Chapter 126
Book 12 Chapter 05 – Grand Preparations
Dressed flamboyantly in his official robes, Lu Buwei strode in arrogantly into Zhu Ji’s Hall of Kindness. Xiang Shaolong hurriedly got up and greeted him.
Even livelier than before, he scanned Xiang Shaolong and nodded with a smile: "I am so happy to see you again."
A simple sentence that hints strongly at many things! It hints at Xiang Shaolong’s sudden disappearance, his ‘disregard’ of the Qin court and the fact that he is able to stay alive!
He continued to pay his respects to Zhu Ji but did not kneel down, showing the special relations.h.i.+p he shares with her. With her support, he does not see himself as a subordinate any more.
Lu Buwei sat opposite Xiang Shaolong and smiled: "With shameless individuals coming in with evil intentions and creating trouble, these are trying times for the Qin Court. If Shaolong has nothing urgent, why don’t you stay in Xianyang City? I may have some tasks for you."
Xiang Shaolong nodded in consent but secretly admired Lu Buwei’s psychological warfare. Using the present danger as an excuse, he forced Zhu Ji to cooperate with him.
Turning to Zhu Ji, Lu Buwei asked: "What are Empress and Shaolong talking about?"
A simple sentence like this betrayed Lu Buwei’s proud att.i.tude. After all, he is a subject of Empress Ji and who is he to question Empress Ji about her affairs?
Zhu Ji was not angry and plainly state: "I am just asking about his recent activities!"
Anger flashed his eyes as Lu Buwei coldly dismissed: "Shaolong, please leave us alone. I have something important to discuss with Empress."
Xiang Shaolong was annoyed at his comment, indicating that he is not fit to join in their discussion.
He was about to take his leave when Zhu Ji interrupted: "Shaolong, hold your step. How can Premier Lu treat Shaolong like an outsider?"
Lu Buwei was shocked but put on a smile: "It is not that. He has no interests in court affairs and I do not want to burden him!"
Zhu Ji nonchalantly asked: "Premier Lu is so impatient; what can be so important?"
Xiang Shaolong and Lu Buwei knew that Zhu Ji is throwing her temper and is obviously siding with Xiang Shaolong. Lu Buwei will not be so foolish to continue reb.u.t.ting her and went along, smiling: "Empress, please do not take offence. I wanted to see you as I have an excellent recommendation for the Imperial Cavalry Commander."
The Imperial Cavalry Commander is the next post after An Gu to work closely with the royal family.
Xianyang City is protected by three armies. They are the palace guards protecting the palace and the Imperial Infantry and Imperial Cavalry defending the city. The Imperial Infantry are foot soldiers and Imperial Cavalry are soldiers on horseback.
If you combine both Imperial Infantry and Imperial Cavalry, it will be the same as Xiang Shaolong’s City Commander back at Handan City. It is just a separation of armies.
There are thirty thousand foot soldiers, three times more than the cavalry. But if you compare the honour and rank, the Imperial Cavalry Commander is more prestigious than the Imperial Infantry Commander.
Zhu Ji coldly concluded: "Premier Lu need not recommend anyone. I have decided to promote Shaolong to be the Imperial Cavalry Commander. Except for him, there is n.o.body else I will trust."
Lu Buwei could not imagine the normally-obedient Zhu Ji decided on this matter and did not offer any room for discussion. His face changing colour slightly, he glanced at Xiang Shaolong with surprise and checked: "Shaolong has changed your mind?"
Xiang Shaolong understood where Zhu Ji is coming from and she is indeed formidable. She did not want to live in Lu Buwei’s shadow forever. Now that Xiang Shaolong has gained the respect of the army and is the Imperial Cavalry Commander, he can check Lu Buwei’s influence. Thus, Lu Buwei dare not act hastily and disregard her and Xiao Pan. Through Xiang Shaolong, she need not always bend her will and support Lu Buwei blindly.
Xiang Shaolong knew that Lu Buwei is pretending to be concerned but is actually forcing him to give up this promotion. Then he can recommend the person he has in mind. Xiang Shaolong smiled: "As Premier Lu mentioned, it is trying times for Qin. I can only put my personal responsibilities and accept this challenging position."
Anger shooting out of his eyes, Lu Buwei faked a smile and coughed: "Good. Since Empress thinks so highly of you, do not disappoint her!"
Zhu Ji plainly asked: "Does Premier Lu have anything else to say?"
Lu Buwei was infuriated but dare not argue with her, knowing that he has crossed the line earlier. He reported: "Qi Chancellor Tian Dan, Chu Imperial Uncle Li Yuan, Zhao General Pang Junyu arrived in Xianyang City yesterday. They hope to meet Empress and Crown Prince before attending the late king’s funeral."
Zhu Ji coldly hissed: "We are still dressed in mourning clothes. What is there to see? Wait till the late king is buried first!"
This is the first time Lu Buwei is being admonished by Zhu Ji in such a manner and knew that it was due to Xiang Shaolong. He hid his feelings well and did not reveal any discontentment. After exchanging a few more words with Zhu Ji, he left.
The Hall of Kindness is completely noiseless.
After a long while, Zhu Ji sighed: "I have secretly ordered everyone who saw you speaking to King Zhuangxiang to keep it a secret. Violators will be sentenced to death. Buwei should be ignorant about this matter."
Xiang Shaolong was grateful: "Thank you Empress!"
Zhu Ji sighed: "Shaolong! I am so tired. So what if I have everything? I just cannot bring myself to be happy."
Xiang Shaolong knew that she is trying to get him to comfort her. He advised: "Empress must pull yourself together. The Crown Prince still needs your guidance and care."
Under such circ.u.mstances, he cannot bring up Lao Ai’s issue.
Firstly, he cannot explain how he could forecast Lao Ai seducing her. Moreover, if Zhu Ji wants him to replace this future Lao Ai, he will be in trouble.
He knows that history can never be changed.
Zhu Ji was quiet for a while and softly added: "You must be careful of General Pang from Zhao. He is famous for his strategies and is very articulate. He is the new City Commander and is the most prestigious general in Zhao after Lian Po and Li Mu. For him to come personally, he must be here to spy on our army strength. Ai! I really do not know what Buwei is planning. Now, he is very close to the six states as if nothing has happened."
Xiang Shaolong is not bothered with this General Pang that he has never heard before. If not for Guo Kai’s intimacy with Zhu Ji in the past and dare not come, this man will not even have the chance to come to Qin.
Both of them do not know what to say next.
After some unimportant exchanges, Xiang Shaolong bade his farewell. Zhu Ji is unwilling to let him go but is afraid of rumours and let him leave.
The moment he left the Empress palace, An Gu stepped up welcoming: "The Crown Prince wants to see Grand Tutor."
Xiang Shaolong walked with him