Chapter 112
Book 11 Chapter 03 – Lady Hua Yang
Xiang Shaolong and Lu Buwei went ahead to pay their respects to King Zhuangxiang and the rest of his companions. Lu Buwei chuckled: "Shaolong has never met General Xu Xian!"
Xu Xian has the body of a typical Qin, tall and stocky. Just slightly shorter than Xiang Shaolong and Lu Buwei, he is dressed simply in official robes. If he puts on his combat armour, he will become the prestigious and fear-inducing Qin general.
Xu Xian’s eyes are lively but his cheekbones are too high and run in contrast with his straight nose, making his face slightly disorganised. Around thirty, he radiates calm and steadiness. After a few general exchanges with Xiang Shaolong, he plainly said: "I have heard of Grand Tutor’s fame a long time ago. Unfortunately, I was guarding the border and can only meet you today."
Xiang Shaolong sensed that Xu Xian’s tone is icy and carry a hint of disdain. He did not seem to hold any respect for Lu Buwei at all. Xiang Shaolong could guess what has transpired and dare not extend the conversation.
Before Zhu Ji has a chance to speak up, the less enchanting and less graceful Lady Xiuli smiled: "General Xu is our famous general. Together with General w.a.n.g and Lu Gong, they are known as the three tiger generals of Qin!"
Xu Xian quickly expressed his modesty but no happiness can be seen from his face.
Xiang Shaolong a.n.a.lyzed the situation and committed it to memory. However, he still has no idea who Lu Gong is.
Xu Xian is on Lord Yangquan and Lady Xiuli’s side and obviously has no good feelings for Lu Buwei. He had even mistaken Xiang Shaolong to be Lu Buwei’s follower.
On the surface, Lu Buwei appears to be respectful and invited: "Only heroes can relate to heroes. Why don’t you have a drink at my residence and exchange pointers with Shaolong?"
Xu Xian smiled: "Premier is too generous!" Turning around, he bade farewell to King Zhuangxiang and left without giving a definite answer to Lu Buwei’s invitation.
Xiang Shaolong has a good impression of this gentleman who places his principles above his fear of authority.
Xiao Pan led Little Ben and greeted Grand Tutor Xiang. After paying obeisance, Little Ben asked: "Father is full of praises for Grand Tutor. When Grand Tutor is teaching Prince Zheng, can I watch at the side?"
Everyone burst out laughing after hearing him. Only Prince Chen glimpsed briefly at Xiang Shaolong before looking away. Prince Chen must have been influenced by the rumours spread by Lu Buwei’s enemies.
An attendant came to report that the Empress Dowager wishes to see Xiao Pan.
King Zhuangxiang immediately instructed Xiao Pan to visit Lady Hua Yang under the escort of the attendant and other palace guards. Although Xiao Pan is unwilling to leave, he does not have a choice and departed with disappointment.
King Zhuangxiang made some comments to Empress Zhu Ji and concubine Lady Xiuli before bringing Lu Buwei and Xiang Shaolong into the imperial study. It then dawned upon Xiang Shaolong that this is not an ordinary visit.
In the study, the King and the two men took their respective seats. All the palace guards were dismissed, leaving the three of them in total privacy.
Seated higher, King Zhuangxiang looked to Xiang Shaolong who is seated on his lower left and smiled: "Shaolong is an appreciative family man and a great friend as well. I wished to have a longer chat with you but that will have to wait. Have you rested well?"
Xiang Shaolong is full of appreciation for King Zhuangxiang and his genuine caring nature. Among all the Kings of the seven states, this nature hardly exists. He hurriedly gave his thanks and affirmation.
Lu Buwei is surprisingly quiet and giggled at Xiang Shaolong.
King Zhuangxiang’s eyes are s.h.i.+ning with reflection as he softly sighed: "I have been held hostage in Zhao for a prolonged period and I had a rough time. Despite this, I managed to experience the sufferings of the commoners. As the King today, I still remind myself to understand what the common people are going through and create laws that benefit them. Ai! I also do not wish to start a war after I barely ascended the throne. However, Premier Lu is right. Offence is the best defence. If you do not attack others, others will eventually attack you. During these turbulent times, the only way to survive is to fight power with power. Ai!"
Xiang Shaolong was stunned. If not for Lu Buwei’s fanning the flames, King Zhuangxiang will not send his army against Eastern Zhou. In order to fully convince King Zhuangxiang, Lu Buwei must have proven that Eastern Zhou is collaborating with the other six states against Qin.
Unknowingly, he had lent Lu Buwei a big helping hand.
Lu Buwei intercepted: "This cannot be helped. The six states have ulterior motives towards Qin and are keen to limit our progress. Although Eastern Zhou is only made up of seven small provinces Henan, Luoyang, Guchen, Pingying, Yans.h.i.+, Gonghe and Zhongs.h.i.+; we have to pa.s.s by their cities in order to reach the six states. Rather than let the six states occupy them and blockade us, it is better to attack first."
The corner of King Zhuangxiang’s mouth curled up in a bitter smile and he did not reply at once. The atmosphere is filled with tension.
Lu Buwei officially state: "A single wrong step can cause the whole country to be annihilated. Please do not hesitate. Xiaocheng has just pa.s.sed away and Han is at its weakest point. This is a golden opportunity which must not be missed. Otherwise, the consequences will unbearable."
King Zhuangxiang simply said: "I understand. Premier, please proceed to attack Zhou!"
Facing Xiang Shaolong, he added: "I have discussed with Premier Lu. The elimination of Zhou is akin to chopping off an arm for Han’s King Huan Hui. There is not much we can do to appease him. Instead, we will focus on the other states. I know that Shaolong is an intelligent man. Therefore, we will leave everything to your discretion."
Lu Buwei reminded: "Among the five states, Zhao and Yan are at war and we can ignore them for the time being. Regarding the other three states, we must not neglect Qi and Chu. We must wholeheartedly convince them that the attack on Zhou is an act of deterrent and not expansion. Between these two states, it is much easier to negotiate with Chu. Shaolong can present our good intentions to King Xiaolie. If you can sign an alliance treaty, it will be even better. Our Prince Zheng is growing up and it will be good to find a wife for him. I heard that King Xiaolie’s teenage daughter is a great beauty and is only slightly older than Crown Prince. If you can fix a marriage agreement for them, the Chu will definitely be appeased."
Xiang Shaolong is nodding his head but his heart is groaning; Isn’t this bringing calamity to Chu’s little princess? Moreover, Xiang Shaolong has to lie through his teeth and bring harm to the other party. Although he is not so innocent that he has never cause harm to others but whenever he plots against someone, he had a valid reason and a strong motive. Take Zhao Mu’s capture as an example. It is for personal revenge and also self-preservation, unlike this mission which is to strike the potential enemy first.
To console himself, he thought: Tian Dan, Li Yuan, Prince Xinling, Han Chuang and Lord Longyang are all plotting and harming people every day to benefit themselves and their own countries.
He could not help but smiled bitterly.
King Zhuangxiang has been scrutinising his facial expressions. Understandingly, he commented with a tinge of guilt: "I can tell that Shaolong is a hero and does not employ dirty tricks and schemes. Like you, I