Chapter Seventeen: The Reward

As soon as the question was raised, everyone held their breath and turned their eyes to Fusu. Even Wei Liao, the Grand Commandant, who had not shown a hint of expression, looked at Fusu at this moment.

Fusu pressed his lips together, shook his head, and said, “Neither of these options is very good.”

“Neither is good...” Emperor Qin Shi Huang was stunned. An indescribable expression appeared on his face as he hurriedly asked, “Could it be that Su’er has another good strategy for governing the country?”

After asking this, Qin Shi Huang immediately shook his head. What was he thinking? Governing a country is a lifelong endeavor, a system refined through relentless effort; how could a youth not yet twenty have such wisdom?

Li Si and the others also showed disbelief. They thought Fusu was boasting shamelessly, merely trying to catch the emperor’s attention. Chunyu Yue also did not believe it; he kept blinking and gesturing toward Fusu, but Fusu did not even glance at him.

“Father, I actually do have one!” Fusu smiled calmly and replied.

“Oh?” Qin Shi Huang straightened up, his eyes bright. “Do tell!”

Fusu nodded and outlined the basic framework of the provincial system: “Provinces, cities, counties, and townships are divided into four levels.”

“For example, our Xianyang City could be called Xianyang City, part of Shaanxi Province.”

“Each city has counties beneath it, and counties have townships beneath them.”

“Of course, each province has a governor and a deputy governor…”

Fusu recited this improved provincial system in detail, leaving everyone present dumbfounded and utterly silent.

After a long while, Fusu, his mouth dry from speaking, grabbed a pot of tea and gulped down two big sips. “It’s exhausting to say so much in one breath.”

“If you think it’s feasible, I’ll write it down for you when I have time.”

“If not, then continue discussing the feudal or county system!”

Saying this, Fusu sat back down and began to eat.

Damn it, he hadn’t been sleeping or eating well in prison. Finally, he got to attend such a top-tier banquet. He had barely eaten anything while looking around earlier.

Qin Shi Huang stared dumbfounded at Fusu, who was eating with relish.

Li Si, who had thought Fusu was speaking arrogantly, now wore a face of shock.

Meng Yi had been a mere bystander throughout, unwilling to side with either faction’s proposals.

But what Fusu said…

Chunyu Yue was also no longer calm. His trembling hands revealed the deep shock he felt inside.

---

“Your Majesty, this matter is weighty and requires careful deliberation before a decision!” Li Si, sweat beading on his forehead, advised.

Qin Shi Huang nodded and changed the subject: “Fusu recently studied a strange object that could benefit the Qin dynasty!”

“Now, he has introduced the provincial system, a novel approach that truly opens my eyes.”

“Ministers, please help me consider how to reward Fusu appropriately.”

Upon hearing this, Li Si immediately withdrew. Zhao Gao glanced down at his toes. Chunyu Yue wanted to say something but was at a loss for words. Zhou Qingchen had already returned to his seat and resumed eating.

In an instant, everyone at court busied themselves with their own affairs, bustling about energetically.

Qin Shi Huang frowned deeply at the scene. The feeling was unsettling...

Meng Yi nudged a somewhat intoxicated Wang Jian, signaling him to speak.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Wang Jian reluctantly spoke: “Your Majesty, Crown Prince Fusu is about to reach adulthood; it is also time for him to start a family.”

Meng Yi immediately gave a thumbs-up.

Well done! Indeed, the old fox is still clever!

Wang Jian’s suggestion both covered Fusu’s recent reckless behavior and reminded the emperor that the prince had grown up and had needs in that regard.

Qin Shi Huang understood perfectly. He slammed his hand on the table, smiling as he nodded: “What the Marquis of Wucheng says is very true.”

A smile appeared on Wang Jian’s aged face, but inside he was immensely pleased.

See? At critical moments, the old ministers still have to come to the emperor’s rescue. None of you are capable!

“I heard the Marquis of Wucheng has an unmarried granddaughter who has also reached marriageable age. Why not let her wed Fusu?” Qin Shi Huang said with a smile, looking over.

Wang Jian’s smile instantly froze; his drunkenness largely disappeared, and he stared blankly at the emperor.

Their eyes met.

Wang Jian’s face twitched as he wished he could slap himself.

Damn it. Why did I speak up?

Everyone else kept quiet, but I foolishly thought I was helping His Majesty.

Now I’ve fallen right into a trap!

Wang Jian had no choice but to hide his resentment and replied helplessly, “Your Majesty, the young lady is headstrong and spends her days practicing martial arts. She is not like a typical girl.”

---

“I fear...” Wang Jian hesitated.

“Decided!” Qin Shi Huang seemed to ignore the subtle refusal in Wang Jian’s words, smiling as he ordered, “Send someone immediately!”

“Draft an edict for the marriage at once!”

Wang Jian froze on the spot.

Meng Yi instinctively distanced himself from Wang Jian a little, feeling intimidated.

It seemed he had been the one to push Wang Jian forward just now; if Wang Jian were to draw his sword now, Meng Yi wouldn’t easily dodge!

This matter was becoming serious...

Meng Yi was anxious. If Fusu had not defiled Consort Li, the marriage proposal could be accepted.

Although Wang Jian was reluctant, he would have agreed.

But since Fusu had disgraced Consort Li, Wang Jian was a hundred times unwilling to marry his beloved granddaughter to him.

Fusu overheard the emperor’s words and hurriedly stood up: “Father, forced marriages never yield sweet fruit!”

“I haven’t even met the Marquis of Wucheng’s granddaughter yet. To suddenly arrange a marriage like this seems improper.”

“Shut up!” Qin Shi Huang shot Fusu a cold glare.

Fusu hastily closed his mouth.

He felt bitter inside. That granddaughter of the Marquis of Wucheng was clearly a fierce tigress, skilled in martial arts!

In this era, how many women who practice martial arts are truly beautiful?

Years of outdoor training, daily rigorous practice, surely their hands are calloused!

Fusu preferred delicate ladies with fair skin, beauty, and long legs. At worst, a graceful and voluptuous mature woman would do!

Why give him a martial artist with none of these charms?

What, was he supposed to learn martial arts from her?

Besides, the Marquis of Wucheng’s granddaughter would surely be a strict wife, and with her status, Fusu couldn’t easily dominate her.

How could Fusu then indulge freely in pleasures and enjoy the comforts of life?

Fusu was unwilling, and Wang Jian even more so.

He had only this one granddaughter, born in his old age, cherished like a treasure.

How could he let her marry just like that?

Wang Jian truly hated to see it happen.

Of course, he was also genuinely unwilling.

But Qin Shi Huang had already made up his mind and ordered the marriage edict drafted immediately.