Qin Gong

Chapter 694: The fake person, Yao Jia’s words!

Outside a mansion in Xianyang City, a carriage slowly stopped, and then, under the care of a maid, Tian Feiyan and Bai Junzhu entered the mansion, talking and laughing.

After a while, Tian Feiyan and Bai Junzhu arrived at the main hall and saw that it was already full of people.

"Father!"

"Father! Grandfather!"

Tian Feiyan saluted Tian Ding, and Bai Junzhu also saluted his father Bai Yan and grandfather Bai Zhong.

This mansion was where Tian Ding lived in Xianyang. As a relative of the State of Qi, it was not difficult for Ying Zheng to get a beautiful mansion, given his emphasis on Tian Ding and his connections in Xianyang.

The only surprising thing was that now in the main hall, not only were there members of the Bai family, but there were also many old and middle-aged men dressed in Qin costumes, kneeling behind the wooden table.

"Is this Lord Wu Lie's wife?"

After seeing Tian Feiyan finish the ceremony, some old men looked at Tian Ding in amazement and asked with a bow.

Lu Qi was also in the main hall, but as a junior, he had no seat to sit at the moment. Like Tian Xian, they both stood behind their fathers.

"Yan'er, this is the descendant of King Zhaoxiang, Yingquanzi from Liyang!"

Tian Ding smiled and nodded, then introduced some respected elders to his daughter Tian Feiyan.

Tian Feiyan watched Bai Junzhu return to Bai Yan's back. When she heard her father's words, a smile appeared on her pretty face. She turned around and saluted the old men. When she looked at the men behind the old men, who were all stunned and had dull eyes, Tian Feiyan did not feel surprised. She had even gotten used to it.

As Bai Yan's wife, although Tian Feiyan had only arrived in Xianyang not long ago, she had already won enough face for Bai Yan.

After the ceremony, listening to the old man's sigh, Tian Feiyan humbly returned the gift. Knowing that there were still important matters to discuss, he turned around and walked step by step behind his father.

"News has come from Qi that Lord Wu Lie led his troops to surround Linzi and personally persuaded the King of Qi to surrender. Now the King of Qi has surrendered to Qin, and the King is overjoyed!"

Ying Quanzi said to Tian Ding.

After saying that, Ying Quanzi then looked towards the people from the Bai family and the Lu family sitting opposite the main hall. After seeing the joy in those people's eyes, he continued to look towards Tian Ding.

"The whole world belongs to Qin! The Qin people are excited! Today, we are here because we think of Lord Wu Lie! In the past, Lord Wu Lie first followed General Teng to destroy Han, and then served as Wang Jian's deputy general to destroy Zhao. With the king's trust, he personally led the army to destroy Wei and went south to defeat the powerful Chu! Now he persuaded the King of Qi to surrender and destroyed Qi! Such a great achievement is rare in the world!"

Ying Quanzi paused here, looked at Tian Ding and the people from the Bai family again, and when he saw that no one looked displeased or frowned, he continued.

"We clan members have discussed privately that when the king offers sacrifices to the ancestral temple, reports to the spirits of the previous kings, and announces Qin's heroic deeds to the heavens, we should also ask for credit for Wu Liejun!"

When Ying Quanzi saw Tian Ding looking at him, he finally told him the purpose of his visit.

"Eight hundred years ago, the Zhou Dynasty was founded and many meritorious officials were invited to offer sacrifices to the heavens to announce the founding of the dynasty! Now that the Qin Dynasty has replaced the Zhou Dynasty and controls the entire world, we all believe that the Qin Dynasty should follow the example of the Zhou Dynasty and establish a new country!"

Ying Quanzi finally finished speaking, and a sigh of relief appeared on his old face.

As the descendant of King Zhaoxiang, Ying Quanzi was unable to compete with King Xiaowen of Qin because of his mother. After losing the qualification to inherit the throne, Ying Quanzi naturally became a member of the Ying clan. As a member of the clan, Ying Quanzi should have become estranged from the new Qin kings as generations of Qin monarchs changed.

However, as God's will would have it, although King Xiaowen of Qin died young, his successor King Zhuangxiang of Qin also died young and left even fewer descendants. This also meant that the lineage of Ying Quanzi, who succeeded King Zhaoxiang, was still very close to the contemporary King of Qin, Ying Zheng, and was entrusted with important tasks.

Now that he is old, Ying Quanzi never thought that the Qin State would successively destroy Han, Zhao, Yan, Wei, and Chu in just a few years, and finally even Qi State surrendered to Qin. From then on, all the territories in the world became the territory of Qin.

