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

Chapter 378, Lü Buwei's Gift

"I never expected that the Grand Chancellor would be so upright and incorruptible. Rumors have misled me," Lu Yi remarked from the side.

In truth, he didn't have much affection for Xu Qing. He thought that no matter how talented a person was, if they dared to have an affair with the emperor while the emperor was alive, it was not only a matter of personal morality, but also a matter of loyalty to the emperor.

However, judging from Xu Qing's performance today, Lü Yi felt that it was definitely a frame-up by Ji Wuye.

How could Xu Qing, a man of integrity and uprightness, possibly have an affair with the imperial harem?

"How's the thing I asked you to do going?"

Lu Buwei ignored Lu Yi's sentiments, put down the bamboo slips in his hand, and asked.

"I have already sent people to spread the news in Xianyang. I estimate that the Grand Chancellor's deeds will spread throughout Xianyang today, and his merchant caravans will also spread the news during their trade. It won't be long before it reaches various countries," said Lü Yi.

Lü Buwei nodded in satisfaction. He intended to make Xu Qing his successor, as Xu Qing had previously fallen short in both achievements and reputation.

Now that Xu Qing has caused such a stir, he naturally wants to promote Xu Qing and make him a role model so that he has enough prestige and ability to intimidate the officials.

"Inform Zhen Gang to personally hand over the items to him when the Grand General goes to Mount Taiyi tomorrow," Lü Buwei said, stroking his beard.

"There are still more than ten days until the agreement between Heaven and Man. Xianyang is only a day away from Mount Taiyi. Why does the Grand Chancellor want to go to Mount Taiyi so early?" Lu Yi asked, his eyes full of doubt.

"The King's defiance today will surely make Lao Ai nervous. Now that I have secretly bolstered his position, Xu Qing will be able to suppress the ministers all by himself after today."

“As long as he is alive, Lao Ai and Zhao’s relatives will not dare to act recklessly, so he will definitely try to get Xu Qing to leave Xianyang first, otherwise he will never be able to get a position such as Commandant of the Guards in his life.”

Lü Buwei began to explain.

Although Xu Qing and Ying Zheng did not inform him of the plan in advance, he had not lived in vain all these years, and he also knew that Xu Qing was going to Guanmiaotai to compete in swordsmanship and discuss the Dao with Xiaoyaozi, so he naturally guessed Xu Qing and Ying Zheng's purpose.

"I understand, I will go and inform Zhengang right away," Lu Yi said, cupping his hands in greeting, before turning and leaving the room.

Lu Buwei looked down at the chapter he had personally written for Xu Qing and showed a satisfied expression. With this article, as long as he published this work, no matter what the various schools of thought reacted, even if the Taoists and Confucians were unwilling, they would have to grit their teeth and acknowledge the legitimacy of his book.

"We haven't thought of a name for this book yet, so how about we call it Lüshi Chunqiu?"

Lü Buwei gently stroked the bamboo slips, a meaningful smile appearing on his face, and murmured...
"I hope this gift will be of some help to you. Even the greatest hero of Guanzhong was nothing more than a wandering swordsman."

Xu Qing, who was once again in the eye of the storm, was unaware of the outside world's opinions of him. At this time, he had already returned to his residence with Meng Ao.

"General, what do you think of this man?"

Xu Qing stood beside Meng Ao, pointed at the peerless ghost in front of him, and said with a light laugh.

Wushuang Gui immediately picked up the longsword beside him and slashed it at his left hand, producing a sound like metal clashing against stone.

The sharp sword, upon touching Wushuang Gui's skin, not only left no mark, but its blade was also shattered by the impact.

"Good, good, good, that's really great."

Meng Ao looked at Wushuang Gui with a gleam in his eyes, unable to hide his affection, and said "good" three times in a row.

Standing two zhang tall, with a robust and muscular physique, and clad in thick chains, Wushuang Gui is practically the kind of fierce general every military strategist dreams of.

If this person is also fierce and brutal, terrifying in appearance, naturally strong, and has skin as hard as armor, making them impervious to ordinary swords and knives, then they are simply a dream lover.

With such fierce generals charging into battle, coupled with the strategic command of Meng Ao and Wang Jian, which country could possibly withstand the Qin army?
"Hand him over to me, and I'm certain he will become the fiercest general in our Qin army, not just the fiercest general in the Seven Kingdoms," Meng Ao said excitedly to Xu Qing.

"Since I brought the old general to see Wushuang, it is natural that I will have him serve in the Qin army. But how does the old general plan to train him?"

Xu Qing looked at Meng Ao and said slowly and deliberately.

It was his idea to let Wushuang Ghost into the Qin army, but Wushuang was his person, so he should naturally seek the benefits for her. He couldn't let Wushuang be bullied after entering the Qin army, could he?

