How to Cultivate a Ten-Thousand-Mile Empire for the Young Emperor Qin?

Chapter 21: Steamed jam cake

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Zhu Xiang paid the fine and was dismissed from his official position, but there were still people in the court who were keeping an eye on this commoner whose reputation was growing.

For safety reasons, he even stopped his work of guiding agricultural work in Lin Xiangru's fiefdom. He stayed at home every day, either listening to Xunzi's lectures with Ying Xiaozheng, or holding a brush, using his calligraphy, which had no other merits except that it was neat, to record his own experience in farming.

At home, Zhu Xiang used his imagination to think about what difficulties the farmers in Handan might encounter this winter. He then wrote down his solutions on paper and gave it to Xu Ming.

"Lao Xu, are you a farmer?" Zhu Xiang asked.

Xu Ming did not hide it this time: "I am."

Zhu Xiang said, "I know that farmers do not gather together for farming, but to fight for the interests of farmers in the court. But you have connections and understand farming, so please do me a favor."

Xu Ming took the yellowish rough paper handed over by Zhu Xiang with both hands and said, "Farmers are farmers, and farmers are people who grow crops. There is nothing more important than growing crops. Lord Zhu Xiang, please rest assured."

After Xu Ming left, Zhu Xiang found Xianghe again and took out three drawings of a plow cart, a hoe, and a sickle.

The three-legged plow was invented during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. The hoe took on a shape with a longer handle and wider blade during the Han Dynasty. The sickle also took on a shape that has continued to this day during the Han Dynasty.

These three agricultural tools, which lasted for thousands of years before the advent of the modern industrial age, were finalized during the Han Dynasty. Without a unified era, the common people would not have the spare energy to improve agricultural tools and increase productivity. The imperial court also had no ability to promote these agricultural tools.

Zhu Xiang knew that these farm tools could not be popularized, he just hoped that Xianghe could make some new farm tools so that his neighbors could use them first. He did not take out the curved plow because Zhao State did not have enough oxen to use the ox plow.

"Take the drawings. No matter which country you are in, spread them out whenever you have the chance." Zhu Xiang said, "These drawings are just a direction for thinking. You and the Mohist craftsmen have to figure out how to improve them. I know you and the farmers don't get along very well, but I hope you can cooperate on this matter."

Xianghe did not deny that he was a member of the Mohist family this time. He said, "Without farmers cultivating the land, how can we earn food with our craftsmanship? Don't worry, Duke Zhu Xiang, we have no prejudice against family background in such a matter of right and wrong."

Zhu Xiang bowed and thanked him.

Xu Ming and others helped farmers solve farming problems on behalf of Zhu Xiang. Xianghe and others used Zhu Xiang's somewhat abstract drawings to think about improving farm tools, which made Xun Kuang somewhat dissatisfied.

He muttered, is there nothing for us Confucians to do? !

But he was an elder and did not want to ask Zhu Xiang for work directly, so Xun Kuang urged Cai Ze to ask Zhu Xiang.

Cai Ze was somewhat speechless. He was not a Confucian, so why did he help Confucianism? Xunzi, you have so many Confucian disciples following you, go find them!

Although Cai Ze grumbled in his heart, he dared not say a word of opposition to Xunzi and could only make indirect criticisms to Zhu Xiang in a wronged manner.

Zhu Xiang said, "What can Confucianism do? You can't let Xunzi hear this, he will smash your head with his broadsword."

Cai Ze: "...Xunzi would not be so cruel."

Zhu Xiang said seriously: "No, Xunzi will definitely do it. Do you know what it means to convince others with reason? As long as you beat the other party so that he can't speak, then... Cai Ze, why do you look so ugly?"

Cai Ze stretched out his trembling finger and pointed at the half-open window.

Zhu Xiang looked back and saw Xun Kuang with his hands in his pockets, looking at him through the crack in the window.

Zhu Xiang immediately jumped up from the stool, trying to escape.

Since there was a stool at home and Xun Kuang did not object to him sitting on it, Zhu Xiang did not like kneeling anymore. Now he kicked his legs and ran away at a very fast speed.

No matter how fast he was, he couldn't be faster than Cai Ze's hand.

Cai Ze stretched out his evil right hand and grabbed Zhu Xiang's sleeve. Zhu Xiang rushed too fast and his clothes were almost torn off by Cai Ze.

