Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 78, Section 77: The Imperial Seal of the State
Although the matter of the emperor's seal has been postponed until tomorrow, there are still many important matters to attend to throughout the country.

By the time the three dukes and nine ministers had left the court, the stars were already twinkling in the sky, and although the waning moon was not yet visible, it was already late at night.

Zhou Ju was also stiff all over. Seeing the King of Qin get up from his chair with ease, and feeling his stiff waist and legs, he couldn't help but feel a little envious.

Even when Qin Qing presented him with the table and chairs, he felt they were not worth mentioning.

But now, after working in the office for so long, the king has clearly grown quite accustomed to it. Although he is far less imposing than the King of Qin, he now finds the desk somewhat cramped.

Despite his envy, he still asked solicitously, "Your Majesty has not eaten today. Would you like some more?"

Ji Heng then came to his senses.

Since Qin Qing had not arrived by noon, he naturally ate some snacks with the other ministers.

In the evening, everyone ate something together, but it was quite different from the three meals a day of the previous two days.

He casually asked, "Has Qin Qing not arrived at Zhangtai Palace today?"

Zhou Juhuan replied happily, "Your Majesty has forgotten that Qin Qing went to the Ironworks today. The journey there and back was bumpy, so she has probably already returned to Lanchi Palace to rest."

This is because His Majesty took the initiative to ask about Qin Qing, which shows that she is truly impressive! Recalling His Majesty's various disappointments today, he also asked with a smile:

"The six imperial seals have not yet been finalized today, which is probably because the ministers are unable to understand His Majesty's intentions."

“In that case, Your Majesty, why not summon Minister Qin? I believe that Minister Qin is truly considerate of Your Majesty’s wishes in this matter, and perhaps he has a better idea.”

Ji Heng's expression was inscrutable for a moment.

But in the end, he nodded: "Let's announce it."

Qin Shi, who was far away in Lan Chi Palace, had just bathed, changed clothes, washed up, and was lying down enjoying a massage from a skilled physician and a maid massaging his legs: ? ? ?
Didn't I already report that I was on a business trip today?
She's already out on fieldwork, why does she still have to go back to Zhangtai Palace to work overtime?
but……

Well, the king does indeed give more than other superiors.

She gritted her teeth and got up again.

As the carriage traveled, the newly reinstated Red Maiden laughed and said, "King Qin is so highly regarded; his future is boundless. None of the ladies in the harem can compare."

Qin Shi sighed: "What am I compared to you ladies? Does the Prime Minister also often work overtime like this?"

After thinking for a while, Chi Nu guessed the meaning of "overtime work". At this moment, she smiled and said, "The King has been very lenient with Qin Jun. There is no need for Qin Qing to go to Zhangtai Palace to report and discuss politics every day."

“If it were the Prime Minister, when he was busy with state affairs, it would be common for him to stay at Zhangtai Palace.”

Qin Shi: ...

Forget it.

Since everyone is working overtime, some even all night, and she has people to serve her wherever she goes, there's no need to say anything more. She should think about how to report to the King!

I'm so tired when I got back today, she hasn't even tidied up anything yet!

……

She was filled with anxiety, but when she arrived at Zhangtai Palace, she discovered that there were things even more terrifying than working overtime—

Even the ruler of a country is still staying up all night!
Qin Shi tried his best to organize his observations and thoughts of the day, and even wanted to plead for the craftsmen again—the working conditions were too harsh.

Especially the one kneeling on the ground in shackles and exposed to the sun, Qin Shi asked him before leaving. In fact, the other party had not done anything wrong, had not been slacking off, and had not committed any serious crimes.

He's just—not doing his job properly.

Despite being a metallurgist in charge of forging, he suddenly had the idea to make a different bellows, that is, to make the bellows bigger and more powerful.

But being a lowly man, he had neither the money to acquire larger animal hides nor the ability to find suitable craftsmen, and ultimately achieved nothing, ending in failure.