"It would be a good thing to imitate the Zhou Dynasty and claim to be the founder of a country. However, although Wu Liejun has made contributions, his seniority and qualifications are not as good as those of the old generals Wang Jian, Meng Wu, Li Yao, etc. in the court. He is even younger than General Tu Sui. If we want to ask for credit, Yan thinks that we should first ask for credit for the many old generals in the court. This is the best way!"

After listening to Ying Quanzi's words, Bai Yan looked at his father. After getting his father's tacit approval, he looked at Ying Quanzi and smiled to discuss.

What he meant was that Bai Yan knew the purpose of the Ying clan's visit, and the so-called "asking for merit" would benefit Bai Yan, the Bai clan, all the meritorious officials, and clan members, and everyone would be happy.

But if Bai Yan wanted to take the lead, it would be better to let the general with more seniority and experience take the lead instead of letting the young Bai Yan. Only then would the Bai family agree.

"This……"

Hearing Bai Yan's words, Ying Quanzi and the other elders of the Ying clan who were kneeling behind the wooden table all looked at each other, and the middle-aged men behind these elders all looked at each other in surprise, frowning slightly.

Obviously, even the middle-aged members of the Ying clan could see that the Bai clan did not want Bai Yan to take the lead.

"Quan believes that seniority and seniority are just empty names. The achievements made by Lord Wu Lie in leading the army are witnessed by all the people in the world. The king has great trust and respect for Lord Wu Lie. He has recommended merits for Lord Wu Lie. All officials are speechless and the world has no objection. This has become... the good reputation of the king and his subjects!"

Ying Quanzi looked at Bai Yan, raised his hand to salute and explained, then looked at Bai Zhong, and then his gaze turned to Tian Ding in the main hall.

As far as Ying Quanzi was concerned, as long as they followed the example of the Zhou Dynasty, their relatives had hinted clearly enough that they would try every means to persuade Ying Zheng to grant Qi to Bai Yan as a fiefdom. In this way, Tian Ding already had deep-rooted connections and influence in Qi, and with his status as Bai Yan's father-in-law, Tian Ding's power after returning to Qi would far exceed that of Xianyang.

As for letting Bai Yan come to the fore, the benefit they gave to the Bai family was that, just like Bai Yan, the descendants of the Bai family would no longer be harassed by officials when they served in the Qin State. If there were any, all of their relatives would help the Bai family.

Think of this.

Ying Quanzi turned around and looked at Bai Zhong who had fallen silent.

"May I ask Elder Ying! Have you ever asked the Meng, Wang, and Li families about the matter of asking for merit?"

Bai Yan knelt behind the wooden table, raised his hand, looked at Ying Quanzi and asked.

Bai Yan's words not only attracted the attention of Ying Quanzi and other members of the Ying clan, but also the Lu clan members nearby. They all looked at Bai Yan. Even Bai Zhong couldn't help but turn around and look at his second son.

Behind Bai Yan, Bai Junzhu watched his father arguing with reason, and even when his grandfather was tempted, he still refused to give in. The image of the young boy in the past emerged in his mind.

Did the young man know that his father was here, arguing with the Ying clan members for him?
"Asked!"

Ying Quanzi exchanged a glance with Ying Chang beside him, then looked at Bai Yan and nodded. At this moment, Ying Quanzi felt helpless about Bai Yan's behavior. As an old man, Ying Quanzi could see that Bai Yan didn't want Bai Yan to take the lead no matter what.

"I have personally sought an audience with General Meng Wu, and General Meng Wu said in person that the Meng family is loyal to the King of Qin and will follow his advice! General Li Yao and the Li family personally agreed to follow Zhou's example! As for General Wang Jian..."

Ying Quanzi said to Bai Yan.

If they were offering sacrifices to heaven to ask for merit, then the people who were most qualified to ask for merit would naturally be the Qin generals who had made great military achievements for the Qin State. This was why, after the Left Prime Minister Wang Wan agreed, facing the Right Prime Minister Feng Lao who was not in a hurry to express his position, their relatives were not in a hurry, but instead came to Tian Ding in a hurry to meet with the Bai and Lu families, and even asked other relatives to go to other counties in person to meet the old generals such as the County Magistrate Teng and the County Magistrate Yang.

"General Wang Jian is old and has already thought about retiring. He once said in the spring that the king might want to conquer the land of Baiyue!"

Ying Quanzi explained, then looked at Tian Ding in the main hall, and then looked at Tian Feiyan who was standing behind Tian Ding and next to Tian Xian.

"So, at present, there is no danger in the north, and the most important thing is to ask for merit for Lord Wu Lie first!"

