HCT – Chapter 43 Icy Grilled Lamb

“Princes of Qin must not commit acts that violate benevolence and righteousness.”

When the old King of Qin said this, Crown Prince Zhu nearly bit his own tongue.

Father, do you even believe what you just said? Do you think Zhu Xiang or Zichu believe it? Both of them were so awkward their bodies visibly tensed.

In Prince Zhu’s arms, young Ying Zheng silently turned his head to look at his biological father—whose appearance hardly matched the dignified figure from his dreams—waiting to hear how he would try to talk his way out of this.

Zichu had prepared many excuses in advance, but when he glanced at the gray snow dusting Zhu Xiang’s hair, all the words he had prepared got stuck in his throat.

He hesitated for a moment and then said, “After entering Zhao as a hostage, during the Qin-Zhao war, I was humiliated by the Zhao court, lived in dire straits, and had to hide my identity. I ended up working as an accountant in Zhu Xiang’s household…”

Before Zhu Xiang could respond, the old King of Qin cut in, “Wait a moment—no matter how desperate you were, you wouldn’t have just chosen a random household to serve in.”

Zhu Xiang: “……” Must you be so strict about forcing him to self-reflect? I know why he came to my house—he was probably curious about my farming skills and also wanted to get close to Lord Lin.

Zichu swallowed hard and explained in detail, “I had heard of Zhu Xiang’s fame for saving countless lives. And Zhu Xiang was a guest under Lord Lin. If I worked in his household, perhaps I’d have a chance to meet Lord Lin.”

The old king stroked his beard and said, “To receive guidance from Elder Lin—even if it’s a bit humiliating, it’s still worth it.”

Though not yet reconciled, Zichu and Zhu Xiang couldn’t help but exchange a glance—one that showed their old tacit understanding still lingered despite the years apart.

Zhu Xiang: This is giving me goosebumps.

Zichu: Agreed.

“Since no one in Zhao valued me,” Zichu continued, “I had one of my guards who resembled me stay at my residence pretending to be me, while I lived at Zhu Xiang’s house—and no one noticed. Then Lu Buwei found me… The events after that, the King and the Crown Prince should already know. The story of the ‘rare treasure worth investing in’ has already spread across the Seven States.”

The old King of Qin and Crown Prince Zhu nodded repeatedly. At this moment, the father and son finally looked like real kin—wearing nearly identical expressions of smug amusement.

Ying Zheng silently raised a small hand.

After spending months together, the old king already knew this was a habit Ying Zheng had picked up from Zhu Xiang: when he wanted to speak among elders, he would raise his hand first.

The old king said kindly, “Zheng’er, do you have something to say?”

Zichu looked toward Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng asked in his crisp little voice, “Father, your private discussions with Lu Buwei should’ve been only between the two of you, at most a few servants overhearing. So how come just a few years after your return to Qin, the phrase ‘a rare treasure worth investing in’ has already spread across all the Seven States? Lu Buwei isn’t exactly cautious, but even he wouldn’t broadcast his achievements before he’s gained profit from them.”

Zichu’s gaze softened instantly as he looked at Ying Zheng.

He replied, “Zheng’er, it was I who spread the phrase.”

Zhu Xiang took a deep breath, then after thinking for a while, managed to calm his expression.

Then he realized—he was the only one who had just audibly inhaled. Everyone was now looking at him.

The old King of Qin asked, “You’re surprised?”

Caught in the act, Zhu Xiang awkwardly replied, “Ah… mm. I was a bit surprised at first, but then remembered Zichu is actually Xia Tong, so not that surprised anymore.”

The old king pressed on, “Why not?”

Zhu Xiang didn’t want to speak favorably about Zichu, but also didn’t dare badmouth him in front of the king and the crown prince. So he mumbled, “Xia Tong is… very shrewd in how he handles things.”

Ying Zheng quickly asked another question to shift his great-grandfather’s attention: “So did you also plan the cooperation with Lu Buwei, Father?”

Zichu shook his head. “No. Although Lu Buwei was a mere merchant, back then my situation was so poor that even other wealthy merchants looked down on me and wouldn’t offer help. So it really was Lu Buwei who first discovered that I was ‘a rare treasure worth investing in.’ I’m very grateful to him.”

