Chapter 18 Section 1

As soon as April entered, the two major official offices under Changshi and Shizhong moved to Zhangtai along with the old King Qin. During the Warring States period, the climate in the great river basin of the Central Plains was very different from today's. The forests were green, humid and hot, and various jungle animals such as elephants, rhinos, crocodiles, saber-toothed tigers, etc. were commonly seen.Great Xianyang, known as the Jincheng Tangchi, occupies the best military location, but in terms of climate, it is just nestled in an arm of the Wei River, with the towering Beiban behind it, and the forested and mountain plateaus forming a huge river bend to the east and west, but the wind blows from the south. But there is Nanshan (Qinling Mountains) in the distance stretching majestically for hundreds of miles.The wind is unfavorable, and the summer in Xianyang is extremely hot and humid.People at that time said: "There is no wind in the golden city, and there is plenty of water in the soup pool. In summer, the fire is flowing, and the stove roasts the back." It is said that the capital Xianyang has a stove in summer, and the price is sweating like rain all day long.At the beginning of Shang Yang's construction of Xianyang, he built a Zhangtai for Xiaogong to escape the summer at the mouth of Nanshan Mountain. It can be seen that the choice of Xianyang city site is not ignorant of the disadvantages, but the balance of advantages and disadvantages is more important than safety.

Every summer, King Zhao of Qin would live in Zhangtai for three or two months.But this year is different, not only mobilizing people to move all the official offices directly under the royal family, but also expressly ordering the government and the public: the prince Yingzhu will rule the country, the prime minister Cai Zejin Jue Gangchengjun, and the chief regent of the founding government.As soon as the edict was issued, the old Qin people in Xianyang speculated one after another, but they were frightened by the decree of "not discussing state affairs indiscriminately", so they could only steal from each other.

State affairs are unclear, and the people of the country are uneasy, which is called "national doubt" in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.Commonly seen, most of them are "the master is young and the country is suspicious". It is said that when the young master is in power, the people of the country have doubts and speculations about the trend of the court.It is really rare to see such a powerful monarch as Qin Zhaowang who makes the country confusing.After all, King Qin Zhao has been in power for more than 50 years, and he is now over 70 years old. Such an edict to the government and the public has the meaning of dying.In a world of great controversy, a generation of kings is the destiny of a generation of the country, and its impact on the livelihood of the common people cannot be overestimated. Moreover, the mediocrity and weakness of the prince are well known to the government and the public, and the people of the country will inevitably have doubts.

People from the old Qin whispered, but Shangshangfang made a big noise.This Shangshangfang is the commercial area of ​​the six countries in Shandong that was specially created when Xianyang was built, and it is also the area where merchants and scholars from the six countries lived together in Qin State. There are more than 100,000 people, more than any foreign business travelers in any metropolis. , only Anyi, the capital of Wei State in the early Warring States period, and Linzi in the period of King Xuan of Qi can compare with it.This Shangshangfang gathered big businessmen and famous people, discussing state affairs in the style of the Warring States period, and they were hot and hot, aiming to hit the key points.Every time the Qin State made a big move, Shangshangfang was full of discussions and busy.The point of discussion is to disseminate information to refute the root cause of the debate.The point of being busy is to urgently send "reports of righteousness" to the country, warning in advance to deal with it.As soon as King Qin Zhao issued an edict, there was a shocking rumor in Shangshangfang—the old King Qin was paralyzed!The state of Qin is going to be in chaos!Whether it is a guest house in a restaurant or a businessman, there are loud and generous voices everywhere, and the topics are surprisingly consistent: Qin is bound to decline, what should Shandong do?

There is a lot of noise, but the Xianyang government is as calm as ever. It has neither pursued the merchants of the six countries for "confusing the crowd" in accordance with the laws of the Qin State, nor strengthened the investigation of business travel checkpoints, and there is no rumored big move in Shangshangfang-blocking Hangu Pass , Tax the merchants of the six countries heavily, and then do everything possible to drive away the business travelers of the six countries, and then close themselves.After ten days passed, although the merchants from the six countries were puzzled, they did not dare to make trouble, and gradually calmed down.

