Chang'an Jun's Mansion, next to the pool.
The breeze ruffled a pool of autumn water, and the Emperor Shi Huang first rippled in the water, then blurred.
"Tang Bing, Cui Guang, Wu Shi, and Zhou Shu also used the vertical punctuation mark?"
The First Emperor took the letter sent by Fei Ge, shook it off twice, and expressed deep doubts.
"Absolutely true."
Zhang Han, who delivered the letter, bowed his head and gave the First Emperor a positive reply.
"If you don't respect worthy people, you can keep the people from competing. If you don't learn, you won't do anything extra. If you don't do anything extra, it's the greatest achievement.
"These two sentences were spoken by Lao Tzu himself and written into the Tao Te Ching. Have they forgotten it? They can pretend to be deaf and dumb in my hands, and they can do anything when they go to Korea."
The First Emperor was slightly dissatisfied, and most of his words were sarcastic.
Zhang Han lowered his raised hands slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Han Ke, go and kill him!"
These doctors who studied classics drunkenly in the doctoral department came to Korea and became talented people in governance. This made Zhang Han very angry.
The laws of Qin stipulated that on the battlefield, if a warrior with a rank of fourth rank or above did not kill anyone, he would be expelled from the rank and be severely punished.
Shang Yang, who compiled this law, believed that the elite soldiers who could rise to the fourth rank must be the top group in the Qin army - killing an elite soldier was the first rank of the Qin State, and those who could accumulate to the fourth rank Sir, such an elite must be the elite among the elite.
However, such a powerful warrior did not kill a single enemy on the battlefield, and did not do anything he could. This kind of bad behavior is betrayal, treason, and cannot be tolerated!
In the eyes of the military general Zhang Han, the behavior of the doctors who resigned was no different from that of the fourth-class knights who did not kill anyone. They were all treason!
"Your Excellency is so murderous."
Xun Qing, wearing a soap towel on his head, a gentle face, but extremely sharp eyes, opened the courtyard door and walked into the courtyard.
Zhang Han immediately put down his hands, touched the hilt of the sword at his waist with one hand, and said with a cold face:
"Death to trespassers!"
"No rudeness."
The First Emperor immediately reprimanded Zhang Han. Zhang Han lowered his head slightly to show that he had made a mistake, and moved to stand behind the First Emperor. He raised his head and stared at Xun Qing with oppressive eyes, like interrogating a prisoner.
"Eavesdropping on other people's words, is this what Confucians do?"
The First Emperor teased.
"This is Chang'an Jun's Mansion, not Xianyang Palace."
Xun Qing responded without changing his expression. Zhang Han's sharper eyes could not shake his mood at all.
"This is an interesting idea. When a guest is at the host's house, is it legal for the host to eavesdrop on the guest's conversation?"
"If you stay in a foreign land and do things that are not beneficial to others, you will be regarded as a bad guest. Reasoning with good people and punishing evil people is the Confucian principle."
Zhang Han's face burst with murderous intent. He only waited for the First Emperor's order before he rushed forward and beheaded Xunzi!
"Ha ha ha ha!"
The First Emperor smiled instead of being angry.
"Since I became the king, Xunzi was the first person to say that he would torture me. Interesting, really interesting!"
Xunzi waited for the First Emperor to laugh enough, then said calmly:
"Your Majesty, what do you think is so interesting?"
"The body of the King of Fajia, isn't it interesting enough?"
"Dharma, why can't you become a king?"
Looking at Xunzi's unsmiling face, the First Emperor realized that Xunzi was not joking. His face gradually became serious, and power gathered from the condensed eyebrows.
"The Dharma is the tool used by the king to govern the world, just like the chopsticks used when eating and the wine bottle used when drinking.
"When the law is applied to the king's body, it is the instrument that backfires. I don't understand what Xunzi said."
Behind him, Zhang Han's eyes were filled with murderous intent.
If the First Emperor was not around and he came to Chang'an Palace alone and heard Xunzi's words, the sword at his waist would have been unsheathed long ago.
"Your Majesty has been asking, how is it different from your Majesty? This is one of them.
"The law is the law, and all living beings are equal under the law."
The First Emperor's complexion became noticeably worse, he squinted his eyes and said indifferently:
"Xunzi wants to usurp my country?"
"Don't dare."
Xunzi lowered his head, his lowered eyes full of disappointment.
"Is it because Xunzi didn't become a national teacher because he knew that teaching me would be dangerous to my life?"
Xunzi said nothing.
The First Emperor was no longer in the mood for fishing today, so he stepped over Xunzi and left with Zhang Han.
When he was about to leave the gate of Chang'an Jun's Mansion, Zhang Han no longer held the hilt of his sword tightly - he had been waiting for the First Emperor to ask him to kill Xunzi.
Xunzi, who had saved his life, smiled bitterly.
"I can't persuade you, I can't persuade you."
Xunzi took the fishing rod that Emperor Qi used to fish and sat on his knees by the pond.
The plump koi carp in the pond were very strange when they saw the people on the shore, and they shook their heads and squeezed closer.
