Chapter 213 Chapter 6 Radiant

Lao Ai and Xiang Shaolong rode side by side, walking slowly on the ancient streets of Xianyang. Eighteen iron guards opened the way ahead, and Lao Ai's personal guards followed behind.Since the assassination incident happened not long ago, everyone should be vigilant and dare not take it lightly.Han Jie, Lao Si and Ling Qi followed closely behind, but still separated by a certain distance, so that the two could talk in secret. As soon as she left the prostitute village, the last trace of humiliation in Lai Ai disappeared immediately, her face was as cold as ice, and she didn't say a word.

After walking for half a cup of hot tea, Lai Ai stared blankly at the street illuminated by the lantern light in front of her, and said in a deep voice, "Lu Buwei is really deceiving people too much." Xiang Shaolong habitually listened to the sound of horseshoes echoing in the empty long street, sighed and said: "Under the current situation, Lord Neishi should bear with it for a while, there is no need to confront him head-on because of a woman .” Lai Ai gritted her teeth and said, "Brother Xiang sees Meimei's helplessness and pain? Her heart is toward me." Xiang Shaolong thought of the way Shan Meimei glanced at him when she left crying, and couldn't help but picture the scene of this beautiful woman's beautiful body being pressed tightly under Lu Buwei's stinky body, he was speechless.

Lao Ai roared as if talking to herself: "I'm going to kill Lu Buwei!" Xiang Shaolong raised his head to look at him, just in time Lai Ai's eyes shot at him, after the two looked at each other for a while, Xiang Shaolong said: "Let's not say whether we can kill him, but if Lu Buwei is really dead , Qin Guohui will immediately fall into chaos, brother Lao should think twice." A bitter smile appeared on the corner of Lao Ai's mouth, and she sighed dejectedly. Xiang Shaolong also secretly sighed in his heart. I am really too emotional, although I know that Lai Ai is a wolf-hearted person, and I feel uneasy and kind towards him, Xiang Shaolong, but now seeing him being persecuted by Lu Buwei in many ways, I still feel sympathetic.It seems that I am really not made for politics, and I am so easy to soften my heart towards the enemy.

At this time, they came to a cross street, the left side could lead to the Oasis Palace in the south of the city, and Xiang Shaolong's way back home, Lai Ai reined in his horse, and the whole team came to a stop. Xiang Shaolong knew well that Lai Ai was going to the Oasis Palace to find Zhu Ji, so he could complain to her on the couch, and he immediately felt uncomfortable. Lao Ai tried her best to cheer up, and said, "Brother Xiang, is he going to kill Qiu Risheng tomorrow?" Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but give him a little face in this matter, and said with a smile: "Brother Lao can decide this matter."

Lai Ai didn't expect Xiang Shaolong to be so willing to sell it, she was shocked and said: "Brother Xiang is really a friend, I understand this matter. Qiu Risheng is too much, but this person is still useful to me at present, brother Xiang Let him have some setbacks!" Xiang Shaolong said lightly, "Just follow what Brother Lao said." After a pause, he took the opportunity to ask, "What is the relationship between Brother Lao and Pu Ji?" Lai Ai frowned, and took a while to say: "Now he is trying to curry favor with me, I see no harm, so I will perfunctory him. This person has a huge influence in both Qin and Zhao, and he has been in collusion with Lord Yangquan before, but now he has lost his power." As a backer, and seeing that Du Bi has nothing to do, naturally I have to find someone else to support me."

Having said that, Xiang Shaolong immediately knew that Pu'ou had benefited him a lot, so he didn't expose it.After saying goodbye, the two left separately. ◇◇◇◇◇◇ When we returned to Wu Mansion, it was already the second watch, and the lights in the house were on, but most people were surprisingly still not asleep. It turned out that Wu Guo, who had escorted Zou Yan out of the country, had returned.This person is the pistachio of the Wu family, everyone from top to bottom loves him. At this time, they were talking about interesting things about the trip in the hall, and Ji Yanran's daughters, Zhao Da and others burst out laughing from time to time.He's just the kind of talker who can make something that isn't funny at all into an unbearable laugh.