Xun Kuang smiled, revealing a set of well-maintained teeth: "Go on, I'm listening."

Zhu Xiang apologized to Xun Kuang tremblingly and slapped himself lightly on the mouth.

Xun Kuang sneered: "What you said makes sense."

Zhu Xiang tried to instill the "Lunyu" into Cai Ze and argued desperately. It doesn't make sense. I don't have any reason at all. Cai Ze, let go!

Cai Ze silently pulled Zhu Xiang's sleeves tightly.

It is impossible to let go. You said that Xunzi would smash my head with his broadsword. How can I dare to let go

"I thought you would be in a bad mood after being dismissed from office, but I didn't expect you to be so energetic." Xun Kuang walked around the door and came in, his hands still in his sleeves, and he did not take out his broadsword to smash Zhu Xiang's nonsense mouth.

Zhu Xiang said embarrassedly: "I'm definitely in a bad mood, but life has to go on. If the boss is upset, won't it make the people who care about me feel bad too?"

Xun Kuang said with relief: "It's good that you think so."

He was also worried that Zhu Xiang was too young to handle the situation and would not be able to survive this ordeal, and would become lonely and decadent. Unexpectedly, Zhu Xiang was more resilient than many people much older than him. Not only did he not give up on himself, but he also tried his best to continue doing what he could and even had the mood to make fun of himself.

"You have found things to do for the Mohists and the Agriculturalists. Why do you look down on Confucianism?" Xunzi saw that Zhu Xiang was in good spirits and thought that he could not be more pretentious than this young man, so he no longer cared about his face and asked bluntly.

Zhu Xiang shook his head like a rattle: "No, no, no, I have wanted to ask the teacher for help for a long time, but I didn't know how to ask."

Xun Kuang asked, "What's the matter? Why don't you speak?"

Zhu Xiang knelt down in front of Xun Kuang and said, "Confucianism promotes etiquette, and nobles will keep Confucian followers to formulate etiquette. I want my Confucian brothers to spread my reputation to those nobles and let them recognize my reputation."

Xun Kuang knew why Zhu Xiang said he didn't know how to start. With Zhu Xiang's personality, it was really hard for him to start talking about seeking fame for himself.

"Do you want to continue to be an official?" Xun Kuang asked.

Zhu Xiang said: "Whether I continue to be an official or not, I need to make a name for myself."

Zhu Xiang figured it out. If he continued to escape, he would not be able to save his neighbors. He wanted to repay his neighbors, so he had to hurry up and make a name for himself.

Xun Kuang asked: "Do you know that it is dangerous for you to do this?"

Zhu Xiang said: "I am afraid of danger."

Xun Kuang was stunned.

Cai Ze asked, "Zhu Xiang, did you mean to say that you are not afraid of danger? Is that wrong?"

Zhu Xiang shook his head: "No, I'm not wrong. I'm afraid of danger, so I know the consequences of doing this."

Zhu Xiang organized his words and said, "As soon as I gained some fame among the people, some people in the Zhao court were jealous of me and wanted me to be killed. The position of a high official in the court is like a pit dug when planting millet. Each pit can only have one millet plant. There are many scholars, but there are not many pits that can grow millet. How can there be a position for a commoner like me?"

"Besides, people all over the world attach great importance to one's origin. I heard that even scholars with prominent ancestors but now poor family backgrounds will be discriminated against in the court. What's more, I am a person who even chose my own name? When I gain power, danger will come."

Zhu Xiang was well aware of this, so when Lin Xiangru was eager to seek an official position for him, he kept making trouble and was a hindrance. Apart from his ability to farm, he kept all his other abilities hidden.

Zhu Xiang thought he had hidden it well, but in fact Lin Xiangru had already discovered it. But Lin Xiangru thought Zhu Xiang was being modest, or too young to know his own abilities. He didn't know Zhu Xiang was hiding his abilities on purpose.

How much can people of this era, even the princes and nobles, read? Modern people are not necessarily smarter than ancient people, but we should not underestimate ourselves.

As a young professor, Zhu Xiang has read much more books than some great sages of the time. He may not be as cunning as others, and he may be eaten up by others in the officialdom, but in terms of practical ability, even in governing the people or even leading troops to fight, Zhu Xiang may be considered above average.

