398: Zhangtai Palace

Lin Yue tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. The chirping of cicadas outside the window made him even more agitated.

Earlier at the Great Wall Tavern, Ji San and the others said that after Widow Qing submitted her memorial, His Majesty might first test Lin Yue, who was new. So, if Lin Yue said something “relatively positive” at that time, leaving a good impression of the “newspaper” in His Majesty’s heart, the success rate of this matter would greatly increase, and he would then be given a 10% dry share.

Of course, it wouldn't matter if Lin Yue wasn't asked; he would still receive a 10% dry share, provided the “newspaper” could be successfully published.

But Lin Yue always felt a bit uncertain. Facing The First Emperor, who seemed to be able to read his thoughts, he was already nervous. Now, he also had to “seek benefits” for himself in front of The First Emperor, which made him even more unsure.

As the cicadas continued to chirp, a soft knock sounded on the door.

“Sir, it’s the third watch. It’s time for your duty,” Yi He gently reminded from outside the door.

“I know,” Lin Yue replied, getting up to wash. This job was even harder than his time in the Great Wall Legion; he had to wake up at the third watch and complete the shift change before the fourth watch. For him, it was undoubtedly torture… “She Jian, do you think this will work?” Ji San quietly sipped his tea, his face filled with worry.

She Jian, on the other hand, took a sip of wine and shook his head, remaining silent.

“Why do you believe Brother Lin will succeed? And why did you specifically ask us to wait for him here?” Ji San looked at She Jian, full of confusion: “Do you really think His Majesty will ask Brother Lin for his opinion on this matter? You and I both know how small that possibility is.”

“My feeling,” She Jian said softly, staring blankly at his reflection in the wine cup. “I always feel that His Majesty treats Lin Yue unusually, though I can’t find any evidence.”

“Just because he was transferred from the Great Wall Legion to His Majesty’s side?” Ji San asked with a frown.

“No,” She Jian shook his head, “I don’t know either.”

...At the third watch and three quarters, Lin Yue and the others arrived at the Grand Commandant’s office.

“This humble general... greets Grand Commandant Meng Yi!” The five individuals of different ranks bowed respectfully to Grand Commandant Meng Yi.

Meng Yi looked at them with a smile: “Excellent. Lin Yue, Li Mu, I didn’t expect that after a year, we would meet here again. And the three of you are all outstanding young military officers of Great Qin. With you guarding His Majesty, the burden on my shoulders can be lightened a bit.”

The five men all smiled silently. They knew that Meng Yi was the Great General’s younger brother, so they had a natural fondness for Meng Yi.

“His Majesty is very pleased with the battles against the Xiongnu in the north, which is why he transferred you here to stay by His Majesty’s side at all times and protect His Majesty’s safety. This is His Majesty’s grace. Therefore, you must not be negligent and must be fully focused so as not to disappoint His Majesty’s expectations,” Meng Yi said sternly.

“Understood!”

Meng Yi then glanced at Lin Yue and asked, “Lin Yue, why do you look a bit haggard?”

“Upon learning that I was on duty tonight, I was so excited I couldn’t sleep,” Lin Yue said with a wry smile, thinking that after a night of worry, it would be strange if he wasn’t haggard.

“You don’t need to be nervous. Go wash your face first and tidy up your appearance. You must not be disrespectful in front of the monarch,” Meng Yi pointed to the basin outside.

“Understood!” Lin Yue walked out, and after tidying himself up, he returned to the room.

“Hmm, much better now,” Meng Yi nodded when he saw this. “Lin Yue, come with me to see His Majesty.”

Lin Yue’s heart suddenly trembled: “Now?”

“Yes, don’t worry,” Meng Yi got up and walked out, with Lin Yue following closely behind.

Meng Yi and Lin Yue walked out of the office in silence, until they reached the gate of Zhangtai Palace. Only then did Meng Yi stop and say in a deep voice:

“This gate is called Zhangtai Gate. The street behind us that leads to the common people’s residential areas is called Zhangtai Street, and the alley beside the main street is called Zhangtai Road. If it were daytime, this place would be very lively.

But this Zhangtai Gate divides this city into two worlds.

Since King Huiwen of Qin, Zhangtai Palace has been the center of power for Great Qin. His Majesty once ‘personally handled documents, judged cases by day, and managed books by night’ here. Orders for all prefectures in the empire invariably originated from this place.

This place has witnessed countless ancestors pouring their hearts and souls into Great Qin’s rise, witnessed several generations of former kings diligently governing to lead Great Qin to gradual strength, witnessed the grand achievements His Majesty created by working tirelessly day and night, and witnessed Great Qin’s magnificent feat of unifying the six states.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue gazed deeply at the palace, which appeared grand and majestic even in the night, like a giant beast opening its enormous mouth, evoking an indescribable feeling.

“Countless people would break their heads to get here, but they stop at this gate. Some people spend their entire lives and never even step inside.

For you to set foot here at such a young age is already rare. Therefore, you must guard against arrogance and impatience, maintain humility, and be cautious in your words and actions.

Xianyang City is not a haven of peace, and being in Zhangtai Palace, you must be even more careful,” Meng Yi turned and looked directly at Lin Yue.

“Understood!” Lin Yue bowed respectfully: “This humble general thanks Senior Minister for the instruction!”

Meng Yi nodded silently and stepped into Zhangtai Palace!

Lin Yue watched Meng Yi disappear into the night, then glanced once more at the Zhangtai Palace, a symbol of power, and quickly followed.

The two walked through the interplay of darkness and lamplight, with Lin Yue following closely behind him. The patrolling and stationed Soldiers, upon seeing Meng Yi, all saluted silently.

The palace was silent. Every step Lin Yue took echoed clearly, each sound striking deep into his heart. But when he saw Meng Yi’s back, he felt an inexplicable sense of peace.

Finally, the two stopped in front of a palace.

“Please inform His Majesty that Meng Yi and Cavalry Commandant Lin Yue request an audience.”

The martial general opposite showed a strange expression in his eyes, then said “Understood” and walked into the hall.

Lin Yue glanced by the lamplight and realized that this tall martial general was Lu Bu!

Soon after, the martial general returned and saluted Meng Yi: “Senior Minister, His Majesty summons you both inside.”

Meng Yi nodded, leading Lin Yue step by step, towards this unprecedented, legendary emperor of all time.