Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

"Excellent! What a wonderful example of the continuation of cultural heritage!"

Just as the ministers in the hall were in turmoil, a clear and cheerful voice broke through.

Li Si stepped forward gracefully, first bowing to the throne, then turning to Zhou Wenqing and cupping his hands in greeting:

"Zhou Neishi has lofty aspirations and an amazing spirit, which I greatly admire." He deliberately emphasized the words "Neishi," as if it were an undeniable title.

Then, changing the subject, he said, "If the Grand Secretary can truly present this enduring cultural heritage to the court, then with his contributions to laying the foundation for education and benefiting future generations, coupled with his achievements in improving agriculture, saving lives, healing wounds, and refining snow salt, his merits will surpass many other areas and shine brightly throughout the court and the country. I ask myself, he will surely be convinced!"

"At that time, let alone the title of Junior Master, even if the authorities discuss further rewards to reward this unparalleled achievement, who would dare to say even a single word that the title is undeserved?"

At this point, he glanced almost imperceptibly at Wang Wan and the others in the hall, whose faces were grim, and gently shook his head:

"If by then, there are still people making comments and nagging about this..."

He paused, chuckled softly, and slowly added the last half of the sentence:

"--Then I'm afraid that would just be asking for trouble."

Li Si's words were ostensibly a request for advice, but every word was like a gentle nail, subtly building a higher platform for Zhou Wenqing while simultaneously removing the ladder he was given.

They've already achieved so much; to oppose them now would be nothing short of envy.

He was shrewd. Since the title of "Prince's Tutor" had been secured by Fusu's bow in the palace, and the current focus of everyone's debate was on the title of "Young Master," he seized the opportunity to address Zhou Wenqing as "Inner Historian" with perfect fluency, intending to quietly and unnoticed weld the position of "Inner Historian of Grain Management" onto the court in full view of everyone.

This way, we can both support Brother Zicheng and make that old fellow Wang Wan's beard tremble with anger. Why not?

Li Si was pleased. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, he quickly glanced at Zhou Wenqing, his eyes clearly saying: Look how well I've added to the fire.

Zhou Wenqing's face remained impassive, except for a barely perceptible slight twitch of his eyebrow. A knowing and amused look flashed across his eyes: "When did you sneak back? And where were you hiding, pretending to be a wooden stake? I didn't even see you!"

A mischievous glint flashed in Li Si's eyes, and a slight smile appeared on his lips before he regained his solemn expression.

He had indeed rushed back on horseback last night, having calculated that Zhou Wenqing's first appearance in court today would surely cause a stir. How could he miss such a good show?

Knowing especially that this Brother Zicheng, though seemingly gentle, often speaks with hidden sharpness, he would not silently endure the doubts today. He had been hiding in the train, observing the situation, waiting for this crucial moment to add fuel to the fire!

Zhou Wenqing caught a glimpse of his fleeting, gloating smile, and his lips twitched.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! Minister Li's words are very much in line with my own thoughts!"

Just then, Ying Zheng, sitting on the throne, suddenly spoke loudly, leaning slightly forward from his throne, his excitement evident in his words.

He originally thought that he would be satisfied with the successful reward of Zhou Wenqing today, but he never expected that he would also receive the grand promise of "the continuation of the cultural lineage" on the spot. How could he not be excited about this unexpected joy?

His gaze fixed intently on Zhou Wenqing, and he made the final decision:

"Minister Zhou! If you can truly create this 'Perpetual Cultural Heritage' item, and its effects are as described, then the position of Minister of Agriculture and the title of Junior Minister bestowed upon you today will not only be rightfully yours, but I will also reward you handsomely—"

His voice suddenly rose: "Twenty acres of fertile land near Xianyang, a five-courtyard mansion, one hundred yi of gold, one hundred bolts of brocade, and ten hu of pearls—this is to reward your exceptional talent and unparalleled achievements!"

"I want the whole world to know that the court will never fail those who have rendered great service to Qin!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

As the cheers subsided and the dust settled, the court officials, despite their many thoughts, could only suppress them and watch helplessly as the emperor's golden words sealed this extraordinary reward.

Zhou Wenqing stood in the hall and, unhurriedly, bowed to the throne once more.

