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Zhang Cheng successfully completed his third mission, and his mood was exceptionally good. He suddenly felt much lighter on his shoulders and head, as if his back was straighter than before. Ever since he took on the position of Brother, he had been so busy that his head was spinning. He thought he might as well take a nap, but all he dreamed about was work! Was he going crazy!?
Usually, no matter how much he ate, he didn't gain any weight; in fact, he had lost several pounds. Recently, he had been drinking the herbal medicine prescribed by the imperial physician to reduce internal heat. Although it was a family recipe, it only showed slight effects. According to the imperial physician, this was due to his heart fire, and the best way to treat it was through emotional healing.
If only emotional healing could really work! At this rate, he would definitely end up with high blood pressure!
Just a few days ago, he went to report to King Zhao of Qin. The king usually cared about his subordinates and noticed Zhang Cheng's weak tone. He casually asked if Zhang Cheng had been feeling unwell lately. Those words struck a nerve, and Zhang Cheng immediately burst into tears. Gritting his teeth, he replied that the king was about to lose one of his most capable aides.
Hearing this, King Zhao of Qin was taken aback. He quickly put down the bamboo slip in his hand and asked what had happened. Zhang Cheng lamented that he felt like giving up on life these days. After understanding the situation, the king couldn't help but laugh in anger. After scolding him for a while, he told Zhang Cheng to find a way to adapt. If it really didn't work out, he should go see the imperial physician for some medicine.
More medicine!? At this rate, he'd be poisoned even without being sick!
Zhang Cheng boldly suggested that since he had been walking unsteadily and his reactions were slow, he might no longer be able to serve the king. If the king no longer valued him as a capable minister, then perhaps it would be better to have him executed.
King Zhao of Qin felt displeased at someone trying to shirk responsibility without reason. Many people would dream of such a position; why did it seem like Zhang Cheng wanted to kick it away? However, seeing Zhang Cheng kneeling below him looking genuinely serious, the king commanded him to lift his head.
When Zhang Cheng raised his head, King Zhao of Qin couldn't help but burst into laughter. Before him sat a man with a sallow complexion and sunken cheeks; his eyes were red and bloodshot, possibly due to dryness as they blinked repeatedly.
Wasn't he like this just a few days ago!? He remembered Zhang Cheng as a plump porcelain doll with naturally fair skin that didn't come from skincare routines. If he dressed up as a woman, he'd be an enchanting beauty. Now looking at him again, he seemed worse than an old hag!
Seeing Zhang Cheng in such a state extinguished King Zhao of Qin's anger. "Zhang Cheng! What I entrusted you with is power, not a death sentence. Luzi is thriving even after spending so long in the mountains without changing at all. Look at you now! How can you face anyone like this!?"
Zhang Cheng swore on heaven that he could never handle this job again. Luzi was Luzi; who knew how Luzi managed? The imperial physician had said that if things continued like this, living until next autumn would be miraculous. By then, they could exchange survival tips to fill some gaps in medical knowledge. The king didn't want him anymore; why not just end this suffering and have him executed directly?
Seeing Zhang Cheng insisting on resigning, King Zhao of Qin suddenly recalled a military general, Wu Cheng, also known as Wu Chang'an. Due to his military achievements and considering his advanced age, the king decided to assign the fifty-six-year-old Old General to a prefect position in a nearby county, sparing him from further campaigns.
When Old General Wu heard about this appointment, he immediately expressed that he was not capable of fulfilling the role of Prefect. However, he was scolded by the King Qin and reluctantly accepted the position. Unexpectedly, after just three months of service, he fell ill from overwork and passed away before his application for retirement could be processed. It seemed that if he had remained in the capital instead of being dispatched, he would have likely lived to sixty.
Utilizing people's talents appropriately is crucial; assigning a carpenter to be a blacksmith is clearly a waste of talent!
Thinking this way, King Zhao of Qin finally accepted Zhang Cheng's resignation. "Fine! I will not make it difficult for you anymore! Do you have anyone suitable to take over? Have them come to see me!"
Upon hearing the king's approval, Zhang Cheng felt relieved. "Your Majesty! The person is not far away; they are right here in Capital Xianyang."
King Zhao of Qin scrutinized Zhang Cheng's appearance once more and thought he did not seem like someone who had intentionally worn himself out. If this person were unwell, they would appear listless. He pondered deeply and said, "Are you truly incapable? Perhaps when he returns, you will find yourself idle at home!"
Zhang Cheng naturally had no objections and immediately bowed his head in response: "I serve only for Great Qin and the State! I have no regrets!"
King Zhao of Qin took an edict from his desk, glanced at it, and then tossed it to Zhang Cheng. "I grant your request; let Lu Ziguan be reinstated. Since this matter was brought up by you, you shall convey my words." With that, he waved his sleeve and left.
It turned out that all his efforts were in vain! The old man had already prepared to reinstate Luzi!
Zhang Cheng caught the edict with both hands and felt overjoyed inside. The higher-ups had never intended to give up on Luzi, which was what all the brothers were happiest about. Although there was much exaggeration in his excuse of being unable to fulfill the role, he indeed felt apprehensive about the position.
He had to manage various affairs efficiently with barely two hours of sleep each day. Moreover, with no one taking over his original duties, he was almost overwhelmed with work. Fortunately, he could still grit his teeth and persevere because there was still trust and expectation from the King Qin resting on him. However, as the royal physician warned, if this continued endlessly, it would shorten his lifespan. If one does not take care of their health while young and falls ill later on, they would still have to endure it themselves as they age.
This was no way for a person to work! It was simply inhumane! Hmm! He wondered how Luzi managed back then without turning into an old man so quickly? Oh right! It seemed like his master was also like this! Over fifty years old yet looked like a young man in his late twenties or early thirties!
It was this personal experience that made Zhang Cheng completely view Luzi in a new light. He admired his master's keen eye for talent even more, realizing it truly had its unique merits! He remembered feeling a bit dissatisfied when Luzi took over Brother's position. Now, having personally rolled up his sleeves to give it a try, he felt it was almost life-threatening!
At this moment, having finally achieved his wish, Zhang Cheng forgot the legends of the palace and stepped forward to tightly grasp Luzi's hands. "Congratulations, Lu Ziguan, on your reinstatement! This is truly a cause for celebration!"
Luzi received this appointment without any sign of excitement. It seemed that King Qin would soon make a significant move; what could it be? This thought flashed through his mind and quickly faded. He then said, "Thank you for King Zhao's trust, and I must also thank my brothers for their support."
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