At least, he understood that the starting point for becoming an excellent general was not reading military books, but training troops.

It's just that in this era, the more capable the common people are, the higher the probability of being killed. Zhu Xiang cherishes his life and his and Xue's family very much, and has no intention of seeking death.

"Since you know the danger, why do you still seek fame?" Xun Kuang frowned. "It's easy to seek fame, but after you gain fame, how are you going to protect yourself?"

Zhu Xiang said: "After I gain fame, I will know how to protect myself. Teacher, don't worry, I know my limits."

Xun Kuang is not easy to deceive: "Tell me your sense of propriety first."

Zhu Xiang took a deep breath and thought quickly: "After I become famous, I will make some achievements first, and then when King Zhao rewards me, I will voluntarily resign and live in seclusion in the mountains, only coming out when King Zhao needs me. This way I can not only display my abilities, but also make other nobles feel at ease."

Xun Kuang still frowned: "Are you sure you can really protect yourself by doing this?"

Zhu Xiang said, "At least I still have Zheng'er as my amulet. As the uncle of the Qin hostage, as long as I know when to advance and when to retreat, the King of Zhao will not make things difficult for me. If something happens to me, where will the King of Zhao find another suitable family to raise Zheng'er?"

Xun Kuang was finally persuaded: "Since you have figured out a way out, I will make a name for you. What kind of fame do you want? The reputation of farming is not valued by the King of Zhao."

Zhu Xiang said: "I can discuss military affairs with others, and I can also discuss politics with others."

Xun Kuang sighed deeply and said, "Are you finally going to show your talent as a king's assistant? But I don't approve of you showing your talent as a king's assistant in Zhao. Why don't you follow Zheng'er back to Qin and then show your talents?"

Zhu Xiang leaned forward and kowtowed, saying, "Please help me, teacher." Because it was too late.

Xun Kuang knew that Zhu Xiang was still hiding something, but Zhu Xiang still persuaded him.

Xun Kuang thought about the difficulties that Zhu Xiang might encounter in the future, and thought that Zhu Xiang's current conditions were more than enough to protect himself. Moreover, Zhu Xiang attached great importance to Xue and Zheng'er, and would definitely not do anything reckless.

Zhu Xiang was in urgent need of fame, so Xun Kuang agreed.

Xun Kuang thought that Zhu Xiang was so anxious because he was worried that Zhao State did not have enough labor to farm. If he allowed Zhao State officials to make random decisions, more people would starve to death next year. Zhu Xiang did not want to miss the spring ploughing next year.

When Lin Xiangru learned about this, he also thought that Zhu Xiang was so anxious because of spring ploughing.

The neighbors lived in such poverty that they secretly threw the few coins they had into Zhu Xiang's house at night. Zhu Xiang was kind-hearted and did not want to stay at home to avoid the disaster. He wanted to fight for his neighbors again. This was in line with Zhu Xiang's character.

After Ying Xiaozheng entered the dream room at night, he thought hard and believed that his uncle must have the same idea.

He thought of the farmers who would weave straw toys for him and sighed in a fussy way.

Even I thought that after destroying Zhao, I would be nicer to the civilians in Lin Xiangru's fiefdom and reduce their taxes for one or two years. My uncle was kind-hearted, so he must be more eager to help these civilians.

Confucians were famous trolls during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, and were also powerful lobbyists who could compete with the diplomats during the Warring States Period.

Regardless of whether Confucian scholars believe in Xunzi's words or not, as the most senior and famous Confucianist, Xunzi wrote a letter asking other Confucian scholars to help recommend someone. No one would refuse such a simple task.

What's more, Zhu Xiang had a very good reputation among the people, and Confucian disciples had heard of him a long time ago.

Cai Ze also wrote letters to his fellow students who had a bad relationship with him. He did not recommend Zhu Xiang, but boasted about Zhu Xiang, saying that Zhu Xiang was much better than these fellow students. It was a pity that Zhu Xiang refused to leave Zhao State, otherwise the wise kings of the other six countries would have made Zhu Xiang a prime minister if they had seen him.

After Lian Po learned about this, although he didn't know why Zhu Xiang suddenly wanted to become famous, but considering that he had taken away a lot of livestock from Zhu Xiang's family, Lian Po wrote a letter back to Handan and boasted to his colleagues that Zhu Xiang really knew about military affairs, and he taught him!

