HCT – Chapter 25 Wild Hares, Foxes, and Crows

Zhu Xiang was traveling by carriage to the Changping battlefield and happened to pass by the Baili Stone Great Wall, where the Qin army was stationed.

Wang He personally acted as bait and retreated to the Baili Stone Great Wall. After the encirclement was completed and the Qin army formed a unified front, he could finally take turns guarding with others.

It just so happened that it was time for Sima Jin to relieve Wang He. Wang He went to Gukou, while Sima Jin stayed at the Baili Stone Great Wall, awaiting the arrival of Zhao reinforcements so he could “besiege the city and strike the reinforcements.” But the Zhao reinforcements hadn’t arrived; instead, Sima Jin received a messenger sent ahead by Zhu Xiang.

Concerned that he might be welcomed by a rain of arrows from the Qin army before even approaching their position, Zhu Xiang had sent someone ahead to notify the Qin army to let them through.

Originally, he intended to send a servant from Lian Po’s household, but Xiang He’s disciple volunteered, claiming he could speak the Qin dialect and was willing to act as a messenger.

The seven states had different languages. Zhou had “elegant speech,” which served as an official lingua franca. Envoys only needed to learn this to communicate with officials. However, to pass through a Qin military camp, a messenger who spoke the local Qin dialect would be more effective.

Though being a messenger was dangerous, so was everyone else’s journey. Zhu Xiang wasn’t sentimental—he gave the disciple his identification and slipped him some small pieces of gold, silver, and copper to grease the wheels with the Qin soldiers.

Xiang He had wanted to mention that Qin military regulations were strict, and their soldiers likely wouldn’t accept bribes. But after some thought, he signaled the disciple to take the money and handed him the Juzi Command: “Use the excuse of giving money to present this.”

As the Mohist disciple was about to leave, Xu Ming handed him a bronze token. “I’ve crossed paths with Lord Wu’an (Bai Qi) a few times. My disciples may not be as eloquent as you, so I’m giving you this token.”

The disciple immediately bowed deeply, holding the bronze token respectfully in both hands. “I will not fail in this mission.”

The Mohists represented the interests of small craftsmen, while the Agrarians represented the interests of farmers. They had their own political aims, though both knew those aims were unlikely to be realized.

Beyond their loftiest ideals, both schools shared a basic one: helping the most vulnerable—small craftsmen and farmers—survive in a chaotic world.

Qin’s governing philosophy was far from aligned with theirs, yet Qin was the state most likely to unify the realm and end the chaos. It was also the only state among the Seven where commoners had a path to promotion. Thus, both Mohists and Agrarians had allied early with Qin.

Qin had the broadest adoption of ox plowing and iron plows among the seven states—largely thanks to the Agrarians.

Whenever Bai Qi conquered a new region, someone had to restore the war-ravaged cities. Agriculture was key, and the Agrarians would step up, tools in hand. Xu Ming had worked with Bai Qi before entering Zhao.

The two didn’t get along—their ideals and status were vastly different. They had little personal relationship. Still, Bai Qi knew the value of the Agrarians to Qin and might give Xu Ming some face.

The Mohist disciple explained Zhu Xiang’s merits to Sima Jin and handed over the money, the Juzi Command, and the bronze token.

He recognized Sima Jin and knew he was Bai Qi’s lieutenant.

Sima Jin submitted the whole cloth-wrapped package. The Qin king, disguised as one of Bai Qi’s advisors, peeked in and, stroking his beard, exclaimed, “General, this is the Juzi Command and the Agrarian Xu Ming’s token!”

Bai Qi nearly broke character at that loud “General” from the king. Fortunately, his stoic expression—tempered by years under subordinates and lieutenants—held firm.

“The Mohists and Agrarians—how did they end up with Zhu Xiang?” Bai Qi frowned, but soon relaxed.

“They’re both well-informed groups. Zhu Xiang is highly respected among the commoners. It’s reasonable that they would investigate upon hearing news.”

The Qin king, maintaining his advisor disguise, said, “The Mohists and Agrarians must be trying to plead for Zhu Xiang with these tokens. Why not first keep the surrender of the Zhao army under wraps, bring Zhu Xiang here, and hear what Xiang He and Xu Ming have to say privately?”

