Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

While claiming to be answering questions for the two children, Zhou Wenqing himself was already at his limit.

The afternoon was full of dramatic changes and heart-stopping moments, with each event taking an unexpected turn. Although he had anticipated a tough battle and even had a script written in advance, he never expected the battle to go completely off track.

Even the scroll of silk, which had been meticulously planned and intended to be presented as a "sweet treat" to protect itself should it incur the king's wrath, never had a chance to appear.

The king was far more tolerant and decisive than he had imagined; it was he who, with his calculating mind, had misjudged the king's open-mindedness.

Instead of being annoyed by his failed scheme, Zhou Wenqing felt a sense of relief and clarity.

This is the monarch he is about to devote himself to serving, his great king!

This silk scroll, however, was a pleasant surprise. In a flash of inspiration, it played an unexpected role.

General Wang Jian was also in the courtyard at this moment. Zhou Wenqing originally intended to go back to his study to draw the stirrup design that he hadn't had time to draw that day because he was too tired. However, he was willing but unable, and his body simply wouldn't obey him.

Fusu and Azhu were both quick-witted children, and they clearly saw the weariness and strained effort in their teacher's eyes.

The two men, being very perceptive, refrained from asking any questions. Instead, they stepped forward one on each side, carefully supporting Zhou Wenqing's arms and silently leading him into the inner room.

Zhou Wenqing noticed the change in route and felt relieved. Sure enough, the two disciples he had chosen were more considerate than that infuriating little devil!

Alright, the children meant well, so let's rest for a while and not be stubborn. Although it was a bit impolite to General Wang, I'm sure he will understand considering the "small gift" I'm about to present.

His mind relaxed for a moment, and he let the two children help him walk to his room.

However... the experience of being helped is somewhat unique.

On the left, Fusu was already showing signs of a tall and slender young man, while on the right, Azhu was still a small and short bundle. The difference in height caused the body to tilt slightly when supporting him as they walked, creating a comical sight of him stumbling along.

The walking stick doesn't match!

Speaking of Ah Zhu... isn't he a bit too short? Such a thought vaguely floated through Zhou Wenqing's not-so-clear mind. He should ask Li Yi to inquire about buying a healthy cow tomorrow.

Giving a child some milk every day might make the taste a bit strong, but it should help them grow taller, right?

At this moment, Ah Zhu was completely unaware of his master's benevolent plan; otherwise, he would have jumped up and cried out for justice.

Sir! I'm only six years old! Six years old! How can I compare to Brother Qiaosong! I... I'll grow taller!

The two children settled their husband comfortably on the couch, watching him lie down fully clothed, his breathing gradually becoming even and long. Only then did they quietly breathe a sigh of relief, tiptoe out, and carefully close the door behind them.

------

In the courtyard, King Qin and Wang Jian sat facing each other, both sitting on those novel rocking chairs.

"Hahahaha!" Wang Jian laughed heartily. He rubbed the bamboo armrests with his broad hands and then curiously bounced his body, causing the rocking chair to creak softly.

"I never imagined that Your Majesty, having neglected court for so many days, would have found such a secluded place, and even more so, such a... wondrous person!"

The King of Qin shook his head and smiled slightly: "General, you are only half right."

He looked toward the door where Zhou Wenqing had just left: "He is a remarkable person, and this place is made elegant and unique because of him."

"Oh?" Wang Jian raised his thick eyebrows slightly, his eyes showing even more curiosity.

In fact, the responsibility of escorting the old general had originally fallen to his son, Wang Ben, out of consideration for the old general. However, Wang Jian, upon hearing this, insisted on entering the palace and "taking advantage of his seniority" to snatch the task away from his son.

The general was simply curious. The king had said on his last trip that he had some kind of feeling and had gone to Ganquan Palace to fast and observe the stars. However, as someone close to the king, the general knew that the king was going to invite a wise man.

Unexpectedly, despite returning empty-handed, there was no disappointment in his expression; instead, he was filled with eagerness and anticipation, and then he immediately wanted to go out again.

This time it's even more outrageous; they're even taking all the young princes and princesses from the palace with them!

What Wang Jian found most intriguing was that the king himself couldn't wait for the main group and hastily left ahead of them, taking only his eldest son Fusu and a few trusted confidants with him, leaving the rest of the group with a strict order: "No one is to reveal their identity."

This is very unusual.

Wang Jian sensed something unusual and was so curious that he couldn't sleep soundly for several nights. Along the way, he tried to subtly ask Meng Wu about it, but the other man kept his mouth shut, not uttering a single word, which only piqued Wang Jian's curiosity.

