Chapter 6 The fourth round of the court meeting was fruitless

On the one hand, the beloved concubine is fighting for favor, and on the other hand, the son is frustrated.The court is a place of non-stop right and wrong, endless infighting, party disputes, and even life-and-death gladiators.These seem to be not enough, and an inconspicuous character Zhao Gao appeared on the stage... After all, the young master Fusu has great ambitions, and he yearns for the rare contemporary talents, but the shrewd Emperor Shi Huang entrusted him with the great task of enlightening the young prince Gave it to Zhao Gao... In the early morning in Xianyang, the morning breeze blows, and the willows are soft.Above the pavilions and pavilions, bells are hung on the corners of the eaves, tinkling.The wide avenue outside Xianyang Palace is really "paved with loess, poured with clear water, and dusted with a broom." Every morning, the servants have already cleaned this avenue, and the quaint avenue is so clean that it seems spotless.The ministers of the previous dynasty dismounted from the chariot five miles away, all in long robes, with fluttering sleeves, luxuriously dressed, chatting with each other, and walked towards Xianyang Palace.

Xianyang Palace adopts the structure of "four a heavy houses", with five steps to the first floor and ten steps to a pavilion;The indoor and outdoor decoration is gorgeous, rich and elegant.The ground is smooth and flat, decorated with large patterned hollow bricks and patterns.In addition to the main palace, there are some spacious halls and terraces, from which you can overlook the entire city of Xianyang, the Weihe River and the fields beyond.On Danchi, the First Emperor sat on the imperial couch.Behind him is a totem that resembles a bird but is not a bird. It is engraved in pure gold, and the tassels and feathers are inlaid with pearls and agate respectively. It is truly resplendent and beautiful.On the left side of the first emperor, the courtier Zhao Gao stood with his head bowed respectfully.The ministers went to court one by one, civil servants and military generals knelt down together and shouted: "Long live my emperor, long live!" The first emperor glanced at the courtiers and said: "Everyone loves you!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" All the officials got up one after another, and sat cross-legged on both sides, leaning their bodies, facing the Shi Huang who was sitting tall.The first emperor showed a dignified appearance with a serious expression. Usually at times like this, Zhao Gao must have walked to the first step of Danchi, and said loudly to the ministers: "There is something to discuss, and nothing to leave the court." But today everyone did not wait for such a moment. The first emperor personally presided over the court meeting.The First Emperor said: "My dear friends, I was fortunate enough to unify the world, establish thirty-six prefectures, peace in the sea, and stability in the world. It is not easy. In the past, South Vietnam was not peaceful, and the imperial court sent 700,000 troops to stop. Repairing border roads, Governing Yueshui will affect the national power. This is an indispensable thing for the whole country. Now, the Hu people in northern Xinjiang are frequently invading, plundering and killing, and trampling on the border. It has reached the point where we have to take action. Dear dear friends Discuss, if there is any good strategy, you might as well play it, so as to ensure the peace of the empire's territory." The court was silent for a while, and some people didn't even dare to show their breath, for fear of being seen by the first emperor and asked to speak.Shihuang was worried, and said again: "The governor of Beidi said first, after all, what happened in your jurisdiction."

"Yes, Your Majesty..." The governor of Beidi got up and stood under the hall, and said without much worry: "Below Mount Ai in Beidi, the plain is wide and fertile. Unfortunately, it is close to the Henan land occupied by the Huns. Every autumn, the fat is harvested. The season is also catching up with the Xiongnu's autumn meeting. They are bound to invade and use the plundered wealth to participate in their autumn meeting. The leaders of Guizhou are miserable, complaining, and missing people. Year after year, when will the Northland be peaceful? The minister thought that if the imperial court could not come out and decide for the people in the north, the head of Guizhou would be hard to fight and would definitely flee in all directions. At that time, the Xiongnu will drive straight into the land of no one, and it will be even worse than before!"

The governor of Beidi hadn't gotten rid of his excitement yet, the minister Yao Jia came out of the class and sneered: "I think that the governor of Beidi is purely alarmist. I think your Majesty is so talented and general, he swallowed all the wastelands, and he was all over the world. The great Qin The territory is as far as Qinzhou in the west, Youyan in the north, and Xiaoxiang in the Antarctic. Enlightenment prevails, abuses the barbarians, and praises the people. What can a mere Huns do to us? From Longxi to my country in the previous dynasty, to the north, there is a Great Wall blocking everywhere. , as you said, it must be outside the Great Wall, and it does not belong to the territory of our dynasty. Any Guizhou chief who is involved in this place should be punished for treason..." Hearing this, the young master Fusu stood up from his seat and asked: "Mr. Yao, Then according to your opinion, there is no need to expand the territory of our great dynasty and empire?" Yao Jia was speechless for a while, and looked at senior brother Li Si for help.Li Si pretended not to see, and scolded Yao Jia in his heart: You fool, you put yourself in it... Yao Jia thought, why would Fu Su be the first to jump up against me?He bit the bullet and carefully recalled what he said just now, even he was taken aback.