You’re the king. What you say goes, Bai Qi thought. But he kept a straight face and nodded:  “Sir, your suggestion is sound. Let’s do as you say.”

Sima Jin and Wang He: “……”

Why are you two suddenly acting? What are we supposed to call the king now? ‘Sir’? That’s too weird…

Bai Qi glanced in the direction where surrendered Zhao soldiers were being taken.

Those soldiers were in anguish upon hearing of Zhu Xiang’s arrival. Bai Qi had them removed from the main tent before continuing to question Sima Jin.

Then he silently turned to the king. There’s no outsider here, so why are you suddenly putting on an act?

The Qin king gave him a “what are you looking at” expression.

Bai Qi swallowed what he wanted to say and asked, “Your Majesty, why not summon Zhu Xiang directly as the King of Qin?”

The Qin king chuckled: “I want to see if he’ll be too terrified to speak when facing the infamous Lord Wu’an. Wu’an, don’t give away my identity.”

Bai Qi once again grumbled internally: Compared to Your Majesty’s reputation, mine as Lord Wu’an isn’t much at all.

He suddenly felt exhausted.

He’d often been away on campaigns and had not spent much time around the king. Now, he had newfound respect for Prime Minister Fan. How had Fan managed to get along so well with the king? His courage and wit truly were extraordinary.

“…Understood,” Bai Qi replied helplessly.

Only after the Mohist disciple returned with confirmation that the Qin soldiers would let them pass did Zhu Xiang continue his journey along the foothills of the Taihang Mountains.

The mountain roads were rough, and the carriage wheels were wooden, with virtually no suspension. Even though a road wide enough for carriages had been built by the military, the journey still made Zhu Xiang dizzy from the constant jolting. From time to time, he would dismount and ride a horse for relief.

Zhao King Wuling’s reforms—“wearing Hu attire and shooting from horseback”—not only changed clothing but also established a cavalry force selected from former chariot soldiers.

Although stirrups hadn’t been invented yet, they had reins and saddles. Zhao cavalry had achieved many victories on the battlefield. Other states followed suit, with Qin—who coexisted with the Western Rong—developing cavalry forces the fastest.

After King Wuling of Zhao began training cavalry, civilians who could afford it would also wear Hu-style clothing and ride horses when going out. After Zhu Xiang became a retainer of Lin Xiangru, Lin Xiangru taught him how to ride and shoot.

Zhu Xiang’s archery accuracy was as frustratingly precise as his swordsmanship—every time Xun Kuang, who later took over Zhu Xiang’s education, saw it, he would get irritated. His riding skills were just passable. However, despite the jolting, riding in a carriage saved much more energy than riding on horseback, so Zhu Xiang still spent most of his time bumping along in the carriage.

When he did go out to ride, he took in the scenery along the way.

Since the early Warring States period, the foothills of the Taihang Mountains had been contested by Wei, Han, and Zhao, and warfare had never ceased. Qin had been campaigning in Shangdang for nearly three years now. This area had suffered three consecutive years of war; nearby villages were devastated, overgrown with wild grass.

A passing convoy startled a plump wild rabbit, which darted out from the weeds, shaking the foliage and revealing broken white bones hidden beneath.

A creature—unclear whether a wild fox or a feral dog—emerged from the pile of bones, peering curiously at the convoy. If it weren’t holding a human bone in its mouth, its head-tilting curiosity might have seemed almost comical.

Several crows circled overhead, letting out harsh and unpleasant cries.

While commoners near Handan were worrying about what to cook for their next meal, here in the wild, edible creatures were everywhere.

Zhu Xiang, with sharp eyes, even spotted some undisturbed legume sprouts growing next to a half-collapsed house.

Amid the sprouting legumes lay a skeletal corpse still draped in tattered cloth. The remains had been ravaged by animals, scattered in disarray—only a skeletal hand clutching a broken winnowing basket stood out vividly.

Zhu Xiang looked away, letting his horse follow the caravan slowly as he lifted his head to gaze at the sky.

Dark clouds were gathering—it seemed an autumn rain was coming.

After the rain, mud would cover the corpses, weeds would grow over the graves. Perhaps then, this wilderness would seem less terrifying.