Meng Ao gave Xu Qing a deep look, naturally knowing what the other party was planning. After thinking for a moment, he said...
"I will place him in the Lishan camp and let Meng Wu personally train him. Although he is not very skilled in military strategy, he can still be considered a fierce general."

"At the same time, I will have Yang Duanhe assist him and will definitely not treat him unfairly. A month later, I will organize a military competition in the name of the State Military Command to give him a chance to demonstrate his abilities. I will also build a special team for him and appoint him as the general."

Upon hearing the conditions offered by Meng Ao, Xu Qing nodded in satisfaction.

Meng Wu was Meng Ao's son, and a fierce general like Wushuang Gui (Peerless Ghost) could not be entrusted to anyone else; he had to be left to the Meng family to lead. Yang Duanhe was the strongest soldier in the Qin army, having fought countless battles throughout his life without a single defeat, and was known as the "General of a Hundred Victories."

With Meng Wu and Yang Duanhe jointly nurturing him, Wushuang Gui's future is naturally bright. As for the martial arts competition, it gave Wushuang Gui the opportunity to directly become a military officer.

The Qin army was indeed fair, but there is no absolute fairness in this world. People with talent and connections are destined to have a different starting point than ordinary people.

"Alright, since that's the case, I'll leave the task of Musou to you."

Xu Qing turned around and walked to Wushuang Gui's side, giving him some instructions. Wushuang Gui kept Xu Qing's words firmly in mind. Although he was simple-minded, he was not really stupid. He naturally understood that Xu Qing's arrangement for him was for his own good.

"I...I've got it."

Wushuang Gui nodded and spoke in broken English, then took a few steps forward and stood in front of Meng Ao.

"Don't worry, I will definitely not treat him unfairly."

Meng Ao looked at Wushuang Gui with admiration and excitement. Meng Wu was useless, and Meng Tian was too young. After his death, the influence of the Meng clan would naturally decline.

But with the Peerless Demon, things would be different.

Although Meng Wu was not very capable, he still had some skills. With a fierce general like Wushuang Gui helping him, he wouldn't be too bad and could definitely hold out until Meng Tian came of age.

"General, please wait a moment while I, Wushuang Gui, bid farewell to my wife. You can wait and leave with him," Xu Qing said.

"Actually, you can send him to me tomorrow; there's no rush."

Although Meng Ao liked Wushuang Gui, he wasn't worried about her running away since he had already reached an agreement with Xu Qing. Moreover, it was only natural to give Wushuang Gui ample time to say goodbye. "I would like to as well, but I'm afraid the imperial edict ordering me to set off for Taiyi Mountain early tomorrow morning will arrive before dark," Xu Qing said, shaking his head slightly.

A serious look flashed in Meng Ao's eyes. He naturally understood the meaning behind Xu Qing's words. With Xu Qing in Xianyang, Lao Ai probably couldn't even sleep peacefully.

However, Xu Qing remained calm, so Meng Ao didn't think much of it. He believed that Xu Qing and Ying Zheng definitely had a backup plan.

“Alright, in that case I’ll wait a little longer,” Meng Ao nodded and said.

Xu Qing nodded to Wushuang Gui, who then turned to say goodbye to Yan Lingji, while Xu Qing talked with Meng Ao in the courtyard.

A quarter of an hour later, Yan Lingji, accompanied by Wushuang Gui, found Xu Qing and Meng Ao.

Under the watchful eyes of Xu Qing and Yan Lingji, Meng Ao left with Wushuang Gui.

"Sigh, are you sure you're okay with sending Wushuang into the army?" Yan Lingji said with some emotion as she watched Wushuang's departing figure.

"What, are you worried that someone will bully him?" Xu Qing said with a light laugh.

Yan Lingji glanced at Xu Qing speechlessly, then placed her hand on Xu Qing's lower back and gently pinched it, saying...
“I’m worried that he might hurt others if he goes berserk, and Wushuang is simple-minded and not fit to be a general. I’m afraid he’ll cause trouble.”

Given Wushuang Gui's physique and appearance, Yan Lingji didn't think anyone would dare to bully him. Even if someone did dare to provoke him, unless a hundred people attacked together, they simply couldn't control him.

"Sigh~"

Although Yan Lingji didn't exert any force, Xu Qing still pretended to be in some pain, making sure to provide enough emotional value.

"Don't worry, Wushuang is Mengwu's future, and Mengwu will take good care of him. As for his madness, I've told Meng Ao about it and given him a solution. As for generals, Mengwu will assign him a deputy general to handle affairs and orders, so he only needs to focus on leading his soldiers into battle."

Xu Qing grabbed Yan Lingji's hand, rubbed the top of her head, and said.

Yan Lingji tilted her head slightly to look at Xu Qing, blinked her icy blue eyes, and nodded slightly.