Zhou Wei stayed beside him like a little bird, with a happy expression, among the crowd, she and the Tian sisters laughed the most.As long as Wu Guo showed an expression, they would have already bent over with laughter without saying a word. Teng Yi and Shan Lan sat in a corner, feeling the harmonious atmosphere in the hall.Jing Jun is not here tonight because he has to be on duty. After going through the intrigues and intrigues outside, Xiang Shaolong, who returned to this warm world, suddenly felt warm in his heart. Seeing him coming back, Wu Guo hurriedly stood up and saluted, "Master Xiang is back from his night patrol!"

As soon as this remark came out, everyone burst into laughter again. Teng Yi stood up and said with a smile, "It's late! Let's talk tomorrow!" Wu Guo dragged Zhou Wei's slender hand and shouted, "It's night! Everyone, go to sleep!" Amid the laughter of the crowd, Zhou Wei broke free from Wu Guo's hand, blushed and slipped to the back house, but Wu Guo pretended to be anxious and chased after her. Everyone dispersed, leaving only Ji Yanran's daughters and Teng Yi and his wife. Ji Yanran rolled his eyes at him and said, "I thought Mr. Husband wouldn't come back tonight."

Xiang Shaolong complained, "Does my good wife think that I want to fool around with someone like Lao Ai? But tonight there will be a grand harvest." Teng Yi chased after him, and Xiang Shaolong told the whole story of what happened tonight. Teng Yi said angrily: "Lu Buwei is really despicable and shameless, but Lao Ai is not a good person, it's best if both of them die." Wu Tingfang was concerned about other things, and asked, "Is Shi Sufang beautiful?" Xiang Shaolong replied knowingly: "It's quite good, but it's still not as bright as Fang'er."

Wu Tingfang smiled immediately and stopped entanglement. Teng Yi said in a deep voice: "Tomorrow, the third younger brother really wants to give up the good opportunity to eradicate Qiu Risheng because of Lai Ai?" Xiang Shaolong sighed for a day and said: "Thinking deeper, it is still not appropriate to get rid of Qiu Risheng now. It should be a good thing for several people to cooperate with Lu Buwei." Changing the subject, I asked about Ji Yanran's audition for the Black Dragon. Ji Yanran's beautiful eyes sparkled, and she said spontaneously, "Your Majesty, you can rest assured that there is Yanran hosting."

