Chapter 109: Gai Nie! You have forgotten the old one because you have a new one, right?
The rage of the greatest emperor of all time filled the entire side hall.
On the pillars of the hall, the phoenixes and dragons meticulously carved by the craftsmen seemed to tremble.
Zhao Gao's knees were weak, his body was bent, and his head was lowered, not daring to look at the First Emperor.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me!"
Gai Nie took a step back.
This was not what he wanted, but the Qin Shi Huang's unparalleled arrogance and dominance in the world made him unable to control himself.
There was a flash of surprise in Gai Nie's eyes.
Since he began to serve the First Emperor, the First Emperor had never really criticized or admonished him.
This was the first time he faced the angry First Emperor face to face. Even as proud as Gai Nie was, the thought of kneeling down actually flashed through his mind.
Gai Nie finally understood why there was no kneeling ceremony in Qin etiquette, but so many people knelt to the First Emperor.
When this emperor, who looked down upon the world and could rule the country with a single roar, got angry.
Kneeling down to speak is a form of self-protection, just like worshipping God.
The sword energy was surging, and the peerless swordsman relied on his confidence and sincerity in the way of sword to withstand the invisible imperial aura.
Gai Nie bowed his head and saluted, with a hint of respect in his tone, and said: "Chang'an Jun has returned."
The First Emperor vigorously lifted the animal skin covering his body, turned over and got off the bed, looking at Gai Nie, while Zhao Gao was standing and kneeling.
He suppressed his anger, but still looked angry as he asked, "What time is it now?"
This question does not specify any name, so Gai Nie or Zhao Gao could answer it.
Zhao Gao lay on the ground without moving
Gai Nie's eyes lit up.
He knew the answer to this question, and he answered in a steady voice: "Three quarters past midnight."
After saying these four words, Gai Nie felt a great sense of satisfaction in his heart, as happy as if he had broken through a small bottleneck when practicing sword.
He looked down at Zhao Gao, and seeing that Zhao Gao was looking down at the ground and not at him, he withdrew his gaze with some disappointment.
It was three quarters past midnight. I had not been unconscious for long...
"I have discovered the remaining energy of Lord Chang'an in your Majesty's body. Has your Majesty been attacked?"
As soon as Gai Nie spoke.
Zhao Gao was shocked.
Your Majesty was actually knocked unconscious by Chang'an Jun?
Chang'an Jun actually dared to attack Your Majesty!
Don't let it stay!
He kowtowed and said, "I am late in coming to your rescue! Please allow me to redeem my sins with merit! Hunt down Lord Chang'an!"
Ying Zheng ignored Zhao Gao and looked at Gai Nie with dissatisfaction.
You are the only one who talks too much!
"Cheng Jiao combed my meridians for me, so it doesn't matter if there are some residues . I am just tired, so don't be suspicious. Why are you disturbing my sweet dreams?"
Zhao Gao: ...The God of Plague never lies. Why, Your Majesty, is you so kind to Lord Chang'an?
Gai Nie: ...As long as you are happy, Your Majesty.
"The imperial edict that Your Majesty just wrote was copied by Zhao Chefu..."
"Um?"
Before Gai Nie could finish his words, he was interrupted by Ying Zheng.
"I have not written an imperial edict just now."
Zhao Gao was shocked again.
Fortunately, the plague god woke up Your Majesty, otherwise the imperial edict written privately by Chang'an Jun would have been sent by mistake.
Writing the imperial edict privately and issuing orders without authorization is shaking the foundation of the Qin State, which is a serious crime of exterminating three clans.
Chang'an Jun has behaved in this way. No matter how much Your Majesty has shown you great favor to him, you must punish him this time.
Gai Nie remained calm and went straight to the main hall, where he took the imperial edict written by Ying Chengjiao, which was on the table, into the side hall.
He handed it to Ying Zheng with both hands and said, "Chang'an Jun said that this imperial edict was copied for your majesty."
Ying Zheng was stunned for a moment and asked, "Did Cheng Jiao say that?"
Gai Nie replied: "Yes."
Ying Zheng took the imperial edict very naturally and said, "I have never written an imperial edict. This imperial edict was dictated by me and written by Cheng Jiao. Gai Nie, please continue. What happened to Zhao Gao?"
Zhao Gao: ...
