A step into the past - 寻秦记 - by Huang Yi

[gqonmars2]

Thanks Jean.

Now that they are in Qin, its time to see if this Zhao Pan kid can take the heat.

I am wondering where XSL will reside in Qin. With the Wu's? Thats lame.

[Jean]

to continue....


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Everyone in the Wu residence came to the main door to welcome this group of We family heroes, especially Xiang Shaolong, who is like a star in the Wu family and idolized.

Wu Yingyuan arranged 4 groups of houses as temporary housing for the men as most of them will start on their journey tomorrow morning to the large farm at the outskirts north of Xianyang. Because the state of Qin is so big but under populated, therefore the scale of the farms can be even bigger than before.

It was only after Xiang Shaolong dealt with the congratulations from the clan can Chunying and the other maids were able to surround him with Wu Tingfang and Zhao Qian and bring him to his new Hidden Dragon Abode.

Ting Fangshi was unable to take the difficult journey and had fallen ill and Xiang Shaolong was so alarmed that he hurried to her room.

His love has lost much weight and her countenance pale, She fell sick partly because she was worried about Xiang Shaolong and now that he is back, she hugged him and cried with joy. By dinnertime, she was in better spirits and was able to get down from her bed.

Looking at how happy Chunying and the other women were, Xiang Shaolong’s worries were all gone as he embraced Ting Fangshi and Zhao Qian’s trim waists and asked happily, “Who will accompany me tonight?”

The 2 girls blushed prettily, naturally they both would like to be with him.

Wu Tingfang said with a smile, “Why don’t the 3 of us accompany you! I’m just afraid you won’t be able to handle it.”

Zhao Qian added with a giggle, “What about the other 6 maids? Let’s see how you’ll handle it?”

Xiang Shaolong looked at Chunying and the other 3 maids and asked bewilderedly, “How can there be 6?”

Ting Fangshi said with a smile, “You forgot about Princess Qian’s Cuitong and Cuilu?”

Xiang Shaolong was stunned, “Didn’t they stay behind in Handan?”

Zhao Qian pouted, “You forgot about them! Luckily I told Master Tao to secretly bring then out amidst the chaos. They arrived in Xianyang 10 days earlier than you.”

Xiang Shaolong was overjoyed, “Why don’t you ask them in quickly see me?”

Zhao Qian called out and 2 pretty maids ran out from the inner hall and collapsed in front of Xiang Shaolong and started crying uncontrollably.

Xiang Shaolong felt apologetic that he has forgotten about them and felt really sorry for them. He got up and helped them to their feet and after consoling them, he went to the grand hall of the main building to have dinner with Wu Yingyuan. Tao Fang, Wu Zhuo, Teng Yi and Jing Jun were also there.

After a round of drinks and congratulatory words, Wu Yingyuan thanked him earnestly, “It’s all thanks to everyone here who worked and fought together without fear of their own lives that our Wu family can have a chance to survive.”

Tao Fang added, “This time we can really settle down in peace. After the Empress and the Crown Prince returned to Xianyang, Master Lu was immediately appointed as the Premier. If he makes another military contribution, he will be appointed as a Duke or Marquis and with the Wu family having such a huge backing, Old Master will be able to rest in peace in Heaven.”

With the mention of Master Wu and his wives, concubines, maids and servants who chose to perish with him, everyone became somber.

Wu Yingyuan said through gritted teeth, “Premier Lu will certainly collect this blood debt for us. Supervisor Tu told me in private that the Premier already has plans to attack Zhao and hopes that Shaolong can lead it.”

Xiang Shaolong was secretly lamenting. Honestly, his main enemy is Zhao Mu, the King of Zhao is at most just an accomplice. It is not his wish to lead an army to destroy the cities in Zhao and bring misfortune to the people.

He deeply felt the revulsion towards offensive wars.

There’s another bigger problem. He must not become Lu Buwei’s lackey no matter what, because in history, Emperor Qin was on bad terms with Lu Buwei 10 years after he ascended the throne, so how can he stand on Lu Buwei’s side?

But it seems that everyone in the Wu family has long regarded Lu Buwei as their new Master and looked as if they are going to live and die with him. He can’t possibly tell them how history will turn out and knows there’s no way he can make them believe him. This is indeed an extremely bothersome problem.

