Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Although Li Si took care of most of the administrative affairs, Zhou Wenqing was still extremely busy after officially taking the position of Minister of Grain Supply.

This position is not just a title, but a real one of the Nine Ministers, in charge of the Qin Dynasty's money bag and granary, managing the "Taicang" and local granary system that spans the whole country.

How to collect, store, and allocate the annual grain revenue, how to stabilize the prices of millet and cloth in the market, how to curb the hoarding and speculation by merchants, and even the salt and iron monopoly and the new salt extraction laws... all these matters had to be personally reviewed and decided upon by him.

Thankfully it's winter, otherwise, with spring plowing and autumn harvest, mulberry and hemp cultivation, and silkworm rearing... there wouldn't even be time to catch one's breath.

In order to sort out those dizzying ledgers, he simply promoted the use of Arabic numerals and the method of creating tables in the government offices.

In this way, income and expenditure, profit and loss, and warehousing turnover are all clearly analyzed and readily available on paper, greatly improving efficiency.

At the same time, if any villains attempt to tamper with the accounts, the abnormal increases or decreases will be as obvious as lice on a bald man's head.

However, this also meant that the guards inside and outside the Zhou residence became even more stringent.

Looking at the two additional teams of guards standing straight ahead at the door, Zhou Wenqing didn't know whether to sigh or feel reassured.

He let out a hard exhale of the stale air he had been holding in all day, forcefully pushed aside the stack of granary ledgers in front of him that he had just finished reviewing and that could practically bury him, and rubbed his sore and throbbing temples.

Now I finally understand why the King of Qin was so eager to find talented people.

I'm so busy, so incredibly busy! This job is inhuman; you'd feel like you were split into eight people!

When the Baiwusi opened, they were so busy they barely had time to rest.

The moment the fine paper, manuscript paper, and toilet paper were placed on the shelves, a flood of people rushed in like a burst dam.

Especially the elegant "fine paper" and the snow-white "refined salt," priced so high that even he felt his hand tremble when he wrote on them. Unexpectedly, once they were released, they caused a sensation throughout the city and sold out instantly.

Nowadays, a trend has emerged among the elites of Xianyang: "A gathering without fine paper is incomplete, and a banquet without fine salt is impossible." The frenzy of buying has caused headaches even for the guards maintaining order.

Even with all the available manpower deployed, we still felt stretched thin.

While the shop could certainly hire some commoners to help out, providing a way for the poor to survive in this cold winter, unfortunately... there were simply too few literate commoners.

Helplessly, Ah Zhu and Prince Fu Su, two teenagers, were also not spared.

He pulled the two little ones out of his desk and transformed them from students buried in their books into his little accountants, helping him check accounts and organize receipts.

Fusu was meticulous in his work, had neat and tidy handwriting, and a clear understanding of things, making him exceptionally easy to use. Zhou Wenqing would sometimes even show him some accounts of land taxes and commercial taxes so that the boy could have a general idea of ​​the country's income and expenditure.

Although Ah Zhu still doesn't recognize all the characters, it's enough for him. He's also quite clever. While checking the ledgers, he would occasionally frown and mutter, "This amount doesn't seem to add up..."

Looking at the two still-childish faces, their brows furrowed with fatigue from days of work, he felt a pang of heartache, yet he had to admit: these two kids are truly useful!

After working non-stop for some time, once the initial chaos subsided and things gradually went smoothly, Zhou Wenqing was finally able to catch his breath.

However, the ledgers for the sale of all goods and refined salt continued to arrive like a flowing stream. Looking at the enormous numbers on them, which far exceeded ordinary imagination, he couldn't help but feel a complex sense of melancholy.

While the common people were still worrying about having enough to eat and a warm coat, these noble families... their wealth had reached such a level!

Fortunately, his gaze returned to the national treasury's general ledger, where he saw the figures representing the national treasury's silver reserves climbing rapidly at an almost visible speed. He rubbed his wrists, which were sore from holding a pen for so long, and his stiff neck. Finally, a tired but genuine sense of relief appeared between his brows.

With grain in the granary, Zhou Wenqing felt less anxious. Seeing the numbers on the books jumping up and down, he finally felt a little more at ease.

With a fuller wallet, he can start planning for the long term, and those ideas he had temporarily suppressed in his mind finally have a solid foundation to be put into action.

Taking advantage of this winter as a transition period, Zhou Wenqing set his top priority for himself, which was simple and straightforward, just three words: make money!

