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

Chapter 515, Returning to Yongcheng
The Grand Master of the Palace, Ling Qi, and the Commandant of the Guards, Zhao Jie, were from the state of Lao, the governor of the prefecture, Gonghu Yongcheng, and the state of Zhao, Qi, and the state of Wei.
Su Juan's name list contained the names of hundreds of people, ranging from the Qin court to local authorities, and from the Yan state to the Chu state. Even though Xu Qing had made some preparations beforehand, she was still shocked by this force that secretly intended to rebel.

"It seems like we've gone a bit too far," Xu Qing thought to himself as he looked at the list.

Historically, those who rebelled with Lao Ai were only his retainers, servants, and people from Lao State and Yongcheng, with at most some military merits and nobles.

However, those who were originally eliminated after Ying Zheng took power, such as those who were intermediaries between various states, relatives of the emperor, and those with ulterior motives, have now joined in, making this force more than twice as strong.

Looking at Xu Qing's somber expression, Lü Buwei took a sip of tea to moisten his throat before speaking.

"How do you think these people should be dealt with? Are you confident that you can eliminate them all through a rebellion?"

Upon hearing Lü Buwei's question, Xu Qing put down the silk handkerchief in her hand, looked at Lü Buwei with a firm gaze, and nodded.
"Yes, a swift and decisive approach is needed. A serious illness requires strong medicine. The problems within Qin are not limited to them, but they are the most suitable targets for Qin to perform the radical surgery to eliminate the poison."

Seeing Xu Qing's unwavering resolve, Lü Buwei gave him a deep look and said in a low voice...

"You understand the principle of 'the more you act, the better, and the more lenient you are in dealing with difficult matters.' Although these parasites are hateful, if we rush to get rid of them, it will only harm ourselves, which is not worth it."

"Don't worry, Lord Marquis. I have a way to handle the aftermath. It won't affect the King or me," Xu Qing said calmly.

Lu Buwei was worried that Ying Zheng was taking too big a step and it would backfire, and Lu Buwei had always regarded him as his successor.

If Ying Zheng were to order the execution of these hundred or so people, the Qin court would be thrown into turmoil, and the officials would be filled with apprehension.

Therefore, someone must take on this task to ensure that Ying Zheng remains the king worthy of the love and respect of his ministers.

Ordinary people couldn't handle this task, so only he could do it, and most of the people on the list were civil officials.

His close ties with the Qin military had already drawn criticism from the civil officials.

If he were to take the blame again, the civil officials might not necessarily see him as a thorn in their side, but they would distance themselves from him, which would be detrimental to his ability to lead his ministers in the future.

Xu Qing had considered Lü Buwei's concerns long ago, and therefore already had a solution.

In the imperial court, what matters is interests. As long as enough interests are given, it is enough to form a community of interests centered on him among the civil officials, and he will still be able to command the ministers.

Moreover, if the Qin state wanted to unify the world and change its fate of perishing after only two generations, it could not rely solely on the military merit system. It needed other systems to balance the situation and win more supporters for the Qin state. The method he devised ultimately aimed at this goal.

Looking at the confident Xu Qing, Lü Buwei hesitated for a long while before a look of helplessness flashed across his face, and he sighed.

"Ah, well, this world ultimately belongs to you young people. Since you're so confident, I won't say anything more. Just remember to be careful."

"I do not wish for the legacy of the Qin state, built up over six generations, to be destroyed in the hands of you and the King."

"My lord, please rest assured, the king and I are well aware of the situation, and we do not wish for such a thing to happen."

Xu Qing's expression softened, and he said with a smile.

"After all, I'm too old to keep up with your youthful ideas, and I don't have your ambitions anymore."

Lu Buwei shook his head slightly and said with a sigh.

Although Xu Qing and Ying Zheng's ideas were bold, they also reflected their high aspirations and lofty ambitions. This bold and adventurous move reminded Lü Buwei of his youth when he saw Qin Yiren as a rare commodity.

“My lord, you are only in your forties. Master Xun served as the magistrate of Lanling County at sixty, and Pang Nuan became a general at eighty. How can you say you are old?” Xu Qing comforted him.

What's so old about it? Fifty-something is the perfect age to take risks and make a name for yourself.

Even though Lü Buwei has retired, Xu Qing doesn't intend to let him off easily. He'll need Lü Buwei to lend him a hand when necessary.

"You certainly know how to say nice things, back in the day."

Perhaps Lü Buwei had truly come to terms with his age, as he pulled Xu Qing aside and began reminiscing about his youth.

Xu Qing listened patiently to Lü Buwei's story, watching the snowflakes falling outside the window, occasionally chiming in with a few words.

. . . . . . .

Just as Xu Qing was listening to Lü Buwei's lament, news of his re-entry into the Marquis of Wenxin's residence stirred up undercurrents once again in the once peaceful city of Xianyang.

The Right Chancellor's Residence.

“My lord, an hour ago, Lord Zhaoming Xu Qing came out of Zhangtai Palace, met with Minister Li Si, and went straight to Marquis Wenxin. Now it has been more than an hour, and according to the information we have gathered, the king has sent Lord Zhaoming to treat Marquis Wenxin.”

"Has Xu Qing not yet come out of Marquis Wenxin's residence?"

"That's right, they haven't come out yet."

