Chapter 42: The Neighbor's Daughter Has Just Grown Up (1)

  It is often said that the First Emperor's emotions were unpredictable and his temperament was difficult to grasp.

  Long ago in Xianyang, Ren Yao had already heard such rumors. Just now, after a conversation with the First Emperor, he had even forgotten about this matter.

  At this moment, Ying Zheng's words made Ren Yong recall that the person in front of him was the almighty First Emperor.

  "Your minister is terrified!"

  Kneeling on the grand hall's floor, tremblingly pleading for forgiveness.

  Ying Zheng said: "Since Shang Jun established the law, no one has been able to shake it for 200 years. That Lü Ze, who evaded conscription on his own accord, should be exiled to the border to guard against bandits. But you, Ren Ao, have arbitrarily altered the laws for personal gain, your crime is punishable by death, your crime is punishable by death... Ren Ao, do you know your crime now?"

  "A chill ran down his spine as he heard the cold voice, 'I... know my crime!'"

  "But in this matter, it's also not unforgivable."

  Qin Shi Huang's tone suddenly changed, making Ren Ao feel a little relieved. He said: "If it weren't for this incident, Liu Quan might not have been able to brew this Millennium Wine. Your contribution of wine was meritorious, but now the merits and demerits cancel each other out... Ren Ao, I have made this judgment, do you have any objections in your heart?"

  "I have no intention of disobeying."

  "Very well, you may withdraw. As for the matter of Na Lu Ze, since you have already handled it, I will not make any further changes. However, if such a thing happens again in the future, I will absolutely not forgive you. Alright, I am tired today, so you may take your leave first."

  "Your Majesty, I obey!"

  "Also, after you go down, immediately return to Pei County and urge Liu Quan to brew the Longevity Wine. This matter must not have any deviation again. In addition, after you return, secretly inform Tu Yu that I want him to go to Pengcheng to await my arrival, without fail. As for other matters, there is no need to say more."

  Ren You rejoiced in his heart and said, "I obey your orders!"

  Having said that, Ren Yao got up and was about to leave, but then he heard Qin Shi Huang suddenly shout again: "Wait!"

  "Is there anything else Your Majesty commands?"

  Suddenly his heart tightened and he felt at a loss.

  Qin Shi Huang smiled at this time, took off the sword from his waist, ordered Zhao Gao to hold the sword and walked in front of Ren Ao, handed it over with both hands.

  "You... did a good job in Pei County, this sword is a reward for you, go now."

  The First Emperor turned and left, leaving Ren E with a dizzy head. When he walked out of the Tai Shan Xing Gong palace, he still felt a bit dizzy. A gentle breeze blew, and he shivered and caught a chill. Only then did he realize that his back was already soaked through without him noticing.

  However, Ren Yao also came to his senses.

  Looking at the sword in his hand, it was like a dream. The sword in his hand was called "Jie". It was made by King Qin Zhao, Ying Ji. King Qin Zhao, also known as Ying Zheng's grandfather, King Qin Zhaoxiang. Jie Sword was made after King Qin Zhao ascended to the throne, adopting copper from Nanshan, and asking famous craftsmen to spend a year forging it. Three feet long, with Qin's large seal carved on the sword body. It was named "Jie" because it contained the meaning of warning against arrogance and impetuosity.

  Qin Wu Wang was exceptionally brave and fierce, but his temperament was also extremely fiery.

  Finally, Qin Wu Wang died miserably in Luoyang due to personal reasons. During that period, the Qin state experienced many hardships and its political situation was precarious. After Qin Zhaoxiang ascended to the throne, he took warning from past lessons. After 52 years of struggle, the Qin state finally dominated the world.

  Now, the First Emperor gave this sword to Ren Yong.

  Although there was no reward, for Ren Yao, this was more meaningful than being rewarded with ten thousand gold. In Ren Yao's heart, he was overjoyed...

  Meng Tian was away on business, Ren You received the order from Ying Zheng and did not dare to stay any longer. He set off overnight and rushed back to Pei County.

  So-called superior creation, although there is a noble rank, it cannot be exempt from conscription and labor service.

  The spring breeze is getting warmer, and all things are reviving.

