Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Zhou Wenqing deliberately chose to set off at dawn, intending to leave the city quietly before the morning fog dissipated, trying to keep a low profile.

However, he seriously underestimated the size of the group and his own importance in the hearts of the people of Xianyang—the news spread like wildfire as soon as the group left the alley.

As the carriage reached the main street, the people on both sides had spontaneously gathered around, watching the procession carrying "Zhou Neishi" from afar.

Even sitting in the carriage, Zhou Wenqing could hear the repeated calls of "Respectfully seeing off Inspector Zhou," "Take care, Inspector Zhou," and "Take care of yourself, Inspector Zhou." The voices were not loud, but they were constant.

They hadn't even left Xianyang City yet. If there were still dangers here, then Mr. Wei Liao wouldn't need to serve as the Grand Commandant. Besides, with layers of guards escorting them, and countless secret guards planted in the shadows, Zhou Wenqing felt quite at ease. He gently lifted the carriage curtain in response.

Before the morning light had fully illuminated the city, his face was somewhat blurred in the thin mist, but the people of Xianyang recognized his black official robe and his slender figure even with their eyes closed.

Someone started it, and a bunch of wildflowers was tossed from the crowd, landing on the cart shaft and rolling to the ground. Then, a second bunch, a third bunch... the petals fell and scattered all along the way.

Fusu sat opposite him, gazing at the scene of flowers dancing in the air, and said earnestly:

"Sir, you are truly a good official."

"The people are simple and honest." Zhou Wenqing turned his gaze away from outside the curtain. "I only did what an official should do, fulfilling my duty. Fusu, you should also do the same in the future, fulfilling... your duty."

"Yes, sir, Fusu has learned a lot." Fusu replied respectfully, but his gaze couldn't help but drift towards the window again.

As the procession approached a pavilion, several women peered out from the upper floor, some gazing out of windows, others covering their faces with handkerchiefs, curiously and quietly observing the commotion.

The morning light fell on the pearl hairpins in their hair, making them sparkle like scattered gold.

Fusu's eyes darted around, and the corners of his mouth subtly curved upwards.

"I saw people throwing flower petals, but I didn't see a single person throwing a handkerchief or a sachet." He sighed seriously.

"If you, sir, would allow it, matchmakers would be lining up at the gates of the Zhou residence. Everyone says that settling down and starting a career is the foundation of everything. You, sir, have already started your career. Why haven't you settled down and taken a wife yet?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Zhou Wenqing slapped him on the back of the head, not hard, just enough to make Fusu lower his head slightly.

"You've really picked up bad habits from Ah Zhu and Hu Hai; you're even making fun of the teacher now. If you keep talking nonsense, go back to your own carriage!"

He didn't mind Fusu making these little jokes; the child was too introverted, and Zhou Wenqing was trying to guide him to be more cheerful. But as for the lady... well, never mind.

He didn't want to be struck by lightning for messing up the generations.

"No, Fusu knows he was wrong." Fusu raised his head and shrank his neck. "My father said that I should follow you closely, sir. Please don't be angry, sir. I won't say anything more."

Perhaps it was because he was about to leave Xianyang, but this usually upright and proper young master showed a rare hint of youthful spirit. The restraint in his eyes disappeared, replaced by an indescribable vitality, like a willow bud just sprouting in spring, tender and full of fuzzy vigor.

He covered his head, secretly glancing up, his peripheral vision just catching a glimpse of the window—

A sachet flew straight toward the car window.

The embroidery is exquisite and exceptionally delicate, with pale yellow tassels tied around it, making it float lightly and draw a semi-circular arc in mid-air.

"Ah! Sir, there really is fragrance..." Fusu exclaimed, but his voice stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence.

"...It's alright now."

Li Yi didn't even draw his sword; he simply held the scabbard and lightly blocked the sachet, which bounced back, tumbling several times in the air before landing on the ground, covered in dirt.

He rode his horse to the side of the carriage window and nodded slightly to the dumbfounded Fusu: "Young master, be careful, don't peek out, and don't let any hidden weapons or debris disturb the master."

After saying that, he spurred his horse forward a few steps and returned to his position, as if nothing had happened.

hidden weapon?

Fusu's lips twitched, and he secretly glanced at Zhou Wenqing.

Zhou Wenqing was holding a teacup, slowly taking a sip, his face calm and composed, as if he hadn't seen anything, yet also as if he had, a slight smile of satisfaction curving his lips.

Fusu: He seemed to know why those matchmakers couldn't even step into the Zhou residence.

