HCT – Chapter 255 The Qin King Runs Around the Pillar

History seemed to have a kind of inertia—as if nothing could change its course. The envoy sent by Yan this time was still Jing Ke, only his deputy had changed to Tian Guang.

Jing Ke had once tried to persuade Wei Yuanjun of the State of Wei, hoping to serve as an official there. Wei Yuanjun was a puppet ruler installed by the King of Wei after killing the rightful ruler Wei Huaijun. In Zhu Xiang’s previous life, in 241 BCE, Qin regained control of Wei, abolished Wei Yuanjun, and Jing Ke fled to Yan.

In this timeline, King Zichu of Qin had been busy with famine relief and had not launched a campaign against Wei. But once King Zheng took the throne, he swiftly destroyed Wei. As for the State of Wei (卫), General Lian Po conveniently wiped it out as well—thus Jing Ke still fled to Yan.

This time, Wei was not retained as a vassal state. Like Wei (魏), it became a Qin commandery.

During his travels, Jing Ke had roamed the various states, visiting famous scholars. Especially to build a reputation for martial prowess, he made a point to “exchange techniques” with legendary sword masters.

He discussed swordsmanship with Gai Nie—only to be scared away by a single glance.

He played a board game with Lu Goujian—only to be yelled at until he fled.

Examined closely, these stories were embarrassing and didn’t match the “master swordsman” persona he wanted. But in an era with poor transportation and slow information flow, all Jing Ke had to say was that he had conversed with these figures, and foreigners would never know the details.

Thus, Jing Ke’s fame as a “renowned scholar-warrior” rose quickly in Yan.

But this level of reputation polishing was too shallow—every aspiring official and wandering scholar in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods did the same. Originally, Jing Ke should have remained obscure for another ten years, until 227 BCE, when he would finally gain the Crown Prince of Yan’s attention and be sent to assassinate the King of Qin.

But now that Yan faced its crisis of annihilation earlier, Jing Ke was recommended ahead of schedule by Tian Guang.

Tian Guang was indeed a true warrior unafraid of death. In Zhu Xiang’s previous timeline, he committed suicide because old age prevented him from accompanying Jing Ke. But now that events were shifted earlier by more than a decade, although past his prime, he still personally accompanied Jing Ke to Qin to kill the king.

Before departure, Jing Ke continued to stall for time, accepting the prince’s gifts but refusing to act. Crown Prince Dan, as before, chopped off a concubine’s hand and threw it to Jing Ke—Jing Ke fell silent for a long time before sighing, “The prince treats Ke with utmost favor.”

That must have been genuine emotion—not fear.

Even so, Jing Ke still wanted to delay. But without a severed Qin general’s head to motivate him, and with Gao Jianli impulsively insisting on going with him, plus the King of Yan personally urging them on, Jing Ke finally recited, “The wind is bleak, the Yi River cold; once the warrior goes, he shall not return.”

Only this time, he was accompanied not just by Gao Jianli, but also by Tian Guang.

King Zheng of Qin didn’t recognize Tian Guang, but he had seen Gao Jianli in the dreams of the Great Ying Zheng.

Back then, the young Ying Zheng had been shocked by the Great Ying Zheng’s “artistic performance.”

He clearly knew the man hated him, yet because Great Ying Zheng liked the sound of the zhu instrument, he had Gao Jianli blinded and forced him to play. Gao Jianli then struck at him with a lead-filled zhu—fortunately missing.

Wasn’t this behavior deliberately escalating hatred?

Little Zheng scolded him endlessly in that dream memory.

After seeing this memory, Ying Zheng became curious. What does zhu music sound like? Is it really that good?

He immediately asked his uncle to let him hear one. Zhu Xiang gave him a very indescribable look but took him to hear a local master play.

The boy’s verdict? “Nothing special. Not as lively as when Uncle, Father, my two uncles, and Teacher play together.”

Now that he was grown, he understood that Gao Jianli’s artistry must have surpassed his elders’, but his musical tastes had already been permanently distorted by his uncle.

This time, the King of Yan offered only territory, not a head. King Zheng still treated them courteously—but did not grant the Nine Guest Rituals.

The Nine Guest Rituals were the most lavish form of diplomatic etiquette. In truth, even in the dream, Yan’s offer of a head and a city didn’t qualify them for that honor.

Yet the King of Qin happily bestowed it.

Why? Simply because Crown Prince Dan was, in his mind, the only “friend” he ever had in childhood.

