Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 323, Section 322: Past Events Spilled Like Water
Actually, Princess Wencai was only 15 years old after the New Year.

However, a person's maturity is not entirely determined by age, but by the era they live in, the things they have experienced, and the aspirations in their heart.

Although Princess Wen was a princess, the Qin state had been engaged in wars for many years, either conquering other states or being conquered by other states.

Although she had lived in the palace for a long time, she still had many worries in her heart.

Unfortunately, this kind of personality was not a good match for a mother as shrewd as Madam Chu, but rather for Madam Zheng—no offense to Madam Zheng.

However, I imagine that Princess Wen's ambitions would not be understood if she were to speak of them.

For teenage girls, this is a huge deal.

Moreover, she has great ambitions.

At that moment, she stared at the Queen in astonishment.

But Qin Shi dared to entrust even Prince Qian with important matters, so she wasn't really lacking in anything.

only……

"I've been waiting."

Qin Shi said earnestly.

"Madam Zheng wanted to prepare for your wedding, but you were only interested in seizing power. I've remembered you ever since I first heard about this at Zhangtai Palace."

"Therefore, I have been waiting, waiting for your heart to strive for progress."

Princess Wen's face had been washed clean, but at this moment, her slightly swollen, long eyes, which resembled Ji Heng's, had large tears welling up at the corners of her eyes, which then quietly slid down.

There is no greater tragedy in life than this.

She didn't even dare to think about how much time she would have wasted in this dilemma if her mother hadn't brought her here by chance.

Or even, will it ruin her life?

The Queen had clearly spoken these earnest words and these hopes for the future to her on the way to Pinyang.

If you stay in the mud, you will attract the enemy.

Father, when you asked me about this hexagram in the Zhangtai Palace, did you already foresee that your daughter would suffer unimaginable harm and pain because of her indecisiveness, hesitation, and procrastination?
Just like now, her heart is on the verge of breaking.

It was something I could have gotten simply by reaching out...

Large tears still streamed down her face uncontrollably, but at that moment, this frail young girl suddenly and solemnly gathered her sleeves, bowed deeply, and prostrated herself in reverence.

"Please teach me, Your Majesty."

"My mind is shallow, and I fear I am ill-equipped to handle important matters. I humbly request Your Majesty's guidance."

Madam Zheng stood aside, somewhat puzzled as to why things had taken this turn.

The Queen didn't say anything, so why is Wen'er crying so miserably?
Looking at her daughter again, she felt a pang of regret.

Although Wen'er wasn't unattractive, she couldn't be described as an absolute beauty.

Her daughter didn't inherit her bright, expressive eyes.

However, the king's similar long eyes actually looked bigger and more beautiful when they were slightly swollen.

I only know that Your Majesty...

Her wandering thoughts suddenly jolted when she thought of Ji Heng's somber face, and she dared not let her mind wander any further.

Qin Shi laughed, "Wen'er, you're just like Cheng Hu, you only study in the palace every day and haven't really seen much of the lives and conditions of ordinary people, but your personality..."

To say that there is nothing to be found is an understatement.

Therefore, if she were to do the things that Prince Qian did, it would be counterproductive.

That being the case——

"Your father and I intend to hold an auction in Xianyang City, open to powerful nobles and merchants alike. Having lived in the palace for so long, you naturally know how to create a truly awe-inspiring event, don't you?"

"If you are interested in the staffing and scene setup for this auction, you can go to Red Woman to learn all the essentials and take over some of the work to help her."

She looked intently at Princess Wen: "Are you willing?" Her arrangement was not unfounded; she had considered it for a long time.

Princess Wen is proud, but she was raised in the palace. Therefore, she must have some experience in how to maintain her aristocratic demeanor and how to add another layer of atmosphere related to her status to those expensive and rare items.

Moreover, all arrangements must be approved by Qin Shi in the end; if they are not satisfactory, they can be supplemented later.

Although this auction was very important, because the content of the auction was so demanding, the external arrangements were not so strict.

Ultimately, we're not afraid of any mistakes.

However, there's no need to say this to Princess Wen.

Since the spirit of a young person is so important, let her also consider this an extremely important matter.

Princess Wen replied without hesitation, "Your subject is willing!"

At this moment, she could only feel her slightly tense back and the hairs on her arms gradually standing on end.

She can do it.

They can do it extremely well!

……

Meanwhile, Xin, far away at the cement workshop, boarded a carriage and drove through the night, finally arriving at the outside of Xianyang Palace at dawn.

He wiped his sweat, looking disheveled and covered in dust. With a flick of his sleeve, a cloud of dust would rise from his clothes.

Looking at the several large boxes of belongings hanging behind him, he suppressed his excitement and went to wash up and change first.

At daybreak, immediately inform them to proceed to Ganquan Palace.

The last time he was so delighted was when he solemnly invited Qin Shi to visit the site of stirrups and horseshoes.

And now, Qin Shi also had a premonition:

"Could it be cement..."

"Yes!" Xin solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Your Majesty, I will not fail your trust!"

"Now that all the different types of cement have been tested, they can be used to build roads, riverbanks, and palaces. If Your Majesty permits, I will choose a secluded spot in Ganquan Palace to pave this material. Once it is dry and hard, I would like Your Majesty and Your Majesty to come and see it in person!"

Cement, that dull, gray stuff, naturally doesn't have much to offer in terms of aesthetics.

But what Xin had to do was not simply pave a road; he also had to construct various buildings with cement, including but not limited to short sections of city walls and river embankments, according to the Queen's instructions.

This kind of city wall is actually not as sturdy as those border fortresses built of huge bluestones and mortar.

But it dries quickly, requires less manual labor, and isn't that strenuous!

Used as an emergency measure, it can be formed and stabilized in two or three days in summer, and it also has great potential in military applications.

Xin realized that the Queen had few capable people around her, so she entrusted him with all these important things!
But in Ganquan Palace, many talented people who had been promoted were quietly waiting.

Even if they don't know what opportunities they will face.

Thinking of this, he felt even more urgent and became even more alert.

Qin Shi finally perked up: "Really?! How's the quality?"

"Yes!" Xin replied solemnly.
"Despite the divine book bestowed upon me by the Queen, I have still wasted so much time. This is because, after testing the most durable and sturdy formula, I have been building a road section at the workshop, having laborers pound and hammer the earth every day, using carts to pull heavy loads, and rolling and shoveling boulders to test it..."

What level of damage would result in what kind of destruction? For example, could it withstand a catapult if used as a city wall?

The past cannot be changed, and the former country is like spilled water.

And he, Xin, a former nobleman of the Yan Kingdom, will eventually receive a title bestowed by the Queen, just like Mo!

　Princess Wen from 2000 years later: Mom, I'm in the top ten of my grade. I want to get into Tsinghua University for the college entrance exam, and Peking University is also okay.

　　Ms. Zheng: What big back? Oh dear, daughter, your face looks so tired from studying! Come on, put on a face mask!

　　(End of this chapter)