OBS Chapter 253 The King of Qin Learns About Liu Bang for the First Time
Chapter 253 The King of Qin Learns About Liu Bang for the First Time
After finishing their business in the various shops, time flew by, and the end of the year was fast approaching. Those who had gone to various places to carry out important missions began to return one after another.
Ying Wuyou was deeply gratified and impressed by the outstanding abilities displayed by Lin Qi and the others. However, she was not in a hurry to meet those renowned figures in history. She knew she had to first have in-depth discussions with the First Emperor. After all, whether it was bestowing official titles or making other important decisions, even though she had complete confidence in the King of Qin's magnanimity and believed he wouldn't hold her accountable, the dignity befitting an emperor could not be easily discarded. Ying Wuyou was always cautious and possessed a keen sense of propriety.
So, she walked lightly towards Zhangtai Palace. When she entered, King Qin was engrossed in reviewing a memorial in his hands. Noticing Ying Wuyou's arrival, King Qin slowly put down the memorial, a gentle smile appearing on his face, and asked kindly, "What brings you here today?"
Ying Wuyou hurriedly bowed respectfully and replied softly, "Greetings, Father. Today, I have specially requested that you join me for a walk in the garden."
Upon hearing this, the King of Qin was slightly taken aback, then turned his gaze towards the outside of the palace. After a moment's thought, he immediately understood—Jiayang's invitation to stroll in the garden was likely not a simple matter; she probably had important business to discuss, and it was a rather private matter that shouldn't be overheard by the palace maids and eunuchs in Zhangtai Palace. Thinking this through, the King of Qin readily nodded and replied, "Very well!"
King Qin, dressed in a thick and magnificent brocade robe, strolled side by side with Ying Wuyou along the garden path of Xianyang Palace. Although it was the dead of winter, red plum blossoms still bloomed proudly in the garden, defying the snow and frost, emitting a delicate fragrance. Fu De and the other attendants followed cautiously at a distance, not daring to approach and disturb them.
The King of Qin turned to look at Ying Wuyou beside him and asked, "What brings you to me today? Speak plainly."
After bowing slightly, Ying Wuyou replied, "Father, I have recently had the good fortune to recruit several talented individuals. However, I am quite unsure about how to arrange their positions and whereabouts, so I have come to earnestly request your guidance."
Upon hearing this, the King of Qin nodded with interest, and then asked, "Oh? Then why don't you tell me first about the talents of these men?"
After a moment's thought, Ying Wuyou replied, "One of them is named Xiao He. He is a calm and experienced man, with an extremely meticulous mind, and possesses foresight and unique insight." At this point, Ying Wuyou secretly added, "[Xiao He was an outstanding statesman and prime minister in the early Western Han Dynasty. He made great contributions to Liu Bang's establishment of the Han Dynasty and was praised as one of the 'Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty'.]"
At first, after hearing Ying Wuyou's description of Xiao He, the King of Qin couldn't help but wonder: Based on these characteristics alone, he seems rather unremarkable. Why would my son value him so much and come specifically to ask for my opinion? However, when he heard the key words Ying Wuyou mentioned later—"Western Han Dynasty," "Prime Minister," "Liu Bang," and "Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty"—the King of Qin's eyes widened instantly, his face filled with astonishment. He roared in disbelief in his heart: [What? Western Han Dynasty? Prime Minister? Liu Bang? Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty? This… what is going on?]
The King of Qin felt his head buzzing, as if countless thunderbolts were exploding in his ears. He never imagined he would hear such astonishing news! He vividly remembered Jia Yang mentioning last year that he would eventually unify the six kingdoms, but the dynasty would only last two generations. Now, hearing the words "Western Han," could this be the new dynasty established after the fall of Qin? And who was Liu Bang? How could he become the King of Western Han? Where did this man come from? Why had he never heard of him before? Thinking about it this way, Xiao He did indeed seem like a rare talent, but he couldn't understand why such a capable and ambitious man would rather follow Liu Bang than submit to Qin. For a moment, the King of Qin was utterly shocked by this sudden information, and his heart remained unsettled for a long time.
Ying Wuyou stood to the side, waiting for a long while for a response from the King of Qin. She cautiously raised her head and stole a glance at him. She saw that his brows were furrowed, his eyes slightly closed, as if he were deep in thought. Knowing it was not the right time to disturb him, Ying Wuyou could only quietly follow the King of Qin, not daring to utter a sound.
The King of Qin actually had many questions he wanted to ask Ying Wuyou. He was eager to know how long the Qin Dynasty had been unified and whether it was Liu Bang who overthrew the Qin Dynasty. However, he could not let Ying Wuyou discover his secret of being able to see into her mind, so he had to take a roundabout approach and said casually, "This Xiao He doesn't seem to be anything special."
Ying Wuyou frowned slightly, pondering how to describe Xiao He's astonishing talent. [He couldn't very well say that Xiao He devised strategies for Liu Bang and coordinated the supply of provisions and soldiers; nor could he mention that Xiao He had the foresight to recommend Han Xin, an unparalleled general; nor could he say that during his tenure as Chancellor, Xiao He's policies and regulations rapidly restored economic development and stabilized the turbulent political situation of the early Han Dynasty; and certainly not that he later assisted Liu Bang in eliminating Han Xin, Ying Bu, and other non-royal princes who posed a threat to the Han Dynasty, further consolidating its rule.] Thinking this through, Ying Wuyou composed himself slightly.
She began, “Father, in my opinion, Xiao He is a genius who is rare in a century when it comes to overall planning! Now I am lacking someone who can advise me. I humbly request that you grant me permission to have him become my advisor and assist me. What do you think?”
Upon hearing Ying Wuyou's thoughts, the King of Qin fell into deep thought. He focused his attention again on a key point mentioned: the terms "Western Han" and "Han Dynasty" that Jiayang repeatedly used. After some consideration, the King of Qin realized that the so-called Han Dynasty was probably divided into two periods: the Western Han and the Eastern Han! In that case, Liu Bang, who was repeatedly mentioned, must have been the founding emperor of the Western Han.
Next, the King of Qin's thoughts turned to Xiao He. Judging from Jia Yang's description, this founding prime minister's abilities were truly extraordinary. He could not only manage the overall situation methodically during wartime, but also meticulously formulate a series of effective policies and regulations after the situation stabilized. Even more astonishing was his ability to ruthlessly eliminate those with treacherous intentions when the emperor needed him. The more the King of Qin listened, the more his eyes shone, and he was filled with admiration for Xiao He.