Chapter 72 Section 2 Merit cannot be ignored

Lu Buwei moved into the Wenxin Academy in Weinan. Every morning, the car of the prime minister's mansion will be loaded with documents, and drive into the courtyard of Wenxinhou by the pool of the school palace. After noon, the documents written by Lu Buwei will be transported back to the prime minister's mansion, and then the chief minister of the prime minister's mansion will send them to the prime minister's mansion. According to the instructions, it was distributed to various government offices for implementation; all documents were taken back at night, and then sent to Wangcheng for King Qin to read.Week after week, although Lu Buwei is not in the prime minister's mansion, his official business is running in an orderly manner.However, all the government offices and Guanzhong counties and counties disappeared from the prime minister who often inspected government affairs, but they were surprised and commented, and the remote counties and counties sent officials to Xianyang to find out what happened.It wasn't until the truth was understood that the upper and lower government offices gradually got used to it.After all, Qin State's government orders are smooth, who can insist on the prime minister's inspections every now and then?In any case, the officials at the upper and lower levels still expressed a sense of unease: Wen Xinhou, who is diligent in governing and planning the country, suddenly handles state affairs with such a big hand, what is the omen?A few months have passed, and discussions between the ruling and opposition parties have gradually emerged, but state affairs are still turning between the wheels.Lu Buwei still buried his head in the school, and the prime minister's mansion, which opened the mansion and governed the government, gradually became empty.

Ying Zheng was still busy, unaware of the change in the court situation, he felt something was wrong when he arrived at the chariot and horse farm, and taught Wang Wan to go into the mansion to ask the reason, and the car immediately turned and went straight out of Liyangmen to Lanchi.Entering the academy palace, I saw scholars of various colors hurrying back and forth among the courtyards with files in their hands. The university palace was obviously permeated with a solemn atmosphere, and no one noticed this illustrious king's chariot.Wang Wan looked at it for a while and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, should I inform Wen Xinhou first?" "No." Ying Zheng got out of the car with a smile, "Xiao Gaozi, the car will stop by the pool and wait, there is no need to follow. "Turning around and flicking his sleeves, "Let's go, find Wen Xinhou's study, and also take a look at this school."

Walking along the willow forest by the Orchid Pool, Ying Zheng couldn't help feeling respectful. The swaying willow forest and the blue lake divide this school around Lanchi into five sections. Along the road, they are: Mingfa Pavilion, Liulun Pavilion, Balan Pavilion, Twelve Seasons Pavilion, and Tianzhu Hall .Each section is a large courtyard, and the green pools are surrounded by small hills and willow forests. It is pleasing to the eye and the eye is quiet everywhere, which is even more pleasant than Xianyang Wangcheng. "It's a good place!" Ying Zheng praised as he walked, "That's how it is to call for talents to study, and Wen Xinhou is worthy of his generosity! It's just named like this, but it's unheard of." Wang Wan said with a smile: "Looking at the name, the first four halls are about For the category of the big books compiled by Wen Xinhou, Tianzhutang is probably the final review place."

Along the way, the courtyards of each museum were quiet, and the people coming and going in the front yard were actually two worlds.Ying Zheng felt strange.Wang Wan said: "As far as I know, the Wenxin Academy gathers every ten days to discuss, and today's coincidence is unknown." Ying Zheng immediately became interested when he heard this: "It's really best to meet by chance, and I just want to meet Wenxin Hou's disciples It's elegant!" While speaking, he came to a courtyard on the southernmost bank of Lanchi, facing a large white jade monument in front of the Sanzhang Stone Square, with three large copper characters inlaid in the center - Tianzhutang.

Entering Shifang, they heard the noise coming from the courtyard deep in the willow grove, and the two quickened their steps to follow the sound, and they saw colorful crowds in the natural valley in front of a wooden building.As soon as Ying Zheng pulled Wang Wan, the two walked to a willow forest on the edge of the hillside.Wang Wanyao pointed to Gudi and said with a smile: "There are more than two hundred people, and famous scholars from all halls have arrived." Ying Zheng looked over, but saw that the scholars in the forest had each a straw mat, and there were only two stone sheets in front of Lu Buwei and Cai Ze in the center. It's just a case, so I couldn't help nodding and admiring: "The school palace is grand and simple in conduct, and Zhong's father has a good way of managing money!" Wang Wan immediately continued: "This Hong University palace is also a widow's fund, otherwise how would Wen Xinhou build it?" Ying Zheng His eyes flashed, but he pointed at Gu Tunnel and said, "Look, Gang Chengjun has spoken!"

Seen from a distance, Cai Ze was shaking a roll of bamboo slips in his hand, and his characteristic squeak came with the wind: "Everyone, the revised Qin law has been discussed in various halls for many days. In order to make the future Qin law perfect, The students here can express their own opinions without any scruples. If any opinions are adopted into laws and regulations, Wen Xinhou will reward them as promised!" The next person in the forest said loudly: "I have a word: Although the revised Qin law has added disaster relief, cultural prosperity, commerce, and filial piety, and all penalties have been eased by three points, it has made the Qin law created by Shang Jun a grand and perfect one. However, Shang Jun’s Qin law has been practiced for more than a hundred years, and the Qin people do not seem to feel any inconvenience, and there is no voice from the government and the public to revise the law. My concern is that Wen Xinhou’s new law will not have the basis for implementation. I hope Wen Xinhou Think twice."

"Fear the head and the tail, what a big deal!" A black-clothed scholar with a bamboo crown stood up in the front row of the grass and said loudly, "I used to be a law enforcement officer in the Tingwei Mansion, and I know the shortcomings of the Qin law! The power of the Qin law in the past, It is born in accordance with the times. Over the past hundred years, the general situation of the world and the livelihood of the common people have changed greatly. If the Qin Law is not revised in time, it will definitely become the shackles of the continued prosperity of the Qin State! Wen Xinhou's revision of the Qin Law is just foreshadowing the unification of the world for the Qin State. As a foreshadowing, it has not changed the previous national policy, so why not be afraid of it!"

