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

Chapter 342, Taking This Step (Here it comes!)

Xianyang, Zhangtai Palace.

Xu Qing followed the eunuch to the palace where Ying Zheng was reviewing memorials. After entering the hall, Ying Zheng and Gai Nie looked at Xu Qing.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Xu Qing said, bowing to Ying Zheng.

"Sir, there's no need for such formalities."

Ying Zheng waved to the four eunuchs who were serving him, and they bowed and walked out, closing the palace doors behind them.

Seeing that only the three of them remained in the hall, Xu Qing knew that something important had happened, so he straightened up and asked.
"Your Majesty, has something important happened?"

Ying Zheng nodded slightly, picked up a memorial from the table, and began to speak.

"Please sit down, sir. Let's sit down and talk slowly."

Xu Qing nodded and sat down at the table. Gai Nie then handed Xu Qing a memorial.

"The eldest son of Zhongfu has entered the palace today. This is a petition he submitted, saying that Zhongfu's illness has been chronic and he wants to ask you, sir, to treat him. That's why I summoned you to see what you think."

Ying Zheng looked at Xu Qing and said, his expression somewhat solemn, with a hint of worry in his eyes.

"The Prime Minister has ordered me to treat patients?"

Xu Qing frowned slightly as he looked at the memorial in his hand, and asked with some doubt.

It is worth pondering why Lü Buwei invited him to see a doctor at this time. He helped Ying Zheng gain strong support from the military by using three volumes of medical books, and he also secured his position as Grand Chancellor.

This will surely cause a stir in the Qin court, and the ministers are now observing the situation.

Lu Buwei, who had been claiming illness and refusing visitors, invited him to come and treat his illness. This was bound to cause more rumors and gossip, and the already turbulent court was likely to be thrown into turmoil.

“That’s right. I also asked Lü Yi if it would be possible to send someone else to check on him, but they all refused, saying that my father’s condition was not optimistic and that it was necessary for you to go.”

“I am worried about sending you to the Marquis of Wenxin’s residence at this time, my uncle.”

Ying Zheng shook his head slightly and said with some concern.

He wasn't worried that Lü Buwei would target Xu Qing, after all, Xu Qing had made great contributions to the Qin state and had the support of the military. If anything happened to Xu Qing, even Lü Buwei, as the prime minister, would become a criminal.

He believed that Lü Buwei would not do something so irrational.

Moreover, Lü Buwei also had Qin in his heart, but what he was really worried about was the impact Xu Qing would have on the court after he went to serve Marquis Wenxin.

The one who needs stability most right now is not Lü Buwei, but him.

He had just gained the support of the military and was working to win over the troops, so he did not want any new turmoil to occur in the court, which would affect his ability to reclaim the power that belonged to him.

If Xu Qing is not allowed to go, certain people with ulterior motives will surely take advantage of the situation.

Regardless of the circumstances, Lü Buwei had made tremendous contributions to the Qin state. When this veteran official fell seriously ill, Lü Buwei refused to allow anyone to treat him. This would inevitably lead some to accuse him of being heartless and ungrateful, and it would also hinder his efforts to gradually win over the hearts of the people.

Caught in a dilemma, Ying Zheng had no choice but to summon Xu Qing to see what his attitude was.

“Your Majesty, Prime Minister Lü is a meritorious official of Qin. He is seriously ill and has requested that I treat him. I must agree no matter what, lest someone with ulterior motives use this as an excuse to cause trouble.” Xu Qing naturally understood what Ying Zheng was worried about, but since Lü Buwei had sent his son to submit a memorial, this matter was naturally unavoidable.

Moreover, he had his own reasons for needing to see Lü Buwei.

Given everything that happened in Xinzheng, and the other party's desperate attempts to get him to enter Qin, he had to meet this Marquis Wenxin.

Firstly, it would bring a resolution to what had happened previously, and secondly, it would allow Lü Buwei to answer his questions.

"Sir, although my uncle will not prevent us from framing you, the consequences of his actions will likely have far-reaching effects. You are currently at the height of your power, and I am worried that those people will take advantage of this to attack you," Ying Zheng said hesitantly.

Xu Qing was extremely important to him and to the Qin state; not everyone valued the overall situation as much as Lü Buwei did.

If some people, for their own selfish interests, dare to attack or slander Xu Qing, then the current favorable situation will be ruined.

“Your Majesty, I understand your concerns. As someone involved in this situation, some things are unavoidable. Rather than retreating step by step, it's better to take the initiative and attack, especially since you now have sufficient confidence.” Xu Qing looked at Ying Zheng and said in a deep voice.

"Taking chestnuts out of the fire is dangerous, but not impossible. It just depends on whether the person taking the chestnuts can assess the situation, turn passivity into initiative, and turn danger into opportunity."

Although Ying Zheng's attitude has become tougher in the past few days, he is still inevitably overly cautious after being suppressed for many years.

Although the military had made its stance clear, Ying Zheng had not yet formally won over the hearts of the army. Therefore, he was more inclined to seek stability and did not want to cause any trouble before he had completely won over the military. However, some things cannot be avoided simply by wanting to avoid them.

“Your Majesty, the Grand Chancellor is right. It’s time for you to take the first step. Right now, everyone’s attitudes are ambiguous. The one who expresses their stance first will gain more support,” Gai Nie said.

Looking at Xu Qing and Gai Nie, whose gazes were firm, Ying Zheng's hesitation dissipated. He did indeed want to seek stability because this was the first time in his nine years on the throne that he had such a favorable situation, so he cherished it all the more.

But as Xu Qing said, by assessing the situation and turning a passive situation into an active one, even if the upheaval has a significant impact, at least they won't be caught off guard.

If he doesn't take this step, how can the people in the court see his attitude and determination?

"Sir, teacher, I have learned a lot. In that case, I will immediately issue a decree to have you treat my uncle's illness."

After Ying Zheng finished speaking, his eyes flickered slightly as he looked at Xu Qing and said...

"Sir, there is actually another matter I hope you can help me with."

Looking at Ying Zheng's somewhat somber tone, Xu Qing cupped his hands and said...
"Your Majesty, please speak, and I will certainly do my utmost."

"I hope you can secretly investigate whether my father knew about the assassination attempts in Xinzheng and Wusui."

Ying Zheng's expression was solemn, as if he had made up his mind, and he said in a deep voice.

Xu Qing and Gai Nie were taken aback upon hearing this. They understood that even though Ying Zheng was unwilling to believe that Lü Buwei would assassinate him, the assassination attempt in Xinzheng and the rebellion of King Wu Sui Yi ultimately forced him to face reality.

Xu Qing looked at Ying Zheng with a complex expression, and after a moment of reflection, he said...

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will do my best."

The relationship between Lü Buwei and Ying Zheng was truly complex, involving not only the conflict between a powerful minister and a young monarch, but also a father-son-like bond.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, sir."

After Ying Zheng handed the written order to Xu Qing, Xu Qing left Zhangtai Palace with the imperial edict to treat Lü Buwei, waiting to see him the next day.

(End of this chapter)