Chapter 53: Zhao Gao-O Romance dos Tempos Qin(Macarrão de arroz ocasional)

"You flatter me, Your Majesty!"

"I never imagined that Your Majesty would be familiar with the writings of Xuanqing. It is truly Xuanqing's honor. Compared to Master Zhuang of the Daoist School from a century ago, Xuanqing's current realm still falls far short."

Raising his head slightly, he gazed directly at the man standing not far away. Though only nineteen years of age, he already exuded an extraordinary bearing and an extraordinary appearance. Dressed in dark robes with red borders, his facial features were remarkably steady and resolute, and every movement carried an added layer of natural majesty.

Wearing the imperial crown adorned with nine strings of pearls, his expression was joyous as he conversed directly with him. Although he had not yet fully consolidated supreme power, his words already revealed a subtle, intangible tyranny.

Perhaps none among the rulers of the various states could have imagined at this moment that this very man would bring an end to the centuries of warfare and pioneer the era of a unified Huaxia. Regardless of how history would unfold, his name would assuredly be etched into the eternal flow of time for thousands and tens of thousands of years to come.

Observing him closely, Xuanqing involuntarily felt a stirring of closeness, his blood pulsing with resonance. Both carried the blood of the old Qin people, sharing the same origin. Although their mothers were different, they were both sired by the late King Zhuangxiang.

Ying Zheng was born to the late King's favored concubine, Lady Zhao; Lord Chang'an, Chengjiao, was born to the favored concubine, Lady Ziyu; while he himself was born to the late King's consort, Lady Zhou. It was a pity, however, that the other two young princes had fallen into the hands of the Luo Wang network.

"Haha! Master Xuanqing is merely a youth, yet he has already subdued the two great Protectors of the Yin-Yang School. In time, reaching the realm of Zhuang Zhou or even surpassing it is by no means impossible."

"For some reason, the moment I first laid eyes on the Master, I felt an inexplicable sense of affinity. It seems I share a deep affinity with the Master! Upon entering Qin, the Master shall hold a rank equivalent to that of a Senior Minister, and be granted a palace token allowing free entry and exit, as well as the authority to guard the Qin palace!"

King Zheng of Qin laughed heartily, his hands clasped behind his back. As he looked upon Master Xuanqingzi of the Daoist Heavenly Clan standing before him, a sudden sense of leisure arose within him, accompanied by a rather peculiar expression. If one were to claim the other had employed some sort of trickery, that was utterly out of the question.

The Eastern Emperor had once said that the ruler of a state stands at the very core of his country, blessed by the accumulated momentum of the realm, making it impervious to external forces, especially unorthodox arts. Since it was not the result of external influence, it must be something born entirely of nature.

After casting a deep look at the Daoist Master Xuanqingzi before him, he shifted his gaze to the Guiguxian, Gai Nie. Judging by his age, Gai Nie was even a few years younger than himself. Yet, as a disciple of Guigu who had descended the mountains, his martial prowess was in no way inferior to any previous generation of Guigu disciples who had stepped out into the world.

"When they rage, the feudal lords tremble; when they dwell in peace, the realm rests!" Such was the destiny of every disciple of Guigu. Now that a Guigu disciple had entered Qin, it was a clear sign of Qin's growing strength. Because of this, much of the irritation he had felt earlier over Chengjiao's rebellion dissipated.

"The Vertical and Horizontal paths of Guigu span heaven and earth, uniting and fracturing alliances. Master Gai Nie's choice of Qin is truly a supreme blessing for our state. Years ago, Lord Zhang met and understood King Huiwen, laying the firm foundation for Qin's rise to power."

"And now that Master Gai Nie has entered Qin, I eagerly look forward to working alongside you to forge a magnificent new era for our Great Qin!"

Disciples of Guigu had always been highly regarded by the various states. For hundreds of years, looking back upon the history of the realm, the shadow of a Guigu disciple could be found behind every major event. Now, Gai Nie of Guigu had entered Qin to serve as the state's Chief Swordsman, which was the highest glory for Qin.

Instantly, his expression filled with profound anticipation. Cupping his hands together, he bowed deeply to Gai Nie—a reception that neither the two great Protectors of the Yin-Yang School nor Master Xuanqingzi of the Heavenly Clan had ever received. It was a courtesy reserved for a scholar of utmost distinction.

"Looking at the states today, the situation is clear. Qin stands alone in strength, and the unification of all under heaven is within reach!"

