Chapter 121
Book 11 Chapter 12 – Win-Win Situation
Xiang Shaolong, Teng Yi, Jing Jun and the Eighteen Guardians made their way to Xianyang City and proceeded straight to the Premier Residence. On their way, they ran into another slow moving carriage that was escorted by scores of Qin soldiers.
Xiang Shaolong was unaware of who is inside the carriage. He dare not be rude and rode slowly behind them.
The leader of the Qin soldiers in front suddenly ordered the entourage to move aside and waved to Xiang Shaolong’s group to overtake them.
Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi were surprised to experience such courtesy, However, the carriage blinds are down and they couldn’t see who is inside.
Jing Jun knows best. Speaking to the Qin soldier at the end of the entourage, he rode up to them and whispered: "It is Xianyang City’s number one beauty Qin Qing!"
Xiang Shaolong turned his head and looked back at her carriage. He had a wondrous feeling in his heart.
Xiang Shaolong wanted to meet Master Tu first and find out more about the reason for Lu Buwei wanting to see him but luck was not on his side.
Meeting him in the study, this political behemoth questioned: "Shaolong, why are you so rash? Before you seek my advice, you proposed Xu Xian the idi0t to be the Left Premier to King Zhuangxiang. You have ruined my grand plan. Can’t I even be away for a while without things s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g up?"
Xiang Shaolong had guessed that he could not deny this fact. With a ready answer, he smiled: "His Majesty wanted to pick someone on the spot and we are not sure when Premier will be back. My suggestion is meant to benefit you. By sharing some power with the Qin population, it shows that you are broad-minded and not a power-grabber. In this way, no one will dare to bad mouth you in the Qin court."
Lu Buwei was taken aback. His sharp eyes s.h.i.+ning, he scrutinized him for a while before asking: "Is this the same reason why you rejected the post?"
Xiang Shaolong knew that he is slightly convinced and hurriedly nodded: "Premier Lu has treated us most generously. What is personal glory?"
Lu Buwei stared at the ceiling beams in his house and seemed moved. He suddenly offered: "I have three daughters and the youngest one is named Lu Niang Rong. I shall now marry her to you as a form of replacement to Princess Qian."
Right now, Xiang Shaolong is faced with the most difficult decision of his life.
If he agreed, Lu Buwei will regard him as family. He can then easily help Xiao Pan ascend the throne and be the new King of Qin. Then he will turn the tables and kill this traitor. The Wu family will be safe as well.
But if he consented, he will have to betray his conscience and serve this traitor. In addition, accepting this Lu Niang Rong will be unfair to Ji Yanran and the other wives.
Lu Buwei is the most ambitious and crafty businessman during these times. He will not strike a bargain unless he is sure that he will gain more at the end of the day.
He has eliminated his political adversary Lord Yangquan. Xiang Shaolong is the favourite of King Zhuangxiang and Empress Ji and cannot be killed. The best way is to absorb him into his own ranks by making him his son-in-law. A top strategy indeed!
Xiang Shaolong gritted his teeth and kneeled down, speaking with resolution: "Premier Lu, please retract your offer. Shaolong’s heart is dead and does not wish to be involved in any relations.h.i.+p, causing a lifetime of unhappiness to Miss Lu."
Lu Buwei was incensed. As he was about to force him, heavy knocking was heard on the door. A family warrior came in and kneeled down, reporting: "Premier Lu, I bring bad news. Wei’s Prince Xinling has led the combined armies of Yan, Zhao, Han, Wei and Chu. They have broken through our fortifications on the east of the river. General Meng has been defeated at Hangu Pa.s.s. The combined armies are now rallying outside the pa.s.s."
These words strike them like a bolt from the sky. Forgetting their topic, they faced each other in confusion.
Lu Buwei jumped up crying: "It is disastrous. I must see the King at once."
Watching his back, Xiang Shaolong remembered Ji Yanran’s prophecy and cannot believe that it is really happening. It has indirectly helped him to avoid an open conflict with Lu Buwei.
Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi left the Premier residence. In this turbulent period, they dare not leave and returned to the Wu family residence. There, they will receive the latest news.
