Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

After Han Fei rode away, the gatekeepers on both sides of the pass slowly pushed the gates shut while wiping away cold sweat.

A young gatekeeper, still shaken, couldn't help but whisper:

"My goodness, this is truly an eye-opening experience! This is the first time I've ever seen Wang Jian! Luckily, the gatekeeper recognized him, otherwise we would have been killed with a single sword strike!"

"Shut your mouth, are you out of your mind?" The old gatekeeper next to him immediately shoved him, cursing in a low voice, "Didn't you hear the envoy say it was a secret mission? If you say another word, he'll come back and behead you right now!"

The young gatekeeper immediately shrank back and dared not speak again.

The tall, thin man next to them, however, was a restless and active person. His eyes darted around, and he stepped in to smooth things over:

"Brother Wang, don't be so serious. The magistrate has long since left. We're not ignorant, we won't tell anyone."

As he spoke, he reached out and nudged the young gatekeeper's shoulder, then leaned close to his ear and whispered, his voice filled with curiosity as he inquired:

"You saw that was the King's Sword? What did it look like? My mind went blank and I knelt down without even seeing a scabbard!"

Upon hearing this, the old gatekeeper glared at the two men, his eyes filled with a stern warning.

The two instantly understood each other's signal and immediately fell silent.

Just then, the gate closed and the bolt fell shut. The men returned to their places, and as they passed each other, the tall, thin man couldn't help but wink at the young gatekeeper and whisper:

"We'll change shifts soon. Let's talk about it when we're back at camp and no one's around."

"Speak, speak, speak! All you ever do is talk nonsense!" The old gatekeeper spat out angrily, his face dark.

"If you continue to spread rumors, I'll report to the gatekeeper and have you both stay here all night, get some fresh air, and clear your heads!"

Seeing that he was truly angry, the tall, thin man dared not laugh anymore and repeatedly begged for mercy:

"I was wrong, Brother Wang. Don't be angry. In the past, we only saw urgent military reports being sent from outside to inside overnight. This is the first time I've encountered someone carrying the King's token and rushing out from inside. You might not see this even once in your life. I was just curious. Please calm down, I won't say anything more."

The old gatekeeper glared at him, about to reprimand him again—

"The Imperial Commandant Liao is here with the tiger tally, ordered by the King to leave the pass. Open the gate immediately!"

A low shout suddenly rang out.

A dark figure rode up on horseback, and from nowhere behind, a group of light cavalry, also dressed in black and riding black horses, suddenly appeared and silently approached the pass, as if they had grown out of the night.

Wei Liao took out the tiger tally and the travel document specially approved by the king to facilitate his pursuit of Zhou Wenqing from his bosom, raised them high, and flashed them in the torchlight. The bronze tally shone with a cold, dark light that was dazzling to the eye.

The gatekeeper dared not delay for a moment, and hurriedly stepped forward to check. He examined the items several times before taking a deep breath, returning them with both hands, taking a half step back, and clasping his hands in a fist salute, saying:

"Verification complete. This humble general respectfully escorts you to the Imperial Commandant!"

Then he quickly stepped back and beckoned for someone to open the door immediately.

The gatekeepers realized what was happening and hurriedly rushed towards the door bolt.

The door, which had just been closed, opened again, and a tall, thin man stood to the side, gripping a long spear in both hands, his lips tightly closed, eyes downcast, as if he wanted to shrink himself into a ball of air.

Seeing the gate open, Wei Liao's gaze slowly swept over the doorman who was bowing and waiting to the side. His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable air of authority:

"Everything that happens tonight is classified. None of you are to divulge a single word of it. Anyone who disobeys will be executed!"

The gatekeeper quickly replied, "Yes, sir! I understand. Nothing happened tonight."

As soon as he finished speaking, the guards behind him all lowered their heads, especially the young guard, who wished he could bury his head in his collar.

Wei Liao nodded in satisfaction and led the troop of light cavalry behind him away.

The heavy city gate slowly closed again. This time, the old gatekeeper didn't need to warn or knock anymore. Everyone consciously kept their mouths shut, and the only sound was the creaking of the door hinges.

On the official road, Wei Liao and his companions rode steadily behind Han Fei, deliberately keeping a distance from him, following at a leisurely pace.

A cool night breeze swept over him, making his robes flutter. Wei Liao gripped the reins, seemingly expressionless as he stared ahead, but inwardly he was grinding his teeth.

This is Zhou Wenqing.

He knew that those calls of "brother" wouldn't be pleasant!

Recalling the previous two nights, he was staring at the map, racking his brains about how to send Han Fei out of the pass without revealing his group's whereabouts.

As a result, Zicheng leaned over with a wandering gaze and greeted him casually, saying that he "had his own way to help Hanzi get out of the country" and that he didn't need to worry. He just needed to ask him to help clean up the mess after Hanzi left the country.

At the time, he was secretly pleased, thinking that the other party had come up with some brilliant idea that would save him the trouble of dealing with various parties. But it turned out that this "solution" was to lend Wang Jian out.