He sighed and said, “The King of Qin has appointed Master Lu as Premier, didn’t the royalty and officials in Qin have any objections?”

Wu Yingyuan saw that he didn’t seem very concerned that Lu Buiwei is about to hand him an important task and looked at him in puzzlement before adding, “Not only were there objections, their reactions were very vehement as well.” He paused and continued “Ever since the outsider Shang Yang, the Qins have been very intense about their prejudice against outsiders. Later, in order to deal with the Union* set up deal with the Qins and to avoid being attacked by the 6 states in the east, they had no choice but to use Zhang Yi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zhang_Yi_(strategist) ) to deal with the Union. Later they also relied heavily on Fan Sui and used his strategy of attacking those close to them and having cordial relations with states further from them to deal with the Union of the 6 states. We can say that it’s only when they had no other choice did they make use of talents from other states to help them.”

(Union – Collection of the 6 states Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Han and Wei who joined forces to fight against Qin)

He sighed again and said, “But after Bai Qi forced to commit suicide by King Zhaoxiang, the Qin military were very displeased and they finally forced Fan Sui to lose his official post and the prejudice towards outsiders were reinforced again. Although we have Qin blood in us, we’re still being regarded as outsiders and under Master Lu. Therefore we must help Master Lu with all our efforts, otherwise if he falls, we won’t have it easy as well.”

Naturally the last few words were meant as a reminder to Xiang Shaolong.

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[gqonmars2]

Thanks Jean. Great work.

I can foresee that there is a new adversary on the block.

[balikpapan]

Yes, thanks for your time, Jean. In the story, it's good that X Shaolong doesn't try to change the history just for his own sake. He just want to protect people that he loves.

[Jean]

to continue....

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Teng Yi and the rest remained silent. The 3 of them all regarded Xiang Shaolong as their leader and are only concerned about what Xiang Shaolong thinks.

Tao Fang interrupted, “Master Lu’s strategy now is to make military contributions first because the Qins have always favored military expansion over trade expansion. It’s certain that no one will doubt Master Lu’s capability in doing business and making money but on the military front, the Qins feel that he knows nothing about it. Therefore if he can make beneficial contributions in this area, his position will be as stable as Mount Tai. We must assist him more in this area.”

Teng Yi asked quietly, “Who are the main people in Qin who are against Lu Buwei?”

Wu Yingyuan replied, “Mainly it’s the local officials who are on Lord Yangquan’s side. Because Empress Ji was once Master Lu’s concubine, they suspect that the Crown Prince is not really the King’s flesh and blood, therefore they are supporting the King’s second son Cheng Chongqiao. This group of people are all very powerful in Qin so Master Lu is very frightened of them, even the King are not oppose them too much, therefore even though Master Lu has been appointed as the Right Premier, he has to use Lord Yangquan as the Left Premier.”

Tao Fang was afraid that they might not be familiar with Lord Yangquan, so he explained further, “Lord Yangquan is the brother of King Zhaoxiang’s Empress. His Majesty was able to become King because he convinced his sister to speak up for King Zhaoxiang, therefore he always regarded himself as having made the greatest contribution. Now that he is under Master Lu, naturally he is extremely peeved.”

Everyone was enlightened.

King Zhaoxiang is the grandfather of Yingzheng’s father, Ying Yiren who is now King Zhuangxiang. At that time Yiren’s father was still Lord Anguo and did not regard Yiren highly at all because otherwise, he would not have sent him to Zhao to become a hostage.

After Lu Buwei got this ‘rare treasure’ Yiren, he spent a lot of money to bribe the sister of Lady Huayang, who was the favorite of Lord Anguo as well as Lord Yangquan and let them persuade Lady Huayang and King Zhaoxiang’s Empress to influence Lord Anguo and King Zhaoxiang so that Yiren will stand a chance to ascend the throne.

Xiang Shaolong knows that this is not the time to convince Wu Yingyuan to be wary of Lu Buwei so he did not speak any further on this and changed the topic. After some casual talk, the feast came to an end and they all returned to their abodes to rest.