Ying Quanzi's action was obviously a direct request to Tian Feiyan. After all, Tian Feiyan was Bai Yan's legal wife. When Bai Yan was not in Xianyang, Qin State, Tian Feiyan could do many things on Bai Yan's behalf.

"Father, Yan'er also wants to return to Qi! Feiyan received news yesterday that the Yue clan in the north have colluded with the Donghu and intend to invade and destroy the Xiongnu. I wonder if this will have an impact on my beloved!"

Tian Feiyan looked at her father in front of her with some concern, as if she was worried that something sudden happened in the north would affect her request for merit for Bai Yan, and then she would not be able to return to Qi!
"what?"

In the main hall, not to mention Ying Quanzi, even the other members of the Ying clan, were all delighted when they first heard Tian Feiyan's words, and their hearts gradually settled down. However, when they heard the latter part, they all looked stunned in an instant.

Another war in the north?

Bai Yan listened to the slightly noisy discussions and looked at Tian Feiyan who was standing next to Tian Ding in the main hall. He frowned slightly and couldn't help but feel worried. He thought that he must ask Jun Zhu to tell Tian Feiyan the dangers of this matter in private.

Tian Feiyan is indeed a rare beauty in the world, but her vision is too short-sighted. I don't know whether it is a disaster for Bai Yan to marry such a woman.

While thinking, Bai Yan sighed slightly.

..............................

Xianyang City, inside the royal palace.

Ying Zheng stepped beside the huge map and looked at the brand new map in front of him, which had only one big word "Qin" on it.

And in the layout, there are hundreds and thousands of city names densely distributed. The territories of the former countries now all belong to the Qin State. He, Ying Zheng, finally fulfilled the long-cherished wish of the Qin kings of all generations.

"Your Majesty, according to my humble investigation, the old man invited back to Linzi by Prince Sheng is most likely an imposter!"

Yao Jia, wearing the official uniform of a senior minister of the Qin State, followed behind Ying Zheng and bowed to him and spoke.

Ying Zheng, who was immersed in joy and excitement, suddenly heard Yao Jia's words and immediately turned around to look at Yao Jia.

"A fake person?"

Ying Zheng frowned and looked at Yao Jia with puzzled eyes, somewhat unable to believe it.

"If it was a fake, why didn't the former King of Qi, the former ministers of Qi, and the great scholars of Jixia Academy see through the news sent by Bai Yan?"

Ying Zheng asked in a deep voice.

Now that the world is unified, what he is about to face is the matter of governing the entire world. Ying Zheng, who received the news from Bai Yan, finally waited for the mysterious old man to show up. Before he could calm down from his excited thoughts, Yao Jia told him that the old man in Linzi, Qi State, was most likely an imposter.

How could Ying Zheng accept this?

"Your Majesty! At first, I also thought that the old man must be the author of the book, but after I secretly ordered people to investigate, I suddenly discovered that the old man was a perennial swindler. Among my retainers in Chu, there was one who was accepted as a disciple by him five years ago. His family wealth was swindled out of him, and not a single cent was left!"

Yao Jia explained to Ying Zheng.

Then, under Ying Zheng's gaze, Yao Jia told Ying Zheng that in the past in Chu, in order to find the traces of Prince Sheng and the old man, Yao Jia mobilized all the retainers and connections in Chu. God rewards those who work hard, and finally, during the wait, there happened to be a retainer who had seen Prince Sheng and the old man.

Although the retainer did not know how the old man cheated, after seeing the appearance of the old man who was taken away by Gongzi Sheng, the retainer could guarantee with his life that the old man was definitely a swindler and not some hermit or sage. The retainer even knew the old man's origins and experience of cheating people.

"But Bai Yan has already met that old man. Bai Yan has seen the bamboo slips before!"

After hearing what Yao Jia said, Ying Zheng looked solemn.

Since someone has seen the man in Linzi with his own eyes and dared to guarantee it with his life, it is very likely that the old man is really an impostor. However, when he thought of those bamboo slips, Ying Zheng was really unwilling to accept this.

Right now, Ying Zheng’s only hope is Bai Yan.

After all, although Bai Yan is young, he is a military man and has always been cautious in his actions. If he was not sure, Bai Yan would not have stated the identity of the old man in the letter.

"Your Majesty, I am also confused! I don't know how that person deceived Lord Wu Lie, but I dare to be sure that the old man is a fake. After Lord Wu Lie orders people to escort the old man to Xianyang, he will definitely try every means to prevent Lord Wu Lie's wife from appearing!"

Yao Jia bowed to Ying Zheng and said.