An acquaintance of Li Mu in Handan wrote to ask Li Mu about this matter. Li Mu remembered what Zhu Xiang had said about morale, and replied firmly, "Yes, Zhu Xiang knows about military affairs!"

The dormant network of relationships around Zhu Xiang suddenly began to move, and Zhu Xiang's reputation, which had originally only spread among the common people, suddenly entered the vision of the aristocratic class.

His fame burned like oil in a raging fire, and it was blindingly bright.

Zhu Xiang's home welcomed many people who were dissatisfied with his reputation.

They discussed philosophy, theory and military affairs with Zhu Xiang, who received all of them.

From the rotation of the sun and the moon in the sky to the flow of mountains and rivers on the ground; from the legends of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the political gains and losses of various countries in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period; from the deduction of military deployment to how to make every soldier learn to obey orders... Zhu Xiang sat at the table, drinking and debating with the endless stream of scholars. He knew everything and never lost a single battle.

Even famous sophists were defeated by Zhu Xiang's dialectics.

The sophistry of this era is also a kind of philosophy. In the political science exams for postgraduate and doctoral examinations, thousands of years of philosophical debates from ancient and modern times, both at home and abroad, have long been broken up and stuffed into textbooks. And Zhu Xiang's mouth, which was able to win support for research projects and research funds, could not have been clumsy.

If Zhu Xiang encountered a debate that he could not win, he would shift the topic to an area that those people were not aware of, cunningly using his broader knowledge than people of that era to launch a dimensionality reduction attack.

If we only talk about debate, modern people who have received higher education will not lose, because the philosophical thoughts of people of this era are also in the textbooks of future generations.

Zhu Xiang burned fiercely like a bright bonfire at night, and his brilliance finally attracted the attention of King Zhao and Lord Pingyuan.

Although Pingyuan Jun Zhao Sheng was shallow in knowledge, he was better than King Zhao and many other monarchs at the time in accepting advice, especially advice from prestigious people.

Zhao Sheng realized that he had underestimated Zhu Xiang's ability, so he went to visit him in person and discussed philosophy with him over wine.

After discussing with Zhu Xiang for most of the day, Zhao Sheng, regardless of his status as a member of the Zhao royal family, bowed and admitted that he had underestimated Zhu Xiang.

"I will recommend you to King Zhao, just like I recommended Lord Mafu!" Zhao Sheng compared Zhu Xiang with Lord Mafu Zhao She, which shows that he has been impressed by Zhu Xiang.

Zhu Xiang responded respectfully: "I am willing to follow the example of Lord Ma Fu and devote myself to the State of Zhao until my death."

There was no "The Memorial to the Emperor on Leaving the Capital" in this era, but Zhao Sheng understood the eight words "devote all his energy to the cause and work until his death."

He was deeply moved and immediately went to the palace to tell King Zhao these eight words.

But the King of Zhao was still hesitant: "Before, Zhu Xiang was accused of a crime. How come he is now a great sage?"

Zhao Sheng said, "I heard that Zhu Xiang was criticized before because potatoes are slightly poisonous and waste the soil's fertility, so the officials in charge of agriculture did not understand Zhu Xiang's approach. Zhu Xiang said that there is a plant called konjac in Bashu, the whole plant is highly poisonous, but the rhizome can be turned into delicious food when steamed with lye. There are also many birds and beasts that are poisonous when eaten raw, but are delicious after being cooked. Others do not understand why he let the people grow potatoes in front of their houses and behind their doors, because they do not know how to steam and cook potatoes before they can be eaten."

"Zhu Xiang also said that we have conscripted young and strong men to fight the Qin State, so there are not enough people to work in the fields. Without people working, the fertility of the fields will not be consumed. If potatoes are just thrown into the soil, they don't need much care and can grow edible roots. When the soldiers come back, it won't be too late to replace them with millet."

After hearing what Pingyuan Jun Zhao Sheng said, King Zhao was still confused: "It sounds reasonable, but why didn't Zhu Xiang defend himself before?"

The King of Zhao once again felt that what Pingyuan Jun said made sense. However, he had just dismissed Zhu Xiang from his post, and promoting him again in a short period of time seemed like a slap in his face. This made the young and energetic King of Zhao a little unhappy.

