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

Chapter 374, A Model of a Subject, A Paragon of Loyalty
Inside the solemn and dignified imperial court hall, two sharp swords gleamed coldly as Xu Qing and Lao Ai stared at each other with sharp and indifferent eyes.

The courtiers in the hall, including Xu Yingzheng and Zhao Ji, all looked at the two in surprise. No one present had expected that a debate would escalate to the point of drawing swords.

"Is that the Lingxu Sword?"

Someone recognized the sword in Xu Qing's hand and couldn't help but speak up.

Upon hearing this, everyone was even more astonished, their gazes shifting back and forth between Lingxu Sword and Xu Qing, revealing expressions of realization.

Although the Lingxu Sword is a famous sword in the martial arts world, it is renowned among scholars because this sword is not an ordinary weapon, but rather a symbol of the scholar's ambition and enlightenment through the sword.

It also represents the common aspiration of the scholar class: to seek an enlightened ruler and realize their ambitions.

Swords are like men, and men are like swords. They have been adrift in a chaotic world for years, but without encountering a rare genius, they cannot find their true master.

Looking at the eighteen "Azure Hearts of the North Sea" radiating red light, the ministers looked at Xu Qing with more emotion. "Azure Hearts of the North Sea" comes from a story by Zhuangzi, symbolizing sincerity through the legend of blood turning into jade.

Xu Qing's act of drawing his sword and pointing it at Lao Ai in anger to protect his monarch perfectly corresponds to the story of "loyalty and devotion."

"No wonder Xu Qing was able to become the master of the Lingxu Sword. He is not only a recluse who understands the heavens and the earth, but also a loyal man with a heart of blood and loyalty."

In an instant, Xu Qing's image became exceptionally clear in the eyes of the assembled officials. At the same time, those among the officials who understood swords were filled with emotion. They knew that from now on, the Lingxu Sword would not only symbolize soaring through the empty valley and transcending the world, but also symbolize a loyal and righteous person.

Xu Qing's expression was cold and stern as he stared sharply at Lao Ai. The clear and bright Lingxu sword in his hand gleamed with a sharp light in the sunlight, making Xu Qing appear even more like a loyal and righteous official standing in the sunlight, judging a villain.

As for who this so-called villain is, it is naturally Lao Ai.

Looking at the fearless and selfless Xu Qing, Lao Ai's hand holding the sword trembled slightly, and a sense of fear inexplicably rose in his heart.

Even though he was standing on the steps, more than half a head taller than Xu Qing, Lao Ai felt inexplicably small in front of Xu Qing. He felt a strange fear and guilt, and had an urge to run away quickly.

"you"

Lao Ai looked at Xu Qing, wanting to say something to refute him, but the words stuck in his throat. He could only glance at his own faction among the officials.

However, the Zhao family relatives and Lao Ai's retainers mixed among the officials, upon noticing Lao Ai's pleading gaze, all lowered their heads and avoided eye contact, not daring to step forward and oppose Xu Qing at this moment.

Even Ling Qi, one of Lao Ai's four trusted confidants and a high-ranking official, lowered his head guiltily, pretending not to see Lao Ai's gaze.
Are you kidding me? To make those people with ulterior motives stand opposite Xu Qing, who symbolizes loyalty, is like a mouse licking a cat's boots, just asking for trouble.
Even looking at Xu Qing, who was now brimming with righteous indignation, they felt inexplicably afraid, let alone facing Xu Qing's sharp edge directly. Besides, even if they stood up, what could they do?
They didn't think they could out-argue Xu Qing.

Moreover, Xu Qing's actions today are destined to be remembered for all time, becoming a model and benchmark for future officials. If they stand up against Xu Qing at this time, wouldn't they be voluntarily becoming stepping stones for Xu Qing, making his deeds even more splendid?

Even before the court meeting ends, Xu Qing will instantly become the benchmark for all the officials of Qin. At that time, anyone who opposes Xu Qing will be deliberately ruining their own reputation and becoming a petty person who is like a fox in the city and a rat in the society.
At that time, they will not only lose their official positions, but their entire families will also suffer social death.

Lao Ai looked at his subordinates who were bowing their heads and remaining silent, and he became even angrier. He thought he had treated these people well, but when he was in danger, not one of them dared to help him.
Let's see what Xu Qing did. He even confronted him with swords in the imperial court.

Sitting on the throne, Ying Zheng naturally saw the changes in the expressions of Lao Ai and others. His anger towards Lao Ai turned into disdain, and at the same time, he felt more satisfied and excited to have someone like Xu Qing to assist him.

Without comparison, there is no difference. Compared to these timid and self-serving relatives of the Zhao family, Xu Qing's brilliance shines even brighter.

"Good lad, this is what a minister of Qin should do!"

Meng Ao and the other military personnel looked at Xu Qing with burning eyes. As soldiers, they valued loyalty and righteousness, and Xu Qing's actions stirred their blood. Their gazes toward Lao Ai and Zhao Ji began to turn hostile.

"Xing Jin is nothing but a despicable villain. Why don't you kneel down and submit to execution?!"

Xu Qing looked at the fearful Lao Ai, his anger rising, and shouted angrily.

"Clang~"

Lao Ai was startled by Xu Qing's sudden outburst. His already trembling hand dropped his sword, which fell to the ground with a crisp clanging sound against the bluestone floor.

The courtiers were also startled by Xu Qing's angry rebuke. However, the military officers, who had been through countless battles, did not show their fear. On the contrary, most of the civil officials trembled with fright, and some of those with ulterior motives even showed expressions of terror, their legs going weak and almost kneeling down.

After being frightened, Lao Ai became furious. They had originally intended to use today's court meeting to show off their power, and for this purpose, he spared no effort to spread the news in advance and create public opinion. In the end, not only did he not gain any benefits, but he also confirmed his identity as a villain and helped Xu Qing become famous.

