Ya She

Chapter 74 Shi Boxing (Part 1)
【one】

Fusu wore a crown reaching to the heavens, a black robe and crimson skirt, thick red shoes, a belt with cloud-patterned embroidered sash around his waist, and a five-colored sash with yellow background, white feathers, blue and crimson edges, five colors, and four hundred flowers...

Hanging at his waist was the First Emperor's personal sword, the seven-foot-long Tai'a sword.

From head to toe, he was fully adorned with the full set of robes, crowns, embroidered tassels, tassels, belts, skirts, sashes, pendants, tassels, and ribbons. Yet, Fusu felt like a prisoner, as these heavy crowns were like heavy shackles, firmly binding him to the dragon throne, from which he could not escape.

Through the jade tassels hanging from his crown, Fusu calmly observed the ministers who were chattering incessantly in the main hall. This was a court assembly held only once every ten days, and these ministers, who only saw the emperor once every ten days, were making the most of every minute to report on local affairs.

That's right, Fusu's current identity is Emperor. He has inherited the throne from the First Emperor and become the Second Emperor of Qin.

Fusu rested his fingers on his temples, gazing at the scene he had longed for, a cryptic smile playing on his lips, conveying an indescribable sense of absurdity.

Zhao Gao truly lived up to his reputation as a treacherous minister throughout history, his grasp of people's hearts was extremely cunning. This illusion was so real that it was almost unbelievable, making one believe it was reality.

Unfortunately, that's not the case.

Tsk, if we follow this line of reasoning, the scene he saw when he used his right eye, the Candle Dragon Eye, which could see the future, of Bi Zhi killing the doctor, could very well appear in this game of chess.

After all, Zhao Gao wouldn't be so kind as to put those two on the same side...

Beneath the imperial steps, the ministers who had been speaking at length stopped, clearly waiting for his response. Fusu hadn't clearly heard what he had just said, but he wasn't in a hurry, and simply waved his hand casually.

The young man in green robes, standing first to his right, stepped forward, bowed with a tablet in his hand, and then began to speak eloquently.

After listening for a few moments, Fusu learned that a drought had struck a certain area, causing widespread suffering and leading to a peasant uprising. He assured him that leaving it to his Prime Minister would ensure a proper resolution.

There's no way around it; it's no wonder he's a foolish ruler, neglecting state affairs. These political matters are all secondary anyway; once he invests his energy and becomes engrossed, he won't want to pull himself away. Since everything's left to his prime minister, he'll surely handle it all perfectly.

"The past is gone, like a dream."

Ha, Zhao Gao probably never imagined that the eldest son Fusu would be so different today.

He has given up on the unrealistic ambition of reviving the Qin Dynasty. Even if you build him the most realistic illusion, it won't arouse the slightest enthusiasm in him.

Fusu glanced indifferently at the kneeling ministers, feeling as if he had forgotten something. "...Please decide, Your Majesty."

The green-robed youth rambled on and on, but Fusu, distracted, only caught the last sentence. However, he vaguely heard the name Wang Li, and Fusu guessed that his prime minister must have sent General Wang Li to redress the injustice. He nodded mysteriously and, using a universally applicable phrase, agreed, saying, "What you say is very much to my liking."

In this way, the court assembly ended in a cycle of court officials reporting, the prime minister resolving issues, and the emperor approving.

After court, Fusu returned to his study and, as if relieved, quickly summoned his servants to strip him of his heavy ceremonial robes, piece by piece. It was fortunate that it was autumn or winter; if it had been the height of summer, he would have surely died of heatstroke.

He gently brushed aside his robe sleeve, revealing that the largest lividity on his wrist had vanished, leaving his skin smooth and radiant with a healthy glow. The young man reflected in the full-length bronze mirror before him was also vibrant and energetic, devoid of the ashen complexion of someone on the verge of death.

