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

Chapter 345, Lao Ai Cannot Be Lived Anymore
“Not everyone in the world is a sage like Lao Tzu. Now that I’m old and have finally understood this truth, it’s too late,” Lü Buwei sighed helplessly.

After he came to his senses, he realized that Ying Zheng had drifted further and further away from him, and it was too late for everything. So he chose a more extreme path.

He used himself to fulfill Ying Zheng's wishes, and used his own life as a stepping stone for Ying Zheng to suppress his ministers.

Looking at Lü Buwei's wry smile and helplessness, Xu Qing understood that this was a thought that any father would have: that his child would never grow up.

Even if the other party has their own ideas, the first thought is to deny them, feeling that the other party is too young and their behavior is not rational or mature.

This kind of thinking often leads to long periods of conflict and misunderstanding between fathers and sons, until the children have their own children and then they understand their fathers' thoughts.

“Perhaps it’s not too late? There is still room for reconciliation between you and the King. After all, the King still regards you as his uncle,” Xu Qing said.

If Ying Zheng had no feelings for Lü Buwei, he wouldn't have shown that expression when he and Gai Nie suspected that Lü Buwei had orchestrated the assassination attempt.

"Hmm? No need for words of comfort, I have my own plans," Lü Buwei said, shaking his head.

He was satisfied that Xu Qing was genuinely dedicated to assisting Ying Zheng. Once Xu Qing finished compiling his book, he would have no regrets in his life.

"Hey, why don't you believe me? Back in Xinzheng..."

Seeing that Lü Buwei did not believe him, Xu Qing had no choice but to recount Ying Zheng's reaction in Xinzheng.

It wasn't that he had developed a saintly heart, but rather that Lü Buwei was more useful alive than dead. If Lü Buwei were to turn around and support Ying Zheng, it would be much easier to deal with Lao Ai or eliminate the various factions within Qin.

Putting everything else aside, at least the issue of being asked to leave can be avoided.

Moreover, Xiong Qi is a traitor, and it's difficult for him to deal with him directly, but it would be much easier for Lü Buwei to do so.

Lu Buwei looked surprised upon hearing Xu Qing's words, as they differed from the information and understanding he had received. He immediately realized that someone was deceiving him and showed anger.

"How dare you deceive me! Lao Ai cannot be allowed to live," Lü Buwei said coldly, his face filled with murderous intent.

"Lao Ai?"

Xu Qing looked at Lü Buwei with suspicion. How did this matter get involved with this cunning man again?

"Lao Ai."

When Lao Ai was mentioned, Lü Buwei was speechless for a moment, but then he remembered that Xu Qing had also had affairs with the imperial harem, so he decided not to hide it anymore.

"Actually, the rumors circulating outside are not entirely false. I did have some regrets with the Empress Dowager back then. However, I eventually passed the age of youthful impulsiveness. But the Empress Dowager was lonely in the deep palace at night, so I had no choice but to send Lao Ai into the palace."

Lu Buwei looked embarrassed and slowly recounted what had happened back then.

Although he was thick-skinned enough, he still felt somewhat embarrassed talking about his past with Zhao Ji to a junior like Xu Qing.

"That's it~"

Xu Qing looked at Lü Buwei and couldn't help but laugh inwardly. Sure enough, when men admit they can or can't do something, they always find excuses for themselves.

What youthful impulsiveness? It's clearly that he couldn't resist Zhao Ji's demands. But considering Lü Buwei's age of fifty-six, it's understandable. Thirty is like a wolf, forty is like a tiger. With Zhao Ji being as fierce as a wolf and as powerful as a tiger, Lü Buwei would have to risk his life to stay with her, or he would die sooner or later in the Empress Dowager's palace.

"Originally, I intended to use this opportunity to escape the Empress Dowager's entanglement, but unexpectedly, due to a series of unforeseen events, Lao Ai gained power and even secretly sowed discord between me and the King," Lü Buwei said coldly.
Besides physical reasons, he also felt that Ying Zheng was getting older and that if things continued, he would inevitably be discovered. In order to get rid of Zhao Ji's entanglement, he chose to send Lao Ai into the palace.

He didn't care that Zhao Ji favored Lao Ai, and that she bestowed upon him titles and fiefs. After all, it was harmless, and he considered it as compensation for what he owed Zhao Ji.

However, he never expected that Lao Ai would secretly send him false information and sow discord between him and Ying Zheng.

"What about the assassination attempt in Xinzheng back then?" Xu Qing continued to ask.

"The assassination attempt in Xinzheng was indeed my idea. My intention was to use it to train the king and let him see the dangers of the world."

"But Hei Bai Xuan Jian is Lao Ai's man. Whether he has received other orders, I do not know."

"As for Wu Sui, Wang Yi had long harbored disloyal intentions, and Meng Tian's appointment as commander of a thousand men was also secretly orchestrated by me. I hope Your Majesty can understand the treacherous nature of people's hearts and not to easily trust others."

"Letting Your Majesty personally deal with Wang Yi will not only temper his character, but also allow him to command the 100,000 Qin troops in Wusui and the heavy armored troops in Pingyang, thus cultivating a foundation for his future rule."

Lu Buwei revealed his entire plan: if he really wanted to kill Ying Zheng, he would simply send out all the top-tier assassins from the Luo Wang organization, along with other assassins.

Even if Gai Nie and Xu Qing joined forces, not even a regular sect leader-level expert could save Ying Zheng.

"Isn't your plan a bit too ruthless? Aren't you afraid that His Majesty won't be able to withstand it?" Xu Qing said helplessly.

He understood Lü Buwei's idea of ​​getting involved himself; it was to force Ying Zheng onto a ruthless path, so that only through various betrayals could he forge the mindset of an emperor.

This method was too ruthless; did they not consider whether Ying Zheng could withstand it?
"Because I believe in him, and I believe he can withstand it. Which of the Qin rulers throughout history did not overcome countless hardships to seize power? If he cannot even withstand these, how can he be a qualified King of Qin, how can he suppress his ministers, and how can he keep Qin's ambition to expand eastward and unify the world?"

Lu Buwei's eyes flashed with a cold light as he spoke in a deep voice.

Although he had feelings for Ying Zheng, he would not show any mercy when it came to the cause of the Qin state, even if it meant being ruthless.

Upon hearing this, Xu Qing could only remain silent. Lü Buwei's actions could not be said to be wrong; at the very least, the result was good, and Ying Zheng did indeed become what Lü Buwei had envisioned.

He suppressed his ministers with an iron fist, cleared away obstacles, and embarked on the path to unifying the world.

"Lao Ai cannot be allowed to live."

Lü Buwei narrowed his eyes, a cold glint in them, as he plotted how to kill Lao Ai.

But now that Lao Ai has amassed considerable power and is protected by Zhao Ji, it would be quite difficult for him to kill Lao Ai openly. If he can't do it openly, then he should find a way to trip him up and kill him.

His immense power wasn't due to the late king's edict; anyone who dared to challenge him was slapped to death by him.

Just then, Lü Yi anxiously walked into the courtyard and whispered in Lü Buwei's ear.

"Father, something terrible has happened. Lao Ai and Lord Weiyang had a conflict and fought each other. Lord Weiyang was injured and returned home. The members of the royal family are furious and have gathered and are heading towards Zhangtai Palace," Lü Yi said anxiously.

(End of this chapter)