“Master Zhu Xiang, it’s going to rain. Please return to the carriage,” Xu Ming also looked up at the sky and advised, “You’re here to meet General Wu’an. You can’t afford to fall ill.”

“Alright,” Zhu Xiang complied easily.

Less than a quarter of an hour after he returned to the carriage, large raindrops began pounding on its roof. The wind howled like a mixture of roars and sobs, and the rain sounded like clashing weapons.

Zhu Xiang closed his eyes.

He had already stepped onto the battlefield of the Battle of Changping.

When they reached the Great Wall at Bailishi, the Qin army dispatched a detachment to escort the Zhao convoy delivering provisions.

Zhu Xiang had initially worried that the Zhao people might clash with the Qin soldiers. But after circling the supply convoy once, he noticed that the Zhao people showed no anger or hatred toward the Qin soldiers—only numbness.

Likewise, the Qin soldiers showed no hatred, no disdain, no negative emotions toward the Zhao people.

Nor did they show any positive emotions. They simply kept stern faces and did their duty.

Qin and Zhao had just fought a war, and corpses of soldiers from both sides still lay exposed on the battlefield. Yet the Qin soldiers and the Zhao people treated each other like strangers—indifferent strangers, without even anger or sorrow.

Zhu Xiang was puzzled.

He pondered it for a long time, and only when the main tent came into view did he finally understand.

The Qin and Zhao soldiers fought for their monarchs in a land that was neither Qin nor Zhao. Victory brought no joy; defeat kindled no hatred.

No—perhaps the Qin soldiers did feel joy. They were the aggressors, and victory meant military merit and the reward of land.

The Zhao soldiers had been inexplicably drawn into a war between Qin and Han, forced to fight the Qin army to the death, and in the end abandoned by the Zhao king. Zhu Xiang, a commoner, had to bribe the king’s favorite just to be sent on a diplomatic mission. Perhaps numb confusion outweighed hatred in their hearts.

In the feudal era, common soldiers had little sense of honor. They were driven onto the battlefield like beasts, not even knowing what they were fighting for.

Zhu Xiang rode horseback for the final stretch. He straightened his robes and dismounted, then walked step by step toward the main command tent.

The tent’s flap was wide open. A general stood at the entrance waiting.

Xiang He leaned close and whispered to Zhu Xiang, “That’s Sima Jin, Deputy General under Bai Qi.”

Zhu Xiang’s eyes flickered.

How did Xiang He recognize a Qin general?

He buried his suspicion for now, stood in front of the tent, and bowed to Sima Jin. “Commoner Zhu Xiang greets General Sima.”

Sima Jin pointed at himself and laughed naively. “You know who I am? Looks like I’m kind of famous, huh!”

Zhu Xiang: “?”

Zhu Xiang was baffled by Sima Jin’s odd reaction. Why did it seem like this general wasn’t all there?

Still, appearances could be deceiving. As Bai Qi’s deputy, Sima Jin couldn’t possibly be a fool. Zhu Xiang maintained a respectful tone: “This commoner heard your name from the Qin soldiers along the way.”

Sima Jin glanced at the Qin soldiers behind Zhu Xiang.

The Qin soldiers frantically shook their heads.

We didn’t, we never did—General, don’t listen to him! How could we possibly talk to a Zhao person in private?!

Sima Jin then looked at the man beside Zhu Xiang who seemed like a servant.

He saw a familiar face, and his eyelid twitched.

Isn’t that the long-missing Qin Mohist master?! How did he end up with the Zhao? Not only is the juziling (seal of the Mohist master) with Zhu Xiang, but the master himself is too?!

Xiang He noticed Sima Jin’s expression and knew he’d been recognized.

He looked up and shot Sima Jin a quick glance, then lowered his head again, maintaining a respectful posture.

Sima Jin saw the subtle gesture and guessed that Zhu Xiang might still be unaware of Xiang He’s true identity. He said, “The general is waiting inside for you. Only you may enter. Are you afraid?”

He stepped aside to let him pass.

Zhu Xiang answered honestly, “Yes.”

Then he removed the sword from his waist and handed it to Xiang He behind him.

Sima Jin was stunned by the reply. He didn’t come to his senses until Zhu Xiang had walked past him.

