General Qin

In the thirty-second year of Qin Shihuang, midsummer, Xianyang City.

It dawned very early, and outside the Wugong Hou Mansion, Zhao Tuo was saying goodbye to his wife and children.

Baiyue is so high that the sky is high and the road is far, it is thousands of miles away, and the environment is so bad that it has even defeated two generals of the Qin State, making it almost a deserted place in the eyes of the Qin people in Guanzhong.

During this Zhao Tuo expedition, Ying Yinman, as his wife, was naturally filled with worry and reluctance.

The two talked a lot last night, but at the moment of parting, she still couldn't feel relieved.

"While your beloved is leaving, please remember that there are still me and my children in Xianyang City waiting for your beloved to return. Remember to put your own safety first."

Ying Yinman's eyes were slightly red, and she was arranging Zhao Tuo's armor while whispering.

Zhao Tuo held her hand and comforted: "Don't worry, the Baiyue Land is not a desperate situation for me. It only takes some time to return. It's just that during this period, you have worked hard to take care of two people." It’s a child.”

"Father, I can't bear to leave you."

At this time, Xiao Zhao Che was reluctant to leave his father who had been with him for a long time. He stretched out his little hand and took Zhao Tuo's armor.

The little Zhao Yun next to her was still ignorant and shouted vaguely: "Father, father, I can't bear to leave."

Zhao Tuo smiled.

He lowered his body and hugged his son and daughter, and then said to Zhao Che: "You have to take care of your sister. When I come back, I will bring you some gifts."

Zhao Che was a child after all, and his eyes lit up when he heard the gift, and he responded with a smile.

After saying goodbye to his family, Zhao Tuo got on his horse and headed straight out of the city together with Han Xin, Li Shiqi and others who were waiting.

Behind him, a woman's reluctant voice came.

"My uncle is like me, and my country is unruly. I hold on to my uncle, and he is the king's forerunner. From the east of my uncle, my head is like a flying canopy. Is there no anointing to bathe? Who is suitable for this? It rains, and the rain shines, and the sun rises. May I say something Sibo, I am willing to be ill..."

Zhao Tuo trembled.

This is the sound of "Bo Xi", which begins by praising the husband as a hero of the country and his heroic deeds in fighting for the king. But the next few sentences are full of the woman's voice of extreme longing, which is perfect for the scene at this time.

Especially when coupled with the voices of two children shouting "Father", it adds to the poignancy of parting.

He took a long breath and said silently: "I hope this is the last expedition."

Horse hooves galloping.

Zhao Tuo led his entourage straight to the outside of Xianyang City.

Because the situation was very urgent this time, Zhao Tuo was going to take over the Qin army's expedition to Yue to deal with the dangerous situation.

Time was running out and there was no time to recruit troops to accompany him. Qin's earliest reinforcements could not be gathered until the second half of the month, so this time Zhao Tuo went south without holding a large-scale swearing-in ceremony.

However, the First Emperor sent Zhao Tuo off with a group of ministers and officials outside Xianyang City.

Since Qin Wangzheng ascended the throne as emperor, the monarch's sacredness and power have been particularly expanded. It has been a long time since he personally sent generals out to fight or greeted them. These matters were basically done by the prince, prime minister and others.

This time, the First Emperor personally led hundreds of officials to see Zhao Tuo off. It was the first time after reunification, which shows that he attaches great importance to Zhao Tuo and this war of conquest.

Outside the city were heavily armed lieutenant troops arrayed on all sides, and the central part was defended by brave and majestic Lang Wei troops. Black flags were flying all over the sky, and there were many spears and halberds standing there, looking majestic and solemn.

Among the guards, the First Emperor, wearing black clothes and a crown of heaven, stood with his hands behind his back, his face calm.

Zhao Tuo walked up to the First Emperor and bowed down.

"My minister, Zhao Tuo, is following His Majesty's order to march south to conquer Yue. He will surely make a triumphant victory in order to enhance the power of our great Qin!"

On this occasion, Zhao Tuo naturally wanted to say some impassioned words.

The First Emperor's eyes moved.

He looked at the young general in front of him who was wearing exquisite armor and a mighty crown on his head.

Zhao Tuo has grown a beard under his chin, and his expression is becoming increasingly steady.

But in the mind of the First Emperor, he still couldn't help but think of the young man who said in the Qin Palace twelve years ago that "a real man lives in the world, lives as a marquis, and dies as a temple official."

That scene was the one he remembered most deeply.

"I am in Xianyang, waiting for Zhao Qing's triumphant return. When he returns victorious, Zhao Qing will be the prince of our great Qin Dynasty and rule the world for me."