Teng Yi stood up, stretched his waist and said, "Everyone, rest early and recharge your energy, and tomorrow we will go to that shabby hotel to make a big fuss, so that people will know that we are not to be messed with." Zhao Zhi said with a smile: "Now our Lord Xiang is used to visiting the Zuifeng Building before the battle, but this time, no one would dare to bet heavily on Master Xiang to lose." Amidst the laughter, everyone went back to their rooms. ◇◇◇◇◇◇ In the early morning of the next day, as the beginning of spring was approaching and the new year was approaching, the Qin court concentrated on discussing various issues related to financial expenditure. Lu Buwei is in charge of the finances and has prepared well. He has submitted an eloquent "budget" to Xiao Pan a month ago. In general, Lu Buwei increased taxes and increased treasury revenue, mainly to meet the upcoming large-scale military operations and the construction of the Zhengguo Canal. These days, Xiaopan, Li Si, Lord Changping and Wang Ling have been discussing secretly from time to time, just to discuss the financial budget.Xiang Shaolong didn't know anything about it, and because he had to deal with the battle of Guan Zhongxie, he was spared the pain of participating. After Lu Buwei explained the entire budget in detail, the civil and military officials had been standing for two hours, Xiao Pan was extra merciful, and asked people to move the floor mats for everyone to sit down. After Lu Buwei finished his explanation, he said in high spirits: "The way to manage money is to increase what should be added, and what should be reduced to get what should be used. Today, the treasury of our Great Qin Dynasty is full, and the accumulation of millet is like a mountain. The people are prosperous in Yin, the country is prosperous and strong, and the people are happy to use it." , the princes are convinced, they should open up more sources of wealth, increase taxes, and march forward bravely. Only by occupying more land can our Great Qin continue the strategy of strengthening the country and strengthening the army. This is true. Since the founding of the Great Qin, there has never been a unified world. Great opportunity." When Lu Buwei sat down, the courtiers echoed. Zhu Ji was never a specialist in this area, she only nodded her head. Xiang Shaolong heard that Lu Buwei Yin had the Qin State, and the reason why Qin State is where it is today is all due to his contribution.Of course he didn't want Qin to go eastward with all his strength, but he didn't refute Lu Buwei's excuses, he was only secretly annoyed. Fortunately, after discussing with Li Si and the others, Xiao Pan had other ideas, and he never agreed. After Cai Ze, Wang Wan and the others expressed their opinions, praising Lu Buwei's brilliance and skill in governing the country, Xiao Pan said indifferently, "What's your opinion, Prime Minister Left?" Mr. Changping cheered up, stood up, moved to the center of the hall, and faced Xiao Pan, Zhu Ji, and Lu Buwei who were sitting high on the court steps, and said, "My Great Qin Dynasty, since Duke Xiao defeated the divisions of Chu and Wei, traveled thousands of miles. King Huiwen pulled out the land of three rivers, merged Ba and Shu in the west, shepherded Shangjun in the north, took Hanzhong in the south, surrounded Jiuyi, and controlled Yan and Ying. King Zhaoxiang strengthened the public house, Du privately fought, eroded the servants of the six countries, and made it serve Qin in the west So far, the three eastern counties have been renewed. It is advisable to first implement the strategy of enriching the people and consolidating the acquired land. In addition, the construction of the Zhengguo Canal is in need of money, and a large number of farmers have been forced to work as canal workers, resulting in a waste of production. Please think twice." Before Xiao Pan had a chance to express his opinion, Wang Wan sneered and said, "Master Zuo's words are wrong. Our Great Qin is a land of abundance. It can be attacked in advance and defended in retreat. In Guanzhong, Zuoyou, Han, Youlong, Shu, fertile fields thousands of miles away, As soon as we have the blessings of Ba and Shu, and the benefits of the old garden in the north, we block three sides and stick to it, and only use one side to control the princes in the east. The supply of soldiers, food and grass is sufficient. The construction of the Zhengguo Canal is only a drop in the bucket, and only Ba and Shu counties are enough. Please learn from me. .” Meng Ao said: "My Great Qin was elected by King Zhaoxiang and marched eastward. Not only did we obtain large areas of land in Zhao, Wei, Han, and Chu, but we also fought hundreds of times and wiped out more than a million soldiers, which greatly weakened the east. The fighting power of the various countries. At present, the people of the six eastern countries are struggling to survive, their races are separated, and they want to rule in extreme chaos. At this time when all the people are weak and I am alone, our Great Qin has the best time, location, and harmony. If you don’t take the opportunity to make money Expansion