Upon hearing this, Xiong Qi's face showed a thoughtful expression. Xu Qing and Lü Buwei meeting at this sensitive time was something worth pondering.

"Could it be that Xu Qing is about to make another move?"

Xiong Qi then prepared to get up, intending to go to the palace to meet Ying Zheng and see if he could find out some information.

Having just stood up from his seat, Xiong Qi's expression darkened, and he sat back down.

The news of Xu Qing's meeting with Lü Buwei had just leaked out when he went to the palace to inquire about the matter, which inevitably aroused suspicion among others.

"What will they do when they meet?" Xiong Qi frowned and murmured.

He is now genuinely afraid of Xu Qing. The surrender of Nanyang to Qin still haunts him, not only because he has unwittingly benefited Xu Qing, but also because of some problems arising within the peasant family.

"Any news from the farmhouse?" Xiong Qi asked, looking at the masked man below him.

"A message came from the front lines that, for some reason, news of Xia Kui ordering the burning of grain supplies in Nanyang has spread to a small circle within the Farmers' Clan. Although it hasn't had a major impact yet, if we continue to wait for things to escalate, it may shake Xia Kui's position within the Farmers' Clan."

"So, the leader of the knights wants to ask you, what should we do next? Should we..."

The masked man made a throat-slitting gesture, but before he could lower his hand, Xiong Qi refused.

"No, taking action now would only arouse more suspicion. Let Tian Guang investigate how the information was leaked and who was spreading it in secret."

Xiong Qi paused, his expression shifting between light and dark for a moment before continuing.

"First, investigate those connected to Xu Qing, and second, investigate the Qi royal family. Make sure they get a thorough investigation."

He had a gut feeling that the leak of information within the farmhouse must be related to Xu Qing, but he couldn't guess why Xu Qing would do such a thing. Or perhaps the other party had realized that Tian Guang wasn't truly loyal and wanted to get rid of him?

However, Tian Guang's relationship with him was extremely secretive. Even the burning of grain and fodder in Nanyang was done by someone outside the Farmers' family, and had nothing to do with the Farmers' family at all.

Whether it was Xu Qing or the Qi royal family who had doubts about Tian Guang, the head of the minor sect, he had to arrange for someone to investigate thoroughly in order to resolve this big problem.

Tian Guang and the farmers were the most important people in his plan, and absolutely no problems could arise with them.

"Yes," the masked man said, bowing.

Xiong Qi suddenly thought of Ji Dan. Xianyang had been unusually peaceful lately, a peace that made him uneasy. So he asked...

"What has Ji Dan been doing lately?"

“According to our spies, the Crown Prince of Yan met with Grand Master Ling Qi at Tianxiang Tower half a month ago. The two have had some contact since then, but not too close,” the masked man said.

"It seems he's still not giving up. But that's fine too. Let him suffer some losses so he can put away his little schemes."

Xiong Qi chuckled lightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, and shook his head slightly as he spoke.

He had long guessed that Ji Dan would not be content with being alone and would definitely want to leave Qin through other means. However, he did not expect that Ji Dan would think of contacting Lao Ai.

Lao Ai is currently busy dealing with Ying Zheng's coming-of-age ceremony, so how could he possibly have the spare energy to help Ji Dan?
"Have someone keep a close eye on him. If he does anything out of line, have someone stop him and prevent him from getting too involved with Lao Ai," Xiong Qi continued.

"promise."

Xiong Qi waved his hand, and the masked man turned and left, preparing to carry out Xiong Qi's arrangements.

"The calm before the storm. After this heavy snow recedes, it will be time to draw swords and nock bows."

Xiong Qi looked at the snowflakes slowly falling outside the window and said softly.

. . . . . . . . . . .

Xianyang, within the territory of the Marquis of Changxin.

The fact that Xu Qing and Lü Buwei met could not be kept from Lao Ai. However, compared to Xiong Qi, who could maintain a calm demeanor, Lao Ai was truly panicked.

"Why is Xu Qing meeting with Lü Buwei at this time? What are they planning? Could it be that they intend to harm me?"

Lao Ai looked panicked and paced anxiously back and forth.

Lü Buwei and Xu Qing were the most insurmountable mountains and rivers in his life. The former was someone he didn't even dare to look up to, while the latter brought him immense psychological trauma.

The fact that the two met at such a crucial moment made Lao Ai, who was already feeling guilty, even more uneasy.

“My lord, you need not worry. News has come from the palace that the King has sent Xu Qing to treat Marquis Wenxin.” Ling Qi said, bowing.

"Impossible! Why would they need to see a doctor at this time? There must be some conspiracy between them targeting me!" Lao Ai said sternly.

"This"

Seeing Lao Ai's excessive anxiety, Ling Qi didn't know what to say.

As the time for Ying Zheng's coming-of-age ceremony drew closer, and given that Lao Ai had returned to the palace to accompany Zhao Ji a few days earlier, only to have Ying Zheng hang a sword over his bed, Lao Ai became extremely anxious, even overly nervous.

However, this was, after all, a rebellion, so such a situation is quite normal.

Just as Ling Qi was about to say a few words of comfort to Lao Ai, Lao Ai suddenly stopped, looked at Ling Qi anxiously, and said...
"No, I can't stay in Xianyang any longer. I must take the Empress Dowager back to Yongcheng!"

"what!?"

Ling Qi stared at Lao Ai in astonishment, his eyes filled with confusion.

(End of this chapter)