The Qin Dynasty has countless places where it needs to spend money!

Repairing roads, digging canals, raising elite troops, strengthening military equipment, and the many ingenious designs in the workshops all require money and silk to support them... Where is there no need for mountains of gold and seas of silver?

We must quickly "invite" all the silver that these meritorious nobles have been hoarding in the treasury, which is practically sprouting mushrooms, out to bask in the sun and let it circulate, flowing obediently along the channels of national policy to the proper places of road construction, canal building, military strengthening, and benefiting the people. This is how we make the best use of resources.

But ultimately... you have to eat one bite at a time, and walk one step at a time.

Zhou Wenqing put down his pen, his fingertips unconsciously tapping lightly on the table, his mind rapidly weighing the next strategy and timing.

Wow! It's snowing! A lot of snow!

A clear, delighted child's voice suddenly drifted in through the window, interrupting his reverie.

—It's that brat Hu Hai.

Ying Zheng knew that Zhou Wenxin had recently taken over the two major responsibilities of the Minister of Agriculture and the Department of All Things, and was currently overwhelmed with numerous tasks and paperwork. He was afraid that Zhou would be unable to spare the time, so he specifically instructed that apart from Fusu, who was helpful and quite useful, he should not visit him often, and that the other princes and princesses should not disturb his peace for the time being.

Hu Hai was the only exception.

This arrangement wasn't entirely for academic purposes, but rather stemmed from a "chance" discovery by the King of Qin one day—

The newly made saddles, stirrups, and horseshoes are currently classified information, so naturally, we can't let Hu Hai ride them around Xianyang City and show them off.

The little guy had just tasted the thrill of galloping on horseback, so he wasn't about to give up easily.

He begged and pestered his elder brother, following him to the Zhou residence under the pretense of seeking knowledge, but in reality, he was just there to pester and cause trouble, hoping to get another chance to ride a horse.

As luck would have it, just as he lay down on the ground, before he could even get into a tantrum and beg Mr. Zhou to let him ride the horse one more time, he was caught red-handed by Ying Zheng, who happened to be there to inquire about reforming the account books.

Ying Zheng looked up and saw Zhou Aiqing sitting behind the desk. Due to days of mental and physical exhaustion, his face was paler than usual, and there was an inescapable weariness between his brows. He looked weaker than usual.

Looking at his own son, who knew nothing of consideration and only knew how to cause trouble, Ying Zheng's anger flared up instantly!

"You brat, who gave you the audacity to run wild here?!"

With a low shout, he stepped forward, disregarding any imperial dignity, and with a swift movement, lifted Hu Hai up.

Hu Hai was lying on the ground, gathering his emotions, when suddenly his feet left the ground and he met his father's icy gaze. He was instantly terrified.

The next second, with a "rip", his belt snapped and his pants were pulled down without mercy, revealing his white buttocks.

Ying Zheng raised his hand, and with a crisp "smack!", it fell mercilessly.

"Wow--!!!"

The belated, excruciating pain and terror caused Hu Hai to burst into a heart-wrenching wail.

"Father! It hurts! It hurts! I won't do it again! I really won't do it again!"

"Slap! Slap! Slap!"

The only response he received was an even heavier slap, fast and urgent, showing no mercy. Ying Zheng was clearly enraged, each slap landing solidly on flesh, crisp and loud.

At first, Hu Hai twisted his body and tried to struggle and dodge, begging for mercy incoherently. Later, all that was left was continuous wailing. His face was covered with tears and snot, his little face turned red, and clear handprints quickly appeared on his buttocks, red and swollen.

Ying Zheng, however, seemed not to hear the pig-like screams, and continued to reprimand the victim with a stern face, his strength undiminished:

"Minister Zhou has devoted himself wholeheartedly to the affairs of the country, yet you show no consideration or willingness to share his burdens, and dare to cause trouble and make a scene here?! If I don't teach you a lesson today, you'll never know what propriety is!"

Zhou Wenqing watched intently from the side... well, quite attentively.

Seeing the little devil twisted into a tearful mess in his father's hands, his originally pale cheeks even showed a hint of color, and his breathing even seemed to become easier.

He picked up the warm water beside him, took a slow, deliberate sip, perfectly concealing the barely suppressed smile on his lips, and then spoke with utmost sincerity, offering words of comfort:

"Your Majesty, please calm down. Wenqing is actually fine. The physician from the Xia family also said that he is just a little tired due to the many things he has been busy with recently. He will be fine after resting for a while. The young master is still young, so it is normal for him to be lively."

