Chapter 130 My Charming Ancestor 4
Imperial Advisor!
These two words, spoken by one of the greatest emperors in history, carry the weight of Mount Tai.
On the mountain road, the civil and military officials who had just been immersed in the ecstasy of "divine support" were now on tenterhooks, not daring to breathe, their ears perked up more than anyone else's.
Li Si was so excited that he trembled all over, and his white beard shook.
The Imperial Advisor!
Those were no ordinary ministers! They were figures who could participate in the highest decisions of the state, and even, to some extent, influence imperial power!
Since the founding of the Qin Dynasty, this position has always been vacant.
Because no one is qualified.
But today, His Majesty actually promised the title to this "immortal" of unknown origin!
What trust! What an honor!
Everyone subconsciously assumed that this immortal would agree.
This is the position of Imperial Advisor! It's second only to the emperor, the pinnacle of power in the mortal world! So what if he's a deity? Since he's descended to the mortal realm, he needs a place to stay, right? Is there any more prestigious position than Imperial Advisor?
However, to everyone's surprise, it happened.
Facing Ying Zheng's expectant eyes, Zhou Jue gently shook his head.
"The title of Imperial Preceptor is nothing but fleeting cloud to me."
Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly!
"boom--"
The civil and military officials at the foot of the mountain were completely dumbfounded, their minds going blank.
What is that?
don't want?
She actually refused?!
That's the Imperial Advisor! You wouldn't even take him for free? Is this immortal out of his mind?
Li Si's smile froze on his face, as if struck by lightning. He couldn't understand, he simply couldn't understand! How could she have turned down such immense wealth and honor? Could it be... could it be that she thought His Majesty's temple was too small to accommodate such a great figure as herself?
It’s over!
The immortal is leaving!
They were just overjoyed by their "destiny's mandate," are they about to be brought back to reality in the next second?
Many ministers were so anxious that they were sweating profusely, wishing they could rush up to the altar and take over the title of "National Preceptor" for Zhou Jue!
However, amidst this deathly silence and panic...
On the altar, the emperor, dressed in his crown robes, had a smile playing on his lips.
Soon, it turned into low chuckles, and finally, it burst into hearty laughter!
"Hahaha...hahahaha!"
Ying Zheng looked up at the sky and laughed loudly, his laughter filled with indescribable joy.
The civil and military officials at the foot of the mountain were completely dumbfounded.
What... what's going on?
The immortal refused His Majesty's reward, yet His Majesty laughed instead of being angry? And laughed so happily? Was he so angry that he laughed in frustration?
But when Ying Zheng finished laughing and looked at Zhou Jue again, his deep eyes were filled with unprecedented appreciation and relief, instead of anger.
"Good! What a fine 'nothing more than fleeting clouds'!"
He clapped his hands in praise, his voice booming: "I thought even immortals could be bound by worldly fame and fortune. If you truly live up to the title of 'Imperial Preceptor' today, I would suspect that you might be another sorcerer who has learned some more advanced magic arts."
"Immortals should be detached from worldly affairs and not involved in mortal life. It was I who became attached to appearances."
Upon hearing this, everyone suddenly realized what was going on!
I see!
This was actually a test by His Majesty!
Yes, given His Majesty's caution, how could he possibly easily grant the position of "Imperial Preceptor" to a "celestial being" he has only just met?
He's promising it to you to see if you'll accept it!
If you accept, it means you have desires in your heart, and desires can be controlled. Then your status in his heart will drop from "immortal" to "human," just a relatively capable "human."
But if you don't accept it, it proves your detachment and your lack of desire!
This is the true spirit of an immortal!
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
Zhou Jue simply smiled and let them fill in the blanks with their own imaginations.
"I may not accept the title of Imperial Preceptor," Zhou Jue looked at him, then changed the subject, "but I am willing to go to Xianyang."
She paused, a hint of amusement in her voice: "Perfect timing, I also want to witness firsthand how Your Majesty built this vast empire."
Upon hearing this, all the officials breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness!
Although I didn't become the Imperial Advisor, it's enough that the immortal is willing to follow me back to Xianyang!
As long as people are alive, there is a chance!
The light in Ying Zheng's eyes shone even brighter.
