Chapter 130
Book 12 Chapter 09 – Conflict
In front of Li Si and Xiang Shaolong, Xiao Pan blew his top over Lu Buwei, cursing: "Why would I want to read his stupid Annals of Lu? He wrote so much about morals and virtues but he himself is an a.s.sho1e. Tell me, Study Attendant Li, what is the logic behind his theory of ‘ruling by virtue, the world does not belong to one man but men belonged to the world’? Why don’t he get rid of me as well and rule Qin directly."
Xiang Shaolong and Li Si glanced at each other, choked by the forceful scolding of Xiao Pan.
After lunch, Xiao Pan had summoned Xiang Shaolong into the study.
Zhu Ji spent most of her time with the newly-promoted Lao Ai and did not have much time for her growing child.
But Xiao Pan still loved this surrogate mother. He only cursed at Lu Buwei and did not say anything about her.
Li Si was frightened and kneeled down, kowtowing: "Crown Prince, please be appeased!"
Xiao Pan barked: "Get up and start explaining to me."
Li Si stood up and respectfully begin: "Qin has been prospering for four generations and possess a strong army. The feudal lords are not righteous people. You must use the military to overcome them and govern the country with laws. The commoners will look up to the officials as an example. There is no other way."
Xiao Pan calmed down and asked: "What about the Ruler’s principles?"
Li Si fluently replied: "I have been travelling all over the world and a.n.a.lyzed the politics of every state. It is pretty much the same everywhere. Firstly, it is the communication of the King’s orders. Power must be held in his hands and law must be used to govern the country, winning the support of the people and strengthening the country. Premier Lu’s ‘Govern the country with morality and righteousness’ is just plagiarising Confucius’s impractical ideas. It only sounds good but cannot work in real life."
To Xiang Shaolong who came from the 21st century, Li Si’s theory is correct and managed to pinpoint the realities of life. The only issue is that the monarch is not subjected to the law like everyone else. Until two thousand years later, nothing much will change.
Since Xiao Pan came to Qin, he received the teachings of Shang Yang which emphasizes on power and military might. Moreover, he grew up in the palace of Zhao and knew the value of power. This will make him clash with Lu Buwei in the future.
Recently, he came into contact with Xiao Pan more frequently and found this kid to be developing his own set of thoughts. If there are people around him, he will use gestures to highlight his authority. He is becoming more and more like the future Qin s.h.i.+ Huang.
Xiao Pan appears to be fully satisfied with his answer and nodded: "From today onwards, Subject Li shall be my Palace Librarian and be responsible for all work related to books in the palace. You need to attend morning court every day."
Li Si was overjoyed and gave his thanks.
Xiang Shaolong was dazed and felt that Xiao Pan really have what it takes to rule Qin in the future.
Although everything in the palace has to be approved by Zhu Ji, she will not fall out with her son over a librarian. Moreover, her son has just promoted her secret lover.
Xiao Pan gestured: "I have something to discuss with Grand Tutor Xiang."
Li Si got the hint and took his leave.
Xiao Pan sat down and sighed: "You saw it for yourself how Empress and that traitor are singing the same tune. Even I do not have a chance to speak up."
Xiang Shaolong shook his head: "No! Crown Prince performed excellently and won the hearts of the officials. Now, the Crown Prince is only lacking in patience!"
Xiao Pan continue scolding: "Lu Buwei took all the credit for himself, wanting both power and fame. He may even want the throne!"
Pausing, he angrily added: "The Annals of Lu mentioned that we must punish evil men and not take bribes; we must give good men official positions. The good men is referring to himself. He is the one accepting bribes. And yet he says that the King must be frugal and lead by example."
Although there is still a long time before his coronation, Xiao Pan’s dissatisfaction with Lu Buwei is growing every day. The moment he comes into power, Lu Buwei will be toppled for sure.
Xiao Pan asked: "Have you seen Li Si’s cla.s.smate, Han Fei’s work? He mentioned: Since Shang Yang’s reforms, Qin has become rich and strong but there is still evil at work. The people really getting wealthy are the ministers. He also mentioned: The Marquis of Rang crossed Han and Wei to attack Qi and did not even gain any territory after five years of war but was given a t.i.tle. The Marquis of Ying attacked Han for eight years and was also given a t.i.tle. Since then, everyone followed their example and start wars. If they win, they will be promoted; otherwise, they will be conferred a t.i.tle. The King has no idea about all these treachery. What fascinating views he has! I cannot wait to meet him."
Xiang Shaolong has not seen Han Fei’s work before and was impressed by his literature and brilliance. He curiously asked: "Is it Li Si who introduced them to Crown Prince?"
Xiao Pan shook his head: "It is Grand Tutor Qing who introduced them to me."
Xiang Shaolong thought that this is human nature. Li Si may be his good friend but he knows that he has a one-track mind and will not easily accept the teachings of others.
After a moment of reflection, Xiang Shaolong a.s.sured: "We have stirred up Lao Ai’s ambitions. If we can give him more benefits, I am confident that he will betray Lu Buwei and set up his own organization. When that happens, Empress will stand on his side and counter Lu Buwei. We will then reap benefits from their fighting."
Xiao Pan sighed: "Is there anything else we can do? I did not want to approve the ca.n.a.l project or