It's better to let him have his own headache!

Wei Liao took a deep breath of the howling wind and slowly exhaled, trying to maintain a calm expression as she pondered how to clean up the mess for this audacious "younger brother".

Sigh! He, a dignified Grand Commandant, now seems to be someone who cleans up other people's messes. What kind of mess is this?

In fact, Wei Liao also privately believed that as long as the soldiers guarding the pass could keep quiet, the matter of Zhou Wenqing lending the King's Sword without permission would not be leaked.

Given Han Fei's character and integrity, his decision to leave the pass with the sword this time was solely to ensure a smooth return to his country from Qin. Even the use of the royal sword was done without his knowledge, and he would never again use this significant symbol in the future.

Even with the King's sword in hand and such a heavy responsibility, there was still an additional shackle preventing him from wholeheartedly seeking death, in case he was caught off guard.

But... things are unpredictable, and there are always unexpected events.

How about we find an opportunity to try and switch things out?

Wei Liao pondered to himself, knowing that Han Zi would most likely not open the sword box again to check.

If you've seen it, then he made the right choice in changing it!

"Zicheng, Zicheng, you really know how to give me a hard time."

------

Chen County, Song Prefecture.

The three days passed quietly and peacefully.

Zhou Wenqing did not ask about Han Fei's whereabouts again, and Fusu and Li Yi did not dare to bring it up. Yao Jia was alone and sad for a day, but then returned to normal and busied himself with assisting in the reorganization of Chen County.

During this period, Zhou Wenqing briefly and subtly mentioned the matter of the charity hall to Magistrate Hu, Magistrate Shen, and Xiao and Cao.

At the end of the Warring States period, the world was in chaos and people's livelihoods were devastated. There was no official institution in the world that could take in orphans, the poor, and provide relief to the elderly and weak.

Not to mention charitable halls, even dilapidated temples and shrines that could temporarily shelter the poor and destitute were few and far between at this time.

However, there were folk mutual aid organizations called "she" that existed, where villagers would pool their money and grain to help the poor and vulnerable during years of disaster or sacrificial rites.

However, those who usually receive assistance are mostly orphans from the same clan, relying on their clan rather than the government.

Therefore, the concept of charitable halls proposed by Zhou Wenqing is a completely new and unheard-of regulation at present.

There are no precedents to follow, no old systems to abide by, and the advantages and disadvantages, the difficulties and ease, and whether it can be implemented are all unknown.

Therefore, Zhou Wenqing decisively handed over the decision of how to proceed and whether to proceed to these "think tanks" for consideration.

However… he looked into Xiao He’s gleaming eyes.

Perhaps, when he returns from his mission to Qi and goes back to Chen County, this place will give him a great surprise.

But now, he is about to set off.

Calculating the journey, it would only take two or three days to travel from Chenjun to Xinzheng at a fast pace, but he has been staying in Chenjun for five days.

Mr. Wei Liao can no longer claim that he broke his promise, can he?

Cough cough! Recalling the reckless things he had done and the mess he had left for his brother to clean up, Zhou Wenqing touched his nose guiltily.

Let's wait one more day.

……

The following morning, the weather was fine and sunny, with not a cloud in the sky, perfect for a long journey.

Everything has been handed over properly, and the vehicles and personnel in the mansion are all ready.

Xiao He, Cao Can, and others saw Zhou Wenqing off at the city gate, watching him board the carriage and set off. The wheels rolled and slowly drove away from Chen County, heading towards the State of Qi.

Inside the spacious carriage, soft cushions were laid out, and the furnishings were comfortable and elegant.

Fusu sat upright beside the table, skillfully rinsing the cup, adding tea leaves, and pouring water. After a smooth and efficient process, he handed a cup of tea to Zhou Wenqing with both hands.

Zhou Wenqing took it, took a sip, and gave Fusu an approving look.

This kid's tea skills are getting better and better, he's almost catching up with Li Yi!

Fusu's lips curled up slightly, and he lowered his eyes, pretending not to care as he continued washing the cups, but his eyes were sparkling.

Happy!

Both of them were content and at peace, enjoying the tranquility of life, except for one person who felt out of place.

Liu Bang sat opposite him, curled up in the cushions like a crumpled piece of clothing, his head drooping, his eyes fixed on Zhou Wenqing with a resentful and bored look, as if he had the words "Let me out" etched on his forehead.

He felt an itch in his bones from sitting so long, and the bitter aroma of the tea made him feel like he was turning into dried meat, making him feel uncomfortable all over.

Zhou Wenqing had already noticed that gaze, but he pretended not to see it, slowly sipped his tea, and even squinted his eyes in great enjoyment.

Yes, it was arranged on purpose; Liu Bang was in the same carriage as him.

Zhou Wenqing naturally wouldn't do as Liu Bang suggested and just cramm Fan Kuai and Lu Wan into any old supply wagon. Instead, he specially arranged for them to ride in a shock-absorbing, comfortable carriage to prevent aggravating their wounds and ensure their safe arrival at their destination.

