Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Liu Bang watched for a long time, listening to the room full of humble praises, such as "I dare not accept such praise" and "truly deserving of such praise." His ears were almost calloused when suddenly his eyes lit up.

He immediately raised his hand to haphazardly straighten his clothes, cleared his throat with an air of importance, strode forward and squeezed between the two, deliberately mimicking Xiao He's dignified bow from earlier. Unfortunately, his movements were more like two "bear paws" clasped together in a fist, his body arched dramatically, and he bowed deeply in an exaggerated manner, speaking loudly and loudly:

"Sir! I, Liu Ji, have the utmost respect for you!"

"You possess both the great talent to govern the country and the benevolence to care for the common people. You are decisive in your actions and kind to others, truly a perfect person of our time. Most importantly, you saved my life, Liu Ji. I admire you from the bottom of my heart and prostrate myself before you!"

These are all positive words, but when Liu Bang says them as "spectacular" and he adds them with his deliberately upright yet exaggerated gestures, all solemnity is stripped away, and instead they are full of humor and playfulness.

Everyone in the room couldn't help but laugh.

Zhou Wenqing's eye twitched slightly. He turned his head and exchanged a glance with Xiao He. Both of them had a look of bewilderment in their eyes.

The originally gentle, humble, and mutually respectful scene was completely interrupted by this person's joking and banter.

The two had no choice but to stop their mutual flattery and look at the unexpected "performer".

Zhou Wenqing helplessly raised his hand: "Director Liu is too kind. Please get up and speak."

Liu Bang immediately straightened up, a smile plastered on his face, and rubbed his two "bear paws" together, finally revealing his true intentions and getting down to business:

"Hehe, Your Excellency, you see, Brother Xiao and Brother Cao both have serious duties now, staying in Chen County to clean up the mess and manage civil affairs. Those are heavy responsibilities!"

"Chen County is currently in turmoil and in need of reconstruction. There are countless tasks to be done and a shortage of manpower. I think that the two of them alone will definitely be unable to handle the situation."

He straightened his back, displaying an air of unwavering righteousness, and spoke with a resounding tone:

"At this critical moment when the crisis in the prefectures and counties has just been resolved, it would be extremely unjust for me, Liu Ji, to simply pack up and return to Pei County alone!"

"Although I, Liu Ji, am not a great talent, I am quick and hardworking. I can lend a hand with both rough and fine work, and I have no problem with errands, patrols, and maintaining stability."

As he spoke, he didn't forget to mention his buddy beside him, quickly adding:

"And then there are my two good brothers, both strong, reliable, and hardworking! Brother Xiao and Brother Cao are still recovering from their injuries and are quite weak, so they need us roughnecks to run errands and share the burden. Of course, it's our honor, so..."

He drew out his words, gazing longingly at Zhou Wenqing.

"so--"

Zhou Wenqing crossed his arms, repeated the two words with a half-smile, his eyes full of understanding.

"Ahem." Liu Bang coughed lightly twice, then grinned so wide his eyes disappeared.

"So...when the Imperial Secretary returns to Xianyang and submits his report to the court to discuss merits, could you please also mention our brothers' hard work?"

"I don't ask for any further reward, just a mention in the merit book will suffice. Of course, if we can take advantage of this opportunity to go to Xianyang to broaden our horizons, when we return to Pei County, we brothers will have more face, and when we drink and brag with others, we'll have something to be proud of, won't we?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wenqing nodded slightly and replied earnestly:

"What Liu Tingzhang said makes sense. This matter is easy to handle. I will remember it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bang was overjoyed, his eyes brightening instantly. He rubbed his two "bear paws" together again, about to express his gratitude.

"It's just a pity..." Zhou Wenqing suddenly changed the subject, adding a hint of regret to his tone, and sighed softly.

"If you stay in Chen County, you are not as suitable as Xiao Yuan and Cao Yu Yuan. You will only be doing some running errands and the merits you can make will be limited."

"Originally, I was thinking that since this delegation was going to the State of Qi, where the situation was complicated, it would be very convenient to have someone who could be flexible and adaptable. Perhaps we could even have a chance to make some real contributions."

Liu Bang's smile froze slightly, and his hand-rubbing motion slowed down.

Zhou Wenqing pretended not to see and continued, "With Liu Tingzhang's talent, I think he is the most suitable. I originally intended to invite you to come along, but I did not expect you to be so loyal and righteous, thinking of the two brothers Xiao and Cao who are still injured, and insisting on staying to lend a hand."

He paused, his gaze falling on Liu Bang's face, his tone carrying a hint of sincere regret: "Since that's the case, then let it be arranged according to your wishes!"

After he finished speaking, he picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and exuded an air of nonchalance that said, "I respect your choice."

Liu Bang was speechless for a moment: "..."

The credit that was within my grasp just slipped through my fingers.

That won't do!

"No, sir!"

He jumped to his feet, beaming, and quickly and decisively changed his tune: "I was just saying it offhand! Please don't take it seriously!"

Zhou Wenqing looked up at him, slowly said "Oh," picked up his teacup and took another sip, a sly glint in his eyes.

"My personal feelings are nothing to worry about! Sir, there's no need for you to consider it; it was all my fault, Liu Ji, who was being inconsiderate!"

Liu Bang took half a step forward, his posture earnest, his words eloquent, and his speech full of selflessness and grand vision:

"Brother Xiao and Brother Cao are both calm and capable. They are more than capable of handling the aftermath and pacifying the people in Chen County. There is no need for me to add to the chaos."

"On the other hand, those who traveled far to Qi to accompany the envoy were facing a grueling journey and unpredictable situations, precisely when manpower was most needed to share the burden and contribute their efforts!"

He patted his chest, frankly stating his position, every word revealing his sensibility and understanding:

"It is my honor, Liu Ji, to be able to follow you, sir, to serve the mission, to share your burdens, and to go wherever you command!"

Lu Wan muttered softly from behind, "Brother Ji, this 'honor' came way too fast for you?"

"Don't speak!" Liu Bang snapped without turning his head, his eyes fixed on Zhou Wenqing, as if afraid he would utter a single word of "no".

Zhou Wenqing held his teacup, took a slow sip, put it down, looked up at Liu Bang, and finally spoke:

"So—Does Liu Tingzhang mean he's not staying in Chen County?"

"Of course!" Liu Bang slapped his thigh, answering decisively, "Chen Commandery has enough with Brothers Xiao and Cao! My purpose as Liu Ji is elsewhere!"

He paused, then suddenly realized he had been a bit too blunt, and quickly tried to backtrack, adopting a righteous and awe-inspiring expression:

"Of course, the main purpose is to share the burdens of the mission, sir! To share the burdens of the Qin Dynasty! As for merit or not—that's all incidental! Incidental!"

As he spoke, he even made a gesture of "a little bit" with two fingers, which immediately drew laughter from the room.