Gai Nie remained calm and said, "Just now, the Imperial Edict was being copied by the Imperial Edict Officer Zhao, and he wanted to change some of the words, but I stopped him. The Imperial Edict Officer Zhao said that he had to polish the pen when copying the Imperial Edict for Your Majesty. I dare to ask if this is true?"
While reading this imperial edict that was not issued by him, Ying Zheng said, "No need."
After getting the recognition from the First Emperor himself, Gai Nie looked down at Zhao Gao, the meaning in his eyes was obvious: traitor!
Zhao Gao looked at Gai Nie unyieldingly, he felt very wronged.
It was clear that the mission of Xingxi Fuling was to do this job, so why did it change when the God of Plague came?
Ever since this plague god came to your majesty, nothing good has happened to me!
There were not many words in the memorial, and the First Emperor finished reading it quickly.
The First Emperor looked down at Zhao Gao, who seemed to want to refute but did not dare to do so. He smiled and said, "You do not need to polish your writing. If Zhao Gao wants to polish his writing, he only needs to not change the gist of the imperial edict."
Zhao Gao knelt down and raised his head, looking at Gai Nie provocatively: I just said I wanted to bribe you with your writing!
"Why doesn't Nie use the brush?"
Gai Nie felt that his ability to work was questioned.
"If you want to use it, you can copy this imperial edict."
The First Emperor readily followed suit and threw the imperial edict to Gai Nie.
Gai Nie took the imperial edict, held it in both hands and handed it back to the First Emperor, saying, "I am afraid that I have misinterpreted your majesty's intentions, so I will not accept it."
Gai Nie felt that the First Emperor was right to question his work ability.
"Ha ha!"
The First Emperor laughed loudly.
"Then leave it to Zhao Gao, Zhao Gaorun."
Gai Nie handed Zhao Gao the imperial edict certified as authentic by the First Emperor.
It turns out that I really need to pay for writing. There are so many things to do with issuing seals and decrees, I don't want to do it.
Zhao Gao took the imperial edict respectfully.
The Plague God cannot do this, only I can do it. I don't know when Your Majesty will entrust me with the important task of issuing the seal and decree.
In a short while, Zhao Gao copied the imperial edict under the bright candlelight in the main hall and handed it to the First Emperor who was reading the memorials nearby.
The First Emperor looked at it and nodded: "Yes."
After saying this, the First Emperor put aside the imperial edict copied by Zhao Gao and continued to read the memorials.
There were two piles of memorials, one large and one small. He only flipped through the small pile that had Ying Chengjiao's reply.
When the First Emperor saw the memorial that said "Even if there are only three households in Chu, Chu will be the one to destroy Qin", he frowned.
Folk songs and rumors are the work of the remnants who want to disrupt the government. They should be dealt with severely and those who spread them should be killed.
Why doesn't this guy just deal with it, but instead makes up a folk song about "Qin and Chu are one family" and even wants to incorporate me, Qin Feng, into it ? Isn't this nonsense?
Ying Zheng was just about to ask Zhao Gao to use a knife to scrape off Ying Chengjiao's reply and rewrite it.
He opened his mouth, then suddenly changed his mind.
There are constant turmoil in various places, I should go to inspect them and suppress the turmoil. At that time, the overall situation in Xianyang will depend on this boy. This time I will not change my mind, and give the land of Chu to let that boy grow.
Putting down the memorial, the First Emperor continued to read it.
After a while, he saw another memorial that said there were unrests in Linzi, Jimo and other places in Qi, and that the Tian family was extremely powerful.
This reply was reasonable, and all the rebels could be killed, nothing to say. But Tian's way of handling the matter was inappropriate.
To tarnish their reputation and distribute money and land to the people around them, isn't this enriching the people? This is contrary to the way of impoverishing the people in "The Book of Lord Shang" and is not conducive to the stability of the Qin Dynasty.
The local nobles have become too powerful, and it is difficult for government orders to be implemented, which is not conducive to the rule of the Qin Dynasty. Then they should all be moved to Xianyang. I want to see, right within my sight, how can you still be so powerful!
A fierce look flashed in the First Emperor's eyes.
He unfolded a new bamboo slip, held a brush in his hand, and wrote on it: Move all the rich people in the world to Xianyang!
"Zhao Gao, you remove these words and re-approve them. 'Tian's case will be put on hold for now, and the court will make arrangements in a month.'"