After they left the hall, with the pretext of sending him back, Teng Yi and Wu Zhuo walked along with him.

Teng Yi asked quietly, “Shaolong doesn’t seem to like Lu Buwei very much, is that so?”

Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly, “Merchants only care about gains, would Brother Teng want to make friends with people like that?”

Wu Zhuo furrowed his brow, “But like what Young Master said, our fate is now tied with his. If he topples, it will be the end of us.”

Xiang Shaolong really felt like telling them about Xiao Pan but he finally suppressed such an unwise thought and said with a smile, “We’ll just act according to circumstances for this matter! After Lu Buwei’s power has stabilized, we’ll try to think of a way to cut ourselves away from him, otherwise he’ll definitely pull us down. This is what I think, do not let anyone else know, even Jing Jun and Tao Fang must not know.”

The 2 of them were already very impressed with Xiang Shaolong and seeing how he trusts them now, they both nodded their head in agreement.

After they parted ways, Xiang Shaolong returned to his new Hidden Dragon Abode.

The house was brightly lit inside and all the women were gathered in the main hall looking at Zhao Qian and Wu Tingfang play chess. Ting Fangshi has gone back to her room to rest because she has not fully recovered from her illness.

Xiang Shaolong went into the room to look in on Ting Fangshi first.

Either it’s because of the effect of the surroundings or Xiang Shaolong’s love, her original beauty has morphed into an alluring air of regality as she wore a pale blue robe embroidered with yellow phoenixes fit for a lady. She dolled herself up especially for him, her hair piled high up with light make-up, she looked fresh and charming. Although she still looked a little pale, it gave her an appearance of a heartrending and fragile beauty. Under the candlelight, her pretty eyes showed her deep love for him.

Ever since the trip to Daliang, in order to deal with the Zhaos, he seldom had the chance to be alone with her like this and can’t help but feel apologetic.

The laughter of the other ladies could be heard off and on coming from the hall but it did not disturb the peaceful feeling here. In fact, it added a sense of contentment, warmth and fortune.

Ting Fangshi saw him walking into the room and with an ‘Ah!’, she sat up happily, her pretty face came alive.

Xiang Shaolong sat on the bed and hugged this beauty who threw herself into his arms tightly, feeling her heaving bosom, filled with allure and life.

He rubbed his cheek against her soft face, looking at the snow white inner robe behind her neck, a surge of feelings came over him. Now, more than ever before, he is even more confident that he can protect the women he love.

But before he arrived at this newfound confidence, he had already experienced so many heart-breaking incidents along the way.

He thought of Zhao Ya and felt a stab of pain in his heart! He no longer felt that hatred towards her when he initially found out that she has betrayed him. But so what? There is no way they can mend their relationship.

Does Ji Yanran who is in Wei knows that he is already here?

In this ancient era where telecommunications is difficult, it felt as if they’re living on 2 different planets. No wonder the ancient people feels so much sadness and emotions at partings, missing somebody is indeed torturous. This is exactly why Ting Fangshi fell ill and lost weight because of love.

Now Ting Fangshi and Zhao Qian are both all alone, the only person they can rely on his him, so how can he not love them?

Maybe because being sick will make one especially vulnerable, Ting Fangshi cried and hugged him in a death grip as she cried out, “Husband! I’ve missed you so badly!”

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[yeongwee]

Thanks Jean! Something tells me that Shaolong's first "wife" will come back to haunt him at some point...

[gqonmars2]

Thanks Jean for the update.

[gqonmars2]

I hope that "Ting Fangshi" do not turn out to be another Zhao ya. All that effort wasted as she be trades you and throw you into the pits.

[Jean]

End of chapter and book 5!

Only 5 books done.... 20 more to go

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Xiang Shaolong thought of Mei Canniang and a wave of sadness came over him as he hugged Ting Fangshi and fell onto the bed. He pulled her outer robe aside, revealing her heaving bosom which is still wrapped up in her white inner robe to his eyes.

A mesmerizing fragrance wafted into his nose, her ample bosom can be seen from the loosened collar.

Xiang Shaolong buried his face in her chest as his tightly wound emotions relaxed and at the same time he felt the weariness towards fights and revenge. He only hopes that he can retire to some peaceful woods in future together with Ji Yanran and Mei Canniang as well and live a life with his loved ones that even immortals would be envious of.