He hadn’t expected that Zhu Xiang, always discreet, would get involved in the affair at Changping, and would even be exchanged for the city of Handan to return to Qin. If he had just waited a few more years, he could have returned to Qin together with Zhu Xiang…

Had he known earlier… he would have done the same. He would have preferred to seize the opportunity himself and take control of the situation.

The old king reached into a cabinet under the armrest of the carriage seat and pulled out a box of honeyed dried plums. “Go on. How did you end up entangled with that… what’s her name, Zhu Xiang’s elder sister, Chunhua?”

Zichu said, “After abandoning Zhu Xiang and Xue Ji, Chunhua sold herself into Lu Buwei’s household as a song courtesan, and later became his concubine.”

A mocking smile appeared on his face. “Lu Buwei wasn’t stupid. As a businessman, if he wanted to send me back to Qin, he needed some sort of down payment. I didn’t want to…”

Even though he no longer felt any turmoil recalling the event, bringing it up in front of Zhu Xiang, his grandfather, and his father still made him uncomfortable. So he fell silent.

Even though he didn’t say it, the unspoken parts were easy to fill in. But the old King of Qin, munching on the honeyed plums, urged him on, “Didn’t want to, and then what? Thirsty? Zhu, get him some water.”

Crown Prince Zhu: “Ah?”

Me? Pour water for my own son?

Ying Zheng quickly jumped down from his grandfather’s lap, skillfully poured some water from the kettle and handed it to Zichu.

The Qin king’s carriage had a design slightly different from those in the Central Plains, modeled after the Zhou royal standard and drawn by six horses. It was spacious enough to contain cabinets for snacks and even a small stove to warm water.

“Father, have some water,” Ying Zheng said as he offered the cup.

Zichu silently took the cup from his son’s small hands, overwhelmed by a sudden urge to jump out of the carriage window.

Did he really have to bare his humiliations and schemes from years ago in front of his grandfather, father, and son?

He could talk to Zhu Xiang privately to gain forgiveness—maybe even win some pity. But to recount everything in front of the family he was trying to win favor from, and the child he needed to maintain dignity in front of…

Even after years of being a miserable hostage, Zichu’s heart—strong as it had grown—was struggling to endure this.

After delivering the water, Ying Zheng neatly took the cup back and climbed into his grandfather’s lap again.

Crown Prince Zhu happily lifted the boy into place. “Zheng’er is such a good child—so young yet already knows to pour water for his elders. Lord Changping, you’ve taught him well.”

Crown Prince Zhu had more than twenty sons and nearly a hundred grandchildren. He only liked women and had no interest in raising his offspring—all of them were left to others to raise however they pleased.

He had become crown prince at thirty-eight. In the Qin royal lineage, it was rare for an ancestor to live past fifty, so he had never expected to become crown prince and never seriously considered raising heirs. If his sons or grandsons were too outstanding, it might even become a liability.

Now, surveying his sons and grandsons, Crown Prince Zhu wore the same look of dismay as his own father.

He awkwardly realized that after nearly forty years of drinking and carousing, he would now have to learn how to be a proper heir to the throne. And his children and grandchildren would have to learn from scratch how to act like a crown prince’s descendants.

So in his eyes, the cunning Zichu and clever, well-behaved Ying Zheng gained extra points.

“It’s all Zheng’er’s natural temperament,” Zhu Xiang said.

At this point, he was using his toes to desperately dig at the floor of the carriage, trying once again to carve a hole and escape.

Although Zichu was the one being roasted on the spit, his second-hand embarrassment was flaring up hard!

The old King of Qin wasn’t embarrassed at all and enthusiastically urged Zichu to continue.

Zichu could only grit his teeth and go on, becoming entertainment for the old king: “Lu Buwei wanted me to have a son with the concubine he gifted me, to establish as my legitimate heir, ensuring wealth for two generations. I didn’t want to agree, but then I discovered that among the women he sent was Zhu Xiang’s elder sister. So I went along with the plan and accepted the gift.”

The Crown Prince Zhu’s expression twitched slightly. The old King of Qin glanced at his useless youngest son and said, “He’s your son. If you want to ask something, just ask.”