During the thirteen years he spent in Zhao as a hostage, Zheng endured disdain and bullying. Those beneath him feared him; those of equal rank despised him. Only the fellow hostage Prince Dan had treated him kindly.

When Prince Dan later came to Qin as a hostage, Zheng deliberately acted indifferent.

One was now the King of Qin, the other merely Yan’s hostage prince. Qin Zheng had already begun planning the conquest of the six states; their childhood friendship ended the moment they left Zhao. Both of them knew it.

But when Dan fled back to Yan, the King of Qin closed his eyes and let it happen. Otherwise, with the authority he held then, such an escape would have never been possible.

When Yan eventually offered a city and a head, though persuaded by others, King Zheng had already leaned toward leniency.

Thus came the Nine Guest Rituals.

The result: he learned of Prince Dan’s hatred—just as Prince Dan learned in Qin that Zheng was no longer the boy he once knew.

Ying Zheng made no judgment of their friendship.

Perhaps there had been no true friendship to begin with.

All he cared about was this—being chased in public by Jing Ke around a pillar had been humiliating.

This time, he would redeem himself.

King Zheng deliberately removed his sword from his waist and placed it at hand—ready to unsheathe it instantly.

He sat upon his high throne, eyes sharp, watching the younger, more vigorous Jing Ke approach, carrying the map.

Behind Jing Ke, Tian Guang and Gao Jianli were composed—completely unlike Qin Wuyang, who had wet himself from fear.

Had he not already known the truth from dreams and from intelligence gathered by Uncle Lin and Uncle Cai, no one would believe these calm men planned to assassinate the King of Qin in open court.

A king and a crown prince sending envoys to kill another king in public—it was absurd. No sane person would guess it.

Jing Ke’s fame might have been exaggerated, but his courage—to stand here, draw a dagger from a map, strike at the king, and chase him around pillars—was indeed enough to etch his name in history.

King Zheng admired his bravery.

While he was lost in thought, Jing Ke had already ascended the steps with the tray containing the map. Tian Guang and Gao Jianli followed, stopping one step behind him.

Many thoughts filled King Zheng’s mind, but none of it showed on his cold face.

He swept a frosty gaze over Tian Guang and Gao Jianli.

Jing Ke’s weapon was hidden in the map. Tian Guang and Gao Jianli certainly would not come empty-handed—what were their weapons?

Cai Ze exchanged a glance with Lin Zhi.

Both slipped their hands into their sleeves—ready to throw hidden hammers at any moment.

Xia Wuqi nervously gripped his medicine pouch full of stones.

He had no idea why the King had told him to disguise himself as a palace attendant and come into court with several heavy stone-filled pouches that were about to fall out.

But his instincts told him nothing good would come of it.

Jing Ke spoke flattering words as he leaned forward, slowly unrolling the map with an obsequious smile.

At that moment, a flash of cold light burst from the center of the map. Jing Ke grabbed at the king’s sleeve with one hand and pulled out the dagger with the other.

King Zheng’s eyes lit up. He shot out a long leg in a vicious kick.

Though Jing Ke’s swordsmanship was questionable, he was indeed a warrior with real combat experience. As soon as the King moved, he sensed the danger and rolled aside, dodging the flying kick.

With a sharp shua, King Zheng drew the long sword at his side and thrust toward Jing Ke.

Jing Ke blocked with his short dagger. A clear clang rang out, his wrist numbed by the impact.

King Zheng sneered, “At fifteen, We marched to war—leading the vanguard, driving the Chu army from the Jiang to the Huai. And you, petty thief—you dare try to kill Us?”

Lin Zhi sighed and covered his face.

Cai Ze’s eyes also showed helplessness.

Zheng’er, Zheng’er—just keep striking! Why are you talking nonsense now? You’re giving Jing Ke a chance to escape!

Sure enough, as the two elders expected, while King Zheng boasted, Jing Ke widened the distance, dodging around the palace pillars.

Gao Jianli and Tian Guang immediately stepped in to assist.

Gao Jianli pulled out a slender iron rod from his back—that explained his overly straight posture.

Tian Guang flicked a handful of iron sand from his sleeve to disrupt the King’s movements.

Lin Zhi and Cai Ze stepped forward to help, but a single look from King Zheng silently stopped them.

They sighed again and stepped back.

