I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 237 Persuading Li Shiqi 4

Upon hearing Tian Guang's praise, the magistrate smiled and said, "This is my daughter, who is sixteen years old and in the prime of her youth. If you, sir, are interested in her, why not take her into your household?"

Upon hearing the magistrate's words, Tian Guang suddenly understood. So the magistrate wanted to find a powerful backer through marriage! Thinking this, Tian Guang couldn't help but take a few more glances at the magistrate, who was already quite old, then turned to look at the beautiful young woman. A complex emotion welled up in his heart, and he sighed inwardly, "This magistrate is truly vigorous for his age, to have fathered such a beautiful daughter."

However, on the surface, Tian Guang still pretended to be calm and replied, "Marriage is a major event, and since ancient times it has always been decided by parents and matchmakers. If I were to take it upon myself to bring someone back, I'm afraid it would be against etiquette."

The magistrate quickly smiled and said, "Your Excellency is too kind. With your status and position, if you truly love my daughter, I'm sure your mother would not object." After saying this, he looked at Tian Guang expectantly, waiting for his reply.

Faced with this sudden request to introduce a wife, Tian Guang was momentarily at a loss, inwardly groaning. However, he was a shrewd man after all, and immediately devised a delaying tactic, saying, "This matter is of great importance. I need to first send a message to my parents at home and discuss it with them before I can give you a definite answer." After saying this, he secretly observed the magistrate's reaction.

Upon hearing this, the magistrate's face first showed a hint of displeasure, but he quickly regained his smile and replied with a hearty laugh, "Excellent! I'm sure your parents will have a wise opinion."

And so, the seemingly harmonious banquet continued. Tian Guang and the magistrate toasted and drank, and before they knew it, it was late at night. By this time, Tian Guang was completely drunk. He staggered and bowed to the magistrate to take his leave, then stumbled back to his residence. As soon as he entered the house, he collapsed onto the bed without even taking off his clothes and fell into a deep sleep.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window onto Tian Guang's bed, but he remained fast asleep. Meanwhile, inside the county government office, a different scene unfolded. Early in the morning, the county magistrate sent someone to summon Li Shiqi to the office. Upon receiving the summons, Li Shiqi was filled with doubt, wondering what the magistrate's purpose was. However, always composed and reserved, he said nothing, silently following the constable to the main hall of the county government office.

After entering the main hall, Li Shiqi sat down quietly, slowly closed his eyes, and began to ponder. After a short while, he heard a light footstep. Li Shiqi suddenly opened his eyes and looked up. He saw the county magistrate leading a stranger toward him with a smile on his face and with great respect.

Li Shiqi carefully observed the stranger. He noticed the man's luxurious attire and extraordinary bearing; his appearance alone suggested he was no ordinary person. As for the man's background, Li Shiqi was completely baffled. Just then, the magistrate approached and, pointing to Li Shiqi, introduced him to the stranger: "This is Mr. Li Shiqi." The magistrate then turned to Li Shiqi and smiled.

Tian Guang spotted the thin, white-haired old man from afar. Had he not heard of him before, the old man would have appeared utterly ordinary, indistinguishable from any other elderly man toiling in the fields. However, knowing this was the very man the princess desired to recruit, Tian Guang respectfully stepped forward, bowed, and said, "My name is Tian Guang. I have come on Princess Jiayang's orders to invite you, sir, to Xianyang to assume an official post."

Upon hearing Tian Guang's words, Li Shiqi was slightly taken aback at first, then answered without hesitation, "I won't go." Although Tian Guang had prepared himself mentally and intended to persuade him gently, he was at a loss for words in the face of Li Shiqi's decisive and merciless refusal. The words he had prepared suddenly seemed to be stuck in his throat, and he couldn't say them no matter what.

Seeing the atmosphere becoming somewhat awkward and tense, the county magistrate quickly spoke up to comfort him, saying, "Li Shiqi, such a great opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance! Princess Jiayang is deeply favored by the Emperor, a fact known throughout the land. Now that the princess has personally sent someone to invite you over, it will surely be of great benefit to you in the future."

However, Li Shiqi remained unmoved, simply repeating those two words: "I won't go."

Seeing this, Tian Guang composed himself and continued, "Sir, please don't be in such a hurry to refuse. Why don't you listen to what we can offer you? Whether it's high-ranking official positions and generous salaries, mountains of gold and silver, vast fertile fields and beautiful houses, or bustling shops, whatever you desire, the princess can fulfill it all."

Hearing these words, Li Shiqi slowly raised his head, his gaze sweeping coldly over Tian Guang. His eyes seemed to contain endless contempt and disdain. A mocking smile appeared on his lips as he said decisively, "I'm not going!" These two words struck like a hammer blow, sending a shiver down everyone's spine.

The words had been spoken so clearly and thoroughly, yet the person before him remained stubbornly unyielding and obstinate. Tian Guang suppressed his surging anger, took a deep breath, and tried to keep his tone calm as he said, “The princess is kind-hearted and benevolent. Since she has already made her promise, you have absolutely no need to worry about the safety of your family. As long as you are willing to accompany me to Xianyang, the princess will certainly take good care of your family. You need not worry about anything. All you need to do is wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to doing practical things for the Qin Dynasty and for the common people.”

Upon hearing this, Li Shiqi couldn't help but let out a sneer, a laugh filled with contempt and mockery. He spoke again, still only uttering two simple words: "I'm not going."

At this moment, the county magistrate, who was sitting to the side, could no longer contain his anger. He slammed his hand on the table in front of him, stood up, and roared at Li Shiqi with wide eyes, "Li Shiqi, Li Shiqi, have you forgotten? Although you are now just a minor official, you are still an official of our Great Qin! If you dare to disobey the orders of your superiors, you will be executed according to the law! Your reckless behavior will not only implicate me, the county magistrate, but also your village head and other related personnel! Do you have any conscience at all? Put your hand on your heart and think about it. We have treated you well all this time! As an official of Great Qin, you have knowingly broken the law. You are truly courting death!"