  Liu Jian took off his prisoner's uniform and walked out of the Pei County prison with a light step. Shen Shi and other old friends were waiting outside the prison, smiling.

  "Ah Jian, congratulations!"

  Liu Quan walked up with a big smile and hugged Shen Shi and others one by one.

  Finally, he heavily punched Zhi Shi with one fist and laughed saying: "Brother Zhi, I also want to congratulate you."

  He wore a green robe, with a black lacquered hat on his head, and a bamboo skin made of ingenuity, with a smile on his face, and bowed his hands: "Congratulations, congratulations."

  At the end of the Warring States period, rituals and music collapsed.

  Although the concept of "scholar" has become blurred, it still carries an extraordinary dignity.

  Shan Yu's promotion assisted Liu Gong in brewing wine, and he was promoted to the rank of "Gong Shi", officially becoming a "Shi". Perhaps the six nations' scholars would not acknowledge it, but Shan Yu's identity as a "Shi" was recognized by the Qin court, more dignified than those so-called "Shi".

  Only 'scholars' can wear hats.

  He wore a black hat with a flat crown and was particularly eye-catching among a group of people.

  Tang Lie shook his head with a smile and scolded, "You're showing off again, you fool. If it weren't for Ah Jian, you'd still be a nobody."

  Cao Wushang's eyes turned red with envy: "That's right, that lucky guy really has good fortune. Ah Kan, you don't know, yesterday when Xiao Xian went to his house to inform him, his parents were overjoyed... Ah Kan, this won't do, you can't be thick-skinned and thin-skinned at the same time, in the future we must think of a way to get a Zuo Guan crown for us to wear too."

  Qian has the meaning of 'black'.

  The Great Qin State valued black, so it was called Qian Shou under its rule.

  Qin Guan is now recognized as a formal hat by the state. What about the six countries' scholars and gentlemen? If the country doesn't recognize it, you're nothing.

  Only those who wear the Jin crown are considered by the state as 'scholars'.

  It's no wonder that Tang Lie, Cao Wu and others are one by one turning green with envy, while Shen is even more complacent, completely unaware of the ridicule around him.

  Liu Kan smiled very happily.

  Ren Ao and Cao Shen also came to see off Liu Quan.

  Now that Liu Quan's labor has been lifted, Li Bi no longer needs to stay in prison. However, when leaving, Liu Quan asked Shen Shi to send Li Bi 50 jars of Shuihua carving. Li Bi was so happy that his eyes became a slit. He received the news that he would set out soon and return to Xianyang to report.

  "Congratulations, Ah Kan!"

  Ren Ao had a hint of regret, "However, I really don't want to let you go. When you were here, we had good wine every day, now that you're leaving, how can the future days be good?"

  "Thanks, Brother Ren and Brother Cao. These days have been tough on you both, but I've also brought a lot of trouble to your doorstep. As the saying goes, 'The green hills remain unchanged, the flowing water forever flows.' The fraternal bond between us can't be expressed by just a few jars of inferior wine. If you're willing, come find me anytime, and I'll roll out the welcome mat for my brothers."

  "I've been waiting for exactly this sentence from you."

  Ren Ao burst out laughing and gave Liu Kan a forceful hug.

  "Alright, alright, stop chattering here and let's go. Auntie has already prepared dinner at home. Old Ren and Old Cao, you two come along too... Hehe, today we'll drink till we drop and finish off Ah Kan's stored wine."

  Cao Can smiled slightly, "You all go first. I and Lao Ren still need to be on duty here, can't leave our posts. Anyway, we're all in the same city, when we want to drink, we'll naturally go find you. Go back early, don't let Auntie at home wait anxiously."

  Liu Jian was also straightforward and nodded his head with Cao Shen and Ren Ao.

  Of course, the cunning and resourceful Liu Quan thought ahead of Shi. He had already brought ten jars of Suishui Huajiao wine and piled them up in front of the prison gate. Liu Quan turned his head to look at the prison behind him, and his eyes suddenly became a little dazed. What kind of days had he spent in the past year? Anyway, no matter what, Liu Quan knew that he would never forget this period of his life.

  Let's go home!

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  Recommendation of good friend He Fangyuan's entry work "The Blazing Hero"

  The story of crossing into Qin Qiong, friends who like Sui and Tang history may take a look.