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墨書 Inktalez
Flourishing and Chaotic, who ultimately lost sight of whom? At the end of the peach blossoms, whose fragrant traces linger? Look at the flowers blooming and falling, another year has passed, and as the music ends, people disperse. The gentle breeze blows towards me, how can one not feel a sense of lament?
After returning from Shangdang to Handan, Luzi immediately headed to the now revitalized Academy. Reflecting on the past felt like events that had just occurred yesterday. Watching the endless stream of Eager Students coming and going, Luzi felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
I believe that those who complete their studies will eventually return to the common folk. Having undergone spiritual elevation, they are like the spring breeze after a harsh winter, bringing a fresh social atmosphere to the struggling community.
Once longing for a prosperous future for the nation and its people, that dream is now in their hands. As long as these students carrying the responsibility of national heritage stand tall, the backbone of China will remain straight!
Feeling the atmosphere of peace, Luzi spent the Reunion Festival in the capital of Qi State, Linzi, accompanied by Jiao Niang and Xiao Yu'er. It was a feeling filled with warmth of home, making those present feel as if they had been separated for millennia.
In 259 BC.
While studying at Jixia Academy in Qi State, Luzi secretly rushed to the capital of Zhao, Handan, and subsequently reported good news to King Zhao of Qin. Wang Sun Zi Chu lived up to the king's expectations; after thirteen months of pregnancy, Miss Shi gave birth to a precious son. Zichu did not dare to name your grandson; please bestow a name upon him, great king.
After a long period of correspondence, Wang Sun Zi Chu, who almost turned to stone outside the door, and Luzi finally received the awaited Edict. In the reply, besides granting status to Miss Shi, a single character was bestowed: Zheng. According to custom, since the son born in Zhao should be registered under Zhao's household. Following tradition, his full name is thus called Zhao Zheng. When he later returns to Qin State, he will resume the Ying surname.
Upon receiving clear instructions from King Zhao of Qin, Zichu nearly fainted with happiness. This was because Luzi informed him that whether they could return to Qin State depended on whether the king was willing to name the child. If he was willing to bestow a name upon the boy, it would indicate hope for returning home!
While feeling joy, Luzi also sensed pressure. To him, this was merely the first step towards returning to Qin State. Ever since the defeat of the Zhao Army at Shangdang, there were those in Zhao who wished they could devour this son of Qin State. If it weren't for the intervention of the Plain King, merely relying on a single record of prosperity would not be enough to protect this Wang Sun.
However, accustomed to bearing all pressures alone, Luzi did not intend to share these realities with the now smiling Zichu, as there was no need for it. As the leader of the retainers for the Qin Royal Family, protecting the royal family was an obligation.
After accompanying Zichu back home, Luzi asked if this young lord wanted to celebrate. Going out to a restaurant seemed unnecessary. If he wanted some joy, perhaps they could have food and drinks delivered from a tavern or simply hire a cook.
Zichu, who had been away from home for many years, was unaware that the pressure he felt was being shouldered by those loyal to the Qin State outside. Just as he was about to suggest going to a tavern outside to celebrate, he heard Luzi's unexpected response.
"Why is it unnecessary to go out!?"
Luzi smiled slightly. "Because it's safe at home!"
Zichu looked down at his coarse clothing and then surveyed the overly simple furnishings of the room. He couldn't help but sigh deeply and said to Luzi, imitating the words of the wandering folk, "Brother, being this poor means I can't even afford a ransom. If that blind bandit were to kidnap me, I wouldn't even have money for daily meals."
Hearing such a blunt joke, Luzi couldn't laugh at all. In the past, he would have immediately gone out for drinks with Zichu. However, after the old man in Shangdang nearly got assassinated—almost costing Ji Xi his life—and with Wuan Jun getting injured so badly, these matters were no longer within Luzi's control.
Due to these events, Luzi, who had originally planned to head to Handan City in Zhao after the war, decided to first go to Qi State. He didn't believe that Xingling Jun's retainer had such capabilities; the only explanation was that there were issues within Qi State itself.
Taking advantage of the Mid-Autumn Festival while still in Qidu, Luzi intended to investigate this matter thoroughly. In his view, if this issue wasn't resolved, it could pose a significant threat to the Qin State.
However, the outcome was not ideal. Once the matter reached the Prime Minister of Qi's household, it completely fell through. This nearly caused a rift with Housheng, but fortunately, the Queen Dowager arrived just in time to calm things down.
Setting aside national affairs for a moment, family matters at that time could directly influence state matters. To the Queen Dowager, both Luzi and Housheng were like her own brothers. In her eyes, family should support each other; even if the sky were to fall, she would bear it as an elder sister.
Unable to tolerate any longer, Luzi knew that unraveling this matter was crucial and time was running out. Although he always wanted to trust the Queen Dowager, he couldn't shake off his worries about Housheng. The situation had escalated beyond anyone's ability to conceal.
Peace in Qi State was hard-won, and Qin State was not without its own Assassin Group. If this taboo were recklessly breached by Wu Ji, it would ultimately lead to disastrous consequences for everyone involved. Maintaining boundaries was not easy; crossing them could happen in an instant.
With the Queen Dowager holding the highest power in Qi State at that moment, Luzi decided not to hide any longer and recounted his recent encounter with Housheng's retainer in Zhao Army's camp. He demanded an explanation from Housheng; otherwise, he would hold him accountable for all consequences!
Queen Dowager looked at the innocent face of Housheng and then at the furious Luzi. She was not worried that the Qin State, having lost half of its main force in Shangdang, would be able to wage war against Qi State. It was not that they did not dare, but rather that they truly lacked the capability. However, this was only temporary; after all, there were many great heroes like Luzi in Qin State. As long as these individuals existed, they would ultimately restore the damaged Qin Army to its previous fighting strength, or even make it stronger than before!
The daughter of the Tai Shi Family from the fallen Ju State, who had experienced the hatred of a destroyed nation, deeply despised war because it was always an excuse used by the nobility to bring ruin to the common people's families. Watching one happy family after another fall apart, how could anyone not empathize with their suffering?
What is so bad about peace!? What is so good about war!? Faced with this question that has puzzled generations, even the Queen Dowager, who held the highest power in Qi State, found herself confused.
Not finding an answer does not mean doing nothing! The Queen Dowager, who strongly supported King Jian of Qi, consistently upheld a governance policy of benevolence internally and peaceful coexistence externally. She hoped to show the feudal lords of various states through the flourishing Qi State that peaceful coexistence in the world was indeed possible.
However, beautiful wishes have always been fleeting clouds; harsh realities repeatedly drag these ideals into the depths of despair, making them irretrievable. The Queen Dowager, who adjusted her mindset to cope with these challenges, remained steadfast and unchanged despite numerous setbacks.
She understood what talent truly meant: it was the backbone capable of transforming decay into wonder! Thus, she officially initiated cooperation with Qin State, hoping to ensure that all citizens of Qi State could safely weather the storm of war.
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