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

The High Priestess felt as if she had been granted a pardon, and she didn't want to think too much about what the Moon Goddess meant by "martyrdom for the country."

If she had the brains, she wouldn't have learned the highly aggressive Blood Hand Skull Seal; instead, she would have gone to learn the more profound Yin-Yang arts.

In the early morning, the heavy rain gradually subsided, and a continuous drizzle ensued.

After silencing Jingni, Cao Ze rushed to Zhangtai Palace early in the morning.

He needed to personally confirm Ying Zheng's attitude on that matter, lest Lord Changping dig another pit for him.

Cao Ze stepped onto the damp palace floor tiles and arrived at Ying Zheng's study.

As usual, Gai Nie would occasionally take official documents from the large golden scale and place them on Ying Zheng's desk.

Since Lü Buwei left, this young king has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to "work overtime and stay up all night".

Having not held power for many years, and having been unable to reclaim it for so long, how could Ying Zheng stop now that he had regained it? He wished he could have all the power in his hands as soon as possible.

Cao Ze stood aside, quietly watching Ying Zheng handle official business meticulously.

Two words inexplicably surfaced in his mind—madman.

He wouldn't work so frantically if it were him.

After a long while, once Ying Zheng had finished processing a batch of letters, he finally looked up at Cao Ze.

He smiled and said, "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, sir."

Although Cao Ze has now risen to the rank of Imperial Censor, those who are close to him still address him as "Sir".

Cao Ze cupped his hands and said, "Your subject dares not."

Ying Zheng waved his hand, "There's no need for such formalities between us, ruler and subject. It just so happens that I have something to discuss with you."

Normally, Cao Ze would just go with the flow.

But then he suddenly remembered Lord Changping's admonition that "serving a ruler is like serving a tiger," and thought of the countless high-ranking officials in history...

He could guarantee that Ying Zheng would treat him like a friend now, but could he guarantee that one day in the future...?

Cao Ze suppressed his wild thoughts.

Perhaps it was because he had spent too much energy on Tian Mi and Jing Ni yesterday that his thoughts were somewhat mixed.

"Oh? May I ask what business Your Majesty has with me?"

"I want you to go to Jingyang County on my behalf to investigate the officials and garrison there, and to investigate the recent drought relief case..."

Ying Zheng paused for a moment and said, "While you're at it, also investigate the state of Zheng, which was in charge of building the Zheng Guo Canal. If you find anything, do not act rashly; the decision will be made by me."

The Zheng State was connected to the Zheng State Canal, which in turn was related to a vital artery of the Qin State.

He believed in Zheng's innocence, but he also had to prepare for the worst.

In any case, the most urgent task is to continue the stable construction of the Zheng Guo Canal.

Cao Ze thought to himself, "It seems I have no choice but to make a trip to Zheng Guoqu in Jingyang County."

"My minister obeys."

Ying Zheng suddenly asked, "Sir, how much do you know about the State of Zheng?"

Cao Ze thought for a moment, "I only know that he was particularly skilled in the art of flood control by Yu the Great, and was the most outstanding water conservancy talent in the country back then."

Ying Zheng said, "That's right. That's why Li Bing recommended him to me back then and put him in charge of the Zheng Guo Canal project."

"It's a pity that Li Bing is already old, otherwise why would we need to use an outsider?"

Ying Zheng sighed.

In the entire Qin state, the only water conservancy talent capable of taking on such a major task was Li Bing, who had built the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. His son, Li Erlang, only possessed about 30-40% of his father's abilities and was not capable of overseeing and managing such a large-scale water conservancy project as the Zheng Guo Canal.

Cao Ze really didn't know about this.

All he heard was that Lü Buwei had decided on the national policy of building the Zheng Guo Canal, and then let Zheng Guo take charge of it.

Ying Zheng said, "Qin is still lacking in talent. Do you have any brilliant strategies to attract the truly capable talents from the other six states to Qin?"

When Cao Ze heard Ying Zheng ask this question, he really wanted to say, "Why don't we just conquer the six states directly?"

"This requires the king to set an example, to show the world the demeanor of a great ruler, and to also have the ability to recognize talent."

"The ability of a talent scout?" Ying Zheng pondered.

"Does Your Excellency mean that I can recognize which are truly outstanding talents?"

Cao Ze said, "That's right."

"Your Majesty should know the story of buying a horse's bones with a thousand pieces of gold."

Ying Zheng said, "I know myself well. It seems that I really need to let the world know about my ambition to rule the world."

Cao Ze then chatted with Ying Zheng for a while.

It subtly reminded Ying Zheng not to rush things, and that he could more legitimately seize and reclaim power after assuming personal rule.

He has been handling the case of Lü Buwei's cronies in Xianyang these days, and he is well aware that people below are in a state of panic.

Unfortunately, Ying Zheng merely listened to his words and did not change anything.

