27,000 nutrient solutions added "Peixian dog meat, cold..."
For the next three months, the young couple spent almost every day together, inseparable. Ying Zheng specially sent people to check if Xu Fu was truly dead. Although he didn't know why his wife was so wary of this sorcerer, he had some guesses.
He vividly remembered the few words she had mentioned.
She mentioned that there are many wicked people on the overseas lands who will invade and attack the Qin state in later generations.
But the overseas landmasses are now all backward and developing so slowly that they don't need his special attention; natural disasters and diseases can kill large numbers of them.
Putting myself in his shoes, if he truly believed what Xu Fu advocated, he would probably listen to it and send people with him to overseas lands... Could it be that Xu Fu would stay behind to spread his teachings and instruct the locals in more advanced things?
This was unacceptable to him. Therefore, before leaving, he ordered his men to search for all men named Xu Fu, and to arrest and kill anyone who was even remotely related to alchemists, showing no mercy whatsoever.
When Chunyu Yue heard about His Majesty's actions, he jumped up and down, almost shouting at Ying Zheng's face. He said some very harsh things, saying that Ying Zheng was going against the tide and repeating the tyrannical acts he had committed when conquering the world, and that he would be punished by Heaven.
Ying Zheng gave a forced smile, "Chunyu Yue, if you weren't so old and unable to withstand torture, I would have punished you."
Chunyu Yue, his face flushed and neck thick with anger, knelt on the ground wiping away tears. "Punish me! Punish me and I'll feel better!" he cried, then looked up to the heavens to apologize, blaming himself for not being able to advise the king.
As Ying Zheng stared at him, the irritation in his heart strangely dissipated. He then realized that this person didn't seem to be deliberately opposing him; he was just that kind of person.
"Alright, get up." He took a breath. "I did this not without reason, but I cannot go into the details. You may leave."
Chunyu Yue paused, tears streaming down his face, and was momentarily stunned. He was flattered and couldn't believe that this usually autocratic emperor was actually explaining things to him.
"What are you doing lying down like that? What kind of behavior is this?" the head of the household reprimanded.
Qin Ju hurriedly bent down to help Chunyu Yue to his feet, saying, "Oh dear, Doctor, please get up."
Chunyu Yue obediently accepted the help and respectfully bowed before leaving.
Banban lifted the curtain and poked her head out, covering her mouth and chuckling. "My cousin explained something to him, which completely baffled this pedantic fellow. Qin Ju helped him up, but he couldn't say a word, looking as helpless as a young boy."
"Just because Chunyu Yue is like this doesn't mean all the scholars are like this." Ying Zheng snorted coldly, and then beckoned Qin Ju over. "It rained on the day of the Fengshan ceremony. Have someone investigate whether they spoke ill of me at the foot of the mountain."
"Although Chunyu Yue is straightforward, he is not out of touch with reality." For example, when the Confucian scholars disagreed with the empress entering the court to listen to government affairs, Chunyu Yue was initially the most vocal, but Ying Zheng directly beheaded one of them, silencing them all.
The people of Qin already supported the empress's participation in politics, and the people who had benefited from the empress's policies did not object.
In addition, Li Si and others listed the empress's various achievements, so Chunyu Yue stopped mentioning that the empress was not allowed to enter the court to listen to politics. On the contrary, he often respected her.
Ying Zheng lifted the curtain, and Xing Shu was curled up asleep on a soft down cushion. Ying Zhao, on the other hand, was like a free eagle, flying around aimlessly and was currently sparring with elite armored soldiers after taking off his shirt.
The Crown Prince is brave and skilled in battle, and he can get along well with anyone. He is approachable, warm, and lively, and everyone would like this heir.
Han Fei and Xiao Heng were talking about something, but they were probably betting on who would win.
Banban stroked her daughter's face and gently patted her shoulder.
After resting, the group continued their journey.
Qin Ju returned just in time.