"only."
Zhao Gao held the dagger and gently scraped the bamboo slips, removing all the second half of Ying Chengjiao's treatment of Tian Shi, and then rewrote the reply according to the First Emperor's wishes.
At this time, the First Emperor had already spread out another roll of bamboo slips that Ying Chengjiao had commented on and started reading it again.
A quarter of an hour later, the bamboo slips changed from a large pile and a small pile to one large pile.
"Wake me up at dawn."
"only."
"only."
The hour of Mao is when all the prefectures and offices in the Qin Dynasty open.
The First Emperor straightened his back and walked into the side hall.
After closing the palace door, he yawned slightly and a look of fatigue appeared on his face - the First Emperor did not want others to see him like this.
He lay on the couch wearing his crown and robes, pulled an animal skin over his body, and fell asleep in less than a cup of tea.
It was already late at night.
Outside, apart from the chirping of unknown insects, the only sound was the faint footsteps of patrolling officers.
The First Emperor slept very late every day.
Today, Ying Chengjiao approved a small pile of memorials for the First Emperor. It was relatively early for the First Emperor to go to bed. In the past, he would need at least half an hour to rest.
The Qin State was the first unified country in China.
The Qin State had no path to follow and no experience to learn from in its development.
No one knows clearly how to govern such a large country and how it should move forward.
Even the First Emperor, the first emperor of China and the founder of the Qin Empire, did not know.
He can only spend more time and effort to think about and perfect every decision he makes.
For his dream: I am the first emperor, and future generations will count me, the second emperor, the third emperor, and so on, and it will be passed down forever.
For the promise he made to Dun Ruo: I will now make you the last strategist in this world!
Mao hour.
Gai Nie and Zhao Gao went into the side hall together and woke up the First Emperor.
The First Emperor opened his eyes , his face was full of determination, and he looked full of energy as if he had endless vitality.
"Zhao Gao, go and pass this imperial edict to all the governments."
"only."
"Gai Nie, go to Chang'an Junfu and tell that brat that I am awake."
"only."
The two men took orders and left.
The First Emperor suddenly asked, "Last night, after Chengjiao left, I did not wake up once and slept until the morning?"
Zhao Gao immediately bowed his head and said respectfully, "Yes."
Gai Nie was silent for a moment, then bowed his head and said respectfully, "Yes."
Prime Minister's Mansion.
When Wang Wan entered, he saw a very unfamiliar person in the Prime Minister's Mansion - Li Si.
He frowned and said, "Li Tingwei is not going to the Tingwei Mansion... Yes, now you are the left prime minister..."
Li Si's attitude was quite proper, and he did not at all look like he was trying to compete with the other ministers in the court.
He folded his hands and said to Wang Wan, "Meet the Right Prime Minister."
Wang Wan did not respond. He walked through all the rooms in the Prime Minister's Mansion in silence and came out looking a little confused.
Wang Wan was looking for Wei Zhuang, the man he had fought with for half his life, but he didn't find him. When he was looking, he knew that he would never find the blue-eyed, uncivilized Hu man.
"Is the Left Prime Minister so anxious?" Wang Wan stared at Li Si.
"I am in the position, planning the policy, and sharing the worries of Your Majesty. How can I not be anxious?" Li Si replied.
Then Wang Wan started laughing, and as he laughed he shook his head.
"The Left Prime Minister exchanged the happiness of our future generations for the position of Prime Minister. Haven't you seen Shang Jun?"
Li Si's eyes flashed with sternness, and he said, "I have seen that the laws of Shang Yang have been followed by all the Qin dynasties. When Qin Xiaoxian was alive, no one dared to speak the heavy words of Shang Yang."
"The Left Prime Minister has taught me well. I have heard for a long time that he is diligent in government affairs. When he was the Minister of Justice, he could decide all matters of the Minister's Office, big or small, with just one word. From now on, the affairs of the Prime Minister's Office will be handled by the Left Prime Minister."
"I dare not refuse what the elder asks."
"Wan is not feeling well today, so she needs to take a day off. Please bear with me, Left Prime Minister."
"You Xiang is old, so if you feel unwell, you should pay attention to it and rest for a few more days."
"...Wan really should take a rest."
Wang Wan walked out of the Prime Minister's Mansion and walked quietly along the road towards home. He walked very slowly, much slower than his usual walking speed - he was reluctant to leave.
