Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Zhou Wenqing heard it clearly.

The subtle shifts in Ying Zheng's address—from "I, the King of Zhou" to "Zhao Zhong," "Lord Zhou," and "Brother Zicheng"—were not unintentional.

In this rigidly hierarchical world, especially in the Qin state with its strict laws, it was quite remarkable that a powerful and ambitious ruler would so naturally switch between addressing him as an equal and even a close friend…

This is not simply about showing respect to the virtuous and talented.

This is a kind of open and honest respect—I have earned your loyalty as a king, and I also regard you as an equal to me as "Zhao Zhong".

This realization was like a gentle fire, suddenly warming Zhou Wenqing's heart.

Zhou Wenqing thought he had a clear enough understanding of the First Emperor's great talent and extraordinary courage.

Therefore, even at this sensitive juncture, he did not back down or avoid the issue, but directly stated his "learning from others' strengths" theory, which might touch a nerve.

Only now do I realize that it is still far from enough...

It is said that Liu Bei, the first ruler of Shu Han, was known as the first "succubus" of the Eastern Han Dynasty—a title that later generations used with a touch of irony, but in a sense it reveals the magical charm that captivated people and made them willing to follow him to the death.

Some people shake their heads and sigh at Prime Minister Zhuge's "blind loyalty," but how can they understand what a soul-stirring fusion of ambition and personality, what a wonderful resonance of souls and entrustment of life it is when the ruler and his minister recognize each other?

At this moment, Zhou Wenqing suddenly felt an unprecedented and profound empathy for the Prime Minister Zhuge Liang, who lived a thousand years later.

"To devote oneself wholeheartedly to the cause until death."

These eight characters are by no means a lighthearted praise or label in history books. Behind them lies a burning determination to repay the king with one's life and wisdom, completely captivated by his ideals and magnanimity, and by the sincerity and generosity he displayed that transcended worldly power.

That was no longer a simple act of loyalty, but an unwavering devotion that fused one's own aspirations with the king's ambitions.

He slowly raised his eyes and looked again at Ying Zheng, who stood still in the light and shadow.

He was still dressed in ordinary clothes, and his face remained dignified and serene.

However, at this moment, what Zhou Wenqing saw was no longer just the silhouette of the emperor in the history books that he admired, respected, and felt sorry for.

What he saw was a living monarch who stirred his heart and inspired him to willingly dedicate his life to serving this monarch and achieving this goal.

The magnificent spirit that belonged to the future First Emperor, combined with the honesty and persistence of "Zhao Zhong" at this moment, creates a real and compelling force that makes people want to get closer and follow.

Zhou Wenqing felt a sudden burning sensation in his eyes. He subconsciously raised his hand to gently cover them, and the subtle warmth from his fingertips startled him.

Immediately, an irrepressible joy, a relieved yet slightly self-deprecating smile, spread from the bottom of her heart to the corners of her lips.

Without further hesitation, he forced his still somewhat weak body to stand up steadily, waving his hand as Ying Zheng's concern turned to him and he instinctively tried to help him up.

Then, facing Ying Zheng, he bowed deeply and solemnly for the first time, without reservation and with the utmost respect and standard etiquette.

His voice was clear and steady, yet solemn and resounding.

"Your subject, Zhou Wenqing—"

He paused slightly, as if to imprint the name along with the determination he had at that moment:

"I am willing to do my utmost, with my limited abilities, to serve Your Majesty in your grand ambition of conquering the four seas and annexing the eight wastelands!"

"Okay, okay, okay!"

Ying Zheng stepped forward and firmly and powerfully supported Zhou Wenqing's arms with both hands.

"To hear your words is a blessing for me, and also a blessing for the Great Qin."

His gaze met Zhou Wenqing's with unwavering certainty, his voice not loud, but like the clash of metal, steady and profound:

"You have devoted yourself wholeheartedly to me, and your loyalty is unwavering. I will certainly treat you with the utmost respect and honor!"

A gentle breeze rustled through the treetops, and the two men, one bowing and the other supporting each other, smiled at each other.

Only one person is out of place...

Li Si's feelings were somewhat complicated at this moment.

He was genuinely happy that Zhou Wenqing had finally met a wise ruler and was able to realize his ambitions, and he was also thrilled that the timeless tale of "the ruler and his minister being of one mind and spirit" was being created before his eyes.

You must know that he himself owes his current success precisely because he was deeply appreciated and favored by the king.

How could one not resonate with such a scene?

only……

What... no one informed him beforehand?!

At such a crucial moment when the ruler and his subject recognize each other and pledge their hearts to one another, what is he doing standing here?

Li Si felt extremely uncomfortable all over, unsure of where to put his hands, while his feet began to move backward very slowly, inch by inch.

Today has been enough. Li Si felt that if he stayed any longer, he might suffer from his heart ailment. In order not to waste the medicine that the king had painstakingly found, it was best to leave first.