“Good! All of you together!” King Zheng swung his sword in a flurry so dense it let in no gaps—holding off three attackers without losing ground.

Even Cai Ze’s mouth twitched. Lin Zhi’s did too.

“Minister Lin, this is…?” a Qin noble, shoved forward by his fellows, asked with trembling voice.

Judging by Lin Zhi and Cai Ze’s expressions, clearly the two were aware of what was happening.

Lin Zhi sighed, “His Majesty has suppressed his nature too much since becoming king. Let him vent a little. Don’t mind it.”

The eavesdropping nobles: “??!”

Cai Ze added, “His Majesty suspects Yan’s intention to surrender its city is not sincere, but he had no proof—so he drew the tiger out of its den.”

The ministers who had been secretly eavesdropping: “…” Sure enough, Chancellor Cai was still the reliable one. Listen to Chancellor Lin—what nonsense are you spouting?!

A clansman-official asked curiously, “If we’re luring the tiger out of the mountain, shouldn’t the guards come out and capture them?”

He didn’t believe that these two cunning fellows would fail to station heavy troops in the palace after learning someone intended harm against the King of Qin.

Cai Ze said, “There are already ambushes inside the palace, but His Majesty said he wants to handle it personally.”

He paused, then added, “After becoming King of Qin, His Majesty seems to have been repressing himself too much. Let him vent a bit.”

The ministers listening in: “…” Why are you talking just like Chancellor Lin? Chancellor Cai, have you been corrupted by Chancellor Lin?!

“Are we really not going to help?” The ministers were torn.

Without an imperial summons they had no right to step forward. Besides, they had no weapons—if they rushed in they might just add to the chaos.

But watching the King of Qin alone swinging his long sword in a fierce battle against three assassins… something just felt wrong.

Lin Zhi said, “If His Majesty wanted assistance, he would order it himself.”

He pulled a small hammer from his sleeve and weighed it in his hand. “Judging from now, His Majesty can handle this on his own.”

Cai Ze also took out a small hammer from his sleeve. While preparing to throw it at any time, he praised, “As expected of the student trained by Lord Lian and Li Mu—His Majesty must be a fierce general on the battlefield.”

Seeing both Chancellors Lin and Cai so relaxed, the ministers also clasped their hands behind their backs and quietly watched the spectacle unfolding near the throne.

A Confucian-born minister muttered, “Thankfully Master Xunzi is old and no longer attends court. If he saw this, he would be furious beyond belief. What a complete breach of decorum.”

Lin Zhi and Cai Ze wholeheartedly agreed.

This was precisely why they had deliberately assigned Xunzi other matters to handle, sending him away from Xianyang temporarily.

Ever since Zheng’er became King of Qin, he had always maintained a calm and composed demeanor, never displaying joy or anger. While they were proud of him, they also worried he was suppressing himself too hard and living too rigidly.

Now that the Qin court had the two of them supporting Zheng’er, he could actually live more comfortably.

But Zheng’er had always held himself to high standards since childhood. They could only think about it—ultimately they still had to respect his own wishes.

Seeing Zheng’er swinging his sword and jumping around happily, Lin Zhi and Cai Ze—though knowing this was improper, and that not only Zheng’er but they themselves would definitely get scolded (or beaten) by Xunzi and Zhu Xiang—still couldn’t help showing indulgent, kindly smiles.

Zheng’er was truly vibrant. Being lively was good.

The King of Qin, Zheng, had at this moment completely regressed into his younger self, Ying Zheng, as though returning to those bright, high-spirited days in Wu County.

Despite wearing armor, Ying Zheng’s stamina was excellent. Very quickly, he caught up with the weakest one, Gao Jianli, and stabbed his leg with a single strike.

Gao Jianli fell to the ground, eliminated from the chase.

After that, Ying Zheng faced two opponents alone, engaging in fierce combat with Tian Guang and Jing Ke.

A longer weapon had its advantage, and Ying Zheng was armored; Tian Guang and Jing Ke could not compete and could only run around the pillars to evade him.

Ying Zheng chased them around the pillar, brandishing his sword and shouting continuously, “Don’t run!”

The hidden guards peeked out.

What was going on? Why hadn’t the king summoned them yet?

Tian Guang and Jing Ke were in utter misery.

What was this?! Did the King of Qin detect them beforehand?

But if he had, why didn’t he simply summon the guards to arrest them?

Now the King of Qin was personally chasing them alone, giving them an illusion of a possible escape, forcing them to keep running around the pillar.

