Chapter 80 Siege and Seizure of Power He will give this rebellious daughter a...
Zhu Yuanzhang's thick eyebrows shot up, his rough fingers gripping the perfume bottle until his knuckles turned white. He stared at the delicate carvings on the crystal bottle, his eyes twitching, his voice sounding like it was being squeezed out between clenched teeth:
"Over five hundred yuan?! That's all?!"
He suddenly looked up, his tiger-like eyes wide open, staring intently at Huo Qubing, as if he were holding not perfume, but half of the Ming Dynasty.
"What a spendthrift! What a spendthrift!"
Old Zhu was so angry his beard trembled, and he almost smashed the table. He gripped the bottle, wanting to smash it on the spot, but he was afraid of spilling it and feeling even more heartbroken—that was five hundred yuan! How much grain could five hundred yuan buy? How many people could it feed? How many soldiers could it support?!
"Zheng He had to be extremely careful with every penny he earned! And you, on the other hand, use... what kind of perfume?!"
He became increasingly angry as he spoke, veins bulging on his forehead and his blood pressure soaring.
On the other side, Wei Zhongxian huddled in a corner, both smug and guilty. He held the perfume bottle, his fingers trembling slightly, reluctant to let go, yet afraid that Zhu Yuanzhang would snatch it away. His eyes darted around, stealing glances at Jiang Ge's expression. Seeing that she looked normal, he felt slightly relieved.
“Magistrate Jiang, this…this is far too precious, our family…”
He verbally declined, but his hands clenched even tighter, as if afraid someone would try to snatch it away.
Huo Qubing, Bai Qi, Zhou Yu, and others standing to the side exchanged subtle glances.
Eunuchs are just pretentious!
Huo Qubing crossed his arms, gave a cold snort, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his deep eyes.
"Ha, the credit for suppressing bandits is less than that for serving someone?"
He didn't want to bring this up, but the difference in treatment was just too great! He had earned this opportunity with real money, and now he was treated worse than a eunuch?
Qin Shubao didn't speak, but his eyes were as cold as knives, and his fingers unconsciously rubbed the hilt of his sword, as if he was considering whether to chop something on the spot.
Zhou Yu coughed lightly, his feather fan paused slightly, and a hint of helplessness lingered in his gentle voice:
"Magistrate Jiang, isn't this... a bit too biased?"
Five hundred taels of silver was no small sum in Songyang County; it was enough for an ordinary person to live on for several years.
Seeing the situation was turning against him, Wei Zhongxian quickly pledged his loyalty. His eyes darted around, and suddenly he knelt down with a thud, his voice rising eight octaves:
"Rest assured, Your Excellency! This old servant will definitely make this spice business bigger and stronger! Spices from Jiangnan and rare treasures from the Western Regions, this old servant will scour them all for you!"
He patted his chest and guaranteed it, but in his heart he was already planning how to skim some profits from it. Of course, he wasn't going to enrich his own private treasury, but rather give it to Magistrate Jiang. He wanted to be Magistrate Jiang's most loyal lackey, and if he did that in the long run, he might even become an immortal in no time.
Yuchi Jingde's blood pressure continued to spike; he clutched his chest, feeling his vision blurring. This lackey was far too obsequious.
He took a deep breath and almost fainted.
Huo Qubing and Bai Qi exchanged a silent glance.
—How about we drag this eunuch out and behead him right now?
The conflict between the two men was instantly extinguished by Wei Zhongxian's interruption. Both were military generals and had no deep-seated hatred for each other.
Once the atmosphere becomes lively, garlic chirps will appear.
The main problem is that Bai Qi doesn't know that Huo Qubing was from the Han Dynasty, he doesn't know which dynasty it was, and he doesn't even know that the Qin Dynasty unified the six kingdoms.
Although Huo Qubing was a bit angry, he still managed to introduce himself. Everyone else was waiting on the sidelines. It was only natural for a new colleague to introduce himself.
After everyone went up and introduced themselves, Bai Qi looked completely bewildered, wondering about the Han Dynasty, the Three Kingdoms, the Tang Dynasty, the Song Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty.
What are all these things...?
He had never heard of him before; surely he couldn't be the most senior person here?
Bai Qi focused his gaze on Zhu Yuanzhang. The old man's hair was all white, and his face was full of vicissitudes. Surely this old man couldn't be younger than him?
Everyone had already introduced themselves, even the three still-childish kids had given their names in their babyish voices, but Hei Fu was still huddled at the back of the crowd, looking like a frightened quail.
well--
Hei Fu wished he could disappear into the ground. He feared Bai Qi's formidable reputation for killing, but he was even more worried about this deadly task at hand. Normally, Zheng He would do this kind of historical instruction for newcomers, but today Zheng He was absent, and the killing god before him was a true Qin man. This hot potato was about to fall into his hands.
Tell Lord Wu'an, Bai Qi, about his impending death?
