Chapter 55: The Old Qin's Branding Iron

  Maybe it's a bit overthinking, and recently I've been feeling a bit irritable, so I've been sleeping a lot, like I'm not getting enough sleep...

  Today is the third watch of the night, this is the first watch.

  ——————

  "I have received an imperial edict from Your Majesty, ordering me to temporarily take the post of Governor of Xiangshui County and oversee various matters such as supplies and equipment for the southern expeditionary army."

  In the study of the county government's inner hall, Ren Yao said calmly.

  It was impossible to tell whether he was happy or nervous, and Xiao He naturally had no way of guessing Ren You's thoughts.

  "Xiao He, I'd like you to go with me to Xiang County. What do you think? If you're willing, I'll request an imperial edict to grant you a title and reward."

  After remaining silent for a moment, he suddenly blurted out this sentence.

  Xiao He was taken aback and for a moment he couldn't react, so he just looked at Ren You without making an immediate response.

  "You also know that this time, I was ordered to take charge of the grain and grass in Sishui County. From there, going south to Jiujiang, Kuaiji, including Donghai, Langya, Xue County, and Zan County, all seven counties are under my jurisdiction. Things are complicated, and I'm really busy. You've been following me for over two years now, and I've been observing you. You're not flustered when things happen, and when you do things, they're clear and logical... Come with me to Xiang County, how about it?"

  Ren Yao's tone was quite sincere, with a hint of expectation.

  For Xiao He, as long as he agreed, he could immediately obtain a position recognized by the imperial court, rather than his current staff.

  If you say you're not moved, that's nonsense.

  However, Xiao He took a step back after some consideration, bowed his head and said: "Xiao He thanks the lord for his appreciation, but... Xiao He was born and raised here, had long been determined to do things for the fellow villagers of Pei County, and really couldn't bear to part with this hometown feeling."

  Is hometown affection?

  Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, but then relaxed again.

  "Since you have such thoughts, I won't force you. Alright, if you want to stay in Pei County, then stay in Pei County... However, if one day you change your mind, the gates of my office will always be open for you... Xiao He, you can go now."

  "Xiao He, withdraw!"

  Xiang Yu watched as Xiao He walked out and let out a soft sigh.

  He really likes this guy from the bottom of his heart, has ability and can also be flexible.

  What's the meaning of patriotism? Ren Xiao wouldn't believe this nonsense explanation. Deep down, he was actually very clear about it, perhaps it was the residual emotions from his hometown that were at play. The six states had been destroyed for many years, but in the hearts of the remnants of those states, they still yearned for and even hated the Qin state.

  Of course, there is also a reason for this.

  The Qin laws were harsh and difficult for the idle remnants of the six states to adapt to all at once.

  In Poyang County for more than two years, nearly three years, Ren Rong had already realized this problem. The imperial court's promotion of the law was too fast!

  Quickly let the six countries' refugees even without adapting time.

  Many people, due to habit, are subject to the law's enforcement. Among them, there are indeed those who are cunning and ruthless, but more often than not, they are unintentionally punished. In their hearts, they naturally harbor feelings of resentment, which is a very insightful observation.

  "Sir, Liu Quan is outside the door asking to see you!"

  He suddenly woke up and said in a low voice: "Let him come in."

  Before long, Liu Jian followed his family members into the inner hall, took two steps forward and respectfully saluted Ren Xiao.

  Ren Youxiao smiled and raised his hand, saying: "Liu Kan, sit!"

  "Hi!"

  Liu Jian didn't stand on ceremony either and knelt down beside him on the mat, "The master sent someone to fetch me in a hurry, I wonder what's going on?"

  He didn't rush to answer, but instead told his family at the entrance of the hall: "Order them to prepare wine and dishes."

  The family responded with a sound, and ran all the way. This is also a common scene in many Qin dynasty officials' homes. Because the First Emperor was a person who pursued efficiency extremely, his officials were also like this, and even brought such habits to their families.

  "Liu Kan, I have been in Pei County for more than two years now. Watching you grow step by step fills my heart with great joy."

  Ren You said with a smile, indicating that Liu Jian could do as he pleased. He picked up the bronze button-patterned cup on the case in front of him and took a small sip of wine.

  "I'm leaving!"

  "Huh?"

  Liu Gang was startled and hastily asked: "Sir, where are you going?"

  Butcher Big Brother this time unified commander of the southern expedition, Xi Shui County governor position is also vacant... Xi Shui County Governor's Office is in charge of the southern expedition logistics, a great responsibility. Therefore, Your Majesty ordered me to temporarily take over as Xi Shui County governor. In two days, I will set out and head to Xiang County.

  This news made Liu Gan somewhat surprised.

  It has to be said that it was Ren Ze's existence that allowed Liu Quan to gain a foothold in Pei County.

  Although Ren You was secretly maintaining, Liu Jian wasn't a fool, how could he not feel it? Ren You suddenly said to leave, making Liu Jian's heart feel empty and as if he had lost his support. Although the distance between Xiang County and Pei County is less than a day's journey.

  Ren Youxiao smiled and asked, "Liu Gong, how's the wine brewing going?"

