Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 306, Section 305: Foresight
"Your Majesty, do we really need to employ someone like this?"

Susu Village has returned to tranquility.

Apart from the teachers and students of Shanxi Academy busily shouting in the fields, daily life has returned to its usual rhythm.

After finishing his tasks, Qin Shi even felt an indescribable sense of relief.

She beckoned to her maid: "Let's go. We've been sitting here for so long without any interest in appreciating the winter scenery—let's go up the mountain for a stroll."

And Wu Zi was the question I asked while traveling on the mountain.

Although Madam Hu seems to have some talent, she does not seem to be irreplaceable.

And now there's this troublesome daughter.

Asking her to be indecisive and procrastinating would be counterproductive.

Qin Shi smiled and said, "Since she has come to us of her own accord, and Su Su Manor is in dire need of manpower right now, why shouldn't I use her?"

"As for her daughter... what can she possibly do if she's taken back to Xianyang? What is the point of her being such a lowly maid?"

Wu Zi paused for a moment, but instead of obediently retreating as usual, she said, "The Queen also taught us never to underestimate anyone."

Qin Shi paused.

She sighed: "Madam Hu has the heart of a loving mother, but what she really wants is not for her daughter to achieve anything in the palace, but for her to be separated from her father as soon as possible."

A man who has fallen from a height can use all the resources at his disposal to climb back up – his children, including his wife, are also natural collateral unique to men.

He only needs to arrange a marriage for his children to completely destroy their future—that's what Mrs. Hu fears.

Therefore, as long as Ah Yan is taken away, she will do everything wholeheartedly.

Qin Shi carefully analyzed, "Human nature is fickle, and everyone has their own shortcomings. I want you to be wary of every seemingly insignificant person, but we cannot abandon talented individuals just because we are wary."

"Now, new rules are everywhere in Su Su Village, and animal husbandry on the mountain is taking shape. Dan and Fei Qing are also teaching many secret techniques here."

She looked at Wu Zi: "Tell me, after I leave, who will take charge of this manor?"

Wu Zi looked bewildered: "It must belong to the head of the estate."

But she quickly realized it.

Firstly, there were many and varied matters to attend to—not only Dan and Feiqing's chicken and duck hatching and raising, but also the craftsmen in the Shaofu who specialized in raising pigs, cattle and sheep, and then the local people gathered from various places, as well as their families.

Finally, and even more importantly, there was Mo, who had already begun researching new farming tools.

Xin also has cement-related tasks to complete, so he can't always be by his side.

With all these matters, big and small, piling up, the head of the estate still had to take care of the original inhabitants.

The closeness or distance of feelings between the two parties will naturally vary.

At this time, there needs to be a meticulous person—at the very least, someone who can resolve and mediate conflicts, provide care for many family members, and is exceptionally attentive to livestock—to keep things under control.

"Madam Hu would be a perfect fit," Qin Shi explained.

“I have seen your investigation into Mrs. Hu.”

“She comes from the powerful Hu family, which has three hundred soldiers—that’s already a large family.”

"She received an education from a young age, becoming literate and literate. After marriage, she managed the household affairs, ensuring harmony within the family. Later, she helped establish an academy and oversaw all its matters..."

When Qin Shi first appointed him, he didn't think so much about it. Now, after explaining it carefully, he felt that his actions were truly a stroke of genius.

Yes, it must be because my vision and foresight are too outstanding.

She looked at Wu Zi again and smiled:

"You and Chi Nu have lived in the deep palace for a long time, so you naturally follow strict rules and regulations. When it comes to doing these small things in the common people's lives, as well as dealing with merchants and laborers from all over the world, you are actually far inferior to her."

One is a department head who was specifically trained by the group. He started as an intern as a group employee after graduation and worked his way up.

One of them personally founded the school in the township or county, nominally in charge of logistics management, but in reality, he held all the rights of the principal.

It was obvious at a glance who was more adept at handling these tedious farm affairs. Wu Zi, unaware of Qin Shi's smugness, only thought that the Queen was farsighted and had everything meticulously planned.

At this moment, he simply pondered and silently followed the Queen's steps. Then he pursed his lips, and the slight restlessness in his expression gradually subsided.

"Your Majesty, I understand."

She secretly resolved that upon returning to Xianyang Palace, she would share this matter with Chi Nu, and then work even harder, making sure she did not become complacent about her position as Chief Secretary...

However, before the thought could even finish, the queen reached out and plucked a bright red maple leaf from the tree.

"The color of this leaf is really beautiful."

Did you bring the box?

When the attendants came forward from behind carrying the box, the queen had already picked a dark green leaf, an orange-red leaf, and a golden leaf.

There are maple trees, and other trees as well.

She carefully examined each of the four leaves by its stem, then solemnly placed them back into the box.

"You stay by my side. I want to bring all the beautiful leaves, flowers and fruits on the mountain back to Xianyang so that the King can have a good look at them."

—Your Queen is thinking of you even when she is away from home. Aren't you touched? Your Majesty.

……

Whether Ji Heng was moved or not was unknown, but Zhou Ju truly dared not move.

He was unaware of a later theorem: "A good habit takes twenty-one days to form."

All that is known is that since the Queen entered the palace, the King has seen her every single day.

Even when they were very busy before the New Year, the two of them would still dine in the same room.

This was at the Queen's request, and the King did not refuse.

Afterwards, they moved to Ganquan Palace, and the two would stroll in the garden every evening after dinner.

Although the king remained silent, he listened attentively to the queen's many trivial matters...

During this period, it was not just one or two twenty-one days.
It's hard to say that Ji Heng has developed good habits, but with the Queen gone for so long, there are many fools and idiots in the court.

Unable to speak, he found no solace in scolding and punishment, and his brow furrowed deeper and deeper until now, he was in a state of rage.

Amidst this anger, an oblivious eunuch quietly stood by the side door, staring blankly at Zhou Ju.

He had a bad feeling, but Ji Heng's gaze had already swept over him, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go.

"What is it? And which palace are you from?"

The other party quickly presented the box: "The Queen has ordered that this letter must be delivered..."

Zhou Ju was overjoyed!

Then he became puzzled: "Didn't I hear that the Queen is returning tomorrow? Why is there still a letter today?"

The warships can reach Tongchuan in just four hours.

Huangmen, with an honest and simple expression, said, "The Queen did not give any instructions, only that this item be presented..."

Zhou Ju frowned slightly.

But Ji Heng, enraged, had lost patience for such a trivial matter. Hearing the increasingly loud shouts from ahead, he reached out and took the box, immediately opening it to examine it.

Why are there so many leaves? And these maple leaves, they are also planted in Xianyang Palace, has the Queen never paid attention to them?

As for the letters, they were just a single folded page, and he naturally dared not flip through them.

But since there's nothing unusual, let's hurry and deliver it to the king!
"Your Majesty, the Queen has specially sent a letter from Guanzhong..."

(End of this chapter)