Cao Ze left the imperial study, and couldn't help but sigh.

No wonder Qin Shi Huang was described as a tyrant.

This small incident reveals a ruler with an extremely strong desire for control over power.

Cao Ze walked out of Zhangtai Palace; the rain had stopped.

The blazing sun pierced through the dark clouds, making Xianyang both humid and hot.

Changping Jun's residence and his mansion were both located in the same area, not far from the royal palace.

He strolled along leisurely and, by chance, encountered the Moon Goddess and the Great Master of Fate who had come to visit Lord Changping.

"Cao Ze!"

When the Moon Goddess saw Cao Ze, she couldn't help but shout.

Cao Ze said indifferently, "No respect for elders, don't you know you should address me as 'Imperial Censor'?"

The Moon Goddess was so angry after Cao Ze retorted that her chest ached.

She clearly possesses the strength of a peak Grandmaster, and she clearly has the ability to make Cao Ze kneel down on the spot, yet she can't use it here.

The Moon Goddess said angrily, "Don't be so smug with me!"

Facing the Moon Goddess and the High Priestess alone, Cao Ze showed no fear: "Go ahead and make your move if you dare?"

He's not bragging, but if the Moon Goddess really dares to make a move, he guarantees she'll be calling him "Daddy" tonight.

If it weren't for Yanfei's strong sense of pride, and if she had just asked him for help, he would have brought Yanfei to the Moon Goddess's door today to make her pay.

How could he allow the moon goddess to hop around in front of him like that?

For some reason, the Moon Goddess became extremely angry upon seeing Cao Ze's face and wanted to attack him on the spot.

The Grand Master of Fate exclaimed in horror, "Master, no!"

If they were to take action on the streets of Xianyang, wouldn't the Yin-Yang School be in the wrong?

The Grand Master of Fate looked anxious and whispered in the Moon Goddess's ear, "My Lord, a small act of impatience could ruin a great plan."

The Moon Goddess angrily flung her sleeve, "Cao Ze, you just wait and see!"

"Also, when you get back, tell your senior sister that if she truly repents, she can still return to the Yin Yang Clan!"

Cao Ze said lazily, "Who do you think you are, trying to teach me how to do things?"

Moon Goddess felt another pang of pain in her chest and didn't want to talk to Cao Ze anymore.

"Great Fate, let's go!"

Cao Ze looked in the direction the Moon Goddess had left, seemingly heading towards Lord Changping's residence.

He seemed to be deep in thought. Was he looking for Lord Changping?

It seems my sister-in-law isn't too stupid after all.

……

Chapter 450 (The last line appears to be a fragment and doesn't translate directly. It likely refers to a game or event.

The sun rises.

The city gates of Xianyang were teeming with people.

Every day, countless merchants, scholars, and travelers from all over the world flock to Xianyang, seeking fame, fortune, or to showcase their knowledge.

A series of crisp hoofbeats echoed on the streets of Xianyang, and a procession of carriages and horses slowly approached.

At the forefront were two riders dressed in the standard armor of the royal guards, one holding the reins in one hand and a three-zhang-long bamboo staff in the other, decorated with three layers of tassels. The banners bore a large character "Cao," exuding an imposing aura.

Behind the two riders, dozens of armored riders carrying spears followed, while archers with bows and swords lined up on both sides, guarding a sandalwood carriage in the middle, pulled by four white horses with bright white coats.

This carriage was over ten feet wide, with windows covered in gold and inlaid with various pearls and jade. The roof was decorated with a magnificent canopy, which shone brightly in the sunlight, making it extremely luxurious.

This was a luxurious carriage built for Cao Ze by the Ministry of Works, which was established by Ying Zheng after Lü Buwei fled, and which was constructed within three days using all the resources of the Ministry of Works.

As one of the six ministries directly responsible to the King of Qin, they naturally knew the weight Cao Ze held in the King's heart.

It can be said that without Cao Ze, there would have been no birth of the Six Ministries, and no reshuffling of power in the imperial court.

Moreover, Cao Ze is now a high-ranking official in the Qin state, holding a position equivalent to the Three Dukes.

Therefore, the people of the Six Ministries were very attentive to Cao Ze.

Such a large convoy caused pedestrians, commoners, officials, and nobles along the way to give way.

Even though the martial spirit was extremely strong during the Warring States period, and many passersby carried swords and knives, not a single person dared to block their way.

The character "Cao" on the flag, along with the motorcade, could only belong to that Imperial Censor; there was probably no one else.

No one would want to offend the Imperial Censor during this sensitive period of purging Lü Buwei's faction.

However, a young man wearing a farmer's four-star beaded grass ornament on both sides of the road saw such a magnificent sight and his eyes lit up. He made no attempt to hide his scrutiny of Cao Ze's convoy.

"Alas! This is how a true man should be!"