People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 286, That's not surprising (Seeking monthly votes!)
As dawn broke, the sky began to lighten.

The early morning breeze blew the bronze bells under the eaves, making a clear sound that woke the engrossed Ying Zheng.

The rising sun illuminated Xu Qing and Ying Zheng's faces. Although they hadn't slept all night, neither of them felt tired; on the contrary, they were full of energy.

"Talking with the gentleman is like savoring fine tea, leaving a lingering aftertaste and providing me with invaluable insights. Before I knew it, it was already the second day."

Ying Zheng's eyes shone, a smile played on his lips, and he spoke with lingering satisfaction.

They talked all night long, with Xu Qing pulling Ying Zheng aside to chat about everything under the sun.

From small things like planting and farming to big things like governing the country, they talk about everything and nothing is left unsaid.

Although Xu Qing, as a person from a later era, was not as proficient in any particular area as those true sages, he was erudite, especially in his novel ideas and viewpoints, which always impressed Ying Zheng.

After all, Xu Qing didn't pay all those tuition fees in his previous life for nothing.

In particular, Xu Qing's detailed explanation of the meaning of unification helped Ying Zheng find the goal he should strive for in the future. Unconsciously, Ying Zheng had become immersed in the future blueprint drawn by Xu Qing.

"Your Majesty flatters me; this is merely my personal opinion."

Xu Qing said modestly, but he was very satisfied with Ying Zheng's reaction.

He only discussed academic matters with three people after he came into this world: his teacher He Guanzi, Han Fei, and Ying Zheng.

Compared to the previous two, he spoke the most to Ying Zheng, and all of it was information that Qin would need in the future. Not a single word wasted; it was all practical advice.

Although the two have already begun collaborating, only by demonstrating sufficient sincerity and talent can their relationship become even closer.

“Sir, this is not just one person’s opinion. You have a broad knowledge of Confucianism, Taoism, Mohism, agriculture, medicine, and the School of Diplomacy. If I were not sure that you were sitting right in front of me, I would not be sure whether you are a human or a ghost or a god. What kind of person could teach someone like you?”

Ying Zheng's voice was full of emotion, and his eyes were filled with excitement as he looked at Xu Qing.

Gai Nie looked at Xu Qing with some admiration. Although he could tell that Xu Qing was not very proficient in the various schools of thought, he was different from ordinary polymaths.

Because Xu Qing has unique insights into various schools of thought, and it would not be an exaggeration to call it progress in some respects, unlike the average polymath who is a jack-of-all-trades but master of none.

He was also curious about what kind of person could have taught Xu Qing, something even his teacher, Guiguzi, couldn't have done.
“My teacher was He Guanzi. I was initially taught Confucianism, then I studied medicine on my own, and later I associated with the Mohists and the Agriculturalists. In the process of getting along with them, I unconsciously developed some personal understanding.”

"I also became acquainted with Han Fei and Wei Zhuang and developed some interest in Legalism and the School of Diplomacy. But it was just my own wild speculation, nothing profound or extensive," Xu Qing said calmly.

It is said that the most deadly form of showing off is the subtle kind, and Xu Qing's words successfully left Gai Nie and Ying Zheng speechless, feeling offended.

What does it mean to have such an understanding of the various schools of thought by just figuring things out on your own?

If the various schools of thought could be grasped so easily, would there still be commoners in the world?

However, what shocked Ying Zheng and Gai Nie even more was the name of Teacher Xu Qing.

"He Guanzi!? Is he the legendary great sage of Chu, the head of the Tianzong sect, the founder of the Tianren school, the most trusted advisor of King Wuling of Zhao, and the extraordinary man who was proficient in Taoism, military strategy, and logic?" Ying Zheng said in surprise.

If Xu Qing's teacher was He Guanzi, then all of this makes sense.

The fact that the single volume of "He Guan" served as a pioneer for scholars from six states demonstrates just how outstanding He Guanzi's academic standing was.

"So it's this senior."

Gai Nie had an "I see" expression, clearly indicating that his thoughts were the same as Ying Zheng's.

If Xu Qing was taught by He Guanzi, then his achievements would be quite reasonable.

After all, He Guanzi's disciples were no ordinary people. The most famous of them was Pang Nuan, the former general of Zhao. Just four years ago, he led the five-nation coalition to reach Zuicheng, which was only fifty miles away from Xianyang.

If the five-nation alliance hadn't been internally divided, and if the state of Chu hadn't fled in fear of the Qin army, the outcome of that five-nation attack on Qin might have been very different.

However, after Pang Nuan returned to Zhao with his defeated army, he was so angry that he attacked Qi and captured more than a dozen cities within a hundred li of Rao'an in Qi.

“That’s right, the old teacher does indeed have those titles,” Xu Qing said with a smile.

After confirming Xu Qing's identity, Ying Zheng's gaze towards Xu Qing became even more intense, but then he thought of a question.

"You are now the Imperial Physician of Han and are highly regarded by the King of Han. How will you go to Qin?" Ying Zheng asked with some concern.

The more Ying Zheng understood Xu Qing's talent, the more he felt he couldn't let such a great talent slip away. Keeping such a remarkable person in Han would be a waste of his abilities.

However, if Xu Qing were to resign and return to Qin with him, it would inevitably affect Xu Qing's reputation. Although Xu Qing didn't care, he couldn't do that.

Since Xu Qing was able to disregard his personal reputation and choose him to save the world, he must repay him as a national hero.

