HCT – Chapter 168 Even the Most Thorough Plan Has a Flaw

When Ying Zheng came to see Zhao Ji, he had already thought of a way to make this hidden threat disappear for good.

Although a son should be filial to his birth mother, if that mother had abandoned him when he was young, and even struck him while he was trying to show filial piety, then wouldn’t it be only natural for him to neglect her in the future?

He knew well of Zhao Ji’s temper—how she frequently smashed porcelain in the queen’s palace was proof enough. All it would take was a few well-placed words to provoke her, and his plan would be complete.

What he didn’t expect, however, was that he would be the one to get enraged first.

How could someone be so foolish and selfish? Did she feel no shame at all when she said those words in her own defense?

Ying Zheng recalled Qin Shi Huang from his dreams.

The Empress Dowager Zhao was entangled with her male favorite and even bore him two children—how could such a thing possibly be kept from Qin Shi Huang?

He had once dared not look too closely at that part of Qin Shi Huang’s memory.

But after his royal father and maternal uncle left the palace and warned him not to visit Zhao Ji, he finally examined that memory carefully.

He saw Qin Shi Huang, about the same age as himself, standing behind a curtain, coldly watching Zhao Ji and her lover entwined with each other.

Zhao Ji held in her arms the child she had borne with that man, and the two looked as sweet and affectionate as a real family.

“Then what about me?”

That same-aged Qin Shi Huang kept asking himself this question over and over again.

In that palace, Lu Buwei held absolute power, Zhao Ji and her lover controlled the inner court.

When Zhao Ji granted vast tracts of land near Xianyang City to her male favorite, Qin Shi Huang smashed everything he could get his hands on, then sat on the floor, broke down, and cried uncontrollably.

In the Qin state, a prince could not receive a title without merit, and even if he were to be granted one, it would never be near Xianyang.

He was perhaps the most humiliated king Qin had ever had.

His royal father was high above the heavens, and the great King Zhao of Qin, whom he revered but never had the chance to meet, was also up there. If they knew what had happened, they’d probably wish he had never been born.

Was Qin truly going to descend into chaos in his hands?

Was there anyone in this world he could still trust?

Having depended on Zhao Ji since childhood, yet being cast aside by her after gaining power and wealth, Qin Shi Huang could never understand why.

He especially could not comprehend why Zhao Ji would support her lover’s attempt to kill him, hoping to make her lover’s son king instead.

Wasn’t that just idiotic? So idiotic that he didn’t even know whether he should believe it.

This was the Qin state—even if he were to die, would the rest of the royal family just stand by and let Lao Ai usurp the throne? Qin was not without men!

When Qin Shi Huang received the intelligence report, he couldn’t believe it.

He made all the necessary preparations and went to Qinian Palace for the coming-of-age ceremony. He stationed heavy guards in both Qinian Palace and Xianyang Palace to lie in wait, still clinging to a sliver of hope.

That hope shattered when Lao Ai was captured and the royal jade seal of the king and the empress dowager’s seal were laid out before him.

“Marquis Changxin, Lao Ai, plotted rebellion, forged the king’s jade seal and the empress dowager’s seal to mobilize county troops, palace guards, cavalry, and barbarian generals, intending to attack Qinian Palace and incite chaos.”

The royal seal of Qin and the empress dowager’s seal were placed before him!

“Master Xun…” The tall young Ying Zheng buried his bloodied face into the arms of the hunched old man.

He should not have felt sorrow in his heart.

He had already given up on Zhao Ji. When his uncle had taken him to find her and all they saw was an empty house, he had already lost all hope in the woman who was his mother in name only.

Yet when Xunzi wrapped his large sleeve around him, he couldn’t hold back his tears.

“Good child, you’re very filial. You’ve done enough already. Don’t cry, don’t cry.”

Xunzi tried to straighten his already bent old back and held this boy—whom he could no longer lift—with gentle comfort.

“Don’t be afraid. Master Xun is here. Master Xun will protect you.”

Behind Xunzi, Cai Ze kept both hands hidden inside his sleeves, his nails digging into his palms so hard it caused pain.

When he heard the crown prince had been summoned to the queen’s palace, he immediately panicked.

