Chapter 120
Book 11 Chapter 11 – Meeting Qin Qing again
Recalling the day when Xiao Pan came out in the middle of Qin Qing’s lesson to look for him, causing Qin Qing to scold him as well, Xiang Shaolong told the attendant: "I will wait for Prince Zheng in the garden."
The attendant suggested: "Grand Tutor Xiang can wait outside the room. The lesson is about to end."
Xiang Shaolong nodded in agreement and sat down on a bench at the side. Out of a sudden, he felt completely relaxed. Xianyang City without Lu Buwei is like a clear stream without man-eating crocodiles.
Out of all the people he came across in these ancient times, the talented and outstanding leaders include Prince Xinling, Tian Dan and Lu Buwei. However, in terms of scheming, Lu Buwei is the best.
This businessman single-handedly helped Zhuangxiang ascend the throne, got himself promoted to be Premier and annihilated his political enemies. He is truly formidable.
Xiang Shaolong knew that he himself is not his match but even so, Lu Buwei will never guess that his ‘son’ Xiao Pan is actually a replacement Xiang Shaolong conjured up.
When Xiao Pan ascend the throne, he will automatically win.
The question is - can he last until then?
Qin Qing’s sweet voice rang out like music: "Grand Tutor Xiang! This is the first time we have met this year!"
Xiang Shaolong snapped out of his daydreaming and paid his respects.
This slender and charming widow returned his greetings. Her skin is glowing white and staring at her is a treat for his eyes.
Ji Yanran’s beauty is enchanting but Qin Qing is a different flavour altogether. With her endless flow of appeal, her cla.s.sy and well-proportioned figure, any man will be swept off his feet.
Qin Qing caught Xiang Shaolong staring at herself in a daze. Her face turning red, she shyly excused: "Grand Tutor Xiang, Prince Zheng is waiting for you inside. I take my leave first."
After a curtsey, she sashayed away.
Xiang Shaolong kicked himself for losing control and entered Xiao Pan’s room.
The kid has grown even taller and his features are even sharper than before. While he may not be handsome, he possesses thick eyebrows, sharp eyes and an imposing tall nose. With firm lips, he gives the impression of strong determination. Adding to his rectangular shaped face and chiselled jaws, he resembles the conqueror who will one day rule the world.
Even when Xiang Shaolong entered the room, he was pretending to be engrossed in his books and dare not act loosely like before.
Somehow, Xiang Shaolong was feeling lost as if there is a much bigger gap between him and Xiao Pan.
After Xiang Shaolong paid his respects, Xiao Pan returned the greetings. At the same time, he gestured his two attendants to leave the room.
When both of them are seated, Xiao Pan’s eyes shone with warmth. In a low voice, he commented: "Grand Tutor has lost weight!"
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "How is Crown Prince doing?"
Xiao Pan nodded: "Everything is great! Hng! Lord Yangquan caused the death of Princess Qian and got his retribution. The people of Han will not have many days of happiness left."
Xiang Shaolong was feeling cold upon hearing his words. They do not seem to come from a fifteen year old.
Xiao Pan curiously asked: "Why does Grand Tutor seem to have a lot on his mind?"
At this time, Xiang Shaolong wished to hear him call himself ‘Master’, but remembering that he has forbid him from doing so in the first place, he gave up the idea. Forcing a smile, he replied: "There are many things that you will understand in the future."
Xiao Pan was stunned and thought hard in silence.
Xiang Shaolong was beginning to believe that this future Emperor is going to be more than meets the eye. He instructed: "You are still young and must focus on your studies and gain more knowledge. Hei! Did you disturb the palace girls like in the past?"
Xiao Pan replied in a soft voice: "I am not interested in that ridiculous stuff anymore. Now, my only unhappiness comes from Grand Tutor being unable to teach me every day. Even w.a.n.g Ben misses you!"
At the last sentence, child-like innocence can be seen from Xiao Pan.
