Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

—Qi State—

At 1:15 AM, as the sun rose higher, the Linzi Palace, specifically the Zhanghua Hall, opened its doors.

The State of Qi was wealthy, and even its palace gates were more spacious than those elsewhere. Inside the palace, gold and jade shone brightly, beaded curtains hung low, and bronze lamps were stacked in layers. The candlelight cast a warm glow throughout the palace, and even the air carried a faint scent of agarwood.

This elaborate and meticulous arrangement is completely different from the solemn, dignified, and imposing style of the Qin palaces.

Standing outside the palace at the foot of the jade steps, Zhou Wenqing gazed at the dazzling array of jewels and felt a little envious.

Perhaps because he had served as the Minister of Agriculture for so long, he always felt an urge to stuff the precious objects and gold and jade furnishings into his own national treasury when he saw them everywhere.

As expected, the State of Qi, which has enjoyed a century of peace and prosperity, truly has a deep-rooted wealth, and it is indeed... the envy of many.

The court assembly for the betrothal ceremony was still underway inside the main hall, with the intermittent sounds of courtiers greeting and responding faintly drifting to the steps.

Zhou Wenqing accompanied the delegation as a servant, but his rank was not high enough to enter the main hall. He could only wait here with the others in the delegation. Fusu, Yao Jia and others had already been led into the court by the palace servants. The high-ranking officials of Qi who were seated on both sides were dressed in formal attire, and the atmosphere in the hall was solemn.

He silently regained his composure and continued to look down at the tips of his shoes.

There were also many low-ranking officials from Qi standing nearby, who would occasionally glance at the Qin delegation before quickly looking away.

Zhou Wenqing could feel that fewer eyes were on him than on Fan Kuai behind him.

Perhaps it was because that person was exceptionally tall and conspicuous, while he, a mere servant in blue robes, was so inconspicuous, that he was content to stand quietly like this.

The sun was rising higher, and the summer heat was beginning to intensify, but that didn't matter, as the event inside the main hall was almost over.

It's nothing more than going through the motions: formally presenting credentials, paying respects to the monarch, exchanging a few diplomatic words, and wishing each other good relations. It doesn't take long before the real show of maneuvering and negotiation takes place, which is always the banquet that follows.

Sure enough, it was faster than he had imagined.

All that could be heard from inside the hall were the sounds of chanting and footsteps moving. Then, the eunuch announced in a drawn-out tone that the court assembly had ended, and after a short rest, they would move to another hall for the banquet.

Those guarding outside the hall also began to move. The orderly queue became loose. A few officials of high enough rank to attend adjusted their hats and walked proudly toward the side hall. The remaining officials who were not of high enough rank and had no chance to sit down left in twos and threes toward the palace gate.

Zhou Wenqing calmly observed the dispersing crowd, waiting for Fusu and the others to come out and join him. Suddenly, he heard a "whoosh whoosh" sound behind him, like a large bird flapping its wings.

He turned around in confusion and saw Liu Bang tugging at his collar, his face flushed and his forehead covered in fine beads of sweat.

Seeing him turn his head, Liu Bang stopped what he was doing, looking slightly embarrassed. He gave a sheepish smile, then lowered his voice and said in a flattering tone, as if seeking praise:

"Sir, I did exactly as you instructed. I was completely obedient, standing ramrod straight, and I didn't dare to move a single finger. My back was itchy for a long time, but I stubbornly refused to scratch it."

Zhou Wenqing raised an eyebrow, glancing at the collar of his shirt, which had been scratched open with several shallow creases:

"So what are you doing...?"

Liu Bang hurriedly straightened his wrinkled collar, then raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat rolling down his forehead, and explained with a forced smile:

"It's just that it's too hot outside, and I feel really stuffy wrapped up in this coat. Don't worry, sir, I only dared to secretly tug at my collar to let in some fresh air after everyone had left. And Fan Kuai was there to cover me up, so I definitely didn't bring shame to our Great Qin."

Zhou Wenqing turned to look at Fan Kuai, who was standing stiffly like a wooden stake, with beads of sweat on his forehead, and was quite speechless.

Before I left, I repeatedly told him to behave and not to move around, but I didn't make them stand in the stance!

Standing at attention under the blazing sun, who wouldn't feel hot?

However, I was fine in this weather. I was wearing a blue robe and I was always sensitive to cold, so I didn't feel hot. Liu Bang and Fan Kuai, on the other hand, were dressed in thick, tight-fitting guard uniforms, which made them feel uncomfortable and out of place.

Helplessly, he advised, "Stop pulling at your clothes. Just bear with it for now. It will cool down naturally once you're seated."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his heart finally settling down. His eyes darted around, and he took a half-step forward, lowering his voice even further, his face full of novelty and longing:

"Sir, is this the legendary royal palace and the assembly of court officials? This is the first time I've ever seen it in my life. It's a pity that Lu Wan is guarding the outer palace and doesn't have the fortune to see it. Look at the grandeur of this place. The palace gates exude magnificence, and everything is luxurious. It's really tempting, but it's a real shame that we can only look at it from the outside."