If it's fake, it will never be true. Yao Jia doesn't know how powerful the old man's cheating methods are, but as long as he comes to Xianyang, he can't avoid one person, Bai Yan's wife, the only woman in the world who has seen the true face of the old man who wrote the book.

"Ok!"

When Ying Zheng heard what Yao Jia said, he nodded in agreement, looked at the map, and recalled the bamboo slips that the old man had someone send him. Even Feng Quji, Yao Jia, and Li Si were astounded after seeing the bamboo slips.

The selection of filial and honest officials, the system of prefectures and states, the Enfeoffment Order…

Behind each roll of bamboo slips was knowledge that amazed everyone. Ying Zheng wanted so much to see with his own eyes the great sage who could write such a great strategy for governing the world.

As the king of Qin, who now controls the entire world, Ying Zheng knows better than anyone that Qin is now facing internal and external troubles.

The Qin State expanded too quickly in recent years, and the entrenched aristocratic forces in various places resisted secretly. At the same time, huge debates also broke out within the Qin State after it annexed various countries.

"Yao Jia, when you return to Xianyang, do you have any relatives you would like to visit privately?"

Ying Zheng asked softly.

Yao Jia was a senior minister of the Qin State and also a trusted minister of Emperor Ying Zheng. During the process of Qin State's annexation of various countries, Yao Jia was busy running around and his contribution was invaluable.

"Your Majesty, someone has indeed visited me!"

When Yao Jia heard Ying Zheng's question and looked at Ying Zheng's back standing next to the huge cloth map, he did not dare to hide it. Just when Yao Jia was about to tell Ying Zheng the matter in detail, Han Yezhe hurried into the study.

"Kings!"

When Han Yezhe saw Yao Jia present, he looked at Ying Zheng with a puzzled look. When he saw that Ying Zheng did not ask any questions, he knew that Ying Zheng was not bothered by Yao Jia's presence, so he continued talking.

"The spy sent a message that Ying Quanzi is now in Tian Ding's mansion with a dozen clan members, along with members of the Bai clan and the Lu clan!"

Han Yezhe reported.

When Yao Jia heard Han Yezhe's words, his expression froze and he looked at Ying Zheng with fear, not daring to breathe loudly.

As a person who traveled to many countries, Yao Jia could see the purpose of Ying Quanzi bringing those relatives to Tian Ding's mansion to gather with Bai and others.

"What are the intentions of those people?"

Ying Zheng asked calmly.

Afterwards, under Yao Jia's gaze, Ying Zheng heard the news from Bai Shi. Bai Zhong of Bai Shi was obviously interested. He glanced at the cloth map and stopped in an instant.

"If there is any news from Qi, report it to me immediately!"

Ying Zheng didn't want Bai Yan to get involved in this matter. No matter what Li Si said or the bamboo slips sent by the old man, among the many options, only enfeoffment was not among them.

This also made Ying Zheng completely determined that the Qin State would not follow the Zhou Dynasty's example and would not divide the country into fiefdoms.

As Bai Yan, Ying Zheng's most trusted general of Qin and the young minister he relied on the most, Ying Zheng did not want Bai Yan to get involved in this matter, and he did not want to see Bai Yan stand on the side of his relatives and the Qin military meritorious families.

This is also the reason why Ying Zheng transferred Bai Yan to the northern border instead of keeping him in Xianyang.

However, the news sent by the spies in the Bai family's mansion made Ying Zheng begin to worry that Bai Yan in Qi would be affected in the future and eventually become the opposite side that Ying Zheng least wanted to see.

Thinking of this, and thinking of the elite Qin troops under Bai Yan's command, Ying Zheng frowned slightly.

"promise!"

Han Yezhe nodded.

At this time, an eunuch came hurriedly to Han Yezhe.

"Your Majesty! The palace guards report that Lord Lu has brought the Taoist priest Xu Fu to the outside of the palace to ask for an audience!"

The eunuch reported to Ying Zheng.

When Yao Jia heard the name Xu Fu, he looked thoughtful. Having kept countless retainers in the past, Yao Jia felt that this name sounded very familiar.

Soon Yao Jia remembered that Xu Fu was a very famous alchemist in Qi State, and was said to be a disciple of Guiguzi!

"He actually came to Xianyang!"

　Zhao Gao was a member of the Ying clan, so the Ying clan knew that Ying Zheng would receive the news and that there were spies in the Bai family's mansion.

　　Tian Ding, who was good at martial arts, agreed to meet the Ying clan because he knew that Bai Yan had written "Extension of Favor" and roughly guessed Bai Yan's position.

　　They are all calculating against each other.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)