newbobooks Chapter 42 Review of the Road
Chapter 42 Review of the Road
Over the years, after months of tireless work by thousands of people, this fifty-mile-long main road in western Xianyang has finally begun to resemble a winding, coiling dragon, gradually revealing its majestic form.
The once rugged, winding mountain road, like a frail old man, has vanished into the long river of history, replaced by a smooth, wide highway. Ying Wuyou gazed at all this quietly, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction and pride, a light like the brightest star in the night sky. She seemed to feel every piece of cement telling her of resilience and perseverance, every inch of land showing her hope and dreams.
Gazing at the scene before her, Ying Wuyou couldn't help but recall that muddy path from back then. She had sat in the carriage, like a lone boat trapped in a swamp; the muddy road made progress difficult, and she had even had to get out and push the carriage herself. Now, looking at the wide road she had built with her own hands, an indescribable joy welled up within her. She knew that this road was not only the starting point for changing the fate of the Qin Dynasty, but also a broad avenue bringing convenience and opportunities to countless people.
This feeling was akin to the flowers she had planted herself blooming brilliantly in the sunlight. Each flower symbolized her hard work and her fervent hope for a bright future. When she saw these flowers blooming like flames, her heart was filled with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. They were not merely beautiful embellishments, but flowers of life nurtured by her sweat and toil. And this road was another splendid flower in her life, forever blooming in people's hearts, becoming a sturdy bridge for them to reach the other side of happiness.
Upon completion, Ying Wuyou rushed back to the palace and reported to the Zhangtai Hall. Upon seeing the King of Qin, Ying Wuyou respectfully bowed and said, "Jiayang greets Father, wishing Father good health."
When the King of Qin saw Ying Wuyou, a smile immediately spread across his face. He asked Ying Wuyou kindly, "What brings you here to visit me today? Are you not busy with your road construction?"
Upon hearing the King of Qin's question, Ying Wuyou smiled and replied gently, "Father, that is precisely why I have come."
"Oh? Have you encountered some difficulties?" King Qin frowned slightly and asked with concern.
Ying Wuyou quickly shook his head and said happily, "There is no problem. Your subject has come to inform Father that the road has been completed!"
"Completed? What does this mean?" the King of Qin asked curiously.
Ying Wuyou hurriedly replied, "What I mean is that the road has been completed. I have come here today to earnestly request that Father King go and inspect it."
"Oh? So soon? Then I must go and see for myself." After a moment of contemplation, the King of Qin continued, "In that case, after the morning court session tomorrow, I will take all the civil and military officials to inspect it and see if your so-called cement road can truly withstand the test. What do you think?"
Ying Wuyou answered without hesitation: "Your subject has no objection whatsoever, and you are full of confidence in yourself."
"Very well, then we'll discuss it again tomorrow after I've inspected the place. If it truly satisfies all the civil and military officials, what kind of reward do you desire?" the King of Qin asked.
Ying Wuyou smiled and replied, "Then I must think it over carefully. I will inform Father King when I have made up my mind."
"Good, haha~, I'll be watching with bated breath." The King of Qin laughed heartily.
The next day, the King of Qin led his ministers to the newly repaired road. As they walked, their exclamations of praise were endless.
The King of Qin looked around at the straight and wide road, his heart filled with emotion. He turned to the crowd and said, "With this road, it will surely bring benefits to millions of people in the future."
The crowd echoed her sentiments, expressing their admiration and praise for Princess Jiayang. Hearing these words of praise, Ying Wuyou felt deeply gratified. She knew that her efforts had not been in vain, and this path would bring about tremendous changes to the Qin Kingdom.
The King of Qin looked at Ying Wuyou and praised him, "Jiayang, you've worked hard. This road is very well constructed!"
Ying Wuyou raised his head, his face beaming with joy, and said, "Thank you for your praise, Father. This is all thanks to the people. I only used my brain a little."
At this moment, Li Si stepped forward and said, "Princess, you are humble and polite. You have made a great contribution by building such a smooth road and deserve to be rewarded."
After Li Si finished speaking, Prime Minister Wang Wan also stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the princess has done an excellent job in building this road. She should be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold to commend her achievement."
The ministers all agreed, but General Li Xin jumped out to object: "This is inappropriate. Although the reward of gold is generous, it is too vulgar. In my opinion, it would be better to bestow a marriage upon the princess and choose a good husband for her, so as to show Your Majesty's great favor."
Upon hearing Li Xin's words, Ying Wuyou's heart tightened, and she secretly glanced at the King of Qin. She saw the King of Qin frowning slightly, seemingly deep in thought.
Immediately, the ministers discussed amongst themselves, each expressing their own opinions. Ying Wuyou, however, silently retreated to the side, seething with rage, inwardly screaming: "Li Xin, you bastard Li Xin! I was even planning to save your life, but who knew you'd turn out like this? When the attack on Chu fails, I'll make sure my father punishes you severely! Just you wait and see!"
Upon hearing Ying Wuyou's thoughts, the King of Qin was stunned. He hadn't heard Ying Wuyou's thoughts in a long time, and hearing them again after so long, he didn't immediately react. Only after regaining his senses did he understand the core meaning of Ying Wuyou's words: "Li Xin's attack on Chu has failed." These few words were hard for the King of Qin to believe.
The Qin soldiers were invincible; how could they possibly lose to the State of Chu? Although Chu possessed vast territory, apart from Xiang Yan, it had no capable generals. How could they possibly lose an attack on such a state? The King of Qin was in turmoil. He had long lost interest in inspecting the roads and ordered a return to the palace.
Faced with the sudden order from the King of Qin to return to the palace, not only was Ying Wuyou completely bewildered, but the civil and military officials present were also utterly confused, wondering what they had said to offend the King. Despite their many doubts, no one dared to provoke the King at this moment, and could only follow him back to the palace step by step. The group surged towards Zhangtai Palace like a surging tide.