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

Chapter 508, Xu Qing, who unexpectedly becomes an uncle.

"I am deeply grateful for Lord Zhaoming's kindness in promoting me. I will never forget it. If you ever need my help in the future, I will be willing to risk my life for you."

Zhao Gao looked up at Xu Qing, his eyes gleaming with undisguised excitement and gratitude, and kowtowed again.

Although Xu Qing said he was not loyal to the other party, he would never forget the opportunity Xu Qing gave him to change his life and the kindness of his promotion.

For someone as lowly as him to change his life, he not only needs ability, but also someone who can appreciate him and is willing to give him a chance.

Just like the person he admired, Miao Xian, the former eunuch in the State of Zhao, who was also a lowly palace attendant, but rose to the position of eunuch in the State of Zhao by being appreciated by King Huiwen of Zhao, becoming a very important figure in the State of Zhao at that time.

He cultivated retainers to select and recommend talented individuals to King Huiwen of Zhao.

Zhao Gao did not aspire to be like Miao Xian; he only wished to change his humble origins. Xu Qing, who appreciated him and gave him a helping hand, was his benefactor and savior, someone he was grateful to for the rest of his life.

"There's no need to risk your life; just live well and don't miss out on life's opportunities."

Xu Qing reached out and helped Zhao Gao up, speaking calmly.

Xu Qing neither confirmed nor denied Zhao Gao's loyalty, but he didn't take it too seriously either.

"Yes."

Zhao Gao cupped his hands and said.

"Let's go, continue taking me to Shangfang."

"promise."

After calming his excitement, Zhao Gao led Xu Qing toward the Imperial Palace.

Xu Qing looked at Zhao Gao's respectful bowing posture, a glint of light in his eyes. He gave Zhao Gao a chance today not only because the other party had the ability, but also because it was a whim.

Whether it was from his Taoist practice or not, he also picked up some of the eccentricities of the Taoist sect, such as valuing fate and first impressions, which is why he finally decided to give Zhao Gao a chance.

He also hoped that Zhao Gao wouldn't disappoint him; if the other party chose the wrong path, his Chengying would be stained with the blood of another historical figure.

The two remained silent as they passed through several long passageways before arriving outside the Imperial Palace.

"Who goes there? This is a restricted area, no one is allowed to enter."

The armored guards at the gate stopped Zhao Gao and Xu Qing and shouted.

"By imperial decree, the King has ordered Zhaomingjun to come and deal with what happened in the Shangfang. You are not allowed to obstruct him."

Zhao Gao took out a token and spoke to the guard.

The guard took the token, checked it, and returned it with both hands after confirming there were no problems.

"Wait a moment, I'll go and inform them."

The armored soldier bowed slightly, then turned and walked towards the imperial palace.

Xu Qing watched the departing armored soldiers, examining their armor. Except for some elite troops, the armor of the Qin army was almost identical, except that each suit of armor bore the insignia of its respective army.

The armor worn by these soldiers was not from the Xianyang Imperial Guards, but from the Lishan Camp.

Before long, the armored soldier came over with a slightly younger man. The other armored soldiers all bowed to the man, who seemed to be the leader of the guards.

Upon seeing Xu Qing, the young soldier's eyes flashed with inexplicable excitement, and he quickened his pace.

“Lord Zhaoming, please don’t be offended. We were just following orders. We cannot enter the Shangfang area easily. Please don’t blame us,” the young soldier said.

"It's alright, can you take me in now?" Xu Qing shook his head and said.

“Of course, please follow me. I have already sent someone to inform the Imperial Guard.” the young armored soldier said.

Xu Qing nodded slightly and followed the young armored soldier into the Shangfang Palace. After Zhao Gao put away the token, he silently followed behind Xu Qing.

Xu Qing was very curious about the Gongshu family and Qin Mo. In the original work, the mechanical beasts of the two families, which were comparable to small mechs, as well as various epoch-making mechanical weapons, were extremely shocking at first glance.

After witnessing the domineering mechanical arts of the Gongshu family in the Pingyang military camp, his curiosity reached its peak. After all, no boy dislikes a mechanical beast that is full of power, mechanical skill, and destructive force.

As Xu Qing walked, he pondered how to face the Gongshu family and Qin Mo. He hadn't come to Shangfang to satisfy his curiosity; he needed to properly resolve the conflict between the two families.

Just as Xu Qing was preparing his words, the young armored soldier leading the way kept glancing at him furtively, opening his mouth several times as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately gave up.

After walking for a while, Xu Qing suddenly stopped and looked intently at the young armored soldier.

