I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 221 Persuading Xiao He 2

Yu Zhuang did not immediately respond to Xiao He's question, but slowly said, "Most of the people our princess named this time are young men. Moreover, the world is currently in turmoil. For a young man with lofty ambitions who longs to realize his aspirations, is there any more ideal place than to go to Qin to seek development?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao He frowned slightly and retorted righteously, "That King of Qin is tyrannical and cruel by nature, truly not a benevolent and wise ruler. Even though I am still young, I would never willingly associate with such treacherous people!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Zhuang's face darkened, and he quickly retorted, "My lord, you are mistaken! Our king has always been renowned for his benevolence and virtue, and his reputation for righteousness has spread throughout the land. If it weren't for our king's great compassion in properly burying Prince Dan of Yan, he would likely not have been able to rest in peace! My lord, you are exceptionally talented and should be actively pursuing your ambitions to lead the people to a peaceful and prosperous life. However, you are now blindly listening to the slanderous words of those with ulterior motives against our king, which is hardly a wise move!"

Xiao He's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile, and he said softly, "Although I am young and inexperienced, I am well aware that the people of the world are filled with resentment towards the King of Qin, and the voices of hatred are rising and falling incessantly."

Seeing Xiao He's resolute attitude, Yu Zhuang decided to stop beating around the bush and asked directly, "Then, young master, why don't you tell me frankly, do you hope to obtain high office and generous salary, or do you only seek fame and fortune?"

Xiao He stared intently at Yu Zhuang and asked in return, "I wonder what your princess can bestow upon me?"

Yu Zhuang said solemnly, "Whatever you want, our princess can try her best to satisfy you. But as for the official position, it certainly can't be too high at the beginning. After all, it depends on your own ability. You can only climb up step by step by working hard. However, when it comes to money, that's much easier to discuss. Our princess may lack many things, but money is the one thing she has the least to lack."

Xiao He frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then replied, "This matter is of utmost importance. Allow me to consider it carefully and I will give you a clear answer later."

Yu Zhuang nodded in understanding, then added, "Alright, young master, take your time to consider it. But there's one thing I hope you'll remember: never entertain the thought of killing me. I'm not alone; I've come with many people. If something happens to me here, and your family is still here, you can probably tell me the consequences. So, please think carefully before you act!" With that, before Xiao He could respond, Yu Zhuang resolutely turned and strode quickly away from the room where Xiao He was.

Xiao He gazed silently at Yu Zhuang's retreating figure until it disappeared from sight, lost in thought for a moment. After a while, he finally came to his senses and thought to himself, "Such an important matter should be discussed properly with my father." So, without hesitation, Xiao He strode towards his father's courtyard.

Before long, Xiao He arrived at his father's courtyard and went straight to his father's study, familiar with the place. When he reached the door, he raised his hand and gently knocked a few times. A voice immediately came from inside: "Who is it outside?"

Xiao He quickly replied, "Father, it's me, your son."

Upon hearing his son's voice, Mr. Xiao immediately said, "It's my son! Come in quickly!"

Xiao He pushed open the door and stepped into the room. He immediately saw his father sitting at the desk, engrossed in his books, and then gently closed the door behind him.

Noticing Xiao He's actions, Xiao's father slowly raised his head, his gaze falling on Xiao He, and asked, "My son, why have you come in such a hurry? Is there something important you want to discuss with your father?"

Xiao He nodded slightly in agreement, then stepped forward to the desk and respectfully said, "Father, now that I have completed my coming-of-age ceremony, I am somewhat confused about the future. Therefore, I have come to ask for your advice. I wonder if you have any specific plans for this?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao's father put down his book, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I have already asked someone to pull some strings to help you get a job in the county government. Let's see if there are any vacancies that suit you. That way, you'll have a stable job."

However, after listening to his father's words, Xiao He did not immediately express his opinion. Instead, after thinking for a moment, he mustered up his courage and asked, "Father, in my opinion, going to Qin might be more promising. What do you think?"

Upon hearing Xiao He's idea, Xiao's father frowned slightly and stared at Xiao He, saying, "You actually intend to go to Qin? The King of Qin is no benevolent man! His reputation is widespread, and his methods are ruthless; he is not a merciful ruler."

Xiao He, undeterred, met his father's gaze and said frankly, "Father, as far as I know, Qin is the most powerful state in the world today. Its national strength is formidable, and its military power is unmatched, possessing the strength to annihilate Chu, Wei, Qi, Yan, and other states in one fell swoop. However, not long ago, the King of Qin actually took the initiative to cease hostilities and proposed to jointly build a so-called 'economic zone' with several other states. Although I am not entirely clear about what this 'economic zone' actually is, I believe that this move must be a good policy that benefits the people's livelihood and all states. From this perspective, the King of Qin may not be as incompetent as the outside world portrays him."

Xiao's father gazed at Xiao He's resolute and determined face, and couldn't help but sigh deeply. He slowly said, "Very well, since you've made up your mind, go and see for yourself. But if things don't go well, remember to return safely. But, my child, why did you suddenly have the idea of ​​going to Qin?"

Xiao He lowered his head slightly and recounted to his father in detail the events that had transpired between him and Yu Zhuang. After listening, Xiao's father's previously calm expression instantly darkened. He frowned and said in a deep voice, "I have heard of this Princess Jiayang. It is said that she has accomplished quite a few great things in just two years. However, how could a woman who lives deep within the palace for so long know of your existence? This matter is truly quite strange."

Xiao He raised his head, looked at his father with a firm gaze, and replied, "Your subject is also completely baffled by this. That is why your subject is even more eager to meet this Princess Jiayang in person and find out what her true purpose is."

Mr. Xiao looked worried and said anxiously, "What I'm concerned about is that you might encounter danger on this journey. After all, there are many unpredictable things that can happen along the way."

Xiao He straightened up and comforted his father, saying, "Father, please rest assured. We don't yet know how many of Princess Jiayang's spies are hidden in Pei County. If I insist on not going, and they resort to desperate measures and force me, not only will my safety be endangered, but you and Mother, and other family members, may also be implicated. Rather than waiting to be killed, it's better for me to take the initiative and go meet this Princess Jiayang. If she is indeed a wise ruler, worthy of my service, then I will serve her wholeheartedly and loyally; but if I find that she harbors ill intentions and is not a good person, then I will never submit to her, even if it costs me my life!"