usatvline Chapter 25 Where Did Zhao Gao Go?
Chapter 25 Where Did Zhao Gao Go?
Upon receiving the Qin King's decree, the group dared not delay for a moment and hurried to the Zhangtai Palace. The atmosphere inside was solemn. The Qin King sat high above, his expression serious as he scrutinized the ministers below. These ministers were Wang Wan, Feng Quji, Li Si, and Wang Jian, all important figures in Qin and highly regarded by the Qin King.
Wang Wan was the Prime Minister of Qin. He was exceptionally intelligent, skilled in strategy, and had profound insights into national affairs. Feng Quji was also a key minister of Qin, loyal and reliable, and deeply trusted by the King of Qin. Li Si was a statesman of Qin, exceptionally talented, and made significant contributions to the development of Qin. Wang Jian was a famous general of Qin, invincible in battle and renowned throughout the world.
These ministers were the backbone of the Qin state, their presence enabling Qin to develop steadily and continuously expand its territory. The King of Qin placed high hopes on them, expecting them to continue striving for Qin's prosperity and strength. Therefore, when the King summoned them, each of them deeply understood the importance of this meeting and dared not be negligent in the slightest.
Wang Jian was the last to arrive. After bowing to the King of Qin, he looked around and realized he was the only military general. He couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty, is it inappropriate for an old military general like me to be here?" The King of Qin glanced at Wang Jian and said, "It's alright, just listen from the side." Wang Jian could only obey and stand aside.
The King of Qin took out several sheets of paper from the box. A young eunuch quickly stepped forward to take them and respectfully distributed them to the assembled ministers. The ministers took the papers with curiosity, examining them closely. They gently stroked the surface of the paper, feeling its delicate texture. However, despite this, they remained perplexed by this novel item.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Wang Wan asked the King of Qin, "Your Majesty, may I ask what this is?" His eyes were filled with doubt and anticipation.
The King of Qin smiled slightly and replied, "This is paper. My dear ministers, what do you think of this paper?" His gaze swept over the crowd, anticipating their reactions.
The ministers exchanged glances, all looking on in bewilderment. At this moment, Wang Wan asked疑惑地问道, "Your Majesty, this paper is tough and smooth, truly a rare item. What is its purpose?" The King of Qin smiled slightly and said, "This paper can be used for writing, recording court affairs, legal provisions, and so on, much more convenient than traditional bamboo slips." Li Si seemed thoughtful, cupping his hands and saying, "Your Majesty is wise. If this material is widely adopted, it will greatly improve the efficiency of document processing in our Great Qin." The King of Qin nodded approvingly, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and said, "I intend to promote the use of paper. What do you all think?" For a moment, several people discussed amongst themselves, but as the King of Qin's confidants, they all understood that the King had already made his decision, so no one raised any objections. Ultimately, the King of Qin decided to first try it in the palace, and then gradually promote it throughout the country.
After leaving Zhangtai Palace, Ying Wuyou asked the system, "System, why haven't I seen Zhao Gao lately? Isn't Zhao Gao the Chief of the Imperial Carriage Office? Isn't he supposed to be serving my father's daily needs? Why is he just some unfamiliar eunuch?" Hearing Ying Wuyou's words, the system felt a little guilty, but outwardly remained calm, saying, "I'm a historical mission system, not a gossip system. How would I know about other people's private affairs? Host, why are you suddenly concerned about Zhao Gao?" Ying Wuyou replied, "It's nothing, it's just that I feel a little uneasy without Zhao Gao. I feel uneasy as long as that bastard lives." The system comforted him, "Host, Zhao Gao poses no threat to you or Qin right now. You don't need to worry about him. I think you're probably just too tired lately. Why don't you take a few days off?" Ying Wuyou thought the system's words made sense, so he nodded and said, "You're right, I should take a few days off."
After discussing the matter with his ministers, King Qin suddenly remembered Zhao Gao. Thinking of Zhao Gao, King Qin then thought of Xu Fu. So King Qin summoned Lu Sheng and asked him, "Have you found Xu Fu?" Upon hearing the king's question, Lu Sheng quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I have found a Taoist priest through my master who knows Xu Fu. After speaking with him, I learned that Xu Fu is also searching for the immortal mountains, but I do not know where he is currently."
The King of Qin frowned, and said with some displeasure, "Hmph! Where exactly did Xu Fu go? Is this all the information you've gathered after all this time?"
Sensing the King of Qin's displeasure, Lu Sheng quickly explained, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Xu Fu may have encountered some difficulties or been delayed on his journey to find the immortal mountains. However, now that we have found someone who knows him, we can continue our investigation. Perhaps we will soon learn of his whereabouts."
The King of Qin nodded, calming his anger slightly, and then said, "Alright, then find Xu Fu as soon as possible."
Lu Sheng respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to find Xu Fu." After saying this, Lu Sheng took his leave, leaving the King of Qin alone to ponder.
After some deliberation, the King of Qin summoned the commander of the Imperial Guards and said, "If there's nothing unusual in Jiayang, there's no need to keep watch on him." The commander respectfully replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand." The King nodded and then continued, "Hmm, what has Zhao Gao been doing lately?" The commander quickly replied, "Your Majesty, the men I sent to monitor the Chief of the Imperial Carriage Office have returned and say that he has stayed at home without leaving the office and has not had close contact with other officials. I have not found anything amiss with him." After a moment of silence, the King slowly said, "Hmm, I understand. However, you must still closely monitor Zhao Gao's every move. Report any suspicious activity to me immediately!" The commander quickly agreed, "Yes, Your Majesty!"
The King of Qin had been struggling to decide how to deal with Zhao Gao. Killing him outright was inappropriate, but simply refusing to employ him was also problematic. After much deliberation, the King suddenly said, "I have decided to send Zhao Gao to sea to find Xu Fu, for I have heard that Xu Fu has found the immortal mountain. What do you think of my arrangement?"
The commander of the Imperial Guards was startled. He carefully glanced at the King of Qin's expression and replied, choosing his words carefully, "Your Majesty is wise. The Chief of the Imperial Carriage Office is always shrewd and capable. With him in charge, we will surely find the immortal mountain soon."
The King of Qin nodded slightly in agreement. He understood that although Zhao Gao's power was growing daily, his abilities still needed to be utilized for the time being. Moreover, transferring Zhao Gao away from the capital would also weaken his influence in the court to some extent.
"By my decree, Zhao Gao is to set off immediately to find Xu Fu. He must ensure the search for the Immortal Mountain proceeds smoothly without the slightest delay!" The King of Qin issued the order with an air of authority.
The commander of the Imperial Guards accepted the order and departed, but a deep worry for Zhao Gao filled his heart. This journey was fraught with uncertainty; he didn't know if Zhao Gao would return safely...