“I am prepared for this. I could easily emulate the way Zheng State entered Qin back then, but this time it will require Qin envoys to come forward and demand the person,” Xu Qing said slowly.

Nian Duan used his reputation to help him, so he couldn't help but cherish this reputation. However, his reputation was now too high, and the only way for him to go to Qin was for Han to send someone to him. Ying Zheng frowned slightly upon hearing this and looked at Gai Nie beside him.

Gai Nie immediately understood Ying Zheng's meaning and spoke.

"The envoy to Han was named Li Si, a newly recruited retainer of Marquis Wenxin, Lü Buwei. He was a student of Xunzi and a fellow student of Han Fei, the Ninth Prince."

“My lord, this matter is not easy to handle. Sir, could you please wait a few more days until I return to Qin, and then I will feign illness to invite you to come to me?” Ying Zheng said to Xu Qing.

Li Si is Lü Buwei's man, and their relationship is deteriorating. He has finally found a great talent, and if Lü Buwei sets his sights on him, things will go terribly wrong.

He knew Xu Qing wouldn't side with Lü Buwei, but he couldn't help but worry that Lü Buwei would interfere in order to weaken his power.

“Of course, but by asking Li Si for people, Your Majesty can gain another great talent,” Xu Qing said in a deep voice.

Xu Qing's reason for using Li Si was that he wanted to tie Li Si to him and Ying Zheng's chariot in advance.

Li Si was an ambitious man, and what ambitious people fear least is using small resources to achieve great things. By leveraging Ying Zheng's title as King of Qin, he gained leverage to win over Li Si and form an alliance.

"You mean Li Si? Is he worth such a risk, sir?"

Ying Zheng looked at Xu Qing, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, and couldn't help but reassess Li Si's value.

“It’s worth it. Li Si and Han Fei were fellow disciples. Although Li Si’s knowledge is not as great as Han Fei’s, he is better than Han Fei in some aspects. As for his abilities, there is no need to say more. Otherwise, Master Xun would not have let him graduate,” Xu Qing said.

When recommending someone, especially someone who is unknown, you should use someone famous to highlight them.

You may not know Li Si's abilities, but if you say that Xunzi affirmed Li Si's talent, even if others have never met Li Si, they will acknowledge his abilities.

"Since it was recommended by you, sir, then this person is absolutely fine."

As Ying Zheng spoke, he took his Qin King jade pendant from his waist and handed it to Xu Qing, continuing,
"This is a jade pendant worn by successive Qin kings, and it is also a symbol of the Qin king. Holding this item represents the Qin king, and you can use it to negotiate with Li Si."

Although Ying Zheng currently lacks real power, which greatly hinders his actions and prevents him from fully utilizing his abilities, he still possesses the necessary decisiveness and courage.

"Alright, Your Majesty, please stay at Qianlong Hall for the time being. I will discuss with Situ Wanli how to ensure your safety. You may enter the city once things have stabilized."

Xu Qing accepted the jade pendant and bowed.

"I'll leave everything to you, sir," Ying Zheng said, bowing in return.

Xu Qing stood up, nodded slightly to Gai Nie, and then left with the Qin King's jade pendant.

After Xu Qing's figure disappeared, Ying Zheng withdrew his gaze and looked at Gai Nie beside him.

"Teacher, what do you think of the Master?" Ying Zheng asked.

“A talent beyond compare, and even more rare is that he has a heart that cares for the world. With him assisting you, you will surely be even more powerful,” Gai Nie said coldly.

Ying Zheng smiled slightly. The implication behind Gai Nie's words was that Xu Qing was not someone who coveted power.

The fact that the other party could support him regardless of his reputation, and that they came from two sects that do not care about power, certainly proves this point.

"I think so too. I am already very satisfied with meeting you on this trip."

Ying Zheng smiled with relief, his brows unfurrowing as if he had finally resolved his worries.

For him, Xu Qing was not only a supporter who offered timely help, but also a friend with whom he shared similar ideals.

The person who ascends the throne is destined to be alone, especially someone like Ying Zheng, who was betrayed even by his trusted uncle and his own mother, making him hesitant to trust anyone with sincerity.

Although Ying Zheng at this stage has already shown the demeanor of an emperor, he is still young at heart. His passion has not been extinguished, and his temperament is far from being as cold and domineering as he will be later. He still has some of the spiritedness that young people have.

In Ying Zheng's view, Xu Qing was different from Gai Nie. Although Gai Nie was his teacher and he respected Gai Nie, when the two got along, the ruler was the ruler and the subject was the subject.

But Xu Qing was different. The other person had a unique sense of freedom and composure that belonged to the Taoist Heavenly Sect. He didn't have the awe and distance he felt towards a monarch. Instead, he looked at him like an ordinary person, and getting along with him felt like making friends.

Rather than treating Xu Qing as a subject, Ying Zheng preferred to be friends with him, like-minded friends with common goals, so that he wouldn't feel lonely.

Gai Nie also smiled. He was happy for Ying Zheng. With Xu Qing's support, it was equivalent to having the explicit support of the Taoist Heavenly Sect and the Medical School, which would greatly change Ying Zheng's current situation.

“Tonight I will go into the city to see my junior brother. With him as my matchmaker, the meeting between the King and the Ninth Prince Han Fei will go more smoothly,” Gai Nie said.

"Thank you for your trouble, teacher," Ying Zheng nodded and said.

Ying Zheng looked at the rising sun on the horizon. The bright sunlight shone on him, dispelling the darkness in the room behind him and illuminating the seats in the room.

(End of this chapter)