Chapter Sixty-Four: The Queen of Courtesans

When Li Yu’s convoy arrived at the gates of Xianyang, the civil and military officials were already waiting, lining up on both sides alongside the imposing Qin armored soldiers. As Li Yu dismounted, the sound of drums and gongs erupted, filling the air with festive excitement. He had wished for a low-profile entrance, but such a grand display left no room for modesty.

Zinu and the other ladies stepped out of their carriages, gazing at the gathering of officials and the throngs of citizens who had come to witness the spectacle. Only now did they truly feel that their husband was not just anyone, but the Grand Architect of Qin, the foreign-born royal brother. In Han, they had long known Li Yu’s identity, but his easygoing demeanor often made people forget his status—he seemed merely an extraordinary man. Now, in his own domain, the pressure was palpable, but pride prevailed.

Han Fei, peering out from the carriage, commented, “Honglian, Brother Li is more than a match for you.”

“Brother, that trickster—I won’t let him off easily!” Little Honglian snuck glances at the scene outside.

“Only Brother Li would dote on you so; last time you bit his collar until it was stained red, and he didn’t even frown.”

“Brother! You’re on his side!” The adorable girl pouted in displeasure.

“I feel for him, too, you know!” Honglian muttered softly.

“This time, when you marry, you must behave—no more wild, childish antics,” Han Fei earnestly admonished his sister.

“I won’t! Yu said he likes me just as I am.” Little Honglian recalled Li Yu’s words whispered beside the bed.

Xianyang was especially lively that day; nearly all the citizens wished to glimpse the pillar of Great Qin. If not for the military maintaining order, the streets would have been impassable.

“Thank you, Grand Architect, for letting us eat refined salt!”

“Thank you, Grand Architect, for letting us use iron tools!”

“Thank you, Grand Architect, for giving our children books to study!”

“Thank you, Grand Architect, for expanding our lands!”

Such simple gratitude revealed the sincerity of the ancient people.

Li Yu was deeply moved by the scene, but soon regained his composure. With a leap, he stood atop the carriage and called out, “My fellow countrymen, this is not solely my achievement. The King’s wise decisions, the soldiers’ passionate support, the officials’ cooperation, and the steadfast backing of the people of Qin all played their part. If not for you, I would not be who I am today. Thank you, all!”

His voice carried down the street, resounding everywhere.

“A royal brother with such powerful inner strength!” remarked a figure observing from a tavern bed, watching the street below.

“Master, aren’t we being too rash coming here?” the person beside him asked, turning as if to avoid being seen.

“We must try—may it succeed! It will be good for all the people under heaven,” the figure by the window sighed.

When Li Yu arrived at Xianyang Palace, Ying Zheng was already waiting before the gates. Li Yu truly felt the weight of unexpected favor and hurried forward to bow, “Your servant brother has arrived late, and let Your Majesty wait.”

Ying Zheng was delighted to see Li Yu, taking him by the shoulder as they entered the hall. “It has been too long since I last saw you, brother! Tell me, how have you been lately?”

Li Yu replied, “Your Majesty is too kind—this is but my duty.”

Ying Zheng said, “A banquet has been prepared, waiting only for you to take your seat.”

This banquet was even grander than the last. Li Yu even saw pork, evidence that the King of Qin had taken his advice and begun pig farming—a culinary blessing for the future.

Li Yu approached Lü Buwei and, substituting tea for wine, offered a toast. “Prime Minister Lü, I am deeply grateful for your support.”

Lü Buwei, unpretentious, replied, “Young and promising, calm and steady, very good. Come visit my residence when you have time.”

Li Yu drained his cup and cheerfully agreed, “Certainly, as long as the Prime Minister does not mind.”

Lü Buwei thought of something and said, “Your academy is already built; the King awaits you to take charge.”

Li Yu had anticipated this. In these times, when manpower was cheapest, establishing an academy was easy. He smiled, “When the time comes, perhaps you could contribute some of your collection to the academy’s library.”

Lü Buwei stroked his beard, “That can be arranged.”

Li Yu also greeted Meng Ao, exchanging pleasantries, “The old general is as robust as ever.”

Meng Ao replied, “Young brother, you have accomplished great deeds—soon you will be ennobled.”

Li Yu waved his hand, “It’s everyone’s effort; I’m just the messenger.”

Meng Ao grew fonder of Li Yu, lamenting that his family had only sons—not daughters, else he would have sought to forge a family tie.

Returning to his seat, Li Yu was approached by Lord Changping, Mi Qi, who raised his cup, “Today, thanks to you, we can enjoy such delicious meat!”

Li Yu understood he referred to pork and smiled, “A trivial matter, but to benefit the people of Qin is my honor.”

