Xiang Shaolong and Prince Dan returned to Wu Mansion. Xu Yi and others never dreamed that he would turn around and rescue their master. They were all overjoyed and shed tears of gratitude. Xiang Shaolong's heart was filled with Zhao Ya, Wu Tingfang, Bao
The son waited, apologized, handed the greetings to the prince to Tao Fang and Teng Yi, and hurriedly walked to the inner house. When they met the maidservants, when they saw him coming back, they all looked excited and saluted respectfully.
When walking through the corridor of the garden, the voices of men and women talking came from the small pavilion behind the bamboo forest, but they could not be heard clearly.
He took a few steps in a leisurely and thoughtful manner, and with the sound of footsteps, a female voice called out coquettishly in the bamboo forest path: "Uncle is back."
Xiang Shaolong looked away, and it turned out to be Zhou Wei. His face may have become a little plumper due to the freehand life, and it was even more charming than before. He fell to the ground, his pretty face was slightly red, and his expression was flustered and weird.
When Xiang Shaolong was wondering who she was talking to, a figure flashed, and Wu Guo, who had gone to pick up Zhao Ya from Daliang, chased him out of the bamboo forest and shouted: "Xiao Weiwei, you, Mr. Xiang, hey!"
Kneeling next to Zhou Wei, she looked embarrassed.
Xiang Shaolong suddenly realized that Wu Guo had taken a fancy to Zhou Wei and was pursuing her hard.
I had encouraged Jing Jun to pursue Zhou Wei that day, but it seemed that Jing Jun had shifted his target to Lu Dan'er, so he gave this cute guy Wu Guo a cold hand and felt happy in his heart.
Seeing Wu Guo kneeling next to her, almost shoulder to shoulder, Zhou Wei glanced at Wu Guo in embarrassment before saying in panic: "Uncle, Xiao Wei." Xiang Shaolong stepped forward to help the two of them up, and said happily:
"Xiao Wei, there's no need to explain. Seeing you two together makes me feel happy, but I feel guilty about it."
Zhou Wei's pretty face turned red, she lowered her head and said, "Uncle, that's not the case."
Xiang Shaolong didn't dare to look at him when he saw her talking, so he didn't understand that she had great affection for Wu Guo. When he wanted to speak, Wu Guo jumped up, cheered, turned around, and grabbed Zhou Wei's jade
She shook her arms and said, "Xiao Weiwei, I'm right, Master Xiang will definitely not blame us."
Zhou Wei broke free from his grasp and shouted angrily: "Get out of here, I have to serve the uncle."
Xiang Shaolong laughed and said: "Xiao Wei no longer has to serve me. From today on, Wu Guo will serve you."
After saying that, he walked away, leaving Wu Guo entangled with Zhou Wei.
When they were approaching the back house, a fragrant breeze blew over them. Tian Zhen and Tian Feng ran out and threw themselves into his arms, crying with joy. They were two beautiful little birds trembling.
Xiang Shaolong hugged the two of them tightly and entered the hall.
Wu Tingfang and Ji Yanran were having a heart-to-heart talk, and Xiang Baoer, who was almost three years old, was attached to the latter's arms.
When Wu Tingfang saw Xiang Shaolong, he forgot everything and jumped up and rushed towards him.
Xiang Shaolong let go of Sister Tian and held her in his arms.
Wu Tingfang burst into tears while complaining: "Why are you willing to go home now?" When Xiang Shaolong was coaxing and teasing her, Ji Yanran came over with Xiang Baoer in her arms and put her in his arms.
.
Xiang Baoer hugged his neck and called out in a clear and resounding childish voice: "Dad" Xiang Shaolong was so happy that Xiang Shaolong kissed his little face like rain, and his heart was filled with family affection and warmth.
Ji Yanran smiled and said: "Okay, come into the room and see Sister Ya. It's time for her to wake up."
Xiang Shaolong knew that Zhao Ya did not have the habit of taking a nap, so he was shocked and asked: "What's wrong with Ya'er?"
Ji Yanran looked gloomy and said, "She is very weak. Go and see her quickly. You have been waiting so hard."
Xiang Shaolong handed Xiang Baoer back to Ji Yanran and asked smoothly, "Where are Sisters Zhizhi and Rou?"
Wu Tingfang said happily: "When the three sisters meet, no one will pay attention to them."
After Xiang Shaolong kissed Wu Tingfang's cheek, the Tian sisters happily pulled him from side to side towards the east chamber.