"I have a question!" one person suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Since the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States period, every reform must first clarify its purpose. For example, the purpose of Shang Jun's reform is to enrich the country and strengthen the army. Today's revision of the Qin Law did not clarify the purpose at the beginning , but only as a supplement to the law. Dare to ask Wen Xinhou: What is the purpose of the law revision? Why can't it be made public at the beginning of the Qin law?" There was a moment of silence in the arena.Cai Ze inspected for a week and saw no one was talking, so he waved the file in his hand and said: "The purpose of amending the Qin law is to abandon the strict punishment internally and the sharp soldiers and violent soldiers externally, so that the Qin State can use lenient punishment to brighten the country. The law establishes the world, and the world is prosperous with righteous soldiers! The division here is the difference between hegemony and kingship, and the difference between the law of the Shang monarch and the law of Wenxinhou. The reason why it is not stated at the beginning of the article is that it does not want the government and the people to discuss disputes in vain. So That's all, how could he!"

"Mr. Gang Cheng is on the wrong track!" Lin Xia's scholar said passionately, "I am Shen Buhui's successor, dare to ask Mr. Gang Cheng: Qin is the holy land of Legalism, abandoning kingship, benevolence and righteousness, promoting the national policy of farming and war, and looking at the world with strength. It has its own origin! If the purpose of Wen Xinhou’s revision of the law is really to return to the old way of kingship, benevolence and righteousness, wouldn’t it be an attempt to cover up the truth by keeping silent? Rather than this, how can we openly prosper and reform the law like a Shang monarch!”

There was another silence under the forest.Suddenly one person stood up, bowed his hands to Lu Buwei and Cai Ze, and bowed to the scholars in the forest for a week, his heavy voice echoed with the wind: "I, Li Si, think that what you say is not on point. According to the facts, The law of Qin should be changed. However, if the purpose is to be prosperous and the law is to be reformed forcefully, the current situation of the world will not tolerate it! When filial piety and businessmen are established, the great powers stand side by side and restrict each other. Proper mediation can win the time for reform. It can avoid the intervention of other countries. The current situation is very different from that of the time. The Qin State is strong and dominant, and it has become the target of public criticism! Once the powerful reforms break out, the six lingering countries will have to attack with all their strength. At that time, the century-old prosperity of the Qin State will be destroyed. Once! But this is the only way to gradually change, starting from the addition and revision of laws and regulations, and making a long-term plan for reform. Such practical difficulties cannot be solved by vain high-level theory. Only by observing the current situation can we see Wen Xinhou's painstaking efforts! Even so, according to the current state of Qin, if Li Si dares to delay the revision of the law, Marquis Wenxin will think twice."

Cai Ze angrily took the case: "Li Si! Amending the law is the top priority, why delay it!" "Gang Chengjun calm down." Lu Buwei stood up before the stone case, his steady and friendly voice swaying in the wind, "Today's discussion, you are planning for me and for the country. I have benefited a lot, and I am very pleased! In terms of things, you are all famous people in the world, and everyone has a different opinion. How about the world? What about the government and the people of Qin? Obviously, to amend the Qin law, there must first be an academic debate. Otherwise, it is not enough to satisfy the people! However, since the Spring and Autumn and Warring States All disputes over legal reforms, politics, and state governance are often trapped in the debate of utility and utility. On the one hand, they do not delve into the foundation of laws and state policies, and on the other hand, they do not have an insight into the long-term interests of the future generations. In front of us, if we want to reform the law again in the Qin State, we must first start with the academic theory, delve into the ways of governing the country in the past, and weigh the pros and cons of the law with the eyes of historians for thousands of years. If this insight can be popular in the government and the public, reform is expected again! Palace affairs can be reversed: first study the book, then study the law, and the book is a preparation for the law! What do you think?" "Legislation first establishes learning, Wenxin Hou Yingming!" "Long live Lu Zi!" "Long live the wind of Jixia!" Amidst the commotion under the forest, Wang Wan led Ying Zheng around the willow forest in a hurry, and entered the wooden building through the back door.Wang Wan was careful, first asked Ying Zheng to wait in the inner room of the study, but he himself stood in the hallway and waited.Lu Buwei saw Wang Wan standing in the hall from a distance, so he gave a few instructions to Cai Ze, Li Si and other famous guests, and when Cai Ze and others walked to the adjacent courtyard, Lu Buwei hurried over and asked in a low voice: "King Qin is here? "Wang Wan also said in a low voice: "Inside the study." Lu Buwei smiled and said, "You go in too, there are people in the hall." When Wang Wan entered, Lu Buwei called an old servant to give some instructions, and then entered the wooden building. "I've seen Father Zhong." Ying Zheng bowed solemnly when he saw Lu Buwei come in. "The old minister sees the King of