He didn’t know why Zheng’er had agreed to go, but as long as he entered the queen’s palace, he would be in a vulnerable position.

Cai Ze initially intended to seek help from Empress Dowager Huayang and Empress Dowager Xia, but before he could do so, Ying Zheng sent someone to find him, delivering a letter sealed with wax.

Upon opening it, Cai Ze was so enraged that he nearly summoned Xue Ji back from Southern Qin just to give this disobedient child a good spanking!

While cursing inwardly, Cai Ze personally went to find Xunzi.

If Ying Zheng’s plan was to succeed, then Xunzi had to witness it all with his own eyes.

He didn’t tell Xunzi the truth. He only said that Lady Zhao was using filial piety to pressure the Crown Prince, and that the prince had no choice but to go. He hoped that Xunzi and he could use governmental affairs as an excuse to go to the queen’s palace and rescue Ying Zheng.

Xunzi was not only the Prime Minister but also a great Confucian scholar. Only if he personally saw that Ying Zheng had not defied the queen would others refrain from accusing the prince of being unfilial.

“I had originally thought of asking Empress Dowager Huayang and Empress Dowager Xia for help, but if I were to involve those two elders, it would mean the Crown Prince has torn all pretense with the Queen. If outsiders hear of it, they will still say Zheng’er is at fault. If Xunzi and I, under the pretense of state matters, go to see the prince who is acting as regent, it would be more appropriate than bringing in the two empress dowagers.”

Upon hearing that Ying Zheng had been summoned by the Queen, Xunzi was suspicious.

He knew how clever Ying Zheng was. If the boy didn’t want to see Lady Zhao, he could easily come up with any excuse to avoid it.

Even so, he still went with Cai Ze to find Ying Zheng, bringing along several Confucian scholars who supported and opposed the prince.

Ying Zheng was a sharp boy. Whatever his plans, he would not suffer the loss.

But Xunzi never expected to witness such a scene.

Cai Ze was even more stunned by the level of “provocation” Ying Zheng had in mind.

From outside the palace doors, they could hear Lady Zhao’s furious screams calling Ying Zheng a “monster,” and the crashing sounds of objects being smashed inside.

The palace maids at the Queen’s palace desperately blocked their way, refusing to let them enter.

They knew what was happening inside — if the Prime Minister and the Chancellor saw this, none of them would survive.

But how could they possibly stop the Chancellor and the Prime Minister of Qin?

Just as Cai Ze was about to order someone to break down the door, Xunzi had already rushed forward.

Seeing him charge ahead, all the Confucian scholars following him leapt into action — some crashed against the doors, others restrained the palace staff.

When the door was forced open, everyone saw the Crown Prince Zheng, drenched in blood.

They also heard him utter a sorrowful lament:

“My birth mother wants to kill me — how can I avoid it?”

Even the most conservative Confucians began to question in their hearts: With a birth mother like this, must one still be filial?!

“What are you standing there for? Get the royal physician!” Cai Ze forced himself to stay composed, but his voice still trembled. “Arrest everyone here! Summon the two Empress Dowagers to oversee justice!”

Cai Ze took a deep breath, gritted his teeth, and said, “Send someone to summon His Majesty and Zhu Xiang back!”

Ying Zheng’s sobbing paused abruptly, and he quickly said, “Don’t tell Uncle!”

Elder Xun held the bloodied-faced Ying Zheng tightly in his arms, also gritting his teeth: “With things like this, do you think you can keep it from him?!”

The Confucian scholars, upon seeing the prince gravely wounded and soaked in blood, yet still worrying about not burdening his father and uncle, felt even more furious.

So this is the child raised by Lord Changping — truly filial. But this was too blindly filial!

If it’s a light cane, endure it; if it’s a heavy rod, flee! Didn’t your uncle ever teach you that?!

Xunzi coldly glanced at the palace servants in the Queen’s hall, who were now wailing and howling.

After calming himself, he realized all this might have been part of Zheng’er’s plan.

Zheng’er was not one to practice blind filial piety. And if he was, it was toward Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji — what did it have to do with Lady Zhao?

But even if this was part of his plan, Lady Zhao calling him a monster — did Zheng’er force her to say it? She beat him to a bloody pulp — did he force her to raise her hand?