At this time, Zhao Bao, the Lord of Pingyang, who had been neglected for preventing King Zhao from taking over Shangdang, made suggestions again after a long time.

He reminded the King of Zhao: "Although not many people in the court know this, Your Majesty must know that Zhu Xiang is the uncle of the Qin hostage. He did not show his talent before, but suddenly showed his talent when the Zhao and Qin armies were confronting each other, trying to get an official position for himself. Your Majesty must be on guard!"

King Zhao was just worrying about what excuse to reject Lord Pingyuan's recommendation. After hearing what Zhao Bao said, King Zhao was immediately happy and said, "That's right! This is exactly what I'm worried about! Zhu Xiang can be used, but not now. After I get Shangdang and Qin withdraws its troops, it won't be too late to use him!"

Zhao Bao said: "Your Majesty, although we cannot use Zhu Xiang immediately, we should at least comfort him and let him know that your Majesty values him."

As long as he didn't get slapped in the face right away, the King of Zhao was very generous. He not only immediately returned the 1,000 gold coins that Zhu Xiang had been fined, but also gave Zhu Xiang many coins, carriages, livestock, and slaves, and also gave Zhu Xiang the same privileges and salary as a junior official in Zhao.

At this time, the official positions under the monarch were relatively general, and only divided into ministers, officials, and scholars, and each official position was divided into three grades: upper, middle, and lower. Later, the positions gradually became more specific, and officials would also hold the official positions of ministers, officials, and scholars concurrently to distinguish their ranks in the officialdom.

For example, Lin Xiangru and Lian Po were one civil and one military, with different responsibilities, but they were both senior ministers.

Zhu Xiang was originally relieved of his official position and his rank was only "corporal", which barely allowed him to enter the aristocratic class of the Warring States Period.

Although the King of Zhao did not appoint a new official position to Zhu Xiang, he promised to give Zhu Xiang the treatment of a "lower official". Zhu Xiang already belonged to the middle-class aristocratic class of "lower official".

This is similar to the establishment of the Jixia Academy in Qi State. As long as the scholars were recognized by the King of Qi, they were treated as "senior officials". Although those scholars did not have the official title of "senior officials", they were recognized as "senior officials" when they traveled to various countries.

The king of Zhao gave Zhu Xiang the treatment of "lower official", which was to recognize Zhu Xiang's talent as the king of Zhao. Zhu Xiang's reputation rose to a higher level, and even the other six countries heard of him.

When Zhu Xiang's fame reached Xianyang, Wang He had just conquered Shangdang. The news of the conquest of Shangdang and Zhu Xiang's fame reached the ears of the King of Qin.

The King of Qin was surprised and summoned Zichu to ask him, "You said Zhu Xiang is good at farming, why didn't you tell me that Zhu Xiang is also good at governing the people and leading the army, and has the talent to assist the king?"

Zichu was more surprised than the King of Qin. He cared more about Handan than the King of Qin did. He had already known about Zhu Xiang's fame in Handan before the King of Qin got the news. When the King of Qin asked him about it, he had been thinking about it for a long time.

"Your Majesty, Zhu Xiang has the talent of a king's assistant, but he does not have the wisdom of a king's assistant. In order to save his life, he has always been unwilling to show all his talents." Zichu said.

The King of Qin was puzzled: "Why do you have the talent of a king's assistant but not the wisdom of a king's assistant?"

Zichu explained to the King of Qin in a roundabout way for a long time, and used Zhu Xiang's daily behavior and conversation as examples to support his meaning, and finally made the King of Qin understand.

Zhu Xiang does have the talent to assist the king. If he is given a king, he will definitely be able to assist him well.

But assisting the king requires not only talent, but also the ability to fight with court officials and protect oneself. Zhu Xiang did not have this ability.

Zhu Xiang was not only kindhearted and would never fight for power, he was also a gentleman who could be easily "deceived". If he entered the court, his political enemies would set traps for him, and they would be accurate. Even if Zhu Xiang knew it was a trap, he might jump into it himself to protect others.