Qin." Lu Buwei also bowed, straightened his waist and sighed, "My king is already an adult! From today on, the old minister please remove the title of Zhongfu, and beg the king for permission, so that the old minister can feel at ease." "Why did Father Zhong say that?" Ying Zheng bowed deeply again, "Father Zhong is the Minister Gu Ming, who was ordered by the late king to be a magnanimous regent and supervise the class with a fair heart. Willing to be punished by Zhongfu!" "Dare to invite your majesty to sit down and have tea." Lu Buwei supported Yingzheng with his hands, and sat in front of the desk opposite, sighing, "Your majesty is ashamed, and this old minister is ashamed of his predecessor!" A pair of old eyes filled with crow's feet in an instant tears. "Father Zhong... Ying Zheng is young and doesn't care about anything, Li Shan's words are so abrupt..." "No." Lu Buwei shook his hand, "Your Majesty's words are gold and stone! After that day, thinking about the past, the old minister can understand: the world is intricately entangled, but the overall situation cannot be controlled by one person! For example, now, the old man What you can do is to repair books and canals! The court has become what it is today, don’t blame the old ministers, but who is to blame!” Ying Zheng's eyes flashed suddenly: "Dare to ask Father Zhong, is there something new?" "Yesterday's new edict, my lord, let's read it." Lu Buwei opened the copper box on the desk, took out a volume and handed it over.Yingzheng unfolded the bamboo slips, and saw a few lines of big characters on the imperial edict with the empress dowager's seal: "Edict of the Empress Dowager Regent: Chang Xin Hou Lai Ai is loyal and diligent in state affairs, and 130,000 households in Taiyuan County are added to his fiefdom. Also check, Wenxin Hou Lu Buwei The government of the country was neglected, and the Marquis of Changxin took over the state affairs as a fake father, and the prime minister's government should report to the Marquis of Changxin for official affairs. In the spring of the eighth year of King Qin." "It's just a few pieces of bamboo, did the old Qin people listen to him?" Ying Zheng smiled contemptuously. "Qin people are also human beings, don't take it lightly, Your Majesty." Lu Buwei spoke sternly, and then talked about internal and external changes that Ying Zheng was not aware of.Since Lai Ai jumped up suddenly, a group of officials and servants who had been rewarded by him ran around wantonly, using the banner of the Queen Mother to win over forces for Lai Ai.That Lao Ai set up a "Famous Scholars Academy" covering an area of ​​1,000 mu in Shanyang, the feudal land, and declared: "Today I will be my guest, and in the future I will be Qin Gongqing!" There are many ministers, but there are quite a few big officials in charge of the real power in the various departments. If you count together the scholars who have taken refuge in the six countries of Shandong, there are already more than two thousand Lai Ai disciples.Unbelievably, the Empress Dowager also issued a special edict: All the palaces, gardens, and treasuries of the Qin Kingdom can be enjoyed by Chang Xinhou at will and can be transferred by transfer of goods!Taking advantage of this kindness, this year Lao Ai set up a "Martial Artist Hall" in Taiyuan County, wantonly accepting Hu warriors and Central Plains rangers. There are now more than 3,000 people, hunting and fighting all day long. The county confiscated chariot and horse labor, which caused a lot of nuisance.The straight-minded governor of Taiyuan couldn't bear it, and he had written to Lu Buwei three times to request his resignation from Taiyuan. Lai Ai had a cavalry team of thousands of people in charge of guards, running between the fiefdom and the queen mother's palace, frequently issuing orders to various government offices other than the prime minister's mansion with "regent queen mother edict" and "changxinhou order".Lai Ai took charge of the government and never came to Xianyang to be a council member. She only wrote official documents and issued edicts at will in the "palace" where she hunted and played everywhere.Lai Ai's edicts almost all focus on two things: one is to promote cronies, and the other is to oppress the six countries to donate money to him.In addition, all orders related to serious state affairs are against Lu Buwei: the prime minister's mansion wants to repair the pass, and the "empress dowager" orders to stop the collection of people's power; the prime minister's mansion wants to check the treasury, and the "empress dowager" seals the treasury; The Prime Minister's Mansion wanted to clean up the administration of officials, and the "Empress Dowager's Edict" stopped the promotion and demotion of officials...and so on, none of Lu Buwei's decrees could be followed.Under such a chaotic situation, the officials of the various government offices in Xianyang were at a loss as to what to do, so there was a ballad saying: At present, in the thirteenth office of the Prime Minister's Mansion alone, there is a backlog of more than a hundred state affairs documents that are completely inconsistent with orders and cannot be implemented.What's more, the six countries in Shandong have already sensed the chaos in Qin State, and tried to help Lai Ai and overthrow Lu Buwei.The scouts have found out that some counselors in the state of Wei have already made a plan for King Jingmin of Wei: cede the land for three hundred miles in order to increase his strength, so that the state of Qin can depose or kill Lu Buwei!Lu Buwei originally wanted to take this opportunity to make a large-scale march on Wei, but he thought that if the "Empress Dowager's Edict" came to stop it, it would be self-defeating, so he had no choice but to bear it... "In such a chaotic situation, Father Zhong just