The scales on his body were shining with colorful light, and they rushed to emerge from the water, as if they wanted to see clearly the appearance of the old man on the shore.
"Even if he is as lazy as your Majesty, even if he is as close as your Majesty in the past, he is still different from you.
"He is a king, a god, and a heaven. He is the First Emperor who regards his own body as different from all other living beings. It doesn't make sense.
"If the King of Qin does not change, the world will never change."
Xunzi came here today because he wanted to inform the First Emperor of the second half of the note - from the reports and movements of the disciples in the court, Xunzi knew that the time for the First Emperor's tour was very near.
It doesn't take the First Emperor to change his mind. As long as the First Emperor is not so strong today and there are signs of change, Xunzi will truthfully tell the truth about the half-sentence he hid.
However, the First Emperor is the First Emperor, not the Lord of Chang'an.
…………
Zhangtai Palace.
After the eunuch of Epang Palace was killed, Zhao Gao asked the First Emperor for orders to teach the eighteenth prince in Zhangtai Palace.
The reason is that Zhangtai Palace was the place where the First Emperor held meetings all year round, and it was a place of great civility.
The Eighteenth Young Master has been deeply influenced by his studies here, and he will certainly be able to get twice the result with half the effort.
The First Emperor, who had been fishing recently, had no use for Zhangtai Palace, so he agreed casually - Afang immediately told the First Emperor that Ping'er had killed the eunuch.
The First Emperor didn't care about these things. After all, these were not big things.
Zhao Gao squatted beside Ying Huhai, pointed at the words on the bamboo slips, and said softly:
"Young Master 18, have you memorized it?"
This bamboo slip is the "Law of Corvene" in the "Law of Qin".
The young man shook his head.
"Teacher, Hu Hai hasn't finished memorizing it yet."
"No rush, no rush. When Gao was the age of the Eighteenth Young Master, he was just literate."
Zhao Gaowao offered comfort, but a flash of urgency flashed in his eyes.
What he needs is not a step-by-step 18th Young Master, but an outstanding 18th Young Master. At the very least, look outstanding.
[Even if your majesty sees my yin method, you won’t care about it! Your Majesty is leaving Xianyang soon, and time is running out! ]
Zhao Gao put his hand on Ying Huhai's head, as if comforting his own student, it was very natural.
"Just take a short nap."
Ying Huhai's eyes suddenly opened wide, revealing deep fear. Just as he was about to say the words "I won't sleep," he fell unconscious and lay down in Zhao Gao's arms.
There were no maids in the room, all were eunuchs, all wearing half-silk close-fitting eunuch uniforms. They were all eunuchs in the honoring room.
They got busy together, making the eighteenth young master's bed and quilt, taking off his clothes and slippers, and then helped the eighteenth young master lie down on the wooden bed. They tidied up for a while before finishing.
"Everyone get out."
Zhao Gao stood beside the wooden bed and faced the Eighteenth Young Master, without raising his head or opening his eyes.
"only."
"only."
"only."
"..."
All the eunuchs respectfully accepted the order, with the same humility on their faces as their chariot master Ling. They bent over, hunched over, and walked out in small steps backwards.
Zhao Gao put his palm on the student's head, his fingers showing blood.
"When the imperial army launches a campaign, but there is no way to go, I will pay you two armors. If you miss three to five days, you will be punished; if you miss ten days from six days, you will pay one shield; if ten days pass, you will pay one armor..."
He was murmuring something, and he was talking about the content of the bamboo slip on the table - the "Law of Corvene" in the "Law of Qin".
If someone were to look at it, they would find that what Zhao Gao recited was exactly the same as what was written on the bamboo slips.
Zhao Gao, the commander of Zhongche Mansion, knew the "Qin Code" by heart, and this was true for every law and order in the "Qin Code". When the First Emperor was approving memorials, if he had any questions about the "Qin Code", he did not need to read the book, he only needed to ask Zhao Gao.
Li Si and Zhao Gao were the only two people in the entire dynasty who had such ability.
To be deeply favored by the First Emperor and stay with the First Emperor for more than ten years is far from a life-saving favor to the First Emperor - there were many guards who saved the First Emperor, and only Zhao Gao stayed with the First Emperor.
Even the Sword Master Gai Nie would not have been able to get into the eyes of the First Emperor if he had not been recommended by Ying Chengyu.
The first emperor favored Zhao Gao because Zhao Gao had outstanding abilities - he polished his pen perfectly, memorized the laws of Qin, could give advice, had good eyesight, and was extremely loyal.
If others can get one of them, they can already get ahead, Zhao Gao has it all!
The First Emperor, who was offended by Xunzi, had just entered Zhangtai Palace when he heard Zhao Gao's moderate recitation.
He glanced at all the eunuchs with his powerful eyes.
"Why don't you study with Hu Hai?"
The voice was mixed with unvented anger. Although it was not a lot, it made the eunuch with strong martial arts feel like a ray of light on his back.
The First Emperor ordered them to accompany the eighteenth son to study. If they did not accompany him to study, they would be absent from their posts without permission. The worst outcome for them may be execution.
