The dead are gone, and everyone who is still alive must live strong and cope with the endless challenges in life.
One day he will die in this ancient Warring States era, and no one knows that he comes from humans more than 2,000 years later.
Seeing that his mood had improved, Ji Yanran took the opportunity to say: "The tribesmen who came with Yanran are all good at making swords and bows. Can Shaolong make arrangements so that they can continue to make great achievements in this field?"
Xiang Shaolong remembered that she and her clan members all came from the destroyed Yue Kingdom. During that era, the Yue Kingdom's casting skills were the best in the world. Famous swords such as Yue Nu, Gan Jiang, Mo Xie, etc. were all made by Yue people. It was a pity that their talents were buried.
, nodded and said: "I'll keep this with me, and I'll ask my father-in-law immediately after I get back. The pasture is so big that it can be mined, so there should be no problem."
Ji Yanran was overjoyed and thanked her, and then said coquettishly: "Shaolong, you are also a skilled craftsman. If you think of any sharp weapon, just leave it to them to make it. Do you want to talk to Uncle Qing? His family has been the best in our country for generations."
Craftsman"
Xiang Shaolong's heart moved, and he remembered that he had taken a basic course on the manufacture of weapons and gunpowder before. Although he had forgotten most of it, he still had a vague impression. Although it was impossible to make a gun, as long as he expressed his thoughts,
For example, the idea of synthesizing metals may be able to create a sword that is more powerful than Gan Jiang and Mo Xie. He said happily: "You can ask Uncle Qing to see me tonight and let me have a good talk with him."
Ji Yanran smiled like a flower and shouted: "Shaolong, you are so kind to me, Yanran falls in love with you."
Xiang Shaolong summoned up his depressed and lost will for nearly half a month, and took the lead in galloping towards the Yinlong Villa.
During dinner, the sound of laughter was heard in the main hall of the villa for the first time in more than ten days.
Teng Yi, Wu Zhuo, Wu Guo and Tao Fang also attended.
Xiang Shaolong first told Tao Fang about Ji Yanran's proposal and asked him to handle it. When asked about Jing Jun, Teng Yi smiled and said: "This boy loves hanging out with people from the Prime Minister's Mansion. Prime Minister Lu has now become a strange person in the world.
People flock to the paradise of strangers every day, and the number of people there has exceeded four thousand, and this situation will continue."
Xiang Shaolong secretly sighed in his heart, how could Lu Buwei's practice of constantly recruiting outsiders not be jealous of the Qin people? Without the support of King Zhuang Xiang, he might not be able to survive for a day.
At this time, Sister Tian came to pour wine for him.
Xiang Shaolong put his arms around Tian Zhen's waist and asked, "Are you used to the environment here?"
Tian Zhen nodded shyly and said: "This place is quiet and beautiful, and the ladies love my little maid very much. It's very good... Zhenzhen is really good."
Chun Ying, who was serving Tao Fang over there, smiled and said, "Zhenzhen has just learned how to ride a horse. I don't know how much fun I have."
Xiang Shaolong suddenly thought of the Tingfang family again. Fortunately, Tao Fang just interrupted his thoughts at this time and said: "My master has told me that when you feel better, Shaolong, you will return to Xianyang City. Both the king and Prime Minister Lu want to see you."
And you."
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and agreed. After dinner, everyone dispersed. Xiang Shaolong returned to the inner house, where Ji Yanran was chatting with Uncle Qing. After introducing the two of them to get to know each other better, he deliberately left, leaving only the two of them to talk in detail.
An hour later, when Ji Yanran came back, Uncle Qing was stunned and asked: "Then how do you process this thing called 'chromium' into the sword?"
Xiang Shaolong frowned and said: "That requires the use of a special thing, but it can still be done. I will do it then."
Ji Yanran said in surprise: "Shaolong, you are really surprising. I have never seen Uncle Qing like this."
Xiang Shaolong thought to himself that it was lucky that the younger brother was just accommodating, otherwise he might have scared the craftsman into fainting.
For the next five days, Xiang Shaolong abandoned everything and spent the whole day traveling around the mountains and rivers with his wife and maidservants, enjoying themselves to the fullest. When he left the ranch, although he still felt melancholy, his spirit was completely different.
On the night of the second day after returning to Xianyang, Lu Buwei hosted a banquet for them in the Prime Minister's Mansion. Wu Yingyuan, Teng Yi, Jing Jun and Ji Yanran were all present.
Accompanying the guests were Meng Ao and his two sons, Tu Xian, Xiao Yuetan and Zou Yan who was a guest there.