sits on the sidelines?" "If you want to be powerless, you can't help but sigh!" After being silent for a long time, Yingzheng said abruptly: "There is nothing wrong with urgent difficulties. Yingzheng took the liberty to speculate: With Zhongfu's ability, it is by no means powerless. Zhongfu puts his hands back, and is afraid of throwing a mouse! And the queen mother is also worried about the shame of the former king, and even more worried about the ups and downs of Yingzheng in the future! Therefore, Zhongfu can only wait and see. But?" "..." Faced with Ying Zheng's bluntness, Lu Buwei fell silent. Ying Zheng bowed down: "I beg today, begging Father Zhong for permission!" Lu Buwei hurried forward to support him: "Old minister, but obey the king's orders." Yingzheng got up and bowed solemnly again: "I just ask my father Zhong to support me to be in charge of the crown sword, and then even if there are thousands of difficulties and dangers, Yingzheng will have nothing to fear!" Lu Buwei smiled relievedly: "This is the duty of the old minister. How can I ask for help? If the King of Qin is not in charge, Lu Buwei's name as Zhongfu is not ridiculous!" Ying Zheng couldn't help being excited, he gnashed his teeth and said, "But if Zhongfu agrees, why worry about that pig and dog like Lai Ai!" Lu Buwei smiled lightly and said: "Your Majesty, don't be impatient, just keep in mind the eight characters: the dark light is invisible, and you want to catch it." Yingzheng's eyes flashed suddenly: "Father Zhong said that it will fuel Lai Ai's ambition?" Lu Buwei said emotionally: "The power If you are full, you will have a wild heart. Based on the experience of veteran officials, those who do not know the heights of the sky and the depths of the earth must be impatient. After the law is ruled, there will be no future troubles. If the law is first, there is no way to eradicate the roots. The king, but treat it as usual, don’t worry about the old ministers!" Yingzheng cried out: "Father Zhong's words made Mao Sai suddenly enlightened. Yingzheng bid farewell." Standing up and bowing, he went with Wang Wan. At dusk, Lu Buwei came to a small courtyard deep in Menke Garden. Li Si looked at Wen Xinhou who came alone in surprise, and quickly got up from the desk to salute, and quickly brought a clay pot to make tea.Lu Buwei sat in front of the desk and looked at the hill-like files on the desk, shaking his hands and laughing: "Li Si, I don't have to do anything, I just sit down and talk." Li Si was alert, put down the clay pot and sat down respectfully Opposite the only book case in the book.Lu Buwei smiled kindly: "Li Si, how do you feel about being an old man's housekeeper?" Li Si thought for a while and said, "It's okay." With just two words, he stopped talking. "Speaking against one's will, you are an upright celebrity!" Lu Buwei nodded in approval and said with a smile, "In my opinion, Li Si is talented, the director is good at academics, what do you think?" Li Stan said: "What Wen Xinhou said is very true. Burying the book case is a shortcoming of Si. However, Li Si is still competent in compiling such a wide range of books." Lu Buwei sighed: "It is a pity to force a great talent to bury the case!" Li Si He couldn't help but look at him with a flash: "There are many disagreements between Si and all the guests. Does Wen Xinhou want to teach me?" Lu Buwei smiled leisurely: "My son is so quick to think too much! The old man's intention is to make his talents as real as they are, and he has no other intentions." Li Si He bowed his hands generously: "Marquis Wenxin has a mission, and it is his duty!" Lu Buwei shook his head and said, "It's not a mission, but a real inquiry. The old man wants to make you do a real job. However, since this matter has to be done hard, it will be useless for a while. I just don't know what you want?" Li Si said decisively: "Scholars have to do everything hard to make meritorious deeds! Scholars stand up and don't seek temporary gains!" "Good!" Lu Buwei slapped the desk, "Qin will open the world's largest Can you know the river?" Li Si shook his head in surprise: "The largest river in the world? I've never heard of it!" Lu Buwei smiled brightly: "It turns out that God helped Qin, so why did I expect such a good thing to come to my door!" After laughing for a while, Lu Buwei talked about the reason for planning this canal project. During the beginning of autumn last year, a strange man came to the prime minister's mansion to ask to see Lu Buwei.At that time, the sky was clear, but the man was wearing a bamboo hat and coir raincoat, a pair of straw sandals under his feet, and an iron staff in his hand. His complexion was dark and dusty, like an ascetic.Lu Buwei couldn't help laughing teasingly: "It's really far-sighted to plan for the rainy day!" The man said coldly: "This is the law of our school, it has nothing to do with rain or shine, and Wen Xinhou is wrong to laugh!" Lu Buwei quickly got up from his seat and arched: "One step Mo family? Farm family?” He only said coldly: “Shuigong.” Lu Buwei immediately invited the unsmiling waterworker to take a seat, and ordered the boy servant to serve herbal tea to cool off the guests.During the serving of tea, the water worker said a few words, so firm and clean that there was no extra word: "My name is Zheng Guo. Korean water worker. Shandong has no country to control water, so I came to Qin State." After finishing speaking, he did not raise his head He drank continuously until the large earthen pot of herbal tea was exhausted, without even looking at Lu Buwei.Lu Buwei thought about it for a while, and said with a faint smile: "How is your ability to control water with one step compared to Li Bing?" Zheng Guo also only said in a few words: "Li Bing is okay, but the rest is not enough." Lu Buwei laughed in surprise: "I