Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Zhou Wenqing stood with his hands at his sides, his eyes focused on his nose, his expression calm and serene.

He knew that after this series of blows and setbacks, the dust had settled. By presenting paper, establishing an office, and setting up patents, he not only firmly established himself in the court, but also paved an unprecedented new path for the Qin Dynasty.

The existence of the Bureau of All Things and patent rights fundamentally prevented powerful families from monopolizing technology and monopolizing profits by virtue of their power, thus blocking a "clear path".

but……

As we all know, there is a type of "bull" in this world that is ubiquitous and adept at hoarding, buying low and selling high, and disrupting order.

That is the "scalper".

If those wealthy and powerful businessmen with huge sums of money can't get the technology, wouldn't they just go on a shopping spree to control the source and turn Puhui into their private coffers?

At this moment, having just carried away an elderly doctor who had vomited blood, whose intimidating presence still lingers, it is the perfect opportunity to strike while the iron is hot and cut off this "secret path" as well!

With his mind made up, Zhou Wenqing stepped forward again, bowed deeply, and spoke in a clear and earnest voice:

"Your Majesty, since the establishment of the Bureau of All Things has been decided, with the aim of making Your Majesty's grace as gentle as a spring breeze and as nourishing as spring rain, so as to ensure that this grace is truly distributed equally and not hoarded and profited by a few, I dare to offer another suggestion."

He slightly raised his head, his gaze clear and upright as he looked at the throne: "I propose that all goods produced by the Bureau of All Goods that benefit the people should be sold in accordance with the strict regulations of the state monopoly on salt and iron, with strict control over their flow and quantity. Private individuals, especially wealthy merchants, should be strictly prohibited from engaging in large-scale purchases and hoarding beyond reasonable daily needs!"

"Anyone who violates this rule will be considered to have disrupted national policy and infringed upon the interests of the people, and will be severely punished as a warning to others!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of many people in the hall became subtle, and many eyes flickered.

It's not over yet?

Wang Wan stood in the queue, her brows furrowing instantly.

He had just seen how Zhou Wenqing had cleverly blocked the path of technological monopoly with "government-run enterprises" and "patent incentives," and he was quickly considering another way out:

Since they couldn't directly acquire the technology, they used the vast wealth of these meritorious nobles as a pretext to buy up most or even all of the products of the Bureau of Hundreds of Items under the guise of supporting national policy!

Paper, especially fine paper, is produced in limited quantities. Once they control the source of supply, the initiative will return to their hands, whether they resell it at a high price or use it as a scarce resource to win over scholars and exert influence.

In any case, what they have in abundance is gold and silver.

Before he could finish his plan, Zhou Wenqing struck him with a blunt weapon.

This road... is it going to be blocked too?

Wang Wan could no longer stand still. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and said, "Your Majesty! I believe that the Zhou Inner Historian's proposal..."

"Wang Tingwei, please wait a moment!"

Before Wang Wan could finish speaking, Zhou Wenqing suddenly raised his voice and interrupted her abruptly.

He turned to Wang Guan and smiled apologetically: "I still have important matters to report. This matter concerns the annals of history and the judgment of future generations. If I do not speak of it now while my mind is clear, I fear I will forget it later."

"My memory has always been poor, and I fear I may jeopardize important matters. I beg Your Excellency to understand and allow me to finish speaking!"

He spoke quickly and clearly, and his reasons were so grand that they were almost absurd, leaving Wang Wan speechless for a moment.

On his throne, Ying Zheng's eyes flickered slightly.

Compared to these two, especially at this time, isn't it obvious who is favored?

Thinking this to himself, he remained outwardly calm and said indifferently, "Minister Wang, since it was Minister Zhou who reported first, and what he said sounds... indeed important, let him finish speaking first. Please wait a moment."

This kid is quick-witted and has a meticulous mind. If I wait until he finishes speaking, there will be no room for me to interrupt or refute him.

Wang Wan felt a burning hatred welling up inside her, and a strong sense of regret surged into her heart.

If I had known this would happen, why would I have bothered with this extremely troublesome "little devil" in the first place?

But the king had already spoken, and despite his immense resentment, he could only suppress his anger, reluctantly cup his hands, take a half-step back, and squeeze out a sentence through gritted teeth: "Your subject... obeys the decree."

But in those lowered eyes, a chilling coldness lingered.

Zhou Wenqing seemed oblivious to Wang Wan's anger, quickly composed himself, and turned to Ying Zheng.