Beautiful women are always the most popular, not to mention a peerless beauty like Ji Yanran whose talent and talent amaze all living beings. As soon as she stepped into the hall, she became the object of great attention from Lu Buwei and others, occupying the top of the table.
Meng Ao's two sons, Meng Wu and Meng Tian, were a little younger than Jing Jun. They were both tall and handsome, and they were both handsome and majestic.
After drinking for three rounds, Meng Ao suddenly ordered his two sons to come out and fight with real swords for fun. They saw dragons leaping and tigers leaping, sword energy getting cold, and they walked for dozens of rounds amidst the sound of gold and iron chiming like firecrackers.
They separated, saluted everyone at the table with their swords, and returned to their father's table without blushing or out of breath.
The crowd cheered loudly, and Jing Jun was used to hanging out with them, so he shouted even louder.
Xiang Shaolong paid special attention when he remembered that Meng Tian was a famous general in the Qin Dynasty after Wang Jian, Wang Ben and his son.
Lu Buwei, who was sitting across from Ji Yanran, smiled and said, "Shaolong, are you okay with seeing these two boys?"
Xiang Shaolong sincerely praised: "General Meng and his two young masters are very brave and brave. They will succeed the generals in the future and become famous generals. Shaolong dares to protect his neck with his head."
Meng Ao was overjoyed and shouted to his son: "You two haven't thanked me yet!"
Meng Ao and Meng Tian immediately walked out, kowtowed in front of Xiang Shaolong's table and thanked him. He was so tired that he left the table and stood up, supporting the two of them, feeling vaguely that things were not that simple.
After returning to the table and sitting down, Lu Buwei said as expected: "These two boys have been marching with General Meng since they were thirteen years old. However, General Meng still thinks that they only know how to dance swords and guns, and do not have extensive knowledge, let alone military strategy, so he hopes to put them together."
They entrust Shaolong to discipline them."
Meng Ao said sincerely: "I have read tens of thousands of people, but I have never met anyone as ordinary as the Grand Tutor. If you don't give up, I will let the children be my followers this time when the Grand Tutor is on a mission to the six countries."
Xiang Shaolong knew that he could not refuse, so he smiled and said: "The general loves me so much, how dare Shaolong disobey my order?" At the same time, he thought that Lu Buwei was trying his best to cultivate talents, and it was obvious that he didn't just want to be a prime minister.
After Meng Wu and Meng Tian kowtowed, the matter was settled.
Just as Lu Buwei was about to speak, a family member suddenly came in in a hurry and said a few words in Lu Buwei's ear, which attracted everyone's attention.
Lu Buwei couldn't help being moved when he heard this, and lost his voice: "Zhao Xiaocheng and Wang Er are dead."
For a moment, the hall was extremely quiet.
After everyone returned to Wu Mansion that night, Zou Yan, who had followed them back, went to talk to Xiang Shaolong.
In the quiet side hall, after chatting for a few words, Zou Yan said: "Lu Buwei relies heavily on Shaolong now. What are Shaolong's plans?"
Xiang Shaolong knew that he was a scholar and a man of heaven, and his eyesight was so good that he would not think twice about others. There must be a reason for his words. He pondered for a while and sighed: "I am also very conflicted... Oh, it's snowing."
Snowflakes are flying in the dark night outside the window, which is indescribably gentle and elegant.
Zou Yan stood up, walked to the window, and admired the belated first snowfall with his hands behind his hands, as if he were among the gods.
When Xiang Shaolong came to his side, Zou Yan was so excited that he suggested going to a small pavilion in the garden to enjoy the snow.
The two of them faced the snow catkins, arrived at the small pavilion, and stood side by side.
Zou Yan let out a long breath and said: "For the past seven or eight days, Lu Buwei has been pulling at me all day long, asking about luck. He also hopes that I will find a blessed place for his late husband to bury his remains. This man has great ambitions. Shaolong should be careful.
A little less is better.”
Xiang Shaolong admired him from the bottom of his heart.
Needless to say, Lu Buwei's thousands of words to Zou Yan were just to know whether he was the real emperor, but Zou Yan saw that he was just a fake dragon, so he gave this warning, fearing that he would be implicated by him in the future.
Zou Yan said angrily: "Lü Buwei asked me several times to take charge of the compilation of his "Lü's Spring and Autumn Annals", but I refused with grand excuses. Does Shaolong know the reason?"
Shaolong knew that the wise man was trying to enlighten him by making insinuations, so he said humbly: "Godfather, please tell me."
