Chapter 128
Book 12 Chapter 07 - Deceitful Support
Before dawn, led by Xiao Pan and Zhu Ji, the royal family, every court official and the various representatives from the six states attended a grand but serious funeral procession. King Zhuangxiang’s corpse is delivered from the Royal temple to the Royal Mausoleum for permanent burial.
Every single palace guard was activated to maintain law and order. Thousands of items were to be buried together with the coffin and the entire procession stretches over ten miles.
The citizens of Xianyang City put on mourning clothes and kneeled by the side of the streets, crying over the death of this benevolent ruler.
Xiao Pan and Zhu Ji cried heavily too. Everyone who heard them will be affected to cry as well.
Lu Buwei acted his part very well, expressing his deep sorrows and pain.
Xiang Shaolong, An Gu and Jian Sheng rode ahead and open up the roads for the procession. Jian Sheng is the current Imperial Infantry Commander as Guan Zhongxie is not officially appointed yet.
After Handan City’s incident, this is the first time he saw Tian Dan, Li Yuan, Han Chuang and the rest. They paid attention to him but does not seem to realise he is Dong Horse Fanatic.
General Pang is a steady man of average build with a square face and large ears. When their eyes meet, he can see the intelligence s.h.i.+ning from his eyes. No wonder he can rise to such a post based on his words alone.
In his twenties, Prince Dan is the youngest among them. He is of medium build and has a jade complexion, making others trust him. But to Xiang Shaolong, it is a different matter altogether. Zhao Qian and the maids indirectly died under his hands. If he has the chance, he will not let him off.
Qin Qing was mingling among the royal family and the esteemed guests. Xiang Shaolong waved to her but she pretended not to see him.
Under the strict and sad atmosphere, the procession has travelled for several hours. They finally reached the mausoleum in the afternoon.
The Royal Mausoleum is divided into two parts, an exterior and an interior, forming a 回 formation. There is a northern gate, southern gate, eastern gate and western gate. With the typical Chinese arch at the four corners, the mausoleum is heavily guarded with an official in charge.
The way leading into the mausoleum is lined with burial items such as pottery, furniture, books and clothes. The most important people entered the inner part of the mausoleum and were seated in a resting area while attendants start to move the burial items into the burial chamber. When everything is settled, Lu Buwei went to the front and delivered a eulogy. At the end of the eulogy, the burial process begins.
Xiang Shaolong was grieved as he recalled King Zhuangxiang’s generosity and hot tears begin to flow down his face
When the coffin is finally brought into the mausoleum, Zhu Ji fainted. Thinking about the past two nights she spent with Lao Ai, Xiang Shaolong still find it hard to forgive her.
To a certain extent. He could sympathise with her behaviour. First, she lost this man who has treated her so well and even made her the Empress of Qin. Secondly, she knew it was Lu Buwei who poisoned him but could not take revenge. In such a helpless scenario, she reacted irrationally.
Even with this understanding, he still feels uncomfortable with her situation.
Back at the Wu residence that night, he had insomnia. The moment he woke up, he got his men to fetch Ji Yanran and the other girls back to Xianyang City. He really needed them by his side. Teng Yi naturally wishes to have Shan Lan around too.
As long as he is the Imperial Cavalry Commander, Lu Buwei dared not attack him rashly.
Three days later, the population of Xianyang City removed all signs of mourning and everything resumed as per normal.
Xiao Pan had not attended his coronation yet but he is now the King of Qin.
Except for Xiang Shaolong and the farsighted Li Si, no one will expect this kid to break centuries of deadlock and lead Qin to victory over the six states.
Back at the East Gate Command Centre, Xiang Shaolong was in a conference with Teng Yi and Jing Jun when Lu Gong came to find him.
Generals are the highest ranked positions in the military.
There are many different general ranking. Xiang Shaolong’s Imperial Cavalry Commander is considered a lower ranked general and his army size is limited to fifty thousand men. But as he is considered half a City Commander, his status is slightly higher.
The highest ranked is Imperial General, which only Lu Gong ranks. Others like w.a.n.g Ling, Xu Xian, Meng Ao and Du Bi are only Great Generals. Thus, Lu Gong is considered the military chief.
Teng Yi and Jing Jun excused themselves while Lu Gong got seated at the chair of authority, smiling: "I came here to discuss something with you and to give you support as well. Now, everyone will know that I am behind you and will obey your command with question."
Xiang Shaolong hurriedly presented his thanks and appreciation.
Lu Gong’s face became serious and revealed: "Are you aware that during the morning court session, Lu Buwei made another recommendation?"
Xiang Shaolong is not permitted to attend morning court yet. Frantically, he asked: "What are the changes?"
Lu Gong angrily detailed: "Lu Buwei made an exception and recommended a family warrior Guan Zhongxie to be the Imperial Infantry Commander instead of Lord Changping. Xu Xian and I objected strongly but were put down by Empress and Lu Buwei. Luckily, the Crown Prince got An Gu to guard Hangu Pa.s.s and made Lord Changping and his brother Lord Changwen the new leaders of the Palace guards, preventing a military protest. Hng! Lu Buwei is getting more and more out of hand! He keeps promoting outsiders as if Qin has no talented men!"
Xiang Shaolong sighed with relief, glad that Lu Gong has treated him as a Qin native.
He felt some regrets not having his buddy An Gu in the palace anymore. But Xiao Pan’s decision is the best given the circ.u.mstances. It must be Li Si who advised him to promote another person from the Qin military.
It will help to convince Lu Gong that Xiao Pan is not on the same side as Lu Buwei and Zhu Ji.
Lu Gong lowered his voice: "I have spoken to Xu Xian and w.a.n.g Ling. We have unanimously decided that the blood test is the best plan. Look!" From his bosom, he retrieved a special needle that has a sharp point but a wide base. He proudly explained: "This needle has a small opening. Once inserted into the flesh, blood will flow and acc.u.mulate at the base. When it pierces the skin, it is as painless as a mosquito bite and the bleeding will stop after it has been removed. If you are quick enough, the person being pierced may not even notice it."
Xiang Shaolong received the needle from him and scrutinized it closely. Realising that it is probably the origin of acupuncture, he praised this invention and asked: "When do we act?"
Lu Gong explained: "According to our laws, ten days after the funeral, we must hold a hunting fair as a show of appreciation to everyone. The royal family, every official, the state representatives will all partic.i.p.ate. Even those young