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

Chapter 539, Who are the outsiders and who are the confidants?
The State of Qin, Xianyang.

Despite the massive rebellion, Xianyang remained largely unaffected. The ancient city walls stood tall and imposing, the black banners fluttered in the air, and the patrolling soldiers continued to protect the capital in an orderly and disciplined manner.

The only difference is that the once bustling city gates are now completely closed, and the soldiers responsible for the safety of Xianyang have changed from imperial guards to soldiers of the Lishan Camp.

At the city gate, dozens of Qin ministers and members of the royal family stood respectfully, led by Lü Buwei and Xiong Qi, but with their heads bowed, they would occasionally glance into the distance, hoping to see when Ying Zheng's carriage would return.

They had all personally experienced the rebellion launched by Lao Ai two days ago. Although the rebellion was quickly suppressed by Lü Buwei, Xiong Qi, and the Lishan camp, its impact would not stop there.

In just the past two days, hundreds of Qin officials, both high and low-ranking, have been arrested and imprisoned in the Court of Justice in Xianyang, including many once-powerful nobles.

All of this happened so suddenly that many of them didn't even have time to react. However, they all understood one thing: the Qin state had completely changed. Lao Ai's rebellion gave Ying Zheng, who had just come of age and assumed personal rule, an opportunity to rectify the court.

Although these people did not participate in Lao Ai's rebellion, many of them were retainers of Lü Buwei. Now that the new king has assumed power, how should Lü Buwei, as a former powerful minister, conduct himself? And what should these retainers do?
Just as these ministers were feeling uneasy, a procession appeared on the distant horizon.

"The King has arrived! Prepare to welcome him!"

The official in charge of etiquette shouted loudly, and the assembled officials began to straighten their clothes, their eyes fixed straight ahead, preparing to welcome Ying Zheng's arrival.

"This day has finally come."

As Lü Buwei watched the carriage approaching, a hint of emotion crossed his face, and he spoke softly.

After this rebellion, he should formally hand over power to Ying Zheng. Even if Ying Zheng is willing to still respect him as his uncle, he will eventually have no place in the Qin court. However, he is already satisfied with a smooth landing.

Standing beside him, Xiong Qi glanced at Lü Buwei, but quickly looked away. He knew the whole truth and naturally understood that Lü Buwei, the powerful minister who had held sway over Qin for more than a decade, would have a dignified exit.

"Lord Wenxin, you deserve the greatest credit for suppressing the rebellion, and I believe His Majesty will recognize your merits," Xiong Qi said calmly.

"Merit? Why would someone my age care about such things? As long as Qin is safe and the King is safe, that's all that matters."

Lu Buwei's gaze became much calmer, and his aura subsided. He no longer possessed the imposing presence of someone who held absolute power; instead, he resembled an ordinary wealthy old man.

"Yes, it's good that Qin is safe and sound, and that the King is safe and sound."

Xiong Qi echoed Lü Buwei's words, but glanced at Lü Buwei out of the corner of his eye, his emotions somewhat complicated.

Xiong Qi had naturally heard about Queen Mi's refuge at the Marquis of Wenxin's residence, and this matter deeply affected him.

His own younger sister was arranged by Ying Zheng to take refuge in Lü Buwei's mansion. Although it was considered safer there, Ying Zheng's arrangement still made him uneasy. He knew that Ying Zheng would not doubt his loyalty, but Xu Qing might not.

"Perhaps it's time to settle down for a while; we can't afford to cause trouble at this juncture," Xiong Qi thought to himself.

In this suppression of the rebellion, the greatest credit undoubtedly belongs to Xu Qing, while he himself has made contributions but not outstanding ones. To avoid being discovered by Xu Qing, the best way is to sever ties with the six kingdoms of Shandong.

Just as Xiong Qi was pondering how to deal with the situation in Qin, Ying Zheng's army had already arrived not far from them.

As the procession approached, the courtiers grew increasingly uneasy.

Compared to when Ying Zheng left Xianyang, when his entourage was impressive with its four horses and a long procession, the returning entourage was filled with a chilling atmosphere. Cavalrymen in black armor led the way, carrying black bird banners.

Armored soldiers guarded the royal carriage, with Xu Qing and Gai Nie on horseback on either side of it, the royal banner fluttering in the wind.

