Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's aura slightly hardened, but it wasn't anger. He spoke:

Why should Han Zi be so self-deprecating?

Zhou Wenqing's eyes narrowed.

Han Zi?

It is "公子非" (Gongzi Fei), not "韩卿" (Han Qing), it is "韩子" (Han Zi).

That is the highest honorific among scholars, a complete recognition of learning, integrity, and a person, even including his sincere devotion to Korea.

Has Your Majesty been moved by him and decided to give up?

Based on his understanding of the King, he probably... can't, right?

As Ying Zheng pondered, he and Han Fei locked eyes from afar. The kingly pressure in Han Fei's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a frankness shared by Ying Zheng himself.

"When I read Han Yu's books, I found his 'Solitary Indignation' to express his aspirations and his 'Five Vermin' to criticize the times. Every word was a gem, every sentence to the point. If someone has such talent, and I consider myself shallow in learning, how many people in the world dare to call themselves talented?"

He paused, his voice deepening: "The King of Han's failure to employ Han Zi is a sign of the King's folly, not Han Zi's fault; to use Han Zi's unparalleled talent as a hostage is a sign of the Han state's folly, not Han Zi's fault."

"Han Yu was loyal to the country, had a clear conscience, and was unparalleled in talent. I admire him greatly, so how could I possibly look down on him?"

Han Fei's fingers, which were gripping the talisman, trembled slightly, and his knuckles turned bluish-white.

Ying Zheng's voice softened, but sounded even more resolute:

"Your Highness has presented yourself as a hostage; if I were to agree to your request, wouldn't that be taking advantage of your vulnerability?"

His gaze was intense, fixed directly on Han Fei, and he spoke each word clearly and forcefully:

"With Han Zi's abilities, he will surely be able to establish laws and regulations for the world and build a unified empire. It is a pity that King Han is blind and does not recognize talent. If Han Zi is willing to return to Qin, I will cherish him and entrust him with great responsibilities, so as not to let a bright pearl be covered in dust."

"Let the world see what fate awaits Han Fei, with all his talent and learning."

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Han Fei's eyelashes trembled slightly, his lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he swallowed it back.

After a long while, he bowed deeply, his voice hoarse as if it had been sanded: "Your Majesty... is so kind, your humble servant is deeply grateful. But your humble servant is, after all, a citizen of Han, and dares not forget the kindness of the state. I have failed to live up to the King of Qin's good intentions. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Refused.

Zhou Wenqing's heart sank.

But Ying Zheng laughed.

He slowly stood up, picked up the silk scroll that Han Fei had just presented, and stepped down from the throne, walking with composure.

He walked up to Han Fei and stood still.

Li Si's throat tightened suddenly, and he inwardly cried out in alarm.

His junior brother is inflexible and if he continues to resist now... I'm afraid the Qin court will lose a peerless talent and lose a useful person today.

Li Si placed one hand on his knee, rapidly organizing his thoughts, considering how to smooth things over, from which direction to appease his junior brother, or to find a way for the king to save face.

Lian Weiliao also lightly touched the hem of his robe, ready to plead for mercy.

It is rare to find someone who can maintain their integrity and protect their homeland in times of chaos. He could not bear to see Han Fei perish in the palace like this.

Han Fei bowed again, his voice tinged with weariness: "This humble subject has been impolite; please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"It's alright." Ying Zheng raised his hand and firmly supported his arm.

"Sir, there's no need for that," Ying Zheng's voice came from above, sounding gentler and more sincere than before.

"As I have said, my respect for you, sir, is for you as a person, regardless of whether you are from Han or Qin, and even if you do not become my subject, my intention remains the same."

Han Fei raised his head and met the king's sincere eyes.

His lips trembled slightly, his chest heaved with turmoil, wanting to say something, but his throat felt like it was blocked by something, and he couldn't squeeze out a single word.

"Your Majesty..." His voice was hoarse, "This humble subject thanks Your Majesty for your kindness."

Ying Zheng slowly released his grip, took a step back, his gaze still fixed on him, and then changed the subject:

"However, sir, your arrival was due to the rudeness and offense of the Han envoy to Great Qin. But I cannot bear to take you hostage. This matter... is indeed difficult to handle. If we release you lightly, wouldn't that damage the prestige of Great Qin?"

"King of Qin!" Han Fei suddenly spoke, his gaze firm. "I am extremely fortunate to have heard these words from the King of Qin. I am willing to remain in Qin as a hostage without feeling the slightest disgrace. I only hope that the King of Qin can forgive the unintentional mistake of Han and that our two countries can restore our old friendship."

"it is good."

A confident smile flashed across Ying Zheng's eyes as he nodded and said:

"Since you have a request, I am not unwilling to grant you this favor."

He raised his hand, in which was the silk scroll that Han Fei had just presented. He gently shook it between his fingers and then placed it back in Han Fei's hand.

"However, I did this entirely out of respect for you, sir, and therefore fulfilled your wish. It was not because Korea had any sincerity. I do not care about the city that Korea offered, nor do I covet the gold, silk, and jade."

"Moreover, these things are not even worth a Han Fei."

Han Fei suddenly raised his head.

