When Zhu Xiang returned to Xianyang, Ying Zheng was waiting at the city gate as usual.
When he saw his uncle and aunt, Ying Zheng's face was very long.
Ying Zheng had previously agreed with Zhu Xiang that every first month of the year, his uncle and aunt would come to the Hanzhong Palace to celebrate his birthday with him.
In the first month of this year, Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji broke their promise because of the cold weather.
Ying Zheng certainly knew that disaster relief was more important than reunion.
But he is rational in front of other people, but he can't help but become emotional in front of his uncle and aunt.
Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji would not say to Ying Zheng that "Qin is more important" or "disaster relief is more important". They just coaxed the child whom they had coaxed since he was a child and promised compensation.
Zhu Xiang would prepare a big meal for Ying Zheng and write a new novel or story, and Xue Ji had already sewed a new set of clothes for Ying Zheng. Only then did Ying Zheng "reluctantly" forgive his uncle and aunt who had broken their promise.
This time when Ying Zheng went out of the city to welcome his uncle and aunt, in addition to Lin Zhi and Cai Ze who were definitely accompanying him, he also brought Meng Yi and Zhang Liang.
As for Li Erlang, he has been sent out to serve as a county magistrate.
Li Erlang followed Li Bing in Shu County for so long to learn how to be a local official. Rather than staying in the court, he hoped to directly apply what he had learned throughout his life to the local people.
Zhang Liang had long been accustomed to Ying Zheng's childish behavior in front of Zhu Xianggong and Lady Wu, and he despised it severely; Meng Yi was hit again.
The perfect image of the King of Qin in his mind was cracked again.
"Fusu, what books have you read?" When Ying Zheng saw his son, he did not ask about his son's well-being, but went straight to the test.
But little Fusu no longer recognized his father and turned his head away and ignored Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng brought little Fusu, who was nestling in Zhu Xiang's arms, to his side and said, "Why didn't you answer your father's question?"
Little Fusu opened his eyes wide and asked in confusion: "Ah, you are the king and father."
Ying Zheng: “…”
He knocked on Xiao Fusu's head in disbelief: "Are you stupid?"
After Zhu Xiang had seen enough of the joke, he suppressed his laughter and said, "It's been a long time since we last met, he just forgot what you look like. Fusu, he is your father."
Little Fusu stared at Ying Zheng for a long time with his eyes wide open before hesitating, "Really?"
Veins popped out on Ying Zheng's forehead: "Could it be fake?"
Little Fusu was full of doubt: "My uncle said that my father is the smartest in the world. Let me test you. If you can't answer, you are not my father."
Ying Zheng: “?!”
Ying Zheng looked at Zhu Xiang: "Uncle, how did you teach Fusu?!"
How did my son become like this?!
Zhu Xiang said: "You'll have to ask your aunt about this."
Xue Ji blushed and said, "Fusu is still young. I only took him to play and didn't teach him yet. But Zheng'er, you were like this when you were a child. Fusu is like you."
Ying Zheng: “???!” Aunt, are you serious? !
Little Fusu muttered: "Humph, I knew my uncle was lying to me again. I won't be fooled!"
Ying Zheng: "Hmm?"
He realized that something was wrong and glared at Zhu Xiang fiercely.
Zhu Xiang coughed dryly and said, "It's none of my business."
Xue Ji covered her mouth and laughed, "If it's none of your business, whose business is it? You kept teasing him on the way back."
Ying Zheng thought of the joke his uncle had played on him before, and said with a headache: "Uncle, not everyone can distinguish between truth and falsehood like I did back then."
Zhu Xiang said cleanly: "I was wrong!"
Ying Zheng was speechless.
His uncle never cares about his face when admitting his mistakes, even when facing juniors and subordinates, he will admit his mistakes.
But he admitted his mistake so quickly that Ying Zheng always had the illusion that his uncle was saying, "I admit my mistake, but I won't change."
Little Fusu continued to fan the flames: "If you were the king and father, would you know what nine times nine is? Humph!"
I'm so proud that I can recite the multiplication table!
Ying Zheng said weakly: "Eighty-one."
Little Fusu's eyes widened again: "You know that! Then let me test you again, how about eight divided by eight?"
Ying Zheng's mouth twitched slightly: "One."
Little Fusu took a breath and said carefully, "Seven minus five? Three plus six?"
Ying Zheng: "The former is two, the latter is nine."
Little Fusu immediately jumped off Ying Zheng's knees, and despite the swaying of the carriage, he respectfully raised his short hands and saluted: "Your Majesty, Father, please accept my son's greetings."
