Mrs. Qin Xiangguo

065

In 250 BC, shortly after Yingzheng's ninth birthday, King Zhu of Qin, who had finished mourning, reigned for only three days and died at night, named King Xiaowen.

Yingzi Chu succeeded to the throne, and made his son Gongzizheng the crown prince.

In the same year, Duke Wen of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, who had been contemplating for a long time, planned to attack Qin by uniting the six countries in order to repay the former Qin State by attacking King Ji of Zhou and destroying the Eastern and Western Zhou Lords.

When King Xiaowen died, Qin, which had just stabilized, entered a critical moment again.

Since then, Ying Yiren, who was hostage in Handan and neglected in the past, finally ascended to the throne of King Qin smoothly as Lu Buwei planned.

Above the Qin court.

Zhao Weizhen is Mrs. Lunyi, the "listener" handpicked by King Xianzhao, who can wear the sword of commandment, stand under the high throne, and does not belong to any faction of ministers.

She raised her head and watched as Ying Zichu put on a black court dress and slowly sat down.

Behind him, Mrs. Hua Yang, who had just lost her husband, also appeared in the court hall as Ying Zi Chu's aunt and Queen Mother of Qin.

This is probably the first time that Qin Ting saw two women in court at the same time.

Although he has not passed the filial piety period and does not wear a crown, Ying Zichu sitting on the top, I don't know if it is because of that position, or because he no longer has to shy away from the edge after ascending the throne, he still shows a bit of majesty and dignity that he did not have on weekdays. Solemn.

"The new mourning of the monarch is the time of crisis."

The prince of Qin, Chu, was not polite to his officials, and went straight to the point: "The Duke of Eastern Zhou took the lead and led the soldiers of the six countries. Mr. Feng Buwei is the prime minister of the state of Qin, and he solves the worries and problems of the widow, what do you think?"

Zhao Weizhen couldn't help but glance at Lu Buwei.

As the crown prince and Taifu, he was standing in front of the officials.At this time, Lu Buwei lowered his eyes slightly, not knowing what he was thinking.

Lu Buwei didn't respond, but the others reacted greatly.

Especially Mr. Yangquan.

Who was present didn't know that Mr. Yangquan had spent more than half a year striving for the position of Prime Minister, seeing that the victory was in sight, but in the end Qin Wangzhu was like the epiphyllum that bloomed at night, and it disappeared in the blink of an eye!

As for Qin Prince Chu's choice, the officials were not surprised.

If you don't choose Lu Buwei who supports him, guides him, and has a great favor to the King of Qin, should you choose Lord Yangquan?

Qin Prince Chu relied on the Empress Dowager Huayang to become the prince. If the position of Xiangguo was handed over to Lord Yangquan, wouldn't it be completely controlled by the people of Chu!

In this regard, although some people looked ugly and some whispered, but for a while, no one stood up to object.

Seeing this, Qin Prince Chu looked at Lu Buwei.

"Sir, you haven't come out yet to accept the title?" He said.

Only then did Lu Buwei come out and bow deeply to Prince Qin Chu.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

After a bow, the eunuch sent Xiangyin to him.

For a moment, Zhao Weizhen indeed found some clear joy in Lu Buwei's clear and elegant face.

But that passed quickly.

After Lu Buwei took over the seal, he returned to his position.

Qin Prince Chu said again: "Since Mr. Buwei is the Prime Minister of a country, I am afraid that he will no longer have time to instruct the prince on his homework. On the merits of Mrs. Meng Kui in protecting the prince and returning to the country. She has experience in running schools in Qi and Qin. I would like to appoint Meng Wei. Mrs. Kui is the prince's tutor, and she is responsible for teaching the prince."

When the words fell to the ground, even Zhao Weizhen was slightly surprised.

So fast? !

She looked up at Qin Prince Chu who was sitting on the throne.

The appointment of Lu Buwei was controversial enough, and Zhao Weizhen originally thought that the appointment of Taifu would be later.Unexpectedly, King Qin put it together and brought it up.

