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墨書 Inktalez
Fan Ju still had not returned home, dealing with tedious official business until Bunny Hour. As sunlight streamed into the room, he finally got up to extinguish the lamp. Stepping outside, he stretched and moved his waist, taking a deep breath to embrace the newborn light with open arms.
Living is truly wonderful!
Ever since nearly losing his life in Wei Kingdom a few years ago, he deeply understood the meaning of existence. He could not bear to waste a single moment, yet time always felt fleeting. There were subordinates who worried about the Chancellor's health and suggested that the Prime Minister balance work and rest. His response had never changed: as long as he was alive, he would strive to make each day count. Time was limited; after death, one would naturally find rest.
Of course, sleep was still necessary. He had already planned to have a light breakfast before resting for a while. The recent annexation of Shangdang Region required urgent resolution of land and population surveys and registrations. Moreover, he needed to work overtime; today's tasks must be completed today.
However, he had heard rumors lately that Qin State intended to cross Taihang Mountain and directly attack Zhao State. It was unclear whether the person spreading this rumor was an idiot, but many people believed it! They treated it like a treasure and spread it everywhere. Did they not consider what "distant alliances and close attacks" meant? Zhao State would inevitably be targeted, but now was not the time!
Forget it! Let those generals worry about war!
Fan Ju shook his head self-deprecatingly. Just as he was about to return to wash up, someone rushed in from outside. He soon received news that the king summoned him to the palace immediately. After sending off the Royal Guard, Fan Ju rubbed his forehead, pondering that nothing significant had happened domestically recently. But pondering aside, heading to the palace was the priority. He instructed his servants to prepare a carriage, quickly washed his face, and then changed into his official robes before heading out.
King Zhao of Qin had not rested all night, just like his Chancellor. He had been busy in Qinzheng Hall until dawn and was about to return for a short nap after morning court when he received an urgent document from the front lines. Seeing five trivial matters marked above made him both furious and amused at once. This was clearly caused by that rascal Luzi! Hadn't they agreed that three would be the maximum? Such ignorance of saving for the country—one chicken could be plucked in just a few days!
Qin State was in danger!
The urgent document contained only four characters; he could not find a fifth no matter how many times he turned it over. King Zhao of Qin thought there should be no further attachments and rubbed his swollen forehead while pondering for quite some time. Could there be an earthquake? That couldn't be! He had seen the Astrologer just yesterday, and they had discussed many topics.
One topic involved earthquakes. The master had stated that Great Qin would enjoy favorable weather for several years to come. Not only would there be no earthquakes domestically, but even floods would be rare. This was a blessing for Qin State and for the king.
King Zhao of Qin could still vividly recall every word spoken at that time; he had even laughed while saying it was also a blessing for the people of Great Qin. The result of favorable weather was evident: abundant harvests. For a nation, food was fundamental. Only with sufficient grain reserves could one manage internal affairs and external relations with ease.
Having more children and cultivating more land is supported by the country's relevant incentive policies. As vast amounts of wasteland are reclaimed, the population density increases accordingly. The military can continuously receive a steady supply of recruits, while surplus personnel can be sent to cultivate more land. This creates an excellent virtuous cycle; who wouldn't be pleased with that?
When Fan Ju hurriedly entered the hall to report, the morning court had already dispersed. The hall was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Seeing the king lost in thought at the dragon writing desk, he had no choice but to kneel and sing praises for the eternal glory of Great Qin.
Suddenly, a voice broke the silence, pulling King Zhao of Qin back from his memories of yesterday. Noticing it was his Chancellor, he commanded him to rise. "You didn't sleep well last night, did you? Look at your current demeanor; it seems chaotic. At this rate, you'll wear yourself out!"
Fan Ju thought to himself that the one above could endure even more! However, this did not affect what he said aloud. After expressing his gratitude, he stood with his hands down, intending to listen to why the king was in such a hurry for him to come. As Chancellor, he was usually too busy with official duties to attend morning court. However, this wasn't absolute; when things were less hectic, he still needed to follow protocol.
After waiting for a while with his head bowed, Fan Ju finally heard the king ask why he had rushed over. He stole a glance at the elderly man with graying hair and felt a sudden wave of sadness. Common people often believed how fortunate those in high positions were; how many knew about their sacrifices? It was possible to seek enjoyment without care, but then the world would suffer!
Fan Ju discreetly wiped away his tears with his sleeve and replied, "Your Majesty! With spring approaching and flowers blooming, it is time for our Qin Army to take action. I have come for this matter and hope for your guidance. The Heavenly Road has already begun work ahead of schedule as per your command. However, according to reports from local foremen, starting construction in winter may affect the quality of the project."
Upon hearing this reminder from the front lines, King Zhao of Qin recalled why he had summoned Fan Ju to the palace. Looking at the letter left on the table, he asked, "Chancellor, you also visited Zhao State recently; could their selection have other motives?"
Hearing this, Fan Ju was immediately puzzled. It was just a selection; could there be anything else? Besides, Lu Ziquan was present at that time; what could possibly escape his notice?
Due to the angle, Fan Ju couldn't see what King Zhao was holding in his hand. After pondering for a while without understanding, he simply lowered his head and fell silent.
King Zhao of Qin had never been to Handan himself, and now even those who had been there were not speaking up. With a heavy grunt, he stood up and walked over to grasp Fan Ju's hand. "Let's go outside and enjoy some sunshine! It seems like I haven't seen the rising sun in ages!"
No minister dared to walk alongside a Lord of the Nation as an equal; naturally, Fan Ju did not dare to act presumptuously in front of the guards. Just as he intended to step back, he was pulled by King Zhao and had no choice but to try to maintain some distance while realizing it was nearly impossible. Suddenly sweating profusely yet feeling helpless against the king's wishes.
King Zhao of Qin did not wish to make things difficult for anyone but still walked outside before releasing his grip. He gestured for Chancellor Fan Ju to gaze far into the beautiful landscape and laughed heartily with arms wide open: "This is under my Great Qin! I can let anyone walk as they please! Who dares say otherwise?"
As Fan Ju stood on the platform, gazing into the distance, his mood was instantly uplifted. At that moment, King Zhao of Qin stood like a banner, guiding many wandering souls who had always struggled to find their way home.
This must be the happiness of legend! Unexpectedly... this feeling is truly wonderful!
Finally able to fulfill his yearning for something beyond the ordinary, he could now spread his wings and soar between heaven and earth! With tears of joy in his eyes, Fan Ju took a deep breath, finally confirming that his choice in this life was undeniably correct. This is the great Qin State! Our Qin State!
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