“Yes, Father.” Crown Prince Zhu cleared his throat and asked curiously, “How did he know that you and his concubine could have a son? What if she never got pregnant?”

Zichu clenched his teeth and satisfied his father’s curiosity: “It would be ideal if she got pregnant. If not, he’d continue sending concubines to fill my courtyard, which would still strengthen his control over me. Chunhua became pregnant with Zheng’er less than two months after entering my chambers—exactly what Lu Buwei hoped for. Coincidentally, the war in Shangdang drew Han and Zhao into conflict. Lu Buwei used Zheng’er to distract Zhao and bring me back to the Qin state.”

Zichu had made a big show of celebrating Zheng’er’s one-month birth feast. Everyone knew how much the physically weak hostage prince valued his first son. So, when the spies saw young Ying Zheng still in Handan, even though Zichu had temporarily left the city, they thought he had merely gone to visit friends and would return soon.

Very few hostages ever escaped back to their home countries. Fewer still managed to stay without being sent back again. One could imagine the hardship behind Zichu’s casual tone.

Zhu Xiang had originally planned to dig at the ground with his toes and pretend to be a mushroom. But hearing Zichu’s words, he couldn’t help but speak: “I understand your eagerness to return to your homeland. Whether it was concealing your identity or going along with Lu Buwei’s schemes and choosing a concubine who would harm you the least—had I been in your place, I wouldn’t have found a better option. But! A child is innocent. Do you realize what Zheng’er had to face after you left him behind?!”

The more Zhu Xiang thought about it, the angrier he became. Even though the old King of Qin was still eating candied plums, he couldn’t help but raise his voice: “I know you. You must have thought that Zhao wouldn’t dare completely fall out with Qin, and since they already lost one hostage, they would definitely protect Zheng’er and not harm him.”

“You became the adopted son of the crown prince’s wife after entering Qin, and the higher your status, the safer Zheng’er would be. Even if Qin and Zhao went to war, the King of Zhao would do everything to protect Zheng’er and Chunhua. Later, when you become crown prince, Zheng’er and Chunhua would be sent to Qin—just like during King Wuling of Zhao’s time—to interfere with Qin’s succession.”

“Yes, according to your plan, Zheng’er might not have faced death,” Zhu Xiang said, his fists clenched and face flushed red, “but did you ever think about how much humiliation he would suffer, even if he survived?”

“I know,” Zichu said calmly. “That’s exactly how I lived.”

Zhu Xiang’s angry expression froze. After a while, he slowly reached out and held his forehead, voice somewhere between laughter and tears: “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. You lived the same way.”

Zichu hung his head.

The King of Qin’s actions had completely disrupted all his plans. Now, he had lost all initiative and could only passively await Zhu Xiang’s decision.

Zichu had entered Zhao as a child. He was older than Zheng’er but had no mother by his side, no financial support from Lu Buwei, and remembered more than Zheng’er ever would.

Compared to what he had suffered, Zichu felt that Zheng’er’s suffering wasn’t much. Zheng’er was too young to remember anything, had a mother to protect him, and secret funds from Lu Buwei. A little bullying would be forgotten with age. And even if it wasn’t, it could turn into motivation and hatred—a good thing.

Moreover, young children often didn’t survive. While Zichu hoped that this child—related by blood to Zhu Xiang—would live, he honestly didn’t place much hope in it.

When Zheng’er was born, Zichu had already decided: if the child survived, he would tell Zhu Xiang. If the child died, as long as Chunhua was dealt with, Zhu Xiang would never know that a nephew had died due to his schemes.

Someone like Zichu, who entered Zhao as a child hostage, escaped back to Qin, and became the crown prince’s legitimate heir—how could he be a man of pure, untainted virtue?

“Zheng’er was abandoned at your door by Chunhua too—was that part of your plan?” the old King of Qin asked as he popped another candied fruit into his mouth, noticing the pain in both their expressions.

Zichu shook his head. “That was unexpected. I only told Chunhua about Zhu Xiang’s whereabouts. Based on her personality, I thought she would never abandon the son who could grant her a life of wealth and splendor. If Zhao’s political situation worsened, I assumed she’d bring Zheng’er and plead with Zhu Xiang to take them in… I thought she’d bow her head to him.”