Amidst the panic among the suspicious people of the old country, a team of horses left Xianyang with a bronze chariot and came straight to Nanshan.There is another rumor in Shangshangfang: Fang Che leaves the city at an untimely time, and there must be changes in the old Qin Kingdom! But it is said that the visitor passed the car into the mouth of the Nanshan River, and the valley breeze was cool and pleasant, and Zhangtai, which was buried in the mountains and trees, was even more quiet and quiet.The passing car entered Zhangtai Shimen from Linjian Avenue, and stopped firmly under the corridor of the Chief Historian's Office.Minister of History Huan Li greeted him, exchanged a few words with the visitor in a low voice, took a two-foot-square copper box from the visitor, and hurried to King Qin's study.When he reached the end of the long corridor, Huan Li saw the old man with white hair and beard waved his hand at him, indicating to wait for a while.Both of them are old courtiers, and it is clear with just one hand gesture: the old king of Qin is taking a nap.Huan Li didn't say a word, but stood in the porch and waited quietly.

After a while, the door of the study room slid open silently, and a young servant came out, nodded to the boss and left.He beckoned to Huanli again, and then called out in a long voice: "Changshi Huanli sees you——" An old cough came faintly from the study, Huan Li walked in holding the copper box. Zhangtai's Wang study room was originally spacious and simple, except for the tall and towering mahogany bookshelves, there are a few thick and magnificent desks.Now, this Wang's study room has been changed beyond recognition: two entrances are linked together, the inner room is a bedroom, the outer room is a study room, and a large black wooden screen stands in the middle; even though the bedroom is close at hand, the central open space surrounded by bookshelves on three sides, There is still an extra-large wooden couch that can be used for sitting and lying down; in front of the wooden couch is a large book case, on which the bamboo slips are coded into a continuous "Wenshan".Faintly, I couldn't tell whether it was a bedroom or a study.Since entering Zhangtai, King Qin Zhao in his rare years has been half lying on the big wooden couch, sleeping and waking up from time to time, everything is intermittent without any certainty, and the bowstrings of Huan Li and Lao Ge are always tense Tight.

The monarch's accompanying official office has two systems: one is the long history office, which is the official system for the monarch to handle state affairs and direct finance, and later evolved into the Zhongshu Ministry; official office.No matter where the monarch goes, these two sets of troops follow him.The difference is that in previous years, King Qin Zhao only brought a few capable officials from the two bureaus with him when he went on tour or in Zhangtai to escape the summer heat.This time it was different, not only did the two sets of official offices accompany them, but also made a lot of repairs and reconstructions to the Zhangtai in advance.This repair and reconstruction was carried out secretly by the Royal Shangfang directly under the edict of the old Qin King, and the two close ministers in the long history and the affairs had never foreseen it.Even if all the government offices were moved to Zhangtai, Huan Li only learned about it from the old Qin King's edict three days before his departure.

Having done the history for more than twenty years, all kinds of signs of movement have made Huanli have a clear judgment: the old king of Qin must have some special changes, and he will live in Zhangtai for a long time.What has changed?Huan Li naturally had some speculations, but he hadn't been informed, but he definitely couldn't say anything about it.After entering Zhangtai for ten days, the old king of Qin lived in seclusion, and even he, a key minister who never left the study of the royal family, could not see the king of Qin anymore.If it wasn't for the very important letter sent by the visitor today, he still wouldn't be able to meet him, but it was the first time he was stationed in Zhangtai to meet the King of Qin, so Huan Li felt a little uneasy.

Entering the already unfamiliar study room, Huan Li was about to pay respects when he saw King Qin Zhao on the couch pointing to the table next to the couch, and beckoning to the maid behind him.The maid floated out lightly, and walked in with the old man in a moment. "Both of you are my king's confidantes." The old hoarse voice floated, "I have something to tell you today: Last winter was cold, and my king was paralyzed by the wind. At this very moment, you must strictly keep the secret." "Old minister obeys!" Huan Li and Ge Shizhong said in unison. King Qin Zhao narrowed his hazy old eyes, told the old minister to leave immediately, and walked out of the study lightly.King Qin Zhao raised his hand slightly: "Chang Shi, what's the matter?"