If the guards had appeared, they would have surrendered cleanly instead of suffering this torture.

Seeing that the King of Qin clearly had the upper hand—only unable to catch the assassins because his armor slowed him—the Qin officials finally relaxed. Nervous yet delighted, they continued watching.

What a pity there was no tea or five-spice pumpkin seeds. Ah—Lord Zhu Xiang’s newly cultivated fragrant melons would be perfect too… too bad it was winter.

Just as Ying Zheng was gleefully playing this “chase with assassins,” someone entered the palace gates against the light.

Someone noticed. “Who… ah? Lord Zhu Xiang?”

Lin Zhi and Cai Ze both jolted, snapping their heads back.

At some point, Zhu Xiang had appeared at the palace entrance, entering with a broad sword in hand.

Because the light was behind him, they couldn’t see his expression—but not seeing it was enough. They fully understood it must be terrifying.

No one said a word. The officials watching quickly and instinctively parted down the center, like the sea opening under a mighty force.

Zhu Xiang strode past them with his sword, up the steps.

Ying Zheng, happily playing, froze mid-smile. “Uncle?! Why are you here?!”

Zhu Xiang didn’t answer. He bent his body slightly, pushed off powerfully, and sprinted, cutting off Tian Guang and Jing Ke’s escape route. His broad sword swept horizontally.

Jing Ke, agile, immediately stopped and retreated. Tian Guang, older and exhausted, couldn’t dodge in time—he took the blow squarely to the chest.

Zhu Xiang, a strong farmer, had formidable strength. Tian Guang’s chest instantly caved in; he let out a muffled groan and collapsed.

Ying Zheng seized the opportunity, caught up with Jing Ke, and stabbed him in the back.

Then he pulled his sword free, stepped forward, and thrust down into the throat of the struggling Tian Guang. Blood spurted.

At the same moment, Zhu Xiang stepped forward as well. As he and Ying Zheng crossed paths, he brought his broad sword down heavily on Jing Ke’s head as the assassin attempted to throw a dagger at Ying Zheng. Blood splattered.

Two screams rang out almost simultaneously. Uncle and nephew stood back-to-back, swords pointed diagonally downward, blood dripping.

“Guards, take them to the dungeon—don’t let them die,” Ying Zheng commanded coldly.

Only then did the guards finally receive the king’s orders and rush in to clean up.

Expressionless, Zhu Xiang looked up. “There were guards prepared in the hall. You knew an assassination would happen?”

Ying Zheng tried to keep a stern face. “Everything was under my control. Uncle, you need not worry.”

Zhu Xiang said, “You knew you would be attacked, yet not only did you risk yourself, you fought three assassins alone and refused to let the guards approach?”

Ying Zheng strained to keep his expression tight. “This… Uncle, I can explain.”

He looked toward Lin Zhi and Cai Ze.

Save me, Uncle Lin, Chancellor Cai—help!

Lin Zhi mouthed frantically, “Go find the Queen Dowager!”

Cai Ze began clearing the officials blocking the evacuation path, signaling them to leave.

The officials were all clever, and most had heard of—or personally witnessed—Zhu Xiang chasing Qin Prince Chu around with a sword. They immediately guessed what was coming next.

Although they desperately wanted to keep watching, they also knew the King of Qin was thin-skinned. They were not elders who had raised him since childhood—if they laughed at him now, the petty king would definitely get back at them later. So they all took their leave quickly under Cai Ze’s direction.

Leave now. If we stay, we’re going to witness Lord Zhu Xiang disciplining the king!

Though they really wanted to stay.

Zhu Xiang remained silent, waiting until all officials and guards left the hall.

Ying Zheng stood stiff beside Zhu Xiang, not daring to move or even breathe loudly.

Once everyone had left, Zhu Xiang dropped the sweat-soaked hilt of his broad sword and unfastened the scabbard at his waist.

Lin Zhi rushed up and grabbed his sleeve. “Zhu Xiang, let’s— ow! Zheng’er, run! Go find the Queen Dowager!”

Zhu Xiang swung the scabbard backward with full force, striking Lin Zhi. Lin Zhi blocked with his arm, gritting his teeth in pain.

Lin Zhi paled. Zhu Xiang actually used that much force—he was truly furious!

Taking advantage of the moment Lin Zhi grabbed Zhu Xiang, Ying Zheng threw his sword aside, lifted his robes, and bolted.