Zhu Xiang ground his teeth. “And you still hoped I’d reconcile with Chunhua?!”

Zichu looked like he’d given up: “Didn’t you still have feelings for her? Every time Xue Ji insulted her, you defended her; when you mentioned her, you still called her ‘eldest sister’; during holidays, you even offered incense for her in front of your parents’ memorial tablets!”

Zhu Xiang retorted, “Not speaking ill of others behind their backs is basic decency. Offering incense during festivals was just to avoid upsetting our parents!”

Zichu snorted. “You didn’t denounce the person who almost got you killed in front of your parents’ memorial and even lit incense for her. Just admit you’re soft-hearted instead of making excuses. Even Xue Ji said you still cared about Chunhua!”

Zhu Xiang exploded: “She took the family’s money and ran off with a broker who bought girls for merchants—that was clearly a scam. I thought she was already dead. I just didn’t want to fuss over someone who was already dead!”

Zichu spread his hands. “Just answer this—if Chunhua brought Zheng’er and knelt at your door, begging for food, would you feed them?”

Zhu Xiang instinctively touched his waist. He hadn’t brought his sword, or he’d have smashed this infuriating bastard’s head in by now!

“When we return to the palace, I’ll give you a sword,” the old King of Qin said cheerfully, wiping his hands with a cloth. “You can duel with Zichu.”

He was quite pleased. “Now I understand: Zhu Xiang isn’t upset about Zichu’s lies, only angry that he abandoned Zheng’er. Zichu calculated everything—but never expected Chunhua to throw away her chance at wealth and dump Zheng’er on Zhu Xiang’s doorstep.”

Zichu bowed. “Grandson indeed failed to foresee that. But this outcome is for the best.”

Like hell it is! Zhu Xiang knew it probably was, but his desire to beat Zichu up was growing stronger by the second.

In truth, back when they were in Zhao, the two hadn’t exactly been “friendly.” Zichu was deep and calculating; Zhu Xiang overly straightforward. Their views and temperaments clashed on almost everything. They basically sparred with swords daily.

Lin Zhi would always clap from the sidelines, cheering, “Fight, fight!” or “Nice hit!”—adding fuel to the fire.

Three years had romanticized their memories, leaving only the warmth of friendship. Now that they were face to face again, the sparks between them were flaring up anew.

Even though Zichu knew he was the one in the wrong, the fact that Zhu Xiang wasn’t mad about his lies but only about how he treated Zheng’er—it still made him want to curse.

Never mind his plans for Zheng’er—his conscience was clear. But Zhu Xiang, you don’t care about your own interests. Instead, you’re outraged on behalf of your betraying sister and your deceitful friend’s child. What are you, a saint?!

Zichu looked at Zhu Xiang’s now graying hair. He’d thought that after everything Zhu Xiang had been through, he’d become calm and rational. But now, he thought Zhu Xiang should just go back to farming. The Qin court wasn’t for someone like him.

Someone who couldn’t even look out for himself—how could he survive in a court full of tigers and wolves?

Little Ying Zheng looked at his uncle, who was so angry he looked ready to throw punches, then at his father, who’d gone from guilt-ridden to disdainful, like he was looking at a rotting log. He tugged on his hat brim, not understanding how things had escalated this way.

He made a mental note to revisit this scene later in his dreams.

The old King of Qin and Crown Prince Zhu had enjoyed the spectacle thoroughly.

From this drama, the old King of Qin had gotten everything he wanted:

—This grandson was indeed exceptional. With proper polishing, he could become great.

—Lu Buwei had talent but lacked foresight, overestimating himself. Even now, he hadn’t realized Zichu’s calculations. He still believed Zichu was completely obedient—he could be used.

—Zhu Xiang was indeed soft-hearted, and Zheng’er was his weakness. As long as Zheng’er lived, there was no fear that Zhu Xiang would defect.

—Zichu’s friendship with Zhu Xiang was genuine. He was actually angry not over his own circumstances, but over Zhu Xiang’s naïve stupidity.

—As for Zheng’er… that child was truly gifted.

The carriage slowed down and entered the palace.

