The leisurely life of the Qin people

Chapter 64 Choice
The duck meat wasn't very tasty, so Fusu picked up a flatbread from the side and ate it quietly.

When a bowl of noodles was served, Fusu realized that he hadn't eaten for a long time; he had only eaten a fish last night and had just eaten a few bites.

I haven't eaten since I woke up from my nap until noon.

The chime bells are still being struck again and again.

Ying Zheng then said, "General Gao said he wanted to govern the country like you."

Fusu was eating the noodles he had just taken a bite of.

Ying Zheng cut off a piece of venison with his knife and put it in his mouth to chew.

Governing a country is actually very tiring, and it's a daily grind.

Fusu felt that without Li Si, ruling this vast empire would be even more arduous.

"My younger siblings need more teachers. May I... arrange it on behalf of my father?"

Ying Zheng nodded slightly and then asked, "When can you return those grains to Li Si?"

Upon hearing this, Fusu frowned and said, "It seems we simply can't repay it now."

Ying Zheng felt this was expected, but Li Si would not want it, much less dare to.

"It will take three years, but I am not in a hurry."

At the foot of the steps outside Zhangtai Palace, Prince Gao met a man, none other than the Imperial Censor Zhang Cang.

"Imperial Censor Zhang?"

Zhang Cang bowed and said, "Your subject greets Your Highness."

She looked up at him and said, "I heard that you have grown a lot of grain in Weinan."

Zhang Cang looked up at the steps leading to Zhangtai Palace. Looking from here, he could only see the exposed eaves of the palace at the very top.

Sitting high on the steps, he looked troubled and said, "I have read many books in my brother's Gaoquan Palace. I could understand some of the books before, and I have been reading those books that I can understand."

Zhang Cang said, "That's very good."

"But I can't understand the books that follow. How can I help my father and brother govern the country? How many books do I need to read?"

This is the most confusing time for a twelve-year-old.

Zhang Cang said, "Young master, you can only read books here. If you can't learn anything from books, then you shouldn't stay here."

“Yes!” Gongzi Gao agreed wholeheartedly. He then asked, “Then what should I do? Should I leave Xianyang?”

Zhang Cang said slowly, "In the future, Weinan will undergo many changes."

Seeing that Gongzi Gao had left while pondering, Zhang Cang remained standing in the same spot.

Before long, Wu Gong strode over and said, "Imperial Censor Zhang, the Prime Minister requests your presence."

Zhang Cang looked up at Zhangtai Palace again, thinking that the young master should be able to explain the matter of Weinan to the First Emperor, so he left with Lord Wu.

Inside Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng was still chewing on venison as his son recounted what had happened in Weinan.

After the meal was finished, boxes of documents were brought up.

Fusu put down his chopsticks and instructed the palace maids to remove the remaining food and wine from in front of him.

Ying Zheng said, "Here are some documents; please take a look."

Fusu nodded and took several scrolls of documents from the pile, carefully flipping through them. The vast majority of these were documents sent by various counties, but one scroll contained documents sent by Shui Changlu, who had cultivated more than 3,000 mu of land in Lishui.

Based on the date the document was delivered, Fusu calculated that the Lingqu Canal had been under construction for two and a half years, requiring the labor of 60,000 people. According to the document, the Lingqu Canal still had five li of waterway to go, so he should have already completed the canal.

Fusu picked up the scroll and asked a eunuch to give it to his father, the emperor.

Then, Fusu picked up another scroll, which was about the Xianyang Bridge. The Xianyang Bridge had been completed for more than two years and connected the two places of the West Wei River. Its main purpose was to make it easier for people west of the West Wei River to come to Xianyang, thereby attracting people from the West Wei River to work in Xianyang and further boosting Xianyang's productivity.

It's like people on two different sides of a river. People on the west bank of the river need to work, while people on the east bank have jobs but lack manpower.

Before the Xianyang Bridge was built, people had to travel more than ten miles to reach Xianyang, and half a day would pass by in the process.

Now, they can come to Xianyang from Xianyang Bridge in the morning, work all day, and then go back home at night.

The Xianyang Bridge will become an important passage for the Qin Dynasty to control Longxi, and also a vital artery for the northwest border defense.

When Emperor Wu of Han built this bridge, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing relied on the convenient transportation of the Xianyang Bridge when they attacked the Xiongnu in the north.

Returning to the present, the Xianyang Bridge still uses a wood and stone structure.