This time, he left and never came back.
But he kept walking without stopping.
Wang Wan lowered his head and did not look back once...
"Is the Right Prime Minister returning home?"
Suddenly a voice sounded in front of Wang Wan. Wang Wan looked up and was a little surprised.
Why is Zhao Gao here?
He then looked at the bamboo slips in Zhao Gao's hand and immediately understood.
Why is your majesty so anxious? You are so heartless...
Wang Wan smiled bitterly in his heart, but said on the surface: "Wan is not feeling well, so I will take a day off today. Zhao Chefu Ling has something to ask you, Zuo Xiang."
Zhao Gao was quick-witted and knew what Wang Wan was thinking at a glance.
He raised the bamboo slips in his hand and said with a smile: "The Right Prime Minister should listen to the imperial decree today."
This time, Wang Wan was no longer just smiling bitterly in his heart, he also smiled bitterly on his face and said, "Does it have to be this way?"
Zhao Gao nodded and said, "No matter how serious the Right Prime Minister's illness is, there is no need to rush. There is no time to send an imperial edict."
"……Can."
Wang Wan turned around and followed Zhao Gao back to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Li Si came out and heard that there was an imperial edict. He hurriedly found an open room and lit a few bright candles.
At this time, the sky was just beginning to brighten.
When Zhao Gao entered, in front of him stood Wang Wan, who kept his back as straight as possible, and Li Si, who bent his back slightly.
"The imperial edict has arrived."
"Your servant Wang Wan accepts your order."
"Your servant Li Si accepts your order."
"You have been appointed by Heaven, and you will live long and prosper. I have thought over and over again that you have all made great contributions to Qin, and it is not enough not to grant you lands... There is a possibility that your lands will be in chaos."
After reading the contents of the imperial edict, Zhao Gao put it away, looked at the two stunned people, and said with a smile: "Left Prime Minister, Right Prime Minister, do you not accept the edict?"
Li Si was still wondering why His Majesty changed his mind again and implemented Chang'an Jun's strategy.
After being reminded by Zhao Gao, he quickly reacted and said hurriedly: "Your Highness Li Si accepts the order!"
Wang Wan thought to himself, “Your Majesty clearly mentioned the county system in the court, and there will be no more fiefs, so why would he grant us fiefs?”
After being reminded by Zhao Gao, he still didn't react and said hesitantly: "Is this imperial edict really written by Your Majesty?"
Zhao Gao muttered to himself: ...No, it was written by Chang'an Jun.
He unfolded the rolled-up bamboo slips and showed Wang Wan the large seal made of the Heshi Bi with the inscription "Received the Mandate from Heaven, May You Live Long and Prosperous".
"Right Prime Minister, can you trust me this time? I want you to come and listen to my orders, right?"
"Wan...thank you, Commander Zhao..."
Wang Wan stretched out his old hands, his wrinkled hands trembling as he touched the eight big characters "Mandate from Heaven, May You Live Long and Prosperous", tears streaming down his face.
Your Majesty has not forgotten me, I have waited for you...
He had thought that his lifelong plan was lost, but when he had lost all hope, it suddenly came true...
Plop~
The right prime minister of the Qin Dynasty knelt on the ground, facing the direction of Xianyang City, and cried loudly.
Crying and shouting.
"Your Majesty is wise... Your Majesty is wise..."
It was still dark that day.
All the major government offices in Xianyang were in an uproar.
Some cried with joy, some were jubilant, some jumped for joy, and some fainted from excitement...
The cries of "Your Majesty is wise" that were more pious than the ones that lasted for a quarter of an hour in the Xianyang Palace woke up the sun in the sky.
Warm, gentle sunshine is shining.
A new day began in Xianyang City.
Daqin also began a new day, a brand new day.
The wheel of history was tripped by a small stone and twisted slightly away from its original trajectory.
The person who did this, Ying Chengjiao, was now entering the Xianyang Palace under the leadership of Gai Nie.
As Ying Chengjiao walked, he kept asking questions like "A Hundred Thousand Whys".
"Why did you wake up so quickly, brother?"
"have no idea."
"Has the imperial edict been issued?"
"have no idea."
"Gai Nie! You've found someone new and you've forgotten the old one, right?"
"yes."
“…”