The first emperor glared at this daring guy, obviously holding back his anger, which meant: My Western Qin has never disliked the size of the country and the vastness of the territory, you bastard dare to talk nonsense... Yao Jia was terrified Uneasy, but trying to save something: "Your Majesty, I think that the north of the North is barbaric, suitable for nomads and not suitable for farming. It should be demarcated and separated from the Huns. The time of peace in Xinjiang is coming." Meng Yi once followed Shihuang Beishou to the Xiongnu land, knowing that the emperor has made up his mind this time, and today's court meeting is just a formality, so he forced Yao Jia like a crusade: "Then according to what you said, my Great Qin Kingdom Should we show weakness to the Xiongnu and make up for it, and then marry a princess and get married, or there will be no peace forever?" Yao Jia was so frightened that he fell to his knees: "No, that's not the case... Your Majesty, this humble minister has no such intentions, this..." The first emperor suddenly couldn't help laughing, and suddenly restrained himself. He looked around the courtiers majesticly, and only lightly comforted Yao Jia, saying: "You have confused me, think it over. Today, retreat!" Zhao Zhao Gao Shui immediately sang: "The emperor has a decree, to withdraw from the court—" Shihuang had already got up and left, and all the ministers knelt and kowtowed: "Long live, long live, long live!" Then they got up and filed out of the hall.The palace people, dressed in black and hats, lined up on both sides to send off the ministers respectfully for the emperor.Li Si and Yao Jia looked at each other, and Yao Jia let out a deep breath, thinking by chance: I am still alive.

Before the last servant could walk down the steps, the deacon and eunuch shouted: "The Emperor has an order. Your son Fusu, Shangqing Mengyi, and the governor of Beidi County stay behind." The three pulled back and went back: "Your servant understands. " "I understand." After speaking, they walked into the inner hall one by one.Shi Huang's face was gloomy, and he kept walking back and forth on the patterned hollow brick floor with his hands behind his back.The three knelt down in the hall one by one, not daring to speak. The First Emperor suddenly said: "Get up, I didn't ask you to come here to bow down... so many courtiers ignore the Huns' harassment, why?" Different, definitely not out of the heart."

"Hmph! Fortunately, it wasn't from the heart. If he really came from the heart, how could I forgive him. It's not your fault that he told you to get up." The three got up and stood beside them.Meng Yi carefully adjusted the atmosphere: "Your Majesty, there is no need to be angry. Injury to the dragon's body is no small matter. I believe that the longitude and latitude of the country will eventually belong to one person. As long as it is related to the safety of the country, the emperor can make a decision alone without reaching the opinions of all the ministers. Unification." Fusu also said tactfully: "Father, Lord Meng is right, it has always been the case, and different opinions are allowed. It is the duty of the ministers to raise different opinions, and they can only be referred to."

"Yao Jia is really hateful..." Shihuang was still very angry.Fusu worried that his father would kill Yao Jia in a moment of anger, so he changed the subject and asked, "Father, do you think it's time to send troops to the North?" "Why didn't I mean that! But I thought about it again and again, and there is still no suitable candidate at the moment." Fusu was secretly surprised when he heard this, and thought to himself: There are so many civil servants and generals in the whole dynasty... Then he said: "Father, my son thinks that the Huns They are like bandits, so why use a butcher's knife to conquer them?"