Before Zhao Weizhen could speak, the queen mother behind King Qin slowly cleared her throat.

"Mrs. Meng Wei has been taking care of and directing the crown prince's administration. There is nothing wrong with such an appointment." The Empress Dowager Huayang said coldly: "However, since ancient times, there has never been a precedent for a couple to serve as ministers at the same court in this Zhou Dynasty. Your Majesty If you make such a choice, please think twice.”

Come, come, "unprecedented" again.

If it wasn't for being in court, Zhao Weizhen really wanted to give Empress Dowager Huayang a supercilious look.

Ever since he pouted the Empress Dowager Huayang once before, the relationship between Zhao Weizhen and her took a turn for the worse.Now that the queen mother has personally spoken out against it, it can be seen how much she has a heart for Zhao Weizhen.

The words are bright, but there are some personal grievances in it.

such……

Zhao Weizhen understood Prince Qin's tricks.

If Lu Buwei is appointed first, and then Zhao Weizhen is appointed after a while, then the appointment must be discussed once, or there will be a few more quarrels in the court, and the forces of all parties will not be able to formally determine the duties after a long time.

But now the king of Qin raised it in a fit of rage, and the discussion went well, and both of them could get what they wanted. If the discussion didn't go well, the officials had to back down and leave a place for the couple because of the face of Lu Buwei and Zhao Weizhen.

Lu Buwei didn't say it beforehand, it's probably King Qin's own idea.

Zi Chu...

Zhao Weizhen secretly thought it was funny: What kind of monarch really deserves what kind of prime minister, such a routine is exactly the same as Lu Buwei's usual tricks.

She quickly sorted out her thoughts in her mind, but before Zhao Weizhen had time to stand up and refute, Lu Buwei, who had always been low-key and silent in the court, took the lead and stood up.

"What the Empress Dowager said is that, looking at all countries, there is indeed no precedent for couples serving as ministers at the same court."

Lu Buwei spoke respectfully, only listening to the first half of what he said, as if he was agreeing with the Queen Mother.But in the end, his tone was calm, but the topic changed: "However, there is no precedent, but it is not because of the incompatibility of etiquette and intolerance of the law, but because apart from Meng Kai, there is no No.2 woman who has officially entered the court as a minister."

After finishing speaking, he looked up at the Empress Dowager Huayang.

"May I ask the Queen Mother, is there any precedent for brothers and father and son serving as ministers in the same dynasty in the countries of the Central Plains?" Lu Buwei asked.

The Empress Dowager Huayang paused suddenly.

She knew that her words would definitely be refuted, but she didn't expect that it would be Lu Buwei himself who refuted!

What a Lu Buwei, if it wasn't for her support, how could a lowly businessman have such a status?

When they confronted each other in court, the Empress Dowager Huayang immediately became angry.

"Is this why Xiangguo mocked me for not studying history and politics?" She said sharply.

"No."

No matter how angry, no matter how cruel the questioning, he stabbed directly at Lu Buwei, but it was also resolved by his humble and peaceful posture.

Lu Buwei saluted the queen mother as if apologetic, then straightened his body, and said seriously: "Since it is not uncommon for father and son, brothers to be ministers in the same dynasty, why not a couple? At least I and Meng Wei have different surnames and are not blood relatives. In terms of relationship, On the contrary, the couple is farther away—much farther than the Empress Dowager and Lord Yangquan."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Yangquan looked at Lu Buwei in disbelief.

It's nothing more than this man's gaining power, and he even put his nose on his face.Lord Yangquan has known Lu Buwei for several years, and this is the first time he has seen such an aggressive side of Lu Buwei.

"Further."

Lu Buwei said again: "Meng Wei is the prince's master and has taught the prince for many years. If the queen mother thinks it is inappropriate, does she think there is a more suitable candidate than Meng Wei? If there is no one, why do you speak out against it?"

The Empress Dowager Huayang was speechless.

King Xianzhao doted on Gong Zizheng, which caused Gong Zizheng to appear in front of his ministers early on. Everyone took it for granted, and they knew a little bit about Gong Zizheng's character.

