"Sell newspapers! Sell newspapers!"
"Nanhai Commandery Lieutenant Ren Xiao and General Zhao Tuo rebelled against the Qin State, plotted to murder His Majesty, and poisoned Wang Jian. They committed extremely heinous crimes and were barred from the ten clans!"
"Gongzi Hao put down the rebellion in Nanhai, conquered Xiou, and pointed his sword at Baiyue!"
In the early morning, all kinds of breaking news published in the newspapers instantly woke up the sleeping Xianyang City.
The people who saw the news were in disbelief at first, and then full of worry.
The South China Sea is so far away from Guanzhong that ordinary people don't even realize there is such a place.
But just because you can't remember it doesn't mean you don't know.
Although Great Qin had shelved its plan to conquer Baiyue, they all knew that there were 500,000 Qin troops stationed in the South China Sea.
It is said that these 500,000 Qin troops were prepared in advance to conquer Baiyue.
However, I haven’t heard of any big moves from the imperial court recently, so why did they suddenly rebel?
And that Zhao Tuo and Ren Xiao?
Wasn't it true that not long ago, His Majesty was entrusted with the important task of succeeding Wang Jian and Meng Wu?
How dare you murder your majesty and poison the old general? You deserve death!
"No wonder His Majesty is stranded in the South China Sea. It turns out that it was Zhao Tuo and Ren Xiao who rebelled, not Young Master Hao who was plotting evil!"
While there was an uproar in the city, Wang Wan breathed a sigh of relief after reading Zhao Hao's secret letter.
Some time ago, Li Si learned that Zhao Hao imprisoned Ying Zheng in the South China Sea. He was furious and threatened to send troops to attack Zhao Hao.
Fortunately, he suppressed the matter with the Prime Minister's order, otherwise it would definitely have caused a misfortune.
Now it turns out that his decision was correct.
Because Zhao Hao would not imprison Ying Zheng for power at all, but would only do expedient measures to achieve his own goals.
Even though this expedient is a bit bold, Zhao Hao has always been like this. If he wasn't bold, he wouldn't be Zhao Hao.
Thinking of this, Wang Wan smiled helplessly, then put away the secret letter and prepared to walk out of the study to host today's small court meeting.
However, before he could stand up from his seat, a report came from outside the door: "Old Prime Minister, Young Mansion Zhang Cang, Xiao He from Datian wants to see you!"
"Um?"
Wang Wan was stunned for a moment, frowned and said, "Let them in!"
"Hi!"
Soon, an attendant led Zhang Cang and Xiao He to Wang Wan's study.
Seeing that the two of them didn't even bother to bow to Wang Wan, they said in unison: "Old Prime Minister, please step aside!"
"Um?"
Wang Wan was stunned again and glanced at the two of them with some confusion. Finally, he followed their advice and waved his hand: "You all go down!"
"yes."
As the door was closed with a creak, only Wang Wan, Zhang Cang, and Xiao He were left in the study.
Because all three of them have a close friendship with Zhao Hao, they have very close contact with them on weekdays.
Zhang Cang and Xiao He found a seat to sit down without noticing anything, and then said truthfully to Wang Wan: "Old Prime Minister, have you read today's newspaper?" Zhang Cang was the first to speak.
Wang Wan reacted and said with a smile: "Are you talking about Zhao Tuo and Ren Xiao? The young master has already secretly trusted me about this matter!"
"As I expected, the young master was framed. The real rebels were Zhao Tuo and Ren Xiao. These rebellious officials and traitors have been taken advantage of by the Yi clan."
"No, old Prime Minister, that's not what Mr. Zhang said!"
Before Wang Wan could finish speaking, Xiao He interrupted Wang Wan.
Since he took up the post of director of the Commerce Bureau, Xianyang's commerce has begun to flourish. Now the commercial taxes on light handicrafts and manufacturing have caught up to one-tenth of Daqin's total tax revenue last year. If this continues, the commercial taxes will increase. With more and more, the country will become richer and richer.
It is precisely because of this that Wang Wan made an exception and asked Xiao He to temporarily replace Datian Ling until Ying Zheng returned to Xianyang before officially appointing him.
Now seeing Xiao He interrupting her, Wang Wan was not angry and said calmly: "If Director Xiao has anything to say, you might as well say it directly."
"Old Prime Minister, Da Qin's newspapers are published by newspapers under the jurisdiction of the Shaofu. Logically speaking, the Shaofu should know the news in the newspapers immediately, but we also know it from the newspapers!" Xiao He said with a serious face.
Wang Wan frowned, glanced at Xiao He, then at Zhang Cang, and said in a deep voice: "You mean, the news in the newspaper is false?"
"We have also received the young master's secret message. The news cannot be false!"
Zhang Cang shook his head.
Wang Wan smiled hoarsely: "Since the news is true, doesn't it matter who publishes it? This newspaper was originally created by Young Master. Maybe Young Master published it for you. What's the fuss?"