Ying Zheng: "… What kind of weird etiquette is this? Uncle!"
Zhu Xiang: “Hahahahahahaha.”
Xue Ji covered her mouth again and said, "He is just like you before, confusing the story of his beloved with reality. Fusu and Zheng'er were really alike before."
Like a fart! Ying Zheng took a deep breath, rolled his eyes, and cursed in his heart.
Little Fusu looked up and said sweetly, "My father is really amazing! My uncle said that my father is the smartest in the world, and it's true!"
Little Fusu was already two and a half years old. Ordinary children at this age could not speak fluently. But he was articulate and logical, and could already be called a child prodigy.
At least Cheng Jiao couldn't do it before.
Ying Zheng should have been happy, but he couldn't be happy.
Even if his son praised him as the smartest person in the world, he would not be happy.
It was obviously his turn to test his son, so how did it become his turn to test him? Why did the situation turn out like this
And just by memorizing a multiplication table, he became the smartest person in the world? This is too cheap to be the smartest person in the world.
Ying Zheng took a deep breath. He was not sure whether to be angry or not, but he felt aggrieved too. In the end, he could only rub Fusu's head hard a few times to get rid of the aggrieved feeling and test Fusu hard.
After Fusu acknowledged Ying Zheng as his father, he fearlessly climbed onto Ying Zheng's knees again, held Ying Zheng's arms very domineeringly, and used Ying Zheng's arms as a chair.
Ying Zheng was slightly dissatisfied with his son's arrogant attitude. Xue Ji and Zhu Xiang once again lamented that Fusu and Zheng'er were really similar.
Ying Zheng: “…” He began to doubt whether it was the right decision to leave Fusu to be raised by his uncle and aunt.
He was indeed arrogant in the past, but he would not be satisfied if Fusu was as arrogant as himself.
He could pull the beards of his great-grandfather and great-grandfather, and could make his father so angry that he would chase him. If Fusu became like this, he would definitely throw Fusu to build the Great Wall!
Only at this time did Ying Zheng begin to reflect on whether he had been a bit naughty when he was a child.
Zhu Xiang saw the reflection on Ying Zheng's face and laughed so hard that he pounded the ground.
Sure enough, only after raising children will adults reflect on how naughty they were when they were children.
However, in the eyes of Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji, Fusu is much more obedient than Ying Zheng.
Fusu was very arrogant to outsiders, but once he recognized them as his "relatives", he would become very well-behaved and sensible. Even Li Si and Han Fei could pinch his chubby face and poke him like a tumbler, but Fusu never got angry.
If it was Zheng'er, the Iron Head Skill would be used to deal with relatives. Zhu Xiang, in particular, was often beaten by Zheng'er's Iron Head.
Zhu Xiang also understood why Xue Ji couldn't bear to be cruel to Fusu. Who could bear to be cruel to a good baby who hugged your neck and sweetly called "Uncle, thank you for your hard work"
Zheng Er has always been a rebellious person since he was young. It is not easy to see Zheng Er being sweet once, and you can only see him once when you meet him again after a long separation.
Fusu and Zheng'er looked very similar when they were children. Seeing Fusu acting coquettishly, Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji seemed to have returned to the past and saw Zheng'er hugging their necks and acting coquettishly to them sweetly.
In another carriage, Cheng Jiao, who refused to get on the King of Qin's carriage, said the same thing to Lin Zhi and Cai Ze.
"My uncle and aunt both said that Fusu looks very similar to my older brother when he was a child. Seeing Fusu is like seeing a younger version of my older brother. Hahahaha, so when Fusu acts like a spoiled child to me, it's like my younger older brother acting like a spoiled child to me!"
Cai Ze showed a look of reminiscence and said, "Fusu does look very similar to Your Majesty when he was a child."
Lin Zhi shook his head: "No, just the facial features are similar. Zheng'er is fatter and his expression is more..."
His expression suddenly became fierce: "More domineering, more arrogant."
Li Mu, who was drinking water, said: "Puff! Cough cough cough."
Lin Zhi resumed his usual nonchalant expression and said with a smile, "Zheng'er was more fun when he was little. It's boring to play with a well-behaved child."
Cai Ze glanced at Lin Zhi and said, "If one day the Lord can no longer tolerate you and wants to exile you, I will definitely agree with the Lord."
Lin Zhi smiled and said, "That's perfect. I was just thinking about going there to enjoy the mountains and rivers. Li Mu, you've done a good job in Chu. Do you want to come back and be the prime minister?"
Li Mu did not hesitate: "No. South Vietnam has not been pacified yet."
