Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

The word "drill," spoken by Ying Zheng in such a calm tone, struck Zhou Wenqing like a thunderclap.

With just one sentence, he let out a sob, his heel uncontrollably shifting back half an inch, and he instantly wanted to run away again.

At this moment, Li Si seemed completely oblivious, leaning slightly towards Ying Zheng and asking curiously, "A drill? What drill is Your Majesty referring to? Besides the banquet last night, did Brother Zicheng have other plans with Your Majesty? I was completely unaware; have I missed something?"

Adding fuel to the fire! Making matters worse!

Zhou Wenqing felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, and the string of reason in his mind snapped.

No longer caring about decorum, he suddenly raised his voice, almost shouting, "Your Majesty!"

His voice was full of embarrassment and pleading.

He absolutely cannot allow more people to know about his bold words and astonishing actions last night, absolutely not!

Okay, okay, it seems I really went a bit too far with the jokes.

The mischievous glint in Ying Zheng's eyes quickly vanished, replaced by a gentle smile, and he promptly ended the conversation.

Know when to stop. Too much of a good thing can be bad. If I keep teasing him, my beloved minister, whose skin is as thin as a cicada's wing and who is already practically ripe with shame, might really be so ashamed and indignant that he'd dig a hole and bury himself right there.

It seems that gathering everyone in the courtyard in advance and "waiting" for them early in the morning is already an excellent approach.

This spectacle should have left a deep impression on Zhou Aiqing regarding the saying "excessive drinking leads to mistakes." If it can instill in him a certain level of vigilance and restraint regarding alcohol, it would not be a bad thing for his health or his future actions.

"My dear minister, you've finally woken up."

Ying Zheng calmly took over the conversation, casually turning the previous topic aside.

"We've been waiting for you."

He pointed towards the backyard, his tone regaining its usual composure, "I have fulfilled my promise to you, and everything is ready. Would you like to come with me to the backyard to take a look? So that we can prepare when... to fulfill our agreement?"

Fulfillment of the contract?

Zhou Wenqing was stunned at first, then his muddled mind was jolted awake as if a block of ice had been thrown into it.

Yes! The ten-day agreement! The bet with that little devil Hu Hai!

At that moment, he was practically moved to tears that something important had pulled him out of the mire of social despair. He nodded hurriedly, his voice even clearer than before: "Wenqing can come now!"

Ying Zheng nodded, stood up first, and the group walked through the corridor to the backyard.

In the open space of the courtyard, besides several tall, strong horses that were already fully equipped, two ponies that were noticeably smaller in size, with a shoulder height only reaching an adult's waist, were particularly eye-catching. One was chestnut red like flames, and the other was white as snow, with glossy coats and gentle and peaceful expressions.

What's even more eye-catching are the brand-new saddles already installed on their backs—

The high bridge saddle was built according to Zhou Wenqing's design drawings, with obviously shortened stirrups on both sides, which are more suitable for children to step on.

Small, well-fitting horseshoes had already been nailed to the horses' hooves, gleaming with a dark luster in the morning light.

Not only are saddles, stirrups, and horseshoes all provided, but each pony is also accompanied by a sturdy and composed guard with sharp and focused eyes. They have clearly been carefully selected to supervise and guide young children while they ride.

To Zhou Wenqing's slight surprise, Zhang Han was also present.

The boy had changed into a neat short brown outfit and was carefully examining the tall, black horse. His eyes were focused, and he would sometimes gently stroke the horse's neck and sometimes bend down to inspect the horseshoes, clearly very interested.

Upon seeing the arrival of the group, Zhang Han quickly composed himself and stepped forward to greet them.

Ying Zheng waved his hand and smiled at Zhou Wenqing, "My dear minister, please step forward and take a closer look. Is there anything that needs adjustment? The saddle, stirrups, and horseshoes were all made according to your silk scroll. I have already had them tested, and they are indeed remarkably effective."

Zhou Wenqing followed his instructions and stepped forward to examine the object carefully.