That old rascal isn't humble at all, not even a little bit!

Now it seems that the wise man who provoked the king to such a great commotion was none other than that frail young man who looked like he could be blown away by a gust of wind.

"Your Majesty praises that doll so highly?"

In Wang Jian's view, Zhou Wenqing was indeed a young and inexperienced boy. Although he seemed somewhat interesting, he was really that amazing. The fact that the king had been riding at full speed all this time just to send the princesses and princes to his door had not yet been successful.

You should know that the "Wei Liao" whom the king kept with all his might a month ago was indeed a talented man, whose insights even matched his own quite well. The king was not exaggerating.

The King of Qin raised his eyes, his gaze as sharp as ever, yet seemingly imbued with a new kind of excitement that even Wang Jian found unfamiliar.

"General, you may not know this, but with this man's full assistance, perhaps... the very foundation of our Great Qin Dynasty could glimpse the path to being passed down for ten thousand generations!"

Wang Jian's rough knuckles, which were rubbing against the armrest, suddenly stopped, his pupils contracted sharply, and after a long while, he slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, his voice somewhat strained: "Your Majesty... is this too harsh a statement?"

The King of Qin slowly shook his head, his tone more certain than ever before: "I only fear that my words are too weak to fully express my abilities."

The courtyard fell silent for a moment; even the creaking of the rocking chair stopped.

Wang Jian's cloudy yet still clear eyes, as sharp as a hawk's, were fixed on the King of Qin. Suddenly, he grinned and said, "Then this old man is becoming even more itchy!"

He leaned forward slightly: "I want to see what kind of magical methods this Mr. Zhou will have in ten days to make a three-year-old baby ride a horse steadily without falling off."

"This scene... I'd better open my eyes and take a good look!"

He had always trusted the king's judgment of character, and it seemed that Zhao Gao...

A cold glint flashed in Wang Jian's eyes; the eunuch's life was likely to become unbearable from now on.

Hmph! That's fine too.

He had long sensed that the man, though outwardly respectful, harbored a sinister and venomous nature, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows. Even if he possessed some cleverness, he was a wolf in sheep's clothing and could never be tamed.

Unfortunately, this man was quite capable, and the king found him useful, so the king could only avoid him and stay far away, disdaining to associate with him.

If this boy surnamed Zhou is truly capable, and can pry that filthy thing away from the king's side... Wang Jian's heart stirred, and a secret expectation arose within him.

That old man would truly be willing to drink a few bowls of wine with this child!

Speaking of which... can this kid really handle strong liquor? What if he passes out after just one bowl? Judging from how much the king treasures him, he'll probably have to make him pay! The old general's thoughts drifted for a moment.

The King of Qin smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming: "What a coincidence! I am also eagerly anticipating what surprises Minister Zhou will bring me this time!"

Suddenly I realized I should thank the King of Han, who was far away in Xinzheng.

If this person hadn't been so muddle-headed, how could he have treated Zhou Wenqing, a man of extraordinary talent, as an insignificant pawn, only to have it benefit his Great Qin Dynasty in the end?

Considering their politeness, when the royal army marches east and wipes out the state of Han, he might show them special mercy and let them die quickly so they suffer less.

As for King Han An… a glint of almost wicked humor flashed in the King of Qin’s eyes.

Why not spare his life and let him watch closely as the rare gem he once discarded and treated like trash shines with a brilliance that will illuminate the ages in the halls of Qin!

This would probably cause that foolish person more remorse than killing him.

Such a blind person has allowed my beloved Minister Zhou to be tarnished, depressed for many years, and even nearly lost his life on a desolate cliff!

The thought of Zhou Wenqing's old chest wound and his resolute suicide note turned the mockery in Ying Zheng's heart into a chilling cold.

That good-for-nothing is not only blind, but the person he sent to protect him was also so unreliable, and even caused his beloved minister Zhou to be injured by bandits. The fact that he is being treated this way is already an act of exceptional leniency because of Zhou's loyalty to his former master and his pure heart.

However... doesn't this just prove that Minister Zhou and I are destined to be together?

This person is destined to come before him and be used by him, no matter how many dangers he faces!

Thinking this, Ying Zheng felt quite pleased.

He should be mine!

He leaned back leisurely, the rocking chair beneath him creaking softly in comfort.

I have such good taste!

The atmosphere here is great, but things are a bit tricky on Meng Wu and Zhao Gao's side...