The old King of Qin said leisurely, “At the banquet later, the two of you will spar in public and settle this grudge. I’ll preside over it!”

Zhu Xiang and Zichu, who were locked in a fierce eye battle, simultaneously: “??!”

The old King added, “Just take it as providing entertainment for me.”

Zhu Xiang and Zichu: “……”

At that moment, a strange sense of shared indignation rose between them.

Although Zhu Xiang held a real noble title as Lord Changping…

Although Zichu was the legitimate son of the Crown Prince’s main wife…

But as juniors, if the old King of Qin wanted them to perform swordplay for fun, what could they do?

Their current clothes were inconvenient for fighting. The two were led by palace attendants into a side chamber to change into Hu-style attire, finally gaining a moment alone.

Zhu Xiang immediately cursed, “Lin Li once said your thoughts were deeper and darker than the sea of Qi. I even defended you! Now it seems he was right!”

Zichu retorted, unwilling to back down, “Lin Li also said you’re like water, always reflecting others and never seeing yourself—one day you’ll destroy yourself. From what I see, that day has come!”

Zhu Xiang: “Are we even speaking the same language?!”

Zichu: “I was just thinking the same thing.”

After a brief pause, they both figured out what the other was really saying.

Zhu Xiang snapped, “I forgave your deceit and you’re still ungrateful? Zheng’er is so well-behaved—don’t you feel the slightest bit of guilt when you see him?!”

Zichu argued back, “Don’t use your inflated sense of morality to judge others. I was sent to Zhao as a hostage—do you think the King of Qin or the Crown Prince ever felt guilty? At least I planned a way out for Zheng’er. Did they ever give me an escape route? The royal families of Qin—or any kingdom—are all like this. Zhu Xiang, since you’re already in the game, drop the naivety!”

Zhu Xiang said, “If you weren’t my friend, why would I care about your morals at all?”

Zichu was silent for a moment. Then he picked up his sword and stood up. “I’ll do everything I can to let you keep raising Zheng’er. Sorry, I just can’t be the kind of friend you want.”

Zhu Xiang opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. He simply sighed and picked up his sword as well.

They walked out of the side chamber and stepped into the brightly lit main hall, drawing their blunted swords.

Wearing protective gear, wrist guards, and helmets, the rule was simple: whoever’s sword fell first lost.

Since returning to Qin, Zichu had spent three hard years studying the noble curriculum. His swordsmanship was far beyond what it had been three years ago. Although he was physically weak and lacked strength, his techniques were elegant and cunning, often exploiting gaps in Zhu Xiang’s defense.

Zhu Xiang, taught personally by Xun Kuang, had long since moved past treating the sword like a firewood stick. While he lacked foresight and keen observation, his style was best described as brute force and flying bricks.

Zichu would angle in with a sharp thrust—Zhu Xiang would jump and chop.

Zichu would skillfully withdraw and dodge—Zhu Xiang would jump and chop again.

Zichu found a flaw in Zhu Xiang’s stance and swept his sword at Zhu Xiang’s lower body—Zhu Xiang responded with a horizontal slash, then went back to the jump chop…

Zichu was speechless and gritted his teeth, muttering, “Zhu Xiang, is that the only move you know?!”

Zhu Xiang, unbothered about appearances, said, “I’m way stronger than you. Of course I’ll use my strength to attack your weakness. Who needs fancy moves? If I chop fast and hard enough, you won’t be able to block. Watch this!”

Zichu raised his sword to block with both hands. The impact stung his palms, forcing him to retreat quickly.

Seeing Zichu falter, Zhu Xiang immediately stuck to the principle of “strike when the enemy is tired,” turning his swordplay into an impenetrable “X” as he charged forward.

Though three years had passed, Zichu instinctively turned and ran. “Zhu Xiang! That’s not how you use a sword!”

“Take this!” Zhu Xiang poured all his recent frustration and embarrassment into the sword techniques Xunzi had taught him, completely ignoring the fact that this was a banquet. He chased after Zichu, slashing as he went.

If everyone already saw them as monkeys, then he might as well make it worth it.

“You’re seriously swinging?!” Zichu turned back to block, almost losing his sword from the force.