Xiang Shaolong recalled the day when he was practising martial arts with them. Then, Zhao Qian and the maids are still living happily together. Filled with agony, he simply state: "I will take care of myself. Let me rest for six more months! All right?"
Xiao Pan’s eyes suddenly turned red. Lowering his head, he whispered: "I dreamt of Mum last night!"
Xiang Shaolong naturally knew that he is referring to Zhao Ni and his mood got worse. Patting him on the shoulder, he a.s.sured: "Don’t think too much. When you become a good King in the future, your mother’s spirit will be comforted."
Xiao Pan nodded: "Not only must I be a good King, I must unite the world. Premier Lu often taught me this principle."
Xiang Shaolong shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Fine! We will unite the world. I have arranged a talented man to tutor you. This man is named Li Si. As long as you make good use of him, you will be a great Emperor whose name will be remembered for centuries."
Xiao Pan repeated Li Si’s name a few times before happily exclaiming: "Will Grand Tutor a.s.sist me in fighting the six states in the future? Ai! Thinking about war, I would love to be an adult right now and don my battle armour."
Xiang Shaolong laughed: "We shall see! I must return to the farms. You need not send me off or you may arouse suspicions." The palace is filled with Lu Buwei’s spies and it is better to be safe than sorry.
Xiao Pan grasped tightly onto his hand before releasing his grip. Nodding in agreement, his expression was filled with determination and strength.
Xiang Shaolong’s heart skipped a beat. Ai! It is truly Qin s.h.i.+ Huang!
Stepping outside the room, two palace maids approached him greeting: "Empress Dowager wishes to meet Grand Tutor Xiang."
Xiang Shaolong was not in favour of meeting Lady Hua Yang now. He is even afraid that she may bring up Lord Yangquan’s issue. He dare not turn down her invitation and was cursing at Qin Qing. If not for her, Empress Dowager will not know that he is in the palace.
Just like the last time, Empress Dowager Lady Hua Yang was accompanied by Qin Qing and they were waiting for him in her own palace. After paying his respects, Xiang Shaolong sat down. Lady Hua Yang started: "It is a nice coincidence that Grand Tutor Xiang is back. Another two days later and I will not be able to see you."
Whether it is due to Lord Yangquan, her younger brother’s death or not, Lady Hua Yang seemed to have aged a few years since they last met. She still retain her comforting expression with some small signs of tiredness. Overall, she does not look happy.
Xiang Shaolong was surprised: "Where is Empress Dowager going?"
He recollected she had given him a valuable headdress to be given to her Chu relative. Not only has he failed to do so, he even lost it in the red pine forest. In addition, he did not even apologise to her for his failure. Guilt-ridden, he was grateful that she still appreciates him.
Lady Hua Yang’s eyes had a dreamy look as she softly replied: "The day after tomorrow, I will leave for the Summer Palace at Bashu. I was told that the land is flat and fertile. Even if you scatter some seeds, they will grow into trees without further care. I am old and do not wish to witness all these infighting. I want to find a nice place and spend the rest of my life in peace."
Qin Qing interrupted: "Bashu has nice hills and streams, producing excellent livestock. The late king appointed Li Bin to govern the province. Li Bin has irrigated the place well and transformed wasteland into fertile farms. Empress Dowager will love the place."
Lady Hua Yang adoringly gazed at Qin Qing and softly asked: "So why are you not going with me? What is left in Xianyang City that is worth your time? I am still worried about you."
Qin Qing’s pretty eyes turned to Xiang Shaolong and her face reddened immediately. Lowering her head, she replied in a low voice: "I am responsible to tutoring Prince Zheng and dared not leave."
Xiang Shaolong can sense the deep friends.h.i.+p between these two women. At the same time, he is secretly alarmed. He could not imagine the icy-cold Qin Qing has crossed her own line and fell in love with himself. Thinking deeper, he was sure that he is mistaken and it is his own wishful thinking.
Ai! Love is the world’s greatest burden and he