With Li Yi protecting him, let alone the matchmaker, even a harmless butterfly would have to be tested for poison and have its mouthparts removed before it could get close to the gentleman.

However, his presence does make people feel much more at ease.

Upon reaching the city gate, the procession suddenly stopped.

Before the people inside the carriage could react, Li Yi had already leaped off his horse and quickly lifted the carriage curtain: "Sir, young master, the King has arrived."

Zhou Wenqing: "!!!"

They've been keeping a low profile for nothing.

But now that we've reached the gates of Xianyang, is Your Majesty really going to come out of the city to see us off now that you've shown yourself?!

Fusu was also taken aback for a moment, then straightened his clothes, the boyish air on his face instantly disappeared, and he returned to being the proper and upright young master.

The two exchanged a glance and quickly got up and got out of the car.

The morning light slanted in through the city gate, casting a pale golden halo over the dark figure.

Ying Zheng stood with his hands behind his back, his crown tassels swaying gently in the breeze. His face was not clearly visible, but his imposing presence made people breathe more heavily even from a few steps away.

Behind him stood a row of officials, with Li Si at the very front. He nodded slightly to Li Si, while Wei Liao took the time to stroke his beard and look at him.

Zhou Wenqing took a deep breath, suppressing the surging emotions and gratitude in his heart. He raised his hand to carefully smooth out the wrinkles on his robe, and stepped forward side by side with Fusu. The two bowed together and solemnly performed a grand salute.

"Your Majesty, I have come to pay my respects."

"Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"My dear minister, there's no need for such formalities."

Before Zhou Wenqing could bend over completely, Ying Zheng reached out and firmly supported him.

"The journey is long and arduous for my Great Qin."

Having said that, he unfastened the sword from his waist and handed it to you: "This sword is given to you, granting you the power to execute first and report later, to slay the wicked above and eliminate evil spirits below."

As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at the officials following behind him.

"I hope this sword can clear away your confusion and cut through your thorns, and I look forward to your early triumph."

Zhou Wenqing took the sword with both hands, his palms touching the cold scabbard, and a mix of emotions welled up in his heart.

It's really long...

Before he could even give away his own swift sword, the king bestowed upon him the royal sword.

"Your Majesty..." His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice slightly hoarse, "I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's high expectations."

Ying Zheng looked at him, and the corners of his lips curved slightly, so slightly that it was almost imperceptible.

He didn't say anything more, but simply reached out and patted Zhou Wenqing on the shoulder.

"Go then, I will be in Xianyang, waiting for your return."

Then, Ying Zheng's gaze lingered on Zhou Wenqing's face for a moment, then looked at Fusu, nodded slightly, and turned to return to the city.

The officials hurriedly followed, their footsteps rustling and blending together on the bluestone path.

Zhou Wenqing held the sword, standing still, watching the dark figure gradually disappear into the distance. The morning light fell on the scabbard, giving it a warm glow.

Li Yi gently reminded him, "Sir, it's time to set off."

"Ah, let's set off." Zhou Wenqing came back to his senses and turned to walk towards the carriage.

After taking a couple of steps, he stopped and looked back at Xianyang City. The city walls were majestic, the banners fluttered in the morning breeze, and the soldiers on the city tower stood straight, like a row of deeply rooted trees.

On his journey to Qi, he vowed to gather all the wise and capable ministers and assist the king in achieving the unparalleled feat of "unifying the six kingdoms and the four seas," and even "unifying the continent and uniting the world"!

In high spirits, he strode into the carriage.

However, as soon as I stepped into the carriage, I froze.

Inside the carriage, Han Fei was leisurely pouring himself a fresh cup of tea from his teapot. Seeing him enter, he slowly raised his eyes.

"Zicheng is back. I'm really bored traveling alone. I hope Zicheng won't mind and can ride with me?"

Zhou Wenqing: "..."

When did you come in?!

He turned around abruptly and looked at Li Yi.

Li Yiyi pulled on the reins and rode straight to the front of the group.

I'm sorry, sir! I've done my best, but I really dare not get involved in the power struggle between you and your friend. It's best to slip away!

Zhou Wenqing's outstretched hand froze in mid-air: I was just praising you in my heart, come back here!

"Zicheng?" Han Fei's voice drifted from behind, unhurried and tinged with doubt. "What are you doing standing by the carriage curtain? The morning breeze is quite chilly; be careful not to catch a cold."

Zhou Wenqing took a deep breath, turned around, and sure enough, saw that Han Fei had already cleared the table and set up the chessboard.

"Traveling is boring. Zicheng should be free this time, so how about we play a game of Go?"