Chapter 276 Brother Zheng borrows money
After Ying Zheng finished speaking.

He picked up the pen and wrote the word "Min" above the word "Wang".

Cheng Jiao admired it very much.

How many kings in ancient and modern times can tolerate the people being above the king?

Ying Zheng put down his pen and said, "Mencius said, 'The people are the most important, the ruler is second'. You also said, 'Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it'. I also want to create a paradise, so..."

Cheng Jiao nodded continuously as he listened. At this moment, Zheng Ge was still the idealistic Zheng Ge.

Although he was later betrayed by Lu Buwei, Lao Ai and Changping Jun, he went to the other extreme and no longer cared about the people of the world. He was only interested in creating unprecedented achievements.

But now that he is here, these things will not happen again. I also want to see how Zheng Ge, who cares about the world, will change the world with his help.

Thinking of this, Cheng Jiao couldn't help but think.

Why did Zhengge like Fusu so much? Fusu in later generations was too much like Zhengge when he was young.

It’s just that he didn’t experience the hardships that Zheng Ge did in his childhood, so he is more idealistic than Zheng Ge now.

I actually thought of asking Brother Zheng to grant amnesty to the whole country and release the soldiers and nobles who were captured from the six kingdoms and used as laborers...

Of course, he was also fooled by Confucianism.

Unfortunately, Zhengge's later methods were too radical, and he thought Fusu could withstand the psychological pressure.

Fusu was trained everywhere without much explanation.

He thought that with his most trusted general Meng Tian by his side, nothing would go wrong.

As a result, the documents forged by Zhao Gao and Li Si became the last straw that broke the camel's back for Fusu, and he committed suicide.

He thought that if Fusu had not committed suicide, Meng Tian would definitely be able to tell that the document was forged. Unfortunately, Fusu committed suicide, which indirectly proved in front of Meng Tian and a group of soldiers that the document was authentic, so he also committed suicide.

Of course, who knows what the truth is.

Maybe Zhao Gao sent Luowang assassins to kill him...

Cheng Jiao came to his senses and found that Zheng Ge was still hesitating.

I couldn't help but ask: "So what?"

Ying Zheng showed a triumphant smile: "So, regarding what you just said, it's up to you to do it."

Cheng Jiao blinked and asked with some difficulty: "What's the matter?"

Ying Zheng said directly: "Popularize writing, set up a school..."

Cheng Jiao smiled somewhat bitterly.

This is too...

Ying Zheng thought for a while and said: "It would be best to simplify the strokes based on the large seal script and create a new type of writing that is easy to write, spread and popularize, so that everyone can understand it by seeing it."

Cheng Jiao was helpless. No wonder Zheng Ge looked at him in the middle of speaking.

This is waiting for him to take the bait.

"Well, my brother, whether it is to change the writing system or to establish a school like the Jixia Academy, it will require a lot of money, and the Qin treasury is not very abundant now, so it is better to do it slowly."

If you can delay, then delay...

Ying Zheng thought so too. The money in the national treasury was limited, and in recent years, due to the construction of the canal, even he found it difficult to spend money on this.

But he was unwilling to do so. How could he postpone until later something that he could do now?

"How much is it?"

Cheng Jiao smiled smugly in his heart, he knew that Zheng Ge couldn't come up with much money now.

Out of caution, I reported a higher number.

"One hundred thousand gold coins should be enough."

Gao Yao took a deep breath. He didn't expect that something that seemed easy to him would require so much money.

Cheng Jiao felt uneasy and added, "It can only last for three years at most. After three years, it will need at least 5,000 gold per year to maintain operation."

Gai Nie estimated that Cheng Jiao wanted a little too much.

One hundred thousand gold coins was enough to complete all tasks and still have some left over.

"Mr. Chang'an, is this too much? In my opinion, some places don't need to be..."

Ying Zheng waved his hand: "One hundred thousand gold coins is one hundred thousand gold coins."

Gai Nie and Gao Yao looked at Ying Zheng as if they had gotten to know him all over again.

