63 Chapter 63
◎Thief.◎
After dinner, Fusu returned to his bedroom as the sun set. After asking the eunuchs, he went to the martial arts field at the back to look for Meng Hua and the others.
Meng Hua and others were practicing horse archery, which was Meng Tian's request. He believed that with the introduction of horse harnesses and the use of iron weapons such as crossbows, chariots would gradually be phased out on the battlefield and would be replaced by cavalry and infantry.
Because Meng Hua is two years older than Fusu and taller, he can learn riding and archery this year, but Fusu is not tall enough, so he can only stare at his horse and envy Meng Hua.
When everyone saw Fusu coming, they dismounted and trotted over to pay their respects.
After the New Year, when the saltpeter soil issue was completed, Mi Qing was looking forward to his next assignment. Coincidentally, the Kingdom of Han was destroyed. Although he did not receive a formal assignment, he heard from the eldest son about the entire process of the destruction of Han and all the subsequent handling matters. He benefited a lot from it and it laid a solid foundation for his future official career.
Although the other people were not as eager as Mi Qing to find a job in the court, they were all extremely excited to be able to participate in the important affairs of the court like their fathers and grandfathers.
Therefore, every time they saw Fusu recently, they were more joyful than ever.
As usual, Fusu discussed government affairs with them for a quarter of an hour, then talked about academics, and finally talked about daily trivial matters.
The day wasn't over yet. Back in the bedroom, Li Ying chased after him and asked a question: "Master, besides destroying Han this year, are you planning to destroy Zhao as well?"
"We have no such plans. We must proceed step by step," Fusu said. "Besides, the aftermath of the destruction of Han has not yet been completed. Don't be greedy."
"Okay." Li Ying said simply, "So how far have you gone with the follow-up?"
Fusu was surprised and said, "You are so concerned about the progress. You really are too idle. It seems that I haven't assigned you any work in a long time."
Li Ying took three steps back and refused repeatedly: "No need! No need! No need!"
Fusu said, "Let me think about it, there is a job that is very suitable for you."
Li Ying turned and ran.
Fusu said coldly: "Even if you run away, you have to do it."
Li Ying stopped abruptly and asked through gritted teeth, "What kind of work?"
Fusu grinned: "Did you know that the world's first bicycle was made of wood?"
Li Ying said dryly, "I know now."
Fusu said, "I have recruited two more Mohist disciples. You can go and discuss this with them."
Li Ying chuckled and said, "Thank you so much."
Fusu smiled and said, "You're welcome. I wish you success."
…
The correctness of the "house demolition effect" was verified once again. The court officials voted unanimously to pass Li Si's proposal, and they had no time to spend time on this matter because immediately afterwards, the king announced that he would investigate corruption!
The Han king and his ministers who had not yet arrived in Xianyang were severely punished. If they had not illegally occupied the land of the common people, would their king have thought of investigating these things? They had even pleaded for the Han king and his ministers before, so they should be allowed to farm!
Facing the criticism of the Qin ministers, King Han An and his entourage were escorted to Xianyang. After meeting the King of Qin with the courtesy of a monarch and his subjects, they were sent to their future settlement.
The group of people who were nervous all the way, fearing that they would be executed, were told that from now on, they had to build their own houses and farm their own land. As for the food they ate in the tents they lived in, they had to keep a record of it first and pay taxes to pay for it later.
The next day, Fusu received feedback. Regarding Qin's arrangements, the Koreans believed that Qin was insulting them, and some even said that they would rather die than be insulted by Qin.
Fusu thought for a moment and said, "Prepare white silk, poisoned wine, and a dagger and give them to them. Since they would rather die than be humiliated, I will grant their wish. Also, if they have any plans for their funeral, please let me know. If they wish to return to their hometown, I will arrange for their ashes to be sent back to Korea for burial after they die."
Visitor: “…”
Seeing that he didn't move, Fusu asked, "Any more questions?"
The visitor wiped the sweat from his head and couldn't help but chatter his teeth: "No more... My Lord, I will go back and pass on your order."
Fusu nodded.
The kindness of the eldest son of Qin moved Han Wangan and others so much that they burst into tears. No one dared to mention whether it was humiliating or not. They all picked up their hoes and followed others to learn how to build houses, open up wasteland and farm.
When this matter reached Ying Zheng's ears, he was discussing matters with his court officials. Hearing this, he just snorted coldly and said, "My son is kind-hearted."
Court officials: "..."
Although Koreans are indeed very hypocritical - I have always felt insulted, why didn't I see them die for their country when it was destroyed, but now I think of insulting them - but the eldest son's behavior really makes people feel cold. After hearing the king's evaluation, I can only say that they are worthy of being father and son.
The Koreans were already a thing of the past for Ying Zheng, so he didn't intend to discuss it any further. He continued the previous topic and started talking about the progress of the road construction.
Now the roads leading to various places from Xianyang are being built, which will make it more convenient for official, military and caravan travel in the future.
For example, fragile porcelain would not be easily damaged if it was transported on a smooth road, and the transportation speed could be increased, allowing the Qin State to earn more silver from other countries faster.