Ying Zheng looked at him solemnly:

"Since I am in this position, I hope that you, sir, will also agree to stay in Xianyang. You need not serve as a subject or a hostage, but simply as a scholar to preach your law, transmit your teachings, write books, and teach widely, so that all people in the world may know and understand the law, and thus spread the teachings of Legalism. Would that not be wonderful?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Wenqing's pupils suddenly contracted.

The idea that scholarship knows no borders?!

No wonder the title was suddenly changed from "Han Zi" to "Sir"; Your Majesty is truly wise!

Moreover, exchanging a city for one person—who could accept that?!

Han Fei indeed showed a wavering expression.

Zhou Wenqing's eyes darted around, and he quickly tugged at Li Si's sleeve, raising his voice:

"Writing books, establishing doctrines, recruiting many disciples, and spreading the Legalist teachings—isn't this exactly what you wanted to do, Li Tingwei? I remember you told me a few days ago that you wanted to open another law department at the Great Qin Academy, but you were too busy with official duties and couldn't spare the time, which you always regretted."

Li Si was taken aback, but then immediately understood and replied in a loud and sincere voice:

"Exactly!"

He abruptly stood up, strode over to Han Fei, bowed deeply, his posture extremely humble, his expression sincere and earnest.

"Junior brother, you should also know that the Legalist school is not a private or self-serving art, but a world-class art for stabilizing the country and governing the nation. I have long wished to pass on what our teacher taught and what I have realized to the world, but unfortunately I am surrounded by trivial matters and unable to be in two places at once."

"Now that the Great Qin Academy is newly established, although the conditions are simple and it only has medical and art departments, the students it recruits are not officials of the Great Qin, nor are they people who serve as ministers. Anyone with ambition, regardless of their background, can come to study here, just like the Jixia Academy of the State of Qi in the past."

When he mentioned "only medical and artisan fields," he deliberately downplayed it, as if it were a trivial matter not worth mentioning.

As for the fact that most of the students came from poor families or even commoners, and although they were not Qin officials when they entered the school, they would be selected through examinations to prove their knowledge and loyalty, and then naturally serve Qin—this will not be mentioned for the time being.

First, we need to win them over. Once they agree, given Han Fei's character, he certainly won't go back on his word. As for the rest... we'll talk about it later.

Han Fei's wavering became increasingly apparent.

Li Si saw this clearly and pressed his advantage, saying, "Junior brother, you have always had the world in your heart, how could you let the difference between Qin and Han block your path to learning?"

"I humbly request that you, if you do not mind, take my place as the teacher of the Qin Dynasty's legal academy, to pass on this torch. Though your body is in Xianyang, your heart is with the world. With one academy, you can accommodate students from all over the world. Is this not what the teachers of the Jixia Academy did back then?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou Wenqing gave Li Si a look of approval.

Well done, Brother Gu'an. These words hit the nail on the head regarding what Han Fei cares about most.

The Jixia Academy of Qi produced talents who spread throughout the seven states. If this Qin academy is truly like the Jixia Academy, then Han Fei teaching here cannot be considered a betrayal of his homeland.

Moreover, he cited the example of the Jixia Academy and his mentor Xunzi, appealing to their emotions and reasoning, transforming "staying in Qin" into "spreading the Way throughout the world." This move was truly ingenious!

"Jixia Academy, the Great Qin Academy..."

Han Fei spoke slowly, as if carefully choosing each word, "Are truly scholars, regardless of nationality, capable of learning and transmitting knowledge that benefits the entire world?"

"I can guarantee this," Zhou Wenqing stepped forward, his words firm and certain. "This is absolutely our ultimate goal in establishing the Great Qin Academy. In the near future, all people in the world will be able to enroll, and education will be available to all without discrimination."

As for how far into the future that is, or whether all the people of the world will eventually become one family under the Qin Dynasty... well, that's none of your business!

Han Fei stared straight at him, his expression complex.

The next moment, Wei Liao also stood up, hands behind his back, his expression calm yet solemn, "Liao can also vouch for it."

Han Fei's gaze slowly moved among the three men, finally settling on the King of Qin.

Ying Zheng did not speak, but simply looked at him with a smile, his eyes showing no coercion, only pure waiting and respect.

a long time.

Han Fei swallowed hard, then slowly bowed deeply.

"Thanks to the King of Qin's favor, your humble servant... is willing to go."

Zhou Wenqing couldn't help but smile slightly, feeling a sense of relief.

It became.

This toughest nut to crack has finally been firmly cracked.

He smiled inwardly to himself.

Isn't this similar to the "surrender to Han but not to Cao" approach?

Though his body was in Qin, his heart was in Han; he established himself through learning, not bound by the shackles of being a subject.

But the work still goes on!

Moreover, given Your Majesty's magnanimity and King Han's shortsightedness, will he truly become like Guan Yu, remaining "loyal to Han" and never "returning to Qin"...?

Hehe, well, that's hard to say~

Take it one step at a time. Start by being a legal teacher. This kind of work requires a certain "ability" to thrive. Just thinking about the mountain of paperwork piled up in my own residence...

Zhou Wenqing and Li Si exchanged a glance, both seeing the eagerness in each other's eyes.