Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Xiao He could hardly believe his ears.

He turned his head sharply and glared at Cao Can—his colleague who was always upright, serious, and never smiled, a prison clerk with a stern demeanor, and could be considered the most upright person in Pei County.

But at this moment, a mischievous smile, which he couldn't even hide, was clearly playing on the corners of his lips. His eyes were slightly curved, and his eyes were full of the pleasure of watching a good show.

It turns out that even the usually composed and confident Xiao Yuan has such an embarrassing moment. It's a rare opportunity, and it would be a real shame not to make fun of him!

Xiao He's chest heaved as he took a deep breath.

It’s over.

The world has changed!

Even Cao Shen was led astray.

It's all because of those two reckless and unreliable people who talk big!

Xiao He completely ignored his "exemplary" role when he played the "coward" back then, and immediately turned his gaze to Liu Bang and Fan Kuai with grief and indignation.

Lu Wan was grimacing and clutching the bandage on her shoulder, feigning pain and pitifulness, trying to get away with it by playing the victim. Her eyes darted around, and she didn't dare to look him in the eye.

Liu Bang reacted even faster. The instant he saw that the attempt to smooth things over had failed, he shrank his neck, bent his body, and took a few quick steps to hide behind Fan Kuai, without even revealing a corner of his clothes.

Poor Fan Kuai was already struggling to sit up from his bed, and now he had become a shield, enduring Xiao He's furious and clenched-teeth glare—and he couldn't escape it.

Fan Kuai looked completely bewildered. After struggling for a while, he finally managed to squeeze out a dry sentence:

"Brother Xiao, don't be angry. It's just... a love of paper. I'll send you two rolls tomorrow."

The room was completely silent.

The next second—

"Pfft—hahahaha!"

Laugh out loud.

Lu Wan was the first to lose control, laughing so hard his shoulders shook, which aggravated his wound. This time it really hurt, so much so that he gasped for breath, his expression contorted, laughing and gasping for air, tears almost streaming down his face.

Liu Bang laughed so hard he couldn't straighten up. He clutched his stomach and leaned against the edge of the couch, half-leaning to support himself. If it weren't for Fan Kuai's injuries, he would have loved to put his arm around his brother's shoulder and praise him.

Of course, this didn't stop him from slapping his thigh and looking at Fan Kuai with a face full of amazement:

"Kuai, I've discovered you're truly a master of silence, but when you do speak, it's astounding! Hahahaha!"

Fan Kuai belatedly realized what was happening, his face flushed slightly, and he scratched his head sheepishly, but also smiled.

Even Zhou Wenqing turned his head away, clenched his fist and coughed lightly twice, but the curve of his eyes could not be suppressed, hiding a clear and shallow smile.

Only Xiao He stood there, expressionless, with his eyes tightly shut.

Row.

Anyway, I've already lost all face.

So be it!

He took a deep breath, and when he opened his eyes again, the embarrassment on his face had faded, replaced by a "what's the use" attitude.

"Yes, He has indeed long admired Zhou Neishi."

Xiao He turned to Zhou Wenqing, bowed respectfully, and spoke with a tone that was even more open and composed than before:

"Sir, your papermaking benefits the people, salt production helps the people, agriculture strengthens the foundation, and education enlightens the mind. Each of your new policies has benefited the whole country and all people. Although I live in Pei County, I have long heard of your achievements and yearn to see them. I regret that I cannot meet you."

He paused, glanced at Liu Bang, hesitated for a moment, and then continued, "What Liu Ji said just now, although... a bit crude, is not entirely unjust to me. I did indeed gaze at the things you created, sir, for a long time, pondering and contemplating them."

Having never spoken so candidly and frankly in front of others before, Xiao He felt his tongue was burning with embarrassment, and his words were tinged with a bit of restraint, pausing slightly between each utterance.

But when his gaze fell upon the elegant and composed figure before him, his initial unease vanished, replaced by relief and sincerity.

"Upon hearing the tragic news of your assassination, I was deeply grieved and sighed repeatedly, lamenting the loss of a wise and talented man and the loss of a guiding light for the people."