The old King of Qin laughed heartily, “Zichu, run around the pillar!”

Ying Zheng, who had been standing by the Crown Prince’s pillar and watching his uncle beat up his father with excitement, suddenly froze.

Thanks to the King’s reminder, Zichu quickly dodged behind a pillar.

Zhu Xiang’s sword struck the pillar, and the rebound nearly made him drop his blade.

Zichu seized the opportunity to stab toward Zhu Xiang’s armpit. When the strike missed, he quickly spun away, continuing to use the pillar to block Zhu Xiang’s powerful chops.

The two of them circled the pillar over and over, leaving the banquet officials with faces so tense they could barely keep from cringing.

Ying Zheng quietly covered his eyes.

Strange—wasn’t it his uncle and father embarrassing themselves? Why did he feel so mortified and angry?

Must be an illusion.

Clang!

After circling the pillar evenly matched for quite a while, the physically frail Zichu stumbled from exhaustion. Zhu Xiang caught up and snatched his sword away.

Zhu Xiang now held both swords. “I win! Hahahaha, I beat you again—and this time it’s a clean win!”

Zichu, limp and sore, plopped to the ground and muttered, “Was that a duel? You might as well have used a hammer!”

“Losers shouldn’t argue. The more you argue, the more pathetic you look,” Zhu Xiang quipped out of habit—then remembered they were surrounded by the Qin court. “Your Majesty…”

The old King of Qin slapped the table and laughed, “Excellent! Lord Changping is not only strong but also a warrior! Bring out the reward!”

Palace servants entered in a line, each holding a tray. One tray stopped in front of Zichu.

When the cover was lifted, the others revealed treasures of gold, jade, silk, and brocade—only Zichu’s held a cup of wine.

Zichu’s heart skipped a beat. A strong sense of danger welled up inside him.

“Wealth is worldly and not a true reward,” the old King said with a smile. “Zichu, offer wine to Lord Changping. I decree that you shall take him as your master. From now on, you must respect him and fulfill your duties as a disciple.”

Zichu: “Huh?!”

Zhu Xiang: “What the—!!”

They exchanged glances, both feeling utterly drained.

They realized that if they didn’t reconcile soon, the old King would come up with even more ways to torment them.

Zhu Xiang protested, “Your Majesty, I’m not very learned…”

The old King cut him off, “My word is final. Zichu, you’ve had many teachers, but this is the only one I’ll have you toast. I trust you understand.”

Zichu straightened his clothes, picked up the wine cup, and said, “Teacher, please.”

Zhu Xiang: “……” Great. From brothers-in-arms to father-son dynamic.

With the King and Zichu putting their pride on the line, Zhu Xiang couldn’t refuse without appearing ungrateful.

Awkwardly, he accepted the cup and drank the sweet wine, feeling like he’d just boarded a pirate ship.

“All right, go change clothes now,” the old King said contentedly, waving his hand.

Zhu Xiang and Zichu left in embarrassment.

Back in the side chamber, they dismissed the attendants and changed clothes in silence, mechanical and exhausted in both mind and body.

“Zhu Xiang, regardless of what you think of me now, please at least pretend we’ve reconciled,” Zichu said, rubbing his forehead. “Unless you want the King to keep toying with us.”

Zhu Xiang glanced at him. “Call me teacher.”

Zichu gritted his teeth: “Teacher!”

Zhu Xiang nodded. “A promising student indeed.”

Zichu saw the expression on Zhu Xiang’s face and asked with slight surprise, “You’re not angry with me anymore?”

While tidying up his collar, Zhu Xiang replied, “Apart from feeling heartache for Zheng’er, I was never angry about anything else. I said before, if our positions were reversed, I wouldn’t have done any better than you.”

“If you didn’t hide your identity, how could we have become friends? Lu Buwei gifted you a concubine—if you didn’t accept, how could he be at ease supporting you? Even though the way you schemed for Chunhua to defect to me was disgusting, if you had explained everything to me in advance, I would’ve helped you,” Zhu Xiang said. “But I know if you had told me ahead of time, the plan would have failed. The fact that you dared to do it anyway shows you trust me.”

The words, “A gentleman may be deceived through righteousness,” floated into Zichu’s mind once again.

