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

Chapter 377, The Grand Chancellor is the most loyal minister in the world!

After Xu Qing left the court hall, he hadn't taken two steps before he was summoned away by Ying Zheng's eunuch.

In the sleeping quarters of the King of Qin at Zhangtai Palace.

Upon seeing Xu Qing arrive, Ying Zheng smiled with delight, stood up from his seat, and said to Xu Qing...
"Sir, you've arrived. Please sit down. Today's court meeting was the most triumphant I've ever been since I ascended the throne."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I was merely doing what I should do."

Xu Qing was pulled to a seat by Ying Zheng, who waved his hand with a light laugh and said.

Seeing the barely suppressed smile on Ying Zheng's face, Xu Qing knew just how happy Ying Zheng was. After being suppressed for nine years, someone finally stood up for him against Zhao Ji in court and upheld the dignity that belonged to the King of Qin. How could he not be happy?

"Sir, you are too modest. People like Shu Diao and Bo Pi are common, but people like Wu Zixu and Fan Li are rare. You are truly my Yi Yin and Jiang Shang," Ying Zheng said to Xu Qing with admiration.

The saying "A subject dies for his ruler" sounds simple, but how many people in history have truly lived up to it? This not only made Ying Zheng, who had always been suppressed and in danger, feel triumphant, but also gave him a sense of security, letting him know that he still had loyal people by his side.

Gai Nie watched Ying Zheng and Xu Qing, who were on good terms and respected each other, and a strange look flashed in his eyes. He naturally admired Xu Qing's performance in court today, after all, Xu Qing had done something that he could never do in his life.

"Perhaps back in Ghost Valley, Xiao Zhuang and I shouldn't have focused on swordsmanship; we should have learned something else," Gai Nie thought to himself.

As for regret, Gai Nie didn't regret it. After all, he had chosen his own path, and he had nothing to regret, just some feelings.

Upon hearing Ying Zheng's approval and praise, Xu Qing simply smiled modestly and took the opportunity to ask the question that had been bothering him.

“Your Majesty flatters me. However, there is one thing I don’t understand. Why did Your Majesty send the Right Chancellor with me to Mount Taiyi? If I were to leave, he could stay in the court and offer Your Majesty some assistance,” Xu Qing asked with a puzzled look.

Mentioning Xiong Qi, Ying Zheng's smile faded slightly as he looked at Xu Qing and slowly said...
"Although the Chu state's foreign relatives support me, the Empress Dowager Huayang has not been involved in state affairs for many years. The Right Chancellor and Lord Changwen are both young and unable to command the respect of the people. They are also feared by my uncle and mother, so they cannot provide me with much help."

“Min’er is also pregnant now, and according to the imperial physician’s calculations, she will give birth at the end of next month. I had previously discussed this matter with the Right Chancellor, and the Right Chancellor said that he would pray for Min’er’s well-being another day. So I thought I would have him go to Mount Taiyi with you, sir, to pray for her well-being.”

Upon hearing Ying Zheng's explanation, Xu Qing suddenly realized that this was an opportunity for him and Xiong Qi to establish a good relationship.

The Min'er mentioned by Ying Zheng is Xiong Qi's younger sister, Princess Mi Min of Chu. However, the surname Mi was only acquired before she married Ying Zheng; her original surname was Zheng. As for why this was the case, Xu Qing was not sure, but it should be related to the chaotic aristocratic circle.

Like Xiong Qi, he was the child of Xiong Wan, the current King of Chu, who was a hostage in the State of Qin.

As for Mi Min's child, barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would become Prince Fusu, a kind, talented, and blindly loyal prince who was a source of great regret.

"When you return from Mount Taiyi, I would be grateful if you could examine Min'er's health then," Ying Zheng continued.

Having obtained the answer he wanted, Xu Qing did not pursue the matter further. Although he knew that Xiong Qixin was in the State of Chu and was secretly supporting anti-Qin forces, he had no evidence and could not substantiate the crime of the Right Chancellor and the brother of the King of Qin's favorite concubine colluding with the enemy.

Moreover, the Chu state's foreign relatives are now allies, and Ying Zheng's only factional ally besides them in the court. Furthermore, although Xiong Qi's heart is with Chu, he is also working hard for Ying Zheng and Qin. If he were to reveal Xiong Qi's true thoughts now without any evidence, it would be slander, which would not benefit him at all.

"This is my duty. I wonder if Your Majesty still remembers Wushuang Gui who returned to Qin with us?" Xu Qing changed the subject.

Ying Zheng immediately pictured a burly man, over two zhang tall, with a body of bronze and iron, impervious to swords and spears. Such a magnificent man naturally left a deep impression on him.

"I remember, why did you suddenly bring him up, sir?" Ying Zheng nodded and asked.

"The Peerless Ghost is born with superhuman strength, with skin of copper and bones of iron, and is impervious to swords and spears. He is no weaker than the Armored Sect of Wei, which cultivates external martial arts. Such a talent should not be buried in my mansion. The most suitable place for him is the army," Xu Qing said.

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded thoughtfully and said in a deep voice.

"He is indeed suited for the military."

“In the army, strength is the most important factor. If Wushuang Gui can enter the army, even if he has some intellectual deficiencies, he can still help Your Majesty win over the hearts of the soldiers,” Gai Nie said to Ying Zheng.

In the military, strength speaks volumes, especially in the Qin army where titles are awarded based on military merit. The Peerless Ghost is a natural-born battlefield machine; with a little training after joining the army, he becomes a formidable weapon.

Allowing them to join the army would benefit not only the Qin army but also Ying Zheng.