Before Ying Zheng could even react after hearing his report, Banban was already furious. "At least Chunyu Yue knew to offer advice to someone's face. Those people only know how to talk badly behind their backs. What kind of heroes are they! Chunyu Yue is right. The reputation of Confucian scholars has been ruined by these people!"
"It's just raining, it's a matter of geography and celestial phenomena, what does it have to do with being unworthy of one's position?" Banban continued his rant without end. "If you ask me, it's all because they followed along that they incurred Heaven's wrath!"
Strangely, Ying Zheng, who was originally furious and wanted to bury all the Confucian scholars alive, calmed down after hearing his cousin's repeated curses.
"Don't be angry." Ying Zheng held her hand, calming her down. "The examination system you proposed has already been implemented. When new people are selected, they will all be replaced sooner or later."
“Cousin, you shouldn’t be angry,” Banban said, patting his chest. “They’re just resentful that you didn’t take them along, which made them lose face.”
He chuckled, "Okay."
Three days into the journey, Ying Zheng unexpectedly issued an edict appointing Chunyu Yue as Fengchang, one of the Nine Ministers, a position in charge of ancestral temple rites and laws, which was just right for Chunyu Yue.
However, his sudden promotion from doctor to Grand Master of Ceremonies shocked many people; it was not simply a matter of skipping ranks.
It should be noted that the title of Doctor was a specially established official position, and those who were hired to serve as academic advisors, although they could participate in politics, were on the periphery of the general officialdom, while the Nine Ministers were core high-ranking officials second only to the Three Dukes.
The disparity in their status is so vast that they are beyond the reach of most people.
Ying Zheng's preferences were obvious; he never hid his likes. One of his favored officials, Feng Chang, completely stunned Chunyu Yue.
Before long, news of Chunyu Yue's fainting reached the royal court.
"..." Ying Zheng: "Quickly send a physician to treat him, lest he die."
He then began to ponder Chunyu Yue's offspring, "Although Chunyu Yue is bold and upright, he is getting old after all." Even he wouldn't live to see the end of his life, so he was afraid that he would pass away before Ying Zhao ascended the throne.
Banban casually suggested, "Then let's choose one and have his child be Zhao'er's study companion."
"His child... is probably his grandson." Ying Zheng shook his head.
They talked all the way until they arrived at a place called Pei County in Xuzhou.
Ying Zheng stroked his chin. "It is said that the dog meat of Pei County is quite famous, with an excellent taste. The meat is firm but not tough, tender but not greasy, and has a unique flavor."
Banban: "...?"
He hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
Ying Zheng smiled and asked, "Cousin, would you like to try some?"
"The puppy is so cute..."
"Aren't rabbits cute too?"
Banban's words were cut off. Saying that eating dog meat was too cruel was a double standard; rabbit meat, pork, and beef were all eaten. Besides, ancient times weren't as particular as modern times. She shook these thoughts out of her head and said in a pretentious tone, "Then I'll take a look~"
He chuckled softly and patted her head.
His Majesty's procession was a grand affair, and commoners were not allowed to gather around to watch; the roads were cleared in advance.
Pei County is not wealthy, and many houses are built of mud. "Houses built with cement might be more sturdy."
"This is not an easy thing either." Ying Zheng told her not to think about it anymore and to fill her stomach first before talking about anything else.
"Oh." Banban responded, and he led her by the hand as they walked through the market. Both children had their own ideas and wandered around looking at things under the protection of their attendants and guards.
"Cold noodles?" Banban read the name on the stall. "Cold noodles!"
Cold noodles are not—
Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw the large pot emitting gentle steam. "Cold noodles, hot water?"
The stall owner smiled slightly, "Your Majesty may not know, but the cold noodles in Pei County are served in a hot broth made with mutton soup, and the noodles are steamed thin noodles, giving them a unique texture."
He was afraid of the Emperor Qin and dared not meet his gaze, so he only introduced the dish to the Empress, "Would you like to try some?"
"A bowl of steaming hot mutton soup, cousin, would you like some? It's a bit cold today." She didn't like mutton, and couldn't she even drink mutton soup? "Oh, this is a salted duck egg!"
