People in the Qin Dynasty, entertained during the Warring States period

Cao Ze followed behind Zhao Ji, and out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Zhao Ji's swaying hips. He thought to himself, "This Zhao Ji really can't forget him."

Suddenly, a thought struck him: Could it be that Lao Ai wasn't in Ganquan Palace at all? Or had Zhao Ji arranged for him to go to Yongcheng, three hundred miles away?

Judging from how Zhao Ji spends all her time idly teasing him in various ways, it doesn't seem like she has a man by her side.

Furthermore, even with Empress Dowager Xuan as a role model, it was not a glorious thing for the Empress Dowager to give birth to a child.

It's not entirely impossible that Lao Ai and his child were moved to the separate palace, Yongcheng.

Upon realizing this, Cao Ze frowned inwardly.

If that's the case, then we're in trouble.

We can't just let him do nothing and go to Yongcheng to investigate Lao Ai, can we?

It would easily attract the attention of those with ulterior motives, especially given that there are spies everywhere in Xianyang.

It seems we need to proceed cautiously.

However, this may also be an opportunity.

Without Lao Ai lurking in Ganquan Palace, he could have done much more.

For example, stealing a "princess"—

After winning over Zhao Ji, he used her as a tool to actively help Lao Ai expand his ambitions according to his own script, dragging Lü Buwei down with him.

The advantage is that everything is in your own hands, and you don't have to worry about any major accidents.

However, I need to make sure that there is no Lao Ai in Ganquan Palace, otherwise I might end up losing more than I gain.

In the novel "Grand View Garden," which was renamed by Zhao Ji, there is a tall stage that is one story high, with the bottom supported by dark red pillars, which is very eye-catching.

There is a fence decorated with gold thread entwining branches, and many flowers and trees are densely planted around it.

It's clearly not the Grand View Garden from the original novel, but rather a version incorporating many of Zhao Ji's preferences.

Unlike the Qin people who favored black, Zhao Ji, who grew up in the Zhao region, preferred bright red.

One can glean some insight from her daily attire and the furnishings of her palace.

Zhao Gao went on stage and recited the lyrics with the palace maids and eunuchs.

The Six Sword Slaves stood expressionless below the stage, but their eyes were fixed on their leader.

Perhaps because they had experienced it before, the Six Sword Slaves did not burst into laughter.

Zhao Ji took small bites of the chilled fruit she had taken from the ice chest and said to Cao Ze, who had a stern face and wanted to laugh but couldn't, "How has Zheng'er been lately? It's been so many days, and he hasn't come to see me."

Her tone was somewhat subtle, as if she were complaining to Cao Ze.

Cao Ze said, "His Majesty is in good health, but he is very busy with state affairs and cannot spare the time."

"What's the rush? Just let Lü Buwei handle it."

Zhao Ji said nonchalantly.

Cao Ze's lips twitched slightly.

Zhao Ji was well aware that it was very likely Lü Buwei who sent people to assassinate Ying Zheng.

Even if it's uncertain, it should be known that whoever makes the final decision, the subordinates follow their lead.

No wonder he later did something absurd like helping Lao Ai rebel.

This woman's brain is even more terrifying than Yanfei's love-struck brain.

Unless there is a man who is well-endowed, skilled in bed, and honest and kind, who will always satisfy Zhao Ji.

Otherwise, if there were even one person with wicked intentions, like Lao Ai, the scandalous history of the Qin court would definitely be enriched by three points.

"The king is afraid of Lü Buwei."

After pondering for a moment, Cao Ze chose to speak directly.

"Afraid?" Zhao Ji was taken aback upon hearing this, and then she remembered what happened half a month ago.

She frowned and said, "Hasn't it already been thoroughly investigated? It was all because Fan Yuqi was afraid that Cheng Jiao would expose his crimes, which is why Fan Yuqi secretly mobilized the Luo Wang people and the death row inmates in Xianyang to assassinate Zheng'er."

Cao Ze was speechless.

Ying Zheng did not want to fall out with Lü Buwei without being prepared, and Lü Buwei did not want the matter to be investigated further.

The accusations against Fan Yuqi are a result of political maneuvering.

He didn't explain much, only saying, "This is my feeling; perhaps I'm overthinking it."

He did this simply to plant a seed of doubt in Zhao Ji's heart.

If he is not mistaken, Zhao Ji will definitely ask about this matter privately when she meets Ying Zheng again.