The saddle's curves fit snugly, and the leather is soft yet tough; the stirrups are the perfect length for a child's feet to step on; the horseshoes are nailed flat and securely, with smooth edges—every detail has been meticulously considered, far exceeding his original expectations.

This demonstrates the efficiency and meticulousness of mobilizing the entire nation's resources to accomplish tasks.

Zhou Wenqing paced halfway around the pony, his fingertips brushing over the intricate cloud patterns on the saddle bridge, and then he weighed the smooth, polished stirrups in his hand, marveling at them.

This doesn't look like it was rushed out; it's clearly a finely crafted work of art!

Look at the intricate and delicate gilded patterns on the edge of the saddle. Even the stirrups are polished smooth and flat, as if afraid of hurting the little ones' feet.

He could almost see the lights burning all night in the workshop of the Shaofu craftsmen, and the indignant figures of the master craftsmen swinging their hammers, chanting "Three days! One less day!" as they hammered away.

Those flying sparks could probably illuminate half of the walls of Xianyang Palace red!

Zhou Wenqing silently shed a tear of sympathy for the artisans who were probably driven to despair, and then turned away.

"Brother Shengzhi's thinking is thorough and his arrangements are meticulous. Wenqing... can only admire him."

The preparations have been thorough and there is absolutely no chance of anything going wrong.

He was invigorated, as if he could already see his image, which had collapsed the night before, being rebuilt brick by brick with this brilliant victory today.

"Now that everything is ready," his tone lightened, "you may invite the young master and princess..."

"I've already gone to call them; they'll be here shortly."

Before he could finish speaking, Ying Zheng calmly replied.

Just now, seeing Zhou Wenqing step into the courtyard safely, although his face still had some paleness from the hangover, he was fine. He nodded slightly to the side, signaling someone to go and summon him. This place was not far from the courtyard where the children were temporarily staying, and he should be there in a short while.

Sure enough, not long after, the faint sounds of children's chatter could be heard from outside the courtyard wall, growing clearer and clearer as they approached.

The first thing that reached their ears was Fusu's voice: "Wait a minute, Yinman, Huhai, don't run. Since the master has promised you, he will definitely keep his word. There's no need to rush."

"Oh dear, brother, hurry up!" came Yin Man's clear, slightly coquettish voice. "Ah Man has been wanting to ride for ages, she can't wait a moment longer!"

The most excited and thrilled of all was Hu Hai.

He didn't even wait for the servants to announce his arrival before rushing into the backyard gate. His dark eyes immediately locked onto the two particularly eye-catching ponies in the yard, especially the chestnut horse.

His face was flushed from running, and he was panting heavily. Before he could even steady himself, his urgent voice boomed through the backyard: "My horse! Is this the horse for me? Father, can I really ride it by myself now?!"

Following closely behind, Yin Man also strode in.

The little girl was wearing a narrow-sleeved dress that allowed her to move around easily, and her hair was neatly tied into two small buns.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, her gaze was fixed on the gentle and adorable white pony, and she unconsciously quickened her pace.

But when she saw Zhou Wenqing standing quietly to the side, her bright eyes suddenly turned and caught sight of Hu Hai rushing towards the chestnut horse without a care in the world. Yin Man's steps slowed down imperceptibly.

She remembered it clearly—last time in the courtyard, Hu Hai had shouted and yelled so recklessly that he not only got a scolding but also received a good spanking from his father, which hurt for several days, and she laughed at him for several days as well.

This time... since he's already been beaten and is tough, why not let him try first? After all, her horse can't run away.

The little girl's mind was racing with calculations. She blinked her long eyelashes and stood there, looking obediently observing.

Fusu led Azhu behind, while Jianglu and Gaoze followed at the very back. Neither of them showed much interest in riding horses.

At their age, they had already begun to learn riding skills, but the memories of being carried by guards and riding together, the bumpy and uncomfortable rides, far outweighed the fun.