Although the current crown prince is young, he has an extremely tough personality, and he has the same attitude as King Xianzhao.

He has a close relationship with Mrs. Meng Kai, just like a second mother. If he wants to replace the husband for the crown prince, it will be difficult for him.

Not to mention, Mrs. Meng Wei is the husband hand-picked by King Xianzhao!

In order to cultivate the crown prince, King Xianzhao also allowed Mrs. Meng Kai to run a school in Xianyang.With such a big face, who dares to say that Meng Wei can't teach?

In this way, Lu Buwei's words are completely reasonable.

Since there is no plan to change the teacher for Prince Zheng, the position of Taifu will be Zhao Weizhen's sooner or later.

What is the difference between giving later and giving early?

As a result, the ministers who thought it was inappropriate at first also turned off the fire immediately.

Sooner or later, Zhao Weizhen will be a tutor, and this fact cannot be changed.Then why stand up and hate others?

Seeing that no one refuted, Mr. Yangquan suddenly became upset.

"This is the court of the Qin Kingdom." He was the first to fire the first shot: "It is not the court of your Lu Buwei couple!"

Lu Buwei provoked him, but he responded unceremoniously.Mr. Yangquan also stood up.

"Your Majesty, discussing Mrs. Meng Wei's qualifications like this is really confusing the point." Lord Yangquan said: "Even if brothers, father and son are ministers in the same court, there is absolutely no reason for one to be the prime minister and the other to be the grand tutor. From now on Afterwards, wouldn’t this state of Qin become a place where the husband and wife can speak together?”

With Mr. Yangquan at the beginning, the officials immediately talked about it.

However, the military generals who always watched the show when the civil servants argued, stood up first.

Ying Xun was the first to say: "Mr. Yangquan will not agree with what you said. In Qin State, we have always judged meritorious deeds and rewarded officials. Mr. Buwei and Mrs. Meng Wei have made great contributions to Qin. No matter who they are , are worthy of the position appointed by the king, is it because the two are husband and wife, they will not be rewarded? If this continues, it will really set a precedent of not being rewarded for meritorious service, and it will be harmful to Qin!"

"General Ying Yu is right." Meng Ao also stood up: "Besides, Mr. Yangquan said that Mr. Wei and Mrs. Meng Kai would not control the government. The general thought it was completely exaggerated. The responsibility of the Tai Tuo is to teach the crown prince. Is it related to the government? Mrs. Meng Wei worked hard for Qin and asked for nothing, and now she just gives them what the husband and wife should have, which is not inappropriate."

In this way, we can see the attitude of the courtiers.

Ying Yu is a clan with the surname Ying, and has fought against Zhao Guo, and has had many contacts with Lu Buwei. Naturally, he stands on the standpoint of Qin Prince Chu and supports Lu Buwei to become the prime minister.

And Meng Tian, ​​Meng Yi and Zhao Weizhen have a very good relationship. Meng Ao also has a grandson who is a distant relative studying in Zhao Weizhen's school. He naturally supports Zhao Weizhen.

Mr. Yangquan knew that there was no reason, and he was unwilling to back down, so his words inevitably became harsh.

"We're all discussing whether to give her the position of Tai Tuo, so it's not asking for anything?" He criticized.

Zhao Weizhen: "..."

Are you willing to say this?

"Your Majesty, I'm done with this." She smiled and spoke for the first time: "May I ask Lord Yangquan, do you have any desires when you stand above the Qin court? Is there a desire?"

Her words fell to the ground, and no one in the room dared to speak.

Because of course they want something!

If it's not for the purpose of conferring officials and titles, who will serve Qin Ting?

One or two present, except King Qin himself, no one has the right to call her Zhao Weizhen greedy.

If Zhao Weizhen doesn't want it, they can praise it; but if Zhao Weizhen wants it, they'd better shut up.

In the end, it was Meng Ao who continued to speak, breaking the silence of Qin Tingshang.

