that power was indeed the elixir of life that truly fostered growth.

The appointment of this chief secretary has caused the young woman, who once seemed somewhat naive, to rapidly develop intelligence and dignity.

That's great! The assistant has become even more capable!
The even more capable assistant continued to speak eloquently:

"in addition……"

Chi Nu watched with delight as the look of surprise gradually appeared on Wen Xun's face, and a sense of pride finally began to rise in her heart.

But this pride wasn't just about status; it was about serving such an extraordinary lord.

She said slowly, "This glassmaking technique is also a secret method from Kunlun that the Queen brought out."

At this point, Wen Xun finally fell silent.

The various conflicting feelings I had before have now come together in a unified way.

He was finally convinced that the queen before him was indeed a person who valued practical matters.

Just look at the Kunlun secret techniques she brought out, whether it's glass, coal, or the millet-growing methods discussed by the Minister of Millet, they all emphasize practicality.

And this is precisely what he particularly admires and agrees with.

He made up his mind and was already willing to serve such a lord.

However, if a ruler and his ministers want to get along well, they should work out any areas of dissatisfaction as early as possible.

Therefore, he continued his "harsh criticism": "The Queen is wholeheartedly devoted to the people, and is frugal and kind. This is a blessing for the world."

"I am far away in Xianyang, but I have heard that the Queen has strongly urged Your Majesty to stop the construction. However, the construction of our Qin state is so grand that even if some parts are suspended, many still impose heavy labor on the people."

"The reconstruction of Ganquan Palace also involved a large number of laborers... Such extravagance and waste could have been avoided."

He spoke with great sincerity and eloquence.

Qin Shi sat quietly on the high steps, listening attentively to his words.

At this moment, only one thought kept recurring in my mind—

I consider you my most trusted advisor, yet you expect me to be a saint!

As queen, shouldn't she want to improve her living conditions?

It was just rebuilding the wall heating and changing the latticed windows. If we wanted to save money on all of this, we wouldn't need to conscript a single person or laborer, and we wouldn't need to spend a single penny.

She leaned forward slightly, as if asking the Red Woman to offer another mirror so she could see herself in it.

Could it be that her face truly embodies the virtues possessed by all the saints of China?

If she can only be a poor and destitute queen, who would be willing to strive for advancement?

The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is in turmoil, all for gain.

And isn't the reason why people strive and are full of ambition to satisfy their most fundamental desires?

　Here they come! [Embracing both the past and present, possessing vast knowledge and profound understanding. Sailing the sea of ​​learning, their followers are as numerous as clouds. Though Zhou millet is sweet, how could they bear to leave Yin? The posthumous title of Wenzheng will be recorded in history, its fragrance flowing far and wide.] From [Biographies and Eulogies of the Worthies of Qiantang]

　　There was none on September 9.6th.

　　(End of this chapter)