Cheng Jiao's eyelids jumped. Is Brother Zheng so rich?

Why hasn't he heard of it?

When I used to drink some tea, Brother Zheng was quite dissatisfied, saying that it was obvious that I didn't have much private money.

Ying Zheng asked solemnly, "Cheng Jiao, how does the king treat you?"

Cheng Jiao suppressed his doubts and said, "It's meticulous."

Ying Zheng suddenly smiled and said, "When I was in Xinzheng, I accidentally learned some things from Han Fei."

Cheng Jiao thought to himself that it was not good, as long as his brother-in-law said something, it would be true and it would never be good.

"Can you lend me some of the gold coins you got from Korea? I'll pay you back double after you unify the seven kingdoms."

Ying Zheng originally wanted to say that he would return it after the canal was built, but considering that Cheng Jiao would be needed to work on the unification of the seven kingdoms, he changed his mind.

Cheng Jiao smiled very "happily" and spoke with difficulty.

"Brother Wang, how much do you need?"

He knew how much money he had made from South Korea and he couldn't hide it from anyone who was interested.

In addition, he had previously sent a letter to the King of Han and voluntarily blew himself up, which made him take the blame.

When he heard Mo Ya report the intelligence from Xianyang, there were rumors in the streets and in the martial arts world about who was richer, him or Lu Buwei.

One is as rich as a country, and the other is able to drain an entire country.

Is this what they mean, that all gifts bestowed by fate have been secretly marked with a price?
A bit expensive...

Ying Zheng thought for a moment and said, "Just follow the number you just said."

Cheng Jiao smiled even more "happily" and tried to reduce his losses.

"Brother Wang, I don't think the money is that much..."

Ying Zheng drank a cup of tea and said slowly: "If you want to do it, do it to the best of your ability, so that all talented and virtuous people in the world can go to the Xianyang Academy. As for the extra money, you can do the papermaking."

Cheng Jiao finally couldn't hold it anymore.

I almost shouted, "Brother, please stop making trouble for now, I don't have time..."

"understood……"

Cheng Jiao scratched his head and looked at Zheng Ge who was looking at him eagerly. He couldn't refuse.

It's as if he is supporting Zheng Ge himself.

As for the small seal script, just give Li Si some money and let him think about finding someone to improve it.

As for the academy… it’s not impossible, but we need to spend less money…

As for papermaking... whoever gets caught will be the one.

Money should be spent sparingly!
Ying Zheng nodded with satisfaction.

What is ability?
That’s what ability is!
It didn't cost a penny and it was done!
He now knows how to use Cheng Jiao, which is the greatest good!

After a while, I will tell my mother how I controlled Cheng Jiao!
Show your wisdom!

Gao Yao, who had been listening on the side, was shocked.

Changan Jun is so rich? So generous?

Could it be that the rumors I heard were true?
Is it true that Cheng Jiao is in Korea and looted Korea?

Thinking about the outrageous rumor that Cheng Jiao slept with the wife and daughter of King Han, is this true?
If he had not seen the conversation between Cheng Jiao and Ying Zheng, he would never have believed it even if he was beaten to death.

The rumors in the market are getting more and more outrageous.

Gao Yao looked at Cheng Jiao strangely and wanted to pull Cheng Jiao aside to ask him some questions to satisfy his curiosity.

Gai Nie was not surprised. Before leaving Xinzheng with Ying Zheng, Xiao Zhuang had told him that Cheng Jiao would take at least 200,000 gold coins. But even if he knew, he couldn't help but sigh, it was a lot of money.

It’s great to have money, you can do a lot of things.

Ying Zheng felt a little embarrassed when he saw Cheng Jiao was depressed.

"Cheng Jiao, at the next court meeting, I will propose to all the officials that you be granted the title of Marquis of Chang'an. How about that?"

Cheng Jiao didn't react yet.

Gao Yao was even more shocked.

Compared to being granted a title of nobility, what is one hundred thousand gold?
Since the founding of the Qin State, only a few people have been granted the title of nobility.