He needs to gradually weaken the connection between Zhao Ji, Lao Ai, and Lü Buwei.

After all, we can't just kill Ying Zheng's mother when the time comes.

Zhao Ji remained noncommittal, only saying, "Let's watch the show."

She lost her earlier leisurely mood and silently remembered Cao Ze's words.

Zhao Gao put his heart and soul into his performance on stage, singing with such skill that he was even more lifelike than an ordinary woman.

Just like Cheng Dieyi in Farewell My Concubine, he truly had a male body but a female heart.

Brother Zhao, it's a waste of your talents to be a eunuch...

Cao Ze thought to himself with amusement.

While Cao Ze and Zhao Ji were watching the play, all the civil and military officials in the main hall of Zhangtai Palace were speechless.

Seventy-six thousand taels of gold? Cheng Jiao wants to donate it?

Lu Buwei's expression changed drastically, and he was no longer as calm and composed as before.

……

Chapter 388 Living a “Day”

Seventy-six thousand gold coins—not a lot, but not a little either.

More importantly, these 76,000 gold coins were not included in the budget at the beginning of this year.

For a moment, the civil and military officials in the hall had different thoughts.

After his initial surprise, Changping quickly came to his senses.

He immediately seized the opportunity and asked, "Lord Chang'an, where did all this money come from?"

Cheng Jiao smiled faintly and said, "That's a good question, Lord Changping."

“This money is perfectly legitimate; it was owed to me by Prime Minister Lü.”

As he spoke, he took out the contract that Old Man Zheng had personally signed from his chest.

"This is the written agreement I made with Zheng, a trusted confidant of Prime Minister Lü, outside the west gate of the city."

"Ministers, you may take a look and verify its authenticity."

An uproar immediately erupted inside the hall.

No one expected that the gold coins that Lord Chang'an Chengjiao wanted to donate to the national treasury actually came from Lü Buwei.

Anyone with a keen sense of smell detected an unusual odor.

Ying Zheng said authoritatively, "Cheng Jiao, present the contract!"

Cheng Jiao stepped forward and stood below the steps. Gai Nie descended the steps and took the document from Cheng Jiao's hand.

Lu Buwei took a deep breath. Thinking of Cheng Jiao coming to his door every day to ask for money these past few days, and even causing a scene at his prime minister's residence yesterday, his eyes twitched involuntarily a few times.

He's been set up.

He knew his student well; such a scheme didn't seem like the work of Ying Zheng, nor did Chang'an Jun Chengjiao have the brains for it.

Cao Ze...

Lu Buwei's eyes held a faint murderous glint.

It's likely that Cao Ze was plotting against him from the very beginning.

It's a shame that his illustrious reputation was ruined by a junior.

Ying Zheng opened the document, glanced at the silent Lü Buwei, and read aloud: "Change one word, and I will give you a thousand pieces of gold."

He put down the document and tried his best to suppress a gloating smile.

"Your Excellency, does the Prime Minister have any objections?"

He was hoping that Lü Buwei would object, preferably deny it outright, but alas...

“The inscription is genuine; I have no objection.”

Lü Buwei ultimately spent many years navigating the treacherous waters of officialdom.

When you find that the situation is not in your favor, do not hesitate to choose the side that is most advantageous to you.

"Lord Chang'an revised Mr. Cao Ze's essay in a total of seventy-six places, and should rightfully receive seventy-six thousand gold pieces."

"Lord Chang'an does not love money, shares the country's burdens, and donates to the national treasury. His deeds are truly admirable. When I think back on my previous negligence, I feel deeply ashamed."

"Tomorrow, I will sell my property and raise 76,000 gold coins to give to Lord Chang'an."

"In addition, as the Prime Minister and the head of all officials, I should follow the example of Lord Chang'an and donate another ten thousand gold pieces to help our Great Qin overcome this difficult time together."

When Lü Buwei spoke up, it was always with grand gestures.

Upon hearing this, the officials who followed Lü Buwei all understood and stepped forward.

"Your subject is willing to follow the example of Chancellor Lü and offer one hundred gold pieces to replenish the national treasury."

"Your subject is willing to follow the example of Chancellor Lü and offer one hundred gold pieces to replenish the national treasury."

……

The sounds, rising and falling, echoed in the main hall for a long time.

Many officials who were not part of Lü Buwei's faction showed signs of displeasure.