"Your Majesty, in the past year, the reform and promotion of agricultural tools by the Mohists have been quite effective." Meng Ao said: "Mrs. Meng Kai provided the blueprints and led the research. The promotion also has a lot of credit. I heard from Juzi that the new agricultural tools for planting and harvesting can not only save labor, but also improve efficiency. When the autumn harvest comes, it will naturally bring more harvests.”

"Isn't it?"

Ying Xing agreed: "Mrs. Meng Kai has promoted agricultural tools in recent years, and the grain production has greatly increased. The grain and grass saved here can be used to beat the Duke of Eastern Zhou for two more rounds!"

The military generals care most about conscription and fighting, which is closely related to their titles!

Therefore, Zhao Weizhen has a much higher reputation among generals.

As soon as Ying Xun said it, other generals agreed one after another.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Food and grass are the most important thing in logistics, this is a great achievement!"

"Soldiers should be rewarded for meritorious service, shouldn't civil servants do the same? It is not normal to reward whoever has meritorious deeds."

As a group of ministers, you have a word and I have a word, and the discussion begins.

Qin Prince Chu sat on top, and calmly glanced at the ugly-looking Queen Mother and Lord Yangquan.

Above the Qin court, there are also many powerful forces in the Chu state, but no one dares to speak up now.

That's about it.

King Qin raised his hand, and Qin Ting fell silent.

"The commanding sword of King Xianzhao hangs on Mrs. Lunyi, and it is also hung on the head of the widow." Prince Chu of Qin said calmly: "I believe that Meng Wei will not do anything wrong to Qin, and I also hope that after today, Mrs. Lunyi can do it again." Execute your duties, so that you can supervise the widow."

After finishing speaking, he formally turned his head and looked at the Empress Dowager Huayang.

"Please rest assured, Queen Mother."

Qin Prince Chu announced: "Let Mr. Buwei be the prime minister, and Meng Kai be the prince and tutor. This matter is settled. At the moment of the war, don't discuss these redundant matters."

In this way, it is the final word.

No matter how dissatisfied or angry some ministers were, King Qin could not continue to refute even if he spoke forcefully.

Before becoming the King of Qin, Ying Zichu was kind, sincere and docile, so good-tempered that he didn't seem like a Qin person.But when he was sitting on the throne, speaking like this also made the officials clearly realize that he is a Qin person after all.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Weizhen bowed to the King of Qin: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

King Qin waved his hand and returned to his usual peaceful appearance.

"Mrs. Meng Wei, please don't be polite." He said with a smile, "Zheng'er is reserved by nature, please teach Madam more, I'm really afraid that the prince will grow up to be a dull gourd when he grows up."

"The king was joking."

Zhao Weizhen then raised the corners of his mouth: "The prince is talented, and everyone in Xianyang knows it. How can he grow into a dull gourd? My minister said, it must be a smart gourd."

When her joking words fell to the ground, Qin Ting burst into laughter.

The monarch used his son to tease him, and immediately swept away the tense atmosphere in the court.

After laughing, this matter will be revealed.King Qin's expression became serious again.

"Seeing the generals, I am full of confidence, but I feel relieved." Prince Qin Chu said: "Since the food and grass are abundant, the six countries will not be afraid if they come to fight."

"Kings."

Lu Buwei came out again: "I have a word."

King Qin: "Does Xiangguo have a plan to retreat from the enemy?"

Lu Buwei nodded: "Since Duke Xiao, the six countries have jointly attacked Qin and Hangu, but none of them succeeded. The reason for this is nothing more than the fact that although the six countries have many troops, they are not united. The princes are suspicious of each other. , Delay, it is difficult to get things done. From this, I think that it is not difficult to resolve the Duke of Eastern Zhou's alliance with other countries to attack Qin today."

"Please speak, Xiangguo."

"Now that the six kingdoms are preparing to attack Qin, the Duke of Eastern Zhou has been planning for a year. The princes responded, but did not send troops. They were just watching the wind." Lu Buwei analyzed: "The reason why the princes decided to send troops now is because the former king died, and the princes thought that Qin was in chaos. Weak, weak, want to take advantage of the fire."

