Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Li Si understood the silent condemnation in Zhou Wenqing's eyes and almost couldn't help but roll his eyes in a way that defied all his lifelong self-control.

What else do you want to say?!

He roared inwardly, even uttering treasonous words like "turning back on the young master," "manipulating the young master," and "a hundred years later." He thought the king was being incredibly lenient by not dragging them out on the spot, so he had to quickly say something nice to cover up the mess!

More importantly, do you still need it?! Even after all that, the king still listened and believed him.

What about me? Have you even considered me?! I don't have that kind of guts!

His face was practically overflowing with resentment as he stared at Zhou Wenqing, his eyes clearly saying: Whose fault is this?! Ah!

Feeling guilty under that accusing gaze, Zhou Wenqing touched his nose and awkwardly looked away.

Okay, okay, Brother Gu'an, it hasn't been easy for you. This... is indeed my fault.

Ying Zheng didn't notice their exchange of glances. He calmly picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and felt the warm tea go down his throat, but he couldn't suppress the chilling killing intent that swept through his heart.

Zhao Gao… this good dog that he had used for many years and thought he controlled well, actually harbored such insane ambition and vicious schemes beneath his skin, even daring to plot against his own sons?!

However… Ying Zheng lowered his eyes, concealing the cold glint within. As long as he, Ying Zheng, was alive and in this position, not to mention a dog, even a true dragon would have to coil up before him!

This familiar, ruthless, and handy knife is not yet ready to be discarded. After all, a sharp blade always needs to be used for certain tasks.

His mind raced, and he had already made up his mind. Tonight, he would send a secret order to his guards: if I were to fall ill, or if there were any earth-shattering events in Xianyang... the first thing they would do was to twist off Zhao Gao's head and place it on the table!

With this thought, the anger stirred up by the fable of the vicious dog in Ying Zheng's heart dissipated by more than half. Now that the hidden danger had a solution, he felt that the sky was bluer and his temper had calmed down. Looking at Zhou Wenqing again...

You truly are my beloved minister!

While I was overjoyed, another concern arose. Counting on my fingers, it had been five days since I left the palace. I could only send the most important state affairs to Zhangtai Palace by fast horse. Even if Lord Changping and the others discussed the rest, they would probably have piled up quite a bit. Besides, state affairs could not be entrusted to others for long.

But if I go back empty-handed again and can't take Zhou Aiqing with me, I will be truly unwilling!

With this thought in mind, Ying Zheng's smile grew even warmer, even taking on a kind of "attentive" friendliness: "Zicheng!"

Zhou Wenqing was startled by the voice and subconsciously looked up: "Your Majesty?"

"Look, this curved plow is about to be completed, and increased crop yields are just around the corner. Once your method of saving lives spreads, you will surely be admired by all. Today's scene is a testament to that."

"But this place is ultimately a rural outskirts, with many people and eyes looking at it. Today, the villagers are blocking the door to express their gratitude, but in the future, who can guarantee that there won't be those with ulterior motives who come after hearing the news? My dear minister, you possess extraordinary talent, and, uh..."

Ying Zheng paused slightly before finding a more tactful word.

"And his health is not very strong; I am truly worried about him staying here for too long."

He gazed earnestly at Zhou Wenqing: "When will you, my dear Zhou, pack your bags and return to Xianyang with me?"

At this point, worried that Zhou Wenqing might be attached to the leisurely life in the countryside, he couldn't help but add:

"Zhangtai Palace is a gathering place for both civil and military officials, with a vast collection of classic texts and a multitude of skilled physicians. It is the perfect home for your talents and your health. You need not worry, my lord. I have already ordered people to prepare a residence that is just as elegant and quiet as this place, and I assure you that you will not be uncomfortable."

Ying Zheng was burning with desire, and the way he looked at Zhou Wenqing was as if he were looking at a priceless treasure that would soon be moved back to his own storeroom, a treasure that would emit its own light and heat.

Zhou Wenqing felt a little uncomfortable under that overly intense gaze, and belatedly exclaimed "Ah!"

Oh, right! He suddenly realized that the reason he was still staying in this small village was to stage a harmonious relationship between the ruler and his subject, to pave the way in advance, and to naturally join the Qin King's ranks.

Before the stage was even set up, the king personally dismantled the pillars, revealing his identity. Subsequent developments were like a runaway horse: he took in disciples, made the plow, and even dug up the grave of the future treacherous minister in advance...

All the pre-set goals seemed to have been exceeded in an unexpected yet remarkably effective way?

Then it seems that he really doesn't need to stay in this small village basking in the sun and pretending to be a hermit anymore.

Zhou Wenqing sighed inwardly, realizing that his leisurely life in the countryside was coming to an end.

He turned to Ying Zheng, cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, Rong Wenqing will bid farewell to the villagers properly. Three days later, he will accompany Your Majesty back to Xianyang to serve you faithfully."

"Hahaha!" Li Si laughed and teased from the side, "I said from the beginning that Brother Zicheng and I share the same interests, and now we can finally plan something big together!"