This is practically flipping through the Book of Life and Death in front of the King of Hell—it's like having a death wish!
Startled, Hei Fu unconsciously touched his neck, which felt chilly. His head was still intact on his neck, but if he angered this god of death… he couldn't help but shudder, as if he could already see his head rolling on the ground.
To tell or not to tell?
This is a problem.
With everyone else having been introduced except for Hei Fu, all eyes turned to him. Even more awkward was the fact that Bai Qi and Hei Fu, both Qin people, seemed separated by an invisible chasm. This situation contrasted sharply with the "friendly" scene between Zhu Yuanzhang and Wei Zhongxian—though their "friendship" mostly involved physical altercations, and Wei Zhongxian was sure to get a few more punches after Magistrate Jiang left.
Zhu Yuanzhang was sure to teach a eunuch a lesson for wearing perfume.
But everyone's gotten used to it.
After all, everyone present was either a virtuous minister or a capable general, while Wei Zhongxian was a notorious traitor who would be remembered for his infamy. Who would want to associate with him? It would only tarnish their own reputation...
But Bai Qi was different! From Qin's perspective, he was a pillar of the state with numerous military achievements. His tragic end was ultimately due to the king's suspicion and the times; how could he be blamed?
Therefore, Hei Fu's timid and hesitant appearance was even more puzzling. Everyone wondered to themselves: Could it be that the First Emperor had some prejudice against Lord Wu'an? These extremely intelligent people never expected that Hei Fu was simply—terrified.
As one of only two "ordinary people" in the county, Hei Fu possessed neither extraordinary bravery nor particularly sharp intelligence. Facing this notorious killer, a murderer who had claimed millions, how could he dare to approach him and try to get on his good side? The fact that he didn't wet his pants on the spot was already a testament to his courage.
"You... are a Qin person." Bai Qi narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze piercing Hei Fu like a knife. Those were the eyes of the king of beasts; he needed no roar, no baring his fangs and claws, a single glance was enough to make his prey tremble.
This was not an inquiry, but a verdict. The reactions of everyone present, and Hei Fu's quail-like demeanor, had already revealed everything.
"Yes, yes, Lord Wu'an," Hei Fu stammered, cautiously emerging from the crowd, his head almost buried in his chest, refusing to meet the tiger-like eyes. He looked like a novice being called upon to recite a poem.
Seeing Hei Fu's timid appearance, Bai Qi frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Since you are a Qin person, why are you so cowardly? Now that I have come here, I should know about the past and the future. Speak frankly and do not worry."
Knowing his past and future lives would be helpful to him, but I don't know what his ending will be.
But Bai Qi never lacked the courage to face it head-on. Even if the ending was bad, he, Bai Qi, had a clear conscience!
Hei Fu swallowed hard, cold sweat beading on his forehead, but since things had come to this, he could only bite the bullet and speak: "Lord Wu'an's achievements are unparalleled. He fought for Qin for decades. In the Battle of Yique, he killed 240,000 soldiers of the combined forces of Han and Wei. In the Battle of Yan and Ying, he captured the capital of Chu. In the Battle of Changping, he annihilated more than 400,000 Zhao soldiers..."
Flattery will get you everywhere.
Before meeting Lord Wu'an, Hei Fu had memorized Lord Wu'an's achievements thoroughly, hoping to build a connection. However, when he actually met the living Bai Qi, he didn't even have the courage to approach him.
Upon hearing these great achievements, Bai Qi remained unmoved and simply said, "These are all in the past. I wish to know what will happen next."
It's here, it's finally here.
Hei Fu's throat tightened, and his voice trembled slightly: "After the Battle of Changping, Ying Hou Fan Ju, fearing your great achievements, advised the King of Qin to withdraw his troops. Later, Qin attacked Handan, the capital of Zhao, again. You claimed to be ill and refused to go. The King of Qin forced you to go, but you still refused, citing unfavorable conditions... In the end..."
Bai Qi's gaze sharpened: "What will the final outcome be?"
Hei Fu pressed his forehead to the ground and gritted his teeth, saying, "The King of Qin was furious and stripped you of your title, demoted you to a common soldier, and exiled you to Yinmi... On the way, he was given a sword and ordered to commit suicide."
The air seemed to freeze. Bai Qi remained silent for a moment, then suddenly sneered: "Fan Ju... what a fine Ying Hou."
He even thought about going back in time to ease his relationship with Fan Ju, but he was really being sold out and still counting the money for the other party. He never expected that Fan Ju would hate him so much.
Hei Fu dared not raise his head, only to hear Bai Qi ask again, "What happened to Qin afterward? Did it ever unify the world?"
Even knowing the cause of his death, Bai Qi still couldn't let go of the Qin Dynasty.
I just can't let it go.
Hei Fu breathed a slight sigh of relief and quickly said, "After the death of the Lord, Qin continued to expand eastward, eventually sweeping across the six kingdoms under King Zheng of Qin. Han, Zhao, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi were all destroyed one after another, and today, the world is unified, and King Zheng of Qin is known as the First Emperor."