An aura of solemnity and majesty swept over them, and the ministers immediately realized that Ying Zheng's actions after taking the throne and assuming personal rule might be even more drastic than they had imagined.

"It seems that another massacre is about to take place along the Wei River," the ministers thought in unison.

Before the ministers could continue their contemplation, the cavalry leading the way stopped. Ying Zheng's carriage, escorted by Xu Qing and Gai Nie, approached the assembled officials. A soldier lifted the curtain, and Ying Zheng, dressed in a black royal robe with gold patterns and wearing a nine-tassel crown, stepped out of the carriage, exuding imperial majesty.

"The King has arrived! All his ministers respectfully welcome him!" the master of ceremonies announced loudly.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects and welcome Your Majesty back to the capital!"

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects and welcome Your Majesty back to the capital!"

Lü Buwei and Xiong Qi led the assembled officials in bowing respectfully, shouting loudly.

"No need for formalities. My coming-of-age ceremony was fraught with difficulties, but thanks to the blessings of our ancestors and the assistance of loyal and virtuous officials, we were able to quell the rebellion of Lao Ai. Now that Lao Ai and his accomplices have been executed, I hope you will take this as a warning and always keep a sense of awe in your hearts."

Ying Zheng glanced at the assembled officials, exuding imperial majesty and aura, and spoke in a calm voice.

"We will remember this and never forget it."

Faced with Ying Zheng's imperial majesty, the ministers lowered their heads even further, and many of them trembled with nervousness, their eyes secretly glancing at Lü Buwei at the front.

To whom were these words of admonition spoken? Aside from Marquis Wenxin, Lü Buwei, probably no one else present was worthy of such a rebuke.

Many of those recommended by Lü Buwei or who came from his circle of followers became increasingly uneasy. Even though the sun was shining brightly, they still felt cold in the hands and feet, worried that after Lao Ai's accomplices were dealt with, they would be next.

In contrast to the unease of these ministers, the Qin royal family members showed joy and excitement; they had finally waited for this day.

Lao Ai was recommended by Lü Buwei, and most of the people involved in the rebellion were scholars from the six states. Even if the ministers present did not participate in the rebellion, they would still be implicated according to the Qin law's system of collective punishment. This was the best opportunity for them to regain control of the court.

Looking at the reactions of the officials and members of the imperial family, Xu Qing smiled helplessly to himself. Everything was just as he had predicted.

The wheels of history are driven by human nature, and they will not completely change what has already happened based on certain changes. Fortunately, he and Ying Zheng had prepared a backup plan, and they would certainly not allow the incident of the letter of expulsion to happen again.

After the ministers finished speaking, a servant took out the edict written by Ying Zheng and read it aloud. "By imperial decree, Your Majesty, Right Chancellor Xiong Qi has performed his duties diligently and calmly, and has rendered meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion. He is hereby granted the title of Lord Changping, awarded one hundred gold pieces, and granted a fief of three hundred households."

"General Meng Wu, for his courage in the face of danger, is promoted to the second rank and awarded one hundred gold pieces. Colonel Wang Ben and Li Xin."

One after another, imperial edicts of reward were read aloud by the attendants, and the officials listened with utmost attention. These rewards after the great chaos represented the future situation of the court, but as they listened, they sensed that something was amiss.

It's normal for Xiong Qi and Meng Wu to be rewarded. They quelled Zhao Xie together with Lü Buwei, so it's also normal for Lü Buwei not to reward them. After all, Ying Zheng wanted to give Lü Buwei a warning.

But even after the bestowal of rewards was completed, the officials did not hear any news about any rewards for Xu Qing. Many of them learned some secret information through various channels and knew that Xu Qing was the greatest contributor to suppressing Lao Ai's rebellion.

The fact that the greatest contributor was not rewarded could be either for a bigger reward later, or it could be a deliberate omission to weaken or discourage him.

Ying Zheng wanted to put pressure on Lü Buwei and weaken the influence of scholars from the six states in the court. Xu Qing was not only Ying Zheng's confidant but also a scholar from the state of Han, representing a group of scholars in the Imperial Academy.

The ministers glanced at Lü Buwei, then at Xiong Qi, and finally fixed their gaze on Xu Qing.

