I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 229 Persuading Lu Jia 4

Just then, a soft sound of footsteps approached from afar, followed by the butler's respectful voice from the doorway: "Master is back."

Upon hearing the news of his father's return, Lu Jia hurriedly stood up and loudly instructed the door: "Please trouble Uncle Qian to invite Father to Grandfather's study. Tell Father that I have important matters to discuss with him and Grandfather."

The butler responded and hurriedly turned to leave. Meanwhile, the old man sitting in the chair, hearing his grandson's words, frowned slightly and asked with a puzzled look, "My dear grandson, has something happened outside? Why are you so serious about discussing this with us?"

Lu Jia nodded, his expression grave, and replied, "Yes, that's true. Today, I happened to meet someone outside who told me some things. But I'm having trouble making a decision, so I wanted to come back and hear my grandfather's and father's opinions."

As soon as he finished speaking, the old man's kind face instantly turned serious, as if he sensed that this matter was of utmost importance. Not long after, accompanied by steady and powerful footsteps, Mr. Lu strode into the study.

The father sat solemnly in his chair, his brow slightly furrowed, while his son lay beside him deep in thought, seemingly considering how to begin. Seeing this, the father was surprised and quickly asked, "What's going on? Why do you both look so serious?"

At this moment, the old man slowly said, "Please sit down first, let Jia'er tell you himself." Upon hearing this, Lu's father quickly found an empty seat and sat down, looking at Lu Jia with eager eyes.

Lu Jia took a deep breath, composed himself, and then recounted the events in detail: "Today, in the Bright Moon Pavilion, we had just finished our debate. At that moment, a man suddenly entered. This man called himself Sun Yi and claimed that he was entrusted by Princess Jiayang to recruit me. According to him, the princess intends to invite me to take up a post in Xianyang."

The words had barely left his lips when surprise appeared on the faces of both the old man and Mr. Lu. The old man eagerly pressed on, "How did Princess Jiayang know of your existence? Could there be a trap involved?"

Lu Jia shook his head slightly and replied, "I don't know either. But judging from that person's words and actions at the time, it didn't seem like he was deliberately setting a trap to deceive us."

After a moment's thought, Lu's father continued, "As for Princess Jiayang's eagerness to recruit talented individuals, I don't find it surprising. After all, this princess has always been quick-witted and imaginative, and truly capable people under her command are scarce. Therefore, it's only natural that she wants to recruit a group of learned and insightful people. However... I wonder if there are any hidden risks involved in accepting this summons to Xianyang?"

Lu Jia nodded slightly, indicating his agreement, and said, "Father, you are right. That's what I think too. However, according to Sun Yi, the princess has no other intentions at all. Everything she does is for the benefit of Qin."

Hearing this, Mr. Lu, who had been on tenterhooks, finally breathed a sigh of relief. He slowly turned his head and looked at the old man sitting to the side, and asked softly, "Father, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

The old man, his expression grave, replied earnestly, "Back then, the King of Qin was cruel and ruthless, launching reckless military campaigns; while Prince Fusu, though benevolent, was too weak-willed. I worried then that even if Qin successfully unified the six states, such rule would be difficult to maintain for long. However, in the last two years, news has been circulating that the King of Qin's temperament has undergone a tremendous change. He no longer blindly pursues the elixir of immortality and dotes on Princess Jiayang immensely. In my opinion, perhaps these changes are largely related to Princess Jiayang."

After listening, Mr. Lu nodded thoughtfully and continued, "Indeed, as you said, His Majesty's style of doing things has changed in the past two years. He is no longer as autocratic as before. Judging from this situation, this may really become a rare opportunity for our Lu family."

The old man nodded in deep agreement and said earnestly, "That's right. Our Lu family has gradually declined. If Jia'er can go to Xianyang and establish himself there, then our Lu family may be able to take this opportunity to rise again."

Father Lu smiled, his eyes revealing his appreciation for his son. He echoed the old man's words, saying, "Yes, Father is absolutely right. Jia'er, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

Lu Jia replied solemnly and seriously, “Grandfather, Father, and Sun Yi told me that I could bring my family to Xianyang. However, in my opinion, it would be better if I went ahead alone. After I have settled down in Xianyang, I can bring my father and grandfather over to enjoy family time. This arrangement will allow me to devote myself to building a career in the new environment and avoid the many inconveniences and risks that may come with moving the whole family.”

Upon hearing this, the old man sitting in the armchair burst into hearty laughter, his voice clear and resonant. He nodded in satisfaction and praised, "Hahaha, excellent! Jia'er is indeed thoughtful and considerate. In that case, let's make the most of these next two days to prepare everything."

Lu's father, standing beside him, also smiled broadly and earnestly instructed Lu Jia: "Yes, this arrangement is excellent. However, Jia'er, once you arrive in Xianyang, you must be extra careful in everything you do. If you sense that the situation is not good or you encounter danger, do not be reckless and linger in battle. The best course of action is to flee home as quickly as possible. Remember, ensuring your own safety is always the most important thing."

Lu Jia respectfully replied, "Your son will keep it in mind."

Then, the group discussed in detail the various aspects of their journey to Xianyang. After the discussion, Lu Jia bowed to his grandfather and father to say goodbye, then turned and left his grandfather's study. As soon as he left the room, he hurried back to his residence and began packing the items he needed to take on the trip.

Meanwhile, in another corner of Xinmi County, Liu Qi had returned home and went to his grandfather's courtyard to discuss matters. Unlike Lu Jia, Liu Qi's father had unfortunately passed away when he was young, and for many years he had been raised by his grandparents and mother with great difficulty.

Liu Qi stepped into his grandfather's courtyard and saw his grandmother and mother sitting in the house, talking quietly. He cautiously approached and could clearly hear his grandmother's kind and gentle voice: "The girl from the Liu family is dignified and gentle; the girl from the Li family is also quite good, with proper and generous manners. We should find a suitable day so that our Qi'er can go and see her in person."

The mother nodded slightly in agreement, saying, "Yes, this child only knows how to run around outside all day. Now that the New Year is over, he is already twenty years old, but he has no interest in finding a partner. It's really worrying!" Before she finished speaking, the mother couldn't help but sigh softly.

Upon hearing this, Grandmother also sighed, a hint of worry appearing on her face.