novelhk Chapter 607 Li You Arrives in Qi
Chapter 607 Li You Arrives in Qi
“The number of registered applicants in Yingchuan has surged, and prominent families everywhere are terrified.” Zhou Chang smiled bitterly. “But Li Huan’s niece, Li Yuan, requested an audience with Lord Li, willing to offer her own case for consideration in exchange for her family’s forgiveness.”
Lü Zhi raised her eyes: "What did she say?"
She said that the Li family was willing to fully support the imperial examinations, and all eligible children would take the exams. She herself was willing to be the first to register. She only asked the court to consider that this was the Li family's first offense and to give them a lenient punishment.
"This woman is intelligent," Lü Zhi commented. "She knows when to back down and how to negotiate. How will Lord Li respond?"
"Lord Li dares not make the decision on his own and has urgently reported this for instructions."
Empress Lü pondered for a moment: "This matter requires the decision of Chief Justice Yao. But I suggest... that it may be granted."
"Oh? Why?"
"Killing the Li family has already achieved the goal of establishing authority. Showing mercy now would demonstrate the court's magnanimity," Lü Zhi analyzed clearly. "Furthermore, if Li Yuan takes the exam and passes, she would be an excellent example—if even the daughter of a family that defied the imperial edict can pass, what concerns would others have? This is more effective than killing ten Li Huans."
Zhou Chang nodded: "I will meet with Yao Sizheng immediately."
After hearing the report, Yao Jia paced back and forth in the office for a long time. The candlelight cast his long shadow on the wall.
“Lu Dianji’s opinion is indeed reasonable.” He stopped in his tracks. “But Li Huan must be severely punished, otherwise we will not be able to establish our authority. How about this: Li Huan is exiled to the north, his family property is confiscated, but the rest of his clansmen are pardoned. If Li Yuan takes the exam and passes, part of the family property can be returned, so that the Li family will not starve to death.”
"This is a combination of kindness and severity," Zhou Chang praised.
"Furthermore, inform all counties and prefectures of this matter." Yao Jia's eyes gleamed. "Let them know that those who defy the imperial edict will be severely punished, while those who repent will be pardoned. They know which option to choose."
Zhou Chang accepted the order: "Yes, sir."
When the news reached Yingchuan, Li Yuan knelt to receive the imperial edict. Upon hearing that her uncle had been exiled to the north but her clansmen had been pardoned, she prostrated herself and wept bitterly. After weeping, she wiped away her tears and said to Li Shiqi:
"Please convey to the court that Li Yuan will do her utmost to prepare for the examination and will not fail the grace of forgiveness."
She returned to the small courtyard where she was temporarily staying and spread out the bamboo slips. In the candlelight, her eyes were unusually determined. She had to walk this path well, for her family and for herself.
She picked up her pen and began to study. The Book of Poetry, the Book of Documents, Qin Law, mathematics... She was determined to pass the exams and bring the Li family back to its former glory.
Outside the window, the peach blossoms have fallen, and new leaves are sprouting. Spring will eventually come.
On March 15th, the fleet arrived in Linzi.
Linzi truly deserves its reputation as a famous city. Its city walls are high and thick, its gates majestic, its streets crisscrossing, its shops numerous, and its people bustling about. The prosperity of the State of Qi was indeed no exaggeration.
However, Li You noticed that the soldiers guarding the city wore old armor, their weapons were rusty, and they were lazy and negligent while on duty. Although the market was filled with a dazzling array of goods, most of the people looked tired and avoided eye contact. When nobles passed by in their magnificent carriages and surrounded by servants, the common people gave way and lowered their heads.
The delegation was accommodated in a post station. The post station was luxurious, with carved beams and painted rafters, exquisite furnishings, and respectful and courteous servants. But Li You knew that this was merely a facade.
Sure enough, on the day of his arrival, officials from the State of Qi came to "visit," ostensibly to offer assistance, but in reality to monitor him. Li You did not expose them, receiving them politely and saying what needed to be said, while remaining silent about what should not be said.
Three days later, Hou Sheng held a banquet at the Prime Minister's residence to welcome Li You.
This was not Li You's first time entering the Prime Minister's residence. Three years ago, he had also been here, drinking and chatting with Hou Sheng. But back then he had come to persuade him; this time he had come to convince him to surrender. Times had changed, and so had his mindset.