Lord Shang Yang, Marquis Rang Wei Ran, Marquis Ying Fan Ju, Marquis Wenxin Lü Buwei.

Which one of them is not a famous figure?

But Gai Nie frowned slightly.

The Qin State conferred titles based on military merit. Cheng Jiao's title of Chang'an Jun was a title bestowed upon the royal family, which was different from the system of conferring titles based on military merit.

The most important thing is that even if Cheng Jiao came up with the papermaking technique, before the papermaking technique had any influence, for the sake of his status as a royal prince, he could only be a Da Liangzao at most.

With the influence of papermaking, he might be able to be granted the title of Siche Shuzhang like Yingxi, but it would be extremely difficult to be granted a title of nobility, whether it was Chehou or Guanneihou.

Cheng Jiao also knew this truth.

"Brother Wang, I don't want to be a marquis, so there is no need to do this."

At this time, he no longer cared about Brother Zheng lending him money.

He was very pleased that Zheng Ge, who was clear about rewards and punishments, promised him a title of nobility.

Ying Zheng shook his head: "Qin is judged by military merit. The merits of defeating the Zhao army at Yaoshan with General Meng Ao have not yet been fulfilled. Now he has come up with the art of papermaking, and has taken the initiative to donate 100,000 gold to change the writing system and build a school. These are all merits."

Cheng Jiao thought, this doesn't mean he doesn't want to pay back the money...

"Brother Wang, this..."

With this calculation, he can indeed get close to Guannei Hou.

In fact, he didn't feel anything about whether he was given a title of nobility or not.

But if I can get a marquisate for free, I would rather miss it.

Gai Nie was hesitant to speak, he could see that even so, it would be difficult for Cheng Jiao to be granted a title of nobility, especially with Lu Buwei in the court. As long as Ying Zheng mentioned it, he would be targeted.

After all, it was Cheng Jiao's contribution, plus his status as a royal prince and brother of the King of Qin.

You can be granted a title of nobility.

But it is also possible not to be granted a title of nobility.

And Gai Nie has deeper considerations.

Now in the military Wang family, Wang Jian is still the eldest concubine. Although the Wang family has always been close to the royal family, if Ying Zheng does not come up with something that convinces all officials, it will inevitably arouse the resentment of the Wang family.

But seeing the confidence in Ying Zheng's eyes, Gai Nie chose to remain silent. In fact, he was even less talkative than Xiao Zhuang.

Ying Zheng smiled casually. How could he not know the situation inside, but he also had a plan.

If used well, it would be enough to make Lu Buwei embarrassed or even defeated.

The only hope is that Cheng Jiao can pay more attention and do more so that he will have more confidence to attack Lu Buwei.

Ying Zheng did not explain further on this topic and glanced at Gao Yao.

"According to the law, Li Feng, the Minister of the Imperial Chariots, will be executed for accepting bribes. Gao Yao, do you have any recommendations?"

Gao Yao, with a serious look on his face, pondered for a moment.

Although he was in charge of the Imperial Chariot Commander, this position was quite sensitive as it required frequent contact with the King of Qin.

In addition, Lu Buwei is keeping a close eye on him now, and if he doesn't handle it well, he will be in trouble.

Rather than promoting one of your own, it is better to remove yourself.

He has now been valued by the King of Qin. He is not a gambler and does not want to take any more risks.

"Your Majesty, it would be best if the position of the Minister of the Imperial Chariots should be held by a trusted person. I think Mr. Gai Nie is very suitable."

Looking at Gai Nie's cold and resolute face, Cheng Jiao almost burst out laughing.

There was no need for Gai Nie to say anything, Ying Zheng directly denied it.

It’s impossible for Gai Nie to be in charge of the Shadow Secret Guard, so how could he become the Minister of the Imperial Chariots?
"Okay, let's go down."

Ying Zheng waved his hand.

Gao Yao breathed a sigh of relief. Being in the officialdom, he was walking on thin ice and had to be careful.