And all these people in the palace just knelt and watched her strike the Crown Prince — not a single one stepped forward to protect him. Such disloyalty in service — what use is there in keeping them alive?

They should die — all of them should die.

Even he couldn’t bear to lay a heavy hand on this child.

He had watched him grow from a thin, tiny bundle into such an outstanding young Crown Prince.

The royal physicians soon rushed over, barely catching their breath before beginning to wipe the blood from Ying Zheng and dress his wounds.

Once the blood was wiped away, the bruises and gashes on his face looked even more terrifying.

Empress Dowager Huayang and Empress Dowager Xia came hurriedly in sedan chairs, flinging their attendants behind them as they lifted their skirts and rushed inside.

“Zheng’er… Zheng’er… Heavens, how can I ever face Xue Ji!” Lady Huayang burst into tears the moment she saw the injuries on Ying Zheng’s face. “If Xue Ji hears of this, how much would her heart ache! I’ve failed Xue Ji. I didn’t protect you… My grandson!”

Ying Zheng quickly tried to comfort her, “Grandmother, don’t be upset. By the time Aunt returns, my wounds will have healed. It’s nothing serious… hiss!”

Zhu Xiang had once instructed the royal physicians on how to distill high-concentration alcohol for sterilizing wounds.

After conducting several animal experiments, the imperial physicians now treated alcohol and allicin (garlic extract) like miracle medicine for external injuries. Once they cleaned Ying Zheng’s wounds, they applied the “miracle” concoction.

The sting was so intense that Ying Zheng jumped up on the spot, only to be pinned down by a few strong imperial physicians.

The physicians were already used to it—every time they treated someone’s wound, the patient would try to escape.

Ying Zheng’s expression was one of sheer terror. “No—don’t use garlic extract! Just use regular wound medicine!”

Uncle, Aunt, save me!

“Hold him down,” Cai Ze ordered sternly. “Don’t let the Crown Prince thrash around.”

Xunzi’s face was stern. “You two go help. The palace guards aren’t as strong as you.”

Two burly Confucian scholars stepped forward and pinned Ying Zheng down so tightly that he couldn’t budge an inch.

Tears streamed uncontrollably down Ying Zheng’s face, only to be wiped away instantly by the well-prepared imperial physician stationed at his side.

There were wounds on his face, and medicine was being applied—it couldn’t be contaminated with tears. The physicians were just too skilled.

Cai Ze pulled out a handkerchief, folded it neatly, and stuffed it into Ying Zheng’s mouth. “Bite down if it hurts too much.”

Ying Zheng bit into the cloth, and the normally cold and composed Crown Prince of Qin was now so pained that bubbles of snot were coming out of his nose.

It hurt. It really hurt.

He regretted everything.

He should’ve just taken one hit and left. Why did he insist on standing there, letting Zhao Ji throw so many things at him?

Uncle, Aunt, save me!

Cai Ze looked at Ying Zheng’s twisted, pain-ridden face, and though he cursed “Serves you right” in his heart, his eyes turned red.

He wiped the corners of his eyes, but the more he wiped, the redder they got.

Eventually, he gave up and, through his tears, said to Ying Zheng, “Zheng’er, that woman had nothing to do with you from the moment she abandoned you. Your life was raised by Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji. You were brought up by Elder Lin, Elder Xun, and Elder Lian. Think carefully—who really hurts when you’re injured? Do you think you’ve been fair to them?!”

Cai Ze, always known for being cautious and prudent, had just referred to the Queen of Qin as “that woman” in front of so many people—everyone was utterly shocked.

Did the Prime Minister not fear that this matter would spread and ruin his reputation?

Ying Zheng bit down on the handkerchief and gave a muffled sob, his shoulders slumping like a puppy with drooping ears.

But soon, he tried to jump again.

Pain! It hurts so much!

Empress Dowager Huayang was clutching her chest and stomping her feet in anguish. Her cries drowned out Ying Zheng’s muffled sobs as she repeated over and over how sorry she was to Xue Ji. No one could calm her down.

Empress Dowager Xia tried to console her while inwardly panicking.

She had once believed that a mother and son could never hold a grudge overnight, and had attempted to form an alliance with Zhao Ji to suppress Huayang.