"Brother Li, it's been many years!" Hou Sheng greeted him at the gate with a broad smile, but his eyes held a hint of caution.
He had aged considerably, his temples were completely white, and his back was hunched, but his eyes remained sharp. He wore a purple brocade robe and a golden crown, exuding an air of wealth and power.
Li You bowed and said, "Your Excellency's demeanor is as impressive as ever. My father often remembers Your Excellency's noble character in those days, when you helped Qin resist Yan and saved the people from the ravages of war."
Hou Sheng's smile stiffened slightly. Helping Qin resist Yan could be euphemistically described as "deeply understanding righteousness," but bluntly, it was "selling out Yan for personal gain." But in chaotic times, who isn't looking out for their own interests? If there were no benefit to be gained, why would he help Qin?
"How has your father been lately?" Hou Sheng changed the subject. "I heard... there have been some changes?"
Li You said frankly, "My father is now a clerk, focusing on compiling history and books, which is quite leisurely. Fame and fortune are fleeting; it is enough to serve the country."
These words were spoken casually, but Hou Sheng sensed a deeper meaning. Li Si's demotion from Court Minister to Clerk was ostensibly a lateral move, but in reality, it was a marginalization. It was rumored that this was due to his defeat in the struggle against Princess Jiayang during the bureaucratic reforms. But Li You's calm demeanor suggested either a facade or genuine indifference. Hou Sheng leaned towards the latter—Li You was no simple man.
"What brings you to Qi, my worthy brother?" Hou Sheng cut to the chase and invited Li You to take his seat.
The banquet was lavish, with delicacies from land and sea, fine wines and dishes, and singing and dancing to entertain the guests. But Li You knew that this was just the beginning.
He put down his wine cup and said solemnly, "I came for the survival of the State of Qi."
Hou Sheng raised an eyebrow: "I'd like to hear the details."
Li You said calmly, “Now, the Qin state has destroyed Han, Zhao, Chu, and Wei, while the Yan state is barely clinging to Liaodong. The unification of the world is an inevitable trend. The King of Qin is benevolent and unwilling to wage war, so he sent an envoy to Qi, hoping to work together to achieve lasting peace through peaceful means.”
Hou Sheng's smile remained unchanged: "A peace plan? How can we achieve peace?"
"Qi and Qin will form a marriage alliance and become sworn brothers; trade routes will be opened to facilitate the exchange of goods; the King of Qi will relinquish his title of King and be granted the title of Marquis, and will move to Xianyang." Li You said slowly, "In this way, the ancestral temples of Qi can be preserved, the interests of the nobles can be maintained, and the people will be spared from the ravages of war."
Hou Sheng was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed and said, "Brother, you jest. Qi has hundreds of thousands of armored soldiers, ample provisions, and the sea as its shield. What do we have to fear from Qin?"
Li You also smiled, but his smile held a deeper meaning: "Does the Prime Minister know about the Heaven-Shaking Thunder?"
Hou Sheng's expression changed slightly. The Thunderclap Bomb, a new weapon of the Qin state, was invincible in conquering cities and territories. The Dai state had surrendered because it was terrified by the Thunderclap Bomb. He certainly knew that Qi spies had already reported back.
"Qin not only possesses thunderbolts, but also giant ships and advanced weaponry," Li You continued, his voice calm yet powerful. "If war truly breaks out, even with the vast ocean as a shield, how many days can Qi hold out? Moreover..."
He lowered his voice: "How much does Qi profit from the Qin-Qi economic zone every year? If trade is cut off, where will Qi's salt, iron, silk, fish, and salt be sold? Who will bear the losses of the nobles?"
Hou Sheng remained silent. The economic zone was Qi's lifeblood, especially the salt and iron trade, which supported half of Linzi city. Qi nobles used the economic zone to sell salt and iron to Qin in exchange for gold, silk, and porcelain, making substantial profits. If trade were to cease, the losses would be incalculable.
"I will think carefully about what you have to say, my worthy brother," Hou Sheng said finally, raising his cup in a toast. "A banquet will be held at my residence tonight, and I urge you to attend. The prominent figures of Linzi all wish to see your brilliance."
"must."