The First Emperor sat in the dragon-backed chair and said patiently: "Fusu, you must get to know the Huns well. The Huns lived in the Yinshan Mountains and Hetao area in the south of Monan. They lived in a land full of looting, migration, and travel In such a vast area, they must not be underestimated. I should have let you accompany me during the northern hunting last time." The palace servants brought refreshments to the First Emperor.Fu Su knew what was going on, and immediately said: "I understand, I must remember my father's teachings." The first emperor was not in a hurry to use the tea, but put it back casually, and said: "Meng Yi, there is still no news about your brother?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, there is still no news." Shihuang was slightly disappointed, picked up the tea, and took a sip.Fu Su's interest greatly increased after hearing the news: "I heard that General Meng Tian traveled the world alone, and my son and minister have always admired but never met him. Could it be that he is the ideal leader in the father's heart?" "It's about the peace of northern Xinjiang, so I have to be careful. I know Meng Tian very well. He doesn't envy vanity, and he doesn't covet wealth. He volunteered to come to Northern Xinjiang. Such a talent is very rare." When the conversation was about to end, the first emperor specifically ordered the Beidi county guards to strengthen their defenses, inquire about the military situation of the Xiongnu, and draw a map of mountains and rivers.The imperial court sent another 20,000 soldiers and 5,000 cavalry, all under the command of Beidi County, ready for battle at any time, and temporarily maintained the peace of the border. "Remember, don't take the initiative to attack, it's just for defense." Fu Su heard a little disappointed and said, "We still can't fight." Shihuang still insisted on his opinion: "Until Meng Tian comes back, no one can act rashly. Fu Su , you have the full power to assist in this matter, and send a lot of people to contact the Beidi County Sheriff to monitor the movement of the Huns in the northern Xinjiang at any time." "Yes, son, please remember!" The first emperor pondered for a long while and then said: "Fusu, I will visit Mrs. Meng at the Meng Mansion some other day." After finishing speaking, the first emperor signaled the three of them to step back... In the years of endless wars, the first emperor Yingzheng cherished the good time in the morning and never slept in. He was a diligent emperor.The Sunshine Pavilion on the top floor of Huayang Hall can overlook the entire Xianyang City by leaning on the railing.Every morning, the sun's rays first shine on the Sunshine Pavilion of Huayang Hall.Yingzheng always stands leaning on the railing before sunrise, waiting for the beauties in the world and all gods and spirits to emerge from the horizon like a ball of fire.At this moment, he has a hundred reasons to believe that, except the sun has not been conquered by him, everything in the world has been controlled by him. For a few days, it was the Huns in northern Xinjiang who made Shihuang Yingzheng uneasy.Yingzheng has always had scruples about the Xiongnu, and the prophecy of "Hu who died in Qin Dynasty" always lingers in his heart.Because of his resentment towards the Huns, he thought of Meng Tian, ​​whom he had longed for.Yesterday's court meeting was fruitless, this is what he expected in advance, the reason is the lack of generals like Meng Tian.Meng Tian not only has a large amount of information about the Huns, but also advocates the rectification of the northern frontier affairs. He has super persuasive power to persuade those opponents, and can stand on my side and denounce their selfish and paranoid side.But until yesterday he still hadn't returned... The sun is slowly rising, and Xianyang, Kyoto is bathed in a bloody morning light.Light and dark shadows surround the smoke like morning mist, and above the Jingshan Mountain in the distance, the candlelight in front of the Totem Temple is no longer as bright as at night.At this time, how many people can know that the giant of Ying Zheng's era is in the morning breeze, quietly observing the world's largest metropolis, watching how people wake up from the dawn.In the farther suburbs, farmers picked up the plows and led the cattle out of the courtyard and into the fields.This scene is moving, and Ying Zheng is of course also moved.All his life, he was as hard as iron, murdered as hemp, and never knew compassion, but today he was uncharacteristically moved by the scene of a farmer going out to plow.yes!Forging swords into hoes, horses grazing the fields, and a peaceful country, this is obviously the wish of all people, and it is something he has long dreamed of in Yingzheng.From this, he once again thought of Meng Tian who was traveling abroad. A gust of morning wind blew over the Sunshine Pavilion, and Ying Zheng felt a bit of coolness.He heard a voice behind him: "The morning breeze is cool, Your Majesty, you should put on this!" Without turning around, Ying Zheng knew that this was the minister Zhao Gao.This person is too important to his time in the inner palace after his downfall. Only then can he put aside all important affairs of state and enjoy the rare relaxation and happiness every day.It was at this time that Zhao Gao's role came to the fore. Following Ying Zheng's temperament, he chose what the emperor liked to hear, said what the emperor liked to watch, and never disobeyed the emperor to make him unhappy. Zhao Gao's grandfather or great-grandfather was the hostage of Zhao State who came to Qin State.Due to the palace coup in the Zhao State, no one would be willing to worry about the lives of the protons living abroad. Therefore, Zhao Gao's ancestors unfortunately became the protons of the Zhao State who had been in exile for a long time.At the same time, the relationship between Zhao Guo and Qin Guo broke down, and Qin Guo was trying to vent his anger, not letting