have neglected Li Bing with one step, Contemptuous of the world, did you ever rule the river with Dayu?" Zheng Guo said coldly: "If he was born at the time, he might not have ruled the river." Lu Buwei couldn't help laughing: "You look down on the past and the present, but I have never seen it in my life! Let me tell you first, has there ever been any achievement in water control?" Zheng Guo lit his iron stick and said: "I lead Zhang to irrigate the twelve canals of Ye, and I will finish the six canals. If you have no heart and no power, it is not Zheng who can't control the floods!" Lu Buwei couldn't help being astonished. Leading Zhangzhou to irrigate Ye is a huge water control project started by Ximenbao, the order of Yecheng in the time of Wei Wenhou, and it was not completed until Shigong, the order of Yecheng in the reign of King Xiang of Wei. It took four generations and more than a hundred years to build twelve large canals. , Wei Hanoi became rich from this.Honggou is an artificial river dug by the State of Wei. It leads the river from the outside of the beam to the south and enters Yingshui. The total length is more than 300 miles.The Han River passed through Ying and entered Yunmeng, which was the largest water control project of Chu State in the middle of the Warring States period.After Bai Qi seized the old capital of Chu State, the capital of Chu State was moved to the northeast bank of Yunmeng Lake to establish a new capital city still called Yingdu, and diverted the Han River to pass through Ying and enter Yunmeng Lake, making the waterway of Yingdu unblocked.Such three major flood control projects are all shocking to the world. It is not easy for Ren Neng to get one of them. Zheng Guoneng won three, how could he not hear his name? "There is nothing wrong with water engineering." Zheng Guo obviously understood Lu Buwei's mind, and pointed his iron staff earnestly, "I am a water engineer, and I have never served in military service. I only survey ditches and ditches waterways and overcome construction problems, so the name of the project does not have the name of Zheng Guo. It's no wonder that the public doesn't know me. If you judge a matter with your own knowledge, you will fail!" After saying these longest sentences, he stood up and left. "Wait a minute, sir!" Lu Buwei hurriedly stopped Zheng Guo, bowing solemnly at the head, "Please forgive me for not being able to understand water affairs. Since you have the ambition to control water, there must be room for Qin to expand. You can settle down first, let me choose." How about a group of officials assisting you to survey the water situation in Qin State first?" "There is no need to investigate. Qin State's water conditions are well known to Zheng State." "So dare to ask Mr.: What should be the first way to govern the waters of Qin Dynasty?" "The solution to the drought in Qinchuan and the barrenness of fertile land is the first." "How to solve it?" "Introducing the Jingjing into the Weiwei, the long canal traverses the east and west, the flood and drought can be solved, and the salinity can be eliminated." "How long is he?" "It's more than four hundred miles from east to west." "How much labor is needed? When will it be completed?" "One hundred thousand, hundreds of thousands, more than a million. Tens of years, ten years, five or seven years." Lu Buwei pondered for a moment and said: "Sir, wait a little more than a month, let me make a decision." "Yueyu?" A sneer twitched from the corner of Zheng Guo's mouth, "Within half a year, I will be at Jingshui Hukou. If there is no break for half a year, don't look for me again. Farewell." With a tap of the iron stick, he strode out of the hall. That night, Lu Buwei visited Cai Ze, who had been plotting to control the water in Qinchuan in the past.The descendant of the Jiran faction was full of emotion: "It is God's will! Qin Chuan's water control was initiated by Shang Jun for more than a hundred years. After seven kings and eight ministers, including the old man, nothing has been accomplished! Today's mention of Qin Chuan's water control is at the right time. How lucky is Xinhou?" Lu Buwei laughed and said, "What does Mr. Gang Cheng mean by saying that the times are meeting?" Cai Ze said, "Qinchuan has not been able to control the water for a hundred years. There are three reasons: First, there are frequent wars and the power of the people cannot be tolerated. Gather; secondly, the government treasury is not abundant, and the goods cannot be divided into two parts; thirdly, there is a severe shortage of hydraulic engineering, and Li Bing cannot be taken care of at the same time. There is no way to stretch the art! Today, the Qin State is free from war and chaos, wealth is abundant, the people can gather together, and there are world-renowned water workers who come to your door. Isn’t the time just right!” After a long silence, Lu Buwei resolutely said: “Qin Chuan If there is no water control, Qin will not be rich, even if there is war or chaos, Lu Buwei will do his best!" Cai Ze shouted again and again, and finally said proudly: "Your school selects other talents, and I will become the prime minister of Hequ! " Lu Buwei quickly smiled and comforted him: "Gang Chengjun has profound knowledge and great insight, and it is his duty to promote the great cause of civilization! The affairs of the rivers and canals are too busy, so I will leave them to the younger generations." Reluctantly no longer argue. ... "Wen Xinhou, Li Si is willing to lead the canal affairs!" "This matter is no small matter." Lu Buwei felt that Li Si saw the matter very quickly, so he immediately talked about the matter, "Although the canal has not been launched, the preliminary planning is the foundation. It’s all up to you! And once the rivers and canals are opened, the power of the people will