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墨書 Inktalez
The Crown Prince stood alone in the courtyard, praying for a while before returning indoors to announce the official conclusion of the meeting. With the necessary tasks completed, all that remained was to wait for good news. Moreover, there were several beautiful ladies in the Hua Ting Pavilion waiting for him; if there was nothing else, he should hurry.
This Crown Prince had many admirable qualities, but his only flaw was his indulgence in pleasures. The strategist, who understood some theories of traditional Chinese medicine, knew well where a man's vitality came from. Seeing the Crown Prince excessively indulging in this regard, he subtly reminded him that excessive drinking and womanizing could be detrimental, and moderation was essential. Just look at our old master, who is nearing sixty yet retains a youthful appearance; this is undoubtedly related to his lifestyle. Although there are many beauties in the harem, he reportedly visits them less than once a week. When leading troops into battle, he might not even see a woman for months.
The Crown Prince scoffed at this notion. If he grew tired of hearing it, he might as well remind the strategist that he was a man! Besides, what was wrong with liking women? If he were to give that up, what would be left of his vitality? His reasoning was so persuasive that it left the old strategist momentarily speechless.
Noticing that the Crown Prince had returned without sitting down and was instead gazing toward the back door, the strategist realized he was once again thinking about women. He hesitated to voice his thoughts. He knew from experience that lecturing often backfired; sometimes, the Crown Prince acted like a petulant child and would only seek out the Hua Ting Pavilion more fervently when pressured. His obsession with women made him appear much older than his forty years. With a light sigh, he turned to take his leave. There was no point in saying more; it would be better to have someone prepare some nourishing medicine for the Crown Prince.
...
Wang Jian was unaware that since Luzi took over as Chief Executive Officer, his master had completely laid down his burdens and begun to travel leisurely. In his master's words, when one is young and busy, it is understandable due to obligations. Since life cannot be lived in obscurity, striving is necessary. However, once a successor is found, one must learn to let go of certain things. Some old fellows clinging to power seem intent on lasting for generations! A lifetime should be spent exploring famous mountains and rivers and tasting delicious food; that is what life is about!
After returning home this time, Wang Jian first intended to visit his master since it had been over a decade since they last met. Upon arriving at his master's residence, he found it already empty. After inquiring with a servant who was cleaning the courtyard, he learned that his master had gone traveling around the world. Since his master was not present, Wang Jian decided to visit King Qin instead. Resolute in his decision, he brought along the design plan taught to him by Luzi to present at the palace. Just as he reached the palace gates, he happened upon Chancellor Fan Ju and hurried over to greet him and inquire when King Qin would be available.
As someone who had only been in Qin State for six years and held the chancellor's position for just two years, Fan Ju naturally did not recognize Wang Jian. However, he knew something of Wang Jian's family background; they were from a lineage of military generals who had served previous generations of King Qin with great merit on various campaigns. The entire Wang Family had about thirty military officials serving in Qin State; their influence could be imagined. While others might have been easily dismissed with a few polite words from Fan Ju, Wang Jian could not be overlooked. Thus, Fan Ju took Wang Jian by the arm and led him aside to speak privately.
Fan Ju was slightly older than Wang Jian but not quite an elder—more like an older brother. Therefore, such familiarity would not lead anyone to think Wang Jian lacked decorum. The only difference lay in their statuses; Fan Ju held a high position as Chancellor and saw nothing inappropriate about their interaction—what could others possibly say?
After all, this was the Prime Minister; Wang Jian intended to show respect. However, Fan Ju indicated that this was not an official setting and there was no need for excessive formality. "General Wang has come back to see King Qin; is there something urgent?"
Wang Jian's mission abroad was confidential and could not be disclosed without permission; thus, he merely acknowledged that there indeed was an important matter but it wasn't urgent.
Fan Ju appeared quite pleased with this answer and did not press further. Looking around to ensure no one else was nearby, he lowered his voice and said, "It seems you won't be able to see my king for a few days. If you don't have urgent matters at hand, you might as well return home and wait for news. I will ensure that as soon as there is an opportunity, someone will notify you at home."
Wang Jian did not dare to reveal the details, as it seemed Fan Ju was aware of what King Qin was busy with but could not disclose it. Furthermore, regarding King Qin's whereabouts, those who were not involved did not dare to inquire. Thus, he bowed in gratitude for the kindness and turned to leave.
At this moment, Fan Ju appeared reluctant to let him go, wanting to find someone to talk to. After some small talk, he said, "General, do not worry! The outside world only knows that My King caught a slight cold during the expedition, but that is not the case. General Wang knows about this; it must not be disclosed to anyone else!"
It has always been a taboo to speak deeply with acquaintances. Although he had just met the Prime Minister, he had already heard so much from him. Wang Jian was puzzled and naturally did not dare to ask further. Upon hearing that King Qin was unwell, Wang Jian was taken aback at first. However, seeing the Chancellor's expression, it seemed there was no serious issue; it might even be an excuse for other motives. He expressed his determination to keep this secret and quickly sought an excuse to take his leave. In these times, knowing too much could lead to trouble! After receiving permission, he hurriedly left.
This matter dates back a few months; otherwise, it would indeed seem quite chaotic. King Zhao of Qin's health was just as the outside world had initially rumored; if he did not disclose his age, one would not believe he was a sixty-one-year-old man. A few months ago, after capturing the cities of Shaoqu and Gao Ping in Wei Kingdom and turning to attack Zhao Kingdom, they encountered unexpected complications. If it were not for Qi State sending troops to intervene, they might have already captured three cities in Zhao Kingdom by now. The ruler of Qi State even sent someone to express their position to King Qin, stating that the Qin Army's expedition without justification would surely be condemned by the common people. The Qi Army came not for anything else but to remind King Qin to understand propriety.
As for propriety, it still depended on military strength. King Zhao of Qin secretly counted on his fingers and realized he might not be able to defeat them. Thus, he decided to feign illness and tentatively agreed to withdraw his troops. While retreating, he also returned the three cities of Zhao Kingdom, which could be seen as giving face to the ruler of Qi State. However, this loss felt quite frustrating; he needed to think of a way to regain something!
Before Fan Ju came to Qin State, he nearly lost his life in Wei Kingdom due to Wei Qi when he was still Chancellor there. Later, upon learning that Fan Ju had become Chancellor of Qin and given the strength of Qin compared to Wei's weakness, Wei Qi feared retaliation and instructed King Qin to coerce the ruler of Wei Kingdom into handing over Fan Ju. Thus, under cover of night, he took off his official seal and fled alone to hide in Zhao Kingdom with Plain King Zhao Sheng.
While contemplating how to find an opportunity for a meeting with King Zhao of Qin upon receiving this news, he could not help but feel overjoyed. Regardless of public or private interests, this deal was entirely feasible! He wrote a letter to Zhao Sheng under the guise of admiration, hoping that Plain King would visit Qin State as a guest.
At this time, Zhao Kingdom had just been dealt with by Qin State; even if Plain King knew there was a trick involved, he dared not refuse. Concerned that King Qin might use this as an excuse to provoke trouble again, he reluctantly agreed to come to Qin State and meet King Zhao of Qin.
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