Arriving in one of the quiet rooms, Zhao Ya was still asleep, with a pretty maid watching over her.
Sister Tian wisely took the pretty maid away. When he and Zhao Ya were the only ones left in the room, he sat on the edge of the couch, his heart burning with love, and carefully looked at this troubled beauty.
Zhao Ya had obviously lost weight, and her face was unhealthy and pale. She lost the radiance of the past, but gained a haggard and delicate look, which made his heart twist and ache.
Xiang Shaolong stretched out his hand to caress her cheek and cried with heartache: "Yaer Yaer"
Zhao Ya woke up slowly, opened her eyes and saw Xiang Shaolong, screamed, and struggled to sit up.
Xiang Shaolong took her into his arms, brought her lips together, and kissed her passionately.
Zhao Ya didn't know where the strength came from. She hugged him tightly and reacted enthusiastically. Then she raised her pretty face and smiled happily: "My man is finally back. Why are you crying? No one else is crying."
Xiang Shaolong fell on the bed and slept with her hugging each other, face to face, caressing her beautiful breasts with one hand, and sighed: "Ya'er, you have lost weight."
Zhao Ya kissed the tip of his nose and said happily: "For the sake of your naughty hands, I have forced myself to eat every day. Do I still want to blame others? Don't remember to go over other people's old scores. You can't say a word."
Seeing her beautiful eyes, Xiang Shaolong felt happy in his heart and said: "Ya'er, you must recover so that you can accompany me to travel around the mountains and rivers and enjoy yourself to the fullest."
Zhao Ya smiled and said: "My illness will never be cured, but as long as I can be with the person I love most in the last few days, God will owe me nothing more, Zhao Ya."
Xiang Shaolong felt a strong ominous feeling and scolded: "Don't say such things, you will definitely recover. My love for you is the best elixir in the world, better than any great doctor.
"
Zhao Ya smiled coquettishly, her pretty eyes sparkling, and she kissed her sweetly before saying, "Hel her up, she's exhausted from sleeping."
In fact, Xiang Shaolong really couldn't bear to leave this comfortable bed that made him feel refreshed. He had no choice but to pick her up by the waist and sit on the edge of the bed.
Zhao Ya tried her best to hold his neck, and said softly and weakly: "Would you like to go for a walk outside? Look, it's snowing."
Xiang Shaolong looked out the window, and sure enough, snowflakes were falling. He couldn't bear to offend her, so he found a thick cloak and wrapped her up tightly, then he hugged her to the small pavilion in the courtyard, and sat on the stone with his arms around her.
On the stool, he said lovingly: "What does Ya'er feel uncomfortable about?"
Zhao Ya pressed her cheek against his, looked at the snow-white world outside the pavilion, and said with a smile: "Are you talking about the past? I felt that I had no energy at all, and I would feel dizzy when sitting or standing. Sometimes when I think of you, my heart will hurt. But in everything
Everything is fine, I still want to eat something”
Xiang Shaolong left her for a little while and said, "Can I teach you how to make something for you to eat? What do you like to eat?"
Zhao Ya's eyes were full of affection, she shook her head with a smile and said, "No, that's just a feeling. Now I just want you to hold Ya'er and let Ya'er know that Xiang Shaolong still loves me so much. Ya'er is already satisfied."
Xiang Shaolong carefully examined her beautiful face, and saw that her face became rosy, and a pair of beautiful eyes shone with a strange and thrilling look today. The lost luster seemed to reappear on her pink face, and he felt happy in his heart for a moment.
Speechless.
Zhao Ya said softly: "Zhao Da and the others are loyal to Ya'er. See if there is anything suitable for them, and let them work for you. Because of me, they have not yet married, so it is up to you to fulfill their wish for Ya'er.
"
Only then did Xiang Shaolong realize that something was wrong, and said in shock: "Don't say such things, you will get better soon."
Zhao Ya smiled lightly and said: "Look how beautiful this heavy snow is, it has purified all the ugly things in the world. Although Ya'er has had many men, she only really fell in love with Shaolong, and she has forgotten the others. Originally, I was here
Daliang should have died long ago. He just knew that there would be a chance to see you again, so he persisted until this moment. If you hadn't called me just now, I might not have been able to wake up again. Shaolong, please don't cry, okay?" He stretched out his sleeves to help him.
Wipe away hot tears.