In his mind an image of flowing rivers, green grass, lush woods, high mountains and clear water surfaced.

What he wants is not grand clothes and sumptuous feasts, but a life back to nature and hard work.

In this under populated word, to find a paradise on earth and start his own farm to grow some crops while his ladies will rear ducks as he fished and hunted. He’ll be contented if he can live such a life until his death.

Ting Fangshi’s pretty face reddened, her eyes closed tightly, her breathing heavy as she moaned daintily, totally enrapturing his soul. Obviously she is in the mood for love, which is insatiable.

Xiang Shaolong is not in the hurry to possess her. He thought of the primitive jungles they passed on the way here, there were heavy fog, thousand feet tall waterfalls and great lakes. His imagination soared and he was secretly determined that he will certainly live the rest of his life in the forests one day.

To someone from the 21st century, this type of lifestyle is the most alluring.

Ting Fangshi forced her pretty eyes to open, her fiery and sultry eyes blaming him for taking his time to join with her.

Xiang Shaolong was intoxicated in both body and mind as he forgot everything else and concentrated all his energy into her mesmerizing body.

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[crydee]

Hi Jean,

Thanks a lot for all your effort done! I had read all the Condor Hero Saga and more in this forum and I must say you are one of the best translators!

I hope more people translate Huang Yi work his novel is what I am looking for..., Action Adventure ,Martial Art, Good Plotting, Fantasy and S_X (fill in the blank).

[Gubrak]

I think this is the end of chapter 1 of book 6, isn't it ?
And thanks for the translation.

[Jean]

I think this is the end of chapter 1 of book 6, isn't it ?
And thanks for the translation.

oops... you're right.

And now it's chapter 2 of book 6.

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Book 6 Chap 2 – Dinner Feast at the Qin Palace

Sweet voices roused him up from his deep sleep and he opened his eyes. The sun is already rising and he sat up suddenly.

The pretty Princess Zhao Qian was startled, and she said with her hand covering her smile, “The 3 of us have lost, we all thought that you won’t be able to get up.” Her pretty face blushed with embarrassment as she finished her words, obviously she remembered the exciting ‘battle’ they had last night.

Xiang Shaolong was reminded of this by her and he tried flexing his body and realized that he is still feeling energetic. He laughed loudly and threw Zhao Qian onto the bed with a hug and said, “Let’s do it one more time with obedient Qian’er!”

Zhao Qian tried to resist but her body went soft and she did not have the strength to get up as she moaned, “Mister Li Si from the Premier’s Residence has come to look for you!”

Xiang Shaolong remembered the appointment Li Si made with him secretly yesterday and sighed. He put his hands into Zhao Qian’s robes and groped around first before he got up and let his wives and pretty maids help him wash and change. He did not even have to move a finger and everything has been done for him. He was thinking of how he should get the 2 pretty maids Cuitong and Cuilu up the bed as well and can’t help but laugh to himself that he has not changed at all in the sense that he still likes to try out new things like all men.

Li Si was waiting for him at the inner hall, looking calm, or at least that is the way he looked on the surface.

After making some small talk and Qiuying had served them tea and snacks, Li Si went straight to the point, “Where has Mister Xiang heard about my name, why do you seem so familiar about me?”

Xiang Shaolong had asked Tao Fang last night about the background of this famous official who will help Emperor Qin unite the 6 states in future and found out that he is Han Fei’s Junior Brother and wanted to lie and say that he heard about him from Han Fei. But he thought that there may be a day where his lie will be exposed so he gave up the idea. He smiled and asked, “Has Mister Li ever heard about such a thing called fate?”

Li Si was puzzled, “What is fate?”

It was only during the Han Dynasty that Buddhism which expounds on ‘Fate’ came to China, so naturally Li Si does not understand what Xiang Shaolong is saying at all.

Xiang Shaolong took a sip of hot tea before explaining, “Fate is like an invisible hand, which will inevitably join different people together no matter how different their background, how far apart they are, into friends, rulers and subordinates, or maybe husbands and wives or masters and servants. This is called fate.”