Cai Ze said: "Let's hold off on fighting South Vietnam for now. The household registration of the whole country has not been sorted out yet, and the bandit problem has not been resolved."
Li Mu said: "Then I will go and suppress the bandits."
Lin Zhi smiled and said, "It's better to leave the task of suppressing bandits to the young people. You and Wang Jian have done enough. It's time to train some young generals. What about Meng Tian?"
Meng Yi pricked up his ears.
Li Mu said: "Southern Qin needs someone to guard it."
Meng Yi showed regret. I can't see my brother again. Sigh.
Lin Zhi said: "Meng Wu came back this time, but it's a pity that he couldn't see Meng Tian."
Li Mu said: "When Meng Tian was in Southern Qin, he often met Meng Wu. Although he did not come back this time, he brought you many gifts."
Meng Yi immediately said, "Thank you, Lord Wucheng."
Li Si and Han Fei did not join in the conversation, they took turns asking Zhang Liang about his homework, and Zhang Liang answered fluently.
Originally, Zhang Liang was only a disciple of Han Fei, but Han Fei would ask Li Si for advice whenever he encountered difficulties in teaching his students. Over time, Zhang Liang had two teachers.
Li Si originally just wanted to train his son. After spending a long time with Zhang Liang, Li Si felt more and more uncomfortable with his son.
How can you be so stupid, so stupid, so stupid? ! You are comparing your head with Zhang Liang! !
Forget it, I should train Zhang Liang well, keep a good relationship with him, and let him take care of my stupid son more in the future. Li Si thought very utilitarianly.
The carriages that Ying Zheng used to welcome Zhu Xiang were all of the standard for a monarch, but it was still a bit crowded with so many people squeezed into one carriage.
But they were having a good time chatting and didn't care about that.
The guards outside the carriage listened to the laughter and joyful chatter inside the carriage, and their serious expressions couldn't help but relax a little.
Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji first took little Fusu and Cheng Jiao to pay a visit to the two queen dowagers.
Empress Dowager Xia fell ill a few years ago. Fortunately, the newly appointed Bian Que happened to be studying at the Imperial Hospital and with many court experts. He took the risk and used emergency medicine to get her out of danger.
Queen Dowager Huayang cried to Queen Dowager Xia, asking her to take care of her health and not to leave her alone.
When they were in the backyard of King Qin Renwen, Queen Mother Huayang was high and mighty and hardly spoke to Queen Mother Xia. After King Qin Renwen died, the two queen mothers accompanied each other and became as close as sisters.
As their peers pass away one after another, the elderly cherish every moment of company from their peers.
After hearing Queen Mother Huayang cry, Queen Mother Xia really gritted her teeth and held on. Although she is a little thin now, she is in good spirits and can hold little Fusu and chat for a long time.
Although Cheng Jiao had grown up, Ying Zheng still let Cheng Jiao and little Fusu live together in the Queen Mother's palace temporarily.
When Xunzi saw Zhu Xiang coming back, he breathed a sigh of relief and handed over most of the trivial matters in his hands to Zhu Xiang.
Although he had many great scholars under him, he was still not confident in handing over Zheng'er's coronation ceremony to others.
Zhu Xiang took Xunzi to the Xianyang Palace to take care of him.
Ying Zheng had wanted to invite Xunzi to come before, but Xunzi refused. Now Zhu Xiang went to invite him, and Xunzi agreed.
Although Ying Zheng was a junior to Xunzi, Xunzi strictly observed the distinction between the ruler and his subjects, and set an example himself to prevent those great Confucian scholars from overstepping their authority.
The Confucian scholars of this era were all "rebels". In their eyes, they could be the king's teacher, but if the king was unreliable, they could regard him as an enemy.
Xunzi also believed that this idea was correct, but there were some things that he had to do even though he knew they were wrong.
For example, formulating a clear-cut hierarchy between the monarch and his subjects.
The world has just been settled, and the heroes have not yet accepted a unified dynasty. Stability is more important than anything else, so the king of a unified country must have supreme majesty.
There are distinctions between superiors and subordinates, between the ruler and his subjects, and layer upon layer of shackles, all for the stability of this new dynasty.
Many great scholars were dissatisfied with Xunzi's "flattery" to the king and believed that Xunzi had no integrity.
But Confucianism emphasizes seniority, and Xunzi's knowledge and debate skills far surpass theirs. Even if they are dissatisfied, it is useless if they cannot win the debate with Xunzi.
Xunzi knew that many great scholars hated him so much that they wished he were dead.
"After I die, you must hold on." Xunzi said earnestly, "I know you are not a Confucian, but you can be a Confucian."