Lord Changping felt Li Yu was excessively modest and asked a pointed question, “The King is soon to come of age—have you no other ambitions?”

Li Yu squinted his eyes and smiled, “Brother, are you impatient?”

Lord Changping glanced around, then whispered, “Prime Minister Lü is getting old; the future will be yours.”

Li Yu raised his cup and replied seriously, “The world will always belong to the King.”

Lord Changping smiled, “Naturally. What are your plans next?”

Li Yu eyed him—was he probing? With a chuckle, he replied, “Of course, I will follow the King’s arrangements.”

Lord Changping saw that Li Yu was impervious and chatted briefly before returning to his seat.

When the banquet ended, Li Yu naturally followed Ying Zheng to the study.

“Brother, Prime Minister Lü said the academy is built?” Li Yu asked.

Ying Zheng laughed, “This is a matter of state; I assigned extra manpower.”

Li Yu nodded, “This way, we can attract talents from all over the realm.”

Ying Zheng smiled, “You have worked hard, brother. The person you asked me to find, Xiao He, is now in Xianyang. I have arranged for him to assist you.”

Li Yu was surprised—Xiao He had been found, so he would no longer be so busy. It was as if a pillow arrived just when he needed sleep.

“Brother, what about my brother-in-law?” Li Yu inquired.

Ying Zheng paused, then thought of someone and smiled, “Han Fei is a great talent—too valuable to discard. What do you think?”

Li Yu replied, “Han Fei’s skill in law is unmatched; I believe he should continue as Chief Justice.”

Ying Zheng considered and nodded, “As you wish. The laws of Qin must keep pace with the times.”

Li Yu smiled, “As for Li Si, I think Your Majesty could promote him further.”

Ying Zheng nodded. He had heard of Li Si’s diligence and good work, though his first impression was poor. Otherwise, he would have promoted Li Si sooner.

“Let him rise another rank, then.”

Ying Zheng looked at the map on the wall. “What do you think our next move should be?”

Li Yu turned his gaze to the map. “Of the seven kingdoms, Zhao and Chu are the hardest to conquer; the rest are not worth concern. If we take one of these bones, the rest will be easier.”

Ying Zheng asked, “Do you think Zhao is the target?”

Li Yu smiled, “Yes. Zhao seems strong but is corrupt and declining. Zhao Yan’s health worsens, and his heir is not born of the Queen, causing internal strife. It will be easy to divide and conquer. I am willing to go to Zhao to help Your Majesty overcome this obstacle on Qin’s eastward path.”

Ying Zheng did not expect Li Yu, just returned, to want to go to Zhao. He was reluctant, “There is no rush; let us discuss it with the ministers.”

Li Yu smiled, “No need to worry, Brother. I already have a plan and arrangements in Zhao. With Prime Minister Lü’s cooperation, I guarantee you will conquer Zhao with minimal cost.”

Ying Zheng now trusted Li Yu more than Li Yu trusted himself.

“I heard you brought back over a hundred sisters-in-law. Is your mansion big enough?” Ying Zheng teased.

Li Yu touched his forehead and laughed, “You jest, Brother. Only a few are my wives; the rest are women from Zilan Pavilion, temporarily staying at my residence. Once Han is stable, they will return.”

Ying Zheng asked, “When will you marry? I wish to host a wedding celebrated throughout the realm.”

Li Yu did not stand on ceremony, “Thank you in advance, Brother.”

Ying Zheng said, “Mother has been in Yong City for over four months—I miss her but cannot leave. If you have time, take me to visit her.”

Li Yu’s heart skipped a beat, but his face remained smiling, “Of course—I am concerned for Mother’s well-being as well.”

After bidding Ying Zheng farewell, Li Yu did not go straight home, but instead went to Fragrant Garden.

“Feixu, come home with me tonight,” Li Yu gently said to Feixu, who was six months pregnant.

“Alright.” This time, Liu Feixu did not refuse, holding Li Yu’s hands and gazing into his gentle eyes.

…

In Yong City, another Li Yu was pressing his ear to Zhao Ji’s six-month belly, feeling the heartbeat of the little life within.

…

Zhao Kingdom

The capital, Handan

A new shop opened today, with a large red cloth hanging beside the entrance, bearing the words “The Greatest Treasure Under Heaven.” The calligraphy was slender yet robust, distinctive.

It quickly drew a crowd.

“What’s the point of this gimmick? No one knows what it is!” grumbled a passerby, losing interest.

“Exactly! At least tell us what it is!” others chimed in.

Soon, the crowd began to debate.

Li Yu stood before the shop, bowing to the gathering, “This shop is newly opened, and I offer a treasure for the greatest beauty under heaven. Yet, though the gift is ready, I do not know where she resides, hence this spectacle. Please forgive this little drama.”