"Report to my king: Mr. Gang Cheng and the crown prince wrote a letter." "Oh?" King Qin Zhao frowned, "I'm listening." "Mr. Gang Cheng submitted a letter." Huan Li unfolded a volume and read, "The minister obeyed the king's order, Jin Jue opened the mansion, the general situation is as usual, but there is something strange, I dare not report it: the minister made three appointments with the prince to discuss politics, but the prince failed to keep the promise The minister then went to the prince's mansion for advice, only to know that the prince was sick and unable to manage affairs. It was related to the foundation of the state and society, and the minister dared not say anything: the prince is more than fifty years old, and his illness has accumulated and weakened. Take precautions before the rainy day, and decide on the prince's plan to establish a successor. Mr. Gang Cheng has written the letter." "Crack!" Qin Zhaowang patted the armrest of the couch lightly, but did not speak. "Prince wrote a letter." Huan Li opened another volume, "My sons and ministers report to my father: Yingzhu was ordered to rule the country, and the political affairs were complicated, and he had a heavy burden, but he had to work hard to repay the country. However, there is only one thing that sons and ministers can't decide: Yingzhu has passed the year of destiny, and he has no sons, so it is difficult to continue. Now he wants to ask for the king's order, and plans to choose a worthy one from among the common sons to establish a heir. He thinks that the country will survive, and he dares to ask his father to make a decision. The prince's letter is over." "..." After a long silence, King Qin Zhao opened his eyes slightly, and said hoarsely and slowly: "Chang Shi, call Cai Ze secretly." Huan Li agreed and hurried away.The monarch secretly summons the ministers, and has always been ordered to execute in the middle of the matter. Today, Huan Li felt a little strange when he ordered a long history.Before he could think about it, he immediately sent capable officials to drive to Xianyang, and at dusk they picked up Cai Ze and waited in the Changshi Department.At the beginning of the night when the lantern was held, the old man came to pass on the imperial edict of the King of Qin: Changshi Huanli, accompanied by Cai Ze, the king of Gangcheng, to meet. Guided by the incident, the two walked through the long and long alley sealed with curtains, and arrived at the most secret unnamed room in Zhangtai.Huan Li knew that this was the place where Qin Zhaowang had secret talks with Fan Ju day and night, and it was almost impossible for other ministers to step into this mysterious place.However, now this secret room has been changed so that the dormitory and study are confused, except for the word "secret", it is almost impossible to say what it is used for. "My subject, Cai Ze, see my king." Cai Ze's high-pitched voice seemed low even in the enclosed stone room. "Chen Huanli sees my king." The title was three ranks lower, so Huanli could only follow behind and salute. King Qin Zhao's eyes slightly opened a slit: "Mr. Gang Cheng, just take your seat. Changshi, Shulu today's answer, hand in the Taishi Order. The continuity of the society, there must be a time to talk to the ancestors and future generations." It was only then that Huan Li realized that today he was asked to take the place of the official historian to record the strategies of the monarch and his ministers.According to tradition, most of the records recorded by historians are state affairs that have happened in the past, such as promulgating and amending laws, sacrificing heaven and earth, promoting and demoting ministers, and going to war against a certain country, etc.; The courtiers thought it was important to talk about it, and after the event, they recorded it and handed it over to the Taishi Ling. In ordinary times, the historian does not follow the monarch around like a shadow.Today's response requires Minister Chang Shi to record in person. Huan Li suddenly felt that this matter was unusual—since it was to make a policy for secret talks, it meant that it was not possible to tell the government and the public about important confidential matters for a while; : The monarch once made a decision on this major matter; the reason why the transcript was handed over to the Taishi Order and stored in the classics library for investigation is a proof of the monarch's confession to his ancestors, future generations, and even the ruling and opposition parties.Suddenly, Huan Li, who was familiar with history books, felt that the old king of Qin seemed to be imitating the method of Duke Zhou. In the early years of the Western Zhou Dynasty, King Wu of Zhou was seriously ill.The Duke of Zhou offered sacrifices to heaven and earth, and silently made an oath to heaven: he wished to die on behalf of the emperor, and prayed to God to extend his life to the emperor.This matter was quite a big move, so Duke