Li Si looked surprised and he thought over it for a while before nodding his head, “I did not expect that not only is Mister Xiang’s sword skill famous in the world, your ideas are thought provoking as well. I just wonder what has this got to do with Mister knowing about me?”

Xiang Shaolong replied nonchalantly, “It’s very difficult to explain what fate is. Although it’s the first time I met you, it feels as if I have long known about your aspirations so I just blurted those words out. Or maybe it’s because I have heard of Brother Li’s tutelage under Xun Zi*!”

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xun_Zi

Li Si furrowed his brows. Although he is Xun Zi’s disciple, their philosophies are far apart. He was about to speak further when Xiang Shaolong changed the subject, “What are your views on ruling a country?”

Li SI was stunned for a moment. If it was King Zhuangxiang who was asking him this question, he’ll certainly be pouring out his views. But not only does Xiang Shaolong not have an official post, he is also under Lu Buwei’s faction. If he were to speak so closely to his heart to someone he has just made an acquaintance of and revealed all that he knows, he may get into trouble. He can’t help but hesitate.

After he came to Xianyang, although he had a few in depth talks with Lu Buwei and Lu Buwei has also expressed his admiration towards him, but he can tell that not only is Lu Buwei extremely ambitious but overbearing as well and will get into trouble sooner or later. Besides, he was feeling secretly bothered as their views on ruling a country is vastly different from each other so it’ll be very difficult for him to be recognized or entrusted with heavy responsibility.

Xiang Shaolong said with a smile, “Mister does not want to be just a small fry whom no one bothers!”

Ji Si was startled and hurriedly said, “Mister Xiang must be joking!”

Xiang Shaolong said with a straight face, “In order to accomplish great things, then one must take great risks. If Mister cannot put aside your fears for your life, then our conversation today will end here and we will not breath a word about this to anyone else in future, how about it?”

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[gqonmars2]

Thanks Jean. Excellent translation and story telling.

[balikpapan]

Thank you, Jean. . This is a very thoughtful story. War, duel, love, sex, and a hero. If this made into a big screen western movie, this would be comparable to the Lord of the Ring. Seriously...

[Jean]

to continue....

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Li Si looked at him intensely for a moment, and felt that Xiang Shaolong shows a sincerity that can move others. He felt a burning passion in his heart as he threw all caution to the wind and said, “I wonder what views and suggestion Mister Xiang has?”

Xiang Shaolong asked, “In Mister Li’s opinion, how does the future bode for Premier Lu?”

Li Si’s expression changed slightly as he exhaled a long breath and said with a sigh, “Mister Xiang is making it difficult for me.”

Xiang Shaolong understands the difficult position he is in and asked gently, “What work is Mister Li doing now in the Lu Residence?”

Li Si replied frankly, “I am helping Premier Lu write his ‘Lu Chronicles’ according to his instructions. The Premier hopes that with this book he can come up with a complete philosophy and reforms for ruling the country. Hei! I am just one of his many subordinates, the word ‘helping’ is a bit of an exaggeration.”

Xiang Shaolong is not a historian and this is the first time he has heard about this and asked in puzzlement, “So there’s actually such a happening. I wonder what are the new ideas on ruling a country in the book?”

A look of disdain appeared slightly on Li Si’s face as he said calmly, “What kind of new ideas can he have? It’s mainly a collection of the essence of the philosophies of others before, who supports the idea of ‘Divinity of Heaven’, which means that one can only rule the world well if he follows the natural order of heaven and earth. The ruler and subjects will walk their own path and not interfere with one another. A ruler should rule the country with benevolence and reflect on himself from time to time, seeking virtuosity constantly until in the end, the ideal state of having nothing to govern is achieved.”

Xiang Shaolong saw that he was clear on his reasoning and was secretly impressed and asked gently, “Does Mister think that Premier’s ideals will work?”

Li Si dare not reply him at all and asked instead, “What does Mister Xiang think?”

