Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Fusu's dignified posture and impeccable manners perfectly filled the momentary void.

Qiaosong, Zhou Wenqing murmured the name in his heart, narrowed his eyes slightly, and finally caught the source of the vague feeling that was wrong earlier.

On the mountain grows the hibiscus, in the marshland grows the lotus...

On the mountain stand pine trees by the bridge, in the marshland swim dragons...

Excerpted from "The Book of Songs: Zheng Feng: There is a Fusu Tree on the Mountain".

Speaking of which, this kid's skill in choosing an alias is comparable to General Meng's; they're both so... honest.

That makes it very difficult for him to guess.

Prince Fusu, the child he had been waiting for so long, known in history for his benevolence but whose fate was also tragic, finally stood before him in all his life.

He's an honest kid.

Suppressing his anticipation and secret joy, Zhou Wenqing calmly observed the young boy before him.

The boy's features had not yet fully developed, but one could already glimpse his handsome profile, which resembled his father's. However, the lines between his eyebrows were softer, lacking some of the sharpness and profundity that belonged to Ying Zheng, and possessing more of the clarity that belonged to this age, as well as a kind of calmness that came from strict upbringing.

"Brother Zhao's teaching is excellent!"

Zhou Wenqing raised his eyebrows with admiration, gave Ying Zheng a thumbs up and smiled, "To have such a fine son, who is quick-witted and composed at such a young age, and even more remarkable is his politeness and composure. Truly, like father, like son. With a little guidance, he will surely become a pillar of society."

First, give me some praise, then let me think about how to win the child over.

"Ah! Brother Zicheng is absolutely right." Li Si nodded repeatedly, casually rolled up his sleeves, and gave Zhou Wenqing a thumbs-up in a seemingly respectful manner. "What a perfect 'like father, like son'! Brother Zicheng's analogy is truly apt!"

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng was even more pleased, as he was already satisfied and delighted by Fusu's excellent performance.

Perhaps it was the rural setting, or perhaps it was the natural instinct of parents to love their children, but beneath his usual composed and authoritative demeanor, he couldn't help but reveal more of his fatherly joy, and even his deep eyes were filled with a hearty smile.

"Hahaha, Brother Zicheng, you flatter me." He said modestly, but his hand had already gently landed on Fusu's head, rubbing it lightly with a natural and affectionate gesture. "This child still has many shortcomings and a long way to go."

Fusu obediently lowered his head, letting his father's hand stroke his hair. Under his sleeve, his little hands had already quietly clenched, and his lowered eyes couldn't hide his excitement.

The king had not treated him like this for a long time.

He wasn't complaining; it was just that whenever he saw his father lifting his younger brother Huhai high up and playing with him, even though he knew he should be more dignified, a sense of envy would still creep into his heart.

Fusu couldn't remember when his father had become increasingly busy, but he was well aware of the heavy responsibilities on his father's shoulders. So he studied and practiced writing even harder, strictly controlled his words and actions, and tried his best to grow into the gentleman described in the books. But his father's gaze seemed to be drifting further and further away from him.

Fusu... doesn't know what to do.

Those teachers could teach him to read and write, and they could teach him etiquette and law, but they couldn't teach him this, and he... couldn't ask them either.

He could only watch helplessly as something seemed to separate him from his father, and little by little, he became... unlike the father he was as a child.

Perhaps this is what growing up will look like; he can only accept it with regret and reluctance.

But now...

When Ying Zheng withdrew his hand, Fusu looked up at Zhou Wenqing again, and his clear eyes were filled with a completely different light. His big eyes were bright and sparkling, full of expectation and eagerness.

Just a word of praise from Mr. Zhou is enough to earn such rare closeness and recognition from his father. If he can truly become Mr. Zhou's disciple, study diligently, and make progress... will his father's eyes show even more pride for him?

At this moment, the slight regret of not being able to become a disciple of Chunyu Yue, a Confucian scholar he once admired, was completely forgotten.

This is the master teacher he has been waiting for!

Just as Zhou Wenqing's gentle gaze fell upon him, Fusu took a deep breath, took a steady step forward, and faced Zhou Wenqing alone.

He first subconsciously and quickly straightened his already perfectly tidy collar and cuffs, then raised his hands, neatly folded them in front of his chest, and bowed deeply to Zhou Wenqing, the curve of his back bent perfectly and respectfully.