Xiang Shaolong's whole body was cold, his heart was like a knife, and his intestines were broken. He said in a trembling voice: "Ya'er, don't scare me, you must persevere. There are still many wonderful things in this world, waiting for you to taste and enjoy."
Zhao Ya smiled tenderly and said: "Beautiful things are always short-lived. I still remember the first time I saw you on the streets of Handan. You were in ragged clothes and looked downcast, but you were more noble than any prince."
Even more proud of her handsome and heroic appearance, Ya'er cannot suppress the passion in her heart."
After a pause, his eyes showed an extremely fiery look, and he chanted softly: "When the golden wind and jade dew meet, they will win over countless people in the world. Do you remember these two beautiful poems you said in my small building? Those are the words of Ya'er's life.
The most beautiful love words I have ever heard. The reason why I was so determined to stay in Daliang was because of these two words, but in the end I still couldn’t help but come to see you."
Then she hugged him tightly and said, "Shaolong, you are Zhao Ya's honey drop, please give me a kiss, okay?"
Xiang Shaolong's heart was broken into thousands of pieces, and he was so traumatized that he sealed her burning lips.
Zhao Ya responded enthusiastically, her breathing surprisingly rapid.
Then she fell into Xiang Shaolong's arms, her lips turning cold.
When Xiang Shaolong left her sweet lips in shock, he realized that she had died.
But there was still a happy and contented smile on her lips, and her beautiful eyes were lightly closed, as if she had just fallen into a deep sleep.
But he knew that she would never wake up again. Because she could extend her life to this day only by insisting on seeing him for the last time. Zhao Ya's death made Xiang Shaolong feel that his past in Handan was also gone.
Then he was buried in the torrent of time.
The three beauties from King Zhao's family who had a relationship with him all died one after another. Each time they visited, they dealt a severe blow to him. By this moment, he already felt numb.
He was just too sad and tired.
On the same day, he witnessed the deaths of Lu Gong and Zhao Ya, both of which were sudden. He could no longer bear the dual mental and physical torture. After leaving Zhao Ya's funeral affairs to Tao Fang,
He comforted Zhao Da and others according to Zhao Ya's orders, but he couldn't bear it anymore, so he hid in his room and cried bitterly before falling asleep again.
When he woke up, he found Wu Tingfang sleeping curled up in his arms, so he hurriedly coaxed her up, hurriedly washed up, and rushed to the palace.
Teng Yi, Jing Jun, and the Eighteen Iron Guards were responsible for escorting them.
Now the struggle with Lu Buwei is becoming more and more intense, and there is a danger of being ambushed and assassinated at any time, so everyone is very careful every time they go in and out.
Xiang Shaolong still attended the court meeting this time.
Under normal circumstances, a military attaché like him who was guarding the city would have no chance of attending the morning meeting. Fortunately, Xiang Shaolong's other identity was the Taifu. Traditionally, when a prince was underage, the Taifu could do so with special permission.
As soon as those attending the court entered the palace gate, brothers Chang Pingjun and Chang Wenjun intercepted Xiang Shaolong and walked aside to talk.
The two were surprised and delighted, apparently knowing that Lord Changping had been selected as the candidate for Prime Minister Zuo at his suggestion.
After everyone dismounted, Lord Changping smiled bitterly and said: "I don't know whether I should be grateful to you or give you a good beating. The prince came to talk to me late last night and said that you recommended me to replace Xiang Xu. Alas, why don't you do it yourself?
?If you are willing to be the left prime minister, all of us will be convinced."
Chang Wenjun was even more skeptical and said: "If big brother makes a mess, it will be a blessing and a curse."
Teng Yi said with a smile: "I can't believe that these two boys are usually not afraid of anything, but now they are afraid of promotion and wealth. They really make others laugh."
Jing Jun laughed and said: "With the Crown Prince and us behind your back, you can just go back to your original shape when it doesn't work. What's the big deal?"
Changping Jun said angrily: "It's easy for you to say that. Lu Buwei is now in power, and everyone is following him, vying to praise him and talk to him. Shaolong, you are hiding aside, but you teach me to fight against him.
Will I have a happy life in the future?"
Xiang Shaolong put his arms around his shoulders and said calmly: "Heaven is going to give a great responsibility to this person, and he must first do it. Why bother with his ambition? Don't worry, Li Si will give you some ideas from behind. Lu Buwei doesn't have Mo Ao anymore, so he's still afraid
What is he doing? Come on, we should go in."
Changping Jun said suspiciously: "Li Si is so busy with official duties, how can he find time to help me?"