Zou Yan smiled and said, "This is the first time you take the initiative to call me your godfather. Will you feel a little uncomfortable?"
When Xiang Shaolong smiled awkwardly, Zou Yan continued: "Lu Buwei is definitely not someone who is willing to listen to what others say. Although he looks like a virtuous corporal, in fact, everyone is just his tool to fulfill his dream. Based on "Lu's Spring and Autumn Annals"
For example, he just wanted to reflect his personal thoughts."
Although Xiang Shaolong had heard Li Si talk about the contents of the ancient encyclopedia for Xiaopan's reference, he could not remember it clearly, so he asked casually: "Will his trick work?"
?”
Zou Yan said disdainfully: "The idea of 'virtue and benevolent government' as the mainstay and 'punishment and rewards' as a supplement is not Confucius's unrealistic approach. It is regression, not progress. Only progress can stand out. Qin State
Since Shang Yang, people have advocated the rule of law and military exploits, which is completely different from Lu Buwei's approach. There will definitely be problems in the future, Shaolong, be careful."
Xiang Shaolong said in a low voice: "My godfather is indeed far-sighted. If my predictions are correct, Lu Buwei will be in trouble in the future and will not die well."
Zou Yan's body shook violently. He looked at him and said in a deep voice: "It turns out that Shaolong has noticed this a long time ago. Lao Fu is worried for nothing."
Xiang Shaolong sighed secretly, it was precisely because he knew what the future would bring that he could not enjoy the wealth and glory in front of him. It was better not to know his fate.
The snow is getting heavier and heavier.
The next morning, Lu Buwei summoned him to the Prime Minister's Mansion, met him inside, and said immediately: "Shaolong and I will go to the palace to see the king later. Alas, I have been trying to push you around for more than ten days, and I almost complained to Empress Ji to death."
." Then he said solemnly: "Although Empress Ji has a lot of feelings for you, remember not to touch even half of her fingers, otherwise even I won't be able to protect you."
Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly and said, "Don't worry, Prime Minister."
Lu Bu nodded and said: "I also believe you can control it. It's just out of concern that you couldn't help but mention it."
After pondering for a long time, he said: "I decided to go to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty personally, with Meng Ao as my deputy. When Shaolong arrived in Korea, the Eastern Zhou Dynasty should have disappeared, officially ending the rule of the Zhou Dynasty. From this moment on, it will be a situation where all heroes compete for hegemony.
.”
After a pause, he continued: "After Xiao died, the power of Zhao State fell into the hands of Han Jing and Guo Kai, and the political situation was unstable. I have to redeploy my strategy to seize this opportunity. The day when Lord Yangquan teaches Taoism, it will be the day when our Da Qin will launch
At the time of domination, Shaolong must stabilize the six kingdoms for me before then. If the destruction of Zhou causes the six kingdoms to join forces, it will be very detrimental to me."
Xiang Shaolong secretly sighed, if the situation is not good for Lu Buwei, then it will be bad for him. For the time being, his and the Wu family's fate has been linked to Lu Buwei. If there is misfortune, he will be implicated. If Yangquan Jun can succeed
Even Zhu Ji and Xiao Pan would be killed if the change was made, so they could only nod their heads in agreement.
Let us also consider that among the ruling classes of the six countries, who are not selfish and benefit themselves at the expense of others? If you talk to them about benevolence and righteousness, you are just asking for trouble.
Lu Buwei's eyes flashed sharply, and he thought thoughtfully: "Except for the people who had masks to protect their appearance on the previous trip, all the people on this trip must be replaced by new people. Otherwise, as long as one person is recognized, he will be reminded that you are
Dong Ma is crazy, relocation will make things more complicated. Fortunately, there is no problem with manpower. I will appoint a group of loyal and swordsman masters from the generals to accompany you personally, coupled with a team of thousands of elite cavalry.
It is enough to cope with the dangers of the journey. Xiao Yuetan will also help you take care of it."
Xiang Shaolong felt enlightened. From a certain perspective, these confidants from Lu Buwei had also become spies to monitor him. He thought with a thought: "Can Prime Minister Lu add Mr. Li Si to the entourage list?"
Lu Buwei glanced at him strangely, hesitated for a moment and then said: "Since Shaolong has made this suggestion, I will do as you asked. Now let's go into the palace to see the king."
Although nothing could be seen on the surface, judging from his slightly hesitant attitude, Lu Buwei was actually unhappy in his heart. As to whether the reason was that he didn't like Li Si or that Xiang Shaolong had his own opinions, it was difficult to say for sure.