"Since Your Majesty trusts me, I, Wenqing, am willing to present this artifact, which represents the perpetuation of our literary tradition, to Your Majesty for inspection within two months."

"Very well! I will grant you three months, my dear minister, to ensure a safe and secure period, and not to rush things."

Ying Zheng was delighted and readily granted an extension of one month, demonstrating how much he valued the matter.

After a moment's thought, he said, "This matter is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. Minister Li, you will assist Minister Zhou from the side. All departments of the Imperial Household Department shall be at your disposal and shall not be negligent."

"promise!"

Seeing that everything was settled, Ying Zheng was satisfied and said no more. He simply waved his hand, and the master of ceremonies standing to the side immediately understood and loudly proclaimed in a drawn-out voice:

"Dismiss the court!"

------

Zhou Wenqing wanted to exchange a few pleasantries with the officials who were gradually approaching, each with a different expression, to test the waters, but his arm was suddenly pulled!

"I'm so sorry, I'm really sorry, everyone!" Li Si's voice, carrying just the right amount of apology and urgency, rang in Zhou Wenqing's ears.

He practically half-supported Zhou Wenqing, his steps never faltering as he nimbly pushed through the crowd, rattling off a string of words: "Time is of the essence. The important matter His Majesty just entrusted to us requires immediate discussion between Zhou Neishi and me. We cannot afford to delay! I must take my leave now, and I hope you will forgive me. I will certainly visit you another day to apologize and have a thorough discussion with you all!"

He was polite and courteous in his words, but his steps were brisk, leading Zhou Wenqing quickly towards the outside of the hall. As they walked, he lowered his voice and whispered rapidly in Zhou Wenqing's ear:

"Those real old foxes at the head of the table have long since dispersed. Those remaining here are mostly pawns from who-knows-who, trying to probe your strength. What's the point of wasting time with them? They'll just keep repeating the same flattering and probing questions, trying to find out your secrets and exhausting you. You don't find it tiring, but I feel exhausted just watching you!"

"Hey, what's the rush!"

As Zhou Wenqing was led away, he glanced back with a mixture of helplessness and regret at the court officials in the hall who had stopped, looking astonished and somewhat embarrassed.

I haven't even had a chance to match these faces with the official titles and factions I remember!

"What's the rush? What do you think?" Li Si continued walking, speaking with confidence and a hint of mockery. "Those wallflowers, you can deal with them after you've succeeded and established yourself. By then, they'll naturally change their tune and come crawling back. I'm just afraid you'll get tired of them!"

"I traveled day and night, riding at top speed, just to catch your grand performance this week, the newly appointed Secretary of the Interior. Now that the dust has settled, shouldn't you, the one who has just been promoted, immediately invite me, your hardworking and meritorious 'sworn brother' who rushed to the scene to cheer you on, to your magnificent mansion bestowed by the King, to have a good sit and look around, and perhaps even serve me a cup of fragrant tea brewed by yourself as a small token of your appreciation?"

"Hahaha! Well said! Such a good thing can't just go to you, you slippery little devil!"

A loud laugh rang out from behind them. Before they knew it, General Wang Jian, who should have already gone far away, had circled back and blocked the corridor pillar to their side.

"I've been admiring Mr. Zhou's tea-making skills for quite some time now! This celebration banquet... well, this housewarming celebration tea, you absolutely must include me!"

Wang Jian strode forward, slapped Li Si on the shoulder, and said, "Li Si, you want to hog all the food? No way! I've already sent someone home to fetch the best wine for our victory celebration. We're going to drink to our hearts' content today!"

Zhou Wenqing looked at the two high-ranking officials who were "holding him hostage" on his left and right. One was a future prime minister who was good at scheming, and the other was a general with great achievements. He could only laugh and cry.

"What... what kind of scene is this? We're still at the palace gates, you two..."

"Ah!" Li Si seemed to suddenly remember something, his eyes lit up, and he patted Zhou Wenqing on the shoulder.

"Brother Zicheng, don't be so sentimental just yet. I almost forgot to tell you, guess who else came with me to your new residence in Xianyang, and is currently here, eagerly waiting to give you a surprise?"

He came with Li Si...

Could it be that Ah Zhu has already arrived?