His words paused, and he continued: "Instead of waiting for the six countries to send troops, it's better to be the first to seize the people and fight a dozen, so that they understand that the king is not easy to provoke, and Qin is still the Qin that is not easy to provoke."

Lu Buwei and Ying Zichu have been teachers, students, and close friends for many years, and they have a good understanding of each other.

Needless to say, what he said directly hit King Qin's heart.

Qin Prince Chu has long been upset!

King Xiaowen supervised the country for a whole year, and the princes did not fight, but they did so at this time.

It's nothing more than thinking that he is a puppet of Chu State and a display of Lu Buwei, so I plan to squeeze this soft persimmon.

Therefore, Qin Prince Chu also wanted to fight, but he had to fight until the six kingdoms understood that he was not a weak king.

"Then Xiangguo thinks," King Qin asked, "whom should Qin be beating?"

"South Korea." Lu Buwei didn't think twice.

"Kill South Korea, and the border of Qin State will be bordered by the capital of Wei State." He said loudly: "In this way, we can not only destroy South Korea, but also further control Wei State, and deter the rest of the princes. It is three birds with one stone."

"Taking South Korea?"

Qin Wang Zichu's tone suddenly became subtle: "Xiangguo's words——"

"Kings."

Lu Buwei saluted first, and accepted King Qin's words with a push hand salute: "I am willing to lead the army to destroy Korea, and I can issue a military order."

As soon as this remark came out, all the officials were shocked.

Even Zhao Weizhen's eyes widened slightly: Lu Buweihe never discussed it with her!

Just because he didn't discuss it doesn't mean he didn't have this plan.After being surprised, Zhao Weizhen immediately understood his thoughts: I am afraid that Lu Buwei had already thought of this.

The prince of Qin, Chu, is on the throne, and it will be a matter of time before he is named Prime Minister.

As long as there are appointments, there will be doubts.

What can be done to dispel doubts?Naturally, it is to show actual results.

Therefore, Lu Buwei's prepared method is to go out and earn credits and come back. At that time, Qin Ting will not be able to say more about it no matter how angry or unconvinced he is.

It is a straightforward and neat method, and it is also in line with Lu Buwei's mentality of daring to gamble.

only--

He is brave enough.

Although Qin State does have the power to destroy a country, it can also destroy South Korea.But if you really want to do this, the other five countries will definitely counterattack wildly.

Although there is only one Eastern Zhou Wengong left among the descendants of Emperor Zhou, he is still alive. How dare you?

Lu Buwei dared, but Qin Prince Chu didn't dare.Even if he wanted to, he couldn't say that the country would be destroyed in the first year of his ascension.

"The military order will be waived."

The King of Qin could refute it back: "But it is a good way to fight South Korea. It is also necessary to wake up the six countries. I, Qin, have not sent troops for many years, which does not mean that I have lost the confidence to send troops. Since Xiangguo is petitioning, let Xiangguo go out on behalf of the widows." Where is Meng Ao?"

Meng Ao went out: "The end is here."

King Qin: "You and Xiangguo lead troops together to attack South Korea!"

…………

……

Back at the mansion, Zhao Weizhen changed out of the luxurious deep clothes, untied her hair, and only wore fur clothes, which made her feel much more relaxed, and immediately let out a long sigh of relief.

The centralization of power in the pre-Qin period was not so strong. Each official rank had its own power and did not need to report to the king of Qin every day. Therefore, at this time, the state of Qin did not have court meetings every day.

But today's court meeting, first appointed officials, then decided to attack Korea, and finally ended the court meeting, and had to communicate with other ministers and workers.

At the end of the day, Zhao Weizhen only felt that it was more tiring than a week of classes and ten workshops.

Even she is fine.

As soon as Lu Buwei received the seal, he was ready to send troops in person, even if he didn't leave today, it wouldn't be long before.If you say it's tiring, it must be him.

But no one can be more beautiful than the current Lu Buwei.

Zhao Weizhen turned his head and thought for a while, hesitated for a while, but still prepared, got up and came to Lu Buwei's room.

