399: Goodbye, Qin Shi Huang!

Inside the Qilin Hall, the lamps were brightly lit.

The Eunuchs on the side all bowed and stood on either side of the Qilin Hall, not making a sound.

And in front of the desk, there was a tall man dressed in a black dragon robe, holding a brush, reviewing memorials.

It is said that The First Emperor in history reviewed two hundred catties of memorials a day; although they were made of bamboo slips, which weighed far less than paper, it was not even 3 AM yet, and The First Emperor had already started “working,” especially after just returning to Xianyang from a long journey.

This had already made Lin Yue admire him immensely!

The First Emperor, who outsiders saw as holding all the power in the world, still had to dedicate his precious time to countless political affairs in places unseen by others.

No wonder there were so many incompetent rulers in history; it seems being an enlightened ruler isn't that easy.

Who would willingly bend over a desk day and night, meticulously deliberating every decision, when one could enjoy nightly festivities, surrounded by women, and Command thousands just for personal pleasure?

Such an enlightened ruler can only be someone with the world in his heart.

Just as Lin Yue was muttering to himself, the tall man in front of the desk suddenly looked up at them.

Lin Yue's heart skipped a beat; The First Emperor's face was obscured by twelve colorful jade tassels, making him appear even more majestic and sacred.

In his distraction, he bumped directly into Meng Yi in front of him, then quickly lowered his head, and he and Meng Yi simultaneously cupped their hands and said:

“Your humble subject Meng Yi (Lin Yue) greets Your Majesty!”

The First Emperor merely glanced at him indifferently, then said in a deep voice: “Lin Yue, I didn't expect us to meet so soon. You did well in the Ordos Loop. Meng Qing and Fusu have repeatedly written to praise you. Although I was not present, I knew of your perilous situation at the time just by reading the battle reports, and I know of your loyalty and patriotism.”

“Your humble subject was promoted from obscurity by the Great General and granted official rank and nobility by Your Majesty in the Qilin Hall. Your humble subject is deeply grateful and will bear it in mind. As a mere martial man, only by charging into battle, capturing cities, and seizing territories can I live up to Your Majesty's expectations!” Lin Yue said, cupping his hands.

“Your actions are seen by both I and Great Qin; there is no need to belittle yourself,” The First Emperor said, his expression devoid of emotion, making it impossible to discern his thoughts.

“Understood!” Lin Yue responded.

“Meng Qing, who is on duty guarding the imperial carriage today?” The First Emperor looked at Meng Yi.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, it is precisely Cavalry Commandant Lin Yue!” Meng Yi said.

“Good, Meng Qing, come here and look at this memorial,” The First Emperor pointed to a memorial beside the table, then continued to review other memorials.

“Understood!” Meng Yi subtly gestured towards the Qilin Hall door to Lin Yue, then stepped forward.

Seeing this, Lin Yue consciously withdrew. As he was about to exit the Qilin Hall, a clean-faced, beardless middle-aged man smiled at him, and Lin Yue returned the smile.

[name: Zhao Gao, Official Rank: Director of the Chariot Office, Martial Power: 70, Intelligence: 94 (Official Rank + 4), Command: 70, Politics: 98 (Official Rank + 4), Charm: 83]

Lin Yue was slightly stunned, then looked at him again, committing his appearance to memory.

But by then, Zhao Gao had already closed his eyes, resting them.

Lin Yue walked out of the Qilin Hall; outside, the sky was still dark.

But a military general turned and quietly smiled at him: “General Lin Yue, do you still recognize me?”

Lin Yue also smiled, cupping his hands to him: “General Lü is joking!”

“Haha!” Lu Bu breathed a sigh of relief, then reached out and pulled Lin Yue to a distant spot before he could laugh loudly: “I didn't expect to meet Brother Lin here today! We truly are fated!”

“Indeed, Brother Lü, a hero rarely seen in this world, has finally emerged from obscurity to become another invincible fierce general of our Great Qin! I sincerely congratulate Brother Lü!” Lin Yue responded, cupping his hands.

“Alas, when I was a prisoner, everyone looked at me with cold eyes. Under the scorching sun, when I was in a prisoner's cart like a stray dog, countless people scoffed at my pleas. Only you, Brother Lin, gave me a bowl of water, saving me from such a pathetic state. I have always remembered this kindness.” Lu Bu pointed to his chest, his expression solemn:

“Whether the world believes it or not, I, Lu Fengxian, am always a person who knows how to repay kindness!”

Lin Yue was stunned in place upon hearing this, and after two breaths, he slowly spoke: “Well, I believe you…”

Then he added: “Brother Lü, you don't need to trouble yourself over this; they were just doing their job impartially.”

Lu Bu nodded: “I know, I know all of it, but a few months ago when I rose to power, countless minor officials who had once ridiculed me personally came to my residence to apologize. Only you, Brother Lin, never bullied me when I was poor, and never visited after learning of my prosperity!”

Lin Yue was stunned in place again. Visit? Visit for what? I just arrived in Xianyang! I only knew yesterday that you became a Colonel Household General, and besides, why would I visit? To say I once showed you a small kindness?

Just thinking about it felt a bit comical.

But Lu Bu didn't notice his expression and continued: “This must be what the books call 'a gentleman's friendship is as plain as water'.”

Lin Yue felt another jolt of surprise. A gentleman? Someone actually called me a gentleman? My goodness, I'd be thankful if people didn't curse me, and someone actually called me a gentleman?

Could it be that the sun rose from the west today?

Lin Yue glanced sideways; it turned out the sun hadn't even risen yet.

But Lin Yue's lips had already begun to curl into a smile; after all, everyone likes to be praised. However, when he thought that the other person involved, Brother Lü, was also a gentleman, he suddenly felt that he wasn't so happy after all.

“Haha, from now on, we will serve together in the Qilin Hall. As a newcomer, and with my position related to His Majesty's safety, Lin Yue dares not be negligent. I hope Brother Lü will teach me a lot,” Lin Yue said, cupping his hands.

“Of course!” Lu Bu chuckled, then began to tell Lin Yue about things he needed to remember when serving as a guard… “That's pretty much it; actually, there's nothing difficult.” Lu Bu then wore a somewhat gloating expression: “Tomorrow is the morning court. Unfortunately, it's your turn to guard the imperial carriage today, which means you'll be patrolling the Qilin Hall for the latter half of the night and won't have time to rest.”

“I understand, thank you, Brother Lü!” Lin Yue said, cupping his hands.

“It's nothing, we're brothers,” Lu Bu waved his hand and smiled.

Then Zhao Gao, accompanied by a few Eunuchs, walked out of the Qilin Hall. Both Lu Bu and Lin Yue saluted. Zhao Gao, without any arrogance, also smiled and returned the salute, then he walked outside.

Watching Zhao Gao's retreating figure, Lu Bu sighed: “The Director of the Chariot Office is as amiable as ever.”

Lin Yue glanced at Lu Bu, but did not agree. Soon after, Zhao Gao returned once more, but unlike before, this time he carried a large, sealed box and entered the Qilin Hall.

“What is this?” Lin Yue asked.

“Every day at this time, the memorials from various commanderies that the Chancellors and others cannot decide upon are organized and handed over to His Majesty,” Lu Bu said.

“Just these?” Lin Yue's face showed doubt.

“There are many. There are four fixed deliveries a day, plus urgent ones, so there's no telling how many there are,” Lu Bu nodded.

While Lin Yue was pondering, Zhao Gao suddenly returned, standing before the two of them: “Cavalry Commandant, His Majesty summons you to the Qilin Hall.”