However, in the strictly structured ironworks workshop, if one does not do their assigned task but instead tries to do something else—if they succeed, all is well, but if they fail, they will certainly be punished.

He was forced to wear shackles as a form of public humiliation, which at least saved his life.

Looking at this from the perspective of the Qin Dynasty, how could it not be a pity?

There are many mediocre people in this world. Those who attempt to create something in their work are destined to fail, and should neither be encouraged nor punished.

If this continues, technology won't flourish, and it will be too conservative. However, the King of Qin has never cared much about artisans; rather than focusing on their inventions, it's better to start with weapons and agricultural tools that interest him…

Her mind was racing, but at that moment, Ji Heng raised his head and said, "Please sit down."

He got into the swing of things quickly; after only two days of using the tables and chairs, he had already learned phrases like "sit down first."

So much so that Qin Shi immediately forgot what he had been thinking, and for a moment he even thought he was meeting a client in modern times.

She sat on the newly brought-in table and chairs, too tired to straighten her back, and simply rested her chin on her hand as she looked at the other person—

Oh my! Ji Heng is so handsome!
This kind of handsomeness wasn't like the refined, handsome look of a certain celebrity she used to like, with his eyebrows, nose, and jawline all meticulously groomed. Instead, it carried a heroic and rugged air.

If we're talking about facial features, they're not even close to being "refined".

Long eyes, high nose, and slightly thin lips.

His features were sharp as a hawk's, and when he looked at people, it seemed as if he could see right through them, making people involuntarily want to lower their heads.

In addition, his tall, strong, and heroic physique exuded a powerful masculine aura that is rarely seen in later generations.

Her gaze was intense and undisguised, which Ji Heng could hardly ignore. At that moment, he put down his pen and looked up:

"Qin Qing, please examine me closely. What do you think?"

Qin Shi smiled calmly: "Your Majesty is truly handsome and brave, surpassing most ordinary people in the world. I am stunned."

Ji Heng stopped.

Zhou Ju quickly lowered his head, desperately trying to suppress his laughter.

Weird!

Among the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, there were many straightforward and honest people, but every time they spoke, they only angered the king.

There are also many flatterers whose sweet words pour out like a river, making one want to frown for no reason.

Why is it that not only does the King enjoy listening to Qin Qing's speech, but even he finds it quite interesting?

But unlike before, Zhou Ju no longer faces a career crisis!

Looking at Ji Heng again, he was speechless for a moment, but didn't say anything. Instead, after a brief pause, he finally chuckled:
"Even if you praise me again, I have nothing more to reward you with."

Then he chuckled softly, "Since you admire the bravery of men, why don't you visit General Yan's residence next time and see the soldiers..."

Qin Shi coughed lightly: "Thank you, Your Majesty, but no need, no need!"

She's too busy! She hasn't even had a chance to see a single performance yet, and there are countless things to do. She doesn't even know what to do with the jade maidens in Lanchi Palace...

At this point, he had no choice but to change the subject, saying, "Your Majesty summoned me so late at night, is there something you want to ask?"

She glanced at Zhou Ju, hoping to get some hints.

However, the other person's smiling face instantly lost its expression, and he stood there like a desperate piece of wood.

Qin Shi: ...

Ji Heng, as expected, had also thought of today's events, and thus asked, "The Imperial Censor has submitted a memorial, wishing to present the Six Imperial Seals. What do you think of these six seals?"

Qin Shi blinked blankly, then asked, "Six Seals? Is it that complicated?"

Her eyes sparkled: "Shouldn't the King's Imperial Seal read 'By the Mandate of Heaven, May it live forever'?"

Here it comes! Empty it out! Squeeze it dry!

I'm going out tomorrow, and the update schedule is still undecided, but I'm trying my best.

Making inventions and innovations in the Qin Dynasty was risky because the work was strictly divided into zones, and even the slightest mistake of crossing a zone could be a crime.

This was an era of flourishing diversity, but also an era of strict order.

The Imperial Seal of the State was made by Li Si using the He Shi Bi jade at the behest of Qin Shi Huang.