After resting for a long time, it was half dark.

She stepped into the threshold of Lu Buwei's house, and found that the man was still wearing a dark court dress and a formal hair crown.

He sat behind the long table without moving, and he didn't even change his clothes.

"Are you asleep?" Zhao Weizhen asked in surprise.

"Ok?"

Lu Buwei was startled when he heard this, and then looked up.

Although his eyes were clear and he didn't look like he was dozing off, he didn't realize her arrival until Zhao Weizhen walked up to him and made a sound, and he didn't know where his mind was wandering.

"Weizhen." Catching Zhao Weizhen's gaze, Lu Buwei smiled gently: "No, I'm thinking about something."

"How do you want to fight South Korea?" Zhao Weizhen asked.

"Where should I put the seal of Xiangguo?"

As he said that, Lu Buwei took out the Xiangyin from his arms and placed it on the long case.

Zhao Weizhen: "..."

The two looked at each other for a moment, and then without warning, Lu Buwei burst into laughter.

Knowing him for so long, Zhao Weizhen has never seen Lu Buwei like this.

Presumptuous, rampant, almost high-spirited, those always clear and humble eyes burst out with ambitious light.

The longing that has been suppressed for so long is like a torrential river breaking through the embankment here.

He laughed for a long time, looking at Xiangyin, but he didn't seem to really take it to heart.

Zhao Weizhen until he finished laughing heartily.

Lu Buwei finally stopped laughing, it was like a vent, after laughing, what remained on Junxiu's face was still a gentle smile and a gentlemanly expression.

"Weizhen laughed."

He said: "Even though you mentioned that King Xiaowen was in poor health, I never thought of..."

Didn't expect it to be so fast.

Lu Buwei touched the edge of Xiangyin in disbelief, as if this piece came out of his dream.

Zhao Weizhen tilted his head, and then smiled: "I should congratulate you."

Lu Buwei: "We should also congratulate Weizhen, who finally has an official position."

Previously, King Qin Zhao named her Mrs. Lunyi. Although she had real power, it was a false name.Who would have thought that after only one year, she would become the prince and tutor.

"If this goes on," Lu Buwei said, "If Weizhen wants to be crowned king, it's easy to get."

Zhao Weizhen snorted.

Do you still think she is lying when she said that she doesn't care about the title?She really doesn't care, okay?

"Is that why you don't take South Korea seriously?" Zhao Weizhen didn't respond, but brought the topic back to business: "You have no experience in war."

"It's not necessary for Buwei to fight in person." Lu Buwei said with a smile: "I'm only in charge of sitting in the rear on behalf of the king, and Buwei still doesn't do things for laymen to give advice to insiders."

Also.

He advocated fighting against South Korea, and he won the fight. In fact, this is his credit.Sending troops with the army is nothing more than a show, as long as he doesn't do stupid things, there is probably no problem.

Moreover, there are also records in history that Lu Buwei led troops to the expedition.

Xiangguo's accompanying the army is to show that the monarch attaches great importance to it, and he is a mascot.

But well-

"Since you don't care, forget it." Zhao Weizhen pursed his lips.

"what?"

"I was thinking..."

Zhao Weizhen raised his left foot while talking slowly.

Following her movements, the hem of the dress lifted up slightly, and a gold ring as wide as a fingernail hung loosely on her bare () ankle. When Zhao Weizhen moved her feet like this, the gold ring collided with the shoe.

Lu Buwei's pupils shrank suddenly.

"Thinking of your initial plan, it can be regarded as a period of peace." She whispered: "Since you want to send troops immediately, you might as well hurry up. If you think that fighting South Korea is not a big deal, it won't be too late to talk about it when you come back."

After speaking, she withdrew her ankle, turned and left with regret.

She took a step forward, the hem of the fur coat couldn't help swaying, and the golden ring on the white ankle was faintly visible.

Seeing Zhao Weizhen walk to the door of Lu Buwei's room.

Before she could cross the threshold, a hand behind her suddenly crossed her shoulder and closed the door.

A loud bang echoed in the empty courtyard.