"Whether it's lobbying, leading troops to fight, or governing a region, the Seven Kingdoms have many people who can do these things. But the only one who can increase the yield of the common people's fields is Zhu Xiang." Zichu knew the strengths and weaknesses of his best friend very well. "Letting Zhu Xiang serve as the king's assistant in the court is like letting an eagle sing, letting a horse plow the land, and using the world's sharpest sword to cut millet. He can be used, but he is wasting his talent."

The King of Qin understood Zichu's advice: "That's right. If Zhu Xiang was in Qin, I would let him only worry about farming and not be affected by other worldly affairs. From what you said, Zhu Xiang knew his weaknesses, so he deliberately concealed his talents and became a student of Lin Xiangru. Why would Zhu Xiang actively seek fame now? It will do him no good but harm."

Zichu said, "My grandson doesn't understand. If Zhu Xiang wants to make a name for himself, he can wait until he and Zheng'er return to Qin. He is a relative of the Qin royal family, so he is definitely safer than staying in Zhao. Although Zhu Xiang may not know when Zheng'er will be able to return to Qin, from what I know about him, he is not interested in fame and wealth, so he shouldn't be so impatient."

The King of Qin pondered for a while and said hesitantly, "He knows that he is not good at fighting others, but he still does things he is not good at. This is a bit like what you said just now, knowing that there is a trap ahead, but he still jumps into it."

Zichu suddenly opened his eyes wide, his back straightened involuntarily, and cold sweat broke out on his back.

The King of Qin asked, "What did you think of?"

Zichu's lips moved, but he was unable to speak for a long time.

He clenched his fists and slammed his legs hard, not even caring about his manners in front of his grandfather.

"Zhu Xiang..." Zichu had a vague idea in his mind, but he couldn't believe it. "Could it be that Zhu Xiang has already realized Yinghou's plan to alienate the enemy and wants to go to Changping instead of Zhao Kuo?!"

The King of Qin did not blame Zichu for his misconduct.

He knew that Zhu Xiang held a position in Zichu's heart, just like Fan Ju held a position in his heart. Zichu's loss of composure was understandable. As a grandfather, he would not care if his grandson revealed his emotions.

The King of Qin lowered his eyes and said, "No, if he is really as talented as you say, he should know that no matter how famous he is, the King of Zhao will never let him lead the army. Not only is he a commoner, he cannot convince the Zhao soldiers, but he is also related to you and will return to Qin sooner or later. With the heart of the King of Zhao, he will not let even half a Qin person lead the army to fight against Qin."

Zichu pursed his lips, which turned pale from excessive worry: "Grandson can't understand why Zhu Xiang did such a suicidal thing!"

The King of Qin comforted Zichu and said, "Perhaps he is disappointed with Zhao and wants to gain fame so that I can take Zheng'er back as soon as possible for his sake. As long as he goes to Qin, the jealousy of others in Zhao will not hurt him."

Zichu said, "It's possible! No, he must have thought so. Zhu Xiang values his family very much, he must want to leave a way out for his family, so he took such a risky move."

The King of Qin continued to appease him, "Relax. When Zhao is defeated, I will immediately ask the King of Zhao to return the hostage so that you and Zhu Xiang can be reunited."

Zichu immediately fell to the ground to express his gratitude.

The King of Qin comforted Zichu for a few more words before letting him leave.

As soon as Zichu left, the King of Qin turned around and asked, "Sir, I am increasingly curious about Zhu Xiang."

Fan Ju walked out from behind the screen.

Although he was wary of important officials in the court like Bai Qi, he didn't care about young people like Zhu Xiang. As his monarch said, by the time Zhu Xiang's qualifications and achievements could threaten his position, he would probably be dead. Zhu Xiang was the person left by the monarch for Prince Zichu, so not only would he not be jealous, he would also help the monarch carefully train this future important minister.

"I am also becoming more and more curious about him." Fan Ju said, "Could it be that he really wants to use his talent to get the Lord to help him return to Qin as soon as possible? If so, he is quite arrogant, which is good."

After Fan Ju learned about Zhu Xiang, he did not like him very much. Fan Ju was a person who was aggressive and vindictive. Zhu Xiang's overly low-key and tolerant attitude made Fan Ju look down on him.

The current Zhu Xiang made him feel somewhat favorable towards him.

Although Zhu Xiang did put himself in danger, what is the point of taking risks for a talented person to show his talent? In the past, Zhu Xiang was just a talented person, but now Zhu Xiang is a man of ambition in Fan Ju's eyes.