of the army, missed a good opportunity, how can it be worthy of the former kings?" Xiang Shaolong saw that Mr. Changping's expression changed, he knew something was wrong. Although Lord Changping is a resourceful man, due to his experience, he is still no match for Lu Buwei, Wang Wan and others, and at a certain stage, it will be difficult to continue. Lu Buwei's new budget this time is really a comprehensive plan to seize power, giving Lu Buwei more freedom to collect taxes, add new taxes, and expand the army. Once Xiao Pan and Zhu Ji approve it, Lu Buwei will do whatever he wants, benefiting himself and harming others. For generals like Huan Jue, it will depend on his face and behavior.Xiaopan may be able to control the three major military systems in Xianyang, but the army outside Xianyang is controlled by Lu Buwei in disguise.So this is undisputed. After being stunned for a while, Mr. Changping suddenly laughed and said, "I invite Mr. Li Si to report the results of the research to Chu Jun." He actually put Li Si on the stage. Xiang Shaolong and Xiao Pan immediately felt relieved, knowing that this was the best plan out of all plans. Originally, as Li Si's chief historian, he only waited for Ruo Xiaopan's secretary-general to handle the paperwork for Xiao Pan, but since Mr. Changping asked him to express his opinions by name, it was difficult for others to object. Wang Lu, Wang Ling and others belonged to military generals, leading troops and fighting generals, they are naturally outstanding, but when it comes to politics and economy, they are far from opponents like Lu Buwei, Wang Wan, etc. They are as helpless as Xiang Shaolong.Only Li Si, a famous official who has lasted through the ages, is the most suitable candidate. Li Si was overjoyed in his heart, and walked out happily. When he arrived at the palace and replaced Lord Changping, he followed the etiquette first, and then he said spontaneously: "Unifying the world is our national policy of the Great Qin. No one has any objections to this matter. But the governance is good. When sailing a boat in an angry sea, if you are not careful, the boat will capsize and people will die, and the people will become disasters, so you must not act too hastily. It is necessary to understand the people's feelings and govern according to the situation." Cai Ze obviously looked down on Li Si at all, and said in a disdainful tone: "Under Zhongfu's instructions, the old minister has inspected all the counties in Daqin, adjusted measures to local conditions, and determined taxes. He will never be negligent in his work. Master Changshi is really overthinking." Lu Buwei stroked his beard and said with a smile: "If Mr. Changshi has the opportunity to experience the political situation in person, he will understand that the proposal submitted by my father Zhong to the prince is really the result of countless efforts and material resources. It is among them. Please give permission from the Queen Mother so that it can be implemented immediately." All the ministers agreed one after another, while Lord Changping and others frowned.Only Xiang Shaolong was certain in his heart, knowing that Li Si must have a wonderful way to fight back. Sure enough, Li Si smiled calmly and said: "The so-called understanding of people's sentiments must be supported by actual evidence, so that it can be convincing. If Zhongfu's proposal is followed, among the counties, the tax increases in Yiba and Shu counties are the most severe. This is absolutely unacceptable." Row." Lu Buwei didn't expect that Li Si would dare to contradict his old boss openly, and his expression became displeased: "The rich will increase, and the poor will decrease. This is the golden rule of taxation. Bashu is a land of abundance. In my Great Qin, the rich are rich, and the use is also the world. Why did Chang Shi say that?" Li Si was not intimidated by his harsh words at all, and took the time to argue boldly: "Bashu is not only the foundation of our Great Qin, but also a strategically important place. If the soldiers on the land flow down the Minjiang River, they can reach Chuying in five days, which is unified." In order to consolidate Bashu, which is the battleground for the Southwest and the Chu Chu, we must govern according to the situation and adopt a policy of favoring others. However, this minister did not see this point in Father Zhong’s proposal.” After a pause, he said with confidence: "Although Bashu is rich in resources, it is sparsely populated and the people's intelligence is low. Many places are still in the primitive stage of slash-and-burn farming. If the tax increases suddenly, it may exceed its affordability. Because of addition and subtraction; secondly, there are many indigenous races in Bashu, who are brave and good at fighting. If a civil uprising is stirred up, even if it can be quelled, it will definitely hurt the vitality and deepen the enmity. Therefore, it is the best policy not to reduce or exempt taxes and rent, so as to make people want. Micro The minister's discussion is based on the fact that the strategic nature of Bashu is more important than its economic considerations, so