By establishing Wushuang Gui as a role model for the Qin army, Ying Zheng could win over the loyalty of lower-ranking officers and soldiers. With the help of the Meng clan and Wang Jian, the army's loyalty could be maintained even if there were spies from other people within the ranks.

"Alright, General Meng Ao will be coming to report to me about the military doctors later. You can discuss it with him then," Ying Zheng nodded and said.

He naturally had no doubt about the loyalty of Wang Jian and the Meng clan; it was simply more advantageous for him to place someone in the army who was clearly loyal to him.

Xu Qing nodded. After making arrangements for Wushuang Gui, he had no more worries and could focus on leaving Xianyang for Taiyi Mountain.

While Xu Qing was waiting for Meng Ao, news of today's court meeting was already circulating throughout Xianyang. In a bustling area of ​​Xianyang, in a restaurant...

The restaurant hall was bustling with activity, as many scholars sat in groups of four or five, discussing something.

"Have you heard? A major event occurred at court today. Marquis Changxin, Lao Ai, wanted to recommend three of his retainers to serve as Commandant of the Guards, Inner Historian, and Left Attendant. In the end, he drew his sword against Xu Qing, the Grand Chancellor who had recently caused much controversy!"

One of them lowered his voice and said with a solemn expression.

Seeing that someone had brought up the topic, people around immediately crowded around and continued the conversation.
"The court meeting has just ended, and you've already heard about it. It's said that Marquis Changxin, Lao Ai, relying on the Empress Dowager, dared to disrespect the King and committed many disrespectful acts. As a Grand Master of Ceremonies, he stood up to defend the King."

"It is said that the scene at the court meeting was very intense. The Grand Chancellor, undaunted by the tyranny, rebuked Marquis Changxin in front of all the civil and military officials. His words were fierce and his integrity was unyielding, which immediately intimidated Marquis Changxin."

Seeing such explosive news, more and more people gathered around and began to speak.

"Such a thing happened? What exactly happened?"

The crowd buzzed with discussion, all eagerly awaiting the insider's account.

The two people in the know who were speaking in the middle did not pretend to be mysterious and quickly gave a brief account of what had happened in the court meeting.

"It is said that after the Grand Chancellor rebuked the Marquis of Changxin, the Marquis of Changxin, enraged, drew his sword to threaten the Grand Chancellor. The Grand Chancellor, without showing any weakness, drew his sword to meet him. Relying on his righteous spirit, he frightened the Marquis of Changxin into dropping his sword, kneeling down, and begging for forgiveness from the King."

After learning the whole story, everyone around was deeply moved, their eyes filled with admiration.

"The Grand Chancellor is mighty, wielding the Lingxu sword, unyielding and indomitable. He truly embodies the spirit of dying for one's sovereign in disgrace. He is a model for us all!" someone exclaimed.

The others nodded in unison, their faces showing excitement and anticipation.

Xu Qing's actions in the court meeting undoubtedly struck a chord with these scholars: "If the emperor treats me as a national hero, I will serve him with my life."

He held his sword and angrily denounced the rebellious officials, his presence alone intimidating the assembled court.

This is a scene they never dared to dream of.

"One should strive to be a great and upright official! If one serves in government, one should be a loyal minister during times of turmoil; if one is out of office, one should practice medicine and save the world!"

"He is truly a role model for us all!"

Everyone was filled with emotion, their eyes sparkling with anticipation and admiration, dreaming that one day they could be remembered in history like Xu Qing.

"South Korea actually dared to falsely accuse the Grand Chancellor. It is true that small countries produce virtuous men, and this is not due to the smallness of the country. We should clear the Grand Chancellor's name and let the geniuses know about his great deeds."

"That's right. If one cannot become a figure like the Grand Chancellor, one must never allow anyone to frame him!"

"When I get back, I will contact my friends in the sect to clear the name of the Grand Chancellor."

The crowd was filled with righteous indignation and felt sorry for Xu Qing. They had already regarded Xu Qing as their idol and were striving to become someone like him.

After all, Xu Qing's experiences and actions were very inspiring. He came from a humble background but was not ashamed of it. He stood out because of his talent and was later framed by a treacherous official and forced to leave his hometown.

I have received the emperor's favor, and I, a man of the nation, have been treated with such kindness; I will repay that favor.

Handsome, talented, high-ranking, and possessing a strong sense of righteousness and integrity—this is the epitome of the Confucian scholar. How could they not aspire to be like him?
The events that occurred during the court assembly were still being discussed in Xianyang. Everyone who heard of Xu Qing's deeds admired him and regarded him as an idol.

Xianyang, the residence of Marquis Wenxin.

"It's finally finished. This should be the first chapter in the Winter Chronicle of my books, and Xu Qing should be a model subject."

Lu Buwei looked at the bamboo slips he had just written on, carefully blowing on the ink, his eyes filled with joy.

Although his books cover a wide range of topics, they are clearly divided into twelve annals, eight sections, and six treatises, totaling twenty-six volumes and one hundred and sixty chapters.

The Twelve Annals are compiled according to the lunar calendar, and the content of the articles is arranged according to the natural changes of spring birth, summer growth, autumn harvest, and winter storage. This is a human arrangement that corresponds to the seasons and reflects the harmony between the Taoist natural way and social governance.

Dong Ji's writing focuses on the issue of human character, and there's not much to say about Xu Qing's private morality, since Lü Buwei himself made the same mistake.

However, in other aspects, Xu Qing was absolutely a role model, worthy of emulation by future generations of officials.

(End of this chapter)