He glanced at the group of Zhao envoys—none of whom were dressed like scholars—and muttered to himself, “Is the King of Zhao insulting us?” Then he led the group to a nearby tent to stay, using the excuse of explaining the rules of the Qin military camp to call Xiang He out.

When Xiang He stepped out, Xu Ming followed along.

The two had already identified themselves as belonging to the Mohist and Agriculturalist schools. In this Zhao delegation that lacked any true scholars, the two of them essentially served as Zhu Xiang’s aides. The Zhao people didn’t find it suspicious that both of them were meeting with a Qin general.

Once they were in a secluded spot, Sima Jin clapped Xiang He on the shoulder and said, “How did a Mohist Juzi like you end up in Zhao?”

Xiang He replied with a stern face, “I heard that Lord Zhu Xiang saved countless lives. I went to see for myself.”

Sima Jin looked at him with a strange expression. “And you kept looking for years? Why didn’t you tell us? I would’ve personally led troops to secretly snatch you back!”

Xu Ming couldn’t help himself. “General Sima, is that your opinion, or the King of Qin’s?”

Sima Jin stared at Xu Ming for a long while before digging a name out of his memory. “Xu Ming of the Agriculturalists? You also ran off to Zhao… No, you ran to Zhu Xiang’s house. Is Zhu Xiang really that impressive?”

Xu Ming replied calmly, “Everyone in the Agriculturalist school would lay down their lives to protect Lord Zhu Xiang.”

“Don’t be so tense. Our general isn’t an unreasonable man. As long as Zhu Xiang doesn’t raise a sword against our general, our general won’t harm him,” Sima Jin joked. “Originally, the general wanted to question you both first, then meet Zhu Xiang. But after the Zhao people learned of Zhu Xiang’s arrival, their emotions ran high. The general couldn’t very well leave Zhu Xiang hanging, so he sent me to gather information from you first.”

Xu Ming and Xiang He were both shocked. “The Zhao people know Lord Zhu Xiang is here? How could they have found out… Are they trying to stir up unrest among the Zhao troops?”

Sima Jin smiled. “No, the Zhao people have already surrendered.”

Zhu Xiang entered the main tent. Bai Qi was kneeling, leaning against a seat, with an elderly advisor kneeling beside him.

A seat had already been prepared for Zhu Xiang.

After bowing to Bai Qi, Zhu Xiang calmly knelt and faced him.

Looking directly into the eyes of this famed General Wu’an, Zhu Xiang said, “The Zhao army has already surrendered.”

Bai Qi had been wondering what Zhu Xiang might say to stop him from slaughtering the Zhao troops. When Zhu Xiang spoke, he was stunned and studied the young man carefully.

Seeing Bai Qi remain silent, Zhu Xiang continued, “I heard the Zhao army was surrounded. Given the terrain near Changping and the relative strengths of the Qin and Zhao forces, if the Qin army wanted to encircle the Zhao, it would have to be in the river valley north of the Dan River. But the Qin army’s main camp is now under the Bai Li Stone Great Wall, which means the Zhao army has already surrendered. Going south from here leads straight to the Zhao army’s surrendered camp.”

Bai Qi sat upright, scrutinizing Zhu Xiang.

He had deliberately relocated the main camp in a rush, so Zhu Xiang wouldn’t pass by the Zhao encampment and discover they had already surrendered. If Zhu Xiang knew, it would put him at a disadvantage in the negotiations, making it harder for the King to truly evaluate his abilities.

“You know military matters?” Bai Qi asked.

Zhu Xiang shook his head. “I can only talk strategy based on maps. That doesn’t count as real knowledge, and I certainly can’t command troops.”

Bai Qi said, “You deduced the battle’s outcome from the terrain at a glance—already better than Zhao Kuo.”

Zhu Xiang shook his head again. “Zhao Kuo probably commands troops better than I ever could. Those who are merciful shouldn’t command. Even if I knew how to win, I might not have the steely will to order soldiers to die.”

Bai Qi’s expression remained the same, but the King of Qin twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth.

Did Zhu Xiang just insult Bai Qi for being ruthless, willing to use Wang He as bait to win?