Li Si slightly hunched his shoulders, trying to make himself even less noticeable. He lowered his gaze cautiously, only occasionally lifting his eyelids to glance at the two who were immersed in their turbulent emotions. Very good, they hadn't noticed him yet.

He silently prayed: You can't see me, you can't see me, you must continue, please continue...

One step, then another... almost to the courtyard gate, just one more step...

Li Si's worries were indeed unnecessary.

The two main characters were completely absorbed in their own world and had no time to look at him!

Ying Zheng helped Zhou Wenqing sit back down in the rocking chair covered with a thick carpet, and then naturally turned around and sat in the chair that originally belonged to Li Si.

The two were separated by a low table, the rocking chairs gently swaying, creating a scene of tranquil harmony, like the sky after a rainstorm.

Ying Zheng turned his head to look at Zhou Wenqing, a slight smile playing on his lips. He shook his head, his smile carrying a knowing glint and a hint of amusement: "What you said today, Minister Zhou, was probably planned for a long time, just waiting for this moment to come to fruition, wasn't it?"

Zhou Wenqing's eyebrows twitched slightly, revealing just the right amount of surprise: "What makes Your Majesty say such a thing?"

Ying Zheng did not answer, but instead cast his gaze toward a corner of the courtyard.

There were several low wooden tables placed side by side there, where the village children used to listen to lectures and practice writing. On the tables, several bamboo scrolls were casually spread out, silently bathed in the afternoon light.

"The primer for children that you compiled, my dear minister," Ying Zheng's voice was calm, his eyes filled with a smile, "is probably already paving the way for this, so that I... might have some idea in mind beforehand, isn't that right?"

He paused for a moment, then slowly recited: "The ritual implements are followed, the benevolent heart dwells—this is Confucianism."

"A clear mirror hangs high, and punishments are impartial—this is the Legalist school."

"An empty room is filled with light, from which all things come to life—this is the Taoism."

"Nine grains in the granary, for farming, for war, for storage—this is the life of an agricultural family."

"A masterpiece of nature, a white jade plate—this is the work of the Mohists..."

After reciting, he withdrew his gaze and returned it to Zhou Wenqing's face, his eyes shining with a calm and clear wisdom:

"You don't mention the Hundred Schools of Thought in a single word, yet you're never far removed from them. I imagine that if I were to remain entrenched in my own corner and refuse your advice to learn from all sources... by then, even the youngest children in the countryside of Qin would understand the principle of embracing all rivers and embracing diverse ideas. How could I possibly pretend not to know that? How could I dare not know?"

Zhou Wenqing's smile deepened slightly. He readily admitted it, bowing slightly, "Your Majesty's eyes are sharp and discerning."

His gaze fell on the bamboo slips spread out on the low table, and his tone turned clear and sincere: "Wenqing merely sowed some seeds that had not yet sprouted with his meager wisdom. He dared not hope that they would break through the soil, let alone expect that His Majesty would personally water them."

"It is Your Majesty who not only sees the big picture from small details, but also accepts these unseen effects and undeveloped theories. Such magnanimity is beyond the reach of ordinary people. Wenqing's shallow views can be heard by Your Majesty, which is not the result of my planning, but truly Your Majesty's... You are like an ocean that can contain all rivers and a mirror that can reflect all things."

"Hahaha!" Ying Zheng clapped his hands, his laughter hearty and cheerful. "To receive such praise from Zicheng, Zhao Zhong has every reason to be proud!"

He smiled and pointed at Zhou Wenqing, his tone tinged with a hint of jest: "It's just that Brother Zicheng's change of attitude is truly so smooth and adaptable that it makes me feel a little... as if I'm in a dream."

"If Your Majesty is not used to it," Zhou Wenqing readily agreed, replying jokingly, "you might as well pretend that none of today's events have happened. Wenqing can still chat with Brother Shengzhi in this courtyard, enjoy tea and discuss philosophy, and remain friends without discussing anything else."

"No, no!" Ying Zheng waved his hands repeatedly, his smile deepening, but his tone was resolute. "To give up a brilliant strategist who can govern the world, and only gain a friend for idle chatter—how could I possibly make such a losing deal?"

"However..." He paused, leaned forward slightly, his expression becoming more serious, and his voice lowered: "What Zicheng said is not wrong. The distinction between ruler and subject begins today. However, 'Zhao Zhong' and 'Zhou Wenqing' can also be friends. I agree to this."

"Then Wenqing must thank Your Majesty."

The two looked at each other, smiles flowing between their eyes, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Only the figure by the courtyard gate stood frozen, unsure whether to go in or back.

Li Si, who had just re-entered the courtyard, was nearly driven mad with worry. He glanced at the two people inside, chatting merrily, then looked back at what lay behind him—

Li Yi stood with his head bowed, eyes downcast, looking as if he wanted to stay put. Meng Wu stood a little further away with his arms crossed, watching him anxiously.

Li Si finally gritted his teeth and went inside, steeling himself.