pdf-ebookys Chapter 35 The King of Qin Visits Zhuangzi
Chapter 35 The King of Qin Visits Zhuangzi
Ying Wuyou was overjoyed. She finally had the opportunity to showcase her abilities and realize her plans.
After listening, the King of Qin nodded and expressed his appreciation for Ying Wuyou's idea. "This method is excellent. However, building cement roads requires a lot of manpower and resources. This matter concerns the people's livelihood, so we must not act hastily."
Ying Wuyou cupped his hands and said, "Your subject understands. Your subject has already investigated. We can first conduct a pilot project on the main roads near the capital. If the results are good, we can gradually expand it to other places."
The King of Qin pondered for a moment and said, "Hmm, that's very good. However, the national treasury truly has no silver available right now. What do you intend to do about this?"
Ying Wuyou's lips curled into a faint smile as he softly said, "Father, this matter seems complicated, but it's actually not difficult. We can launch a fundraising campaign and secretly reach an agreement with the merchants. The merchants will raise funds to build the road, and for those who generously donate, we can erect a memorial tablet in their honor. As for the merchant who donates the most, we can even grant him the right to name the road, so that his name can be forever engraved on it. In this way, we can solve the problem of funding the road construction and also encourage merchants to participate enthusiastically. Why not do it?"
After hearing this, the King of Qin said, "Merchants are driven by profit. If that's all they're willing to do, will they really be willing to spend money?" The King of Qin said with concern.
Ying Wuyou replied with a smile, "Father, don't underestimate the right to name it. This cement road can last for decades or even centuries without any problem. As long as this section of road exists, the donors of this section will be remembered forever. Isn't that leaving a mark on history? What businessman wouldn't want something like that?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of doubt flashed in the King of Qin's eyes. "I have no objection to the naming rights, but is this 'Merit Inscription' inappropriate? The soldiers of my Great Qin fight bloody battles for the Great Qin, yet they do not receive any merit inscriptions, while merchants can enjoy them simply by donating a little money. This will dishearten the soldiers of Great Qin."
Seeing this, Ying Wuyou quickly said, "Father, the most urgent task right now is to solve the funding problem for road construction. Once the roads are completed, transportation will be convenient, and trade will flourish, which will not only make up for the losses from tax cuts, but also make the country prosperous and strong. As for the matter of the inscriptions for the soldiers' merits, we can actually do it. For the soldiers, we can build a martyrs' cemetery to bury the fallen soldiers. As for the living soldiers, our Great Qin has always treated them very well by bestowing titles and ranks upon them."
King Qin pondered for a moment, finding Ying Wuyou's words reasonable, and nodded, saying, "Alright, let's do it your way. However, this matter must be handled with caution, and corruption must not be allowed to fester. As for the idea of a martyrs' cemetery, that's excellent; we can discuss it in detail when we have time. For now, you should focus on building the roads." "Your subject obeys," Ying Wuyou replied.
"Furthermore, I would like to implore Father to issue an edict," Ying Wuyou said, kneeling and kowtowing. "Order all officials to actively cooperate with this road construction project and not to shirk their responsibilities. Anyone who violates this order will be severely punished."
"Very well. I hereby bestow upon you a hundred guards. These guards will all be at your command. If anyone dares to disobey during the road construction, kill them without mercy!" After the King of Qin finished speaking, Ying Wuyou felt an overwhelming pressure bearing down on him. "Your subject thanks Your Majesty. Your subject will do his utmost to complete the road construction and will certainly not fail Your Majesty's expectations!" Ying Wuyou said earnestly.
After inspecting the cement, Ying Wuyou enthusiastically led the King of Qin to see the piglets she had carefully raised. Gazing at the plump, pink piglets in the pen, the King exclaimed, "Your pigs are truly well-fed and healthy!" Ying Wuyou beamed and said, "Your subject will certainly invite Father to taste a delicious roast suckling pig later." The King laughed heartily, "Haha, then I will certainly have a good taste of your uniquely flavored roast suckling pig!"
Ying Wuyou instructed his men to slaughter and clean a lively little suckling pig, then carefully wash it before placing it over a roaring fire to slowly roast it. As time passed, the pig's skin gradually turned golden brown and crispy, emitting an enticing aroma that filled the entire space.
Looking at the scene before her, Ying Wuyou's lips curled into a satisfied smile. She said softly, "It's ready." Then, she gestured for the person beside her to carefully remove the roasted suckling pig and place it in an exquisite copper basin. Next, Ying Wuyou herself picked up a sharp knife and skillfully sliced the suckling pig into paper-thin slices, each cut precise and elegant, as if she were sculpting a precious work of art.
The neatly sliced pork was arranged before the King of Qin, and Ying Wuyou had even prepared a special dipping sauce, its rich aroma like an invisible magic. The guards rushed forward to taste it, like brave explorers cautiously savoring this unknown delicacy. Only after the guards confirmed it was safe did the King of Qin begin to enjoy the delicious roast suckling pig. This was also the first time Ying Wuyou had tasted such a delicious roast suckling pig since her transmigration, and both of them ate with great satisfaction, their faces beaming with happy smiles. The King of Qin couldn't help but praise the deliciousness, comparing it to heavenly music, intoxicating him, and Ying Wuyou also revealed a satisfied smile like a spring breeze.
After finishing his meal, the King of Qin returned to the palace, but Ying Wuyou did not follow him. Instead, he began planning the road construction. Ying Wuyou summoned Zhao Ran.
Since the last time Ying Wuyou put Zhao Ran in charge of the sale of ceramic kilns, he was surprised to find that Zhao Ran had a unique talent for business. So Ying Wuyou summoned Zhao Ran and asked him to spread a message in the city: there was a mysterious organization called "The Road to the Future" that appeared out of nowhere and claimed to be donating money to build roads.
Upon hearing Ying Wuyou's instructions, Zhao Ran immediately went to carry them out. The next day, a major piece of news spread throughout Xianyang City: a mysterious organization called "The Road to the Future" claimed that it would donate money to repair roads. On the tenth day of the tenth month, the largest restaurant in Xianyang City, Yuxuan Pavilion, would become a place for donations to gather. Anyone willing to donate money to repair the road could register there.
Upon hearing this news, the entire city of Xianyang was in an uproar, with people discussing the so-called mysterious "Road to the Future" organization. Some thought they might have lost their minds, actually wanting everyone to donate money to build roads! After all, the Qin Dynasty had been at war for years, and it was already difficult enough not to starve to death; who would be willing to donate their hard-earned silver? Everyone thought it was simply a fantasy.