the prince, queen mother and father Zhong should be careful." Xiao Panlong's eyes lit up immediately, and he said excitedly: "What Li Qing said is reasonable, first giving wealth to the people, and then taking wealth from the people is the right way. Fighting for the world doesn't care about the length of a year or two. What's more Prime Minister Zuo said that the waste of the Zheng Guoqu is definitely not a drop in the bucket, if the resources of Ba and Shu are exhausted, there will be a civil uprising, and the widow will really be ashamed of the former king." Xiang Shaolong secretly applauded. Li Si's strength is that he criticized Lu Buwei from a strategic point of view, and concentrated his ammunition on one point, but it made people feel that the entire proposal was full of loopholes, all because he failed to truly understand the people's sentiments. Xiao Pan is even more worthy of being the master who will rule the world in the future. He used Zheng Guoqu to deny Lu Buwei's tax increase policy. With the exception of a few people such as Lu Buwei, no one would dare to stand up for objections. When Lu Buwei still had no chance to speak, Li Si continued: "Now that we have just won the three counties in the East, the tax cuts are not enough to calm the people. It is best to reduce the punishment. Our Daqin is not suffering from no punishment, but The punishment is heavy. Those who steal a piece of money will be punished heavily, and those who do not report the knowledge are guilty of the same crime. Changes will be very detrimental to my Great Qin's unification of the world." These remarks have gone beyond the scope of Lu Buwei's proposal, but on the premise of unifying the world, they have not deviated from the track at all, showing that Li Si's foresight is beyond the reach of Lu Dang. Lu Buwei's eyes flashed fiercely, and when he was at a loss what to do, Li Si continued to speak: "The strategy of making a country rich is ever-changing, but all changes are inseparable from the original purpose. Use it for what you want. Lands like Ba and Shu have vast land and few people. There is a shortage of talents, but if we can relocate and enrich the people in Bashu, stimulate industry and commerce, and strengthen our homeland, there is hope for the revitalization of the two places. Our Great Qin will only be able to benefit from it, and then we will be able to use it to annex the world.” Xiao Pan was overjoyed when he heard that, and said, "Li Qing's words are absolutely right. What else can you say?" Lu Buwei and the others were caught off guard, they looked at each other, and had no words to answer, unexpectedly, Lai Ai left her seat, knelt down on the ground, and said respectfully: "Master Li is a wise man, even more so than Shang Yang. Wei I have the courage to ask Chu Jun to give permission to Li Qing, and to re-determine the strategy of giving money according to Zhongfu's proposal, please Chu Jun to learn from it." As soon as these words came out, the whole hall was in an uproar.Only Xiang Shaolong understood that Lai Ai's help was really to avenge Lu Buwei's three arrows last night. Lu Buwei's eyes flashed sharply, and he stared fiercely at Lai Ai, wishing to swallow him alive. Wang Wan only knew the clever tricks of the always low-key Li Si at this time. Since entering the Qin Dynasty, Li Si raised his eyebrows at this moment, showing off his talents, and established a political position that will not fall down in the future. Xiao Pan didn't know what to do, so he hurriedly asked Zhu Ji for instructions. Although Zhu Ji felt that it was inappropriate to show off Lu Buwei's power in this way, she couldn't help but support Lai Ai, nodded and said: "The emperor looks like it's done." Xiao Pan said happily and happily: "Li Qing will proceed to this matter immediately, and after completion, he must submit two copies to the widow and Zhongfu respectively. After the widow and Zhongfu discuss it, they will discuss it at the court." Xiang Shaolong secretly praised in his heart, although Xiao Pan was clearly cutting Lu Buwei's power, it gave Lu Buwei a chance to step down and saved him a little bit of face. At this moment, everyone's eyes were on Lu Buwei, to see if he would accept it. Lu Buwei obviously has no words to refute Li Si, no matter how difficult it is to find words to refute Li Si, but he is an old fox after all, he can still chuckle and say: "Master Chang Shi really lived up to my father's expectations, and made great contributions to my Great Qin. He should be rewarded, no If you come to Ben Zhongfu to take charge of taxation and service, Chang Shi can fully realize his ambitions." Xiao Pan smiled slightly and said, "Father Zhong is right, but I already have a position that is more suitable for Li Qing in my heart, and there will be an announcement during the Spring Festival." Then he said loudly: "That's all for today, leave other matters to tomorrow, and retire from the court!" When Xiang Shaolong woke up, he realized that the noon appointment with Qiu Risheng was already past. This court meeting was surprisingly exciting and lengthy, it lasted five hours, or ten hours.