Fan Ju said, "Your Majesty, don't worry. When I send people to Handan to alienate Lian Po, I will also ask them to protect Zhu Xiang and Gongzi Zheng."

The King of Qin stood up and held Fan Ju's hands, saying with emotion: "I still have to rely on you. With your words, I feel relieved!"

The palace maid silently shrank her neck to hide the goose bumps on her neck.

Here it comes, here it comes again, the king is expressing his feelings to the prime minister again.

Although Zhu Xiang was treated as a "lower-ranking official" despite his high-profile performance, he still failed to become an official with real power.

Lin Xiangru was so angry that he fell seriously ill, and Zhu Xiang was so frightened that he served Lin Xiangru without taking off his clothes.

"Mr. Lin! Zhao and Qin are at war now, so it is reasonable for the King of Zhao not to use me. Mr. Lin, don't be angry. I am already a junior official, and my position will only be higher than this in the future."

With Zhu Xiang's comfort, Lin Xiangru gritted his teeth and climbed up from the sickbed: "Yes! I can't be sick, I still have to protect you and walk into the court of Zhao State!"

"Yes, I rely entirely on Mr. Lin's protection." Lin Xiangru held his breath, and Zhu Xiang once again worked hard to restore Lin Xiangru's health.

The doctors at Lin Xiangru's mansion were very surprised and discussed medical principles with Zhu Xiang every day, believing that he had the potential to be a good doctor.

Zhu Xiang had no choice but to talk to the doctor at Lin Xiangru's house about the "relationship between body and mood" to fool the doctor.

He was really not good at practicing medicine and curing illnesses. It was obvious that Mr. Lin's illness was caused by him, so he was able to help him recover. If it was someone else who was really sick, Zhu Xiang would be powerless.

After Lin Xiangru recovered slightly from his illness, Zhu Xiang returned home, closed the door and refused to see visitors, and rested for a few days.

Ying Xiaozheng climbed onto Zhu Xiang's belly while he was taking a nap, and said aggrievedly, "Is my uncle free to accompany Zheng'er to study today?"

After he said that, he stepped on Zhu Xiang's stomach twice.

Zhu Xiang pulled Ying Xiaozheng into his arms, covered his stomach and groaned, "Uncle has been too busy recently and neglected Zheng'er. Uncle apologizes. Uncle will accompany Zheng'er to study now."

After waiting at the door for Ying Xiaozheng to wake up Zhu Xiang, Xue walked in and said, "Since Zheng'er's birthday, you have been leaving Zheng'er to me and never playing with him. Zheng'er misses you very much."

Although the atmosphere at home was tense and depressing this year, Zhu Xiang still celebrated Ying Xiaozheng's birthday.

There was no big celebration for this birthday. Zhu Xiang just tried his best to prepare a table of delicious food for Ying Xiaozheng, and even made a jam steamed cake specially for Ying Xiaozheng.

In order to help Lin Xiangru to get healthy, Zhu Xiang revealed his ability as a "gourmet cook" of the time. He made Ying Xiaozheng roll on the ground after one meal. He wanted to eat one more steamed cake and almost got spanked by his aunt on his birthday.

Zhu Xiang's reputation as a good cook also reached the ears of King Zhao.

After he cooked a delicious meal for King Zhao, King Zhao asked Zhu Xiang if he would like to enter the palace and be a royal chef.

This time, King Zhao did not ask Zhu Xiang to be a temple servant, but Zhu Xiang still refused.

Zhu Xiang said that he was not interested in this. He was willing to train a royal chef for the king of Zhao, and he would be there whenever the king wanted to eat something new.

Because of Zhu Xiang's cooking skills, King Zhao became much closer to him.

However, Zhu Xiang was criticized again when he went to the palace to cook for the King of Zhao. The King of Zhao's close ministers advised the King of Zhao that they were worried that Zhu Xiang had tampered with the King of Zhao's food. The person who cooked for the King of Zhao should be the person the King of Zhao trusted the most. Zhu Xiang had a relationship with the Qin royal family, so he obviously should not be the person the King of Zhao trusted.

King Zhao had to give up the idea of asking Zhu Xiang to come to the palace more often to cook for him. He only allowed Zhu Xiang to offer recipes and let the imperial chefs in the palace cook delicious food for him.