Through the car window, Xianyang turned into a beautiful world of pure white, with snowflakes still falling endlessly.
The first snowfall always makes people happy, and the weather is not too cold. Some children ran to the street to play in the snow. When they turned into the avenue of Xianyang Palace, they even saw a group of young women throwing snowballs for fun.
, the situation of not leaving the boudoir in three steps is completely useless in this era. However, after the advocating Confucianism in the Han Dynasty, women were further suppressed by selfish men to suppress their freedom. During the Warring States Period, in terms of the degree of openness, it was also important.
The Qin State, which had just got rid of its barbarian status, was the most powerful.
Lu Buwei fell silent, and both of them had their own thoughts.
Xiang Shaolong suddenly thought that Lu Buwei sent troops at this time, which was really meaningful.
Snowstorm was originally a taboo for military operations, but it had two major advantages when dealing with weak countries like the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
First of all, it was unexpected. Due to the cover of wind and snow, it was possible that the Lord of Dongzhou didn't know what was going on until the troops came to the city.
Secondly, it was winter in the blink of an eye, and travel was extinct. If the news was cut off, by the time the six countries knew about it, things had already changed. Even if they had heard the news earlier, they would have been disappointed and unable to help.
Judging from this strategy alone, Lu Buwei is both bold and adventurous. If you turn against him in the future, you must pay attention to his character, otherwise you will suffer big losses.
When Lu Buwei arrived at the Qin Palace, he felt as if he had returned to his own home and went straight into the inner court. He got off the car when he reached the imperial garden between the inner and outer courts. He did not need to be led by people to lead the way. Surrounded by more than a dozen sturdy guards, he swaggered towards the harem.
Go.
Compared with when Xiang Shaolong left Qin for Zhao half a year ago, Lu Buwei's status in the Qin Palace has been greatly improved.
It is impossible for King Zhuang Xiang's character of valuing justice and admiring love to meet Lu Buwei, an ambitious man with ulterior motives, not to be controlled and manipulated by him.
There was a faint sound of wooden swords clashing in front of the corridor.
A gratified smile appeared on Lu Buwei's face and he said: "The prince is practicing his sword again."
Seeing his expression, Xiang Shaolong really wanted to tell him that Xiaopan was not his son. It would be interesting to see how he would react.
At the end of the corridor, it suddenly becomes clear.
In a small square between the two palace buildings, rain and snow were falling, and Xiao Pan was fighting with another child of similar age using wooden swords.
In addition to King Zhuang Xiang and Zhu Ji, there were also Madam Xiuli and Wang Zicheng watching the battle. In addition, there were more than a dozen chambermaids, two warriors who seemed to be swordsmanship instructors, and a dignified civil servant. There were also people around. Guards were posted and the atmosphere was solemn and solemn.
When King Zhuang Xiang and others did not see the two of them, Lu Buwei whispered to Xiang Shaolong: "The prince's sword practitioner is Wang Jian's son Wang Bi. Among the children of the same age in the palace, no one is his opponent."
Xiang Shaolong's heart moved and he looked carefully at this future invincible general. He was indeed very strong and strong, with an elegant appearance, somewhat similar to Wang Jian. He was very measured in his movements and left room for advancement. If he were three years old, he would be eighty years old. , then these twelve or three-year-old children will now have the air of a general.
He still didn't understand the situation in the palace, such as why Wang Ben had the honor of accompanying Xiaopan to practice martial arts, but this matter should have been Lu Buwei's idea, and it was his way to win over Wang Jian, a new generation of famous generals.
At this time, King Zhuang Xiang saw them and happily called them over.
Xiang Shaolong saw the happy expression of King Zhuang Xiang and felt in his heart, will good people always suffer losses?
King Zhuang Xiang wholeheartedly treated this great benefactor who made him the master of a country. Did he ever think that he was raising tigers to create trouble?
But there was no time to think too much at this time, so he gathered his mood and walked towards King Zhuang Xiang.
With a "pop" sound, Xiao Pan's wooden sword was swept away by Xiao Wang Ben, leaving the empty door exposed.
Xiao Wang Ben put away his sword and retreated quickly, knelt down on the ground, and shouted: "Prince Zheng, please forgive Xiao Ben for being reckless."
When Xiao Pan saw Xiang Shaolong, he was still interested in fighting, so he stepped forward to help Xiao Ben up and whispered affectionately into his ear, but he didn't know what he was talking about.
Xiang Shaolong didn't know whether he should be happy or disappointed. The unborn little Qin Shihuang now knew how to win people's hearts.