"gentlemen."

He spoke, his voice still somewhat childish, yet each word was clear, as he tried to suppress the slight tremor at the end of his sentence caused by excitement.

"Qiaosong... Qiaosong admires your talent and learning, and respects your benevolence even more. You teach the children in the village and enlighten them from their ignorance. Moreover, I have heard about your talent and character from my father. Although I am dull-witted, I yearn for it."

He straightened up slightly, but not fully raised his head. His gaze respectfully fell on the ground in front of Zhou Wenqing. He paused briefly, carefully choosing his words and preparing his speech before continuing:

"Qiaosong knows that he is young and inexperienced, and his knowledge is limited. However, Qiaosong's desire to learn is sincere, and he is not afraid of the cold or heat, nor of hardship. He earnestly requests that the teacher not abandon Qiaosong's mediocre talent, but allow him to be placed under the tutelage of the master, to serve by his side, and to listen to his teachings!"

After speaking, he remained bowed, motionless, only his slightly trembling, tightly pursed lips betraying his extreme tension and anticipation.

He did not wait for his father to make a decision, nor did he look to Ying Zheng for support. Instead, as a student, he independently and solemnly made his most sincere request to his teacher.

This is not merely a thirst for knowledge, but more like a child carefully and solemnly striving for a path that will make his most revered father proud.

The courtyard fell silent for a moment.

Ying Zheng was clearly taken aback by Fusu's rare initiative, and then his eyes filled with satisfaction and appreciation.

I always thought that Fusu was gentle and kind, but lacked a bit of sharpness and decisiveness.

In retrospect, it is perhaps because the imposing walls and complex rituals of the Zhangtai Palace in Xianyang inadvertently restricted the natural instincts of children.

However, perhaps Fusu and Zhou Wenqing were truly destined for each other, otherwise how could they have become so compatible and fond of each other after only one meeting?

Bringing him here, to Zhou Wenqing, was perhaps the best choice.

His thoughts raced, he sighed softly, stepped forward, and stood half a step behind Fusu, his gaze calmly fixed on Zhou Wenqing.

"Brother Zicheng," Ying Zheng's voice was steady and clear, "What my son said is also what I wish for. I wonder if Brother Zicheng... could you allow him to stay by your side, to receive more instruction, and to test his character and potential in daily life? If, after some time, you feel that this child is still worth shaping..."

He paused briefly, raised his hands, and solemnly bowed to Zhou Wenqing, his tone becoming increasingly earnest:

"Could you please ask Brother Zicheng to take him under your wing and provide him with guidance?"

Now that my son has taken the initiative to show his mind, how could Ying Zheng be unwilling to cooperate? At this moment, he is not issuing an edict as a king, but as a father, for the sake of his son's future and character, making an equal and solemn request to a virtuous and capable person he truly recognizes.

Or rather, before coming here, he had repeatedly considered many preludes and arguments while in his carriage, but always felt there was a layer between them.

In this situation, the son is sincere in his desire to learn, the father is earnest in his entrustment, and the teacher has the right to make a decision. This is the most natural and ideal situation in his mind.

Zhou Wenqing's affable demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression.

Regardless of whether the request came from the greatest emperor of all time, all of today's events were things he secretly hoped for and intentionally brought about, so why would he refuse?

He did not immediately go to help Fusu, who was still bowing, but turned to Ying Zheng first, returned the bow properly, and answered seriously.

"Brother Zhao, you flatter me. What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such a heavy responsibility? However, the young master's sincerity is evident, and Brother Zhao's trust in him is so profound that I... dare not take it lightly."

He then turned around, stretched out his hands, and steadily supported Fusu's arms, helping him up.

Fusu straightened up with his help, her face still flushed with nervousness and anticipation, but her eyes were bright and clear, staring intently at Zhou Wenqing.

Looking into his clear eyes, Zhou Wenqing said gently, "Qiaosong, since you have this intention and your father also has this expectation, it would be unreasonable of me to refuse again."

He paused, then his tone softened: "You can stay by my side for now."

"Fantastic!" Fusu almost cheered.

Without the slightest hesitation, Fusu stepped back and performed an even more solemn salute, his voice clear and resonant:

"Student Qiaosong thanks you, sir. I will study diligently and cultivate my character to live up to your and my father's expectations!"