"Gai Nie is willing to attend by the King of Qin's side and witness the final splendor of the various states!"

These words struck straight at the deepest desire hidden within the King of Qin's heart. As far back as the era of Lord Zhang, it had been proclaimed to King Huiwen of Qin that the state must enrich its people, march east out of Hangu Pass, conquer the rival states, and achieve the grand undertaking.

Now, through the reigns of King Wu, King Zhaoxiang, King Xiaowen, and the late King Zhuangxiang, a century had passed. Qin's national power was rising day by day, while the eastern states were growing steadily weaker.

Thus, the opportunity to forge the grand enterprise had finally arrived. Once internal hidden troubles were eradicated, Qin could pour forth from Hangu Pass, eye the Central Plains like a crouching tiger, sweep away the six kingdoms, and accomplish the grandest feat in history.

"Master Gai Nie is truly worthy of being a disciple of Guigu! From this day forth, you shall hold the rank equivalent to a Senior Minister of Qin, staying close by my side to instruct me in the art of the sword!"

King Zheng of Qin was greatly delighted. Gai Nie's words echoed the grand ambitions he had long harbored in his heart. It was a pity that the domestic ministers wielding undue power had not yet been purged; how could he march out to conquer the states otherwise? Yet, that day would not be far off.

Immediately, he nodded firmly toward Gai Nie, who stood holding his sword, and directly bestowed upon him the rank of Senior Minister. It was an honor of supreme prestige. Although he lacked a substantive administrative post for the time being, attending closely by the King of Qin's side was, in certain respects, far more important than any substantive office.

"Understood!"

Gai Nie gripped his sword with both hands and bowed. To a disciple of Guigu, such honors meant little; as a minister of Qin, he would uphold the duties of Qin. He gave his assent in a deep, resolute voice.

"I never thought I would today behold the talents left behind by the Marquis of Ying. Lord Changwen has also exerted himself greatly for our Great Qin. With such men, why should Qin worry about failing to rise? From this day forth, I appoint the two of you as Palace Colonials, serving under the command of the Commandant of the Guard, Meng Wu, to take charge of the palace guards!"

Marquis Ying, Fan Ju, had entered Qin in the past to assist King Zhaoxiang, rendering monumental service in systematically purging the Chu-born consort faction led by Queen Dowager Xuan. During Qin's military campaigns against Zhao, he utilized a scheme of alienation to severely cripple Zhao, laying the groundwork for the subsequent Battles of Changping and Handan.

Although he later fell out of favor with King Zhaoxiang due to certain events, the Marquis's contributions to Qin were undeniable. Now that military talents left behind by him had come forward, they deserved to be carefully cultivated.

As for Li Xin, although he had been nurtured and educated by Lord Changwen, his martial valor could likewise be put to great use for Qin. Temporarily appointing him as a Palace Colonel would also allow for a close observation of his character and abilities, facilitating future appointments.

"Many thanks, Your Majesty!"

Joy flashed across the faces of Xin Sheng and Li Xin. They immediately bowed deeply. The position of Palace Colonel was a key office close to the King within the Qin palace; though not high in rank, it served as an excellent stepping stone. When Qin launched its campaigns against the other states in the future, they would be able to directly lead troops into battle and make a name for themselves.

"Hahaha! Lord Changping, I never expected you to introduce so many talents to our Qin. This is a monumental contribution and shall be duly recorded."

"Zhao Gao, pass down the word: I shall host a banquet at Xingle Palace for our state's palace protectors and palace swordsmen, accompanied by the Prime Minister, Lord Changping, Lord Changwen, Lord Gangcheng, and others!"

Although his anger over the affair of Fan Yuqi had not yet subsided, what kind of ripples could a mere Fan Yuqi possibly stir up? Nodding immediately toward Xin Sheng and Li Xin, he turned and strode toward the upper seat at the front of the hall. Overlooking the scene below, he issued his command directly to the Palace Attendant Zhao Gao, who was waiting close by.

"Understood!"

A steady voice replied. Then, retreating quietly, Zhao Gao swiftly and efficiently attended to the tasks commanded by the King of Qin.

However, these words caused Zhou Qing, standing in the lower ranks, to raise an eyebrow slightly. So that man was Zhao Gao. It seemed that the current Zhao Gao was merely a Palace Attendant, not yet the dreaded Director of the Carriage Office who would later wield the lethal instruments of the Luo Wang network.