Zhu Xiang said: "I will be whatever the Qin Dynasty needs me to be, Confucianism, Legalism, Taoism, Mohism, and Agriculture are all acceptable."
Xunzi smiled and praised: "Good."
This time, Xunzi did not scold Zhu Xiang again, and finally expressed his approval and expectations for Zhu Xiang.
After Zhu Xiang took care of Xunzi for a few days, Ying Zheng sent Fusu back and only let Cheng Jiao continue to take care of the two queens dowagers.
Ying Zheng said with a dark face: "The Queen Mother dotes on Fusu too much. Xun Weng, you must discipline Fusu well!"
Xunzi smiled and said, "Compared to you back then, Fusu is no longer favored."
Ying Zheng: “…” Why did every elder say “you back then” when he reprimanded Fusu? !
What happened to me back then?! I was…
I was indeed more favored than Fusu back then.
Ying Zheng was once again speechless because of his elders.
Little Fusu secretly glanced at his father's dark face.
Ah, the father is speechless again. It turns out that the father is not that powerful.
Little Fusu's little chest straightened up.
The king and father are no more than this.
Ying Zheng caught a glimpse of his son's increasingly arrogant expression and pressed his son's head hard.
He somewhat missed the well-mannered Fusu in his dream. He felt that this Fusu would give him more headaches than the Fusu in his dream.
After some time, Lian Po, Li Bing and Meng Wu all came back.
Zhang Ruo was also invited, but he was not yet qualified to be invited into the Xianyang Palace.
"Long time no see." Zhu Xiang gave Li Bing and Meng Wu a big hug.
Li Bing smiled and said, "It has been a long time indeed. If we meet any later, my hair will become as white as yours."
Meng Wu touched his hair and said, "It's difficult. Why is Zhu Xiang's hair so white and beautiful, like silver? My hair is gray."
Zhu Xiang laughed and scolded, "Are you still being conceited? Li Bing, after you come back this time, don't go back to Shu County. The Central Plains and Jianghuai need you, and the Yellow River needs you even more."
Li Bing joked, "It seems like I'll have to deal with canals and dams for the rest of my life."
Zhu Xiang said, "Zheng Guo is almost done. When he finishes, I will ask him to help you. Together, you two will be invincible."
Li Bing laughed out loud.
Meng Wu smiled and asked, "What did you arrange for me?"
Zhu Xiang said: "You will guard Nan Qin for the rest of your life. Nan Qin needs you."
Meng Wu: "Ah!"
The three of them laughed again.
Li Mu, Lin Zhi and Cai Ze arrived late. After greeting each other, they gathered around the stove, making tea and continuing to chat about all sorts of things.
Although Li Bing was not familiar with Lin Zhi and Cai Ze, they seemed to have always been good friends and had a very enjoyable chat.
Lian Po did not join in the conversation of the younger generation. He went to find Xunzi with a pot of wine.
Not only did Xunzi refuse to drink with him, he also scolded him that he would die of drunkenness sooner or later, and tried to get Lian Po to stay healthy with him.
The two old men were quarreling, just like they did in the past.
"It's a pity that Lin Xiangru is not here." Lian Po knocked on the wine jar and sighed.
Xunzi said, "Maybe he is there, but we can't see him."
Lian Po smiled and said, "It's better not to stay. Rather than wandering in this world for more than ten years, it's better to break away from the past and start a new life. We won't make him so worried."
Xunzi said: "That's right. He may be more free and easy than we think."
When Lian Po and Xunzi talked about the current situation of Zhao State, it was unclear whether he was boasting or sighing that he actually had the talent to govern the country.
Xunzi listened carefully, and recalled the past with Lian Po, talked about the descendants of his old friend, and then shook his head and sighed at those descendants who were not as good as his old friend.
"Lin Zhi was originally the least capable of Lin Xiangru's sons, but now he has become the most capable one." Lian Po sighed, "Lin Xiangru's other sons are all ordinary people who are not capable of great use."
Xunzi said: "Mr. Lin's favorite child is naturally the best."
Lian Po smiled and said, "Lin Xiangru's favorites are Zhu Xiang and Zheng'er. Zhu Xiang and Zheng'er are indeed the best."
Xunzi laughed: "Indeed."
As the two were chatting, Ying Zheng's voice rang out from a long distance away: "Fusu! What are you doing!"
Lian Po and Xunzi looked at each other, then got up and went out to see what Zheng'er was roaring about.
Fusu stood in the courtyard, covered in mud from nowhere.
Ying Zheng's face turned red with anger.
