Chapter Sixteen A New Beginning

Qin King Zheng’s sixth year, ninth month, twenty-third day.

Today brought yet another court assembly.

After practicing tai chi, Li Yu ran a few laps in the courtyard, performed several squats, then washed up and headed out. For two days he had not seen Lady Zhao, and missed her dearly. Gazing at the bundle in his hand, Li Yu grinned and strolled toward Xianyang Palace.

Behind the curtain, there was no one; it seemed Lady Zhao had not attended the early court today.

Lu Buwei still stood at the head of the court. Compared to yesterday, he seemed much older, his back less upright—there was a palpable sense of a hero in decline.

The court session was straightforward, the same old words: unite with Wei and Yan to plot against Zhao. Li Yu’s interest was piqued only when someone suggested bringing Crown Prince Dan of Yan to Qin as a political hostage.

Crown Prince Dan! The master persuader of the Qin era! In modern times, he’d be the head of a pyramid scheme.

Lu Buwei stepped forward, saying, “We are still in the midst of cooperation. Decisions should wait until the war is over. Besides, Wei Wuji has just been killed, and Wei’s government is unstable.”

Ying Zheng agreed, “Let it be as the Chancellor says.”

This address caused everyone present to pause, sensing something amiss—especially Lord Changping, who glanced sidelong at Li Yu, as if he suspected Li Yu knew more.

Li Yu, meanwhile, was shocked by the news of Wei Wuji’s death. The assassin… too late again.

Later, the court discussed the matter of the academies. Li Yu offered his suggestions, particularly concerning the commoners’ academy and the nobles’ academy. At first, the ministers opposed charging fees for the nobles’ academy, but Li Yu explained that the commoners’ academy would be self-sufficient, growing its own food, which settled the debate—though he raised further questions about the fee standards. Li Yu suggested these could be decided once the academies were established.

Unexpectedly, Lord Changping, the representative of the aristocracy, supported Li Yu throughout.

Lu Buwei remained silent, watching Lord Changping, his thoughts inscrutable.

At this moment, Ying Zheng noticed the bundle in Li Yu’s hands and asked curiously, “Li Yu, what is that you carry?”

Li Yu gripped the bundle and replied, “It is a gift for Mother.”

Ying Zheng merely nodded, saying, “Brother, you are thoughtful.”

Li Yu felt a pang of emotion.

Today’s court ended swiftly.

Lord Changping approached Li Yu and said, “The Empress Dowager has adopted you as her foster son; from now on we are family.”

Li Yu realized that, by blood, Ying Zheng should call Lord Changping uncle.

Damn it, profiting off me.

Historically, Lord Changping was trusted by Ying Zheng for his role in suppressing Lao Ai’s rebellion, and was made Chancellor, replacing Lu Buwei. But with Lao Ai dead before he could act, thanks to Li Yu’s machinations, Lord Changping’s role was diminished.

Li Yu feigned ignorance, asking, “May I ask why Lord Changping seeks me?”

Li Yu didn’t see himself as having much connection with Lord Changping; this old schemer’s true intentions were always hidden until the critical moment.

Lord Changping replied, “As family, I have yet to properly congratulate you. Are you available tomorrow night? I wish to host a banquet in your honor and strengthen our bond. We serve together for the sake of Great Qin, so we ought to socialize more.”

Li Yu, curious about Lord Changping’s motives, nodded, “I would be honored. I shall be there promptly.”

He bowed and made his way toward King Zheng’s study.

Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, narrowed his eyes, smiling warmly as he watched Li Yu depart—an image of a kindly elder.

Ying Zheng greeted Li Yu with curiosity, “I thought you would be visiting Mother.”

Li Yu bowed, “On my way, Lord Changping invited me to a banquet, saying it was to welcome me.”

Ying Zheng said, “My uncle is a good man. You should interact with him more.”

Li Yu pondered, “Do you trust Lord Changping completely?”

Ying Zheng paused, “You suspect something?”

Li Yu smiled, “Not at present, but do you not find the Chu faction in Qin too powerful?”

The Chu faction was a legacy issue. Compared to Queen Dowager Xuan’s era, Queen Dowager Huayang’s Chu faction had weakened but remained strong; Ying Zheng’s ascent owed much to her. Otherwise, it might have been Cheng Jiao who took the throne.

Li Yu was merely planting a seed of caution for Ying Zheng, lest he suffer later.

Li Yu also brought up Widow Qing of Ba; Ying Zheng was familiar with her and spoke highly, indicating a favorable impression.

Then Ying Zheng asked, “What do you think of the Net?”