be hundreds of thousands, hundreds of thousands, or even more than a million. It also involves various practical matters such as county and county expropriation, river canal dispatching, basic necessities, merit inspection, and government agency mediation. The state of Zheng is not good at governing and dispatching, but since it is a water control project, it has to be headed by the leader to show the authority of the hydraulic engineering. Although the person in charge of affairs is only an assistant to the deputy, he has to take overall control, arrange and dispatch... Li Sihe, the director is the deputy of the people, you Can you bear it?" "Even if you are a soldier, you should also make meritorious service, not to mention the right to be a deputy!" "Okay!" Lu Buwei praised the case, "I have this ambition, there is no limit!" The next day, Li Si handed over all the desk affairs of the academy, and then went to the Prime Minister's Office of History to handle official documents.When he walked out of the prime minister's mansion, Li Si couldn't help but admire Lu Buwei greatly.It turned out that the prime minister's mansion had already received an order from the regent's father, Zhongfu, to make Li Siren the prime minister of Hequ, with a salary equal to that of a county guard, six hundred and six hundred shi grains and wheat a year.Cheng, the general name of Zuoguan (Deputy).The general rule of the Warring States Period: "Cheng" in the official office is the assistant official who is in charge of the affairs of the official office and is responsible to the chief official;The official tail and the head of the official are the big officials.The difference in the Qin State is that all officials at the beginning are without a title, and after they have made meritorious service, they are determined according to their merit; Therefore, his salary is only "equal to XX".Li Si knew the laws of the Qin State like the back of his hand, and he clearly knew that the highest salary of a new official in the Qin State was "equal to the county magistrate".To make him equal to the county guard's salary is really a big break!Li Si, who was born as a commoner in the state of Chu, was also a small town official, and he has never forgotten the difficult living conditions. Today, he is in charge of the government with the salary of the governor of Hehe County. How can he not be moved? However, after all, Li Si has a thorough understanding of things and knows that rewards must have heavy responsibilities, and this high official of the county guard's salary is by no means an easy task.When he returned to Menkeyuan, Li Si immediately packed his green cloth package, left a book for Wen Xinhou, and then moved to the Xinli Posthouse.Ten days later, Li Si selected the thirteen minor officials appointed by Lu Buwei, and took a group of people to Hukou in Jingshui. After Lu Buwei arranged the start-up of the canal, another big event happened immediately. At twilight, Mohu sent an urgent report: Widow Qing had returned to Fengjing Valley, suffering from severe cold and fever on the way.Lu Buwei immediately rushed to Fengjing Valley overnight.It turned out that Mo Hu had been ordered to guard the Marquis in Fengjing Valley for three months before the widow Qing came from the north of Berkshire.The reason why Lu Buwei was eager to see the widow Qing was to clarify a secret: what is the origin of that Lai Ai who came to join Lu Buwei's family with a wide slip with the word "Qing" in her hand?By the time I got off the boat and climbed the mountain, it was already the first time.Shankou's military servant stopped Lu Buwei, saying that the master was not in the mountain.Lu Buwei took out a black jade eagle card from the big leather box at his waist and said coldly: "This is the supreme order of the King of Qin, the general still has to obey the order, let alone the merchants of the Qin State?" Then go to report.A while later, the elders of the Fang family came to welcome Lu Buwei in person and took Lu Buwei's master and servant into the mountaintop manor. The huge main hall was empty, and there was a faint smell of herbs.Before Lu Buwei was seated, he heard a slight sound behind the big screen. Two maids pushed a couch with a hanging curtain and walked out from the thick carpet, and stopped firmly on the steps in front of the big screen.An old panting and a familiar voice came from the couch: "Marquis Wenxin, are you here?" Lu Buwei cupped his hands solemnly and said, "I don't know if Mrs. Qing is sick, so it's a lot of trouble." After a good word from the couch, he saw two maids The curtains have been hung on the couch posts on both sides, and the widow in black lying on her back revealing half of her ugly face is clearly in sight! "lady……" Widow Qing stared at the roof and panted heavily, "I know all about the situation. What I say today, my heart is against heaven. Since Marquis Wen Xin has the power to seize life and death, Yu Tianqing is willing to suffer any punishment." "Mrs. Qing, this is the end of the matter, even if I kill you, what good will it do?" Lu Buwei cupped his hands sadly, "In the past, Buwei Nian you lived alone and indignantly and stood upright. Doing good deeds is to show the name of my wife by Chen Ming King Qin and building Huai Qingtai. My wife mentioned that her nephew wanted to enter an official career, and Bu Wei also helped. Those who don't want to vote for me with the word "Qing" wide slips, actually Such a character! Dare to ask Madam to tell the truth: Who is Lai Ai? Is Madam a nephew? Is the cronies impersonating? What is the source of her evil nature?" "Serve tea." The widow Qing ordered, panting slightly, "Yu Tianqing's time is short, there is no need to hide it. Please take a seat, Marquis Wenxin, and let me speak with a clear mind." After speaking, she patted the couch