"Since you say that Qin will eventually conquer the world, then what exactly is the background of Qin Shi Huang, who unified the six states?" Bai Qi's gaze was sharp. He could never let go of Qin, even though Qin had let him down...
Hei Fu wiped his sweat, carefully considering his words:
"Reporting to Lord Wu'an, this King Zheng of Qin is the son of King Zhuangxiang. His father was a hostage in Zhao in his early years, and later returned to Qin with the help of Lü Buwei, succeeding to the throne. Zheng ascended the throne at the age of thirteen and began to rule personally at the age of twenty-two. He employed capable ministers and generals such as Li Si and Wang Jian, and finally established his imperial career..." It was as if he were pouring beans from a bamboo tube, telling the whole story directly.
Bai Qi suddenly interrupted: "Wait. King Zhuangxiang? Is he the son of Lord Anguo? I remember Lord Anguo had more than twenty sons, how could it be a hostage from Zhao who succeeds to the throne?"
The destitute prince, who had fallen out of favor, was completely ignored.
Blackie felt a chill run down his spine and forced himself to explain:
"Well... there were indeed twists and turns in that story. Back then, Lady Huayang, the favorite concubine of Lord Anguo, had no children. Lü Buwei used a large sum of money to persuade her to allow the hostage Yiren to be established as heir, renamed Zichu. Later, Lord Anguo died after only three days on the throne, and Zichu succeeded him, becoming King Zhuangxiang..."
Ying Zheng did not conceal this part of history.
Bai Qi sneered, "Ha, Lü Buwei? A mere merchant can influence the Qin royal heir?" He suddenly pressed closer, "You just said that Ying Zheng was born in the state of Zhao?"
His voice was low, but a murderous aura permeated the air.
Hei Fu was so frightened that his legs trembled: "He...he was born in Handan. His mother was originally Lü Buwei's...concubine, who was later given to King Zhuangxiang..."
The air suddenly froze.
Bai Qi narrowed his eyes dangerously: "You mean, the king of my Great Qin might..."
suspect?
Hei Fu knelt down with a thud: "Lord Wu'an, you are wise! These are all slanders from the six states! King Zheng of Qin is wise and mighty, and is undoubtedly of the bloodline of Ying Qin!"
Hei Fu never doubted whether or not the emperor was of the Ying Qin bloodline. He had a theory based on common sense: if His Majesty was not a member of the royal family, how could he have maintained stability in the empire?
It could even sweep across six kingdoms.
Your Majesty is a born emperor.
Whether Bai Qi believed this or not is unknown, but there is really no doubt about the mystery of Ying Zheng's origins.
Bai Qi's gaze was deep, as if he were pondering. After a long while, he said, "So, even though I am dead, Qin will ultimately achieve its great cause?"
Hei Fu nodded: "Exactly! Without Lord Wu'an laying the foundation, Qin might not have been able to unify the world."
Bai Qi remained silent for a moment, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Very well! If that's the case, then so be it. What regrets do I have if I die!"
His laughter was hearty and unrestrained, without a trace of resentment. Everyone was stunned, never expecting that this famous general, who had spent his life in battle, could be so magnanimous upon hearing of his fate.
At this moment, Hei Fu finally dared to raise his head, only to see Bai Qi's eyes blazing, staring straight into the distance, as if piercing through time and seeing the man's heart, as vast as the ocean, filled with the power to slaughter gods.
Meanwhile, two kilometers away from the city gate of Songyang County, Jiang Yuanshan was heading towards Songyang County with a belly full of bad intentions.
When he received a message from his scout at Black Wind Stronghold, informing him of Wu Shifu's sudden death, he crushed the teacup in his hand to pieces—he knew the man's injuries all too well; they were not fatal at all. It must have been Jiang Ge, that ignorant and arrogant man, who secretly sabotaged the operation!
"He's truly my good son..." Jiang Yuanshan gritted his teeth and gripped the reins tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force. He had originally planned to use a gentle approach to deal with Jiang Ge and Songyang County gradually, but now it seemed that if the soft approach didn't work, he would have to resort to a hard one.
He took the Crown Prince's token and contacted the local government. The leader of Black Wind Stronghold also organized the brothers from various mountain strongholds. They were just waiting to arrive in Songyang County. Tonight, he would besiege the city and seize power!
As for Django, he will give this rebellious daughter a way out.
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Author's Note: I had some things to do today, so I'm a little late. But I've had some new inspiration for female historical figures. The characters I could recruit could be Wang Zhaojun, who learns knowledge in the modern world and brings back things to improve the living environment. There's also Consort Wan, who works in the modern world during the day to earn money and support her young husband—a nurturing story! [doge emoji] Wu Zetian, Lü Zhi, Qin Liangyu, and others will also be included. [cheering emoji][confetti emoji]
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