Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Thus, Ying Zheng found a wise and virtuous teacher for his eldest son, Fusu glimpsed the possibility of mitigating the growing pains on the road to adulthood, and Zhou Wenqing's long-planned move was finally realized. As for Li Si... his anxious heart calmed down, and he even got to watch a good show. It was a win-win situation for everyone.

Zhou Wenqing patted Fusu's still somewhat thin shoulder with satisfaction. The first step, the most important foundation, of his so-called "path to becoming a king's advisor" had finally been laid.

Fusu, the eldest son of the First Emperor, was described in history as resolute and brave, trustworthy and inspiring, kind-hearted and politically farsighted. If it weren't for his almost obstinate loyalty that led to his suicide, he could be considered almost blameless as the crown prince.

Now that it's under my control, I dare not boast about anything else, but "suicide"?

Zhou Wenqing sneered inwardly: I couldn't even commit suicide successfully, so no one else can surpass me!

If we can teach this child more thoroughly, and persuade the First Emperor not to be obsessed with the words of the alchemists, but to cherish his own life, and to practice Tai Chi and Bagua every day, and preferably live to be a hundred years old, then I don’t believe that this glorious Qin Dynasty can perish after only two generations.

Zhou Wenqing knew very well that if he wanted to truly make waves in the torrent of history, reform was imperative. However, any fundamental change would inevitably lead to a fierce backlash. The only way to prevent the new system from being overthrown was to rely on time, allowing it to take deep root until it became indestructible.

As long as the Qin Dynasty did not perish after only two generations, and with the benevolent and wise Fusu still alive, I, as his teacher, would never have ended up like Shang Yang, falsely accused of treason and torn apart by chariots. The results of the reforms could then truly take root and flourish, rather than being shrouded in darkness along with the tragic end of their advocates.

Therefore, when Zhou Wenqing decided to become a butterfly, the first person he set his sights on was Fusu.

As for the next one...

"I really must congratulate Brother Zicheng in advance on the birth of such a fine disciple." Li Si smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. He was genuinely congratulating him, and also genuinely envious.

Zhou Wenqing glanced at him and teased, "Brother Gu'an, are you envious? Haha, such a bright and talented young man will surely become my disciple sooner or later."

Li Si was immediately stung, his smile froze, and he then feigned anger, flicking his sleeve: "Brother Zicheng, that's not very kind of you! If you keep showing off like this, believe me, I'll kidnap your other bright and promising son tomorrow!"

Zhou Wenqing crossed his arms, a smile playing on his lips, looking completely at ease. "Brother Gu'an, if you really have the ability, feel free to try. If you succeed, I will have no objections."

"Oh, Brother Zicheng, you seem so confident?"

Zhou Wenqing raised his eyebrows, his eyes clearly saying: What else?

"..."

Well, Li Si deflated, his shoulders slumped slightly; he really didn't have much confidence in prying open this corner of the wall.

He could only wave his hand and said dejectedly, "Fine, fine... How about this, after you finish your lesson tomorrow, I'll give one too? That way, the kids who have heard my lesson will be considered half my disciples."

Upon hearing the word "lecture," Zhou Wenqing's smile faded, and he sighed softly.

"After today's commotion, it's really hard to say whether the class can even be held tomorrow."

Although the matter was resolved, when the children went back and told the farmers, they realized that the risks still existed, which was probably...

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Ying Zheng also thought of this, and frowned slightly: "Brother Zicheng, there is no need to worry too much. You are sincere, have done your best, and have a clear conscience. The way of learning is like a great wave washing away sand, which will always filter out some people who are not determined and are afraid of difficulties and dangers. This is not your fault."

Fusu stepped forward, looked up at Zhou Wenqing, and said earnestly, "This student will be steadfast in his beliefs and follow you to study diligently."

Zhou Wenqing lowered his head and gently rubbed Fusu's little head. The hair was soft and felt nice to the touch.

"That's true," he said, his tone carrying a sense of relief and even a hint of smugness.

"That's good. Without those energetic, mischievous monkeys jumping around like crazy, I can finally have some peace and quiet. I'm happy to relax and get some rest."

He turned around and said, "Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Brother Shengzhi, Brother Gu'an, and Xiaoqiaosong, don't just stand there. Let's sit down and chat slowly. I'll make some tea for you to try."

As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously swept across the courtyard gate, and then he exclaimed "Huh!" as if he had just remembered.

"By the way, Brother Shengzhi, where's Guard Meng? Did you leave without him this time?"

Ying Zheng, who was about to lift his robe and sit down, paused almost imperceptibly, then nodded slightly stiffly without saying anything more.

How should I put it? Should I say that Meng Wu is currently on orders to escort another group of his own lads, who are perhaps, possibly, and most likely to be just as mischievous as Zhou Wenqing described, on their journey here?

Hopefully, Zhou Wenqing won't get used to resting and won't want to accept them anymore.

Probably not.

Ying Zheng inexplicably started to have a headache.

……

After seeing Ying Zheng off, young Fusu naturally stayed behind, ostensibly hoping to serve his master and receive his teachings morning and night so that he could rightfully become his disciple as soon as possible.

As night deepened, the bright moon hung high in the sky, its gentle light bathing the tranquil courtyard.