All the people in Handan sighed, as Duke Zhu Xiang once again lost the opportunity to become a close minister of King Zhao.

After Ying Xiaozheng's birthday, Zhu Xiang used his busy schedule as an excuse to let Xue accompany Ying Xiaozheng every day. Even at night, he would often light an oil lamp in the study to write about farming, letting Xue and Ying Xiaozheng go to bed first.

Xue and Ying Xiaozheng became closer and closer. Ying Xiaozheng dared to act like a spoiled child in Xue's arms, and was not afraid of being spanked on the palm or butt by Xue when he was too naughty.

Ying Xiaozheng had already discovered that although his aunt raised her hands high, she was very gentle when she hit him, not wanting to hurt him. Even if it hurt a little at the time, after a night's sleep, the redness and swelling would subside the next day.

Smart children always quickly understand what it means to be fearless. Ying Xiaozheng has already begun to test Xue's bottom line, repeatedly jumping on the edge of being beaten.

As they spent more time together, Xue became closer and more doting on Ying Xiaozheng. Now she even ordered Ying Xiaozheng to step on Zhu Xiang's belly when he was taking a nap.

Zhu Xiang looked at Xue's intimacy, kindness and doting in Ying Xiaozheng's eyes, and a slightly sour smile flashed across his lips.

Zhu Xiang accompanied Ying Xiaozheng to read books for a day, and then left Ying Xiaozheng to Xuedai.

He locked himself in his study, and continued to write and organize his thoughts on farming, as well as his advice on how to allow the people to recuperate after the unification of the world.

He will leave all these to Zheng'er.

As the paper books on Zhu Xiang's desk piled higher and higher, time entered April.

The Battle of Changping broke out.

Lian Po fought and retreated, blocking the Qin army firmly on the east bank of the Dan River.

The Qin army was unable to defeat the enemy with its fierce attack, and Lian Po not only avoided the battle, but also roasted potatoes on the wall, mocking the Qin army for not having enough food.

"You have been fighting for nearly three years. You must have run out of food and fodder, right? Haven't half of your soldiers' families in Qin starved to death? What's so good about Changping? Even a potato grows so small. It's useless to capture it. It's better to withdraw."

Wang He was so angry that he couldn't help but sneer. Changping is nothing good, so why did you Zhao people interfere? ! When the King of Zhao replaces you, I wonder how rampant you Zhao army will be!

When Lian Po avoided fighting, the people sent by Fan Ju to Handan finally took action.

They spent money like water and constantly built up momentum for Zhao Kuo.

The Qin people first reiterated the achievements of Zhao She, who had died of illness, in Handan. During the reign of King Huiwen of Zhao, the Zhao army was already weaker than that of Qin and had almost never defeated Qin. In the Battle of Yanyu, everyone in the world thought that Zhao could not win, and even Lian Po and Le Cheng opposed Zhao's sending troops. However, Zhao She defeated the Qin army, and this miraculous battle made him famous.

The King of Qin who was defeated at that time is the old King of Qin who has been in office for a long time now.

It is heard that Zhao Kuo inherited his father's ability to lead troops and has been taught by Zhao She since childhood. He is even more powerful than Zhao She in his youth and has never lost in a military battle with others.

Lian Po did not dare to rescue Yanyu in the past, and now he is avoiding the battle. He is afraid of Qin and dare not fight Qin, which would waste Zhao's food and grass in vain. The only person Qin is afraid of is Zhao Kuo, the son of Zhao She, the Marquis of Mafu, and is afraid that Zhao Kuo will repeat the miracle of the Battle of Yanyu.

"In the Battle of Yanyu, Lord Mafu was able to win a battle that was bound to be lost; now in the Battle of Changping, the Qin army is exhausted and fighting far away from home, and the people of Shangdang all support the King of Zhao. Zhao has the best of time, place and people, and Lord Mafu will surely win this battle easily!"

Zhu Xiang looked at the arrogant young man in front of him and was speechless for a moment.

"I heard that you have never been defeated in military affairs, so I came to ask for your advice!" Zhao Kuo bowed perfunctorily, raised his chin, and glanced at this newly famous civilian out of the corner of his eye.

(End of this chapter)