Although he was thinking about what to do next, the other person's gaze was so obvious that he couldn't ignore it even if he wanted to.

A grown man should just say what he wants to say. This fussing and acting like a woman is unbearable for Xu Qing.

"Is there anything you want to say to me?" Xu Qing suppressed her displeasure and asked calmly.

The young armored soldier paused, his gaze shifting slightly, and bowed, saying...

"It was my rudeness, please forgive me, Lord Zhaoming."

"What exactly do you want to say?" Xu Qing asked impatiently.

Zhao Gao glanced up at Xu Qing and the young armored soldier, then silently turned and took a few steps back.

The young soldier did not answer Xu Qing's question directly, but glanced at Zhao Gao who had stepped back and said in a low voice.

"My subordinate is named Li Xin. His grandfather was Li Chong, the governor of Longxi Commandery in the Qin State, and his father was Li Yao, the governor of Nan Commandery in the Qin State."

"You're Li Xin!?"

Upon learning the young armored soldier's identity, Xu Qing couldn't help but show surprise, looking the man up and down. He never expected that he would run into Li Xin during his trip to Shangfang.

Li Xin later became one of the famous generals of Qin. He cooperated with Wang Jian to destroy Zhao, and then led troops alone to attack Yan, advancing all the way to Ji City. After capturing Ji City, he led several thousand soldiers to pursue Ji Dan, chasing him all the way to Liaodong, forcing King Xi of Yan to execute Ji Dan and sue for peace with Qin.

Of course, besides these illustrious military achievements, Li Xin can also be considered the unluckiest among the famous generals of Qin.

After participating in the conquest of Zhao and Yan, Li Xin and Meng Wu led an army of 200,000 to attack the Chu army. They initially defeated the Chu army and advanced triumphantly, directly capturing Yan and Ying of Chu. Just when they were about to directly attack the Chu capital of Shouchun and establish an unparalleled achievement, who could have imagined that Xiong Qi, the Right Chancellor in charge of the army's logistics, would rebel against Qin?

Because of Xiong Qi's betrayal, Qin's war to destroy Chu ended in failure, with 200,000 Qin soldiers suffering a crushing defeat. Li Xin, who had been a rising star in the Qin military, fell from grace and even became a symbol of arrogance.

However, Li Xin is currently just an insignificant junior officer in the Qin army, but no one dares to underestimate him. After all, the Longxi Li clan behind Li Xin is one of the most prominent clans in the Qin state.

In addition, Li Xin's family has a hidden identity: they are the direct descendants of Laozi in the secular world.

Seeing Xu Qing's surprise, Li Xin nodded slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then lowered his voice to say...
"It is indeed my nephew, Uncle, there's no need to be surprised,"

"You call me uncle?" Xu Qing asked in surprise.

“According to the rules of Taiyi Mountain, the sect leader, Master Chisongzi, is of the same generation as my father, and you are Master Chisongzi’s junior brother. According to the rules of the mountain, I should call you uncle,” Li Xin explained.

Xu Qing looked at Li Xin with complicated emotions. Suddenly, he had a nephew who was older than him, and the two were not related by blood, but the relationship was real and undeniable.

"As far as I know, there should be no contact between the mountain and Longxi."

As Xu Qing spoke, his pupils dilated as he looked at Li Xin in surprise. He seemed to understand why the Taoist Heavenly Sect had been secretly helping the Qin State.

He had previously thought it was a proverb left by Lao Tzu, and that the Taoist Tianzong had been helping the Qin state in order to realize this proverb, but in fact, the Li family of Longxi was also involved.

Even though Taiyi Mountain is dedicated to the pursuit of Tao and advocates not getting involved in worldly affairs, the Li family of Longxi are direct descendants of Laozi. They are true members of the Taoist community, so how could their own affairs be worldly matters?
After thinking it through, Xu Qing gave Li Xin a deep look, then continued to ask...

"So, the way you looked at me just now was just to acknowledge me as your father?"

"No, it's not that. It's just that I was surprised to meet you here, and I've been hearing about your deeds these days, so I can't suppress my excitement," Li Xin said somewhat awkwardly.

He did have the idea of ​​recognizing Xu Qing, but he was currently on official duty and, as a Qin army officer, he naturally dared not neglect his duties.

After all, the Qin army was strict in its discipline and discipline, which made people afraid to violate it, so they did not think about recognizing each other.

Xu Qing won the favor of the Qin army by training military doctors and rebuking Lao Ai. In addition, Xu Qing had too many legendary stories, making him an idol for passionate young people like Li Xin.

