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

Chapter 507, Giving Zhao Gao an Opportunity

Ying Zheng glanced in the direction of Xianyang Palace, his gaze becoming somewhat complicated, but he quickly returned to normal, turned back to his seat, picked up his pen, and began to write an edict for Xu Qing.

After receiving the two imperial edicts, Xu Qing spoke a few words with Ying Zheng before leaving the palace to go to the Imperial Workshop.

"Greetings, Lord Zhaoming. This servant is ordered to take you to the Imperial Palace. Please follow me."

After leaving the palace, the eunuch waiting outside bowed and spoke to Xu Qing.

Xu Qing glanced at the eunuch who was speaking, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes after he saw who it was.

The eunuch bowed deeply, obscuring his face, but his red hair beneath his crown was strikingly visible. Coupled with his effeminate voice, Xu Qing recognized him at first glance.

It was Zhao Gao, whom he had met once before.

"It's you. If I remember correctly, your name is Zhao Gao, right?"

Xu Qing looked at Zhao Gao with great interest. He remembered that Zhao Gao was just a menial servant before, but now he had actually become a servant in the palace where Ying Zheng handled government affairs. This was quite a leap.

Zhao Gao was somewhat flattered to have his name remembered by Xu Qing, but he couldn't help but feel nervous after feeling Xu Qing's scrutinizing gaze.

"This servant is terrified. It was I, Zhao Gao, who led the way for you earlier," Zhao Gao said respectfully.

"Don't be nervous, take me to the Imperial Palace first," Xu Qing said.

"Yes, please follow me."

Zhao Gao straightened up slightly and led Xu Qing toward the Shangfang direction, but his effeminate yet sinister face was still filled with tension.

He knew that being remembered by Xu Qing was both a risk and an opportunity, and as long as he handled it well, his future would be bright.

He did not seek to become a high-ranking official; he only wished to change his status as a criminal in the inner court and no longer be subject to arbitrary humiliation by others.

Xu Qing followed Zhao Gao down the steps, crossed the square, and entered the passageway leading to the Imperial Palace.

Looking at Zhao Gao leading the way, Xu Qing suddenly said...
"I remember you used to be a menial servant, how come you're serving outside the palace where the King handles state affairs now?"

"It is Your Majesty's grace that allows this servant to look up to Your Majesty's countenance. During your absence from Xianyang, some changes have occurred in the palace. Some people have been sent to the inner prison for committing crimes, resulting in a shortage of manpower in Zhangtai Palace."

"And I had read a few books and knew a few characters, so I was sent to serve the king and do odd jobs such as carrying things, organizing documents, relaying messages and leading the way."

As Zhao Gao walked, he explained the reasons behind his promotion.

Xu Qing nodded slightly. He knew without a doubt that those who committed the crimes were people planted by Lao Ai in Zhangtai Palace. After Ying Zheng took control of the Black Ice Platform, he purged these people.

However, it must be said that Zhao Gao did have some luck. The butterfly effect he brought about, by sheer chance, led him to get closer to Ying Zheng ahead of schedule.

"You're lucky. What books have you read before?"

Xu Qing took two steps forward and walked to Zhao Gao's side to ask.

Looking at Xu Qing walking beside him, Zhao Gao's face showed fear. He immediately bowed and said respectfully.
“This servant has read the laws of my Qin state and other books in the inner court, and has learned some shallow knowledge, which is not worth mentioning.”

After saying this, Zhao Gao raised his head slightly and carefully looked at Xu Qing's expression, which was both nervous and expectant.

Xu Qing's question about what books he had read was clearly a test. If he could seize this opportunity, he might just be able to gain Xu Qing's favor.

"You've read Qin law? Then do you know the standards for sentencing in the laws of my Great Qin?"

As Xu Qing spoke, he waved his hand, signaling Zhao Gao to continue talking as they walked.

Upon hearing Xu Qing's question, a glint of light flashed in Zhao Gao's eyes, and his heart was filled with joy. He knew his opportunity had arrived, so he spoke as he walked.

"The sentencing system of our Great Qin is based on the initial Qin laws established by Shang Yang, which were later revised and reduced by King Huiwen and King Zhaoxiang, ultimately forming the current system."

Zhao Gao knew that the knowledge he had acquired through hard work and perseverance, even at the cost of going hungry, was finally going to be put to use. He had waited for this day for more than a decade, so he dared not be careless in the slightest and answered Xu Qing's questions in an orderly and methodical manner.

Seeing that Zhao Gao had a good understanding of Qin law, Xu Qing became even more interested and asked him some other questions about the law.

Zhao Gao answered each question flawlessly.

"I never imagined that among the hundreds of eunuchs in Zhangtai Palace, there would be such a talented person as you."

Xu Qing revealed a meaningful smile and looked at Zhao Gao as he spoke.

"This servant is terrified. It is only thanks to Your Majesty's kindness that I have been able to read some books. Without Your Majesty's grace, this servant would probably not even know a single word. Therefore, I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness. However, due to my lowly status, I can only do my best to fulfill my duties in order to repay Your Majesty and the Great Qin for your kindness to this servant." Zhao Gao knelt down on the ground with a thud, his body trembling slightly, and said nervously.