lightly At the bar, a maid brought a copper plate with one cup and one bowl.Another maid picked up a red pill from the jade cup and put it into the master's mouth, and then slowly poured two spoonfuls of water from the jade bowl with a thin-handled long spoon into the master's mouth.The widow cleared her throat and swallowed it. She closed her eyes and took a breath for a moment. Her articulateness improved a lot, and she let out a long sigh and told a story with twists and turns—— Among the Fang clan, Yu Tianqing's husband's family is the main line of the direct line.Yu Tianqing's unmarried husband had two brothers, the eldest son was born to his regular wife, while the husband was born to a young concubine later, there was a huge difference in age.The husband was only twenty-six years old when he died suddenly in Yunmengze Fuzhou, but his elder brother was already over forty years old.At that time, Fang's family business was prosperous in both places, and Weng Gong's main wife, who was well-versed in business, stayed in Linzi most of the time to serve as Dansha inspector of the trading company.As soon as the eldest son was born, Duke Weng and his wife made an agreement: mother and son would stay in Qi State together, one would take care of the business company, and the other would supervise the son to practice business as soon as possible, so as to be in charge of the Fang family in the future.Mr. Weng himself took a few old deacons to manage the Berkshire Pill Cave.A few years later, the trusted deacon of Linzi Trading Co., Ltd. secretly reported: the eldest son has too much study, and the mistress is unable to supervise the class. Please return to Linzi to make a decision.Mr. Weng hurried back to Linzi, only to find out that his son had a quirk: he was fond of alchemists and all sorts of esoteric arts. Qiuxian and so on, all followed diligently, rarely entered the study room, let alone stepped into the trading company.After many investigations, no one knows what the reason is.After some deliberation, Mr. Weng decided that it was caused by the alchemists in the clan, so he took his son to the alchemy point of Bajun and supervised it himself.Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered Berkshire, the young man was dying of sickness, vomiting and diarrhea.Weng Gong decided that the water and soil were unacceptable, so he prescribed several doses of medicine and taught his son to take it.Unexpectedly, several months passed, but the son remained the same, unable to leave the bed at all.An old doctor said that this is a heart-qi disease, and it will lead to premature death after a long time.Weng Gong had no choice but to send his son back to Linzi.From then on, Linzi kept sending letters from the principal wife, saying that her son had changed his career and returned to the profession, and that he had made great progress in studying business every day.Weng Gong was pleased, so he buried his head in business affairs again.Unexpectedly, a few years later, Linzi's trusted deacon came to report again: the son has become a stubborn person, addicted to alchemists all day long, but he trembles when he talks about business and learning; if he doesn't try, this son will be ruined!Weng Gong was greatly astonished, seeing that his son was about to be crowned, how can this go on?Immediately Xingye hurried back to Linzi, upon questioning, the old wife had never written such and such a letter, and the six letters she sent were urgent, but Bajun never received it!Weng Gong felt that something was wrong, but he didn't care to think about it carefully. He angrily took his son back from the alchemist, and immediately invited a strong and famous scholar to supervise his son. No one could have imagined that the young master disappeared on the night the teacher arrived at the library! Weng Gong searched for the money in every possible way, but there was no trace.In anger, Mr. Weng left his first wife and returned to Bajun alone. Two years later, he gave birth to a second son with a lovely young concubine, who was Yu Tianqing's future husband.In the year of her husband's coronation, there is still no news of her elder brother.Weng Gong finally despaired and resolutely made the youngest son his wife.Until Weng Gong was tortured and killed, her husband was sent back to the boat, and Yu Tianqing took charge of the affairs bravely, the eldest son of the Fang family was still in trouble. Time passed by, and when Yu Tianqing was already in his prime, a great alchemist from the Qi Kingdom arrived in Berkshire unexpectedly.Historically, most of the alchemists in the Qi State came from the Fang clan. When a great alchemist entered Pakistan, he would naturally meet with the Fang clan and worship at the clan temple.Within ten days, all the ceremonies were completed, and the alchemist solemnly announced an astonishing prophecy: within a hundred years, the Fang family will suffer a catastrophe!The people of the clan were terrified and appealed for disaster relief at the same time.The alchemist pondered for a while, and finally agreed.According to the calamity prevention law issued by the great alchemist, Yu Tianqing should fast for three days, and lie alone in the secret room of the family temple on the day of the day, listening to the will of heaven.On that day, Yu Tianqing entered the secret room of the family temple from midnight, waiting for the disaster relief in the morning.Unexpectedly, at the fourth watch, Yu Tianqing couldn't help but blurred past.Half asleep, half awake, like a dream, Yu Tianqing saw a door magically opened by the stone wall of the secret room, and a white-haired alchemist in cassock seemed to float in leisurely from the clouds! "Yu Tianqing, do you know who this old man is?" "have no idea……" "Fifty years ago, the eldest son of the Fang family disappeared, you should