Qin Dynasty: Starting with clinging to Zhao Ji's thigh

Ying Jing's purpose in coming to see Ying Zheng today is actually quite simple.

There are only two.

First, cause some trouble for Cheng Jiao and Lü Buwei.

Ying Jing wasn't actually too concerned about the assassination attempt he had recently suffered.

However, if you just tolerate this kind of thing, you won't feel at ease, and people will think you're easy to bully.

As a great man once said, "A single punch can prevent a hundred more."

Take this opportunity to cause trouble for Lü Buwei and Cheng Jiao, so they won't be taken advantage of.

Although Ying Jing believed that Cheng Jiao was responsible, Lü Buwei was also a suspect.

Second, a feudal lord, or a fiefdom.

The late king had three sons. The eldest son, Ying Zheng, inherited the throne and became the supreme King of Qin, who owned the entire Qin state.

Although the second son, Cheng Jiao, failed in his bid for the throne, he still held the title of Lord Chang'an and the fiefdom of Chang'an.

Only the third son, Ying Jing, is still a commoner!

How is this possible?

Being a great philanthropist requires resources!

Titles and fiefs are the foundation.

Without a foundation, who would want to rely on you!

Without talented people, how can one become a great philanthropist, and how can one carry on the legacy of Brother Zheng in the future?

How can we ensure the continued greatness of the Qin Dynasty? How can we ensure that all people under heaven can live a peaceful and stable life?

The title and fiefdom of the benevolent Jing Da are matters of great importance concerning the well-being of all people!

In comparison, assassinations are nothing more than a trivial matter.

Of course, in the Qin state, it was not an easy thing to be granted a title and fiefdom.

After Shang Yang's reforms, the Qin state implemented a merit-based system of military ranks, and its national strength grew increasingly powerful.

The military meritocracy was the foundation upon which the Qin state grew ever stronger.

Therefore, in the Qin state, those without military merit could not be granted titles.

Even Lü Buwei and Ying Zheng dared not easily break this rule.

Of course, there is one person who dares.

Empress Dowager Zhao Ji.

Otherwise, Lao Ai in history would never have been granted a title of nobility.

There are only three ways for Ying Jing to become a king.

First, cling tightly to Zhao Ji's long, white legs, and make Zhao Ji disregard the rules and forcefully seal the seal!

Given the relationship between Zhao Ji and Ying Jing, this is indeed a possibility.

However, the consequences of this are foreseeable. First of all, Jing Dashan's reputation will be ruined.

Secondly, the Qin court and its officials are likely to be dissatisfied, especially the Qin military.

For Jing Dashanren, who is determined to carry on Zheng Ge's legacy, this option is obviously to be eliminated.

Second, find ways to earn military merits.

Even if Ying Jing tried to gain some military merit, it wouldn't make much difference.

Could it be that he, a dignified and benevolent man of Jingda, could be appointed as a mere physician?

If word got out, people would laugh themselves to death! It would completely ruin the image of my wise and mighty Jing Dashan!

But it's unrealistic to expect to be ennobled as a marquis. Qin's conquest to unify the world hasn't even begun yet, so where can one expect to gain such great military merit?

Therefore, only the third method remains.

He made a tremendous contribution to the Qin state!

The Qin state's military merit system stipulated that the twenty ranks of nobility could only be obtained through military merit, and even those who made great contributions could not easily break this rule.

However, in addition to the military merit system, there was another special title: the title of feudal lord.

It is often used to commend people who have made significant contributions to the country, such as Lord Shang Yang and Lord Wu'an Bai Qi.

In the Qin state, being granted the title of "Lord" was considered by many to be a higher honor than being granted the title of "Marquis".

However, in terms of actual power, the title of marquis is still more desirable, as the title of lord cannot be inherited, while that of marquis can.

Moreover, most of the titles of lord were merely honorary, perhaps with a certain fief and the ability to collect some taxes, but marquises were those who could truly govern their fiefdoms.

But it doesn't matter, Ying Jing isn't picky!

He didn't seek a title of nobility; being granted the title of a lord would suffice.

Lord Shang, Lord Wu'an, Lord Changping, Lord Xinling, Lord Chunshen... these famous figures were all enfeoffed as lords, so we, the benevolent Jing, can just follow suit.

Compared to being granted the title of Marquis, there was not as much resistance to being granted the title of Lord.

For example, Cheng Jiao had the support of the Han faction behind him, which directly persuaded the King of Han to cede a hundred li of land.

Thanks to this achievement, coupled with her status as a member of the imperial family, Cheng Jiao was granted the title of Lady Chang'an and received Chang'an as her fief.

However, Chang'an at this time was actually just a small village near Xianyang.

As long as Ying Jing can make a certain contribution to the Qin state, given his status as the third son of the late king and with Zhao Ji's support, being granted the title of king will not be difficult.

The objective is clear: to confer titles upon the ruler!

But we certainly can't just say that to Ying Zheng directly.

Ying Jing was still aware of the situation!

Despite their good relationship, this Brother Wang is a deep and meticulous person who would not let personal matters interfere with public duties.

“Your Majesty, I have learned that you are working very hard every day dealing with these bamboo slip memorials. For your health, I have been thinking about whether we can find a way to replace the bamboo slips with a lighter and simpler tool to improve your efficiency in handling government affairs and allow you to get more rest.”

Jing Dashan's art of speaking!

We're not doing this for credit, but because we're worried about your health, brother!

A glint of light suddenly flashed in Ying Zheng's deep eyes: "Third brother, have you already gained something from coming here today?"

Ying Jing didn't speak, but simply took out a thin book from his wide sleeve.

“Brother, this is the papermaking technique that I have come up with after much thought.”

Ying Jing smiled faintly; this was the ultimate weapon that gave him the confidence to be crowned a monarch!

If offering up the papermaking technique, which could influence the entire world, is not considered a great contribution, then what about Cheng Jiao's achievement of ceding a hundred miles of land?

Papermaking!

Ying Zheng took the booklet from Ying Jing's hand, and saw that the Qin seal script characters on it were clearly visible.

"So lightweight, yet capable of carrying text..."

Even with Ying Zheng's composure, he couldn't help but feel a little excited at this moment.

"How much did this item cost?"

Although his heart was in turmoil, Ying Zheng, being the Ying Zheng he was, immediately thought of the key point.

"Brother Wang, please rest assured. My papermaking technique uses tree bark, hemp fibers, old fishing nets, and other raw materials. It is made through steps such as soaking, boiling, crushing, rinsing, shaping, pressing, and drying. The cost is very low."

Ying Jing answered without hesitation.

"Good, good, good!"

Ying Zheng said "good" three times in a row!

"My third brother has presented this technique, which can benefit all scholars in the world. I should reward him handsomely."

Ying Jing's eyes lit up, but he quickly shook his head: "Your Majesty, my original intention in creating this technique was only to worry that you were working too hard. I dare not take credit for it with such selfish intentions."

(Look how good your third brother is to you! You must reward him handsomely!)

Ying Zheng was quite moved upon hearing this, and then waved his hand: "Third brother, there is no need to say more. Our Qin state governs by law, and those who have made merits will be rewarded and those who have made mistakes will be punished. How can such a great achievement not be rewarded?"

"Besides, my third brother created this papermaking technique that benefits scholars all over the world for my sake. If I don't reward him, wouldn't I be betraying his kindness!"

He even stopped referring to himself as "I," which shows how deeply moved Ying Zheng was by Jing Da's sincere heart.

"Alright then, Third Brother, you should go back tonight. Remember to come to court tomorrow, as I will personally bestow honors upon you in front of all the officials!"