Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

What was he supposed to say?!

Zhou Wenqing was speechless for a moment, then looked down at Ji Ming and Ji Qing.

The two children looked up at the two adults with their eyes darting back and forth, looking somewhat bewildered. They clearly hadn't fully realized how they had suddenly become so popular.

Should I study medicine... or law?

Uh... well...

Zhou Wenqing hesitated for a while.

Both paths are smooth, and with renowned teachers paving the way, neither choice will be bad.

If he were to choose for himself, he would naturally not hesitate—

Studying medicine? He'd rather be reincarnated!

Moreover, in this era, there is ultimately a difference between learning "the Way" and learning "skills". If one were to study under Li Si and achieve success, it would be almost a certainty that one would enter the court as an official and make great strides!

But these two kids... are clearly interested in studying medicine!

Zhou Wenqing knew perfectly well that he hadn't arranged for them to help out at the pharmacy.

He had just brought the people back when he was extremely busy and hadn't had time to make arrangements. However, the two children were restless and wandered around the mansion for two days. Somehow, they ended up in the pharmacy and helped dry and grind the herbs. They did a great job and seemed to enjoy it. So he went along with it and let them do as they pleased.

So now let him choose...

He decisively chose to lie down and pass the buck back to his two prospective mentors:

You should try to win the hearts of your disciples yourselves!

Zhou Wenqing cleared his throat and adopted a fair and impartial demeanor, saying:

"I believe that what children learn should be their choice. Who Jiming and Jiming want to learn from is their destiny. We can only offer suggestions and analyze the pros and cons; we can't make decisions for them, can we?"

He turned his head to look at the two children, and added with a smile:

"Jiming and Jiqing, listen carefully. After you've listened, you can choose either one. The Master will support you. He has other things to do, so you can think it over carefully and then tell him when you're ready, okay?"

Without waiting for the two children to answer, he suddenly turned around, lifted his leg, took a big step, and slipped away!

That figure, that speed—his feet seemed to be on wheels of fire, and in the blink of an eye he had already darted three zhang (approximately 10 meters) away, leaving only a distant voice drifting back:

"Brother Gu'an, Physician Xia, you two should discuss this with the child! Let me know when you've come up with a plan. There's no rush, no rush at all~"

The sound faded into the distance, until only a series of light footsteps echoed under the eaves.

Given the character of those adults, they are certainly reasonable enough not to stoop to cheating, deceiving, or bullying children.

...Probably.

Then leave it to them.

Perhaps we could even organize a joint teaching program, allowing students to study both medicine and law.

As Zhou Wenqing glided along, he thought to himself, and his steps became lighter and lighter.

He could faintly hear the voices of Li Si and Xia Wuqie vying for the lead behind him, so he turned around and looked—

"The sky is clear and the sun is shining! Come, come, let me tell you about the benefits of studying the Fa!"

Li Si bent down, his face full of a kind and friendly smile, looking just like a fox wagging its tail, plotting how to coax the two chicks into its nest.

"The law is a prominent and fundamental doctrine, capable of governing the country and ensuring its peace. In the future, one can enter the court as an official, bringing glory to one's family—how wonderful!"

"Don't listen to him!" Xia Wuqie pushed Li Si aside and squatted down in front of the two children.

"Only by studying medicine can you heal the sick and save lives. You've been in the pharmacy for so long, don't you love those medicinal herbs the most? Come, come, let me show you. We just got a new batch of herbs, they're so fresh!"

"What's so interesting about medicinal herbs!" Li Si retorted, his voice rising several octaves. "I'm tired of looking at them all the time. Studying law is much better. It allows you to distinguish right from wrong and judge truth from falsehood, so you can become a high-ranking official in the future, full of prestige!"

Two voices rose and fell, each louder and more urgent than the last, like two cats fiercely fighting over two fragrant dried fish.

Jiming and Jiqing stood in the middle, turning their little heads back and forth, looking left and right, their eyes almost spinning.

Hopefully, they can truly help these two children find the right path.

As Zhou Wenqing turned the corner of the corridor and walked away completely, he caught a glimpse of the large group of people from the Imperial Medical Bureau—

Lü Yiling, leading several elderly imperial physicians, was stroking their beards as they approached, their eyes clearly saying, "We want to say a few words too." Behind them followed a few younger doctors, peering around eagerly.

He silently lit a candle for Li Si in his heart.

I hope Brother Gu'an won't take advantage of his eloquence and push people too far.

After all, he seemed to have forgotten that the opposing team was fighting as a group.

Xia Wuqie might not be able to argue with him, but if all the old and young people from the Imperial Medical Bureau swarmed him, each saying a word, they could drown him in spittle.

At that time, no matter how eloquent or persuasive Li Si is, he will be worn down by the relentless attacks.

Wow, taking on so many opponents single-handedly, that takes courage.

Especially given that he was destined to be bedridden for the next few days, he was facing a group of doctors.

Zhou Wenqing's gaze swept over the last group of people before returning to Li Si's determined face, and his lips twitched slightly.

Hopefully, his medicine won't contain any "cooling and detoxifying" ingredients.

He withdrew his gaze and quickened his pace, not out of fear, but out of concern that the flames of war might spread to him and delay his important business.

Well, it's purely about time management.

After all, he really had other things to do.

I should go and see the wine I promised General Wang. Today in court, General Wang gave me quite a few winks and lip-reading hints.

He didn't mention the jar again, fearing the old general wouldn't be able to control his longing and would come to the mansion to "visit" again.

His shoulders probably can no longer withstand General Wang's "urging".

Of course, this "unique flavor" wine is not a strong liquor made from grains; grains are still much more important than wine.

What he prepared was fruit wine.

After getting drunk with the general that day, he made a plan in his mind, and as soon as he arrived in Xianyang, he began to make preparations.

Unfortunately, it was already late autumn, too late, and there were fewer fresh fruits and vegetables available. At that time, there was no greenhouse technology, let alone the best raw material – grapes.

Fortunately, the Qin region is vast and rich in resources, including mulberries and wild grapes.

The mulberries are dried and stored in baskets in the warehouse. They are purplish-black and translucent. When soaked in warm water, they become plump and round again, locking in all the sweetness.

The wild grapes were found by sending people to the mountains outside the city. They were small, with thick skin and many seeds. One bite, and the wild sourness would make your face contort in pain.

He added some dates to neutralize the flavor.

Each ingredient was washed, juiced, mixed with rice and herbs to make yeast, sealed in jars, and moved into the cellar to wait slowly. Although it was not as good as the wine of later generations, the ingredients were of high quality, so the taste should not be bad.

Now that several months have passed, the opening day should be approaching.

------

General Wang's Mansion —

Before Zhou Wenqing could even get off the carriage, he heard General Wang's hearty voice.

"Zicheng is here! Come on in, come on in."

He lifted the carriage curtain and saw that the burly figure had already appeared at the gate of the mansion, laughing so hard that his beard was shaking, and his eyes were staring straight at his carriage, his intentions were obvious.