go, but also humiliating in every possible way.Zhao Gao was born in the royal family of Zhao. From his ancestors to himself, he was unwilling to be a hostage for the rest of his life.He studied hard, mastered the law of criminal names, and was a cultured palace slave.It is very important to Zhao Gaohui to play by ear, since he is a slave, he must be willing to be a slave.The emperor Yingzheng soon discovered this educated servant in the palace, and this Zhao Gao immediately had an opportunity. How could Zhao Gao, who is a palace slave, have an opportunity?This starts with the study and life of the princes.The princes at that time had to study systematically at a certain age to cultivate their good moral character and literary talent.But the palace is far away from the school, and every day the princes have to take a carriage to study, and when they come back, they rush to find their own wives, mainly for fun.Of course, the teacher's homework inspection often made them intimidated, so a few little sisters and brothers had to recite poems and essays while playing.When they encountered something they couldn’t remember, someone suddenly reminded them, making the poems they recited from incomplete to complete. The princes began to look at this palace man with admiration, and this person was Zhao Gao. After all, the emperor found out about this matter, and the emperor was very surprised: How can a servant who serves others be educated?After sending people to investigate, it was discovered that Zhao Gao belonged to the royal family of Zhao State, and it is normal for him to be educated.Alas, I suddenly reminded Qin Wang Yingzheng: why not let him teach your beloved son nearby?The love child here has a certain category. It is not that as long as a person is born with the brand of the prince, he must be the love child.In the harem, either the mother is more expensive than the son, or the son is more expensive than the mother. A typical example is Yingzheng's beloved son Hu Hai. The first emperor put all his hopes on Hu Hai and wanted to care about his studies nearby.And Aiko's teachers have to leave the palace very early every day to go home. It doesn't matter if they leave, Aiko's partial pot and stove can't be "eaten".You can't let the teachers live in the harem, it's against the rules.How can we get the best of both worlds?The only way is to have an educated person by his side to supervise Aiko's study sooner or later.At this time, Qin Wang Yingzheng locked his target on Zhao Gao, "Heaven has given great responsibility to everyone..." One night, Ying Zheng asked, "Zhao Gao, is it time for Hu Hai to learn criminal law? You have to teach him." "Yes, I understand." Zhao Gao had to agree first, as for whether Hu Hai could learn the boring prison knowledge, it depended on his talent.The education of Hu Hai affected the first emperor Yingzheng, Hu Hai's concubine Li and Zhao Gao himself.Regarding Hu Hai's education issues, these three people often meet to discuss.Concubine Li was on the sidelines, casually said: "I wonder if this little rascal can live in peace?" Her worry was not unreasonable.Twelve or thirteen-year-old little Huhai already understood the relationship between men and women, and began to hunt for objects among court ladies.For this reason, Concubine Li also summoned the court ladies to make three chapters to stop it from the source.The first emperor said: "How can you be restless! You must let him be peaceful. Zhao Gao, you should not only be responsible for his study, but also limit his misbehavior. Children, you must be strictly controlled." "Yes, what your Majesty said is very true. Your son's studies are related to the fate of the state of Qin, and this servant must do his best to do this job well." Zhao Gaoshen looked as if he couldn't afford it, and Ying Zheng felt very sorry, and said: "I just make you a doctor Order, from now on you will be a minister of the court, and no one dares to underestimate you. How can the teacher who is the prince be a slave!" Ying Zheng's words from the heart made Zhao Gao burst into tears: "Slave, please Remember Your Majesty Long En, you must swear to die to be loyal to the Emperor." "Zhao Gao, congratulations." Concubine Li said happily standing behind the emperor.Zhao Gao was thinking: Even if you are favored again, there are about twenty older brothers above Hu Hai, who will fight for the throne in the future, that will be difficult.Therefore, he didn't want to bet on Concubine Li and his wife prematurely, so he said, "Thank you, Madam!" The two saw that Shihuang was concentrating on reading a memorial, Zhao Gao was going to prepare the emperor's bedtime bath, and Concubine Li went out to see what her son Hu Hai was doing with an excuse.The two of them walked along the long corridor one after the other, and a maid's voice came from the brightly lit Huxin Pavilion: "Young Master, Young Master...don't do this." This voice came clearly at night, and Concubine Li had already Know what your son is doing. Hu Hai still forcibly tore off the maid's clothes, stroking the two trembling breasts with both hands, while the other maids beside him avoided their eyes and dared not look at them.Concubine Li, Zhao Gao and the lanterns of the palace people have come close.Concubine Li said angrily: "Hu Hai, what are you doing?" When Hu Hai heard that it was her mother, she was so frightened that she quickly stopped and knelt down on the ground.The little maid was even more frightened and trembling all over.Concubine Li motioned for the maid to leave first, and repelled all the palace servants, stretched out her hand and slapped Hu Hai, and reprimanded: "You bastard, you want to piss me off!" "Mother, I don't dare anymore." Zhao Gao winked, and Hu Hai quickly got up and slipped away. Concubine Li was still angry, Zhao Gao comforted him: "Your Majesty calm down, this incident is enough to prove that he is already an adult." Concubine Li still couldn't let go: "Why are you men so virtuous..."