Zhu Xiang was a gentleman. That’s why he could understand and accept the difficulties his friend had faced—his only anger was for the harm done to others because of it.

“I have complicated feelings towards you now, only because of your identity.” Zhu Xiang glanced at the system page and saw that after Zichu’s public embarrassment, his affection level, unchanged for three years, had actually ticked up slightly. He laughed freely, “Your schemes all stem from the fact that you’re a prince of Qin. With such an identity, you’re bound to do many helpless things in the future. I still trust you now, but I don’t know how much I’ll trust you later on.”

Zichu raised his hands, intending to make a vow, but then slowly let them drop.

“Xia Tong, do you know what I experienced in Handan?” Zhu Xiang asked.

Zichu shook his head. “I’ve heard bits and pieces, not the full story.”

“I was imprisoned by the King of Zhao. He sent secret guards to assassinate me. The jailers died protecting me,” Zhu Xiang said matter-of-factly. “The people broke into the prison and carried me dozens of li outside of Handan. Master Lin, Master Lian, and my new friend Li Mu came to see me off. The next time we meet may be as enemies on the battlefield.”

Thinking of Lin Xiangru and Lin Zhi, Zichu couldn’t help but sigh.

“I never had much to begin with. After entering Qin, I was all alone. Aside from Xue and Zheng’er, I only have two friends left: Cai Ze and you,” Zhu Xiang said. “In the future, if you need to use me in your schemes, just tell me beforehand. I’ll plan with you. Now that you’ve returned to Qin and gained the favor of both the king and the crown prince, you can defeat enemies honorably using the way of kings.”

Zhu Xiang finished dressing and bowed to Zichu. “Prince Zichu, please walk the kingly path.”

Zichu looked at the scattered strands of hair falling over Zhu Xiang’s lowered head and felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

“I only have you as a friend—Lin Li counts as half,” Zichu said as he returned the bow. “I am still Xia Tong. Please rest assured, my friend.”

The two stood and walked out together.

On the way, Zichu said, “The name Zichu, styled Xia Tong—it has a nice ring to it. Zhu Xiang, won’t you pick a courtesy name for yourself?”

Zhu Xiang replied, “Too lazy to remember another name. I don’t care, and it’s none of my business if others do.”

Zichu was speechless. Aren’t you a disciple of Xunzi?

Just before they took their seats, Zichu asked, “Cai Ze, the strategist who entered Qin with you—did you meet him after I left?”

Zhu Xiang replied, “Not long after you left, he came to my house and became my bookkeeper.”

Zichu fell silent again. Does your household attract brilliant minds to work as accountants?

After taking their seats, the two no longer spoke.

The old King of Qin raised his cup to start the banquet, officially concluding the ceremony of Zhu Xiang’s entry into Qin.

After the banquet, the king had Zhu Xiang and Ying Zheng stay in the palace for the night as a gesture of importance. Only then did he allow Zhu Xiang to return to the Residence of Lord Changping for rest.

Ying Zheng was brought back to the Crown Prince’s residence by Prince Zhu. He spent a few days with Lady Huayang before returning to the Changping residence.

When Zichu left, he promised to protect Ying Zheng well. Ying Zheng clung tightly to his grandfather’s neck, burying his face into his chest, completely ignoring the utterly disgraced father.

When Zhu Xiang got home, Cai Ze was there as well.

His value to the King of Qin wasn’t as great as Zhu Xiang’s, and since the king hadn’t yet assigned him a residence, he was staying temporarily at Zhu Xiang’s house while waiting for an appointment.

Seeing Zhu Xiang gulp down a big bowl of meat porridge upon return, Cai Ze was astonished. “Weren’t you staying in the palace? The king let you go hungry?”

Zhu Xiang wiped his mouth. “Don’t call him ‘the king,’ say His Majesty (My Lord). At yesterday’s banquet, after I had a fight with Xia Tong, the roasted and boiled meat served had already solidified into a lump. This morning’s breakfast wasn’t much better. So yes, I’m starving.”

Cai Ze raised his voice: “You fought Xia Tong? In front of the king?!”

Xue also came running out with her skirt lifted. “You saw Xia Tong? Is he well?”