know." "I know..." "This old man is the eldest son of the Fang family. You are my brother's wife." "Ah……" "Fang's catastrophe should be in the family of Yin people. I think you will be a virgin all your life and support Fang's celibacy. I forgive you on behalf of the heavens. However, you have to do one thing well. Otherwise, this disaster will not be avoided." "Ah……" "There is a descendant, but if he enters the Qin Dynasty as a marquis and pays homage to him, everything will be fine." "who……" "This old man's own son was born with a Hu girl sixteen years ago." "Alas……" "Don't be surprised. After all, this old man has a physical body, and he is not free from vulgarity. The old man's path may not be followed by everyone. Although this son is mediocre and foolish, he has a noble destiny. The old man wants to use your strength to fulfill this worldly wish, and he will eventually be right. His glory too." "what……" When I woke up in the morning, the disaster relief was over, and the holy alchemist had already drifted away like a cloud.Two years later, a dark and rough man arrived at Berjundan Cave. The strong fishy smell mixed with the smell of grass and horse dung came out, clearly showing his way.Yu Tianqing covered his nose and frowned, and took a pottery bottle that the man held over.A few elixirs in the pottery vase are a square inch of bamboo, and on the bamboo slices are eight small bright red characters - Lai Ai, my son, there should be a Marquis!Yu Tianqing sighed, and left this man who was as thick and stupid as a herdsman.From then on, Yu Tianqing began to plan step by step: while asking a shrewd deacon to teach Lao Ai some superficial reading and literacy skills, and to polish the unbearable vulgar behavior of that servant; The careful foreshadowing of the minister's path.Handan had to meet Lu Buwei who entered the green building and spent a lot of money to search for kabuki, so Yu Tianqing began to pay attention to Lu Buwei.When it was time to secretly discover the unusual alliance between Lu Buwei and Ying Yiren, Yu Tianqing began to work hard without any trace.After Lu Buwei entered the Qin Dynasty, Yu Tianqing did not hesitate to give a lot of money to help Lu Buwei at several critical moments, in order to one day fulfill this evil wish that was not really his intention but had to be fulfilled... “然则，文信侯请秦王筑怀清台，老身却是始料未及也！”寡妇清幽幽叹息了一声，“我以邪道谋秦，秦却以正道待我，玉天清虽悔无及矣！” 一路听来，吕不韦牙关咬得几乎出血。一个商旅部族，竟能为如此荒诞的理由大抛举族积财耗时二十年去达成一个令人齿冷的目标，结局却又是如此背离初衷，令所有参与其中者尽皆蒙羞而追悔莫及，当真匪夷所思也！一时之间吕不韦啼笑皆非，竟是一句话也说不出来，默然良久，方冷冷问得一句：“嫪毐那厮，可有邪术？” “天意也！”寡妇清一拍榻栏，说起了后来的故事。 自嫪毐与太后的丑行秘密传开，寡妇清大为震惊，念及秦国厚待，更是愧疚于心。三年前，寡妇清将方氏族业悉数安置就绪，便亲自带着一支包罗各色人才的商旅马队北上胡地，决意查清嫪毐其人。三年中，寡妇清与斥候执事们遍访草原匈奴与诸胡部族，终于清楚了嫪毐底细。原来，当年的大方士带着三十六名少年弟子，应匈奴老单于之约北上炼丹护生，并为老单于祈祷长生。老单于派了八个壮美的少女奴隶，专一侍奉大方士饮食起居。大方士与八个女奴同居一帐，夜夜以令女奴惊叹呻吟的神术做阴阳采补，一年后，竟齐刷刷生下了十三个肥重均在十斤之上的儿子！老单于哈哈大笑，直赞叹大方士一头好公猪，竟能使八头母猪同日生崽，此等公猪术定要传给老夫！大方士尽知胡人习俗，非但毫无难堪，竟然立即开始住进老单于大帐，召来老单于二十余名妻妾，日夜传授采补神术。谁料半年之后，大方士的十三个儿子竟如生时一般，一日之内又齐刷刷地夭亡了！面对老单于与牧民们的冲冲怒火，大方士无地自容，便在月黑风高的夜晚丢下一具狼吞的假尸，也丢下了三十六名弟子，孤身逃离了匈奴草原。 逃至阴山南麓，大方士又在一个林胡部族住了下来，图谋招收弟子以重返中原。其时恰逢林胡头领患了不举之症，大方士人到病除，老头领重振雄风，便慷慨地赏赐给了大方士十名少年胡女。大方士这次却坚执不受，只讨了一名老头领最不待见的妻子。此女年近三十，丰满壮硕，被老头领掳掠入帐时便已经是另一部族头领的已婚女奴了。大方士这次小心从事，只在最不得已时通神采补一番。想不到的是，一年后，这个头领妻子还是生下了一个肥壮的儿子。大方士不意得此一子，竟视为天意，钟爱有加。然要操持方士神业，尤其要做天主大方士，有得一个儿子终是为业规所不容。思忖一番，大方士便给这个儿子取了一个怪异的名字——嫪毐，叮嘱其生母着意抚养，届时他自会前来照应。 十年之后，大方士秘密回到阴山，给嫪毐母子带来了足以成为牧主的一车财货。出于自幼癖好，大方士检视了儿子全身，却是喟然一叹：“此子无恙，惟阳卑微也！大丈夫横行天下，无伟岸物事，何得其乐哉！”于是，大方士施展了自己独有的壮阳缩阴密术，一年之间，使少年嫪毐拥有了一宗罕见的伟岸物事。后来，这大方士每年必到阴山一次，只着意秘密传授嫪毐的强身采补之法。有得此等邪父，嫪毐自十五岁开始，便成了草原少女避之惟恐不及的阴山大虫…… “狗彘不食！”吕不韦不禁狠狠骂了一句。 “我已练得百名死士。不杀此獠，我心难甘！” “夫人大错也！”吕不韦断然一摆手，“今日之嫪毐，非昔日之嫪毐也！既成国事，自当以国法处置。此子虽根基不正，然若不作乱祸国，取悦于太后未尝不可也。若其作乱发难，邦国自有法度。私刑侠杀，纵合道义，却违法度。更有甚者，此等私刑只能帮得倒忙，一旦不能得手，反使嫪毐一党愈发猖狂为害，实则乱上添乱，夫人万莫轻举也！” “然则物议汹汹，文信侯执法，得无投鼠忌器之顾忌乎？” “夫人差矣！”吕不韦慨然拍案，“功业不容苟且，谋国何计物议！吕不韦已然一错，何能再错？”吕不韦粗重地喘息一声，又低声道，“夫人当知，吕不韦与太后有昔年情愫。然国法在前，岂能顾得许多？更兼今日一谈，方知此獠本真邪恶。吕不韦纵以义道为本，亦当有依法惩恶护国涉险之志也！” “文信侯，老身拭目以待了。” “夫人但挺得病体过去，自有水落石出也！告辞。” 回到文信学宫，吕不韦径直到了蔡泽庭院，将与寡妇清会晤的经过备细说了一遍，蔡泽听得感慨不已。末了，吕不韦对蔡泽说出了一个一路思忖的决断：挺身而出，力促秦王加冠亲政！蔡泽大是惊讶，思忖一番忧心忡忡提醒道：“秦王奉法过甚，主见过人。我等大兴文华化秦，最要紧者便是化秦王于同道。如今，秦王是否与文信侯同心同道，尚不分明。若得一朝亲政，又来另路，岂非后患？”吕不韦慨然道：“政道者，以时论事也，权衡利害也！嫪毐如此邪恶根基，分明我等死敌。此獠目下已经成势，若不夺其权力，我等必为其所杀也！身死国乱，毕生心血毁于此等邪物之手，卑污之极，宁如自裁！而制约嫪毐，惟扶持秦王可也！至于日后秦王如何，纲成君，只能另当别论了。” 眼见吕不韦泪光莹然，蔡泽默然良久，终是一声叹息。 一番计议，两人将学宫诸事安置妥当，已经是天色大亮了。匆匆用了早膳，吕不韦便驱车回了丞相府。各署闲散当值的吏员们深为惊讶，纷纷聚来长史署探听意向。吕不韦闻声出来站上台阶，一拱手慨然道：“诸位，老夫年来荒疏政务，深为惭愧也！自今日起，老夫坐守丞相府，与诸位一起当值，能做得一件事便做得一件事，决不苟且！”吏员们便是一阵惊愕，相互打量着议论纷纷。 “各署照旧运转。”吕不韦正色下令，“凡经老夫批示之公文，各署照令实施！但有梗阻，皆依秦法办理。纠缠不下者，禀报国正监与廷尉府共同裁决。老夫倒要看看，何人敢在秦国违法乱政也！” “文信侯万岁！”自感窝囊日久的吏员们一片欢呼，顿时精神大振，甚话不说便疾步匆匆散开回了各自官署。半日之间，在外消遣的吏员们也纷纷闻讯赶回，丞相府便又恢复了往昔的紧张忙碌。 吕不韦回到久违的政务书房，一时感慨良多无法入案，便到后进寝室沐浴了一番。及至换得一身干爽袍服出来，吕不韦自觉精神振作了许多，便坐进书案，铺开一张羊皮纸又提起大笔，开始将早已在心头蹦窜的话语一字一字地钉了上去： 一时得罢，吕不韦长吁一声搁笔起身，唤进了长史吩咐道：“此上书，除依式呈送雍城太后宫外，抄刻送全部国府大臣与王族老臣，当即办理。”长史领命，将案头墨迹未干的羊皮纸放入铜盘捧起，便匆匆到书简坊去了。三日之后，吕不韦上书在咸阳所有官署与大臣府邸传开，情势立即有了微妙的变化。大臣们始而惊愕，继而便是纷纷然议论。 “是也！秦王业已二十一岁，该行加冠礼了！” “三辕各辙，政出多门，不乱才怪也！” “秦王亲政，一国事，万事整顺！” “文信侯乃摄政仲父，竟有这等吁请，大节操也！” “吕不韦不揽权，有公心，大义也！” “说归说，此事做来却难！” “是也！此信彼信，仲父假父，奈何？” “鸟！那厮能与文信侯比了？” “不然也！那厮不行，可那厮物事行也！” “物事再行又能如何，靠那物事成事么？可笑也！” ... 纷纷嚷嚷之际，大臣们都掂出了吕不韦这卷上书非同寻常的份量。且不说吕不韦三安交接危局已经载入史册的特有功绩，也不说秉承先王遗命以仲父之命摄政当国这份几乎与国君等同的权位，仅是这卷上书便使人陡然一震！细心的大臣们都注意到，寻常论事很少抬出秦法的吕不韦，这卷上书却是处处说法咄咄逼人，实在是温和理政的吕不韦一个罕见的例外！上书开首便申明君为国纲，其意何在？接着申明嬴政是先王依法所立，所指又何在？再申明国政多有荒疏错乱，所指何在？又申明“王年二十二岁加冠带剑”之秦法，并着意列出秦惠王、秦昭王二十二岁加冠亲政的成例，其意何在？上书言事，特加“吁请”二字，其意其指又何在？最后一句，将还政于秦王看作“于国于民之大幸也”，其寓意为何？ 如此等等反复揣摩聚议，王族大臣们便先忍不住了。被嫪毐骂为“老不死”的驷车庶长老嬴贲愤而出面奔走，联结王族大臣具名上书，历数历代秦王加冠成例，坚请次年为秦王行加冠大礼！接着便是纲成君蔡泽联结国正监、老廷尉等一班执法大臣具名上书，请以法度检视目下国事，为秦王加冠，以一国政。 偏在此时，一桩亘古未闻的奇事生出，秦国朝野顿时哗然！ 正在大涨秋水之时，鱼群竟从大河中溯流而上，黑压压涌入秦川渭水河道，从桃林高地的河口直抵栎阳咸阳连绵不断！河鱼大上的消息顷刻传遍秦中，老秦人人人称奇不已，不及思索便纷纷骑马赶着牛车到渭水两岸，一边在河边支锅起炊大咥，一边用牛车装鱼运回连吃带卖不亦乐乎。一时各色帐篷连绵撑起，大小锅灶炊烟连绵，渭水两岸三百里蔚为奇观！ 便在秦人不亦乐乎之时，游学秦国的阴阳家们发出了一片惊呼之声：“呜呼！豕虫之孽，秦为大害也！”一时传开，秦人心惊肉跳，渭水两岸的连绵帐篷炊烟竟哄然散得一干二净。接着更有森森然预言传开：鱼者，阴类也，臣民之象也；秦以水德，鱼上平地，水类失序，秦将有大灾异也！一时言之凿凿，秦国朝野骚动不宁，便纷纷将预兆归结为国政紊乱，渐渐弥漫出一片昂昂呼声：秦王亲政，国归其所！