  Liu Kan quickly gathered his thoughts and replied: "Everything is going very smoothly. This year's tribute wine has been brewed, a total of 800 jars."

  The little people are thinking, these two days tell you, good will send tribute wine to Xianyang.

  He raised an eyebrow and suddenly laughed, "You're also quite efficient... Heh heh, I haven't seen you make any big moves, yet it's already done?"

  "Ah...... Your Majesty's affairs, how dare a humble subject like me not take them to heart?"

  Liu Quan was startled and hastily replied. He realized that there was a problem with the superficial work, but he had to be careful.

  Fortunately, Ren Yao did not entangle too much on this issue.

  "Alright, now that the brewing is done, I've also put my mind at ease about a major matter. Tomorrow, I'll send someone to collect the tribute wine, so get ready... Liu Quan, to be honest, I have high hopes for you and have been quietly observing you over these past few years."

  "Ah, thank you for your kindness, sir!"

  "So you know why I noticed you?"

  Liu Kan was stunned and couldn't respond. Yes, why would Ren Yao be so good to him? The reason behind this, really didn't know.

  "Let me show you something."

  Ren Yao said, picking up a volume of wooden slips from the case table.

  Liu Jian hastily got up and walked over, taking the wooden slip from Ren Yao's hand. He unfolded it and took a glance, only to find that it was a household registration record of Pei County.

  "Look down."

  Ren You took a sip of wine, moistened his throat and smiled as he said.

  Liu Jian continued to unfold the wooden slips, and as he looked at them, his heart became a bit turbulent.

  There is a record on the wooden slip: Liu Kan, born in the fourth year of King Wang of Zhou in Shanfu, his father was Liu Fu, and his mother was Kan Ji... A descendant of Duling Bo, a branch of Qin Liu, from Fengyang East Township... His ancestor Liu Xing once served as a cavalry general.

  Liu Kan looked at this and suddenly became dizzy.

  Fenyang East Township? Qin Liu's branch?

  When did I become an old Qinqer?

  When Liu first entered this era, he just wanted to take advantage of the Qin state's hand and occupy a commanding height in advance. When the chaotic world comes, there will be capital for self-preservation. But now, his abacus seems to have been disrupted all at once. This body has the imprint of an old Qin person, and in the future, it is likely that there will be many troubles. What, what, how can this be good?

  "For the past two years, I have been investigating your origins." Ren You said: "In the end, I investigated and found that you indeed originated from the descendants of Qin Liu. Hehe, as for the twists and turns inside, you will understand later. His Majesty has already agreed to pardon the crimes of your ancestors."

  From now on, you're a real and genuine old Qin person.

  "This is also one of the reasons why I value you. Liu Quan, you are intelligent and know what's important, brave and strong, a good material. I hope you can continue to do well and serve the Emperor properly. One day, you will make great contributions to our Great Qin."

  What did Ren Yao say specifically?

  Liu Jian didn't hear a word. After dinner at the government office, he walked home in a daze.

  This sudden news left him at a loss. Although his memory of this period of history was extremely vague, Liu Jian knew that many of the anti-Qin rebels were descendants of the six states. The King of Chu, Xiang Yu, hated Qin with a passion. He had thought he could muddle through unnoticed, but now that he bore the identity of an old Qin man, he feared it would be difficult for him to be accepted by the various rebel forces.

  Or, preserve Qin?

  This thought flashed through Liu Kan's mind.

  Protecting Qin is no easy matter; it's almost like going against the whole world.

  And how can he protect Qin in his current state? The Emperor of China will become more and more arrogant and self-willed, who can persuade him?

  The conquest of the Hundred Yue is just the beginning.

  When it comes to attacking the Xiongnu, repairing the Great Wall, building the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, and constructing the Epang Palace, one thing after another has led to the people's grievances being voiced everywhere.

  Can't the people around the First Emperor see through it?

  Furthermore, after the death of Qin Shi Huang, it was Zhao Gao who seized power with his "pointing to a deer and calling it a horse" ploy. Er Shi was merely a puppet emperor, and Liu Bang would not stoop so low as to fawn over Zhao Gao's stinky feet. This was something that Liu Bang could not do, nor did he want to do. So what should be done?

  In order to survive after the arrival of a chaotic era, there is only one way!

  Possess sufficient mighty power! Only with sufficient mighty power can one protect oneself in a chaotic world and avoid being spied upon.

  Climb up, must climb up!

  Liu Jian is now just a commoner, with only a handful of people around him. Let alone establishing a powerful force, even the red flag at home was preserved because of Wu Shan Jian's reason. If you want to meet the requirements of self-preservation, you must establish achievements and climb up.

  At this thought, Liu Kan suddenly stopped in his tracks.

  Made up his mind secretly, turned around and ran back to the government office again.

  Ren You was strolling in the courtyard when he saw Liu Quan return, and found it somewhat strange. "Liu Quan, why have you come back again?"

  "Gentlemen, I have thought of something important and have come specifically to report it to you. This matter is related to the lives of the soldiers who are going on the southern expedition."

  Ren You heard a shock, hurriedly went forward and grabbed Liu Quan's arm.

  "What's going on? Tell me quickly!"