Chapter 300: Lü Buwei's Violence
"What's the bird's name?"
Meng Ao cursed softly, but his expression relaxed a lot, and his nerves, which had been secretly tense, relaxed.
He turned around and said to his curious grandson, "Jiang Shang, did you hear that? Ask, ask, ask, what are you asking? I'm teaching you how to fight, but you're not asking."
Meng Yi accepted the training silently. He had already gotten used to it. He secretly wondered if there was anyone named Jiang Shang among his grandfather's old friends, but to no avail.
In the hall, Qin Chen was also wondering whether there was any famous person in the world with the name Jiang Shang.
To be called by name by the First Emperor and promised to be the prime minister, it is common sense that he is definitely not an unknown person.
The entire court of civil and military officials pondered over this, but to no avail.
Apart from Jiang Ziya and Jiang Shang, who followed King Wu of Zhou to establish the Zhou Dynasty, they don't remember anyone else named Jiang Shang.
[I wonder if this Jiang is a surname or a clan name. Could it be a descendant of Jiang Qi? ]
After the First Emperor made the promise, he glanced at Yao Jia, who was kneeling in front of him with his head down and his expression invisible.
"Yao Jia, if you can explain it clearly, the prime minister can also be with you."
Yao Jia looked up, his face full of disbelief.
The First Emperor nodded slightly, and Yao Jia was sure that he had heard correctly. His heart instantly went from great sorrow to great joy.
Compared with the prime minister who is above the two prime ministers and second only to the emperor and above everyone else, the position of Shangqing is nothing.
When Dun Ruo was still alive, Yao Jia still recognized him as an opponent. Both of them were unparalleled debaters who alienated the six kingdoms.
When Zongheng Hou Dunru fled, Yao Jia felt that he was the best among them in the debate. Wasn't this the prime minister who came to his doorstep?
If Yao Jia didn't know the First Emperor's temper, he would have thought that the First Emperor was giving him a backdoor.
I have never heard of Jiang Shang and Yao Jia. I wonder where this unknown person came from?
No matter how much arrogant words you say, it is useless; the truth will eventually be revealed behind your words.
"Your Majesty, I will not let you down!"
Yao Jia, overjoyed, stood up, pulled the small tuft of goatee under his chin, turned his thin face away, and wanted to see what the person who dared to be so rude to him looked like.
What he saw was not a human face, but a black scarf, and Yao Jia frowned slightly.
Judging from the fact that the First Emperor called the masked man by his name, he must have known him.
And in such an important occasion as the court meeting, the First Emperor allowed him not to show his true face, which was enough to prove that the person came with bad intentions - the First Emperor's tolerance was very broad and changed according to the knowledge and talent of the object.
All the ministers in the hall took their seats, waiting to watch this political discussion.
The looks directed towards Yao Jia were mostly filled with encouragement and expectation.
The look towards the masked man was one of disgust and suspicion.
They hoped that Yao Jia would win, because the implementation of the two policies of "standardizing the tracks of vehicles and following the same ethics" would be disadvantageous to them and to the aristocratic families in the world.
The covered man saw Yao Jia turning around and laughed, his laughter full of contempt.
"I feel ashamed to accept the position of Prime Minister when I was his enemy."
Although Yao Jia felt that there was something wrong with the man, there was absolutely no turning back since things had come to this point.
When he heard the masked man belittling him again, he immediately fought back without giving in.
"Several years ago, there was a great man who, like you, looked down upon Jia. His name was Han Fei. What Jia said to Han Fei is still fresh in his mind after several years.
"Han Fei said that Yao Jia carried pearls and precious jades on his diplomatic mission to the four countries for three years. Those four countries may not have been sincere in their alliance with Qin, but the jewels had already entered the palaces of the four countries.
"This is actually Yao Jia using your majesty's power and national treasures to privately make friends with the princes. I hope your majesty will understand clearly. It is also said that Yao Jia was originally a gatekeeper of Wei State and stole things from Wei people.
"Later, when he was an official in Zhao, he was expelled from the country. Your Majesty appointed Yao Jia, a gatekeeper, a thief of Wei, and an exiled minister of Zhao, to participate in the decision-making of state affairs.
"It is difficult to motivate the ministers if you do this. Han Fei said that Jia deceived the emperor and considered it a merit. Your Majesty still rewards Jia. The ministers will be disheartened if they know this.
"At that time, Jia was so ashamed and angry that he didn't know what to do. Now Jia is still standing here, and Han Fei died because he did not submit to Qin. What is the difference between you and Han Fei back then?"
At that time, Yao Jia led a caravan of one hundred vehicles, carrying one thousand kilograms of gold.
He wore clothes awarded by the King of Qin, a hat given by the King of Qin on his head, and a sword given by the King of Qin around his waist, and he went on a grand mission to the four countries.
In the past three years, he has continuously used huge sums of money to bribe dignitaries in various countries, and he has also used the art of forming alliances and his eloquent tongue to lobby the courts of various countries.
This caused the four countries that had originally united to attack Qin to have their own ideas and were unwilling to send troops. As a result, the so-called coalition against Qin naturally collapsed, which established a great achievement for the Qin State.