Thump thump~
All the eunuchs knelt on the ground, lying like toads.
"Your Majesty, the Eighteenth Young Master is asleep."
The First Emperor listened carefully and said:
"Then why is Zhao Gao reading the "Law of Corvene"?"
"Reporting to your majesty, Lord Chefu Ling has been doing this these days. Whenever the Eighteenth Young Master falls asleep, Lord Chefu Ling will recite the "Qin Code" beside him."
Thumb thump thump~
The First Emperor ignored the eunuchs lying on the ground, strode towards the side hall and opened the door.
The scene that greeted his eyes was just like what the eunuchs outside said.
My youngest son was lying on the bed, sleeping soundly.
Zhao Gao held the bamboo slips in both hands and read the "Laws of Confucius" on it word by word to Ying Huhai.
Zhao Gao heard the sound, looked back and saw that it was the First Emperor, and hurriedly threw the bamboo slips on the desk, regardless of whether the clattering sound of the bamboo slips falling on the desk would wake up the students.
This small gesture that seemed unintentional but was actually intentional was his action to show the First Emperor that he, Zhao Gao, would always put the First Emperor first and treat the Eighteenth Young Master well because the Eighteenth Young Master was the First Emperor's son.
Zhao Gao will not miss any detail.
He bent over, bowed his back, leaned forward, and said humbly:
"Greetings to Your Majesty."
"What are you doing?"
The First Emperor pointed to the bamboo slips on the table.
"Why was Hu Hai reciting "The Law of Corvene" while he was sleeping?"
"Gao once heard a Chu man say: 'When you are sleeping deeply, your spirit is not asleep. Listening to the book at this time can keep the content in your mind.' Therefore, when the eighteenth prince is sleeping, he should read it."
The First Emperor looked at the bloodshot eyes in Zhao Gao's eyes and knew that his childhood friend had probably not slept well these days and was seriously sleep deprived.
Zhao Gao, who was so strong in martial arts that he could sleep at any time and anywhere to catch up on his sleep, wanted to teach his youngest son to become like this, which deeply touched the heart of the First Emperor.
"Thanks a lot."
A qualified teacher is a teacher who teaches conscientiously when students are awake and supervises students to study conscientiously.
Zhao Gao's teaching method is something that even teachers may not be able to do with parents and children.
Zhao Gao said with a trembling voice:
"Gao was trying to atone for his sins. Concubine Hu died because of Gao. Gao was more miserable and tired, but I hope your majesty will feel less guilty."
The First Emperor closed his eyes and patted Zhao Gao on the shoulder.
Zhao Gao's words reminded him of Concubine Hu who committed suicide inexplicably, the big glazed bead as red as blood, and the eighteenth son Ying Huhai who he had not visited several times.
"it's not your fault."
The First Emperor said softly.
The First Emperor, who was angry, depressed and guilty, didn't want to continue this topic. He wanted to say something to show that he really didn't care in his heart. When he had nothing to say, he said:
"You have already memorized the Qin Code, so why are you holding the bamboo slips and reciting it?"
"I am afraid that I will make a mistake. If I fail to teach the Eighteenth Young Master well, I will betray the trust of the Holy One."
"I believe you."
The First Emperor said.
On the bed, Ying Huhai suddenly sat up, with a look of horror on his face, which turned pale.
The First Emperor frowned and walked forward quickly.
"But there's a nightmare?"
Ying Huhai turned his head following the voice, his movements a little dull, as if he hadn't fully woken up yet. The light in his eyes was slightly dull, and he stared at the First Emperor for a few breaths.
The guilty First Emperor showed a look of urgency on his face, and he grabbed both sides of the boy's arms.
"Hu Hai! Hu Hai!"
After shaking it twice.
The eighteenth prince Ying Huhai focused his eyes on the face of the First Emperor, cried out loudly, and threw himself into the arms of the First Emperor.
The First Emperor was a little unnatural. Many of his sons and princesses would not do this, including the eldest son Ying Fusu.
The bond between father and son made him lower his arms, hug his parents and children, and said gently in his usual majestic voice:
"What happened?"
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu..."
The young man lay in his father's arms and cried non-stop.
The First Emperor did not know how to coax children, but he waited patiently for his son to finish crying.
There was obvious anger in his eyes, looking at Zhao Gao who was very grateful just now.
The First Emperor had no evidence to prove that his son's crying was related to Zhao Gao, but at this time, as a father, he instinctively suspected Zhao Gao, who was closest to his son.
This suspicion gave rise to many doubts that were not doubts.
[Why do all the eunuchs have to go out when reciting the edict for Hu Hai? Did he do something shameful to Hu Hai? ]
[Teach Hu Hai why he can’t be in Afang Palace instead of Zhangtai Palace. Afang didn't like the eunuchs and killed one. What does it have to do with his teaching Hu Hai? ]
[When I reviewed the memorial, I recited the rules and regulations. Why must I hold bamboo briefs at this time? Is the purpose really what it said? ]
…
(End of chapter)