Sensing the meaningful, even mocking, gazes of his ministers, Lao Ai's face flushed and turned red with anger. He glared at Xu Qing and said...
"You and I are both Marquis Changxin, you..."

Xu Qing stared coldly at Lao Ai without saying a word, took a step forward with Lingxu Sword in hand, and a fierce killing intent pressed down on Lao Ai, as if he intended to kill Lao Ai on the spot.

Seeing Xu Qing take two steps toward him, Lao Ai was so frightened that he took half a step back. His anger vanished instantly, and his eyes were filled with terror.

Under the oppressive gaze and aura of Xu Qing, Lao Ai's legs went weak, and he knelt directly on the ground. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I misspoke. Please punish me!"

Lao Ai turned around and shouted at Ying Zheng and Zhao Ji. He believed that if he did not kneel down and beg for mercy, Xu Qing would definitely kill him on the spot.

Given the current situation, even if Xu Qing kills him, it will be a pointless act. Not only will he not have to pay with his life, but his reputation will also soar.

The assembled officials, seeing Lao Ai kneeling before them, were filled with shame as the Zhao nobles bowed their heads and covered their faces. The others remained expressionless or sneered inwardly; apart from Lao Ai's own men, the rest of the Qin court had long been disgusted by his arrogant behavior.

Now that Lao Ai is so frightened by Xu Qing, he is naturally delighted.

A virtuous person fears virtue, not power; a petty person fears power, not virtue. The more a virtuous person yields, the more arrogant a petty person becomes. To deal with a petty person like Lao Ai, one must be a virtuous person like Xu Qing.

Before Ying Zheng could speak, Zhao Ji spoke first.

"Enough! Grand Chancellor and Marquis Changxin, you are both loyal and important ministers of Qin. It is normal to have differences in political views, but there is no need to escalate to the point of drawing swords against each other. What kind of behavior is this? Put it away now!"

Zhao Ji looked at Lao Ai and Xu Qing and said with a solemn expression.

Although Xu Qing stirred her heart, it did not shake her relationship with Lao Ai. The two were not only physically intimate, but also a power alliance, and it would not benefit the other if either of them got into trouble.

Xu Qing looked at the terrified Lao Ai, then at Zhao Ji, and with a cold snort, she put away the Lingxu Sword.

He had achieved his goal, not only revealing Ying Zheng's attitude and upholding the dignity of the King of Qin, but also teaching Lao Ai a lesson and gaining himself a significant boost in prestige.

If this continues, under the guise of this great, righteous, and loyal minister, those with ulterior motives who are eager to act will probably have to hide even deeper.

"Mother is right. There are no treacherous ministers in our Qin state, only loyal and capable ones."

Ying Zheng knew when to stop, so he cooperated and said...

Looking at Lao Ai kneeling on the ground, Zhao Ji couldn't help but feel disappointed. No woman likes a coward, especially a woman like Zhao Ji who needs security.

However, thinking of the two children in Yongcheng, Zhao Ji knew that she had to salvage some face for Lao Ai, otherwise he would have no face to stand in the Qin court in the future.

“Your Majesty, drawing a sword in front of the palace is against court regulations. However, given that the Grand Chancellor has just arrived in Qin and has made great contributions to Qin, I will let it go. As for Marquis Changxin, I will take him back and punish him later.”

Zhao Ji's gaze swept over the assembled officials, her voice calm and undisturbed. She exuded the aura unique to the Regent Empress Dowager, her originally dignified and charming demeanor now appearing dignified and unapproachable, inspiring fear in those around her.

The ministers who were swept by Zhao Ji's gaze all lowered their heads. They had been so focused on watching Xu Qing's display of power that they had forgotten that Zhao Ji, the Queen Dowager, was behind Lao Ai.

Zhao Ji's words seemed impartial, but everyone present could hear the admonition against Xu Qing and the bias towards Lao Ai.

The Zhao family's relatives and Lao Ai's retainers all breathed a sigh of relief. Xu Qing's appearance had frightened them so much that they almost thought Lao Ai was going to be executed. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager was biased towards Lao Ai and managed to save some face for them.

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng showed a hint of displeasure, frowned slightly, looked at Zhao Ji, and said...

"Mother, isn't this a bit biased? It was clearly..."

Seeing that Ying Zheng was about to perform, Xu Qing gave up the idea of ​​saying a few more words to Zhao Ji. He stood silently in the center of the arena watching Ying Zheng perform, while counting down in his mind, waiting for the person who would finish the show.

"Your Majesty, just now it was just that Marquis Changxin and Grand Chancellor had a disagreement and had a conflict. There was nothing else. As you just said, my Qin state has no treacherous ministers, only loyal and capable ministers."

Zhao Ji looked calmly at Ying Zheng and said in a deep voice.

"That is true, but without rules there can be no order. The etiquette before the palace is not only for the Grand Chancellor, but also for the Marquis of Changxin. Just now, the Marquis of Changxin drew his sword first, and the Grand Chancellor had no choice but to draw his sword to protect himself."

Ying Zheng also adopted a reasoned and argumentative attitude, meeting Zhao Ji's gaze as he spoke.

A look of surprise flashed in Zhao Ji's eyes. She hadn't expected Ying Zheng to contradict her in public.

The courtiers were also quite surprised by Ying Zheng's unusual behavior. Ying Zheng had always been a well-behaved child in front of Zhao Ji, letting her do whatever she wanted. This was the first time he had rebelled.

"Could it be that the King is also dissatisfied with the Empress Dowager's autocracy and Lao Ai's arrogance, so he wants to take advantage of Xu Qing's influence to challenge the Empress Dowager?"

The ministers all had the same thought.

(End of this chapter)