"Your Majesty, what I was concerned about was this: now that this pure white paper has been presented before the Emperor, its purpose is to be a vital instrument for carrying the national history, inscribing laws, and preserving the cultural heritage of our Great Qin for ten thousand generations. The left and right historians, who are in charge of recording words and deeds and recording history, are also in the court at this moment."

He slightly raised his arm, gesturing to the two historians who stood in the shadows beside the hall, silently recording events as if they were part of the background.

"This paper is lighter and thinner than plain paper, smoother than silk, easier to write on, and easier to preserve. I humbly propose that you two historians, from this moment on, switch to using this fine paper to record court discussions and important national events?"

Changping Jun seized the opportunity to interject, "Does Zhou Neishi mean... that starting with this court assembly is a bit too hasty?"

"I believe we should begin now, the sooner the better!" Zhou Wenqing replied decisively. "Only in this way can the glorious history of our Great Qin become increasingly detailed, complete, and authentic from this day forward!"

He paused, his voice not loud, yet each word carried immense weight, striking everyone's heart: "Moreover, I believe that all historical drafts written on this paper should be immediately sealed and archived, becoming a precedent, and no one may arbitrarily delete, alter, or embellish a single word!"

A very faint gasp was heard in the hall.

Zhou Wenqing, however, seemed not to hear and continued:

"Hundreds or thousands of years later, when future generations turn the pages of history, the words and deeds of these gentlemen today—whether they were merits or demerits, treachery or loyalty, wisdom or shortsightedness—will all be laid bare in the annals of history..."

His voice gradually rose, carrying a penetrating, almost cold, power that went straight to the heart:

"I suppose you all wish to be remembered for your good deeds and benefit future generations, rather than be remembered for your infamy and bring shame upon your descendants?"

"If there were such a detailed and unalterable historical record, like a bright mirror and a sharp sword, hanging high above this court, reflecting our true feelings, then we, as ministers, should be even more vigilant and diligent, always considering the country in our words and the people in our actions, and doing our utmost to support the nation."

"In this way, how can the fate of my Great Qin not be everlasting?!"

"Excellent, excellent!" Li Si immediately echoed, bowing to the king and saying, "Your Majesty, I agree with what Zhou Neishi said!"

"Excellent! Minister Zhou's insightful and to-the-point plan is approved!"

Without hesitation, Ying Zheng waved his hand, handing over the remaining fine paper to the historians on his left and right, and ordered:

"From this moment forward, all discussions at court meetings shall be recorded on this document. The original manuscript shall be sealed and preserved, and as Zhou Aiqing has proposed, it shall not be altered!"

"Yes, sir!" The eunuch hurriedly and respectfully presented the remaining clean white paper on the tray to the two historians.

The two historians were clearly aware of the unprecedented weight of their pens, their expressions becoming solemn to the point of being dignified.

They carefully spread out the paper, took a deep breath, re-dipped their brushes in ink, then straightened their backs and listened intently...

Their gazes were already fixed on the hall, waiting to record the next minister's speech.

Zhou Wenqing watched this scene with a leisurely air, especially appreciating Wang Wan's stiff expression, as if she was being roasted over a fire, unable to advance or retreat.

He then slowly turned around, faced Wang Wan, nodded slightly, and spoke in a gentle tone:

"Wang Tingwei, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I have finished reporting the trivial matters. You seemed to have some profound insights to share earlier. Now... you may speak."

He paused, as if suddenly remembering something, and then added slowly,

"Oh, by the way, Wang Tingwei is really lucky. You see, the historian is already holding his pen, waiting... Perhaps the very first sentence you utter will be the very first sentence recorded in this brand-new paper history of the Qin Dynasty?"

"His name will be etched in history from this moment on. Truly... a cause for celebration."

Wang Wan: "..."

The very first sentence? The very first sentence that will forever be tainted by infamy?!

If he were to stand up now to oppose paper control, no matter how noble his reasons may seem, how would future generations view him in the historians' records?

Will they be seen as treacherous individuals who, for their own selfish gain, attempt to monopolize things that benefit the people and obstruct policies that benefit all under heaven?

His reputation, his family's honor... how could he bear such a heavy burden of historical condemnation?

Let whoever wants to say it, say it! Anyway, Wang Wan definitely wouldn't dare to be the first to speak up right now!

Wang Wan's expression changed several times, and finally, with great difficulty, almost squeezing out the words, she cupped her hands towards the throne:

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty... After careful consideration, I find that the Prefect Zhou's ideas are comprehensive. At this moment, I have no other urgent matters to report..."