After saying that, he stroked his chin and began to imagine, his tone carrying a hint of eagerness:

"Once we return to Xianyang, if I can secure an official position, won't I be able to walk proudly into the main hall and see for myself what it's like inside? Our Qin palaces must be far superior to this one!"

As he got into the conversation, his tone unconsciously rose a few decibels for the last sentence.

Just as Zhou Wenqing was about to tell him to tone it down, he caught a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of his eye.

He was an old minister with white hair and beard, walking slowly out of the main hall. He happened to pass by not far away and, having probably heard the phrase "no worse than here," paused and glanced at him with a slightly unfriendly look.

His gaze was filled with undisguised scrutiny and hostility towards the Qin people, especially when it fell on Liu Bang, it even carried a hint of contempt and disgust.

Zhou Wenqing frowned slightly, then decisively raised his eyes to meet the other person's gaze.

The moment their eyes met, the old minister's expression grew even colder. He let out a cold snort, but said nothing. He simply flicked his sleeve and turned to leave.

Liu Bang belatedly realized that he had made a mistake by speaking loudly. His shoulders stiffened abruptly, and he was so guilty that he didn't dare to breathe. He quickly raised his hand to make a suffocating gesture, and cautiously glanced at Zhou Wenqing's expression. He dared not speak again.

Just then, Fusu, Yao Jia, and others were walking in this direction and joined the delegation.

Yao Jia glanced in the direction the old minister had just left, then turned to the side, lowered his voice, and explained softly:

"This gentleman just now is Tian Zhong. He holds the official position of Grand Advisor of Qi and is a distant relative of the Qi royal family. He is a fourth-generation descendant of the younger brother of King Wei of Qi and has a long and distinguished career in the Qi court."

No wonder, Liu Bang thought to himself, cursing his bad luck. He had only said one thing that made a bad comment about Qi Wang Gong, but unfortunately it had fallen into the ears of the person in question.

A hint of guilt flashed across his face: "I'm sorry... I couldn't control my mouth and caused you trouble."

It wouldn't cause any trouble, Zhou Wenqing knew that even if Liu Bang hadn't spoken, that man wouldn't have given them a friendly look.

If I remember correctly, the person Yao Jia specifically pointed out last night as someone to be wary of was Tian Zhong.

This man was opposed to the faction of Qi Xiang Hou Sheng and was the leader of the staunch anti-Qin faction in the court. He was inherently hostile to the Qin envoy and there was never any room for reconciliation.

However, Zhou Wenqing still took the opportunity to become serious and solemnly instructed, "After all, this is not your home turf. Be careful with your words and actions, and do not speak so loudly and recklessly, lest you give others a handle to use against you."

Liu Bang nodded repeatedly, appearing completely obedient and determined not to speak recklessly again.

Having resolved this minor incident, the group said no more and followed the eunuch's lead into the side hall of the banquet.

As soon as the palace doors opened, the warm light and aroma of wine from the Qi state banquet poured out, with layers of bronze tripods and lacquered plates laid out, and the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments rising up.

However, unlike the casual and relaxed atmosphere when they first met yesterday, Zhou Wenqing noticed the gazes cast from all directions as soon as he stepped inside, filled with undisguised scrutiny and assessment.

He exchanged a glance with Yao Jia, and instantly understood.

It seems that those in the Qi court who were well-informed already knew about Qin's conquest of Han and the pacification of Han territory.

According to the etiquette, the Qin envoys were seated on the east side of the hall, in the most honored seats among the guests. This was a respectable and prestigious position, but it also placed them in the center of the view of all the Qi officials, so that their every move was observed by everyone in the hall.

As the chief envoy and the crown prince of Qin, Fusu sat firmly at the main seat on the east side, his posture elegant and composed. Yao Jia sat in the second seat, his posture relaxed. As for Zhou Wenqing, he lowered his eyes and respectfully sat in the second seat behind the two.

The banquet has not yet officially begun.

Before the banquet officially began, not all the civil and military officials of Qi had returned to their posts. Many officials gathered in twos and threes in various places, talking in hushed tones.

Qi Xiang Hou Sheng had arrived early, dressed in the court robes of a prime minister. He kept a close eye on the Qin delegation's movements. As soon as he saw Fusu and the others take their seats, he immediately pushed aside the chatting officials around him, strode forward, and his face was full of appropriate, eagerness.

"Your Highness and all the envoys have traveled a long and arduous journey. Did you rest well in your lodgings last night? If there is anything lacking in your accommodations or expenses, please feel free to speak up. I will make sure to arrange everything properly and ensure that you are not neglected in the slightest while in Qi."