Everything in the courtyard had been prepared in advance, and Zhang Han demonstrated his skills with ease. From approaching calmly and gently comforting the rider to stepping steadily into the stirrups and mounting the saddle with agility, every move was steady and skillful, which was a sight to behold.

Hu Hai could no longer contain himself. After calming his foal, he climbed onto its back with both hands and feet. As soon as his little feet touched the stirrups, he felt tall and mighty. Even though the foal was only walking slowly, he was so excited that his face turned red and he couldn't help but cheer.

When Yin Man saw that Hu Hai was safe and sound, her last bit of caution vanished.

She loved riding horses, and with the help of the equipment, she deftly stepped into the stirrups and mounted the little white horse. At first, she was tense, but as the horse gently started to walk, she quickly relaxed, her lips unconsciously curving upwards, her eyes sparkling, letting the morning breeze brush against her hair.

Wang Jian stroked his beard, nodding repeatedly as he watched. In his excitement, he instinctively reached out to pat the person next to him on the shoulder, but then remembered something and abruptly changed direction, landing his hand on his own thigh instead.

"Excellent! Even knowing this was a weapon of war, seeing the children ride it so steadily, I still have to say, Zicheng is truly talented!"

"That's certainly true," Ying Zheng replied with a smile, his gaze naturally turning to Zhou Wenqing with admiration in his eyes. "Brother Zicheng's talent goes far beyond this; there's much more you haven't seen yet. You'll have to wait and see in the future."

But now, whatever Ying Zheng said, Zhou Wenqing suspected it was a veiled reference to his unusual behavior yesterday, and he couldn't help but shrink back.

Ying Zheng took in this subtle reaction, and the curve of his lips deepened.

After the two children circled around a few more times, he straightened his expression and called out, "Alright, Aman, Hai'er, you've had your fun, now get down."

His gaze fixed on Hu Hai's face, his tone growing harsher: "Hai'er, do you still remember how you spoke so arrogantly before? Now, it's time for you to fulfill your promise. Quickly apologize to your master!"

Hu Hai dismounted, still savoring the glory he had just experienced on horseback, when his father pointed at him. He was startled at first, but then the memory flooded back, and the radiance on his face visibly dimmed, replaced by an awkward embarrassment.

He slowly moved in front of Zhou Wenqing, head down, his toes unconsciously grinding the pebbles on the ground, his lips pressed tightly together.

He knew he should apologize, and he understood the reasoning behind it, but when he thought about how this person had embarrassed him so much, how he had been spanked by his father in public, and how he had lost face in front of Yinman... that "I'm sorry" was like a fishbone stuck in his throat, impossible to spit out or swallow.

He secretly glanced up and quickly looked at Zhou Wenqing. He saw that the other man was looking at him with a smile. His eyes were peaceful, but in his eyes, they seemed to be a silent urging and mockery, which made him feel even more embarrassed, and his face turned red.

Just then, a clear child's voice rang out—

"Mr. Zhou! Mr. Zhou!"

Yin Man nimbly dismounted from the white horse, ran a few steps to Zhou Wenqing, tilted her head back, clasped her hands in front of her, and performed a bow that was more than ten times more formal than usual. Her voice was bright and clear, as if afraid someone wouldn't hear her:

"Ah-man, apologize to the gentleman!"

As she spoke, she deliberately turned to the side and cast a provocative glance at Hu Hai, who was frozen in place, raising her chin slightly.

"Sir, you're very capable, you keep your word, Ah Man is impressed!" she continued in her clear, slightly childlike voice:

"Ah Man sincerely apologizes to you, sir, and begs for your forgiveness. If you are still angry, you may punish me however you wish. Ah Man means what she says—"

She finally straightened up, patted her sleeves with a pretentious air of maturity, and then, with her large, dark eyes, glanced at Hu Hai again, drawing out the last half of her precise, impactful sentence:

"—Unlike some people, who, after losing a bet, act all coy and break their word, so shameful!"