When your idol, who is related to you, suddenly appears in your life, how can you possibly suppress your excitement?

Li Xin felt that he had already been very restrained, as he hadn't boasted to his subordinates on the spot, and had only glanced at Xu Qing a few more times while leading the way.

Seeing this, Xu Qing was speechless; what a blunder! Although the process was absurd, at least the result was good.

The Li family was originally an ally in his plan, but since Li Chong, the Duke of Nanzheng, was living in retirement in Longxi, and Li Yao, the Marquis of Didao, was also serving as an official in the local area, he had no opportunity to visit the Li family.

Now, by chance, I've recognized Li Xin, which has saved me a lot of trouble, and I've also gained an extra nephew.

"Alright, alright, I understand your thoughts. Let's just consider what happened before a misunderstanding. I'll pay you a visit when your father returns to Xianyang to report on his duties," Xu Qing said to Li Xin.

"Father will probably be back at the end of the year. You must come then. Father has been wanting to meet you for a long time."

"But my father had official business to attend to and dared not slack off, and I was also unable to return from the army, so I have not been able to congratulate you on your investiture as a lord."

Li Xin smiled easily and spoke slowly.

Xu Qing's words implied that he had acknowledged Li Xin as his uncle and also accepted his relationship with the Li family. Although he had accepted Xu Qing, who was younger than him, as his uncle, Li Xin did not feel that he had lost out; on the contrary, he felt that he had gained a lot.

"It's alright, it's alright, we're all family, there's no need for congratulations. Since you're in the army, why are you serving as a guard in the Imperial Palace?"

Xu Qing patted Li Xin on the shoulder and asked in confusion.

"Because of the conflict between the Gongshu family and Qin Mo some time ago, the two sides fought each other, causing quite a commotion in the Shangfang. In order to cover up the truth and to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the chaos to sneak into the Shangfang and steal secrets, the King ordered General Meng Wu to mobilize his personal guards to take over the guards of the Shangfang."

Li Xin stepped forward and explained to Xu Qing in a low voice.

"I see. I came to Shangfang today to handle matters between the two families. It's getting late, so take me to see the Gongshu family and Qin Mo first. We can talk in detail after this is over," Xu Qing nodded and said.

“Alright, please follow me. Once you pass through the passage ahead, you will enter the true core area of ​​Shangfang.” Li Xin’s smile faded, and he cupped his hands in greeting.

Li Xin turned around and continued to lead the way. Xu Qing glanced at Zhao Gao behind him, signaled him to follow, and then followed Li Xin into the Shangfang.

Zhao Gao hurriedly jogged to catch up, his expression barely maintaining calm, but inside he was already extremely nervous.

He was a bit far away, but Xu Qing and Li Xin didn't try to hide it, so he heard everything they said, both what he should and shouldn't have heard.

He never expected that Xu Qing and the Longxi Li family had such a relationship, as Xu Qing was the uncle of Li Xin, a direct descendant of the Longxi Li family.

Considering Xu Qing's close ties with the Qin military, including connections with several key figures in the military, coupled with his own prestige, status, and the king's favor, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Xu Qing is the next Marquis Wenxin, Lü Buwei.

Thinking of this, Zhao Gao felt a surge of excitement.

He has now boarded Xu Qing's chariot. As long as he follows Xu Qing closely and obeys his commands, will he still have to worry about not being able to change the lowly status brought about by his birth?
Zhao Gao immediately made up his mind that he must resolutely follow Xu Qing's lead and absolutely obey Xu Qing's orders.

As the three continued to walk into the Shangfang, the surrounding scenery gradually changed from deep passageways to rows of bungalows emitting thick smoke. Although they had not yet truly reached the core area of ​​Shangfang, Xu Qing could clearly feel the heat sweeping in from all around.

"Ahead lies the core area of ​​Shangfang, the foundry department," Li Xin said, pointing ahead.

Xu Qing looked in the direction he was pointing and saw a line of countless forging blast furnaces in front of him. The sweltering heat made the temperature extremely high, as if it were summer, with the clanging of iron being hammered incessantly.

Although these bungalows and blast furnaces were a mess, they were clearly separated on both sides. The burly men in red and black clothes were focused on their work, and when they occasionally met each other's eyes, their eyes were full of disdain.

At the same time, three figures walked towards Xu Qing from the front.

The leader was dressed in a black and red official robe, and on either side of him were two old men with completely opposite appearances. One of them was hunched over and thin, while the other was more robust but had an older face.

(End of this chapter)