This document was sent from Shanggui County in Longxi Prefecture. The magistrate of Shanggui County said that there were many people from the Western Regions who wanted to bypass Shanggui County and go directly to Xianyang Bridge to buy and sell goods.

Shanggui County is located 300 li west of Xianyang Bridge. It is the later Tianshui and an important pass leading to Guanzhong.

Fusu frowned as he looked at the scroll, and after a moment's thought, he wrote down his countermeasures.

Merchants from the Western Regions who sold furs and other goods were required to pay taxes on their goods entering the market. The vigilance of the magistrate of Shanggui County was essential, and strict supervision of trade was necessary. The concerns expressed in the magistrate's documents were justified.

Therefore, Fusu continued to write down the arrangements for the future. Hu merchants needed to go to designated places to trade, and Qin people would also go to designated places to trade. As long as the locations and routes were fixed, it would be easy to manage.

A market should be built to the west of Xianyang Bridge. This would facilitate the movement of people and allow the people of Xianyang to easily buy goods from the Western Regions. Both the Hu people and the Qin people would benefit. However, taxes must not be reduced and must be strictly controlled. Taxes are the foundation of the state and must not be allowed to be disrupted.

Then he continued writing, building Feiqiu County, twenty miles west of Xianyang Bridge, reconstructing Feiqiu and relocating the people, and re-establishing Fufeng, Wugong and Xingping counties.

Starting from Xianyang Bridge, the three counties were rebuilt.

The construction is on a large scale, and a large number of people need to be relocated. Many officials may be very busy, but as officials of the Great Qin, it is nothing to worry about for the sake of the prosperity of Guanzhong and the enrichment of the people.

As Fusu focused on reviewing these documents, he quickly lost track of time, and when he looked up again, it was already night outside.

The rumble of thunder interrupted his thoughts, and a cold wind blew in from outside the palace. Ying Zheng put down his brush; it was raining heavily outside.

Turning his head to look at Fusu sitting on one side of the main hall, he saw two tall stacks of documents on his desk, and only three or five volumes in the box that had not yet been approved.

Ying Zheng took a sip of wine, looked at the rain outside the palace, and said in a low voice, "What time is it?"

The eunuch beside him replied, "It's almost midnight."

Fusu picked up the last scroll of documents and glanced at it briefly. It concerned matters concerning the Western Rong. This year, more and more Western Rong people wanted to migrate to the interior of the pass, 30% more than in previous years.

This is quite an interesting phenomenon, but he only said that much. It was sent from the army. Fusu wrote that he would continue to observe, and if there were any unusual movements, he would report them to Xianyang in detail.

After reviewing the last volume of documents, Fusu finally put down his pen and instructed the eunuch beside him, "Have them distributed."

The eunuch looked at the First Emperor again, and only after the First Emperor nodded did he order the documents to be taken away.

These are documents from all over the Central Plains. Prince Fusu's speed in processing these documents is as fast as ever. Normally, His Majesty would take two days to process and issue all of these documents, but Prince Fusu only took half a night.

Moreover, the documents approved by the young master are usually correct, and there is no need for further review.

Fusu stood up and heard rumbling thunder outside the hall. The thunderstorm was heavy. He said in a low voice, "Fortunately, the grain in all the counties of Guanzhong has been harvested this year."

Ying Zheng said, "This heavy rain has come at just the right time."

Fusu nodded and said, "Yes, a good rain."

Ying Zheng said in a deep voice, "Recently, the royal family has been discussing your marriage."

Fusu nodded, somewhat surprised, because he thought that after Empress Dowager Huayang passed away, almost all of the close relatives and members of the Qin royal family had died.

Ying Zheng looked at the eunuch beside him.

Immediately, a eunuch presented a scroll with both hands, saying, "Young master, please take a look."

Fusu took the scroll and looked at the records inside. He learned that there was an old man in charge of things in the Qin royal family.

This man was Ying Xi, an elder among the direct relatives of the Qin state. He was the son of King Xiaowen of Qin and the child of the Zheng princess who married into the Qin state.

In terms of seniority, he was the emperor's uncle.

However, in Fusu's memory, they were not actually close.

Fusu only knew that he had met this uncle once at the funeral of Empress Dowager Huayang.

Ying Xi is now an old man, which must be a long time ago for Fusu, and Lü Buwei's body is already cold.

Moreover, the Qin Dynasty had already unified the six kingdoms.

"You should call him Great-Grandpa."

Upon hearing his father's somber words, Fusu nodded slightly.

