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墨書 Inktalez
If someone else had asked him like that, Chunshen Jun would have long ordered someone to drag them out and bury them alive. But since the question came from Luzi, Huang Xie could only smile helplessly. It wasn't that he was particularly magnanimous; rather, it was because this Chancellor of Chu was someone who valued old friendships deeply.
Not to mention how the dignified Sovereign of Chu viewed the past escape from Qin Capital Xianyang, at least Huang Xie felt grateful towards Luzi. In times of wealth and prosperity, relationships often felt thinner than paper, as they were mostly based on mutual exploitation.
When disaster strikes, those who do not kick you when you're down are considered good people!
However, friendships formed during times of poverty can withstand the test of time. Especially back then, Huang Xie had nothing—no connections or resources. Staying in Xianyang City with the Crown Prince of Chu could be described as being utterly miserable and alone.
Despite Xiong Wan being the Crown Prince of Chu at that time, he lived in an era devoid of trust. He was replaced by his own brother, and no one cared about it. Situations where one went to Feudal States as a Proton were common; it wasn't just the Crown Prince being replaced by his brother—current Sovereigns could also be removed by ministers.
According to past customs, Feudal States that surrendered their Protons were supposed to guarantee living expenses for them each year. However, as Protons became less likely to return, they gradually fell out of favor, leading to a breakdown in the necessary funding.
Even in the Qin State, which held absolute power, Zichu, who stayed in Zhao as a Proton, encountered such an unfortunate predicament. This indicates that other Feudal States likely experienced even worse situations!
After Crown Prince Xiong Wan arrived in Xianyang, the first few years were relatively prosperous. The domestic supply of goods was guaranteed, including expenses for festivals and celebrations. Although personal worship was not allowed in Qin State, there were still considerable costs associated with socializing and enjoying music.
Connections are connections; the more you interact, the more familiar you become.
Since Crown Prince Xiong Wan rarely made appearances himself, he sent Huang Xie, who held an official title, to socialize with the nobles of Qin State on his behalf. While privately befriending the Crown Prince of Chu might be seen as inappropriate, associating with Huang Xie posed no issues. Whether for business or leisure, they naturally became close friends.
If it weren't for Chu sending their Crown Prince as a Proton to seek peace, King Zhao of Qin would have certainly sought an excuse to send the Qin Army to spar with the Chu Army. This led to Huang Xie's efforts to persuade others being short-lived since relations between Qin and Chu had already soured completely.
Upon learning that some officials dared to associate privately with the Crown Prince of Chu, King Zhao dealt with a few leaders as a warning. After all, anyone who could hold an official position in Qin State was quite shrewd!
The nobles of the Qin State, well aware that angering the king would lead to dire consequences, began to navigate the political waters carefully. Past friendships were now seen as dangerous liabilities. From that point on, no one dared to associate with the Crown Prince of Chu and his steward. Those who still held some fondness for old ties would only exchange furtive greetings when they happened to cross paths.
As for gathering to drink and share laughter, it was best avoided altogether.
Within the borders of Chu, some individuals plotting to restore their state took advantage of the instability at the top and rose in rebellion. The Chu Army, unable to fight on two fronts simultaneously, left King Qingxiang of Chu hesitant to engage in war with the Qin State, which had a vendetta against him for patricide.
King Qingxiang was willing to send a large amount of silver coins to the Crown Prince as a means of maintaining relations, with the ulterior motive of temporarily stabilizing the Qin State. Moreover, since Chu was in the wrong in this situation, it made their position seem weak and unconvincing.
Chu also had its eyes and ears spread throughout Qin Capital Xianyang. After learning that the Crown Prince's diplomatic efforts had failed, King Qingxiang began to cut back on the resources sent to Xianyang. Eventually, even supplies necessary for Proton's daily needs were reduced, leading to basic food shortages for the Crown Prince Xiong Wan and his entourage.
Given this situation in Chu, some matters were self-evident. Huang Xie felt he could see no glimmer of hope and secretly slipped out for a drink alone. On one such occasion, he met Luzi, who had returned home for official duties at a tavern.
Upon meeting, they felt an instant connection as if they had known each other forever. Their conversations flowed easily until they became close friends who shared everything. It was during this time that Huang Xie learned that Luzi was a big shopkeeper with an international business. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince's residence had become so desolate that even rats had fled from hunger.
Subsequently, all expenses at the Crown Prince's Residence were actually supported by Prosperity Record. Not wanting to owe anyone anything, Huang Xie had previously signed a document stating that these funds were considered a loan. He promised that once the Crown Prince returned and ascended the throne, Chu would repay it double.
Luzi glanced at the document personally signed and sealed by Huang Xie before casually tossing it into the fire without further thought.
Luzi reassured the embarrassed Huang Xie that it was normal for life to have its ups and downs. One day you might feel on top of the world, but tomorrow you could find yourself begging on the streets. People should always think ahead and leave themselves an escape route when times are good; otherwise, when things go south, it might be too late to realize it. Today, if Huang faced difficulties and his brother could help, he naturally would lend a hand. If tomorrow Luzi found himself starving and needed to seek refuge with Huang in Chu, he hoped Huang would not turn him away.
With such words exchanged, Huang Xie dared not bring up signing any documents again. He believed that insisting on formalities would jeopardize their brotherhood. From then on, he resolved that if heaven granted him the opportunity to assist the Crown Prince in becoming King of Chu, he would repay this kindness no matter what! Thus, he bowed deeply to Luzi and solemnly promised that as long as he had food to eat, his brother Luzi would never go hungry!
This heartfelt intention could be witnessed by heaven and earth!
It would be better to wait until Luzi seeks refuge in the State of Chu before considering repayment. But as things stand, Luzi doesn't have that opportunity at all!
Huang Xie, who feels deeply indebted to Luzi, may seem imposing at times, but whenever he sees Luzi, he loses the demeanor of the Chancellor of Chu. Brothers are brothers! Today, Huang Xie might still be the Chancellor of Chu, but who knows when he might have to seek refuge in the Prosperity Record again? If a person lacks a sense of crisis, they will inevitably suffer losses sooner or later!
However, at this moment, Huang Xie does not want to mention anything related to Li Yuan because everyone has their own secrets. He has always felt guilty towards Li Yan, and just thinking about that night when they discussed entering the palace brings him to tears over the beautiful woman who was heartbroken.
Li Yan, who has no ambition whatsoever, tells Huang Xie that she does not want to enter the palace or become a Queen. As long as Your Majesty does not despise her, she will stay by Your Majesty's side for life. Even if she is not given a title, she accepts it as long as Your Majesty does not abandon her...
Huang Xie shakes his head to dispel those memories and wipes his tears before saying to Luzi: "Li Yan is wandering around with her useless brother, but at least they have settled down somewhat. Li Yuan is her only family in this world; how can I... sigh!"
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