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng clapped his hands and laughed, his eyes filled with the joy of having his wish fulfilled: "When Zicheng returns to Xianyang with me, all rewards and official positions will be determined. I will certainly give you an important position and will never fail to appreciate your talent!"

Rewards and titles are fine, but this promotion, let's hope it's not too "heavy"...

Zhou Wenqing smiled bitterly to himself. He knew how fanatical this man was about his work. If he really followed those standards, he would probably be treated like a slave.

"By the way, Your Majesty," he suddenly remembered something, "my ten-day agreement with the young master is not yet fulfilled. It would be inconvenient to wait until I return. Your Majesty previously mentioned three days..."

"Rest assured, my dear minister." Ying Zheng waved his hand, secretly amused. Minister Zhou still valued his reputation highly, so he casually brought forward the date by another day.

"The craftsmen are working through the night to finish it, and it will be ready by tomorrow. I will make sure you don't lose face."

"Then thank you very much, Your Majesty."

The atmosphere in the courtyard relaxed again, and people were chatting and laughing when a guard approached, cupped his hands, and whispered, "Master, the guest that Mr. Zhou invited has woken up."

"Oh?" Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng leaned forward slightly, a look of great interest on his face. "Now that you're awake, why not invite you here quickly? I've been wanting to see just how outstanding this future general that Brother Zicheng spoke of truly is."

"this……"

The guard looked somewhat embarrassed, hesitated for a moment, but still braced himself and gave a reply.

"That young guest... seemed to have a misunderstanding after waking up, and was quite agitated. Considering his status, we dared not use force, so... it was not easy to summon him for the time being."

The guard's wording was already quite tactful and restrained.

In reality, when Zhang Han woke up, he found himself in an unfamiliar place. Although his hands and feet were not bound, his sword had been taken away, and there were guards at the doors and windows. He immediately concluded that he had fallen into the hands of villains.

He was young and impetuous, and already skilled in martial arts. In addition, he was anxious to save his servant and was filled with shock and anger. He refused to listen to any explanation. After several unsuccessful attempts to break out, he started making a scene in the side room, which made the guards who were ordered to watch over him quite troublesome. They couldn't hit him, they couldn't scold him, and they couldn't persuade him. He was indeed "not easy to invite."

Zhou Wenqing stood up, straightened his sleeves, and said with a wry smile, "It was Wenqing who acted rashly and had no choice but to use force, which frightened this young man and caused a misunderstanding. I'm afraid I can't control the boy's temper. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble the King and Brother Gu'an to keep things under control. Perhaps then he'll be able to listen to some reason."

"Heh," Ying Zheng rose with a smile, chuckling softly. Far from being annoyed, his interest only intensified. "It's not surprising that she has a temper. If she were truly someone who would be meek and submissive after waking up, I would look down on her. Minister Li, come along."

Li Si naturally nodded and followed, wondering what kind of person this young man, whom Zhou Wenqing valued so highly and was so difficult to invite, was.

Led by the guards, the three headed towards the room where Zhang Han was being housed. Before they even reached the door, they heard a young man's low, suppressed anger shout from inside: "...Stop with your sweet talk! To kidnap and imprison my master and servant here is hardly the way to treat guests! Release us immediately, or else..."

"Otherwise what?" Zhou Wenqing's gentle voice rang out from outside the door, interrupting the boy's words.

He gestured for the guards to step back, then pushed the door open and entered.

Inside the room, Zhang Han was standing by the window. Although his clothes were slightly wrinkled and his hair was a little messy, his eyes were sharp and he stared at the doorway without any fear.

Behind him, on the bed, Uncle Zhang had been awakened and was struggling to sit up, his face full of worry.

Upon seeing Zhou Wenqing enter, Zhang Han's anger intensified, but he forced himself to suppress it, coldly saying, "You've finally shown yourself. What is your intention in imprisoning me here?"

Zhou Wenqing spoke calmly to Zhang Bowen, saying, "Old man, your injuries are serious. Do not move rashly. Just lie down and rest. The doctor just bandaged you up. Don't reopen the wound."

After comforting the old man, he turned to Zhang Han, his expression calm and composed, without a trace of remorse or domineering.

"Mr. Zhang," he said, his voice clear and steady, "inviting you here in this way was indeed inappropriate, and I, Wenqing, apologize for it." With that, he genuinely cupped his hands and bowed to the young man.

No matter what, tying someone up the whole way, even if the person doesn't know it, is still a bit... cough! It's not very ethical.

Zhang Han frowned, not relaxing at the gesture of respect. Instead, his gaze sharpened. He knew that Zhou Wenqing had the upper hand and he couldn't win against him, so he could only wait for Zhou Wenqing to continue.

"I know you are full of doubts and even resentment right now." He changed his tone and looked at Zhang Han with a sharp look in his eyes.

"But if I may be so bold, do you really think you'll emerge unscathed if you follow your original plan and hastily leave with the seriously injured Uncle Zhang? I doubt you have any servants following you at all!"