Perhaps the incident involving Lü Buwei back then was too much of a blow to Ying Xi. It was also because his father killed too many people after taking power that all his relatives related to the Qin royal family now keep their distance.

This is good, as it makes Fusu feel that he has lived quite comfortably for the past twenty years without being bothered by so many people.

Ying Xi recommended three women, one of whom was from the Meng Wu family.

A marriage alliance between the Qin Dynasty and the Meng clan could strengthen the military and political power.

Another was Mi, a former member of the Chu state. Her purpose was to stabilize the hearts of the people in Chu and to have Prince Fusu marry someone from the former Chu state.

Upon realizing this, Fusu frowned and remained silent. The Chu and Qin states had formed too many marriage alliances in the past; this was definitely not a possibility.

The last one is Wang Jian's granddaughter, Lady Wang. This marriage alliance is also intended to strengthen the military and political power of the Qin Dynasty. After reviewing the proposal, Fusu immediately made a decision and whispered, "Let's choose one of General Wang's granddaughters."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng was quite surprised. His son had made a decision so quickly, and he spoke in a calm tone without any expectation.

Fusu handed the scroll back to the eunuch beside him, saying, "We must reply to Grandfather; we cannot remain silent."

Ying Zheng nodded.

Fusu added, "The value of the royal family will be of even greater help to me."

"Isn't the Meng family good enough?"

Fusu lowered his voice and said, "Your subject and Meng Tian have always been on good terms, so there is no need to worry now, and there will be no rift between us."

Ying Zheng nodded and said, "Very well, then I will not make any further decisions."

Thunder rumbled outside the palace again. Fusu bowed to his father and said, "Your subject will take his leave now."

Ying Zheng looked at a scroll of newly approved documents, raised his hand slightly and waved it, indicating that his son could leave.

As they walked outside the main hall of Zhangtai Palace, a cool breeze greeted them, invigorating them. Fusu took a deep breath, noticing that the rain had subsided, though thunder still rumbled in the night sky.

Tian An stood outside the hall and whispered, "Young Master, are you returning to Gaoquan Palace?"

"Well, go back."

Tian An smiled and led the young master toward Gaoquan Palace. As they walked, he said, "When the young master and the Right Chancellor entered the city, the laborers who were escorting the land tax to Xianyang said that they were going to steam cakes the next day, and that they were going to worship heaven and earth and give the cakes to the young master as a way of thanking him for giving them land."

Fusu said, "Tell them they don't need to send it."

Tian An did not reply immediately.

Fusu then said, "I'm very busy."

Tian An said, "It's not good to refuse the villagers' kindness. Let them leave it in front of the courtyard by the Tongguan River as a token of their goodwill."

"Yes, that's a good idea."

Tian An smiled again and said, "It's really good that so many people support you, young master."

"Alright, alright." Fusu patted the old man's back, worried that he would cry again while he was happy. "I'm getting married."

Upon hearing this, Tian An was stunned, and even stopped in his tracks.

The rain hadn't stopped, but a light drizzle was still falling from the night sky. Fusu continued, "It was my great-grandfather from the imperial clan who advised my father that I am already twenty years old."

Tian An said, "Yes, that's wonderful, young master is getting married."

"It won't be that quick. There will probably be many complicated rituals and procedures involved. I've never seen how the princes of Qin used to get married."

At this point, Fusu said to Tian An, "You must have seen the various ceremonies surrounding the marriage of the Qin prince. You must help me."

"Don't worry, sir."

As they spoke, they arrived at Takasen-gyu.

The two plum trees were still standing in front of the palace gate. Fusu glanced at them again and walked into the palace.

Tian An saw that the palace maids and eunuchs of Gaoquan Palace were standing in twos and threes, and some were even leaning against pillars and sleeping in the hall.

Seeing the chaotic scene before him, Tian An felt a surge of anger, but he did not lash out on the spot.

Fusu entered the hall and saw his younger brother, Prince Gao, who was asleep on the table, and his younger sister, Yinman, who was asleep on a pile of bamboo slips.

"Take them to rest first, so they don't catch a cold; it's chilly at night."

Immediately, a woman from the palace stepped forward, picked up the sleeping Princess Yinman, and carried her to the back hall.

Gongzi Gao groggily opened his eyes and said, "Brother?"

Fusu nodded and said to the eunuch beside him, "Take him to rest."

The eunuch stepped forward and helped Prince Gao to the back hall.

Fusu picked up the oil lamp and went to look at the fish pond.