This piqued the crowd’s curiosity.

“Why must it be the greatest beauty?” someone asked.

Li Yu smiled, “The greatest treasure must suit the greatest beauty, for this object is meant to delight women.”

“So it’s something for women?” Some lost interest.

Others were curious, “If the greatest beauty doesn’t appear, what then?”

Li Yu smiled, “If she doesn’t appear for a day, I’ll wait a day. If a year, I’ll wait a year.”

“You’re quite patient!” someone admired.

“What do you sell in this shop?” someone tried to peer inside, but the door was closed.

“My advertisement isn’t out yet; how could I open the shop? If the gift isn’t given, the shop won’t open,” Li Yu said, opening a folding fan and waving it leisurely, unhurried.

“You’re an odd one. The rent on Handan’s main street isn’t cheap.”

The only lasting impression was that Handan now had a strange shop.

For three days, Li Yu placed the red cloth at the door, invited lion dancers and street performers to attract passersby.

A convoy of carriages approached the shop. Before they arrived, a group of armored Zhao soldiers drove away the spectators.

Everyone recognized the carriage’s owner but dared not protest, dispersing reluctantly as it stopped before the shop.

Li Yu stepped forward, “It is an honor to welcome Prince Qian to my shop.”

The curtain lifted, revealing a jade-faced youth, two or three years younger than Li Yu, strikingly youthful, but with thick dark circles under his eyes, giving a weary impression.

“I heard you have a treasure for the greatest beauty. Is this it?” Zhao Qian looked at the red cloth with disdain.

“Indeed,” Li Yu closed his fan, smiling.

“What kind of treasure dares claim such a title?” Zhao Qian asked, with princely poise.

“This is the Tianshan Kunlun Mirror, acquired by chance,” Li Yu declared confidently.

“Ha! Tianshan Kunlun? Are you bluffing?” Zhao Qian was skeptical.

Li Yu remained calm, “If I dare deceive the prince, I will offer my head as a stool.”

Zhao Qian, seeing Li Yu’s earnestness, grew curious, “What’s the price?”

Li Yu replied, “Not for sale. If she truly is the greatest beauty, I would gladly give it. If not, selling it would diminish its value.”

Zhao Qian dismounted, approaching the red cloth, “If we speak of the greatest beauty, who besides the queen could claim the title?”

Li Yu smiled, “Seeing is believing.”

Zhao Qian frowned, annoyed, “Mother is not someone you can see at will.”

Li Yu shook his head, saying no more.

Zhao Qian waved his hand, and soldiers stepped forward, “Take it to the palace.”

Li Yu stepped forward, holding a brick he had prepared, raising it high, “Don’t touch it, or I’ll smash the treasure.”

Zhao Qian shouted, “You dare?”

Li Yu smiled, “Why not? Would Lian Xiangru have dared smash the He’s Jade?”

Zhao Qian lowered his hand in resignation, “Fine! Follow me to the palace. Tomorrow is Mother’s birthday—I wanted a gift. If she’s not pleased, I’ll take your head.”

Li Yu lowered the stone, confidently reopened his fan, smiling, “Your filial devotion is admirable, Prince. If the queen is not pleased, I will kill myself here.”

Zhao Qian, seeing Li Yu’s certainty, felt reassured, and had the red cloth carried to the Zhao palace.

The Zhao Kingdom, once a hegemon, boasted a grand palace—much more imposing than the delicate Han palace, rivaling Xianyang’s grandeur. The current king, Zhao Yan, indulged in luxury, sparing no expense on his own residence, which was lavish and majestic.

Thanks to Prince Qian’s influence, entry to the palace was swift; soon they reached the inner courtyard and stopped before a palace hall.

Announced by the attendants, the two were permitted to enter.

Upon entering, Li Yu was immediately captivated by a beautiful woman clad in a purple-red palace gown. Her figure was seductive, with a slender, fair neck, exposed shoulders, distinct collarbones, a creamy chest like white jade, deep valleys, and a slim waist. What startled Li Yu most was that she was barefoot, her delicate feet resting on a plush carpet, toenails painted bright red.

Yet more alluring than her attire was her demeanor.

Her eyes were large, enchanting and seductive; her petite lips curved in a slight arc, and as her thin lips moved, she exuded boundless allure.

She was a woman who stirred a man’s heart.

“Mother, look what I’ve brought you!” Prince Qian stepped forward, eager to present his gift.

Li Yu quickly bowed, “Long live the Queen!”

“Oh? How interesting!” Her red lips parted, voice rippling with allure.

“Why do you not dare look at me?”

Her voice was soft and seductive, stirring Li Yu—he reacted instantly.

