Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Physician Lü quickly bowed and clearly reiterated the diagnosis he had just made:

"Your Majesty, Zhou Neishi caught a cold after overwork. The pathogenic factor is on the surface, and the symptoms are mild and nothing to worry about. He only needs to take medicine to dispel it. He should rest for now and take another day to recuperate."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's tightly furrowed brows seemed to relax slightly, but his gaze remained sharp as he swept over Physician Lü and Xia Wuqie, who stood to the side with his head bowed even lower.

"If that's the case, why would the Imperial Physician come in person? Perhaps there's more to it than meets the eye, or perhaps it's a recurring ailment of Minister Zhou..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his unspoken meaning was clear.

Based on Ying Zheng's understanding of Zhou Wenqing, he did not believe that it was just a minor symptom that would warrant his beloved minister sending someone to alarm the Imperial Physician.

good chance!

While Physician Lü was carefully considering his reply and thinking about how to save face, saying, "My diagnosis has inexplicably fallen short of expectations, so I had to trouble my master," Zhou Wenqing coughed lightly twice, his eyes smiling.

"Your Majesty... Wenqing is currently discussing this matter with Elder Lü."

He raised his hand and gestured towards Xia Wuqie, who stood ramrod straight to the side, barely daring to breathe.

"It was this young doctor who, despite his young age, was steady and thoughtful in his actions. He was extremely cautious when taking pulses and asking questions. After examining the pulse, he thought that Wenqing had a history of heart disease and that his constitution might be different. He was afraid that he might have overlooked something, so in order to be absolutely sure, he asked his teacher to come and discuss it with him."

He paused, a hint of helplessness on his face: "Wenqing initially thought his master was a famous doctor in Xianyang, so he allowed him to invite him. But he never expected that... this Physician Xia Wuqie is actually a disciple of Physician Lü. This has surprised me greatly."

"It was only after being informed by Elder Lü that Wenqing learned that His Majesty had actually sent all eight of Lü Yiling's disciples who had completed their apprenticeships to the Zhou residence! Wenqing is deeply grateful for His Majesty's boundless grace, but..."

He changed the subject, a hint of distress showing in his brows: "Wenqing has always preferred quiet, and his daily routine involves only minor adjustments to his health. There's really no need for so many skilled doctors. Isn't this... a waste of talent and a squandering of potential?"

He raised his eyes and looked earnestly at Ying Zheng: "Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by Wenqing. However, Wenqing is also always concerned about Your Majesty's health. Physician Lü... is getting on in years."

He noticed that Physician Lü's beard seemed to move slightly without wind, and quickened his pace to continue:

"Your Majesty should always have a few more physicians by your side, just in case. How about... we bring this particularly cautious and outstanding Physician Xia back to the palace to serve Your Majesty?"

Doctor Lü's eyes widened slightly.

What do you mean by "advanced age"?! He is clearly sharp of hearing and sight, and his legs and feet are nimble; he can even eat two bowls of millet rice in one meal!

However, since Zhou Wenqing's words were ultimately meant to smooth things over for him and elevate his disciple, and he was worried that the king might misunderstand that this promising talent was not skilled enough, he could only hold his breath. His facial muscles twitched slightly, and he ultimately chose to keep his eyes down and pretend he hadn't heard that jarring word.

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's gaze returned to Xia Wuqie, scrutinizing him: "Oh? For Zhou Aiqing to value him so highly, this boy must indeed be quite extraordinary."

Xia Wuqie felt the king's gaze, his back straightened instantly, his head lowered even further, and he even breathed softly.

Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhou Wenqing: "If you, my dear minister, find the crowd disturbing your peace and quiet..."

His gaze lingered on Xia Wuqie for a moment. "Judging from his demeanor, he is quite composed. In that case, let this person be in charge of taking care of your health. I will take the other four physicians back."

"With the remaining three and this boy, there will be four people on duty in rotation. It won't be a waste. My dear minister, you can't refuse this time."

what? !

Why is there a fixed allocation? More importantly, the allocation point is wrong!

"No!" Zhou Wenqing said anxiously, his hoarse voice rising several decibels as he pointed at Xia Wuqie.

"Your Majesty, it is precisely because this son is so outstanding that he should remain by your side! How can Wen Qing's safety compare to Your Majesty's invaluable life? Your Majesty..."

"Alright, my dear minister, there's no need to persuade me any further."

Ying Zheng sat down beside his bed, raised his hand and gently patted Zhou Wenqing's arm, his eyes filled with a smile: "I know that you are concerned about me, my dear minister, and I am very pleased."

"However, I am in good health, and there is Physician Lü and many other physicians in the palace, while you, my dear minister..."

His gaze swept over Zhou Wenqing's pale, sickly face and his noticeably thinner frame. He coughed softly, swallowing back the words "needs more," and phrased it differently:

"Physician Lü is the Imperial Physician, with superb medical skills and rich experience. How could he possibly be less capable of taking care of you than my apprentice? This matter is settled."

He looked at Xia Wuqie, his tone turning decisive and leaving no room for argument: "Xia Wuqie, from this day forward, you will be solely responsible for the herbal medicine and daily medical care of Minister Zhou. You must do your utmost and make no mistakes. If you can ensure Minister Zhou's good health, I will reward you handsomely!"

"Yes, Your Excellency! I will obey your command and do my utmost to serve Zhou Neishi!" Xia Wuqie knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

Well, now Xia Wuqie is completely stuck with this mess.

He slumped back onto his pillow, gazing at the top of the tent, his heart filled with desolation.

