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The Queen Dowager commanded Housheng to withdraw, then said a single sentence that dispelled Luzi's concerns. She informed Luzi that decisions regarding the major affairs of Qi State had always been made by her. Such significant matters were not something the Chancellor would dare to decide unilaterally.
As long as it was not an assassin sent by Qi State, everything else could be discussed. Housheng had just admitted to sending family retainers and mentioned that the Empress Dowager was aware of this. He had been too heated earlier to notice.
With the Queen Dowager's words in mind, Luzi felt completely at ease. At that moment, he suddenly realized something. He had intended to warn the Queen Dowager not to be manipulated by Scoundrel, but the words never left his lips.
...
Luzi looked at Zichu, who was blissfully unaware of the danger and clamoring to go out for drinks. Having seen too many friendships ruined and brothers turned against each other due to power struggles, he felt an unexpected wave of sadness.
Even with both countries in such a state of conflict, Plain King Zhao Sheng was still willing to abide by the rules to protect Qin State's Wang Sun. In comparison, who was truly distant and who was close? With this thought, Luzi couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
"Zichu! You cannot go out now, and you certainly won't be allowed to leave the city. You must know that our Qin State has just fought a battle against Zhao. Over four hundred thousand Zhao soldiers were annihilated in the Conflict of Shangdang. As the Wang Sun of Qin State, the enraged Zhao people would love nothing more than for you to appear."
Upon hearing this, Zichu smiled sadly. He was well aware of the situation and even doubted whether he could survive leaving Zhao. As a child of the Imperial Family, his fate had been sealed from birth; he would never have true freedom. If he were a commoner's child, he could find a way to escape without waiting for orders or permission.
However, as the Wang Sun of Qin State, without an edict from King Qin, he would have to die in Zhao if it came to that. He did not fear death; rather, he worried about his wife and their newborn child. Could he ensure their safe passage out of Handan? The answer was undoubtedly no! Distressed, he thought perhaps drowning his sorrows in alcohol would be a solution. If he were killed outside, maybe he wouldn't have to worry about these matters anymore.
To reassure Zichu, Luzi slowly analyzed the current situation. He told Zichu that he had over ninety percent confidence in secretly getting the Wang Sun's family out of Handan City but only ten percent assurance that they would safely leave Zhao. If they were fortunate enough to escape, where could they go afterward?
Qin Law was severe; it judged crimes without regard for status. Those who defied royal orders faced immediate execution!
Leaving Handan without King Zhao of Qin's command constituted dereliction of duty. Not only would Zichu never return to Qin State, but even Luzi and the brothers involved in the rescue plan would also face national disgrace from that point on.
Engaging in small actions privately is acceptable as long as the king does not pursue the matter. However, a significant rescue operation like saving Wang Sun is akin to poking a hole in the sky. If one does not act, it is fine; but once action is taken, it will undoubtedly be earth-shattering!
Given the current strength of Qin State, which lord would dare to go to war with Qin State to protect Wang Sun? It seems that for Zichu, staying in Zhao State is the most prudent decision. As long as the Plain King is present, there is no need to worry even if the sky falls.
Zichu finally understood that remaining in Zhao State was indeed the safest choice. However, he still felt a bit uneasy and asked, "Zhao Sheng is also a wise person; how could he offend the Zhao people just to protect me, a Wang Sun of Qin State?"
Luzi smiled slightly and replied, "Because he is Zhao Sheng!"
Before heading to Zhao State, Luzi had discussed this matter through secret correspondence with Qin State's minister Feng Quji. In his view, ensuring Zichu's safety could justify taking expedient measures. If conditions allowed, it would be best to leave Handan and escape from danger. As for accountability afterward, that could be addressed later. For now, the priority was to rescue him.
Feng Quji, who understood the internal situation of Qin State better than Luzi, clearly stated that this plan was inappropriate. It was not that he worried about problems arising on Luzi's side; rather, he was considering Zichu's situation from his perspective. In his reply, he mentioned that if we interpret this pressure as a test from the king for Wang Sun, what should you do?
The plan to escape from danger? That remains debatable! It might be the instinctive reaction of an ordinary person!
Feng Quji believed that quickly analyzing and grasping the most critical issues at hand was essential! Who is this old man!? How could he not know Zichu's current predicament!? The reason for remaining indifferent in Handan must have its own rationale! He hoped that the Governor would not be blinded by temporary circumstances and looked forward to Lu Daren understanding the king's intentions and achieving great merit for Qin State.
As they say, words left unspoken can lead to misunderstandings.
After Feng Quji's reminder, Luzi carefully considered along the way. He ultimately decided to take a gamble and place his bets on Plain King and Zhao Sheng. He knew that even if they successfully rescued Zichu's family, it would be futile; while the world can accommodate common people, there is no place for Wang Sun Zi Chu!
After arriving in Handan, Luzi settled down and worried that Zichu might become distressed during his interim absence from succession. Therefore, he frequently visited Wang Sun for drinks and companionship. He had two purposes: one was to protect this future heir of Qin State, and the other was to keep Zichu occupied so he wouldn't dwell on troubling matters.
Now all they could do was wait for King Zhao of Qin to decide when to bring Zichu back home.
The news reached the ears of King Zhao of Qin, who merely smiled and decided to write a letter in a personal capacity. Luzi, a distinguished Prefect, had not only failed to take up his official duties but was also indulging in a life of excess, spending his days in feasting and revelry. What could be the reason for this?
Upon receiving the letter, Luzi promptly replied in a personal capacity, expressing his serious intention to address the matter. After sending the letter, he invited Sun Thirteen to a banquet at Wang Sun's residence. He explained to the bewildered Thirteen that as a gentleman, one must keep their promises. He had only received the old man's letter today, while his commitment to drink with Zichu was made yesterday. As for being scolded by the old man for living a life of drunkenness, that could be dealt with tomorrow.
At this moment, it seemed that the biggest gamble of his life had paid off. Zichu was not only safe but was now clamoring to go out for drinks! Moreover, Little Odd One, who had been in gestation for thirteen months, was born safely.
Despite Zichu not exhibiting the regal demeanor expected of Wang Sun, the infant Zhao Zheng already embodied the strength of the Wang family. Even Luzi, who had seen many things in life, gasped upon seeing this baby for the first time, declaring him to be the ruler of the world!
By the end of the year, Lu Zizheng, who had always appeared as Prosperity Record, formally recognized Zichu's identity as Prefect of Qin State. Following King Zhao of Qin's decree, he sent someone to escort Zichu back to Qin Capital Xianyang.
In 251 BC, after fifty-six years on the throne, King Zhao of Qin passed away at the age of seventy-five. The crown prince Ying Zhu ascended to the throne and is historically known as Qin Xiaowen Wang.
In late November 250 BC, just three days after his coronation, Qin Xiaowen Wang Ying Zhu was assassinated. Qin State immediately plunged into turmoil as a rebellion led by the old aristocratic factions persisted for several months. Lu Ziquan, a representative figure of the young faction in Qin State, went missing during this internal strife and was subsequently unaccounted for.
In spring 249 BC, young leaders Feng Quji, Meng Wu, Wang Jian, Li Xin, and others united to quell the internal rebellion. They elected Zichu as their new ruler, historically known as Zhao Xiangwang. Zichu ruled for three years with diligence and restored national strength while inviting Luzi back from Qi State where he had sought refuge.
In 247 BC, Luzi fully grasped the political power of Qin and announced King Zhao of Qin's last will to the world. He assisted thirteen-year-old Prince Zhao Zheng in ascending to the throne and restored his lineage name Ying Zheng.
(TNE END)
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