People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 568, Imperial Clan Forces a Reign
As night deepened, the brilliant stars hung in the night sky, and under the bright moonlight, the figures of Xu Qing and Wei Yangjun were reflected on the window.

Looking at Xu Qing, whose handsome face still carried a hint of youthful spirit, Lord Weiyang nervously swallowed. He hadn't expected that Xu Qing, at such a young age, would not only be accomplished in academics and strategy, but also be so well-versed in the art of maintaining balance in the court and managing people.

"Lord Zhaoming, have any of the Chu's foreign relatives offended you?" Lord Weiyang asked in confusion.

Xu Qing's direct targeting of the Chu state's foreign relatives inevitably made Lord Weiyang suspicious. He worried that Xu Qing was deliberately sending members of the imperial clan to deal with the Chu state's foreign relatives in order to seize power.

Of course, he was also genuinely curious as to why Xu Qing was targeting Chu's foreign relatives in this way.

Before Xu Qing entered Qin, Ying Zheng only had the support of the royal family and the Chu foreign relatives led by Lord Changping. Although it was not very useful, it at least gave Ying Zheng psychological comfort.

The Chu state's foreign relatives also played a significant role in suppressing Lao Ai.

No matter how you look at it, Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, and the Chu foreign relatives were all genuine loyalists to the Qin King and patriots. So why did Xu Qing, a double-flower red stick of the Qin King's party, suddenly and inexplicably target the Chu foreign relatives?

This puzzled Lord Weiyang greatly.

"No, what I'm referring to is simply an inevitable problem facing the Qin state," Xu Qing said frankly.

He harbored no animosity towards the Chu royal family's relatives. After all, although they had been branches of the Chu royal family for generations, they had long since submitted to the Qin state, except for Xiong Qi, that traitor.

Lord Weiyang scrutinized Xu Qing intently, his gaze moving back and forth across Xu Qing's face as if trying to find evidence that Xu Qing was lying.

Xu Qing remained expressionless, allowing Lord Weiyang to scrutinize him.

After observing for a while, Lord Weiyang's expression darkened, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes, before he spoke in a deep voice.
"So you're not turning a blind eye to the affairs of Zheng, but rather want to use this opportunity to make the royal family resent the Chu foreign relatives, and thus use the royal family to suppress and weaken the Chu foreign relatives and Lord Changping, Xiong Qi?"

“You’re absolutely right, I do have that intention. If possible, I don’t want to involve the imperial family. However, the scholar-official faction can’t act right now, so I have no choice but to rely on the imperial family.”

As Xu Qing spoke, he stood up and respectfully bowed to Lord Weiyang.

“I know that it was wrong of me to plot against the royal family behind their backs, but for the sake of the Qin state’s long-term prosperity, I had no choice but to do so. Please forgive me.”

"If you harbor resentment, once this matter is over, no matter how the royal family punishes me, I will have no complaints."

"But I sincerely implore you here, hoping that you, as a respected elder of the royal family, can consider the overall situation and help me suppress the Chu foreign relatives."

Lord Weiyang looked at Xu Qing, who had a sincere expression, and pondered. Originally, Xu Qing and Ying Zheng's plan was to have him unite the hearts of the royal family by opposing the scholars, so that he could eventually turn against them and resolve the conflict between the royal family and the scholars.

Now, however, the situation has turned into him leading the imperial clan to suppress the Chu state's foreign relatives. This is no small matter, and he must think it over carefully.

Recalling what Xu Qing had said earlier, although he was still uneasy about the scholars of the six states, he had to admit that if things really went as Xu Qing had said, the problem of scholars would no longer be a problem.

On the contrary, the power of maternal relatives could become a new hidden danger for the Qin state.

Whether Xu Qing was acting in the best interests of Qin or for personal gain, even with his considerable reputation, Lord Weiyang dared not make a decision lightly.

The water droplets dripped down, splashing ripples on the surface of the copper basin. Lord Weiyang, who had been lost in thought, suddenly looked up, rose from his seat, and helped Xu Qing to his feet.

"Since it was for the sake of Qin, Lord Zhaoming's schemes against the royal family were out of necessity. There is no need to talk about grudges and revenge."

"As a member of the Qin royal family, I should do everything I can for Qin. Just tell me what to do next, and I will help you."

Lord Weiyang held Xu Qing's hand and said with a serious expression.

After much deliberation, he decided to trust Xu Qing's character as a model subject and the future leader of the Daoist Tianzong sect. He believed that Xu Qing was truly devoted to the Qin state and was not after power or profit, nor was he trying to suppress his political enemies.

"Thank you for your trust, Lord Weiyang. You don't need to do anything from now on."

"I suspect that since the royal family has not made any move today, Lord Changping will definitely send someone to the royal family with evidence that Zheng Guo is a spy, thereby forcing the royal family to take action and completely provoke the conflict between the royal family and the scholars."

"So all we need to do is play along and go along with his ideas for now."

Xu Qing looked at Lord Weiyang and spoke slowly.