Now that Xia Wuqie is gone, does that mean the king has to carry something with him every day to keep an eye on him?

He might not even be able to throw accurately!

We can't very well suggest that His Majesty build a few more large pillars in the palace, can we?

Outrageous!

Zhou Wenqing shook his head helplessly, banishing the absurd thoughts from his mind.

Since we can't deal with the people protecting the king, then we can only... eliminate the people who threaten the king.

Zhou Wenqing's eyes narrowed slightly, a cold glint flashing within them.

It wasn't that he was cold-hearted; it was simply that the "Jing Ke assassination attempt on the King of Qin" was, in historical records, the most dangerous and life-threatening event that the King of Qin had faced since assuming personal rule.

Now that he has come into this world and followed this ruler, how could he allow such a deadly threat to lurk by his side?

Jing Ke, an assassin whose whereabouts are unknown, is indeed difficult to find in the vast sea of ​​people at this moment, but isn't Prince Dan of Yan, who ordered Jing Ke, just right in the Qin state as a hostage?

However... the hostage's status is sensitive. Although his position is awkward, it concerns the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Without a proper reason, it would be inappropriate for me to take action rashly.

How can we get the king to notice this person, and ideally, resolve this potential threat in a "reasonable" way?

Thinking of this, he quickly came up with a solution—

Aha! Why not use today's events to highlight Yan Dan's threat in a more personal and sobering way?

Zhou Wenqing leaned against the couch, covered his eyes with the back of his hand, and let out a long sigh, seemingly filled with sorrow.

"well--"

The sound wasn't loud, but because of the silence in the room, it penetrated into Ying Zheng's ears with exceptional clarity.

"My dear minister, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Ying Zheng's brows immediately furrowed, and his voice carried an urgent anger as he abruptly turned to Lü Yiling, who stood by with his hands at his sides.

"Physician Lü! Didn't you say my beloved minister was fine? Why is this? Quickly examine him carefully!"

"Ah? Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Your Majesty, I... I will look at it again!"

Startled by the sudden rebuke, Physician Lü hurriedly stepped forward.

Oh no! The performance went a bit too far, and we've accidentally dragged Mr. Lü into this mess again.

Zhou Wenqing inwardly cried out and quickly lowered his hand from his forehead, but the sorrow and melancholy between his brows did not dissipate.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. It's not that Wenqing is unwell." His voice was low and slow, and his hoarse voice, a result of his illness, sounded particularly tired.

"But... but His Majesty's thoughtfulness and kindness towards Wenqing, his concern for her well-being, his arrangement of physicians, and his boundless favor... remind Wenqing of, reminds her of..."

He paused at just the right moment, lowering his eyes slightly.

"Thinking back to my wandering days, I encountered many unkind people, and was scorned and ridiculed. At that time, I felt the coldness of the world and the unpredictability of human hearts. Now, I have met a wise ruler like Your Majesty, who treats me with the respect due to a national hero. The difference between the two is like heaven and earth. I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's kindness, but I cannot help but feel saddened by the hardships of the past. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I lost my composure before Your Majesty and sighed aloud... I have disturbed Your Majesty. It is my fault. I beg Your Majesty to... punish me."

"Is this really true?!"

Ying Zheng's aura suddenly changed, and a sharp, ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

He sat down again by the couch, grasped Zhou Wenqing's arm, and looked serious.

"My dear minister, you have suffered, but what crime have you committed! It is those petty villains who have humiliated you who are guilty, those blind and narrow-minded people who are guilty!"

"My dear minister, you are now personally appointed by me as the Junior Minister of State, a pillar of the Qin Dynasty. All past grievances are as good as yesterday; do not grieve. From this day forward, anyone who dares to show you the slightest disrespect is disrespecting me and the might of the Qin Dynasty! I will surely punish them—"

"Grind it into powder!"

The chilling killing intent permeated the room as if it were a tangible force. Even Lu Yiling, who was standing to the side, subconsciously held his breath. Xia Wuqie lowered his head even further, almost shrinking into his collar. Only Zhou Wenqing felt a warmth in his heart.

Ying Zheng leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"My dear minister, tell me, who was that arrogant scoundrel who dared to humiliate you back then? I will immediately send men to arrest him and avenge you!"

These words were spoken with absolute certainty, leaving no room for negotiation.

Enough with the preamble, let's get to the main point.

Zhou Wenqing steadied himself, but a more complex expression appeared on his face. He gently shook his head and said in a relieved tone:

"Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated by Wenqing. However, most of those old grudges have faded away and are not worth mentioning again. Wenqing also does not wish to trouble Your Majesty or disturb state affairs because of personal grievances."

He subtly changed the subject, his tone becoming thoughtful and serious, as if he had only recalled something by chance, yet it also contained a deeper worry: "However... there is one person among them, whose identity is quite special, and who left a particularly deep impression on Wenqing."

"According to Wenqing's observation, his character is extreme, sinister, and vindictive. He often acts by any means necessary and is willing to abandon all morality and shame in order to achieve his goals. Wenqing thinks that such a person, if left in the world, is like a poisonous snake hiding in the grass. He is not only not a good person, but in the future... he may pose an unpredictable threat to Your Majesty and the great cause of our Qin Dynasty."

"Oh?"

Ying Zheng raised his eyebrows sharply and stared intently at Zhou Wenqing.

"Such a person exists! Tell me in detail, my dear minister, where is this person now? What is their name?"

Zhou Wenqing met his gaze and uttered that name:

"Prince Dan, a hostage from the State of Yan."