Lian Po asked curiously, "What's going on? Why is Fusu so dirty?"
When Fusu saw Lian Weng and Xun Weng coming, he immediately puffed out his chest and put his chubby hands on his waist: "Fusu picked vegetables and cooked for his father, Xun Weng and Lian Weng, and his father still yelled at Fusu, humph!"
Lian Po immediately picked up Fusu, ignoring the mud all over him, and said, "Oh, Fusu is so good."
Xunzi comforted him, "Fusu is filial. When you were a child, you often got covered in mud. Just wash it off."
Ying Zheng was so angry that he had trouble breathing.
He decided that he would take care of Fusu himself and not let his elders take care of him anymore! Fusu would definitely be led astray!
Fusu secretly stuck out his tongue at his king and father.
Humph, my father was like this when he was a child, so what right do you have to blame me
Fusu raised his little head proudly in his heart again.
My king and father, that’s all!
"What happened to Fusu?"
Zhu Xiang and others who were chatting also went out and saw Ying Zheng jumping with anger.
When they learned what had happened, they all laughed.
"Okay, go take a shower quickly. Although you are filial, you can't make yourself too dirty, or you will get sick." Zhu Xiang said, "Zheng'er, calm down too. Fusu is still young, so teach him slowly. When he grows up, he won't be able to stand being covered in mud anymore."
Ying Zheng: "Humph."
Zhu Xiang later privately told his elders and peers that when teaching Fusu, they should not often talk about Zheng'er's childhood, as this might reduce Zheng'er's prestige in Fusu's eyes.
However, he also advised Zheng'er not to be too harsh on Fusu. Many of the things Fusu was doing now were common for children of this age. Forcing Fusu to follow the rules like an adult would only make him mediocre.
Like getting your clothes dirty while picking vegetables for your elders like today, or liking to skip while walking, or laughing loudly when you are happy, these do not need to be corrected.
"Fusu will be a king like you in the future, and a king does not need to follow the rules. Instead of focusing on correcting these minor details, it is better to teach him more about learning and being a good person." Zhu Xiang said, "There is no perfect person in this world. Besides, is perfection in the eyes of the world really perfect?"
Ying Zheng seemed to be thinking about something.
Zhu Xiang said: "Perhaps most kings do not show their emotions on their faces, but they are not always like this since childhood, and they are not always like this in front of everyone. Moreover, if the king is capable enough, what does it matter if he shows his emotions on his face? Can he not be a wise king if he laughs, scolds, or scolds as he pleases?"
Ying Zheng said in a muffled voice: "Yes, uncle."
Zhu Xiang smiled and said, "Parents always want their children to be the best. I can understand your impatience. What's more, you are still affected by your past life memories and are not satisfied with the original Fusu."
Although Ying Zheng had grown up and would soon become Qin Shi Huang, Zhu Xiang still patted Ying Zheng on the shoulder.
"Don't be impatient. Fusu is really like you when you were a child. He won't let you down." Zhu Xiang said, "Besides, you still have me and your aunt. There are many elders who will help you look after Fusu."
Ying Zheng finally smiled: "Yeah."
Zhu Xiang joked, "Although he won't disappoint you, he might give you a headache. Who made him look like you? If Xia was here, he would definitely laugh at you. It's not that I won't repay you, it's just that the time has not come yet. Look, your retribution has come."
Ying Zheng glared at him like an uncle, then couldn't help laughing: "Father won't do that."
Zhu Xiang smiled and said, "No, he will. He will laugh very loudly."
Ying Zheng thought of his father's appearance and had to admit that his uncle was right.
"Fusu will cause your uncle a lot of trouble in the future." Ying Zheng bowed to Zhu Xiang.
Zhu Xiang said: "You are so polite and respectful, I am not used to it, I always feel that you are up to something bad."
Ying Zheng: “…”
Zhu Xiang sighed and said, "Zheng'er is so quiet, he must be doing something strange."
Ying Zheng was so angry that he said, "Uncle!"
Zhu Xiang: “Hahahahahaha.”
Ying Zheng was so angry that he wanted to leave, but Zhu Xiang grabbed his sleeve and went to the Queen Mother to pick up Fusu.
Although Fusu was left to Xunzi and Lian Po by Ying Zheng, the two queen dowagers liked their great-grandson, so Fusu went to the queen dowager every day to show his filial piety and serve as the queen dowager's dress-up doll.
When Ying Zheng saw the little Fusu who looked like he had lost all hope in life, he couldn't help but admit it.
Indeed, Fusu is like his former self.
I've been through this before, tsk.
(End of this chapter)