Zhou naturally got Xu Shiguan's record.However, the historian and ministers accompanying the sacrificial offering knew nothing about the content of the sacrificial prayer.Zhou Rituals and Laws: Prayer books for offering sacrifices to the ancestral temples of heaven and earth must be submitted to the historian for storage for investigation.Therefore, none of the ministers and historians cared about Duke Zhou's silent prayer.Unexpectedly, the Duke of Zhou locked the prayer book on the spot and sealed it in a golden cabinet, and then handed it over to the royal family's library with the order of the Taishi, and strictly ordered it not to be opened unless the king ordered it.Therefore, it became a mystery that Duke Zhou sacrificed to heaven.After more than a year, King Wu of Zhou died of illness, and the young King Cheng of Zhou came to the throne, and the Duke of Zhou regented the state affairs.For a while, rumors spread everywhere, and one after another slandered Duke Zhou with ulterior motives.Someone informed Zhou Chengwang: Back then, Duke Zhou offered sacrifices to heaven and earth in order to curse King Wu's early death and usurp the throne of emperor!King Cheng was suspicious, so he personally entered the royal library and opened the prayer book sealed by Duke Zhou.At first glance, the truth became clear, and King Cheng of Zhou burst into tears. From then on, he firmly believed that Duke Zhou had no doubts. Now when the old king of Qin said that he wanted to say something to his ancestors and future generations, he clearly had something unspeakable to express his heart.The old king of Qin, who has always been serious and decisive, is so cautious today, which shows how subtle and unpredictable this matter is!Although Huan Li faintly understood it, his heart was still beating wildly. "Gang Chengjun." King Qin Zhao, who was half lying on the couch, finally spoke, his words carefully and clearly, "This old man is more than a few years old, and life is short! I thought that God would give this old man a little life for worshiping the heavens in Yongcheng. Unexpectedly I am paralyzed by the wind, so that I can’t lie down when I am sick. God’s will is so, what can the husband say? Seeing the king’s letter, the old man is not worried!" "My king is not worried." Cai Ze choked up, "The king has ruled the Qin government for fifty-four years. He overcame the crisis and overcame the dangers, making the Great Qin a great cause. Even if the country's affairs are difficult today, it will eventually be sheltered by heaven and stabilize the country. Why worry?" "Mr. Gangcheng is in trouble!" King Qin Zhao smiled from the old ravine, "I was in charge of the king, and I was the queen mother and Ranghou for more than 20 years. Ying Ji took charge of the government, and only one thing was achieved: destroy Zhao Guo, The greatest enemy of the Qin State declined. The rest is not worth mentioning. However, Ying Ji also has a big flaw: he enjoys a long life, but he has not cultivated a prince who can be a powerful lord. After the prince, there is no one who can continue The son of Tong. I have no successors. How can I feel at ease... Investigating the king and grandson, choosing a worthy man to establish a son, is not something that can be accomplished in a day. However, the six kingdoms are surrounded by waiters and eyeing tigers, how can I calmly make a decision? Dilemma, this king How embarrassing!" The old trembling voice floated in the secret room, filled with the sadness of the old man in the evening. With a flick of the brush, Huan Li's big tear splashed from the parchment. "If you make a good strategy, you will be a hero of the Great Qin Dynasty." King Qin Zhao added, panting. "I am the king." Cai Ze calmed down a lot, and replied calmly, "The prince is weak, and the king and grandson are established. It is really difficult for the minister to decide things at once. However, the minister is the prime minister, and he has the power to govern the government. Take the overall situation into consideration. The minister came up with a seven-character strategy to enrich Qin. The current trend is to An Qin. The minister has an eight-character strategy, which can stabilize the Qin State for ten years, so that our king can turn around." "..." Suddenly, King Qin Zhao's eyes brightened. "Stop the army to support the country, and ensure internal stability." Cai Ze paused every word. "Let's just say it." Qin Zhaowang's tone was flat, but his eyes flickered again and again. Cai Ze said: "The three things of the eight characters are originally one. The continuation of the great rule is the top priority of the safety of the country. However, this matter is not a battle for land expansion, and it is easy to make a big mistake if you make a decisive decision. You can only take time to figure it out. , can be guaranteed properly. Only if this is the case, there must be no worries about foreign affairs, and the country will not be in danger of wars and military