I would rather not be the national advisor, but I am willing to accompany the emperor.
This means that she did not come seeking power, but was genuinely "interested" in herself and the empire.
An observer from the long river of time has become interested in your achievements.
This satisfies an emperor's pride more than any reward.
"Very well!" Ying Zheng laughed again, waving his wide sleeves with boundless pride: "Then please, immortal, accompany me down the mountain!"
As he spoke, he took a few steps closer to Zhou Jue and gestured for him to enter.
Zhou Jue didn't stand on ceremony. She took a step and slowly walked down from the altar.
As she moved, the dreamlike, iridescent glow and soft lighting effects that enveloped her gradually faded away.
The person transformed from a lofty "god" back into a "human" who could be looked at directly.
Ying Zheng looked at her, and a strange feeling inexplicably arose in his heart.
Just now, she was a goddess; he revered her, feared her, and tempted her.
Now, she stands before him, her divine aura gone, yet he feels that the distance between them has actually grown closer.
"Let's go." Ying Zheng composed himself, turned around, and prepared to lead the way down the mountain.
The civil and military officials hurriedly straightened their clothes, preparing to respectfully welcome the emperor.
However, at this moment, Ying Zheng stopped in his tracks.
He turned around, looked at the dark mass of people below the mountain, then looked up at the cloudless sky, and his brows furrowed slightly.
He remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked at Zhou Jue again.
"Immortal".
“Your Majesty, please speak,” Zhou Jue replied calmly.
Ying Zheng's gaze swept over the civil and military officials below the mountain, and his voice became low and solemn.
"Today, I performed the Fengshan ceremony, and by the grace of Heaven, I have seen the face of the immortals and resolved my great doubts. Logically speaking, this is an auspicious omen from Heaven, and I should grant a general amnesty to the world and share the joy with the people."
“However…” He changed the subject, his tone becoming heavy with worry.
"Your Excellency may not know, but since last year, Guanzhong has suffered a severe drought, leaving the land parched and the people in dire straits. Although I wish to open the granaries and distribute grain, and reduce taxes to demonstrate the Emperor's grace, the national treasury has its limits, and this has been the subject of endless debate in the court."
He paused, looked intently at Zhou Jue, and slowly asked:
"In the eyes of the immortal, how should I balance this 'heavenly grace' with the 'foundation of the nation'?"
The moment this question was raised, all the ministers were on edge once again.
It's here!
The real test is here!
All of the above are merely superficial. This problem is the real, crucial issue, concerning the national economy and people's livelihood, and the very lifeline of the Qin Dynasty!
On one side are starving disaster victims, and on the other is an increasingly depleted national treasury.
If grain is distributed, the national treasury will not be able to hold it. If there is a war in the future, what will we use to fight?
If we don't let go, the people's hearts will be unsettled, and the people's hearts, which have just been united by the "miracle," will probably fall apart immediately!
This is a dead end!
All eyes were on Zhou Jue.
They wanted to see what kind of answers this immortal, who didn't even care about the position of "Imperial Preceptor," would give when faced with the most realistic problems of the mortal world.
Zhou Jue looked at Ying Zheng, seeing the worry and struggle in his eyes that belonged to an emperor.
She said slowly, “Your Majesty’s concern is not about the Emperor’s grace, but about how to ensure that the Emperor’s grace is universally bestowed to benefit all people, without exhausting resources and undermining the foundation of the nation.”
In one sentence, he struck a chord with Ying Zheng.
confidant!
He truly is a kindred spirit!
"That's exactly right!" he eagerly asked, "Has the immortal taught me anything?"
Zhou Jue stretched out his hand and opened his palm.
Everyone stared at her hands with curiosity.
However, her palms were empty.
Just as everyone was wondering, Zhou Jue spoke up, his voice carrying a mysterious smile.
"Your Majesty, do you know that Heaven rewards diligence and also bestows gifts from Heaven?"
“I have come here not only to witness Your Majesty’s immortal achievements, but also to bring you and the people of this world some ‘seeds’.”
"This item will not cost the national treasury a single penny, nor will it require additional taxes from the people."
Zhou Jue looked at Ying Zheng and said clearly, word by word, "But it will ensure that the people of Qin will never have to worry about famine again."
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