All the people in Qin praised him, and the First Emperor immediately appointed him as Shangqing.
Just when Yao Jia was in high spirits and his life was at its most glorious, Han Fei jumped out and criticized Yao Jia with the above remarks.
His discussion of Yao Jia's shortcomings is an all-round criticism of Yao Jia's psychology, background, and past.
But the pragmatic First Emperor did not care about these things. What he saw was the fact that the four kingdoms collapsed and Qin was stable. This was the credit and this was the reality.
Therefore, even though he was an idol, Han Fei, the First Emperor did not believe him.
Yao Jia therefore bore a grudge against Han Fei and added fuel to the fire before Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent Han Fei to prison in Xianyang.
Yao Jia, who didn't know that Han Fei had voluntarily sought death, always thought that Han Fei died at his own mouth, and most of the court officials who did not know the truth also believed so.
Therefore, there was not a single dirty word in this long speech from beginning to end. It seemed that he was telling about his own embarrassing things, but in fact it was a reminder to everyone present.
This man named Jiang Shang had previously slandered Yao Jia, but none of his remarks were true or to the point; they were all personal attacks.
It was generally recognized in Qin that Han Fei's heart was not with Qin, so Yao Jia's comment on how Jiang Shang was different from him was just a template.
Let the First Emperor understand that Jiang Shang only talks big but does not talk about government affairs, and his heart is like Han Fei's.
The First Emperor valued Qin the most, so Yao Jia planted the seed in his heart that he would not be loyal to Qin. No matter how much the First Emperor valued Jiang Shang's talent before, he would find it difficult to tolerate him later.
No matter how talented Jiang Shang is, is he as talented as Han Fei who won the title of "Zi" in the world? If he has talent but doesn't use it in Qin, it's useless. He should just be put in Xianyang Prison and executed.
The masked man Jiang Shang felt a chill in his heart. He did not expect that Yao Jia, the famous man who became famous in Qin State after he went fishing in Chang'an Jun's mansion, was so powerful.
The trap and hidden wit laid by these few words were so profound that it was difficult for me, who has been handling a country's political affairs for many years, to see through them all at once.
Attack, defense, frame-up, guide, take advantage of the situation... these words covered everything and completely dispelled the slight contempt that had just formed in Jiang Shang's heart.
He could not help but sigh that there was no false talent under a great reputation Ying Zheng had many talented people under him. If Yao Jia entered the palace, there would be one more person with a nickname in Chang'an Jun's palace.
All the ministers were smart people. Even the dumbest ones could hear at least three meanings in Yao Jia's words, and they couldn't help but cheer in their hearts.
When they looked at Jiang Shang, who was sitting at the back of the table, most of their eyes turned to mockery.
[If this is the principle of heaven and earth, Buwei would have already lost the argument with Yao Jia.]
[But this is human politics, not the laws of nature. How can you debunk the arguments that I have had with Jiao'er for years in just a few moments? ]
[How could you defeat me, Lü Buwei, if your heart is not in the public interest but in your own?]
Lu Buwei, who used the alias Jiang Shang, straightened his back.
"It's not that I don't dare to tell the truth, but I'm afraid that after telling the truth, few officials in the court will be able to sit still. Since you want to listen, I will do as you wish."
As soon as he started speaking, the ministers' hearts began to beat violently, their pupils dilated, and they had a strong bad premonition.
They are very familiar with this kind of scene.
Their eyes couldn't help but glance at a political discussion, and Li Si, who was squeezed out from the Hu prime minister to become the left prime minister.
Li Si, who was only a court judge half a year ago, had a good eloquence, but his victory in the end was not due to his eloquence, but to his courage to speak, his madness, his wildness, and his failure to abide by the rules.
[Should we stop him…]
The ministers thought about it and looked at the two prime ministers, nine ministers, generals and other high-ranking officials of the Qin State.
Right Prime Minister Wang Wan, Imperial Censor Feng Quji, Zongzheng, Left Prime Minister Li Si, veteran general Meng Ao, Internal History Meng Yi, Fengchang, Internal History Fu Zikang...
Those people who stood at the top of the Qin officialdom turned a blind eye to the gazes from those below them and did not give any explicit or implicit hints.
The person who guided the situation last time was called Wei Zhuang. Although he was able to escape unscathed in the end, that was because of the mercy of the First Emperor.
Those who were familiar with the First Emperor did not think that the First Emperor, who dismissed Yao Jia from the position of prime minister with just a single word, would be so merciful today.
"The width of the wheels of different places is different. There is no fixed number. If the chariot of Qin is going to Zhao, it must be replaced by a Zhao chariot. If the chariot of Zhao is going to Han, it must also be replaced by a Han chariot. There is no need to explain this inconvenience in words. Anyone with eyes will see it. Is Daming blind? Why did he turn a blind eye?"
In ancient times, all roads were dirt roads. After repeated rolling by the wheels, two hard lanes with the same width as the wheels would be formed.