But even if Zhu Xiang deduced the Zhao army’s surrender, how could he know the battlefield details?

Bai Qi asked, “Can you guess how I lured the Zhao army into the valley?”

Zhu Xiang thought for a moment. “Though Zhao Kuo had no real command experience, he knew military theory. He’d know a valley is prone to ambush. If he acted, it must have been for bait he couldn’t ignore. Perhaps General Wu’an had the original Qin commander, Wang He, lead at least 30–40% of the troops and create a massive commotion with branches or drums. That would make Zhao Kuo believe the Qin main force had entered the valley under Wang He’s command.”

The King of Qin clenched a bit of his robe fabric resting on his knee.

He silently questioned Zichu: This is the guy you said only knows how to farm?!

Oh right, his grandson didn’t say Zhu Xiang only knew farming—he said that while Zhu Xiang was good at many things, he always got tripped up by the jealousy of others and court intrigue.

Bai Qi remained silent for a while, then asked, “If you saw the Qin commander abandon camp, wouldn’t you pursue?”

Zhu Xiang replied with faint sarcasm, “General Wu’an might not have been on the battlefield, but he wasn’t dead. Even without intelligence confirming his presence, if the Qin commander personally entered a death trap, I’d definitely wonder—who else but General Wu’an could make him act as bait?”

Bai Qi said, “It could have been a desperate maneuver—Qin unable to break the Zhao line and trying a risky flanking move to attack from the rear.”

Now it was Zhu Xiang’s turn to fall silent.

Through gritted teeth, he asked, “So I was right? General Wang led troops into the valley, and Zhao Kuo thought the Qin were idiots serving themselves on a platter, so he ordered a full pursuit?”

Bai Qi replied unhurriedly, “I ordered the Qin to fight, feign defeat, and retreat. The Zhao advanced triumphantly.”

Zhu Xiang took several deep breaths, trying to suppress his anger and sorrow. “Utter foolishness!”

Zhao Kuo had sounded so knowledgeable in military theory—how could he make such a rookie mistake on the field? This was a far cry from his theoretical prowess! How could he believe that a veteran Qin general like Wang He would be so stupid as to walk into a death trap?

Bai Qi agreed, “Indeed, utter foolishness. But the fact that he committed his entire army caused me some trouble.”

Zhu Xiang gave him a strange look. “Surrounded but couldn’t finish them off—waiting for reinforcements?”

Bai Qi sighed, “You do know military matters. Commanding can be learned. You should give it a try.”

Zhu Xiang: “…” Did General Wu’an just praise me? Should I put my hands on my hips in pride?

Zhu Xiang set aside his inner quips and asked, “According to my deductions, the Zhao army should still have been able to hold out. Zhao Kuo wouldn’t surrender. And if he did, his entire clan left in Handan would be executed. Why would the Zhao army surrender?”

Bai Qi said, “Why don’t you guess again?”

Zhu Xiang: “?”

If not for Bai Qi’s serious expression, Zhu Xiang would have thought he was being messed with!

Zhu Xiang said, “I can’t guess.”

Bai Qi nodded. “So there is something you can’t guess. You’ve come to exchange prisoners of war—what explanation have you prepared?”

Zhu Xiang took out a stack of folded papers from his robe, knelt, and moved forward two steps, presenting them with both hands. “Everything I want to say is written here.”

Bai Qi took the papers without fear of being attacked, calmly unfolding them as he asked, “What is this ‘paper’?”

Zhu Xiang replied, “It’s made from plants, something that can be used for writing. Lord Wu’an will understand when you see it.”

As Bai Qi looked at the neat handwriting, he said, “I see. Paper is easier to write on and store than bamboo or wooden slips.”

The King of Qin clenched and unclenched his hand, wrinkling the hem of his robe under the table.

Paper? Why hasn’t Zichu mentioned this to me?!

After reading the contents, Bai Qi handed the paper to the King of Qin, who was nearly unable to sit still. “Sir, you’re a man of letters. You’ll understand this better than I do.”

The King quickly took the paper, feeling it over and over, front and back, then looked up and asked, “Is this paper difficult to make?”

Zhu Xiang said, “Not especially. I’ve already passed the papermaking technique to the Mohist scholar Xiang He. Sir may inquire with him.”