Fusu nodded slightly, his tone dignified and calm: "Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister. Everything is going smoothly for us. The accommodations are comfortable and well-appointed, and there has been no inconvenience."

Upon hearing this, Hou Sheng visibly relaxed, his smile becoming even more genuine, and promptly replied:

"Now I am completely relieved. You should know that the entire Qi state sincerely welcomes you envoys and wishes for our two countries to be good neighbors forever and never have any grudges. If I were to neglect you due to my negligence and affect the diplomatic relations between our two countries, that would truly be a sin."

He claimed he was afraid of being negligent, but his words repeatedly emphasized Qi's attitude and the diplomatic relations between the two countries, the deeper meaning of which was self-evident.

I practiced this problem last night!

Fusu's lips curled up, his expression becoming even more enthusiastic and sincere, and he calmly continued the conversation:

"Prime Minister, you flatter us. Qi's courteous manners and sincere hospitality demonstrate Qi's friendly intentions. Good relations bring peace to both countries, while conflict exhausts the people. Our Great Qin also sincerely hopes for lasting harmony between our two nations. How could we possibly hold a grudge over such a trivial matter?"

He deliberately pronounced the word "minor details" very clearly.

These words essentially gave Hou Sheng the reassurance he needed.

The Qin state had no intention of waging war against the Qi state.

The current situation is sensitive, and both sides are well aware of the "minor incidents" that are likely to occur at the banquet. Although Hou Sheng is willing to secretly control the situation, there are some people that he cannot completely control.

Therefore, he prepared for the banquet in advance, and at the same time, he intended to express his own position and test the attitude of the Qin state. Fusu then gave the other party the answer they wanted.

Both countries tacitly maintained this facade of friendly relations. However, Qin was using the pretense of goodwill to appease Qi in order to buy time and gradually erode the world. As for Qi... that was purely self-deception and burying its head in the sand.

After winning, his wish came true, and the smile on his face became bright and genuine.

Just then, the sounds of string and wind instruments in the hall changed in turn, and the courtiers who had been chatting quietly fell silent and returned to their seats. The palace banquet was about to officially begin.

Hou Sheng also took the opportunity to bow and say goodbye, "Young master, you are magnanimous and have an outstanding demeanor. I truly admire you. The banquet is about to begin, so I will not disturb you any longer. Please enjoy yourselves and have a good time."

Fusu nodded slightly, calmly raised his hand to return the courtesy, and watched Hou Sheng turn and leave.

After everyone was seated, he lowered his head, picked up the teacup in front of him, covered his lips with the rim of the cup, and asked in a low voice that only those at the table could hear:

"How about it, sir? Am I right?"

His tone held an undisguised joy and pride, like a boy who had just finished his studies and was eager to ask his teacher for confirmation and praise, his eyelashes drooping, but his ears already perked up.

Zhou Wenqing couldn't help but chuckle at the sudden contrast.

"Very good, it seems that Yao Keqing's time last night was not wasted at all."

Fusu did not turn around, but his lowered eyebrows subtly curved upwards.

In stark contrast to the relatively relaxed atmosphere on the Qin side, Hou Sheng's face darkened as soon as he sat down.

"Useless! It's one thing for that old scoundrel Tian Zhong to attend the banquet today on the occasion of his 'recovery from illness,' but I specifically instructed you to keep a close watch on things, lock up the banquet register, and forbid any other court officials, except those under my command, from getting close to the Qin delegation. Ideally, they shouldn't even be allowed to enter the palace. Is this how you do things?"

His gaze was fixed on the unfamiliar figure who had just moved away from Tian Zhongxi, his face so dark it could drip water.

"Where did that guy following that old scoundrel come from? I've never seen him before!"

His trusted aide's back stiffened, and he hurriedly bowed, saying in fear:

"Reporting to the Prime Minister, I have indeed locked the list as you instructed. Almost everyone in the court who could be associated with Tian Zhong's faction has been blocked. However, that person... that person... he is not an official in the court at all."

He is not a government official.

Hou Sheng frowned even more deeply, tapping the table with his fingertips more heavily and quickly, signaling his confidant to continue.

The confidant, not daring to hesitate, quickened his pace and defended himself:

"It's all that old scoundrel Tian Zhong's fault. He's cunning and treacherous. He knew we would be wary of our cronies in the court. He openly dealt with his subordinates to keep us in the dark, but secretly he took advantage of the situation and added a local official who was going to the court to report to the emperor to the banquet list."

He paused, cautiously glancing at Hou Sheng's expression, deliberately adding a hint of indignation at being outmaneuvered:

"My subordinate was focused on guarding against factions at court, which led to a lapse in judgment and I fell for his treacherous scheme. Please forgive me, Prime Minister!"

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Wishing everyone a safe and happy Dragon Boat Festival!