"It's just because it's from the young master that it's unusual!"
Xiao He said seriously: "The newspaper said that Zhao Tuo and Ren Xiao plotted to murder your majesty and poison the old general, but there is no definite information about your majesty and the old general. We are worried that something bad will happen next!"
"What's the bad thing?"
Wang Wan's eyelids twitched and her voice began to tremble.
Zhang Cang and Xiao He looked at each other, then lowered their voices and said, "Your Majesty and the old general may be in trouble."
"What!?"
Wang Wan stood up from his seat and looked at the two of them with disbelief: "How is this possible? Aren't Zhao Tuo and Ren Xiao being barred from the ten tribes? Apart from Your Majesty, who would dare to deal with such a capital punishment!"
"However, since the founding of the Qin Dynasty, even in the further Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, there has been no such capital punishment for the Yi clan. Is it just because your majesty punished Zhao Tuo and Ren Xiao like this just because they rebelled?"
Xiao He asked solemnly.
"this"
Wang Wan was speechless and couldn't help but turn to look at Zhang Cang.
Zhang Cang said thoughtfully: "The South China Sea is very far away from Xianyang. We can only speculate on many things from a few words. Why did Young Master Hao issue newspapers without us? Could it be that he no longer trusts us?
If so, it would be impossible for him to convey a secret message to us;
Therefore, in my opinion, Gongzi Hao should be testing our reaction. This us, not just us, but also the Xianyang court and even the people of the world! "
"Then why does Young Master Hao test us?"
"I guess there are two possibilities. One is to understand it literally. Your Majesty and the old general experienced the danger of life and death, but they all turned the danger into safety. The other is to understand it from the overall situation. If something unexpected happens to your majesty and the old general, the court and the people of the world will be affected. What will be the reaction?"
"So, when you come to me, are you more inclined to the second option?"
Wang Wan frowned.
Zhang Cang and Xiao He looked at each other and nodded silently.
Wang Wan's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but slumped back to her seat, muttering to herself: "Why is it that our country, the Qin Dynasty, is always in such trouble? It took so long for your majesty, the heroic lord, to unify the six countries, and something like this happened again. If Your Majesty has any shortcomings, what should we do in the Qin Dynasty?"
"Why"
Zhang Cang sighed after hearing this and said, "The current situation is still unclear. We are also secretly speculating. The top priority is the next small court meeting. How should the old prime minister face Li Si and others!"
"this"
After hearing this, Wang Wan realized that he was going to host a small court meeting to supervise the country later. He couldn't help but raised his head and asked: "What are your ideas? Let me hear them?"
"Back to the old prime minister, we came to you this time because we hope that you will never mention the South China Sea, only talk about the implementation of national policies, and wait until there is definite news from the South China Sea before responding publicly!" Zhang Cang said with cupped hands.
Wang Wan was a little puzzled: "Hasn't the newspaper been published? Not only the people of Xianyang will know it, but the surrounding counties and counties, and even the entire Qin Dynasty, will soon know it. If I don't mention it, someone will always mention it!"
"This is different."
Xiao He shook his head and said: "Young Master has said before that the imperial court represents the official government. No matter what rumors are outside, as long as the official government does not admit it, all interpretations are just rumors. After a few days and a few headlines, people in the world will soon understand I will forget this!"
"Then Li Si and the others won't forget it, right?"
"We came to you to deal with Li Si and the others."
"Oh? What good idea do you have!" Wang Wan said hurriedly.
Zhang Cang glanced at Xiao He and said: "Li Si has always had opinions on Gongzi Hao. Although he also expressed support for the national policies proposed by Gongzi Hao, those are the reasons why His Majesty supports Gongzi Hao. Now that His Majesty's situation is unknown, we are worried that he will Mainly anti-customer.”
"So, we hope that the old prime minister will avoid his sharp edges. Except for the bottom line that must be adhered to, Li Si will be in charge!"
When Wang Wan heard this, he looked hesitant: "Is it necessary to do this?"
"Young Master once said that if you want to bring about people's destruction, you must first make them crazy. If Li Si is devoted to public service, his previous behavior is understandable. However, if he has selfish motives, we might as well give him a try for Your Majesty." Xiao He said.
"Test Li Si's quality for Your Majesty?"
Wang Wan reacted and felt something was wrong: "Have you been told anything by the young master?"
"hehe."
Zhang Cang smiled noncommittally, "Old Prime Minister, neither the young master nor us will harm you. I hope you will cooperate well and just pretend that you don't know anything else."
"this"
Wang Wan hesitated for a moment, and then said helplessly: "I will host the small court meeting today. I will say that I am not feeling well and let Lisdai host it. What do you think?"
"So good!"
Xiao He and Zhang Cang looked at each other and spoke in unison.
On the other side, there is the small courtyard of Tingwei Mansion.