He didn’t even dare shout “Uncle, calm down!” fearing the act of shouting would slow him down.

Zhu Xiang kicked Lin Zhi aside and charged after Ying Zheng.

Thus the uncle and nephew dashed out of the palace one after the other, running toward the Queen Dowager.

The departing officials saw this from afar.

“Ah… Lord Zhu Xiang must be absolutely furious.”

“Why is Lord Zhu Xiang here? Wasn’t he inspecting the Yellow River?”

“What kind of person is Lord Zhu Xiang? He can calculate anything! Maybe he foresaw danger for the king and rushed back.”

“Look at his clothes—he must have just dismounted and come rushing… huh? Is that horse outside the palace gate his?”

Meng Yi, holding the horse, felt incredibly awkward under their stares.

Even if the officials asked him, he had no idea what was happening.

The moment Lord Zhu Xiang read the king’s letter, he accidentally burned the tent, then dashed straight toward Xianyang.

After arriving, he planned to slow down, but upon hearing the Yan envoys had arrived, he immediately mounted again, held up the king’s token, galloped through the city, and even rode directly into the palace.

Meng Yi, though allowed to ride in the city, didn’t dare ride in the palace, so he dismounted and chased after Zhu Xiang on foot.

Then he watched Zhu Xiang ride straight to the palace hall, terrifying the guards there.

After dismounting, Zhu Xiang stormed into the hall with a drawn sword without an imperial summons.

Meng Yi broke into cold sweat.

Although Zhu Xiang did indeed have the privilege of carrying a sword into court, entering the hall with a drawn blade during the Yan envoys’ ceremony… wasn’t that a bit too much?

Of course, Meng Yi didn’t believe Zhu Xiang was in the wrong.

How could Lord Zhu Xiang ever be wrong? He must have sensed something and had no choice.

“What exactly happened?” Meng Yi asked, extremely curious.

Cai Ze said, “Don’t ask.”

Meng Yi shut up immediately. Clearly this matter was huge.

Cai Ze left the remaining officials behind and gathered his robes to chase after Zhu Xiang and Ying Zheng.

Lin Zhi, who had been knocked down by Zhu Xiang, had long since gotten up and was running behind them.

Ying Zheng had already consumed a lot of stamina, and with the heavy armor slowing him down, the distance between him and Zhu Xiang shrank miserably fast.

Lin Zhi panted heavily as he shouted, “Your Majesty! Take off your robe! Remove your armor!”

Cai Ze also realized Ying Zheng was about to collapse. Since they had already entered the inner palace where no outsiders were watching, he too shouted, “Your Majesty! Take off your robe, remove your armor!”

Ying Zheng snapped back to awareness, immediately threw off his outer garments, and while running, removed pieces of armor to lighten himself—also tossing them behind him to slow down his uncle.

Seeing this scene, Zhu Xiang nearly laughed from anger despite himself.

So “the king carrying a sword” had become “the king stripping off armor,” huh?

What sin had he committed to raise such an outrageously mischievous child?

It was definitely Xia Tong’s fault. And definitely Lin Zhi’s fault.

But never would he have imagined—Cai Ze too?!

Even Cai Ze was part of this mess!

While Ying Zheng and the assassins were performing that wild chase around the pillar, Zhao Gao had gone to see the Queen Dowager Huayang and the Queen Dowager Xia, reporting that there might be a rebellion in the palace.

The two queen dowagers were utterly confused.

Wasn’t the King of Qin meeting the Yan envoys right now? Who was rebelling? How?

Zhao Gao stammered. Though he firmly believed only Lin Zhi and Cai Ze had the ability to stage such a rebellion, he was cautious and didn’t dare speak directly—he only mentioned he saw guards stationed near the hall without an imperial order.

The queen dowagers were even more confused.

With Zheng’er’s ability, who else could command guards without permission? It couldn’t be that Zhu Xiang had returned?

They exchanged glances. Queen Dowager Huayang asked, “Did Zheng’er send you here?”

Could someone be trying to frame them? She tensed.

Zhao Gao wanted to say no, but worried they wouldn’t go save the king. But if he falsely claimed the king sent him, he feared that even if outside help succeeded, the king would punish him afterward.

Just as Zhao Gao agonized over his choice, the king’s shouting suddenly echoed from outside:

“Grandmother! Mother! Save me!”

Zhao Gao’s eyes lit up. Excitement surged through his entire being!