The First Emperor spoke and said something surprising.

Zhao Tuo's brows jumped sharply.

The expressions of the officials behind the emperor even changed.

Liehou.

This is what it should be.

Zhao Tuo was originally the 19th-level Lunhou. If he defeated Baiyue this time, his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Marquis would be certain and not surprising.

What really surprised the ministers was the First Emperor's words of "ruling the world."

The word Zai has been a general term for officials since the Zhou Dynasty.

The official positions in the Zhou Dynasty include Zhongzai, Dazai, Xiaozai, Neizai, Lizai and so on.

The retainers of the princes, ministers and officials and the governors of the fiefs were also named after "zai".

Therefore, when the First Emperor said that the prime minister rules the world, he meant the prime minister.

The prime minister is the head of the hundred officials, which is equivalent to the official position of the left and right prime ministers in the Qin State today.

The First Emperor was promising to the Wugong Marquis that as long as he returned victorious, he would not only be given the title of a marquis, but he would also be granted the title of Prime Minister, and he would be in charge of government affairs for the First Emperor.

This promise is far more impactful than a title of lord.

Marquises are nobles, representing status.

The prime minister is an official and represents power.

If you add the two top things together, you will truly be the first person under the emperor.

One person is inferior to ten thousand people.

Even though Zhao Tuo was calm and composed, his heart couldn't help but beat when he heard these words.

If he wants to reform Qin's system, he must have the corresponding power. The previous Shaofu could only intervene in the affairs of hundreds of people, but was powerless in other political affairs.

Zhao Tuo had previously thought about his future reforms and was afraid that he would have to win over the support of Wang Wan and others.

But what if he becomes Prime Minister himself?

Then you can really show off your skills without any worries.

But Zhao Tuo quickly calmed down.

The emperor's trick!

After twelve years of contact, he had a deep understanding of this king's methods.

The First Emperor likes to reveal some benefits before asking you to do something.

The benefits are dazzled in front of you in advance, and after arousing your excitement, you can't wait to use all your strength to get things done for him.

Before Zhao Tuo destroyed the Dai Dynasty and Qi Dynasty, didn't he seduce him with the princess?

However, we know that few people can remain stable in the face of huge interests.

Zhao Tuo took a deep breath, cupped his hands to the emperor and said, "I will do my best and will not let your majesty down."

At the same time, the right prime minister Wang Wan and the left prime minister Li Si, who were standing behind the First Emperor, looked at each other in shock.

The First Emperor promised Zhao Tuo to become prime minister when he returned victorious, that is, to replace one of them.

Who is the one?

"If the martial arts lord wants to conquer Baiyue, it will take several years at the earliest. I must perform well and let the emperor know my ability."

After Wang Wan and Li Si were surprised, they secretly encouraged themselves to prevent themselves from being eliminated.

After the promise is made.

The First Emperor asked Prince Fusu to bring the wine himself.

"The prince is going to Baiyue to fight for the country. Fu Su wishes the prince a victory and an early triumph."

Fusu sent blessings to Zhao Tuo, his eyes full of concern.

"Thank you, Prince."

In the presence of the emperor, Zhao Tuo naturally did not dare to say much. After thanking Fusu, he raised his glass and drank.

After finishing the drink, Zhao Tuo looked at the king in front of him.

He is still tall and majestic, and under the black Xuan Xuan, he shows the magnanimity of a superior.

But if you look carefully, you can find that the emperor's body is slightly stooped, there are many wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, and the black hair exposed outside the crown is mixed with a little white.

The emperor is old.

Zhao Tuo took a deep breath, bowed to the emperor again, and said, "I will go south. Please take care of yourself and may you live a long life."

The First Emperor was startled, then a smile filled the corners of his mouth, and his eyes became softer.

"I understand, you can go ahead."

"My lord, let's go."

Zhao Tuo raised his head and took a deep look at the emperor again.

He stood up and said goodbye to all the ministers. With blessings, he turned and left.

Thousands of elite cavalry have been waiting here. They are fully armed and will protect and follow Wugong Hou southward.

"I got out of my chariot and tended it there. I came from where the emperor called me. I summoned his servant and said he was here. The king's affairs are difficult, and it is difficult to maintain them..."

Mighty and majestic music sounded outside the city. This was an anthem to send off the generals on their expeditions and triumphs, and was full of the king's expectations for victory.

As the horse galloped, Zhao Tuo turned around.

He watched Xianyang City gradually shrinking, and the emperor and officials who sent him on his journey slowly turned into blurry figures.

The figure of the First Emperor gradually faded away.

Zhao Tuo felt sad and murmured.

"Your Majesty, wait for my return."