Yao Jia stood quietly beside Li Si and watched the snow scene in the courtyard with him.
Different from the cold and humid environment in the South China Sea, in the early winter in the north, there is light snowfall and the climate is dry and cold.
In fact, Yao Jia discovered very early that this area of the entire Tingwei Mansion was cool and windless, and no one could hear the voices here, so Yao Jia felt even heavier.
Li Si is one of Ying Zheng's most trusted ministers. Although he does not have the position of prime minister, he has the status of prime minister. For many major military and political matters, Ying Zheng did not even inform Wang Wan and discussed them directly with Li Si.
As Li Si's close friend and partner, Yao Jia understood very well the purpose of Li Si bringing him here.
Before they poisoned their classmate Han Fei, they also stood here watching the snow.
Standing here again today, I think it must be related to the news in the newspaper.
"What do you think of the current situation?"
Li Si calmly turned to look at Yao Jia.
Yao Jia thought secretly and asked tentatively: "Is Tingwei talking about external troubles or internal worries?"
“Let’s count internal worries.”
"Please make it clear, Captain Ting!"
"Yao Jia, how was the snow scene just now?"
Li Si picked up the tea cup, took a sip of hot tea, and asked calmly.
Yao Jiayan replied concisely and comprehensively: "It's so beautiful!"
"Suppose the country is in trouble, can you help me like you did back then?"
"Jiujiao Lao Qin, we will fight against the national calamity together!"
Yao Jia sat upright and recited an old Qin oath, but he perfectly avoided the topic.
However, how could an astute person like Li Si let him go so easily?
Li Si said calmly and calmly: "Yao Jia, if something unexpected happens to Your Majesty, how should you deal with it?"
"Tingwei!"
Yao Jia was shocked: "Is something really wrong with Your Majesty?!"
"Zhao Hao has harmed your majesty. I'm afraid your majesty will be in bad luck."
"At the moment, does your Majesty have any definite news?" Yao Jia's heart was beating fast and his voice was a little dry.
Li Si stared at him, tears slowly falling from his eyes, and sighed: "God, God, God, why are you so unfair to His Majesty that you gave birth to such a rebellious son?"
"The Prime Minister made it clear! What happened to Your Majesty?"
Yao Jia suddenly stood up.
Li Si understood that although Yao Jia was his deputy, he was also the Zuo Tingwei of the Qin Dynasty. According to Qin law, he was responsible for determining the true situation of all princes and ministers, and also had the final authority to determine the emperor's situation.
The reason why Li Si summoned Yao Jia here alone was not only because Yao Jia and he had always conspired together, but also because he did not have the final say in Tingwei Mansion alone.
After a moment of silence, Li Si also stood up and said, "You must have read the contents in the newspaper, but what I want to say is not in the newspaper!"
"Oh, my Tingwei, you are really worrying me to death. Tell me quickly, what's going on?"
"Yao Jia, His Majesty the Emperor, has passed away!"
Li Si was in tears.
"Why, how could this happen?"
"At first, I didn't believe it either, but..."
"but what?"
Yao Jia asked anxiously.
Li Si glanced at him, clapped his hands and said, "Zhao Gao, come out!"
Zhao Gao?
Why is he here?
Yao Jia was slightly surprised, then looked towards the screen on the left, and saw a cloaked figure slowly appearing there.
"Yao Tingwei, the truth of the matter is not what is written in the newspaper. It is that Zhao Hao imprisoned His Majesty. In order to save His Majesty, Zhao Tuo and Ren Xiao were repeatedly tricked by Zhao Hao and eventually died in Zhao Hao's hands!"
Zhao Gao said with a look of grief and anger: "If my son-in-law hadn't been serving Zhao Hao and overheard some news, I would have died in the South China Sea!"
"So, His Majesty is really dead?"
"Ten deaths without life!"
"His Majesty!"
Yao Jia burst into tears and collapsed to the ground trembling.
Li Si suddenly drew his sword, struck it hard on the table in front of him, and shouted in a low voice: "Zhao Hao, how dare you be so rebellious!"
"Queen Ting, please calm down, this matter is a bit strange!"
When Yao Jia heard Li Si's shout, he suddenly came to his senses and raised his head and said, "Zhao Gao said that His Majesty is dead. Is there any evidence?"
"have!"
Li Si said with a gloomy expression: "His Majesty's edict is in the hands of Zhao Gao!"
"Posthumous edict?"
Yao Jia was surprised and said, "It didn't come out?"
"The situation at that time was very dangerous. Before His Majesty could finish writing the edict, Zhao Hao rushed in with his people."
"this"
Yao Jia was speechless and didn't know how to speak.
But I saw Li Si on the side said seriously;
"No one knows about this matter for the time being. Even the news of Zhao Gao's return is unknown. I brought you here today because I want to deal with Wang Wan together in the next court meeting. Do you understand?"
"clear!"
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(End of chapter)