His voice lowered, then slowly rose again, "Today I am fortunate to see you safe and sound, and even more so to have been rescued in your time of need and recommended to work with you—this is truly the greatest fortune of my life!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wenqing was stunned for a moment, completely dumbfounded.

Although he knew that Xiao He was "sighing at the sight of the paper," he always believed that it was an affirmation of the new policies he had implemented and the new things he had created, similar to the joy and regret of a fellow traveler, rather than directed at "Zhou Wenqing" as a person.

After all, in his preconceived notion, Xiao He was the one he should respect and even look up to.

He was a peerless talent scout who discovered talent under the moonlight; a wise prime minister who stabilized the country, comforted the people, consolidated the state, and brought peace to the common people; he was the top meritorious official in the early Han Dynasty; he is a renowned minister whose name shines brightly in the Records of the Grand Historian and who is still praised by people after thousands of years.

In the past, when he read history books, he would write dense annotations in the margins of the pages, praising Xiao He for his wisdom in appearing foolish, his insightful forbearance, and his unwavering commitment to his original aspirations and his successful completion of his mission.

How could someone like that be... called a guiding light?

"The people have lost a guiding light"—these words coming from Xiao He's mouth are like the statue of a sage in the Confucian temple suddenly stepping down from the altar, patting him on the shoulder and saying, "You did a good job."

This is so unreal!

Now, he was the one who was at a loss, his ears turning red.

Zhou Wenqing waved his hand hastily, his voice tinged with panic and confusion as he stammered:

"Mr. Xiao, you flatter me. Wenqing is unworthy of such praise. I have only done my duty.

Although he subconsciously declined, his eyes shone with a subtle light, and anyone could clearly see the excitement and joy he couldn't hide.

Xiao He!

This is Xiao He!

Zhou Wenqing mentally reviewed those words again, trying hard to suppress the urge to smile and appear as composed, calm, and unperturbed as possible, secretly indulging in a moment of smugness.

Han Fei, standing to the side, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and his gaze slowly fell on Zhou Wenqing's face, which was trying hard to keep his composure but still betrayed his thoughts.

Unbeknownst to many, the once nameless young retainer under the King of Han, who was abandoned and sent to Qin, has now risen to such heights after weathering many storms and forging ahead step by step.

He was relied upon by the imperial court, remembered by the people, and admired by wise ministers; he had become someone the world looked up to, followed, and respected.

He took in Zhou Wenqing's series of expressions without making a sound, and couldn't help but raise his eyebrows slightly, clicking his tongue inwardly.

I never expected Zicheng to fall for this.

In the Xianyang court, who was it that debated fiercely with the ministers, refusing to yield an inch, and infuriating others to the point of vomiting blood in court? Before the King, who was it that spoke eloquently and argued logically, never becoming arrogant because of the King's favor? And in Chenjun, on the brink of life and death, who calmly devised a plan and divided troops to break through the siege?

Zicheng, who is like this, is so happy that his eyes light up and he can't help but smile when he is praised and admired by others.

It's rare.

Han Fei lowered his eyes, looking at the tea leaves floating in the cup, a subtle, indescribable feeling rising in his heart.

So, back then, they considered each other close friends, yet they were so sharp-tongued towards me. Was it because I didn't praise them enough, or because I didn't show enough admiration?

Han Fei asked himself honestly, and he realized that his appreciation and recognition of Zhou Wenqing was no less than that of Xiao He. However, Zhou Wenqing's attitude towards him at that time was sharp and aggressive from beginning to end, pressing him step by step and piercing his heart with every word, forcing him to almost collapse his Dao heart and reluctantly agree to the bet.

So, where did he go wrong?!

If Zhou Wenqing knew, he would definitely reply to him. How could a pre-acted, expected persona compare to this completely unexpected "surprise"?

Given Han Zi's stature, if you were to praise me, compliment me, or extoll me now, I would just as proudly swagger around and show you!

Unfortunately, Zhou Wenqing was completely unaware of Han Fei's inner thoughts. He was busy being polite and courteous to Xiao He, with one saying, "You flatter me, Mr. Xiao," and "I admire your noble character," while the other said, "You deserve it, sir," and "I dare not accept such praise." They were going back and forth, making quite a scene.