"Let's go back and pack our things. If all goes well, the imperial edict ordering us to depart tomorrow should arrive soon," Xu Qing continued.

"it is good."

After Yan Lingji nodded, she followed Xu Qing back to her room to pack her things, preparing to set off for Taiyi Mountain the next day.

As Xu Qing and Yan Lingji were packing their luggage, Ying Zheng's edict arrived as expected.

"By imperial decree, the Grand Chancellor is of kind character and outstanding talent. He may depart for Mount Taiyi tomorrow to pray for the Queen Mother, the King, and the Qin Kingdom."

The eunuch loudly read out Ying Zheng's edict.

"Your subject Xu Qing accepts the order." Xu Qing reached out and took the imperial edict.

"Your Excellency, this is the Empress Dowager's will. Please pack your belongings as soon as possible so as not to delay your departure tomorrow," the eunuch said obsequiously, bowing deeply.

"Please go back and tell the King and Queen Mother that I will do my best to pray for the Queen Mother, the King, and the Qin Kingdom."

Xu Qing held the imperial edict in his hand and nodded.

He knew that Lao Ai would find a way to get him out of Xianyang, but he didn't expect that Lao Ai would have Zhao Ji pretend to be sick so that he would go to Mount Taiyi to pray for Zhao Ji. This method was old-fashioned, but it was indeed effective.

"This servant will certainly convey the Grand Master's words to His Majesty," the eunuch said with a smile.

After Xu Qing rewarded the eunuch with a few gold coins, the eunuch left with a smile, while Xu Qing took the imperial edict and found Jing Ni and Yan Ling Ji.

Upon seeing the imperial edict in Xu Qing's hand, the two realized that everything was indeed as Xu Qing had thought, and they would be leaving Xianyang the next day.

"The imperial edict has arrived. Tomorrow I will go to Mount Taiyi on behalf of the King to pray for the Empress Dowager and the Qin Kingdom," Xu Qing said with a shrug.

Yan Lingji took the imperial edict, opened it, and began to read. Jing Ni, standing beside her, pondered for a moment before speaking.
“I’m going there now. Someone needs to stay in Xianyang to keep an eye on things. I’ve already taught you swordsmanship, and there’s nothing else I can do to help you. I’ll stay here to keep an eye on the situation in Xianyang, so I can notify you promptly if anything urgent happens.”

Xu Qing glanced at Jing Ni in surprise. He had previously told Jing Ni that he would take her to Mount Taiyi, and she had agreed.

His sudden change of heart was unexpected. However, he believed that Jing Ni was not the type to go back on her word, and her sudden decision to stay must have its own reasons. Since she was unwilling to elaborate, he didn't press her for details.

"Alright, then I'll leave Xianyang to you. If you encounter any danger, don't be reckless. You can ask Yan Ri or Marquis Wenxin for help. This is my jade pendant."

Xu Qing took off his jade pendant, pushed it in front of Jing Ni, and said in a deep voice.

Looking at the jade pendant on the table, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Jingni's eyes. She had thought Xu Qing would blame her for going back on her word, but Xu Qing didn't ask or blame her, and even cared about her actions, which warmed her heart.

“Okay.” Jing Ni did not refuse and accepted the jade pendant directly.

She suddenly decided to stay in Xianyang to deal with Luo Jing's situation. She felt that Luo Jing's condition was very strange these past two days. She had been in a deep sleep, as if she was preparing for something.

So she planned to take advantage of Luo Jing's sleep to try to bypass the other person and accept her own heart and feelings, to truly face herself and recognize herself, so as to determine what her feelings for Xu Qing really were.

"Is Lao Ai out of other options? He actually used such a lame excuse to send you to pray for blessings instead of letting you get treatment?"

Yan Lingji put down the imperial edict, her icy blue eyes filled with speechlessness, and softly complained.

Even she, who came from Baiyue, knew that if you were sick, you should see the imperial physician instead of praying for blessings. She really didn't understand why anyone would believe Lao Ai's excuse for sending Xu Qing away.
"Whether it's true or false, and whether others believe it or not, is not important. What's important is that the Empress Dowager's authority remains intact, and the officials know this in their hearts but won't say it aloud," Xu Qing said indifferently.

This was already part of his plan, and Lao Ai's move was entirely beneficial to him. After all, how could a loyal minister appear more loyal if he wasn't framed by a treacherous minister a few times?

Lao Ai's actions will further erode the already limited credibility he and Zhao Ji possess.

Upon hearing this, Yan Lingji merely pursed her lips and said nothing more. After handing the imperial edict to Xu Qing, she went to pack her luggage again.

Xu Qing continued practicing swordsmanship with Jing Ni, preparing for one last assault before leaving Xianyang, and also to test his own strength.

(End of this chapter)