Xiang Shaolong knows that if he doesn’t show off a little, he will be looked down upon by this learned, ambitious and younger man, so he said coolly, “Premier Lu is governing the Qin politics as a Han, and places more trust on people from Zhao, Wei and Han. The Empress who was his companion is from Zhao as well. On top of that, ever since Shang Yang’s reforms, Qin has been using legalism and militarism to govern the country, which is a polar opposite of Premier Lu’s ideals. There is no where the 2 can blend at all and as for what will happen in future, I hope that Mister can advice me.”

Li Si slapped the table and stood up, saying, “With such a talent like Mister Xiang in Qin, I should return to my hometown and be a farmer instead.”

Xiang Shaolong grabbed his arm and pulled him back onto the chair and said earnestly, “Mister is exaggerating. Firstly I know nothing at all about ruling a country but most importantly I have no interest in an official career. Everything that I have done in the past is for survival and not fame. There will come a day when I will retire to the woods and not bother myself with worldly affairs. Whether Qin can unify the 6 states will have to depend on you.”

Li Si was momentarily stunned and secretly thought that these words would be more appropriate if King Zhuangxiang told it to him. Although King Zhuangxiang was impressed with Xiang Shaolong, he is not a wise ruler at all and follows Lu Buwei’s advice on everything. With the current situation, who else can outsiders like them rely on other than Lu Buwei? But Xiang Shaolong seems to imply that there is a new leader, which is really incomprehensible to him.

Xiang Shaolong put his hand on his shoulder and said with a smile, “Mister Li will understand my words in future, just rest assured and stay in Xianyang! This is the only place you can expand your ambition.”

After Li Si bid his farewell, Xiang Shaolong went to look for Teng Yi for breakfast.

During the meal Teng Yi asked, “What are your plans for the future?”

Naturally Xiang Shaolong will have his plans, which is based on the information he gathered from the movie ‘Emperor Qin’. Help set a solid foundation for the fake Yingzheng, Xiao Pan, so that he can hadle Lu Buwei’s attempt to wrestle power in future and the appearances of evil officials.

Now that he has found Li Si, there is still the father and son Wang Jiang and Wang Bi. They are all famed generals who will help Emperor Qin unite the world in future. With these 3 helping Xiao Pan, he can retire to the woods in peace.

He gave a relaxed sigh as he sat back on the chair and stretched, “To tell the truth, I have no great ambitions at all. After I kill Zhao Mu, I will move to one of the Wu family’s farm far away and live a secluded life. I’ll be contented with hunting or fishing during my free time.”

Teng Yi revealed a small trace of a rare smile and said nonchalantly, “If you can do that, I’ll go hunting with you.”

At this time Jing Jun rushed in like a gust of wind and said energetically, “Come! Let me be the guide and show you 2 big brothers the glorious sights of Xianyang.”

Teng Yi furrowed his brows, “Whom have you been making hanging out with recently?”

Jing Jun sat down on the rug opposite them and replied excitedly, “Of course it’s the people from the Premier’s residence. It’s so exciting here, there are fights and injuries everyday. Just a few days ago some swordsmen from the Premier’s residence were ambushed in the largest officials brother in Xianyang, with 3 dead and 7 injured. Those thieves who made the sneak attack were lucky that I was away at the temple north of river Wei to peek at those ladies offering prayers. Otherwise, there won’t be so many dead and injured.”

Xiang Shaolong and Tengyi exchanged looks, both secretly alarmed. This lad is young and rash and may cause trouble.

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[akolaw]

Huang Yi's other novel, the legend of the grand sword master would be a more apple to apple rival/comparison with the lord of the ring. But it had never been put on silver screen yet.

[gqonmars2]

Thanks Jean.


I hope that Jing Jun can keep his cool.

[balikpapan]

Man.. I hope Teng Yi and Jing Jun will also have a good future. They are such genuine guys.
Has "the legend of the grand sword master" been translated already?? I think I miss it.
Many thanks to Jean. Have a great week end.

[Jean]

to continue....

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Teng Yi furrowed his brows, “Don’t the Qins value law and legalism? How can there be fights?”

Teng Ji replied smugly, “Now Xianyang is in a mess, who can be bothered to interfere. Especially when it involves the people of the Left and Right Premier’s residences, no one dares to intervene.”

Xiang Shaolong said sternly, “You better not cause any trouble these few days. Once we are clear about the situation, we’ll go back to Zhao immediately to deal with Zhao Mu, understand?”