"I understand now, they'll play along."

Lord Weiyang gave Xu Qing a deep look. Although he was of average appearance, he understood that the royal family of Zheng would inevitably suffer a great loss in this matter.

However, for the sake of the Qin state and the overall situation, the royal family members went without hesitation.

"Thank you for your understanding. I will not let you down," Xu Qing said solemnly.

"However, I also want to say this first, and I hope that you, Lord Zhaoming, will remember what you said. All of this is for the sake of the Qin state's lasting prosperity."

"If you ever engage in any activities such as forming cliques for personal gain, abusing your power for private purposes, or seeking personal profit, don't blame me for turning against you without mercy," Lord Weiyang said sternly.

"Time will tell, and you will eventually know what I have been doing all along."

Xu Qing chuckled lightly and said casually.

"In that case, I shall take my leave. If there are any further changes, please send someone to inform me."

Lord Weiyang nodded, bowed to Xu Qing, and then took his leave.

Although he had agreed to Xu Qing's request, things had happened so suddenly that he had to go back and think it over carefully.

"Walk slowly."

Xu Qing returned the greeting with a cupped hand and followed Lord Weiyang out the door, seeing him off through the back door.

The sound of the carriage wheels turning filled the air, and the bronze bells on the carriage rang out with a clear, crisp sound that stood out against the quiet street.

Xu Qing watched Lord Weiyang leave, and only after the carriage disappeared into the night did he turn around and return to his residence.

"Since you're here, come out now. You've been listening for so long, is there anything you want to say?"

Xu Qing looked at the empty backyard, walked to the pavilion, and said with one hand behind his back.

As soon as he finished speaking, a cold wind blew, making Xu Qing's clothes flutter. Then a figure appeared in front of Xu Qing. The person was none other than Yan Ri, or rather, Ying Yu.

"Congratulations on becoming the Prime Minister."

Looking at Xu Qing, who was dressed in white and looked extraordinary and otherworldly, Ying Yu said with some emotion.

Judging solely from Xu Qing's demeanor, who would have imagined that this seemingly otherworldly young man would be the prime minister of the fierce and powerful Qin state among the seven kingdoms?
"Thank you. Have you decided what official position you want to take this time?"

Xu Qing glanced at Ying Yu and said in a calm tone.

Ying Yu was not wearing the iconic Qin army armor, but rather the black robes standard for members of the royal family, with his hair tied back with a red ribbon.

Although he still held the Sun-Covering Sword in his hand, and his expression and gaze remained as indifferent as ever, it was clear that he was ready to completely bid farewell to the identity of Sun-Covering.

“I’ve made up my mind. I want to go to Anyi in Hedong County. As for what position, you can decide for me, as long as I can support my family,” Ying Yu said.

"Hmm? Anyi in Hedong? Although Hedong County is a prosperous place, and Anyi is a famous city, are you sure you want to go there instead of staying in Xianyang?" Xu Qing asked with some surprise.

When he first partnered with Ying Yu, Ying Yu was an ambitious and progressive young man who later expressed his desire to hold a high position in the court. Now that things are over, based on Ying Yu's contributions, he could at least become a deputy to one of the Nine Ministers or a powerful official, if not a high-ranking one.

Why does it suddenly seem like you've seen through the ways of the world and want to retire and live a leisurely life in a remote place?

"I'm not staying here. Xianyang isn't for me. I once wanted to rise to the rank of general and prime minister, to seize power and prove to the imperial family that birth doesn't equate to talent. But now I've come to realize that having power is far less desirable than a peaceful life," Ying Yu said with a sigh.

He was indeed unwilling to remain subservient to others for long and wanted to see the splendor from the mountaintop.

However, the events of the past few months, especially the fate of Lao Ai, have made Ying Yu realize his own limitations.

He was indeed arrogant in the past, but that was among the incompetent members of the imperial family. Compared to Xu Qing and the shrewd people in the court, he wasn't even a greenhorn.

If he had stayed in Xianyang, he probably wouldn't even know how he was played to death.

Take, for example, the conversation between Xu Qing and Weiyang Jun today. What does it mean to consider the big picture? The person who makes you consider the big picture is often someone you are not part of the big picture. The person who makes you disregard the cost is often someone you yourself are the cost of.

He worries that one day he will become someone who has to consider the bigger picture or disregard the cost.

Besides, he has done and knows too many secrets and dirty deeds since becoming Yan Ri. If he keeps showing up in the public eye, he might become conspicuous and die an unclear death one day.

It would be better to take advantage of the fact that Xu Qing and Ying Zheng still remember his contributions, leave Xianyang, this place of trouble, find a wealthy place, obtain a minor official position, and live a peaceful life as a rich man.

Xu Qing gave Ying Yu a meaningful look. He had guessed what Ying Yu was thinking, and could only say that it was a clever idea.

However, Ying Yu was a meritorious official and a rare talent among the imperial clan. He had also helped him thoroughly clear the net of treachery, so he couldn't just be given an official position casually.