But who would’ve thought Zhao Ji could be this foolish?

Fortunately, she had withdrawn her support as soon as she noticed that Zichu had started to ignore Zhao Ji. She stopped listening to her maternal family’s suggestions after that.

Now, thinking about those people her family had planted in the palace, Empress Dowager Xia was filled with anxiety.

Hopefully, this storm wouldn’t implicate them. But if it did… she sighed inwardly. If it did, there was nothing she could do.

Zichu was a truly competent King of Qin—he would not go soft on his own mother. From now on, she would behave even more humbly and cautiously. She would absolutely not cause any more trouble for Zichu.

She was selfish. She had already done more than enough for her maternal family. All she hoped for now was to live out her days in wealth and peace.

“We mustn’t let word of this get out. Otherwise, people will say Zheng’er is illegitimate.” Empress Dowager Huayang, distraught and incoherent, was no longer in control. Empress Dowager Xia had to step in.

“All the palace servants here—execute them on the spot.”

Empress Dowager Huayang wiped away her tears. “Get Zheng’er out of here. Bring him to my palace! I should’ve let him live with me from the start. How could I have been so stupid? I didn’t protect Zheng’er!”

Crying and issuing orders at the same time, she had people carry Ying Zheng into her sedan chair.

His wounds had only been roughly treated, and he was trembling from the pain. Ying Zheng didn’t dare let anyone touch him and instead climbed into the sedan chair on his own.

Sitting inside, he spat out the handkerchief and said tearfully, “It hurts so bad—hiss!”

He had calculated everything, but completely forgot about the combination of strong alcohol and garlic extract!

Damn it!

Hiss!

“What?” Zhu Xiang’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

King Qin Zichu frowned. “What’s that rascal Zheng’er up to now…? Wait—Zhu Xiang, don’t faint! Physician! Physician!”

Lin Zhi immediately rushed forward to catch Zhu Xiang, scolding, “I don’t believe for a second that brat Ying Zheng stood there obediently while Chunhua threw things at him out of pure filial piety! Write to Xue Ji and bring her back to Xianyang to beat him up!”

King Qin Zichu supported Zhu Xiang from the other side, and together with Lin Zhi, they laid the unconscious man down flat while waiting for the physician to administer acupuncture. “Yes, yes, yes! We should have Xue Ji come back and give Zheng’er a proper beating! That brat—how dare he make Zhu Xiang worry like this!”

The imperial physician ran over with his medicine box, pulled out a golden needle and jabbed it into Zhu Xiang, then pried his mouth open and poured in a few sips of cold water.

Zhu Xiang slowly regained consciousness, eyes half-lidded, and immediately tried to get up. “Go back—hurry back!”

“Okay, okay! I’ve already prepared the carriage—” King Qin Zichu began, only to be cut off.

“I’m riding a horse. Give me the command token.” Zhu Xiang had barely stood up when he collapsed again.

The news of Ying Zheng being injured had shocked him so much that his limbs went limp—he couldn’t even stand steadily.

“Fine, fine! We’ll all ride horses—bring the horses!” King Qin Zichu supported the wobbling Zhu Xiang. 

“But in your condition, how can you ride a horse? What if you fall and scare Zheng’er again while he’s still recovering? Take the carriage!”

Lin Zhi gave King Qin Zichu a side-eye. You contradict yourself within one sentence—are we riding or not?

Even the guards were frustrated. “Your Majesty, are we riding or taking the carriage?”

King Qin Zichu replied, “Carriage!”

Lin Zhi added, “We’ll take the carriage for now. If you feel better along the way, we can switch to horseback. Trust in Zheng’er—he wouldn’t really hurt himself on purpose.”

Zhu Xiang shook his head. “Not necessarily.”

Lin Zhi frowned. “Enough hesitation—you’re just wasting time.”

He exchanged a glance with King Qin Zichu, and the two of them hoisted Zhu Xiang into the carriage and rushed back to the palace.

Inside the carriage, King Qin Zichu asked, “Should we really write to Xue Ji and ask her to come back and beat Zheng’er?”

Lin Zhi rolled his eyes. “Write my ass! What if we scare her?”

King Qin Zichu: “…”

This Chancellor actually dares to curse the King of Qin?! Has he gone mad?