Jing Jun was ecstatic and bowed respectfully, “Xiao Jun understands. Great! I can get Zhao Zhi back here.”

Teng Yi reprimanded in a low voice, “You are getting more and more ridiculous!”

Jing Jun fears Teng Yi the most and was so frightened he immediately bowed down and dared not make a sound.

Teng Yi sighed and said to Xiang Shaolong, “Shaolong! This lad is still young and doesn’t understand the severity of the situation. I will take him in hand, you don’t have to worry.”

Xiang Shaolong said with a laugh, “Why would I blame him?”

Jing Jun said, “Xiao Jun respects both brothers the most!”

Teng Yi shouted, “Shut up!” He made an eye signal at Xiang Shaolong, signifying that he wants to reprimand Jing Jun in private.

Xiang Shaolong understood his meaning and went back to Hidden Dragon Abode alone. He has not even stepped through the door when he heard the cheers and laughs of the ladies near the well. He hurried over for a look and it turned out that his wives and maids have all changed into light and short dresses and happily playing ball while Ting Fangshi sat at a side and watched with a smile.

Chunying and Xiaying rushed forward and dragged him into the game.

This day was therefore spent amidst such happy atmosphere. At dusk, Wu Yingyuan asked someone to invite him over so that they can go to the Palace together for the feast.

When he thought of how he will soon be meeting this famous Lu Buwei who can affect the history of the warring states, Xiang Shaolong can’t help but feel a little nervous.

How could he have expected that just a fight at ‘Black Leopard Bar’ can totally change his fate!

The horse carriage drove slowly into the grand entrance, past a round shaped corridor, into the square in front of the main hall.

There were rest areas for soldiers on both sides of the main door, where there are 2 camps of troops under the command of the Military Official. After some routine questionings, they allowed the 12 riders who were protecting Xiang and Wu’s carriages into the inner palace.

Although Xianyang Palace is a few times larger, its layout is the same as the Zhao Palace where it’s ‘front court back rest’ format. The outer part is where the King of Qin deal with state matters and hold court, the inner part is where the King and his concubines and children’s bedrooms are.

The 3 main halls in the front part looked grand and majestic, the Premier Hall and various departments are on each side; the inner part consisted mainly of the King of Qin and the Empress’s 3 back palaces, and on the right and left side there are the 6 Eastern Palaces and 6 Western Palaces, where the Empress Dowager, Concubines and various Princes reside in.

Xiang Shaolong was sightseeing along the way and saw halls, courtyards, woods, pavilions, platforms, corridors etc, which looked solemn yet respectable, something that the Zhao Palace cannot be compared to.

The construction of the buildings at the inner court is even more diversified and the layout compact with groups of buildings surrounding a courtyard with walls surrounding them and the different sections separated by tall walls. If there’s no one to lead the way, being lost is no big surprise.

Once he thought that Xiao Pan will one day become the master of this place, and he was the one who single-handedly facilitated all this, Xiang Shaolong can’t help but feel pride and a sense of achievement.

King Zhuangxiang’s feast is held at the ‘Health Cultivating Palace’ at the back, which is also the inner Palace’s most grand wooden building, a 3 storey tall building. On the tall platform there are 2 pavilion looking buildings and on each side of these buildings and the lower platform there are each 10 rooms of different sizes. There are bedrooms, rest areas, bathrooms etc which are connected by corridors. There are drawings on the walls and the steps on the corridors are carved with dragons and phoenixes, and the whole place looked grand and magnificent.

The horse carriage stopped at the square and Lu Buwei had specifically told his housekeeper Mister Tu to welcome them there. Naturally he was especially happy and courteous when he saw them.

As they walked up the long steps, Tu Xian said in a low voice, “Besides Premier Lu, Lord Yangquan is also here tonight. This person thinks that he has made a great contribution to his Majesty in the past and is extremely proud and overbearing. Even his Majesty and Premier Lu have to give in to him a little, the 2 of you will have to handle him carefully.”

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[gqonmars2]

Thanks Jean.

I am glad its Monday... only because there is new updates by Jean.

Seems like LBW and Yangquan will have a long hard battle up ahead.