“Since you’ve made your choice, I won’t say anything more. Go to Anyi as the Prefectural Commandant, and I’ll put you in charge of cracking down on smuggled salt,” Xu Qing said softly.

"Responsible for seizing smuggled salt? Thank you."

Ying Yu was taken aback at first, then cupped his hands to Xu Qing and said.

Anyi is next to a salt lake, and half of the reason why Anyi became a prosperous city is because of this salt-producing area.

Anything even remotely related to salt and iron is incredibly profitable, let alone cracking down on the smuggling of salt.

The Commandant of the Commandery was in charge of all military affairs, large and small, in Hedong Commandery. He was the second-in-command after the Commander-in-Chief, and it was no exaggeration to say that he held a high position and great power.

Having soldiers and putting him in charge of seizing smuggled salt is practically handing money to him.

He originally thought he would at most have a sinecure like a chief secretary, but he did not expect Xu Qing to be so generous.

"You are a member of the royal family, so others may turn a blind eye to some things, but don't go too far and waste the results you've worked so hard to achieve," Xu Qing advised.

"I understand. I will return the Sun-Covering Sword to you. I hope you can find it a more suitable owner."

Ying Yu nodded and held the Sun-Covering Sword horizontally in front of Xu Qing.

"I will."

Xu Qing nodded and accepted the Sun-Covering Sword.

Ying Yu took one last look at the Sun-Covering Sword, a hint of reluctance in his eyes.

Regardless of whether he likes being Yan Ri or not, he has lived in the world as Yan Ri for the past ten years or so, and the Yan Ri sword has long become his most reliable partner.

Now that he had handed over the Sun-Covering Sword, he was filled with mixed emotions.

With this exchange, he had no further connection with the Luo Wang organization, making him the first member of the Luo Wang organization to escape unscathed.

"Are you reluctant to let go? I'm also having a headache trying to figure out who should take over as the new Yanri. If you're reluctant, you can continue to serve as Yanri."

Xu Qing handed the Hidden Sun Sword to Ying Yu and said with a light laugh.

"No need, take care, farewell."

Ying Yu shook his head slightly, bowed to Xu Qing, and then left without saying anything more.

"take care."

Xu Qing watched Ying Yu's departing figure and spoke.

Ying Yu didn't linger at all, and immediately climbed over the wall to leave, preparing to take his appointment letter and head to Anyi to assume his post another day.

"I wonder when I'll be able to retire and live out my days in Taiyi Mountain. The revolution is not yet complete, and we still need to work hard."

After sighing, Xu Qing took the Sun-Covering Sword and left the backyard.

Now, besides matters of the court, he also needs to consider choosing a new master for Yan Ri, someone whose swordsmanship is worthy of Yan Ri and who can also command the Luo Wang. Such a talent is really hard to find.

However difficult it may be, we must find someone, since he cannot devote all his energy to the Net; someone must share the burden.

"Let Zhen Gang go look for it first. If he can't find it, then we'll talk about it. Let's resolve the Zheng matter first."

After making her decision, Xu Qing stopped thinking about Yan Ri and prepared to go find her sweetheart to ease her worries.

Nothing happened that night, and before they knew it, it was the next day.

After Xu Qing went to the palace to explain Ying Yu's situation to Ying Zheng, Ying Zheng did not think much of it and issued an edict appointing Ying Yu as the Commandant of Hedong Commandery, ordering him to go to Hedong Commandery to take charge of cracking down on the smuggling of private salt in Yanze.

After discussing some state affairs with Ying Zheng, Xu Qing went to the Prime Minister's residence to handle government affairs, and thus a day passed.

As the day passed peacefully, Xu Qing went to the Prime Minister's residence as usual on the third day.

Meanwhile, at the residence of Lord Weiyang.

Lord Jingyang, carrying several silk scrolls and accompanied by dozens of members of the royal family, angrily approached Lord Weiyang.

“Brother, we have found the evidence. This is intelligence leaked by Zheng Guo to Han Guo, and the handwriting is undoubtedly Zheng Guo’s. As far as I know, the reply from Han Guo to Zheng Guo is hidden in the construction site of their irrigation canal.”

Lord Jingyang said angrily.

Lord Weiyang picked up the silk scroll that was lying on the table, looked at its contents, compared it with the writing in Zheng that Lord Jingyang had somehow obtained, and after confirming that there was no doubt about it, he looked at Lord Jingyang and the others.

Seeing the furious Lord Jingyang and the rest of the royal family, Lord Weiyang, even though he knew in his heart that this whole thing was a scheme between Chu's foreign relatives and Xu Qing, had no choice but to lead the royal family into the fire for the sake of Qin.

"Since the evidence is conclusive, then let us go to the palace to see the King!" Lord Weiyang said in a deep voice.

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Arrest the people of Zheng and expel the scholars of the other six states!"

After the members of the royal family, including Lord Jingyang, shouted in unison, they followed Lord Weiyang and headed aggressively toward the palace.

(End of this chapter)