strife, so that time can be won. The country is getting weaker and weaker, and the joint vertical attack on Qin has become unsustainable. At this time, I can bluff outside Shandong, but I can use the strategy of suspending troops to support the country. In fact, it is firstly not to expand the army, and secondly not to fight. Try to defend yourself; under self-defense, nourish the power of the people, clean up the government, and lay the foundation for the new king in the future. If we can hold this defensive position and stop the army to support the country, our king can calmly decide and establish a great succession. This is called decision Internal security is also unified. There must be a time to decide the internal affairs, and sometimes it is necessary to suspend the army to support the country, so that the time can be determined. One life is two, two is three, and three is all things. Complement each other, this is called the eight characters and three things are all one. .” "Stop the army to support the country, and determine internal security." Qin Zhaowang muttered softly, and after a moment of silence, he patted the armrest of the couch, "Okay! This is the eight-character strategy. Gang Chengjun, it's a pity that the old man is dying, and I can't worship you gone." "Your Majesty..." Cai Ze choked up and fell to the ground. King Zhao of Qin shook his hand, remained silent for a moment, tapped on the armrest and said in a low voice: "The long history issued an edict: Gangcheng Jun Cai Zede will conduct a detailed inspection of Prince Yingzhu and other princes, choose the wise ones, and report to the king for decision. The method of inspection , Mr. Xu Gangcheng acts at his own discretion, and the Prince's House has no right to interfere." "..." Cai Ze was stunned, and bowed his hands solemnly in silence for a moment, "My lord tells my king: The crown prince establishes a heir, which is related to the country. Only my king and the senior ministers of the royal family can make a decisive decision to calm the country's doubts and obey the ruling and opposition parties. Ministers I don’t have enough hope, and I’m not familiar with princes and grandchildren, if there is a mistake, death will not be enough to make up for it!” "Gang Chengjun," Qin Zhaowang smiled rarely, "The horoscope of the king can relieve the old man's worries, but why do you want to refuse? The horoscope and three things are not difficult to stop the army, but the difficulty lies in raising the country and deciding. Two things In comparison, it is not difficult to support the country. Qin has established the law to follow the officials, and to support the people as much as possible can be handed over to the prince inspector. It is not a big problem. But the matter of establishing a descendant is difficult! If the old man can make a decision, how can he wait until today? Panting for a moment, he suddenly ordered in a low voice, "Changshi, open the secret chamber of this king, and ask Gang Chengjun to have a look." Huan Li quickly moved a copper box from behind the curtain.King Qin Zhao shook his skinny right hand and opened the large collar on his chest, revealing a shiny copper key!Huan Li bowed solemnly, stepped forward and took off his hands lightly, opened the copper box with a bang and held it in front of Cai Ze's case: "Please, Mr. Gang Cheng." Carefully browsing through more than ten scrolls of bamboo slips, Cai Ze's forehead was dripping with sweat, and he tried to calm down and said: "I am willing to obey orders, but there is only one thing, I ask the king to allow it." "What is it?" "Within two years, Xu Chen will meet you at any time." "Yes." King Qin Zhao nodded, "The old man also has something to say, Mr. Gang Cheng will consider it." "I wish to hear the king's order." "No later than three years, a final decision must be made." "My subject is hereby ordered!" Seeing that the old king of Qin laughed for a while and stopped talking, Cai Ze bowed, "I take care of you, my lord, and I will leave." Qin Zhaowang waved to the outer hall: "Drive the king's chariot in the matter, and give it as a gift. Gang Chengjun." The old man agreed through the door, and then led Cai Ze who opened the door to go. "Immediately declare to General Meng Ao." Qin Zhaowang whispered, then leaned against the big pillow and closed his eyes wearily. Huan Li immediately issued an edict, and when the edict was issued, King Qin Zhao on the couch was already snoring heavily.Huan Li was about to retreat quietly to the outer hall, when King Qin Zhao suddenly said: "Move back to the study." Then he snored loudly again.Huan Li was in a daze, not knowing why, when he saw four servants in black coming, hugging the grown wooden couch, rolling over the thick carpet leisurely, and disappearing silently behind the curtains hanging on the wall. Three days later, General Meng Ao came flying from Hangu Pass, and the lights on Zhangtai were kept on until five drums and roosters crowed.