Zhou Wenqing lay on the couch, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

All the events and people that had happened during this period flashed through his mind like a revolving lantern, making it difficult for him to fall asleep.

I decided not to sleep at all.

He got up fully clothed, grabbed an outer robe and draped it over his shoulders, then strolled into the courtyard. The familiar rocking chair gleamed warmly in the moonlight. He sat down, rocked gently for a while, then got up and brewed himself a pot of tea.

The steam from the tea rose gently, mingling with the cool scent of the night dew. Zhou Wenqing held a warm teacup in his hand, looked up, and saw the vast sky and the starry river shining brightly, with countless points of light twinkling silently, as eternal as ever.

He slowly exhaled.

Three months.

Zhou Wenqing calculated that even if the fertilizer research and development process took a long time, the King of Qin's dedicated research would allow him to "hook" his two so-called "bait" in three months at most.

When that time comes, it will be time for him to meet that emperor who will be the greatest in history.

Within three months at most, these individuals should all be exposed.

The time frame is neither long nor short, but it is extremely crucial.

Right now, he is still a nobody, living in the countryside. He seems to be free from all troubles and relaxed. But precisely because of this, he must pave the way and make preparations in advance during this rare "buffer period".

Having known Li Si for some time, Zhou Wenqing could clearly see that this future Prime Minister of Qin was indeed ambitious to achieve great things and rise to the highest position in the court. He was also decisive and skillful in his actions. However, if it came to plotting to seize power, as long as Ying Zheng was alive, no matter how much Zhao Gao jumped around, he would never dare to act recklessly.

He coveted power, yet cherished his life even more; he harbored ambition, but was also adept at knowing when to advance and retreat; his bottom line of loyalty was always tied to the King of Qin.

"In that case," Zhou Wenqing tapped his knee lightly with his fingertips, a thoughtful look in his eyes, "why not find him some 'proper' things to do?"

Let Li Si's energy and talent be spent more on the right path of "establishing merit and making achievements", fill his ambition with more and more political achievements, legal codes and civil administration, and guide him with the name of his posthumous history, repeatedly instilling and cultivating him, it is best to marinate him!

Li Si, who was busy building his career and concerned about his posthumous reputation, would only bind himself tightly to the Qin Dynasty, making it difficult for him to make any further mistakes.

As for Zhao Gao...

Zhou Wenqing's eyes turned slightly cold; he was definitely not a law-abiding person.

A eunuch who rises to a high position through cunning and the ability to read the emperor's mind often hides his ambition and destructive power beneath a facade of humility and obedience, like a hidden reef that is not usually visible but is enough to capsize a ship at a critical moment.

This person requires extra attention and should be guarded against early.

Fortunately, the King of Qin will definitely be visiting this courtyard soon. We will meet that trusted attendant sooner or later, and then we can observe him carefully to decide whether to keep him or... get rid of him.

With a sudden shift in thought, his mind fell on the most crucial point—Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng.

Zhou Wenqing hoped that during these short three months, he could leave a clear and positive initial impression on the other person's heart.

Simply put, it's about "persona".

This first impression is crucial and may set a tone for the future relationship between the ruler and his subjects in the imperial court that is difficult to change.

However, his "first impression"... well, at least on the surface, is probably not related to "ambition" or "enthusiasm for fame and fortune," and even seems a bit too "indifferent."

After repeatedly refusing recruitment offers and even threatening suicide, Zhou Wenqing couldn't help but smile helplessly.

"Hopefully..."

He gazed at the starry sky and murmured to himself, placing great hope in it: "May the King of Qin transform his perception of my 'indifference to fame' into extra tolerance for certain 'extraordinary actions'."

Zhou Wenqing tilted his head back and drank the remaining tea in his cup, his gaze calm.

Most definitely.

He had a firm judgment on this and had enough confidence in that emperor who would be remembered for all time.

Ying Zheng may have been ruthless in his methods, but his magnanimity and ability to judge character were equally unparalleled throughout history.

As long as he can convince the ruler that he is indeed a righteous, talented, and willing "scholar" to serve Qin, rather than someone with ulterior motives or a mere empty reputation, this powerful ruler will never miss out on talent because of a few "unconventional" appearances.

Yes, unconventional.

Thinking of this, Zhou Wenqing couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Living in an era of strict etiquette and law, he could hardly guarantee that his deeply ingrained modern habits would not be inadvertently revealed and magnified as evidence of "heresy" or even "malicious intent".

It doesn't mean to completely abandon yourself and pretend to be someone else—that's neither sustainable nor true to yourself.

While upholding his authenticity and demonstrating his value, he must also carefully observe and adapt to the explicit and implicit rules of this era to avoid unintentionally causing controversy and unnecessary complications.

He didn't consider himself a particularly gifted person and knew he would need a period of exploration and transition.

Public opinion can melt metal, and accumulated slander can destroy a person!

"The road ahead is long and arduous..." Zhou Wenqing sighed softly, but his gaze did not waver.

"Achoo!"

He suddenly sneezed loudly, rubbed his itchy nose, and realized the night breeze was indeed a bit chilly; he should go back... wait!

If someone is frail and sickly, requiring constant care, wouldn't people naturally be more forgiving and less wary of them?

The more Zhou Wenqing thought about it, the more he felt that this might be a "persona" direction worth considering carefully.