Chapter 191
Book 17 Chapter 09 – A Startling Discovery
After listening to his near-death account at w.a.n.g Ci’s residence, Xiao Pan sighed with relief: "That was too close!"
For the longest time, Xiang Shaolong hasn’t seen him expressing genuine concern and was touched. He gladly added: "There is a reason behind everything. If not for you, Xu Xian and Lu Gong supporting me, w.a.n.g Ci would have killed me without giving me a chance to speak out. Moreover, the Qin military has always been loyal to the Crown Prince and thus, w.a.n.g Ci is able to abandon the dark side and join us. Otherwise, it is hard to overcome Lu Buwei indeed! Ai! Maybe this is what we call fate."
Xiao Pan nodded: "Master must quickly work on the Black Dragon before Lu Buwei has the chance to transfer w.a.n.g Ci away. Meng Ao alone is more than enough to deal with you. Ai! Does Master really need to retreat to the farms? I am concerned that Lu Buwei may send his warriors to attack the farm. If he gets his men to be disguised as horse thieves, it is hard for me to pin the blame on him"
Xiang Shaolong was secretly astounded. At the same time, he resolved to increase his defences and put more emphasis on spying and intelligence gathering. Otherwise, his household may be annihilated. Moreover, he has to send half his Wu Family Elite Army to the northern border to support Wu Zhuo.
Xiao Pan remarked with frustration: "Using the excuse that the Zhengguo Ca.n.a.l is lacking funds, he has been delaying money s.h.i.+pments to Huan Yi’s new army. Up till today, they are only able to recruit one thousand men and did not have proper armour or weapons. Otherwise, I would get them to relocate near the farms and support you if necessary."
Xiang Shaolong smiled: "Crown Prince can put your mind at ease. I have sufficient strength to protect myself. With w.a.n.g Ci countering Lu Buwei and Meng Ao, there is only so much they can do. No matter what, we must try our best to keep w.a.n.g Ci in Xianyang City before the Black Dragon sighting to check Lu Buwei’s influence."
Xiao Pan sighed helplessly and changed the topic: "This morning, Empress summoned me and gave me a tongue-las.h.i.+ng, chiding me for keeping secrets from her. I am so pi55ed. She is not behaving herself and she doesn’t deserve my respect. A mother like her is as good as none."
Xiang Shaolong knew that the gap between him and Zhu Ji is widening, forcing Zhu Ji to be increasingly reliant on Lao Ai. The real reason is that Xiao Pan is influenced by Lady Ni’s image of a self-respecting mother and cannot tolerate Zhu Ji and Lao Ai’s scandalous relations.h.i.+p.
Only he would really understand this circ.u.mstance.
Xiao Pan inquired: "Is Master ready to marry Grand Tutor Qin? She came to inform Empress and me earlier that she is going to stay at the farm with you for a month or so. Hei! I am really happy for you. If Lao Ai or Lu Buwei ends up with her, I will vomit blood."
Xiang Shaolong understood that Xiao Pan has s.h.i.+fted his affections and respect to Qin Qing.
Lady Ni’s death is the biggest lack in Xiao Pan’s life. First, Zhu Ji took her place, followed by Qin Qing, providing him with a motherly figure in his life.
Xiao Pan cheerfully revealed: "For the past six months, Lao Ai and Lu Buwei have been creating opportunities to be close to her. Fortunately, Grand Tutor Qin ignored all their advances. Hee! Grand Tutor Qin loves talking to me and she always tells me how heroic you are! Hng! Lu Buwei has been offering me many beauties but they have all been rejected by me. I will not be tricked by him!"
Xiang Shaolong smiled: "If I marry Grand Tutor Qin, not only Lu Buwei and Lao Ai will be jealous to death but I will also incur the wrath of many people."
Xiao Pan shook his head: "Times have changed. Now, Master has become the heroic icon of Qin. When Master fields an army and win a few [email protected]/* */ blo0dy battles, I can confer Master to be a Lord or a Marquis. At that point in time, no one can voice any dissatisfaction if you marry Grand Tutor Qin."
Xiang Shaolong laughed: "Those vulgarities must have been suppressed in your heart for a long time! We shall speak of this later. When the Black Dragon is sighted, we will use this chance to change the palace administration. Is Crown Prince going to promote Li Si to be the Administrative Premier?"
Xiao Pan thought for a while and frowned: "I am afraid that Empress will not support my decision! If possible, I would want Master to take up this post."
Xiang Shaolong had a big fright and is certain that he could not live up to the expectations of this post. He hurriedly suggested: "I think I am more suited to hold a military post. Relax! The power of the Black Dragon is without question. I have already sent my men to invite Zou Yan back to Xianyang City. When he personally announces that Crown Prince is the new Chosen One, it will be an earth-shattering event and even Empress cannot object. By then, Crown Prince can a.s.sume full authority and we can watch Empress and Lao Ai fight Lu Buwei. On your coronation day, we will eliminate all of them in one blow."
Xiao Pan bitterly smiled: "But that is the day Master will leave me."
Xiang Shaolong seriously advised: "We are earthshaking figures and do not focus on such petty matters. As long as you utilise Li Si and w.a.n.g Jian well, you can unite the world. Crown Prince must forget everything about me and the shadow of your past will be gone forever."
Xiao Pan’s red reddened and he gasped: "Why is Master so good to me? You are absolutely selfless."
Xiang Shaolong muttered: "You know the reason better than anyone."
Xiao Pan was very touched: "I understand. Actually, I have regarded Master as my Father a long ago."
Xiang Shaolong had a sudden strong urge to burst out crying. From a nameless Zhao boy to become the awe-inspiring Qin s.h.i.+ Huang who will unite the whole of China is already something unimaginable.
Moreover, he shared