AWB Chapter 90 Court Discussion
Chapter 90 Court Discussion
After the torrential rain, the sky was clear and the fresh air filled the earth, bringing life and vitality. Everything seemed to awaken from its slumber, bursting with life, everything thriving. Ying Wuyou pushed open the door, gently inhaled the fresh air, savoring its fragrance, feeling exceptionally relaxed and refreshed.
At this moment, Cui'er saw Ying Wuyou walk out of the room and went up to ask, "Princess, are you leaving the palace?" Ying Wuyou nodded slightly and replied with a smile, "Yes, I want to go to the estate to take a look." Her eyes revealed anticipation and longing.
Ying Wuyou boarded the carriage and headed towards the manor.
The atmosphere in the imperial court was solemn and dignified. King Qin sat high on the dragon throne, his eyes fixed intently on the assembled ministers below, his voice authoritative and resolute.
"Zhao Gao and Xu Fu have returned from overseas and reported some information to me. According to Zhao Gao, there is an island overseas called Baga Island, where the trees are tall and straight, the vegetation is lush and abundant, and the gold and silver mines are rich in resources. I intend to send an army to garrison this island. Which of you ministers do you think would be most suitable?" The King of Qin's words echoed in the hall, carrying a heavy weight.
The ministers exchanged glances, each lost in thought. This was a crucial task, requiring the selection of a capable and loyal general. A silence fell over the court as everyone weighed the pros and cons, considering the most suitable candidate.
In the imperial court, everyone was discussing the matter. At this moment, Prime Minister Wang Wan stepped forward and said with his hands clasped, "Your Majesty, I believe that sending Li Si's eldest son, Li You, is the most appropriate course of action."
King Ying Zheng of Qin frowned slightly and asked, "Oh? Why?"
Prime Minister Wang Wan replied calmly, “Li You is both a scholar and a warrior. The island needs not only generals who can lead troops into battle, but also generals who can manage the island. Li You is both brave and resourceful, and he is the perfect candidate for the island.”
After listening, King Ying Zheng of Qin nodded in agreement, but he still asked, "Are there any other candidates?"
At this moment, Li Si stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, I am of limited knowledge and unfit for such a great responsibility. I recommend General Li Xin. General Li Xin is young and promising, and Your Majesty should give him a chance."
The King of Qin nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Li Xin and Li You, and asked slowly, "Li Xin, Li You, what do you think?"
Li Xin and Li You exchanged a glance, then took a step forward in unison. Li Xin said firmly, "Your subject is willing to go."
Li You immediately echoed, "Your subject is also willing to go."
The King of Qin was satisfied with their answer, and nodded with a smile, saying, "Good, worthy of being sons of my great Qin! We will discuss your matter later, you may leave now." The two bowed respectfully and slowly withdrew.
The King of Qin looked around again, his gaze finally settling on Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, and calmly asked, "Lord Changping, are you willing to govern that island?"
Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, was startled; he had never expected to become the center of attention. He remained silent for a moment, pondered with his head down, and then replied softly, "Your Majesty, I am getting old and my health is failing; I am afraid I will not be able to endure the hardships of a long journey."
King Ying Zheng of Qin sat on the throne in the grand hall, his face grim as he looked down at Lord Changping, Xiong Qi. His voice was deep and authoritative: "Lord Changping, your illness can be treated. I will send the imperial physician to accompany you. What other concerns do you have?"
Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, raised his head and looked at the King of Qin with a firm gaze: "Your Majesty, Baga Island is located in a remote area with a harsh environment, making it extremely difficult to govern. I fear I am not capable of undertaking this important task."
King Ying Zheng of Qin frowned, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes: "Lord Changping, you are one of my most trusted ministers, and I believe you have the ability to govern Baga Island well."
Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, inwardly groaned. He knew the King of Qin's character well; once he made a decision, it was difficult to change it. He hesitated for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, it is not that I am unwilling to serve you, but the situation on Baga Island is too complicated, and I need time to prepare."
King Ying Zheng of Qin nodded and said, "Very well, I will give you three months to prepare. After three months, you must set off for Baga Island."
Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, sighed helplessly. He knew he couldn't refuse the King of Qin's order. He could only take it one step at a time.
After a moment of silence, the King of Qin spoke again, saying, "Lord Changping, take Huhai with you!" His tone was firm and left no room for argument.
An uproar erupted in the court, and everyone looked at the King of Qin in shock. Some couldn't help but advise, "Your Majesty, Prince Huhai is still too young. It is truly not appropriate for him to be separated from his family." They knew Huhai's youth and fragility and worried that he would not be able to bear the pain of such separation.
However, the King of Qin smiled dismissively and calmly replied, "Then let her mother, Hu Ji, go with her." He seemed to have already considered this issue and thought it was a feasible solution.
At this moment, the Prime Minister stepped forward and solemnly advised, "Your Majesty, Prince Huhai is of Your Majesty's blood. If he were to be exiled to another country, it would likely damage Your Majesty's reputation. Please reconsider." He understood the potential consequences of such an action and expressed concern about the King of Qin's decision.
The King of Qin stared at his prime minister and said in a deep voice, "All lands illuminated by the sun and moon, and touched by the flow of rivers, will become the territory of my Great Qin. Baga Island was discovered by the Chief of the Imperial Chariot Office of my Qin State, and naturally belongs to my Qin State. How can other countries have any right to interfere? If Huhai loses Baga Island, then wouldn't the soldiers on Baga Island become useless?"
Upon hearing King Qin's words, everyone knew that he had made up his mind, and thus they offered no further words of dissuasion. Finally, King Qin looked at Li Xin and Li You, and said, "This Baga Island will be entrusted to you two. Li Xin, once you arrive there, you must firmly control the local people, and then be responsible for matters such as gold mine exploration; Li You, you will be responsible for exploring for food supplies. After everything is stable, Li Xin, you may return first, while Li You, you will assist Lord Changping in governing Baga Island."
Li Xin and Li You bowed respectfully and left to receive their orders.
After the court assembly ended, Li Si, enraged, grabbed Wang Wan and said bitterly, "Prime Minister, are you trying to wipe out the Li family line?"
Wang Wan looked at Li Si with a mocking expression and laughed, "Li Tingwei, stop talking nonsense. Don't you have a second son?"
Li Si snorted angrily and said indignantly, "Prime Minister, how long can you remain so smug?"
Wang Wan retorted, not to be outdone, "Li Si, don't think that just because the King values you, you can become arrogant. Look at what happened to Zhao Gao. Besides, I am the Prime Minister. Li Si, who gave you, a mere Minister of Justice, the audacity to question my decisions?"
Li Si suddenly laughed and said, "Prime Minister, how long can you hold onto your position?" After saying that, he laughed and left.
Seeing Li Si's smug expression, Wang Wan clenched her fist and muttered to herself, "Li Si, we'll see." Then, with a flick of her sleeve, she strode away.