The King of Qin, excited, said, “Do you know how important this papermaking technique is?! And you just gave it to the Qin State like that?!”

Zhu Xiang nodded. “Papermaking was one of the conditions I offered in exchange for Qin not slaughtering the surrendered soldiers from Zhao. Think of it as a deposit.”

The King of Qin gave a dry cough and tried to appear composed. “The Zhao soldiers have surrendered. How could Qin possibly execute them?”

Zhu Xiang said, “The Qin army itself is on the verge of running out of food. And due to years of war, the Qin State has fallen behind in agriculture. If you don’t kill the Zhao soldiers, will you make them slaves and send them to Qin, letting Qin citizens starve to support them? Or will you send them back to Zhao, so they can be regrouped into an army once more?”

The King of Qin was speechless. “Zhu Xiang, are you here to plead for the surrendered Zhao soldiers or to persuade me to kill them?”

Zhu Xiang sighed deeply. “I’m simply stating the challenges Qin is facing—real, pressing issues. So I don’t delude myself into thinking Qin will spare the surrendered soldiers. To Lord Wu’an, Qin and its people come first. Reputation is secondary.”

The King of Qin glanced at Bai Qi. “That’s true. Lord Wu’an does prioritize Qin above all else. So—he does intend to kill the surrendered soldiers. And you think you can persuade him with just this one piece of paper?”

Lord Wu’an Bai Qi: “?”

Didn’t we just agree not to kill them? Fine, you’re the king—you say I want to kill them, then I want to kill them.

Bai Qi nodded, taking the blame without complaint.

Zhu Xiang said, “Please read what’s written on the paper.”

He was curious—who was this man, that Bai Qi treated him with such respect and even called him sir? Could he be a military supervisor for the Qin army?

Only then did the King of Qin realize he hadn’t even read what Zhu Xiang had written. He quickly looked down at the paper.

The content was similar to what Zhu Xiang had discussed with Lin Xiangru, Lian Po, and Xun Kuang before setting off.

The Zhao soldiers had voluntarily beheaded Zhao Kuo and surrendered—if the King of Qin still executed them, he’d lose all moral standing. What Zhu Xiang had written gave the King a graceful way out, a broad staircase down from a precarious position.

The King’s expression softened. “Can you really grow enough food within three months to feed both the Qin and Zhao armies? Are you referring to that potato?”

Zhu Xiang wasn’t surprised that the Qin already knew about the potato. “Yes.”

The King of Qin marveled, “If we planted potatoes everywhere, wouldn’t that end hunger across the world?”

Zhu Xiang shook his head. “Potatoes heavily deplete the soil and tend to degrade over generations. With current farming methods, they can’t be grown continuously. They’re only suitable for emergency relief.”

He then explained the pros and cons of potatoes in detail, and described how to cultivate them properly.

The King and Bai Qi both listened intently.

Outside the tent, even the Qin guards couldn’t help but back away slightly and perk up their ears.

After Zhu Xiang finished his explanation, Bai Qi stood and personally poured him a cup of water. “Zhu Xiang, your reputation is well deserved.”

Zhu Xiang took a sip to moisten his throat—the water was even warm.

“The only real skill I have is farming,” Zhu Xiang said. “Besides potatoes, I’ve also brought some high-quality wheat seeds and my personal farming insights, all as gifts for Qin.”

Even someone as cold as Bai Qi couldn’t help the flicker of exasperation in his eyes.

Prince Zichu had once said: Zhu Xiang has the talent of a prime minister, but not the cunning of one. He had truly understood Zhu Xiang.

What kind of envoy reveals all his side’s cards, and so openly at that?

Zhu Xiang was even more naive than Bai Qi had imagined. Then, Zhu Xiang pulled out a scroll of animal hide. “This is the territory the King of Zhao promised to give to Qin. But Lord Wu’an, don’t get your hopes up—the King of Zhao probably just said it casually. He’ll definitely go back on his word.”

Bai Qi looked at the King of Qin.

The King of Qin looked at Bai Qi.

Both their faces showed a mix of speechlessness, helplessness… and a hint of affection. Neither knew what to say.

This foolish boy—what is he doing as an envoy? He’d probably get scammed just buying groceries.

