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

The grand assembly at the beginning of the year is more of a celebratory ceremony, but that does not mean it cannot handle government affairs.

Not long afterward, the celebratory events, including the offering of gifts, were over.

Ying Zheng finally slowly rose from his throne.

He stood straight before the throne, his chiseled, handsome face devoid of any expression.

His eyes were deep and cold as lightning.

It carries an elusive mystery, as well as an invisible, domineering authority.

"Today is the beginning of the year, a day of universal celebration, but there are some unresolved matters from before the new year that also need to be addressed."

Ying Zheng stood upright with one hand behind his back and his voice was low.

The palace was made of a very special material, so that even though Ying Zheng's voice wasn't very loud, it still resonated within it, allowing all the officials in the room to hear it clearly.

Upon hearing this, all the officials rose to their feet, yet remained silent.

Those who could participate in today's grand court assembly, besides Zhao Ji, were all extraordinary individuals. Immediately, a chill ran down her spine, and she realized that Ying Zheng intended to launch an attack today.

Lü Buwei stood in place, in the position of the head of all officials.

It had only been a few months since Ying Jing last attended court, but Lü Buwei's face now had at least half as many wrinkles.

His hair was almost completely white!

The signs of aging are no longer concealed.

"Prime Minister Lü, why bother..."

Ying Jing sighed inwardly.

If Lü Buwei were willing to let it go, considering the many years of contributions he had made to the Qin state, Ying Zheng would definitely not make things difficult for him anymore.

Then he could retire to his fiefdom and enjoy family life, which would not be a bad thing.

If he could focus on perfecting his life's work, "Lüshi Chunqiu," and establish his own school of thought, he could be remembered for generations to come.

Unfortunately, power is something that is difficult to acquire, but even more difficult to relinquish.

"If we were in the same position..."

Just as Ying Jing was lost in thought, the young king's cold gaze fell upon Lü Buwei.

"Prime Minister Lü".

Lü Buwei's body trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Aside from Ying Jing, who was keeping a close eye on him, perhaps no one else in the entire court noticed.

"Your old minister is here."

Lü Buwei stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

His gray hair still had a few strands of black hair mixed in, and his every move was meticulous.

“Three months ago, my third brother was assassinated, and the investigation was overseen by Prime Minister Lü.”

Ying Zheng's expression was calm, and his cold voice resonated in Lü Buwei's heart like the grand sound of a great bell.

"The three-month period has now arrived, Prime Minister Lü... have you found out the results?"

Lü Buwei took a deep breath and then raised his head.

"This old minister is incompetent and failed to find out who is behind this. Please punish me, Your Majesty."

He chose to bear it all himself!

Even if it means accepting punishment, I don't want to implicate others!

Ying Jing frowned slightly.

Given Lü Buwei's influence, it's impossible that he couldn't find anything at all.

Who exactly is this person that could make Lü Buwei willing to pay such a high price?

Ying Jing glanced at Cheng Jiao again; her face was still pale, and he couldn't tell anything was wrong with her.

This is getting more and more interesting!

Before the throne, Ying Zheng's expression remained cold and unchanged, seemingly unsurprised by Lü Buwei's words.

But punishing Lü Buwei based solely on this incident would probably be too little of a slap on the wrist.

"There is another matter. An assassin once appeared in the Empress Dowager's Ganquan Palace. According to the head steward of Ganquan Palace, it was a member of the Luowang organization controlled by Prime Minister Lü, namely Yanri."

Upon hearing Ying Zheng's words, Lü Buwei immediately bowed again.

"I have already reported this matter to Your Majesty. Yan Ri betrayed the Luo Wang organization and was no longer under its command before daring to infiltrate Ganquan Palace. I hope Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly."

This time, Ying Jing couldn't help but smile.

A mocking laugh.

What's the difference between this and burying your head in the sand?

Besides, when has the Net ever dealt with traitors so easily?

However, Ying Zheng did not continue to entangle himself with Lü Buwei on this matter.

"On his return journey from this mission, Lord Changxin also encountered Yanri and was assassinated again, but fortunately he had guards with him."

At this point, Ying Zheng's gaze became even more indifferent.

"The Net has always been a weapon of Qin, but under the control of Prime Minister Lü, it couldn't even investigate an assassination, and the weapon even betrayed its master."

As Ying Zheng spoke, he kept staring at the old man standing at the head of the table, his face calm, his expression becoming increasingly unfathomable.

"Prime Minister Lü, you've grown old."

His tone was icy, devoid of any emotion. He stood there, like a heartless heaven looking down upon all living beings.

A simple "You're getting old" is enough.

Throughout the entire process, neither Zhao Ji nor the other two empress dowagers uttered a word.

Although Ying Zheng had not yet assumed personal rule, Zhao Ji had completely relinquished power, and his will was now that of a true monarch.

His will represents the supreme royal power, and no one can defy it!

When Ying Jing teased Lü Buwei about being old, he could completely ignore it.

Gan Luo inadvertently reminded him that he was old and could be angry.

But now, Ying Zheng said in front of all the officials that he was old, and Lü Buwei had no choice but to admit it.

"This old minister has indeed found himself somewhat unable to keep up with the demands of his time in recent years."

Lü Buwei moved his lips, his white beard swaying, which looked somewhat dazzling.

He bowed deeply and lowered his head.

His body seemed to have become more hunched, and the few black strands mixed in with his white hair had also been assimilated.

"This weapon of destruction, the Net, is beyond my control. I beg Your Majesty to choose another person."

Abandon the net, sacrifice an arm or a wrist.

This is the only thing Lü Buwei can do now.

Ying Zheng was not very satisfied with this result.

Even after losing the Luowang (a powerful military organization), Lü Buwei remained the Prime Minister of Qin, and his influence remained enormous.

However, Ying Zheng also knew that this was not enough to take Lü Buwei's position as prime minister.

Fortunately, thanks to today's events, everyone has seen the signs of age in Lü Buwei, this once fierce tiger.

Over the years, Lü Buwei has wielded immense power in the court, but he has also offended many people.

It's only a matter of time before he's brought down completely.

"Even at his advanced age, Prime Minister Lü is still willing to serve the country; his loyalty is commendable."

Ying Zheng spoke calmly, "However, I cannot bear to do it."

"In my Qin state, the position of the three dukes is still only held by the prime minister. The positions of the censor-in-chief and the court official have been vacant for a long time."

"Lord Changping, you will be appointed as the Imperial Censor to assist Chancellor Lü."

The Imperial Censor's duties included managing records and memorials, and supervising civil and military officials. His status was second only to the Chancellor.

Appointing Lord Changping, who came from the Chu faction, to a position roughly equivalent to "vice prime minister" was clearly intended to counterbalance Lü Buwei.

Lord Changping, though slightly rounded, still retained a refined air. He stepped forward with a smile and said, "Xiong Qi is willing to share Your Majesty's burdens."

However, Ying Jing unconsciously frowned at this moment.

Others may not know, but how could he not know?

Changping Jun really gave Zheng Ge a big push on the road to becoming a complete loner.

Although he held a high position in the Qin state, he ultimately chose the Chu state when Qin attacked Chu.

Lord Changping's betrayal caused the Qin state to lose 200,000 troops.