He paused, then deliberately raised his voice and continued:

"It would be alright to play with him for a while. Your Majesty need not be so angry, much less be so harsh."

His attempt to persuade Ying Zheng only fueled the fire in Ying Zheng's heart, making it blaze even brighter!

Listen to this! Even though Zhou Aiqing is exhausted, her face is as white as paper, she still insists on speaking up for this little rascal. How kind and benevolent she is! And then there's this thing on the ground throwing a tantrum and only making things worse...

A nameless anger mixed with heartache fueled Ying Zheng's grip, making him tighten his hold even more.

"Slap! Slap!!"

The slap was crisp and loud, even heavier than before.

"Aww—Father! I won't do it again! I really won't do it again! Mr. Zhou, save me!!" Hu Hai's cries rose sharply, twisting like a fish out of water.

"Minister Zhou, you needn't concern yourself with this!" Ying Zheng said in a deep voice, his hands still moving. "This brat is taking advantage of your soft heart and kindness. Today, I will make sure he remembers what proper etiquette and decorum are!"

He was given a good beating, until Hu Hai cried until his voice was hoarse, his little bottom was red and swollen, and all he could do was sob.

Once Ying Zheng had finally released most of the pent-up anger in his chest, he stopped, took a slight breath, and turned to look at his beloved minister, Zhou Aiqing.

Upon closer inspection, they were stunned.

Just moments ago, Zhou Wenqing had looked tired, pale, and exhausted, but now his cheeks were flushed slightly. His usually calm and serene eyes were now unusually bright, and he was staring intently, even with a hint of... eagerness.

This firsthand experience made him realize the difficulties of the early days of the Qin Dynasty. The thought that all of that had been ruined by this brat made Zhou Wenqing want to slap him a few more times.

He stared intently at his youngest son, who was drooping and sobbing in his hand. His gaze... well, it wasn't pity, but rather as if he were admiring some refreshing scenery, as if the "liveliness" had dispelled some of his fatigue.

Ying Zheng: "..."

He looked down at Hu Hai, who was lying in a pitiful state, tears streaming down his face, then looked up at Zhou Wenqing, whose eyes were bright and whose complexion had improved somewhat. A strange yet clear thought suddenly popped into his mind:

So... this kid can be used as a soothing and relaxing remedy?

This……

Or am I seeing things?

Ying Zheng hesitated for a moment, then tentatively said, "Minister Zhou, there's no need to be soft-hearted. I know my limits and won't hurt him. You are his teacher, so why don't you... teach him a lesson yourself and teach him a lesson he won't forget?"

"No need, Your Majesty." Upon hearing this, Zhou Wenqing immediately waved his hand, his expression sincere and his tone gentle.

"It seems that Prince Huhai has learned his lesson after this incident, and Wenqing will not punish him further."

I was indeed overthinking things.

Just as Ying Zheng was starting to feel relieved, he heard Zhou Wenqing add slowly, as if it were just a casual remark:

"Maybe next time."

He paused slightly, meeting Ying Zheng's gaze as he suddenly turned back, his gentle smile remaining unchanged, even carrying a hint of the patient guidance of a teacher:

"If this happens again... it won't be too late for Wenqing to 'teach' the young master."

Ying Zheng: "..."

It only took him a moment to turn the corner.

Children are strong and can't be hurt. Zhou Aiqing has always acted with restraint and knew how to use his strength.

However, you, my dear minister, are working tirelessly for the country, and your arduous work of paperwork is alarming. Yet you seem to have no regard for your own health.

If that's the case...

A glint of light flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes, and he had an idea.

It would be better to let this rascal come over every now and then to "bother" us—but before he comes, we should give him a good talking-to so he doesn't really cause any big trouble.

In this way, Zhou Aiqing could use the pretext of discipline to occasionally stretch his stiff muscles and bones from sitting for long periods of time, and at the same time relieve the frustration accumulated in his heart due to official duties. Look at his immediate improvement in complexion, it was even more effective than drinking ten bowls of ginseng soup.

Secondly, it would also be a good opportunity to temper this unruly brat's bad nature and teach him a lesson about his place.

Killing two birds with one stone, isn't that wonderful?

Thus, in a daze and with a burning pain in his buttocks, Hu Hai became the second young master in the Zhou family, after Fusu, to have his own fixed room.