Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the hall.

Several guards strode over, led by a young captain with a long sword at his waist and his armor gleaming coldly in the sunlight.

He stepped forward and bowed, saying, "His Majesty commands that you escort Zhou Neishi and Li Tingwei back to their residences."

Your Majesty is incredibly efficient; you sent someone over in just a few words.

Zhou Wenqing sighed inwardly, nodded to the captain, and then turned to Han Fei, gesturing for him to enter.

Han Fei's gaze unconsciously fell on the accompanying guards, his eyes narrowing slightly.

With a steady gait and eagle-like eyes, he was no ordinary guard; one look was enough to tell he was an elite soldier.

His eyes flickered, but seeing Zhou Wenqing and Li Si's nonchalant attitude, he discreetly lowered his gaze and silently followed behind them, slowly walking out of the hall.

The three of them walked out of the hall, two in front of the other. Sunlight filtered through the treetops and shone on them, making them feel warm and comfortable.

Upon reaching the palace gate, Li Si stopped and cupped his hands in greeting to the two men: "Zicheng, Brother Han, I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first."

He glanced at Han Fei, hesitated, and finally just patted Zhou Wenqing on the shoulder, "Take good care of my junior brother. I'll visit him at his residence tomorrow."

He emphasized the words "my junior brother" with extra force, the deep meaning in his eyes was self-evident.

Zhou Wenqing rolled his eyes at him, slightly speechless, and said in a low voice, "I'll have Ah Yi seal off the side door tomorrow."

"It's alright." Li Si laughed heartily upon hearing this, waving his hand dismissively: "I can easily climb over the wall and enter the mansion."

Without waiting for Zhou Wenqing's reaction, he turned and strode towards his carriage, his back view exuding a carefree air.

Zhou Wenqing watched his retreating figure, her lips twitching, and she couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Li Yi was already waiting in his carriage. Upon seeing Zhou Wenqing, he immediately went to greet him. Then, noticing Han Fei following behind, he paused, his gaze sweeping between the two before returning to his own. He called out uncertainly:

"gentlemen?"

"Ah Yi," Zhou Wenqing turned and instructed, "arrange for some people to help Han Zi move his things. Are the guest rooms in the mansion ready?"

"The biggest room on the east side was just cleaned, and the bedding was newly changed."

"That's good." Zhou Wenqing nodded, turned to look at Han Fei, and said casually, "Han Zi, please make do with what you have at my humble abode. If you need anything, just tell A-Yi and he will have someone get it for you."

"It's already very good."

Han Fei nodded slightly, his voice very soft, and his gaze shifted from Zhou Wenqing's face to Li Yi.

Is this Zhou Wenqing's personal bodyguard?

He looked unremarkable, his physique wasn't particularly robust, and he didn't exude the chilling killing intent of elite armored warriors. Instead, he possessed a certain rustic charm, perhaps...

------

Han Fei settled down at the Zhou residence, and another month passed in the blink of an eye. The locust flowers in the courtyard were in full bloom, clusters of them white as snow, and when the wind blew, they fluttered down and covered the blue bricks.

Zhou Wenqing kept his word. He claimed to be ill, closed his doors to visitors, and once the gates were closed, the rumors outside could not get in, and the people inside did not go out.

It's just that his sick leave is a bit of a waste.

Han Fei observed that, apart from taking a proper rest for the first five or six days, he continued to bring in stacks of official documents every day, reviewing one stack and sending another away, and the number of files on his desk never decreased.

The officials under the Ministry of Internal Affairs were probably already used to their chief official's "observational and meticulous" manner. Whenever there was an urgent matter, they would simply send the official documents to the Zhou residence safely, and then quietly retrieve them after the documents were approved. They would not disturb the officials, and everything was in good order, without delaying the administration of the government in the slightest.

Han Fei sat under the corridor, watching the official documents come and go, and the clerks come and go. It had become a branch office of the Inner Historian's Office. The King of Qin... could rest assured.

Feeling mostly at ease, Han Fei silently took a sip of tea. The astringency melted on his tongue, slowly turning into a faint sweetness.

The King of Qin was very different from his monarch, and even seemed to be quite different from the rumors.

Zhou Wenqing was standing in the courtyard, taking a deep breath and slowly rising into position.

His Eight Pieces of Brocade are now performed with remarkable fluidity, each move executed with unhurried grace, as if in perfect harmony with the morning sunlight, responding precisely to every inch it shines.

"Mr. Han, the tea has gotten cold. Shall I get you some more hot water?" Li Yi leaned forward, his voice soft.

"Oh." Han Fei looked up, saw it was him, and nodded. "Thank you, Guard Li."

Over these days, he and Li Yi have become quite familiar with each other.

"No trouble at all. My husband will come over for tea after he finishes his boxing match. It's just a small favor," Li Yi said with a simple and honest smile.

After adding hot water, he didn't leave immediately. Then, as if remembering something, his tone became more casual. "If Mr. Han likes it, there's some new tea in the manor. It was sent from the palace a few days ago, and it's of good quality."

"Tea from the palace?" Han Fei paused slightly, looked down at the emerald green tea leaves unfurling in the teacup, and shook his head.

"Imperial gifts are too precious and rare, so there's no need for them. Let Brother Zicheng enjoy them instead. This tea is quite good."

"It's alright." Li Yi's voice was very soft, as if he were talking about something very ordinary. "The drink you're having, sir, was actually sent from the palace."

"This method of tea processing was originally created by my master. The King knows that my master likes it, and whenever there is new tea, he always remembers to send a lot over. There is never a shortage of tea in the manor; my master only worries that he can't finish it all."

"I see." Han Fei tapped his teacup lightly with his fingertips, hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't help asking, "Does the King of Qin really need to personally concern himself with such trivial matters?"

"Mr. Han's statement is not entirely true."

A clear, melodious voice drifted slowly from outside the corridor.

Fusu had arrived unnoticed, his expression gentle and refined. He straightened his robes and gave Han Fei a slight bow. Han Fei quickly rose to return the greeting, a hint of doubt in his mind: "What did you mean by what you just said, young master?"

Fusu looked at Zhou Wenqing, who was practicing his boxing in the courtyard, with a gentle gaze and a calm and earnest tone:

"Sir, you possess extraordinary talent for governing the world. You have always devoted yourself to assisting the Qin state, ensuring its peace and stability, and working tirelessly for its people. My father has always relied on you, respecting your exceptional talent and learning, and pitying your hard work for the country. He always keeps you in his heart and often teaches me that we should trust you wholeheartedly and treat you with the utmost respect in order to live up to your sincere heart of loyalty to the king and the country."

"I wholeheartedly agree. It's a pity that my abilities are limited and I cannot help you realize your ambitions. The only thing I can do is to contribute my efforts in the tea ceremony. Whenever there is new tea, I will send it over. That would be enough..."

He thought for a moment, seemingly considering his words, and finally said only softly, "It's just a small token of my appreciation."

Han Fei stared blankly at Fusu.

The prince of Qin... seemed different from the princes of Han he had seen before.

Zhou Wenqing heard everything clearly from the front. He glanced at Han Fei and saw that he looked relaxed. He was secretly pleased. He had successfully completed his daily infiltration task!

Once Han Fei had digested the information, he stopped and stepped forward.

"Fusu, why have you arrived so early today? Is there something on your mind at court?"

Zhou Wenqing spoke casually, but his gaze swept over Fusu's face.

He didn't schedule any scenes for Fusu today, so why did this kid come so early and even steal Ah Yi's scenes?

Fusu quickly bowed and gave a proper salute: "Sir, it's General Wang's side... He has something to discuss with you in the palace."