After Xiang Shaolong said goodbye to Teng Yi and others, he took Changping Jun brothers with him.
While all the officials were kneeling and bowing in obeisance, Xiao Pan sat firmly on the throne, and Zhu Ji sat on the back right side of him.
The steps to the throne in the main hall are divided into two levels. Xiaopan's bodyguards, led by Lord Changping and Lord Changwen, lined up from the steps under the throne to the door of the palace, creating a solemn and solemn atmosphere.
Except for the imperial guards, no one entering the temple is allowed to carry weapons.
More than seventy civil servants and generals, dressed in neat official uniforms, lined up on both sides of the geese, with Lu Buwei on the right, followed by Wang Wan, Cai Ze, Jia Gongcheng, Yunyang Jun Ying Ao, Yiqu Jun Ying Qi and other civil servants, Li Sihe
Miao Du ranked seventeenth and eighteenth respectively, and their official positions were quite high.
On the other side is the royal tomb, followed by Wang Chi, Meng Ao, and Du Bi.
As the Crown Prince and Tutor, Xiang Shaolong had a high status and was under Du Bi. After the fight, there were nearly thirty people.
Xiaopan first expressed his condolences to Lu Gong and announced that the funeral would be held in seven days. Of course, he would personally preside over it.
Xiang Shaolong felt happy when he saw that Xiaopan was calm and composed, showing the spirit of the future Qin Shihuang.
While everyone was waiting to report, Lu Buwei said first: "Your Majesty, your Majesty, our country, the Qin Dynasty, is currently experiencing troubled times. First, there was a civil uprising in Dongjun, then Prime Minister Xu was attacked and killed in Wei, and Mr. Lu died of illness due to worry and anger. Chengyi
Immediately reorganize the government, fill the vacancies, work hard to govern, and then show great power."
After a pause, he snorted coldly: "Blood debts must be repaid with blood, otherwise little Dongfang will deceive me into having no one in the Qin Dynasty."
Wang Chi shouted angrily: "The people of Chu have really gone too far in deceiving others. They think that sending them to the rank of Lord Chunshen and ceding five counties will calm our anger. They are really too naive."
All the ministers agreed one after another with great momentum.
Xiaopan looked at everyone's reactions coldly and said calmly: "Do we need to recover the blood debt from the Chu people? Therefore, there is something hidden in the matter, so I won't mention it for now. As for the two vacancies left by Xiang Xu and the general,
After discussing with the Queen Mother, I have an idea."
Lu Buwei was shocked and looked at Zhu Ji. Seeing that the latter had no reaction, he knew something was wrong and said in a deep voice: "Even the people of Chu confessed that Xu Yu met and died. Is there any hidden secret? Please make it clear to the prince."
"
Xiaopan said displeasedly: "I just said to put this matter aside for now, just put it aside. Couldn't Father Zhong not hear clearly?"
These few words were said in an extremely rude manner. Lu Buwei's face changed slightly, he winked at Wang Chi and Meng Ao, and remained silent.
Without Zhu Ji's support, he would not dare to contradict Xiaopan.
Wang Chi and others did not expect Xiaopan to be so tough and did not dare to speak rashly for a while.
Since Shang Yang reformed the Qin government, the monarch has centralized power. Therefore, if Zhu Ji does not object, Xiaopan can do whatever he wants, unless he is overthrown; otherwise his words are orders.
But Xiaopan was secretly happy. Since Xiang Shaolong left Qin, he had been swallowing his anger under the pressure of Zhu Ji and Lu Buwei. Now that Xiang Shaolong is back, he feels that the situation has changed substantially, both physically and psychologically.
, why not take the opportunity to assert the monarch's power and use the attack on Lu Buwei to achieve the purpose of frightening the officials.
If he were not such a person, it would not be his turn to be the First Emperor in the future.
The hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
Zhu Jici said: "The Chief Sima of the Military and Political Council will be replaced by General Wangling. Do you have any objections?"
Xiang Shaolong sighed secretly when he heard this, thinking that if Xiaopan, the future Qin Shihuang, said these words, everyone would be consulted for their opinions.
Wang Chi was a member of the same clan as Wang Ling. Hearing this, he said happily: "General Wang Ling is indeed the best candidate." Lu Buwei originally wanted to be defeated, but in this situation, Zhu Ji had no choice but to open his mouth.
He couldn't help but give Xiang Shaolong a hard look, knowing that he was the one causing the trouble.