Li Yu paused, considering, “The Net is a guild of the underworld, cooperating with Qin for its own interests, whatever they may be. We must be wary.”

“I think you should form your own private army, recruiting retired soldiers and members of the underworld, even absorbing some from the Net. Loyalty must outweigh ability—better to have too few than too many.”

Ying Zheng was intrigued, “I’ve considered this, but haven’t solved the recruitment problem.”

Li Yu said, “I have someone in mind for you.”

“Who?” Ying Zheng asked.

“He currently serves in the military.” Li Yu continued, “I have another suggestion: establish an institution to supervise officials, with only oversight power, leaving enforcement to Zhang Han. This prevents any one group from dominating, and demands absolute loyalty to you—best if staffed by palace personnel. This would prevent incidents like the last disturbance involving Mother, and stop officials from pulling strings.”

Ying Zheng’s interest grew, “Who could manage such a role?”

Li Yu grinned mischievously, “I believe Zhao Gao would be suitable.”

Ying Zheng said, “Him? He did well in saving me recently and has not yet been rewarded. As you suggest, let’s try it.”

Li Yu said, “Zhao Gao is talented and ambitious. If handled well, he’s a sharp weapon.”

Ying Zheng replied, “Ambition doesn’t worry me—lack of ability does.”

Li Yu said, “You’ll see, brother.”

Unconsciously, the two discussed a host of matters, including the formation of a national chamber of commerce, with Li Yu analyzing each point for Ying Zheng. Only when Ying Zheng invited Li Yu to dine did Li Yu finally take his leave.

Excited, Li Yu embraced his bundle, his heart ablaze, heading toward Ganquan Palace.

At the palace gates, Zhao Gao stood outside the courtyard, eyes closed in repose, not playing with his nails this time.

Li Yu approached and said, “Brother Zhao, how should you thank me?”

Zhao Gao looked at Li Yu curiously, “What do you mean, Grand Craftsman?”

Li Yu explained, “The King wishes to establish an institution to supervise officials and protect the royal city, answerable only to him. I recommended you.”

Zhao Gao’s eyes snapped open, “Is that true?” He was clever enough to grasp instantly the immense power at stake—far more enticing than the Net.

Li Yu patted Zhao Gao’s shoulder, “Of course. But you must handle the staffing yourself. The most important thing is loyalty to the King.” With that, he walked into the courtyard.

Zhao Gao watched Li Yu’s retreating figure, his mouth twisting in an odd, ironic smile.

Today, Lady Zhao was swinging in the courtyard, her crimson floor-length gown fluttering in the breeze like a drifting peony.

Li Yu approached, arms outstretched, catching Lady Zhao as she soared, breathing in her delicate fragrance and whispering gently, “Of all beauties, none compare; you delight the eye and heart. Your grace could topple kingdoms, astonish the world!”

“You little rogue, always making me happy,” Lady Zhao murmured, letting Li Yu hold her as she nestled against his chest, inhaling his scent deeply.

Inside Ganquan Palace’s main hall, incense curled through the air, gauze swayed with the breeze, lending an elegant atmosphere.

Yet deep within the palace, atop a soft couch, the mood was decadent—two entwined figures, inseparable, each one part of the other. Lady Zhao tilted her head, her long hair cool against Li Yu’s shoulder, her seductive eyes brimming with tender feeling, her slender, jade-like fingers caressing his chest, savoring every moment. Her enchanting face was flushed, spring’s desire in full bloom.

“You little rogue, where do you come up with such wicked ideas? This attire—you really are creative.”

Lady Zhao shot Li Yu a playful glance, brushing away his mischievous hand, rising gracefully. She picked up the red gauze gown beside her and draped it over her body, stepping down from the couch. Her legs were slender and smooth as jade, her delicate feet silent upon the floor as she walked toward the dressing table.

Her long gown trailed behind, like the plumage of a phoenix—noble and graceful.

Though paired with the empty interior…

Li Yu propped his chin, watching the darling at her toilette, marveling ever more at Lady Zhao’s beauty.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but her skin seemed lovelier with each meeting—could it be the extremity of love?

Li Yu didn’t dwell on it. He only wanted a peaceful sleep.

Recalling Lady Zhao donning the H-cup bra and T-string, radiating primal desire, paired with those long stockings—he couldn’t sleep, and stealthily crawled toward her.

“No, I have no strength left,” came a breathless, tender moan.

…

Another sleepless night.

Li Yu gazed at the bright moon hanging high, patted Zhao Gao’s shoulder, “Brother Zhao, life is not easy.”

With that, he set off into the night.

Zhao Gao, watching Li Yu disappear into the darkness, twisted his mouth and soared toward the city wall.