The moment they stepped into the door, Tao Fang welcomed them. With a strange expression on his face, he informed: "Shaolong, there is a man waiting for you. He claims to be well-acquainted with you. It is funny how he would know that you will be coming today."
Xiang Shaolong was alarmed and went to receive this guest in the guest room.
The guest wore a bamboo hat to block out the sun. With his back facing the door, he sat upright and has a mysterious aura around him.
Xiang Shaolong found his back familiar but could not recognise who it may be.
The guest heard footsteps but still did not turn back.
Xiang Shaolong sat down opposite him and noticed that his cheeks is covered with a nice beard but he cannot see the eyes underneath the bamboo hat.
Just as he was about to ask, the strange man slowly remove his hat.
Xiang Shaolong was blown away. "My Lord!" he exclaimed.
Lord Longyang’s pretty face may have been hidden by the beard and his eyelashes have become thicker but Xiang Shaolong will recognize those seductive eyes anywhere.
After they exchanged glances, Lord Longyang smiled: "Brother Dong is truly a pa.s.sionate man who does not forget his friends."
Xiang Shaolong laughed bitterly: "In the end, I still cannot deceive you."
Lord Longyang explained: "Dong Horse Fanatic will not die so easily and Xiang Shaolong will not return to Xianyang City without completing his mission. I even sent someone to Chu to verify this. Coincidently, Dong Horse Fanatic’s family has just been wiped out by barbarians. Other people may think this is a trick but I believe the real Dong Horse Fanatic is dead while the fake Dong Horse Fanatic is having a great time in Xianyang City. Otherwise, Zhao Zhi will not come all the way to Xianyang City."
Xiang Shaolong guessed that he could no longer deceive him and sighed: "Prince Xinling has just defeated the Qin army. Does Lord know that it is dangerous to come all the way here?"
Lord Longyang replied: "Of course I know. I am here precisely because the Qin army is defeated."
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "Is Lady Ya doing well?"
Lord Longyang smiled bitterly and retrieved a clear jade bangle from his bosom. He gently disclosed: "Zhao Ya wanted me to give this to you, showing that her love for you will never change. The love will be external like jade. Due to circ.u.mstances and not to put you in a difficult position, she did not look for you in Xianyang City. She hope you will understand her difficulties."
Xiang Shaolong held the bangle tightly in his hand and was grieved. After a while, he asked in a deep voice: "What can I do for you?"
Lord Longyang sighed: "It is all because of our Prince Zhen that was held hostage here in Xianyang City. With the defeat of the Qin army, he will be tortured and even killed as a form of revenge. My King dotes on this son and even I have to risk my life to save him."
Xiang Shaolong was reminded that when a state loses the war, they will normally give up an important member of the royal family as a hostage in the winning state. Qin has been victorious and must have several hostages in Xianyang City. Feeling a headache coming, he asked: "How does Lord want Shaolong to help him?"
Lord Longyang pleaded: "King Zhuangxiang and Lu Buwei regard Brother Xiang highly. If Brother Xiang can put in a few good words, you can keep Prince Zhen alive."
Xiang Shaolong concluded: "Lord can put your mind at ease. Based on our friends.h.i.+p, I will do whatever I can."
Despite his promise, he remembered that Lu Buwei was becoming more and more vicious and had no idea how to help him.
Lord Longyang was delighted and was about to give his thanks when Tao Fang came in and interrupted: "The King has summoned Shaolong to the palace."
Xiang Shaolong stood up and advised: "Brother Long, please stay here and wait for my news."
Instructing Tao Fang to take good care of his guest, he rode furiously to the palace.
For the first time ever, the leader of the palace guards, An Gu escorted him personally. He was brought to a Command Centre in the back palace. An Gu was extremely friendly and Xiang Shaolong felt like he is trying to curry favour with him.
An Gu is tall, handsome and imposing. Around the age of twenty five, he is of royal blood despite not sharing the same surname. The leader of the palace guards is normally related to the royal family to ensure their loyalty. Even with Lu Buwei’s manipulation, he cannot change this system. Otherwise, the safety of the Qin King will be in his hands.
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