As for Liu Bang—of course, he couldn't just let him ride around aimlessly.

What if this guy is full of energy and gets lost halfway through?

It's still most reassuring to keep them close by.

Therefore, Zhou Wenqing could tolerate the gaze, and even find it quite interesting, but Fusu could not.

He felt a chill run down his spine from the sight of him out of the corner of his eye.

He casually picked up an empty cup from the table, filled it about seven-tenths full, and pushed it in front of Liu Bang: "Liu, are you tired? Why don't you have a cup of tea to relieve your fatigue?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bang forced a smile, thanked him, and quickly took the teacup, then gulped it down.

The next second—

"Ouch! It's so hot!"

He gasped for breath, his tongue swirled in his mouth, tears welled up in his eyes, and his features scrunched up before he finally managed to swallow.

Fusu was startled and stared at him in disbelief, then turned his head to look at the tea stove in his hand.

How can it not be hot? It was just boiled!

Didn't this person see it with their own eyes? How could they still dare to pour it directly into their mouth?

"Liu, Liu Tingzhang...are you alright?"

Fusu handed over a handkerchief with admiration in his eyes.

Liu Bang took the handkerchief and wiped his mouth haphazardly, then fanned himself with his hand. His tongue was still numb, and he spoke with a lisp, yet he still managed to make a mumbled joke:

"N-nothing...it's just that my tongue feels...a little overcooked, but it's nothing serious."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wenqing finally couldn't help but chuckle softly, his hand holding the teacup trembling slightly.

Upon seeing Zhou Wenqing finally look at him, Liu Bang instantly forgot the burning pain on his tongue and stopped hissing and panting pitifully. He leaned forward slightly, a fawning smile plastered on his face.

"Sir, you see, I'm just a rough man, I can't shake off my rustic habits, and I don't understand the elegance of scholars at all. I really can't stand this fine tea. Leaving it in the carriage would be a complete waste of your good tea. How about..."

He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, looking at Zhou Wenqing expectantly, secretly waiting for the other party to speak up.

Zhou Wenqing simply smiled and looked at him quietly, without saying a word, showing no intention of responding at all.

Liu Bang's face fell, then his eyes darted around, his mind racing, and he quickly changed to a more respectable and plausible explanation:

"How about I go out and keep an eye on those two hotheads, Fan Kuai and Lu Wan, so they don't ruin the master's things!"

Zhou Wenqing turned his head to look at him, slightly puzzled.

He guessed that Liu Bang couldn't sit still here, but how did the conversation veer towards those two innocent wounded soldiers?

Liu Bang chuckled, patted his chest, and continued:

"Sir, you see, among my brothers, I'm probably the most refined and polite, right? Yet I've still ruined your fine tea. My two brothers are even more unsophisticated; I'm afraid they might be clumsy and damage your carriage. What a disservice that would be to your good intentions!"

"How about I go and keep an eye on things for you?"

After saying that, he looked at Zhou Wenqing with anticipation.

So that's the twisted logic!

It seems he was so frustrated he had no other choice but to drag his good brother out and throw two buckets of dirty water on him as a shield.

Zhou Wenqing found it amusing, but his words were utterly unforgiving as he leisurely spoke:

"It's alright, Chief Liu, there's no need to worry. Lu and Fan are both brave men, straightforward in nature, and heroes who protect Chen County. It's just a carriage; if it breaks, it's nothing to be concerned about."

"As for you, Liu Tingzhang, you personally promised that you would make meritorious contributions on this journey and go to Xianyang with Lords Xiao and Cao to make your mark. Now that the two brave men are still injured and unable to exert themselves, their safety along the way will probably require you to stay by my side and protect them closely."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bang straightened up abruptly, almost jumping up on the spot in his anxiety.

He can ride outside and guard them!

Just like Guard Li, galloping on horseback, sword at his side, cloak billowing, when thirsty he would tear off the leather pouch at his waist and drink a mouthful of strong liquor—how majestic! How exhilarating!

He was about to speak when Zhou Wenqing preemptively raised her hand, gently cutting him off. Her tone was gentle, yet every word was deadly:

"Therefore, Liu Tingzhang must not leave. Listen to my arrangements. After this matter is over and we return to the capital, I will report the truth to the King and record your merits. I will never break my promise."

Liu Bang was speechless for a moment.

Oh no, does that mean he'll have to suffer in this carriage filled with the smell of bitter tea the whole way?

Just then, Li Yi suddenly knocked on the car window.

"Sir, a scout reports that a light cavalry force is rapidly approaching us in the distance, looking menacing. It might be..."

"What?!"

Before Li could finish speaking, Liu Bang slammed his hand on the table and jumped up:

"How dare they offend the delegation!"

He rolled up his sleeves, his face full of righteous indignation, but his voice revealed an undisguised excitement of "liberation."

"Mr. Zhou, I'll go out and meet them right away!"

------

I just found out that some places only finished the college entrance exam today. Congratulations! I wish everyone success in achieving their goals and standing out from the crowd!