Ah, men! So easily swayed by temptation, though few admit it.

“Your beauty is unrivaled, Your Majesty; I dare not profane it.”

“Oh? What if I order you to look?” she teased.

Li Yu gradually gazed at her exquisite toes, then up her ivory calves, full thighs, rounded hips, and rising to her slender waist, then her proud bosom, and finally her swan-like neck and enchanting face, which gave an immediate sense of desire.

Li Yu, who had met many, had never before encountered such pure allure—pure desire in its rawest form.

As Li Yu appraised this famous queen of history, she, too, scrutinized the youth before her—a sharp brow, red lips, white teeth, upright physique, thick hair falling to the shoulders, dressed plainly in white, yet exuding an indescribable aura. He was truly attractive. Moreover, she sensed a mysterious, pleasant scent from him, making her body grow warm within.

“What is your name?” the queen asked, clearly intrigued.

“I am Yan Yu, of Chu,” Li Yu borrowed his wife Yan Fei’s surname.

“Oh? From distant Chu—why have you come to Zhao with a gift?” she asked curiously.

“I dare not say,” Li Yu lowered his head.

“Speak plainly—don’t dither, or I’ll have you dragged out and executed!” Prince Qian’s temper flared.

Li Yu glanced at the Zhao prince, then bowed to the queen, “I heard the Queen of Zhao is the greatest beauty; I dreamed of her countless times and wished to behold her in person. I braved hardships to bring this gift, and now, having seen Your Majesty, my wish is fulfilled.”

The queen was pleased by his words, for she knew her origins made many look down on her, including the officials. If not for Zhao Yan’s insistence, she would never have become queen.

“Not bad.” She strode barefoot across the carpet to the red cloth, raising her slender fingers and pulling it aside. As her arm moved, her bosom trembled, waves surging—its size impressive.

Li Yu glanced sideways, sighing that Zhao Yan, like himself, might be deeply lacking in maternal affection.

We are all people who lack love!

This woman, not suited for Zhao Yan’s destiny, would ultimately bring down the kingdom.

…

Notting Academy

In the teachers’ dormitory

Tang San held his bruised face, looking at Yu Xiaogang, mumbling, “Teacher, the new instructor at the academy immediately saw through my twin spirits.”

Yu Xiaogang frowned at his prized pupil’s battered state, displeased, “How arrogant! Bullying the weak—tomorrow I’ll speak to the dean. Perhaps he heard about your twin spirits elsewhere—maybe from Xiao Wu.”

Tang San shook his head, “I’ve never used my second spirit skill in front of Xiao Wu.”

Yu Xiaogang frowned, “Maybe you did it accidentally. Never mind, don’t dwell on it. For now, avoid conflict—you should be accumulating strength, not fighting.”

Tang San seemed to recall something, “Teacher, are there dragon spirits in this world?”

Yu Xiaogang paused, “Dragon spirits? The Thunder Tyrant Dragon is a dragon spirit—why ask?”

Tang San shook his head, “Not that kind of dragon—a dragon of faith, a totem.”

Yu Xiaogang was confused, “What is a totem?”

Tang San couldn’t explain and, seeing Yu Xiaogang didn’t know, kept his thoughts to himself.

Li Yu’s dormitory

“Brother, why do you make so many carrot dishes?” The little pink rabbit marvelled at Li Yu’s endless culinary creations, feeling she’d grown plump.

“Xiao Wu likes them, so of course I had to experiment!” Li Yu replied warmly.

“Brother, you’re so good! If only we could always be together,” Xiao Wu said, her big eyes full of longing.

“Eat up! Brother won’t leave you,” Li Yu stroked Xiao Wu’s silky hair, doting.

“Brother, you eat some too.” Xiao Wu pushed her plate toward him.

“Alright.” Li Yu picked up the fork and tasted a bite.

“Xiao Wu, I’d like to visit your homeland,” Li Yu thought of the Star Dou Forest.

“Brother!” Xiao Wu didn’t want to deceive Li Yu, but this secret was hard to share. She feared that if she revealed it, her brother would no longer be her brother.

Xiao Wu was afraid.

Li Yu stroked her hair gently, “Xiao Wu, let me tell you a story.”

“Oh? Brother can tell stories?” Xiao Wu’s naïve face lit with anticipation.

“There was a mountain, called Qingcheng. Animals who cultivated there could achieve ten years’ progress in one. There was a white snake…”

…

Star Dou Forest

“Grandfather, is there really a two-thousand-year-old Man-faced Demon Spider? Could it be the one Li Yu mentioned?” Dugu Yan looked at the spider, excited.

“Let’s try and see—maybe we’ll get a spirit bone.” Dugu Bo struck the spider before him.