Seeing their expressions, Zhu Xiang realized they were calling him a fool in their minds.

Zhu Xiang asked solemnly, “Lord Wu’an, do you think I’m foolish for revealing everything?”

Bai Qi and the King of Qin: “…” Aren’t you?

Zhu Xiang said, “These are merely gestures of goodwill—the deposit to ask that Qin spare the surrendered Zhao soldiers. Without these tokens, how could I, a commoner, gain Lord Wu’an’s trust?”

Bai Qi asked, “Just a deposit?”

Zhu Xiang nodded. “The most important part is yet to come.”

He observed the exchange of glances between Bai Qi and the elder man, and suddenly realized something—something that brought him great joy.

He turned, knelt down, and bowed. “Zhu Xiang, a commoner, pays respects to the King of Qin.”

Qin King: “……?!”

Bai Qi: “……He is not Your Majesty.”

The King of Qin gave Bai Qi an indescribable look. He had realized—Bai Qi truly couldn’t lie.

The Qin King straightened his robe and said, “Rise. How did you guess my identity?”

Zhu Xiang breathed a sigh of relief. He had bet correctly.

He straightened his posture and said, “There are no generals left in Qin who could support Lord Wu’an, nor should there be any surplus veteran soldiers. Only the King of Qin would have the prestige to quickly lead new recruits to reinforce Lord Wu’an. So I guessed that the King of Qin had personally come to the battlefield. Also, seeing how Lord Wu’an interacts with you—it would take someone of immense respect to earn that from him. Other than the King of Qin, only Prime Minister Fan could qualify.”

Qin King: laughing “Then why not Prime Minister Fan?”

Zhu Xiang: “Prime Minister Fan holds dissatisfaction toward Lord Wu’an and would not be so cordial with him.”

Bai Qi frowned slightly.

The Qin King showed a hint of surprise. “You say Fan has grievances with Bai Qi? How could that be? Are you trying to sow discord?”

Seeing the expressions on their faces, Zhu Xiang’s confidence grew.

Zhu Xiang: “I’m not sowing discord.”

But instead of continuing about Fan and Bai Qi, he turned the topic.

Zhu Xiang: “King of Qin, do you dream of unifying the world, to have all lands under the moon bask in the light of Qin?”

Qin King: serious “Of course!”

Zhu Xiang: “The King of Qin desires to conquer all lands—do you also desire that all the common folk become people of Qin?”

Qin King: looking intently “What difference is there?”

Zhu Xiang: “There’s a great difference! If all people of the realm are to become subjects of Qin, then the King of Qin must consider how to make them aspire to Qin, to peacefully accept becoming Qin’s people, not stirred into rebellion by the old nobility of the Six States. Is the King prepared for this? No. Neither the King nor the state of Qin is prepared.”

“Unifying the world isn’t just about capturing cities—it’s about unifying hearts and minds. Right now, Qin’s high officials include more foreign retainers than people from east of Hangu Pass. Has the King considered this? They may help Qin win battles, but will they truly allow Qin to destroy their native states?!”

Qin King: angrily “Are you saying Master Fan isn’t sincerely aiding me?!”

Zhu Xiang: shaking head “Prime Minister Fan is indeed sincere. He has endured betrayal and values the King deeply. But this isn’t just about power—he wishes to always remain the most important person in the King’s heart. Lord Wu’an has achieved immense military merit. Though he and Prime Minister Fan serve inside and outside the court, they should have no conflict. Yet might not the Six States send someone to slander Lord Wu’an to Fan? Telling him: ‘This Qin-born Bai Qi has earned such merit—his place in the King’s heart will soon surpass yours, a man from Wei’?”

Bai Qi: “……” (He felt that this supposed ‘sowing of discord’ was… oddly persuasive.)

The Qin King wasn’t suspicious. He frowned and pondered. “You think Master Fan would worry about this?”

Zhu Xiang: “Prime Minister Fan’s past hardships are known best to the King. So surely the King understands just how much weight he carries in Fan’s heart—as a mentor, a benefactor.”

Qin King: sighing “That’s true.”

Bai Qi: “……” (Wait, Your Majesty, you’re seriously convinced by that?!)