Tian An stood in the hall, his eyes filled with coldness. Immediately, the eunuchs and palace maids perked up and put away the messy bamboo slips, writing brushes, ink, and desks. Some even took cloths and began to wipe the floor.

Fusu had to attend a court meeting at dawn, so he didn't have much time to rest. He lay on a recliner with his eyes closed to rest, while Tian An sat beside him, also resting with his eyes closed.

The palace of Takasen-gyu immediately fell silent; even the sound of the maids wiping the floor was barely audible.

When Fusu woke up, the sky was still a bit gray, and there was no light on the horizon, but it was enough to see his surroundings clearly.

Last night there was a thunderstorm, and the ground was still wet. Fusu did not disturb Tian An, who was sleeping, nor did he allow anyone else to disturb him.

Having been on the road all day and having waited outside Zhangtai Palace all night, Fusu was worried about the old man's health and told him to get some more sleep.

Upon arriving at the rear hall, Fusu confirmed that his younger brother and sister were still asleep. He then went to the memorial tablet of Empress Dowager Huayang, wiped the table in front of the tablet, paid his respects, placed some fresh fruit, poured a bowl of hot water, and put it in front of the tablet.

Fusu changed into an outer robe, ate a quick breakfast, and after confirming that Tian An was still asleep, went to Zhangtai Palace.

There weren't many officials at Zhangtai Palace at this hour; only three or five people arrived early.

These people, upon seeing Prince Fusu whom they hadn't seen for half a year, immediately bowed in greeting.

Fusu also bowed to them, and the officials who had just bowed became even more nervous.

Suddenly, he heard a murmur of conversation outside the hall. Fusu saw his superior, Wang Ben, the Minister of the Imperial Household and one of the Nine Ministers, who was taking off his shoes and walking into the hall.

Fusu remembered that Wang Ben used to arrive very late, but today he arrived early.

Or perhaps Wang Ben has developed a habit of waking up early during his six months away from home.

"Young Master Wang, how have you been lately?"

Seeing Prince Fusu smile and bow, Wang Ben hurriedly followed suit, though he hadn't slept all night.

Because late last night, the First Emperor sent someone to deliver a message to the Wang family.

The news that Prince Fusu was going to marry a woman from the Wang family kept Wang Ben awake all night after he heard it.

But now, looking at the young master, he appears to be full of energy and calm and composed.

Wang Ben bowed and said, "Last night, I heard..."

"Young Master Wang!"

Just as Wang Ben was about to speak, the voice behind him interrupted him; it was Prime Minister Li Si.

Wang Ben swallowed back the words he was about to say.

Li Si said, "Young Master has grown so much grain in Weinan, so Shangjun will not lack food and we can rest assured. This is all thanks to Young Master's help."

Fusu said, "Prime Minister, you jest."

Everyone laughed and politely deferred to each other, offering credit for each other's work.

As more and more people entered the hall, Fusu also took his place, which was in front of the court officials, on one side of the main hall.

Feng Quji walked into the hall, looking somewhat relaxed, and said, "I heard there's some good news lately."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ben, who was standing in the back row, tensed up.

Li Si said, "Recently, there has been a bumper harvest in the Central Plains, and there are joyous occasions everywhere."

Feng Quji said, "Haven't you heard, Prime Minister?"

"What did you hear?"

"Young master is engaged."

Wang Ben, sitting in the back row, had already closed his eyes.

Li Si said, "When I arrived, there weren't many people. I came early and hadn't heard about this matter. Whose daughter does the young master intend to marry?"

Fusu listened to the Prime Minister and the Right Prime Minister's words with his eyes closed.

Wang Ben, standing among the court officials, clearly sensed that as soon as the Right Chancellor uttered these words, the murmurs of the crowd ceased, as if everyone had pricked up their ears.

Whose daughter will Prince Fusu marry?

Before Feng Quji could reveal the answer, a loud shout came from inside the hall, and the First Emperor arrived in the hall.

Everyone's expressions quickly turned solemn, and they stood ramrod straight.

Dressed in a black robe, Ying Zheng's gaze swept across the hall before settling on Li Si.

Li Si stepped out of the court and bowed, saying, "The various prefectures and counties have sent documents, all reporting good harvests. Except for the flood in Zhuo County, everything seems to be fine in all places."

Zhuo County is located in Guangyang County in the north. Fusu saw this in the documents last night.

By assisting his father in approving documents, Fusu was also able to learn how the country operated and what its situation was.

Fusu felt that this would be very helpful for his future rule.

(End of this chapter)