Don’t you see, that day I slept well and ate well when I went to the court meeting, but when I dozed off, I was caught in the vortex of the confrontation between the King of Qin and Lu Buwei.

He is so difficult...

Ying Zheng glanced at Cheng Jiao who was doing nothing. He had finally caught him, so he decided to use him a few more times.

"Cheng Jiao, who do you think is suitable?"

Cheng Jiao, who was touching the white jade cup with a green luster and felt that it was a perfect match to drink from the Snow-Top Silver Shuttle, was stunned when he heard this.

If you don't find someone to drive your own carriage, it's none of my business.

"I see Mr. Gai Nie..."

Gai Nie coughed lightly without leaving a trace.

It doesn’t matter if Gao Yao recommends him, but if Cheng Jiao recommends him, he is not sure whether Ying Zheng will be willing to let him take office.

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "Mr. Gai Nie is unwilling, so forget it. Since you made fun of Mr. Gai Nie, I have to punish you this time. If you don't recommend a suitable candidate, the government bamboo slips on the gold scale will be yours."

Cheng Jiao looked in the direction where Ying Zheng's finger was pointing. He had seen with his own eyes Gai Nie stacking the bamboo slips on top.

I couldn't help swallowing. It was too much and my body couldn't handle it.

You have to know that what is written here is not vernacular Chinese, it is even far from classical Chinese.

There are so many profound meanings in it that if you don’t read enough books, you won’t understand what it is talking about.

"Well... Queen Mother Zhao Ji has a close attendant named Zhao Gao. My brother has met him before, and I think he is quite good."

Ying Zheng recalled the energetic young man when he returned to Xianyang from Xinzheng.

"If I remember correctly, his family also belongs to the royal family."

Cheng Jiao nodded: "Yes, it's just a distant branch, and the family tree has been published."

In fact, he didn't know which branch Lao Zhao belonged to.

The Ying and Zhao clans have had intermarriages for generations, so it's hard to tell exactly.

Ying Zheng thought for a moment and said, "No problem."

Gai Nie hesitated and said, "Zhao Gao is very powerful, and judging from his appearance, he is quite feminine. I'm afraid he is not a good minister."

Cheng Jiao smiled and said, "Although he is not a good minister, he is a capable minister. He has chosen to serve my brother, and most importantly... he is very loyal to Queen Mother Zhao Ji.

Moreover, Zhao Gao was in charge of Luowang on behalf of the Queen Mother, and had many contacts with Lü Buwei, so he knew a lot about him. He was very suitable to be used as a chess piece against Lü Buwei."

When Ying Zheng heard Cheng Jiao talking about his mother Zhao Ji, he couldn't help but smile.

"Then let's decide. Let Zhao Gao take office on a certain day. But he is my mother's closest attendant, and I don't know if my mother is willing to let him go."

Cheng Jiao smiled and said, "The post of the Minister of the Imperial Chariots does not involve many matters, and Zhao Gao is of low status and has no experience as an official. We can compromise and let Zhao Gao take on the post of Minister of the Imperial Chariots first. This will not only not make the Queen Mother feel entangled, but also satisfy my brother."

Ying Zheng clapped his hands: "Good idea."

After a slight pause, he said, "Cheng Jiao, these days, mother has often praised you, saying that she is now good at studying and cultivating her character. It is all because of your words that she has come to her senses and regretted wasting her time.

I have advised my mother many times before, but it was always useless. I didn't expect that you could make her wake up, but it makes me very jealous.

Mother misses you a lot, and you haven't visited her for many days. Why don't you go to Ganquan Palace and inform Zhao Gao?"

Cheng Jiao didn't know whether to laugh or not.

Repent suddenly?

As the saying goes, it is easy to change the country but difficult to change one's nature. How could he not know what kind of person Zhao Ji was?
And Zhao Ji can praise him?
I'm afraid he wanted to scold him and harm him, but the power of the contract made that right.

(End of this chapter)