Though Zhu Xiang was surprised by how easy the King was to persuade—so different from the domineering image Lord Lin had described—he continued:

Zhu Xiang: “I use Fan as an example only to show that Qin is not yet ready to unify the Six States. The preparation needed isn’t military—it’s about people’s hearts, especially those within Qin’s court. Though they stand on Qin’s soil, they have not truly become Qin’s people. They don’t place Qin’s interests first.”

Zhu Xiang: “I imagine Lord Wu’an wishes to take advantage of the great victory at Changping, to march straight on Handan, and recreate the feat of forcing Chu to move its capital?”

Bai Qi: acknowledging “That’s right.”

Zhu Xiang: “Now, with Zhao in chaos, it’s indeed an excellent time for Qin to attack Handan. Miss this opportunity, and Zhao will recover, stir patriotic hatred among its troops, and raise morale. It will also have time to ask the other Five States for aid.”

He turned to the Qin King.

Zhu Xiang: “If not for Prime Minister Fan’s scheme to stall Zhao’s envoy and mislead the Five States into thinking peace talks have begun—if the Five States take this chance to intervene, can Qin still win?”

Qin King: stroking his beard “Your contributions are indeed significant.”

Zhu Xiang: “So if Qin gives Zhao the chance to seek help, can we still take Handan? The Five States may not all be wise—but not all are fools.”

Qin King: suspicious “Aren’t you from Zhao? Why are you urging me to attack Handan?”

Zhu Xiang: shaking head “I’m not urging you to attack Handan. I only mean to say: it’s a golden opportunity—but not only can Qin not take it, Lord Wu’an may even face a fatal outcome.”

Zhu Xiang: coldly “Lord Wu’an already used 70,000 elite troops to force Chu to move its capital. Now he wishes to destroy Zhao? All those foreign retainers live off the wars between the Seven States. Does Lord Wu’an intend to cut off their path to glory?”

Bai Qi: frowning “They’d oppose Qin’s campaign just for that? And seek my death? Surely the King wouldn’t believe them.”

Zhu Xiang: “Let’s wager. Send word now back to Xianyang that Lord Wu’an plans to attack Handan—see how many rush to dissuade the King. I daresay even Prime Minister Fan will object. Not because he cares for Zhao—but because he’s concerned Lord Wu’an may surpass him in Your Majesty’s favor.”

Bai Qi: “What good is your wager?”

Zhu Xiang: “If they oppose it with all they have, even if Lord Wu’an wants to attack Handan, he will be stopped. Right now, Qin’s army is weary, supplies are low—attacking Handan would be like walking a tightrope on a cliff’s edge. One misstep, and all will fall. Without support from Qin’s nobility, can Lord Wu’an really take Handan?”

Bai Qi frowned.

Zhu Xiang bowed again to the Qin King.

Zhu Xiang: “Surely the King knows the court’s politics better than Lord Wu’an. Am I right? The army has marched far to reach Handan—if logistics falter even slightly, Lord Wu’an may fail to end the battle quickly, giving the other Five States the chance to intervene.”

The Qin King didn’t answer that question. Instead, he asked:

Qin King: “And what does all this have to do with you ransoming the surrendered Zhao soldiers?”

Zhu Xiang: smiling “It’s related. Qin cannot take Handan now. But give a few years for recuperation—even if you kill the surrendered Zhao soldiers, Zhao could still survive with the other Five States’ help. But I have a plan that ensures, once the King returns to Xianyang, reconciles with Prime Minister Fan, and reorganizes the court—you can easily defeat Zhao, more easily than at Changping.”

Zhu Xiang pointed at his own neck.

Zhu Xiang: “I already have some reputation among the people of Zhao. The payment I made proves my name and talents aren’t empty. If I can return the surrendered soldiers, abandoned even by their own king—my fame in Zhao will be unmatched.”

“If, after my return, the King of Zhao kills me—will the people still fight for him?”

“Once, Qin was among the overlords of the Spring and Autumn era. Why did it then weaken for so many years?”

Zhu Xiang recited solemnly:

“O Heaven above, why destroy my good men! If ransom is possible, may I give my life a hundredfold!”

The Qin King and Bai Qi’s previously calm expressions were finally broken.