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墨書 Inktalez
Dealing with acquaintances can be both good and bad; at least you won't encounter the awkwardness of misunderstandings. If the parties are not familiar with each other, matters can be discussed straightforwardly. Luzi originally intended to consult the Queen Dowager about retracting the order for military deployment, but before getting into the main issue, personal matters had already come to light!
Fortunately, this was a private conversation between two people; if it had been in front of outsiders, it would have been impossible to salvage! At that moment, the Queen Dowager was no longer just the daughter of the Tai Shi Family, but the mother of an entire nation!
What she said was final! Dare to oppose? Try it if you have the guts! Don't even mention a severe punishment like Dismemberment by Five Horses; she could easily have someone torn apart while still alive.
The Queen Dowager's unreasonable stance left Luzi at a loss. When it came to state affairs, without the nod from this Empress Dowager who truly held power in Qi State, discussing with anyone else would be futile. Even if he stormed out or went to speak with King Jian of Qi, the final decision would still rest with her!
What should he do!?
Just as Luzi was feeling helpless and anxious, the Queen Dowager, who had been insisting on changing conditions, suddenly fell silent. She narrowed her eyes and looked at Lu the Shopkeeper standing opposite her, extending her well-maintained jade-like hands from her sleeves and slowly clenching them in front of Luzi.
"This is called power! I have the authority to decide who dies at midnight and who lives until dawn! What did the old folks say? Oh! A man cannot be without power for a day! Lu the Shopkeeper! Let me ask you, do you have any plans to seek development in Qi State? If you agree, come to the palace and teach the Crown Prince; I can appoint you as Crown Prince's Grand Tutor right now!"
The Queen Dowager looked triumphantly at the speechless Luzi and continued, "If that happens, I will respect you even more. Your status would be that of the next King Qi's teacher; even if you want to marry that little vixen... hmph! It seems that could also be possible!"
Upon hearing this, Luzi clasped his fists in salute. "Empress Dowager! Let's discuss how to deal with that little vixen instead!"
The Queen Dowager snorted coldly. "I just don't understand! What is so good about Qin State!? Look at my Qi State at this very moment—peaceful and thriving! If Luzi cannot let go of this world... he could use my Qi State's valor to bring peace to it!"
Hearing such words from a woman of high status made Luzi unable to suppress a smirk. It seemed this lady was also obsessed with world domination! This was perhaps the ultimate manifestation of insatiable human desire. Having taken control of Qi State wasn't enough; she was already thinking about conquering the entire world!
Right now, regardless of how Qin State was faring, one could see where the world ultimately belonged by observing current events. Generations of Qin kings had worked hard for unification. As for Qi State's lords, they had already been completely under Qin State's control even before King Jian took over Qi State. If it weren't for Chancellor Qin Fan Ju's proposal of "distant alliances and close attacks," which happened to complement Qi State's foreign policy, Qin State would have likely taken action long ago!
"Empress Dowager! Our peaceful era in Qi State has been hard-earned; why should we think about unifying the world? From a Scoundrel's perspective, maintaining the status quo is the best decision for now. Since you have taken charge of Qi State's fortunes, we have established non-aggression pacts with all the Feudal States. Especially now, with the strong Qin, I, Zhao Xiang Wang, hold the benevolent Empress Dowager in high regard. If Qi State sends troops to Shangdang, we will inevitably fall out with Qin State afterward. Alas! The future situation... it may not be worth the loss!"
Since Queen Dowager supported Tian Jian's ascension to the throne, she has begun to seriously study governance to ensure Qi State's prosperity. Through years of observation and reflection, she realized that regardless of the current state of the country, having talented individuals can guarantee its rise. Thus, she lowered her stance and actively recruited Common People.
However, she later discovered that so-called talents could not influence the national situation. Ultimately, they still relied on theories from books. The most effective means to ensure peace in Qi was still the alliance strategy she devised.
Thus, Queen Dowager understood the value of true talent. Those who possess knowledge must surpass the current rulers to be considered genuine talents. What she needed were those capable of governing and stabilizing the nation, not merely individuals who frequently mentioned Ancient People.
Times have changed; while discussing history is not wrong, one must at least understand how to apply it practically!
Queen Dowager repeatedly compared her options and had previously set her sights on inviting Luzi to join her, even considering entrusting him with great power in Qi State. However, after several encounters, she found that true talents have their principles. Loyalty to the monarch and love for the country are fundamental principles!
If today one looks favorably upon this lord and seeks refuge with him, then tomorrow turns to another lord for support, such a person, no matter how extraordinary their talent, holds no value. Reflecting on this, Queen Dowager sighed lightly. "Heaven bless Qi State! Yet it seems all the talents have gone to Qin State!"
Hearing her sigh, Luzi also sighed inwardly. Perhaps this is fate! It always leads those who understand to realize that destiny does not shift according to human will. But is this truly the case? It is likely more about those with foresight seizing opportunities and acting ahead of time, leaving little chance for later arrivals to claim divine favor.
Divine favor only needs one! Why require so many? It would only bring suffering back to the world!
Luzi clasped his hands in salute to Queen Dowager and said regretfully, "Empress Dowager! It is all Scoundrel's fault for not visiting you for so long! In fact, some matters are better handled by following destiny; it shows great ambition! The world only needs one nation; if there are no more wars or conflicts from now on, isn't that precisely what the benevolent Empress Dowager cherishes for the Common People?"
With a face full of melancholy, Queen Dowager sighed deeply. "Since I followed Xiang Wang back to court until Jian succeeded to the throne, it has been twenty-four years amidst storms and turmoil. If I were to watch Great Qi fall under Qin's rule, how could I face my predecessors? When that time comes, how could I explain myself?"
Hearing someone lamenting, Luzi looked up at Queen Dowager and didn't know what to say. His familiarity with her dates back several years when he supported King Jian of Qi's ascension; he was involved in that process as well.
King Xiang of Qi, also known as Tian Fazhang, is the king of the Queen Dowager. Initially, he changed his name and fled to Ju State after Qi State was conquered by Yan State, where he secretly married the daughter of Tai Shi from Ju State. Later, the renowned military strategist Tian Dan drove away the Yan army and brought Tian Fazhang back to succeed the throne.
The war between Qi and Yan further exacerbated the decline of Qi State's fortunes, leading to even the large rats in the treasury starving to death. For those wanting to rebuild the nearly abandoned Jixia Academy, resources were extremely tight. The construction was delayed repeatedly and remained unfinished even in the year King Jian of Qi ascended to the throne.
It is well-known that Jixia Academy is the cultural center of Qi State. The famous Hundred Schools of Thought in history originated from this foundation, allowing it to be remembered for generations. At that time, still holding the title of Queen, the Queen Dowager understood her husband's capabilities well and took the initiative to seek help from the Big Shopkeeper at Prosperity Pavilion.
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