Cai Ze relied on his old age and bowed down and said: "The position of Zuo Xiangguo is of great importance. If you are not a person of high moral character and respect, you will not be able to convince others. I don't know who the Queen Mother and the Crown Prince have in mind?"
This time it was Zhu Ji's turn to be speechless. Because if we say that we are highly virtuous and respected, when will it be our turn to get Lord Changping? Xiang Shaolong looked at Lord Changping who was standing on the guard side of the steps and saw him lowering his head and saying nothing.
Her face turned red, showing panic in her heart. She knew that if she didn't create some momentum for him now, when all the ministers agreed with Cai Ze, Zhu Ji might not be able to make up her mind.
He laughed and said: "What Mr. Cai said is good, but I think it is not enough. I foolishly think that those who are qualified to fill the position of prime minister must meet three conditions."
Then he turned to Xiaopan and Zhu Ji and bowed: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty Mingjian, can you please let me briefly state your views?"
Xiaopan was overjoyed. After asking Zhu Ji for instructions, he happily said: "Master Xiang, please speak frankly without any scruples."
Lu Buwei and others were upset, but they couldn't stop it.
Du Bize had a sneer on his face. From his point of view, he would rather the position of Zuo Xiangguo fall to someone under Lu Buwei.
Although Wang Chi leans towards Lu Buwei, he is still a backbone of the local forces in the Qin Dynasty. He also has a good impression of Xiang Shaolong, so as long as what Xiang Shaolong says is reasonable, he will support it.
The situation here is indeed very delicate.
All eyes were focused on Xiang Shaolong.
Xiang Shaolong smiled slightly arrogantly and said: "Employ people based on their talents. First of all, the person must have real talents and knowledge, enough to take on the position. As for moral reputation, which can be cultivated, it is not that important at present. Take Lu Xiang as an example.
At the beginning of taking office, everyone knew what the situation was like, but now who is not convinced, we can know the reason behind Wei Chen's first condition."
Everyone was speechless because Xiang Shaolong insisted on blaming the matter on Lu Buwei. If he still spoke out against it, it would turn out to be against Lu Buwei.
Lu Buwei almost burst out of anger. He hated people mentioning his past, but at this moment, he couldn't speak.
Meng Ao's face darkened and he said coldly: "Master Xiang, what are the other two conditions?"
Xiang Shaolong said calmly: "The position of the Left Prime Minister, most of the people under his jurisdiction are military and political subordinates, so this person must be from the military generals, and in order to stabilize the morale of the military, this person must be a general from the mainland of Qin like Xu Xiang.
, Only in this way can I be taught that the Qin soldiers will be sincerely convinced. This condition is extremely important and must not be taken lightly."
To put it this way, the possibility of Wang Wan or Meng Ao being the prime minister of Zuo is completely denied.
The only ones who fully meet these two conditions are Du Bi and Wang Chi, and Changping Jun is still a little behind.
Lu Buwei was so angry that he turned green, but he was speechless because Xiang Shaolong was indeed on the right side.
The military generals of Qin State, from the king down to the king, all nodded in agreement.
Xiaopan patted the case and said: "Well said, now even I want to know the third condition."
Xiang Shaolong thanked Xiao Pan for his permission and said with a smile: "The third condition is that this person must be young and promising, so that he can grow up with the crown prince to ensure the continuation of the policy. Although this argument seems bold, there is
It has its own truth, and as long as you think about it carefully, you will know the beauty of it."
Frankly speaking, this was the weakest link among Xiang Shaolong's three conditions, and the officials immediately started booing and talking about it.
Lu Buwei laughed and said: "This last condition of Taifu Xiang is really open to discussion. I don't know who Taifu has in mind."
Xiaopan laughed and said: "Taifu Xiang's words are exactly what I want. Lord Changping will accept the order."
The main hall fell silent suddenly.
Lord Changping ran out and knelt down under the dragon steps.
Xiaopan Surong said: "From today onwards, Lord Changping will be our Prime Minister of the Left of Great Qin. I have made up my mind, and all the ministers should not say more, which will cause other problems."
Xiang Shaolong smiled secretly in his heart, and took the lead to kneel down without even looking at Lu Buwei, who was so angry that his face turned pale.
What was originally impossible has become a fact.
The key point was to obtain the support of Miao Du and Zhu Ji first, and in this way, Miao Du and Zhu Ji's side openly broke with Lu Buwei, and there was no room for turning back.