When a horse-drawn carriage is used for long-distance transportation, keeping the wheels on the hard track ensures smooth movement, which can significantly reduce animal power consumption and axle wear, just like modern vehicles running on asphalt roads.
If you don't change the local car halfway, the ruts will not match up, which will cause serious wear and tear on the vehicle, slow down the journey, and do more harm than good.
After listening to what Lu Buwei said, Yao Jia found that it was not what he expected. His panic disappeared and he spoke softly and leisurely.
"Spring, summer, autumn and winter have different scenery. Bashan and Chushui have different customs and folkways. The different tracks in different places are just like this, which is the color of the world.
"Everywhere there are carriage and horse-drawn companies that make a living by changing carriages. People are tired from traveling and can go to the post station to rest. The next day, the carriages have been changed. The carriage and horse-drawn company benefits the travelers and keeps them healthy. What's the harm in this?"
Lu Buwei's eyes revealed outside the veil were as cold as ice, and Yao Jia's brows, which had just relaxed, frowned again.
"All the carriage and horse trading companies in various places were opened by the remnants of the six kingdoms. Merchants transporting goods from all directions are very careful and have to pay money to change carriages when passing through customs.
"This kind of robbery has become a good thing in your mouth. You said that my heart is not with Qin. I think you want to raise money from the remnants of the six kingdoms to restore your country."
Although these words were vicious, Yao Jia did not take them to heart. His greatest contribution to the Qin State was to alienate the six kingdoms, so he would not even think about seeking revenge from the six kingdoms.
He was just about to recount his past achievements to refute Lu Buwei, but unexpectedly, Lu Buwei exonerated him first.
"I know this is not enough to prove it. Your trip to the four countries was witnessed by all. I just want you to know that you should not hurt others with your words and opinions. A daimyo should not take it as his duty to kill people.
"You have made great contributions to Qin, and the fiefdom that His Majesty has granted you should be considerable. Today, His Majesty has removed you from your position as a senior minister. If you cannot defend yourself against me today, you should be sent to your fiefdom.
"I wonder how many horses you need to pull the carriage in your fiefdom?"
[Here it comes... This madman is really going to cause trouble! ]
The ministers' hearts suddenly jumped.
Yao Jia's expression became serious, his heart skipped a beat, and he thought to himself that something was wrong.
He said in a deep voice: "One horse."
The First Emperor had already changed the system and required that the royal carriage he rode in be pulled by four horses.
No other ministers dared to use more horses in their carriages than the First Emperor's royal carriage, at least not in Guanzhong.
Lu Buwei sneered.
"Is that so? I, a mean man, will try to judge your hypocrisy. I guess that when you return to your fiefdom, the carriage you ride in will have no less than six horses!"
Yao Jia, all the ministers, aristocratic families, and nobles all cursed Lu Buwei in their hearts.
In the past, the number of horses pulling a carriage symbolized the status of the nobility.
In their respective fiefdoms, nobles dared to use a carriage pulled by eight horses at most to highlight their noble status.
In Xianyang City , under the eyes of the First Emperor, these nobles dared only use carriages pulled by two horses when going out.
But when they returned to their fiefdoms where the First Emperor could not see them, everyone wanted to be pulled by six or eight horses. Otherwise, how could they show that they were different from those untouchables?
A few horses pulling a carriage is nothing in the eyes of modern people, but in this era, the difference between a carriage pulled by eight horses and one horse is like the difference between a luxury car worth hundreds of millions and a commuter car worth tens of thousands.
A symbol of identity.
"It's unfounded."
Yao Jia, who was debating, said in a deep voice.
"I haven't finished yet. The same track will fix the ruts, so you can't ride in a six-horse or eight-horse carriage. You can only ride in a one-horse or two-horse carriage. You don't like that."
A cart pulled by six or eight horses has a different weight from that pulled by one or two horses, and has different wheels.
If the same track is implemented for all vehicles, the fixed ruts are equivalent to fixed tracks, and six-horse or eight-horse carriages will damage the tracks.
"During the Zhou Dynasty, all vehicles had the same track. Why do the wheels of different countries have different track widths? This is for defense! The chariots of Qin cannot run on the Zhao Avenue because of the different track widths. The chariots of Zhao can use the track widths to charge and transport, and they can occupy the advantages on their own land. Now that the world is unified, you do not want to keep the track widths and keep the track widths of your fiefdoms. Who are you trying to defend against? Your Majesty? The Qin?"
The expressions of the ministers were still able to remain unchanged, but the person involved, Yao Jia, immediately turned pale and shouted angrily.
"Ridiculous! Ridiculous! I am loyal to the core! Please provide me with evidence!"
Lu Buwei ignored Yao Jia who wanted him to produce hard evidence. Political commentary is not a trial. It is just like this, just speculation, or a more pleasant way of saying it is a forecast.
"The Qin Dynasty has enacted a law to make all roads in the country of the same width, which will enable them to be hard-surfaced within a few years. This will not only reduce the cost of transporting goods and passengers, but will also help the imperial army to be able to quickly carry supplies to any county in the country. This is of course not good for you, as you are afraid that the Xianyang army will arrive at any time, making your fiefdoms unable to govern themselves."