"Your Majesty, we are very grateful for your generous gift."

Xiong Qi, Meng Wu, Wang Ben, Li Xin, and other meritorious officials stepped forward and spoke.

"Go back to the palace!"

After leaving a message, Ying Zheng turned and returned to his carriage.

"Farewell, Your Majesty."

The lingering procession resumed its movement, and the courtiers parted to watch the procession pass by.

As Ying Zheng's royal carriage entered Xianyang, Zhang Han drove the prison cart carrying Lao Ai from behind to the assembled officials.

Looking at Lao Ai, who was disheveled and ashen-faced in the prison cart, the ministers' gazes became complicated. Who could have imagined that just two days ago, the Marquis of Changxin, Lao Ai, who was at the height of his power and held great authority, would become a prisoner in the blink of an eye?
Time is also destiny.

Once the procession had completely entered Xianyang, the officials rose and looked at the leaders, Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, and Lü Buwei.

"I am feeling unwell and will not be able to attend the celebratory banquet at the palace. I would be grateful if Lord Changping could ask for my leave."

Before Xiong Qi could answer, Lü Buwei, supported by his servants, boarded his carriage and left alone, detached from the assembled officials.

As Xiong Qi and his ministers watched Lü Buwei leave, their expressions became even more complicated. First, there was Ying Zheng's reprimand, then the inexplicable reward, and now Lü Buwei seemed to be leaving in a huff, leaving them completely baffled.

Seeing this, the officials had nothing more to say. After greeting Xiong Qi, they followed him into the city to attend the celebratory banquet at Zhangtai Palace.

"What is Your Majesty doing? Is the plan not over yet? Or are you really going to take action against the scholars of the six kingdoms?"

Xiong Qi frowned slightly as he watched the direction Lü Buwei had left, wondering what Ying Zheng, Xu Qing, and Lü Buwei were up to.

"Brother, the rebellion has been quelled, the King has come of age and is about to take control of the court. You have also been granted the title of Lord Changping and are deeply trusted by the King. Why are you looking so worried?"

Chang Wenjun walked up to Xiong Qi, who was about to board the carriage, and asked him in a low voice with a hint of doubt.

Ever since the imperial edict of bestowal was read, he noticed that his cousin was acting strangely. Despite it being a joyous occasion, he seemed unhappy and worried.

Xiong Qi glanced around and, finding no one else nearby, said in a deep voice.

"It's a good thing, but it depends on who it happens to."

"Do you think this is a bad thing?" Chang Wenjun asked, puzzled.

Xiong Qi looked at the bewildered Chang Wenjun with a somber expression and a flickering gaze.

Changwen Jun was not involved in the situation, so he was unaware of his concerns. The recent reward seemed to indicate that he had made a name for himself, gained Ying Zheng's trust, and was about to become a confidant on par with Xu Qing.

But none of Ying Zheng's actions today were part of the plans he was aware of.

In contrast, Lü Buwei and Xu Qing also acted abnormally, which can only mean one thing: Xiong Qi was truly treated as an outsider. Even though he was in the core circle of Qin, he could not integrate into the real decision-making level.

Small matters are handled in large meetings, and big matters in small meetings. Now he can't even participate in the small meetings, let alone control the Qin state's movements, help the six states of Shandong, or use Qin's power to strengthen himself.

However, he could not tell Chang Wenjun any of this, because the other party was not involved, and once he knew these secrets, his situation would only get worse.

"Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, and a blessing may be a misfortune in disguise. Whether things are good or bad is not up to us."

"Brother Wen, the King has already entered the city. Let's hurry and go to the palace."

After saying a few words in a low voice, Xiong Qi got into the carriage.

After bowing to Chang Wenjun, the coachman drove the carriage away, leaving Chang Wenjun standing alone.

"What do you mean? Didn't you like the Agricultural School and Legalism, brother? Why are you also learning the Daoist stuff? Did you learn it from Lord Zhaoming?"

Chang Wenjun was full of confusion. He couldn't understand what Xiong Qi meant by those nonsensical words. He could only mutter a complaint under his breath.

However, Xiong Qi's unusual behavior made him sense something was amiss, and he suppressed his excitement.

(End of this chapter)