Zhu Xiang said, “Sit down, I’ll tell it slowly.”

He poured a cup of hot water and then leisurely recounted to his wife and friend the full story—Xia Tong’s identity, his confrontation with Lu Buwei, his manipulations involving Chunhua and Zheng’er, and more.

Xue sighed. “Poor Xia Tong, ending up married to that stupid and poisonous woman Chunhua.”

Zhu Xiang lifted his teacup to hide the twitch at the corner of his mouth. He knew it—Xue had a huge soft spot for Xia Tong. And since Xia Tong’s scheme hadn’t hurt Zhu Xiang and even helped him, Xue would likely think even more highly of him now.

A prince of Qin hiding his name to become sworn brothers and in-laws with a commoner, racking his brains to share fortune with him—in the eyes of people in this era, it was touching.

Cai Ze thought the same, but he also knew Zhu Xiang wouldn’t see it that way.

Zhu Xiang had a far stronger moral sense than most. Though he was strict with himself and lenient with others, Xia Tong wasn’t just any friend. If their values didn’t align, Zhu Xiang would be deeply conflicted.

Even if Xia Tong was a prince of Qin, what Zhu Xiang valued was emotion, not gain—so talking about benefits was useless.

“How did you end up fighting him?” Cai Ze asked. “The king—His Majesty—didn’t scold you?”

Zhu Xiang shook his head and sighed. “Xia Tong and I originally wanted to resolve it privately, but His Majesty insisted on watching our drama. First, he made Xia Tong confess his heart in the carriage, then had us duel at the banquet, and finally made him toast to me and acknowledge me as his teacher. A whole mess of orders—completely threw off our plan.”

Cai Ze asked curiously, “What was your plan?”

Zhu Xiang said, “Xia Tong probably wanted to lament how tragic and helpless his situation was, kneel and cry for forgiveness, then put on a display of fatherly affection for Zheng’er. He knows me well. If he did that, I would soften.”

Xue asked, “Then how did you plan to respond, husband?”

Zhu Xiang sighed again. “I planned to follow Master Lin’s teachings and cry with him. Say how much I trusted him and cherished our friendship. If he had just told me directly, I’d have helped. But even if the result was good, if it was achieved through deceit, my moral compass wouldn’t allow it… why are you nodding?”

Xue said, “Husband, you really are like that.”

Cai Ze added, “Lady Xue speaks the truth. Master Lin just told you to act as your true self and face Zichu sincerely. So what did you end up doing?”

Zhu Xiang cleared his throat. “First, we cursed each other out in front of His Majesty, then I chased him around under the guise of a duel, and finally accepted his teacher’s wine and made him call me Master…”

Xue: “Pfft…”

Cai Ze: “Cough cough cough…”

Zhu Xiang looked to the heavens. “Then I tacked on Master Lin’s speech and barely forgave him.”

Xue and Cai Ze: “Hahahahaha!”

Xue wiped away tears of laughter, her fear of this foreign land fading a little. “Husband, were you tricking Xia Tong? You forgave him from the start, didn’t you?”

Zhu Xiang scratched his cheek and mumbled, “I was genuinely angry at him for disregarding Zheng’er.”

Cai Ze covered his mouth with his sleeve. “What you feared most was losing Xia Tong as a friend. You were testing him.”

Zhu Xiang sighed. “Yes, I was testing him. It’s such a relief… he’s still Xia Tong.”

Zhu Xiang hadn’t lied to Zichu. He truly had too little, and so he treasured every friend. Even if the other was the future King Zhuangxiang of Qin, and maintaining the friendship would be like walking on thin ice, he still wasn’t willing to let go.

Besides… maintaining this friendship was beneficial to Zhu Xiang.

He had finally begun to consider his relationships with people he valued from a strategic standpoint.

Xue touched Zhu Xiang’s cheek, pulling him back from his thoughts.

“Husband, where’s Zheng’er?” Xue changed the subject.

Zhu Xiang said, “Zheng’er was taken home by Zichu to meet Lady Huayang…”

“I’m back, Uncle! I’m so hungry!!”

“Zhu Xiang! I’ve brought the teacher and General Wu’an to dine at your house!!”

Zhu Xiang: What the hell?!