"Your Majesty has a good eye; these are indeed salted duck eggs." The stall owner quickly broke one open, revealing a golden, oily, and sandy interior.
We'll have lunch here right away.
"There's another dog meat stall not far from here. The stall owner makes a living by slaughtering dogs. His skills are excellent, and everyone praises him. Your Majesty and Empress can also try some." After saying this, the stall owner felt a little uneasy.
Ying Zheng glanced at him and said, "You don't seem like a bold person. You're even going so far as to introduce someone to you. It must be that person has done you a favor?"
The stall owner, head bowed, quickly scalded the dough, saying, "Your Majesty is wise."
"Anyway, there's not much business right now. Congyun, go ahead." Banban was peeling a salted duck egg, smiling as she broke off half of the runny yolk and put it into Ying Zheng's bowl. "Your Majesty wants to eat dog meat. If you do a good job, you'll be richly rewarded."
"Yes, sir." Cong Yun knelt and obeyed.
"Is it good?" she whispered, snuggling up to him. "It looks like a clear broth, with no chili at all."
"Would you like to try some?"
"I don't want it, it smells like mutton. Don't kiss me after you eat it."
The two spoke in hushed tones as Yun brought the person over.
The newcomers were two men dressed in coarse cloth. One was burly and imposing, while the other was slightly thinner. They met Banban's gaze, and he immediately gave him an honest smile.
Banban glanced at him again. If he were truly an honest man, how could he dare to smile at the Empress?
The man was lively, with dark eyes, and looked to be about thirty years old. He had a short beard, a handsome appearance, and was quite tall.
The burly and imposing one was clearly a butcher. Speaking of which, all the men in Pei County are tall and strong. I just heard Ying Zheng say that martial arts are highly valued here and that the practice of martial arts is very popular.
The butcher held a tray with a lot of cooked dog meat on it, and a fragrant aroma wafted over.
His gaze unconsciously lingered on the dog meat.
Ying Zheng sensed a gaze that lingered on him from time to time. His wife was asking the butcher how dog meat was prepared, and the one spying on him was the butcher's attendant.
No, he wasn't peeping; he was looking openly, and when he was caught, he coughed twice.
Interestingly, it's rare to encounter a commoner who isn't afraid of him.
He became interested. "You, take a step closer."
The man looked around and pointed to himself: "Me?"
"Are you a servant hired by the stall owner?" Ying Zheng asked.
"No, I often patronize his stall, and we've become acquainted over time. Today, I took a nap on the haystack behind his stall, and who would have thought that when I woke up, His Majesty the Emperor would be visiting Pei County, and I wouldn't be able to leave."
This person's tone was very lively, though not exactly cheerful; he talked a lot but it didn't sound flattering, he just spoke naturally and fluently.
Ying Zheng: "Why are you staring at me?"
He waved his hand exaggeratedly, "Need I say more? This is the first time I've seen you. You are so majestic, conquering all the states and unifying the world. This is what a true man should be like! I admire you and naturally want to see more of you. You probably won't come to Pei County again next time you tour. Every time I see you, it's one less time I'll get to see you."
Banban covered her mouth and laughed, "You're quite an interesting person to talk to. What's your name?"
He remained unhurried, bowed his head, and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "My name is Liu Ji."
Ying Zheng looked him up and down, then suddenly asked, "Do you hold an official position?"
Liu Ji was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and straightened his words: "Your Majesty, I wish to become an official."
The butcher standing nearby watched, speechless, his lips twitching.
Banban: "?" Goodness, you even changed your form of address automatically. Are you that perceptive? Are you afraid that Ying Zheng doesn't mean it that way?
Qin Ju's eyes widened, and he frequently cast strange glances at him.
Ying Zheng: "..." This is the first time I've ever seen someone like this.
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Author's Note: I really want to write a side story!!! Ah!!! Almost there, almost there! [Just trying to convince myself]
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