The Qin officials felt somewhat balanced. After all, the king was exploiting those outside the country for even greater sums of money. Whether it was porcelain or paper, it would be extremely expensive to buy outside the Qin State. Fortunately, they could buy it at a slightly lower price in the Qin State, and the king would occasionally reward them.
It's just that because the Qin State has been investigating corruption recently, the Qin officials have been relatively low-key and dare not spend a lot of money. They can only buy some cheap candles as a consolation.
When candles were first launched, they were overshadowed by the newly launched porcelain. However, in terms of indispensability and irreplaceability, affordable candles are definitely far superior to porcelain.
Nowadays, not only court officials, but even common people dared to light a candle at night because candles were so cheap, instead of being unable to do anything except sleep after dark.
…
In the hot summer, Han Fei said goodbye to Fusu and was about to travel around the world.
Fusu asked his father to leave the palace and sent Han Fei to the city gate.
Han Fei walked on the cement road, looked up at the towering city gate, and said with emotion, "I have been in Qin for less than three years. If it weren't for this city wall when I left, I would hardly recognize Xianyang City."
Xianyang was the capital of Qin State, so road construction naturally had to start from Xianyang. In addition, every street and alley had to be paved with cement to show the grandeur of the capital.
Fusu laughed and said, "It's not just Xianyang, sir. Every land you pass through in the future will be transformed like Xianyang."
"They all look like Xianyang..." Han Fei sighed softly, "That's really good."
Fusu affirmed: "That day will come."
Han Fei hesitated for a moment and nodded.
Fusu pursed his lips and smiled.
Now that he had said everything he needed to say, Han Fei said solemnly, "I hope everything goes well for you, young master. I'll take my leave now."
Fusu returned the greeting: "Have a safe journey, sir."
After the carriage slowly drove out of the city gate, Fusu was about to turn around and return to the palace when he suddenly noticed a very familiar figure.
Pulling up his robe, Fusu trotted over and looked up, calling out, "Father! Why are you here?"
Ying Zheng laughed and said, "I'm afraid you'll run away with someone."
Fusu's eyes widened. "How could I possibly bear to leave my father? Father, if you don't believe me, I'll be heartbroken. What if I really run away?"
Ying Zheng pinched his cheek and said with a smile, "You dare."
Fusu took his father's hand and said with a smile, "No, no, father, you haven't come out to see the road since it was repaired. Let's go and take a look!"
"Hmm." Ying Zheng looked around and said, "No wonder you like to go out. Being outside makes you feel more open-minded."
Fusu nodded repeatedly: "Our house is so small. After watching it for so many years, father must be tired of it, right?"
"So I plan to order people to build a palace modeled after the royal palace of South Korea, and do the same in the future. This way, I can enjoy the scenery of the six kingdoms without leaving Xianyang." Ying Zheng said.
Fusu was stunned. Oh, yes, he had forgotten about this. His father had this idea.
"Well... Father, the King of Han lived in his palace and then his country was destroyed. I don't think it's auspicious. How about..." Fusu said slowly, "We build a road that goes all the way from Xianyang directly to the six states of Shandong. Then, Father can go wherever he wants to enjoy the scenery. Wouldn't that be better?"
Fusu felt that instead of building six royal palaces, it would be better to build the preliminary works of the Chidao first!
"Directly to the six states of Shandong..." Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, nodded in appreciation, "Not bad..."
Before he could finish his words, he heard a loud cry: "There's a thief!"
The voice was very shrill. Fusu looked back and saw that it was indeed the eunuch who followed his father out of the palace. He was covering his sleeve pocket with one hand and pointing at a nimble figure with the other, shouting.
The thief stole something from one of the King of Qin's eunuchs. The guards who were accompanying him had already chased him and captured the thief.
Fusu couldn't come back to his senses for a long time. He remembered that in his previous life, his father encountered thieves when he went out of the palace in disguise, but that was a long time ago. He didn't expect that he would encounter a thief again in this life.
On the inextricable bond between the First Emperor and thieves?
Fusu still had the leisure to think about these messes, but Ying Zheng was already furious. There was actually a thief in Xianyang City, and he even stole from the eunuchs around him?
Severe punishment! Must be severe punishment!
Not only thieves, but also officials at all levels must be severely punished!
The King of Qin must put a stop to this unhealthy trend!
Seeing this, Fusu hurriedly persuaded his father to calm down, and ordered people to inquire about the thief's identity. The Qin State's household registration system was extremely strict, and the identity would be revealed with a simple check.
After asking, Ying Zheng's anger subsided a lot, because the thief was not from Qin, but from Yan.
Yan and Zhao were full of knights-errant, the people Ying Zheng disliked the most. Now that they had caught a thief who was also from Yan, Ying Zheng immediately sneered and asked, "Why did he come to Qin?"
The guard replied, "Your Majesty, this thief's master is a merchant from the State of Yan."
Fusu held his forehead in frustration. Here came another attribute that his father hated. This thief was really lucky.
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