"Don't be nervous. I didn't say you had any ill intentions. I just think that since you have talent, you shouldn't be overlooked." A glint flashed in Xu Qing's eyes as he looked down at Zhao Gao and said.

Upon hearing Xu Qing's words, Zhao Gao's expression changed from surprise to excitement.

The fact that Xu Qing could say that meant he recognized his knowledge, and that he had successfully come into Xu Qing's sights, which meant that he was about to have hope of changing his future.

However, Zhao Gao quickly suppressed his excitement, knelt on the ground, and said in a deep voice.
“Lord Zhaoming, I don’t understand what you mean.”

"Heh~ You're not only lucky, but also quite clever. The fact that you, born into the inner court, have acquired such a wealth of knowledge shows you're not content to be a lowly eunuch for life. I'm willing to give you a chance, do you want it?"

Xu Qing ignored Zhao Gao's feigned confusion and directly expressed his thoughts.

Zhao Gao hadn't expected Xu Qing to be so direct. He naturally wanted to seize this opportunity, but he also knew that Xu Qing wouldn't give him such an opportunity for nothing. He and Xu Qing had only met twice, and although he had some knowledge, it wasn't worth Xu Qing giving him a chance to change his life directly.

Moreover, every opportunity hides unseen risks, especially opportunities that seem like a windfall.

"Haven't you made up your mind yet?" Xu Qing asked again when Zhao Gao remained silent.

"No, Lord Zhaoming, this servant...this servant is willing to accept this opportunity. If you are willing to give this servant a chance to change her life, this servant will follow your lead from now on."

Zhao Gao suddenly raised his head, looked at Xu Qing with a determined gaze, and hurriedly said.

Despite knowing that this opportunity lurked with enormous risks, for someone from the bottom of society like him, being able to even get his hands on such an opportunity was already incredibly lucky, even though he didn't know where his family's ancestral graves were.

As for the risks behind this life-changing opportunity, that's not something he needs to consider right now. He can only be qualified to explore these so-called risks after he seizes the opportunity.

He had been stuck at the bottom of the Zhangtai Palace for far too long, enduring countless scornful looks and humiliations. Now that he finally had a chance to turn things around, he absolutely couldn't miss it.

“Not bad, you have some courage. But you’ve misunderstood something. I’m giving you this opportunity because of your knowledge, not because I want you to be loyal to me. The only people you can be loyal to, and the only people you should be loyal to, are the King and the Qin Dynasty, not anyone else.”

Xu Qing looked at the determination in Zhao Gao's eyes and said in a deep voice.

“This servant is foolish, but I will remember your words. From now on, I will only serve Your Majesty and the Qin Dynasty.” Zhao Gao bowed his head again and said firmly.

"Okay, you can get up now," Xu Qing nodded and said.

"promise."

Zhao Gao stood up from the ground, straightened his body, and looked intently at Xu Qing with an exceptionally serious and determined expression.

“I will give you a chance that can change your status and your life, but I also want to tell you in advance that this is a dangerous road, and how far you can go and what position you can reach depends entirely on yourself.”

"Would you still want such an opportunity?"

Although Xu Qing's voice was calm, Zhao Gao could still sense the impending bloodshed in it. However, this danger did not frighten him; instead, it strengthened his resolve.

"This servant is willing. No matter what the future holds, this servant will not regret the choice made today," Zhao Gao said, bowing.

"Alright, remember what you said today. When the time is right, I will give you this opportunity." Xu Qing looked at Zhao Gao with satisfaction and nodded.

Zhao Gao was an extremely ambitious man, both in history and in the original novel, and he was part of the reason for the downfall of the Qin state.

However, the fact that Zhao Gao was able to rise from a palace attendant to become Ying Zheng's confidant, serving as the head of the Imperial Carriage Office, and even daring to join forces with Li Si to forge an imperial edict to support Huhai's succession to the throne, is enough to show that he was truly capable.

It would be a waste to abandon such a talent, and Zhao Gao's contribution was indispensable in the fact that the Luo Wang organization was able to develop into such a huge force in the end.

Once Ying Zheng takes over the reins and sweeps across the land, the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) will be wielded by someone else. He has no interest in it, and Jing Ni probably won't want to go back either. As for Ying Yu, his goal is the imperial court, not to be a leader of assassins.

Zhen Gang is capable, but not a leader. Rather than handing over the Luo Wang organization to a new and uncertain person, it would be better to let Zhao Gao lead it. At least this would ensure that the Luo Wang organization would not decline.

Zhao Gao is a sword; if used well, he can pave the way for the Qin state. And the future Qin state will also need such a sword to deal with some shady matters and people.

As for whether this sword will backfire on the wielder, that would require the sword to be sharp enough to do so.

A subject is loyal when he serves, and treacherous when he abandons him.

Whether Zhao Gao was ultimately loyal or treacherous depends on his own choices.

If he chooses correctly, he will be a good sword and achieve a good outcome. If he chooses incorrectly, it means he will become a treacherous minister, and a new loyal minister will replace him.

(End of this chapter)