LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 449
Chapter 449: Li Si’s Rise, All Thanks to the National Advisor!
Although Fu Nian is currently the head of the Confucian School, Confucians have always emphasized respect for their teachers and reverence for their teachings. When significant matters arise, Fu Nian still seeks guidance from Master Xun.
Upon entering Xi’an, naturally, there were people to welcome them. Ying Zheng placed great importance on this event. However, he couldn’t attend in person, so this task was entrusted to the Chief Minister, Li Si.
Li Si stood tall, leading his entourage outside the city, awaiting their arrival. He had left the Little Sage Courtyard at the same time as Han Fei. One went to the Qin State, while the other returned to the Han State. Who would have thought they would end up together again?
Now, he occupied a high position in Great Qin as Chief Minister. While his power was far less than that of the disposed Chancellor, he was still among the ranks of high officials. And moreover, he was young! At barely thirty, he stood at the summit of the Great Qin Empire, with only a handful of individuals above him.
Thinking back to when he first arrived in the Qin State, he was merely Lü Buwei’s retainer—unseen and unnoticed. But now, as the saying goes: Thirty years of the east river and thirty years of the west river, don’t underestimate the youth in poverty!
Thus, when it came to welcoming Master Xun and his fellow Confucian disciples, Li Si felt quite assured. He hadn’t brought shame to his teacher! Surely, Master Xun would feel proud of him!
With that thought, Li Si felt a surge of satisfaction. Everything he had today was thanks to one person! Next time he visited the National Advisor, he had to bring a gift. How many wives does he have again?
Li Si began counting on his fingers, trying to figure it out. But counting for a while still left him puzzled. There were just too many! One would pop up here and there, making it impossible to keep track! Asking was also out of the question!
Thinking it over… better not to bother. The National Advisor surely didn’t need such a small gesture!
As noon approached, after Li Si had glanced around for the eighty-sixth time, a grand procession finally appeared on the horizon. Li Si hurriedly led his people forward, stopping in front of the lead horse-drawn carriage.
“Disciple Li Si, greeting my teacher.”
Naturally, sitting in the first carriage was Master Xun. However, after bowing, Li Si heard no response from inside.
Li Si paused, wondering if perhaps his teacher, in his old age, hadn’t heard him? With this thought in mind, he raised his voice a bit.
“Disciple Li Si, at the command of the First Emperor, I am here to welcome my teacher into the city.”
The car curtain fluttered slightly in the wind, yet still, there was no reply.
“Stop shouting, Master isn’t in the carriage.”
At this moment, Li Si felt utterly perplexed when a middle-aged man stepped down from the carriage behind.
“Fu Nian from Confucianism, greetings, Chief Minister.” Fu Nian raised a hand in salute.
By seniority, he was Li Si’s senior brother and also the head of Confucianism. Thus, given the circumstances, Li Si should have been the one to greet him first.
But times had changed.
Li Si was now the Chief Minister of the Qin State, and with the Emperor’s command behind him, he officially represented Ying Zheng. Hence, it was Fu Nian who should greet first!
“Li Si greets my senior brother.”
After returning the salute, Li Si finally asked, “Senior brother, you mentioned the teacher isn’t in the carriage. Where has he gone?”
Fu Nian chuckled, “He got intercepted halfway; Master went that way.”
Li Si was momentarily taken aback. Who could possibly have the standing to detain Master Xun midway? Then it hit him!
Who else besides the National Advisor could do that?
“Greetings, Chief Minister!”
“Greetings, Lord Li!”
“Greetings, Chief Minister Li.”
“Senior brother, long time no see!”
“… Please shower us with flowers….”
“It’s been a while; senior brother, you look radiant!”
Li Si had spent quite a time in the Little Sage Courtyard, and being a direct disciple of Master Xun, he knew many of the students there.
The following crowd gradually caught up, with more people actively approaching to get close to him.
“Teacher, teacher, has the teacher arrived? I, the disciple, am late to welcome him; please forgive me!”
Just as everyone was busy mingling with Li Si, a figure riding a horse rushed in.
Before the horse even came to a stop, Han Fei leaped down.
Noticing Master Xun’s absence in the bustling crowd, he immediately grabbed Fu Nian and asked, “Senior Brother, where’s my teacher?”
…
Fu Nian laughed, “Master was intercepted by the National Advisor; let’s enter the city first. By the way, why are you only arriving now? You look like you haven’t washed up in days! Good thing Master isn’t here; otherwise, he’d surely scold you.”
Fu Nian gave a once-over to the disheveled Han Fei, pointing at his messy hair.
Han Fei scratched his head, looking somewhat embarrassed.
Li Si spoke up to explain, “Han Fei, my senior brother, is busy drafting laws for the people at the behest of the First Emperor and the National Advisor. He’s been swamped with work lately.”
Han Fei nodded repeatedly, “Yes, yes, yes! The National Advisor proposed a new policy yesterday, and if it gets implemented, it will definitely benefit the common people. I didn’t sleep at all last night, just working through the National Advisor’s suggestions!”
Fu Nian felt his heart swell with admiration, replying, “The National Advisor truly thinks of the common people, which is indeed a blessing for Great Qin and its citizens.”
After speaking, he took another look at Li Si and Han Fei huddled together, whispering about whether to head to Li Mo’s place to welcome Master.
“If Master saw you two brothers working harmoniously together, he would surely be pleased.”
Both Han Fei and Li Si were momentarily stunned, before bursting into hearty laughter.
Li Mo had arranged their residences facing each other for just this purpose! Laughter follows!