0p0 Chapter 270 Who Can Be the Head of the Coal Transportation Company?
Chapter 270 Who Can Be the Head of the Coal Transportation Company?
The King of Qin waved his hand without wavering, retorting firmly, "My dear ministers, you may not know this, but it was Jia Yang who first discovered coal; he was also the first to propose the method of coal mining; even the idea of using coal as fuel was the result of his painstaking research. Moreover, to make coal more widely available, Jia Yang ingeniously invented honeycomb briquettes. This innovation not only greatly saves coal resources but also effectively reduces usage costs, making coal affordable for ordinary people. Tell me, who among you understands coal more thoroughly than Jia Yang?"
King Qin's words were forceful and clear, and no one present could immediately respond. At this moment, Feng Quji, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Princess Jiayang is indeed exceptionally talented and has made many contributions to our Great Qin. However, even so, there has never been a case of a woman holding office or participating in politics throughout history. Princess Jiayang's previous participation in court affairs was already an exception; if she were to be appointed to such an important position as the head of the Coal Transport Bureau, I fear it would be difficult to gain the people's trust."
As the crowd murmured amongst themselves, Jia Xu stepped steadily out from the throng, cupped his hands, and addressed the King of Qin, who sat high on his throne: “Your Majesty, it is not entirely unacceptable for women to participate in politics, but Princess Jiayang is still too young to be entrusted with such an important position as the Coal Transport Commissioner, which concerns the vital interests of the state. If this matter were to spread, and other states were to learn that our Great Qin had appointed such a young child to such a crucial post, it would likely have a detrimental effect on our reputation!”
After hearing this, the King of Qin swept his piercing gaze across the assembled officials and said in a deep voice, "The illustrious reputation of my Great Qin is earned by countless brave and fearless soldiers who fought valiantly on the battlefield, each blade drawn with blood. It is by no means something that can be achieved through the empty talk and boasting of a few. Furthermore, among all of you present, who dares to claim that you know more about coal than Jia Yang?"
Upon hearing the King of Qin's words, the entire court fell into a deathly silence, no one daring to respond. After a moment, Chunyu Yue stepped forward and said slowly, "Since Princess Jiayang is so knowledgeable about coal, why not have her impart her knowledge on the spot? In this way, whoever masters the essentials first can naturally assume the position of head of the Coal Transportation Bureau. Wouldn't that be a perfect solution?"
Upon hearing this, the King of Qin couldn't help but sneer, inwardly cursing the shamelessness of his ministers. However, he maintained his composure, coldly declaring, "My mind is made up; there is no need for further discussion!" His few words, delivered with a chilling and resolute tone, struck each and every one of them like a hammer blow. A few officials, still clinging to hope, attempted further persuasion, but when they met the King's piercing gaze, all their words caught in their throats, and they could only helplessly cry out in unison, "Your Majesty is wise!"
Despite the frustration and helplessness of the ministers below, the King of Qin was in an exceptionally pleasant mood. He glanced around the platform and noticed several officials with flushed faces, their expressions utterly amusing. These men, who usually lectured the monarch on ancestral laws and bossed him around, were now so utterly pathetic before him, and the King of Qin couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
The King of Qin thought to himself, "These so-called ministers, they shout every day about following ancestral rites and laws, but how many of them truly understand what rites and laws are? They are merely using the name of rites and laws to engage in power struggles and self-interest. It seems that there are very few truly capable people in this court who can offer advice and make a difference for the country! Most are nothing more than sycophants and flatterers."
Setting aside his worries about the lack of talent, the King of Qin turned and nodded slightly to Fu De beside him. Fu De, understanding perfectly, called out loudly, "Dismiss the court!" With this call, the crowd slowly began to leave the court. However, those who left the court did not immediately disperse; instead, they gathered in small groups, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.
Among them, Shusun Tong sighed with worry, "Alas, the king is becoming increasingly unwilling to listen to advice. In the past, the king could still listen to wise words and humbly seek advice, but now..." At this point, Shusun Tong couldn't help but shake his head.
Chunyu Yue, stroking his beard, chimed in, "Yes, before, His Majesty listened to the Empress Dowager, but now, alas..."
Shusun Tong said, "Now there's really no one who can persuade the King. It's a pity that Prince Fusu isn't the Crown Prince. Speaking of which, didn't Prince Fusu say he was going to check out the trade routes? It's been more than half a year, why hasn't he returned yet?"
Chunyu Yue said, "I've recently heard some news about Prince Fusu."
Upon hearing this, Shusun Tong immediately perked up and leaned closer to Chunyu Yue, lowering his voice to ask, "Oh? Tell me quickly, where exactly has Prince Fusu been sent by the King of Qin?"
Chunyu Yue looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping before answering softly, "As far as I know, it seems that Prince Fusu has been sent to the Baiyue region."
Upon hearing this, Shusun Tong's face showed surprise, and he hurriedly asked, "Is this true?"
Chunyu Yue nodded firmly and said, "There should be no mistake. I just don't know what business you have going there for, and whether you will be able to return safely..." The two looked at each other, both with worried expressions.
Shusun Tong was utterly incredulous that the King of Qin would actually send Prince Fusu to the Baiyue region! Leaving aside the fact that the Baiyue region was a harsh environment, teeming with snakes, insects, and rodents, making survival nearly impossible, it was still currently Chu territory! Sending Prince Fusu there was tantamount to sending him to his death! What exactly was the King of Qin's intention? Did he truly have no intention of making Prince Fusu the crown prince? In an instant, countless thoughts surged through Shusun Tong's mind like a tidal wave.
You must understand, Shusun Tong had staked his entire life, fortune, and future on Prince Fusu! If Prince Fusu ultimately failed to inherit the throne, what would become of the Confucian school? The thought sent chills down Shusun Tong's spine, and he dared not think any further. At this moment, he completely forgot about Ying Wuyou and the Coal Transport Bureau.
At this moment, only one unwavering thought remained in Shusun Tong's mind—no matter what, he must find a way to urge the King to appoint Prince Fusu as Crown Prince as soon as possible! This thought burned fiercely in his heart like a flame, making him anxious and restless.
Thinking of this, Shusun Tong suddenly raised his head, his gaze meeting Chunyu Yue's. In that instant, an invisible understanding seemed to flow between them, and they read each other's thoughts from their eyes: clearly, they shared the same views and concerns about this matter concerning the future fate of the Qin Dynasty.
Without the slightest hesitation, Shusun Tong and Chunyu Yue exchanged a knowing glance, then quickly set off, hurrying away from the solemn and imposing Xianyang Palace. They traveled briskly, not daring to linger for a moment, heading straight for Chunyu Yue's secluded residence in the city.