At this moment, the servants outside announced the arrival of the Prime Minister. Fusu casually put on a black casual robe, tidied his appearance slightly, and walked out from behind the screen.

The young man in the green robe stood straight in the study, his face calm. Even though he had to manage a whole country, from territorial expansion to the livelihood of the people, he didn't furrow his brow in the slightest.

It's like as long as you see him, you can trust him and feel at ease.

Fusu couldn't help but relax a little and invited his prime minister to sit down.

"Your Majesty, these are the policy proposals I have compiled over the past few days. Please take a look."

Fusu glanced at the small stack of silk books handed to him by the Prime Minister, then lowered his eyes and fell silent.

The military-agricultural colony system. Military colonies were established at the border, combining defense and agriculture. This system not only solved the problems of long distances and inconvenient transportation for transporting military supplies, but also stabilized the border defenses. Over time, these colonies would become important military strongholds, allowing for the deployment of troops as needed, and also providing refuge for displaced people…

To rectify official corruption, officials were dispatched to various regions and rotated every five or ten years to strengthen central authority...

An examination for selecting officials is held every three years. The examination content is divided according to job category, including economics, law, mathematics, history, military affairs, etc.

The suppression of all other schools of thought, the weakening of Legalism, and the exclusive promotion of Confucianism...

……

Fusu became increasingly alarmed as he looked at the scene.

These silk scrolls seemed familiar; they were the silk scrolls that he had seen his brother, Alu, burn one by one after his death.

So, is this a dream world constructed by his subconscious, or is the prime minister in front of him his opponent in this game?
【two】

Fusu never hoped that the treacherous minister Zhao Gao would do anything kind, such as putting him and A Luo in the same camp.

So, is the Prime Minister before him a product of his illusion, or an opponent in his game of chess?

Fusu knew he could use coded messages to test the other person's reaction and thus determine their true identity, but he still said nothing.

Come to think of it, it had been a long time since he had seen Bi Zhi since he discovered his lividity and voluntarily left. Moreover, becoming emperor himself and having his confidant as his prime minister was truly the culmination of his life's efforts.

The goal to strive for.

Therefore, even knowing it's just an illusion, please let him be a little selfish and experience it a little longer... Although he knew in his heart that having such thoughts was inappropriate, Fusu temporarily ignored them and casually pointed out a few doubts.

He asked, and then he and Bi Zhi began discussing how to implement it gradually. "Is it... something you've forgotten again?"

A flicker of doubt crossed Fusu's mind, but he was immediately drawn to the new question posed by Bi Zhi. "Your Majesty, there is another matter that I believe is of utmost urgency." "Oh? What is it?" Seeing the seriousness in Bi Zhi's voice, Fusu sat up straight to show his concern. "The matter of establishing an empress."

Fusu almost burst out laughing. So, in this illusion, he had only just ascended the throne and hadn't even married or had children yet. What kind of plot was this? Did this illusion think that by finding him a wife, having children, and providing him with a romantic haven, it could keep him here forever?

Success, fame, beautiful wife, concubines... This kind of illusion sounds a lot like the idyllic paradise in the Peach Blossom Spring...

Of course, this also suggests that the Prime Minister in front of us is probably just a character in an illusion, that is... what kind of NPC?

Although it was somewhat expected, Fusu's expression still turned cold, and a strong sense of detachment emanated from him. The young prime minister, however, disregarded the emperor's displeasure and insisted, "Without establishing an empress, there can be no peace."
The hearts of the princes are restless and difficult to appease. They cannot be sent to their respective fiefdoms, for the vast distances and potential future troubles could lead to a return to a fragmented world. However, if they remain in Xianyang, interacting with the court officials, a major upheaval may occur in the future.

"Oh? Then, according to your suggestion, how should I proceed?"

"I know the Empress's position is crucial and cannot be taken lightly. However, we can first select the daughters of various ministers to enter the palace, and Your Majesty can choose for yourself." "Oh? These women are all from prestigious families. How should I balance this situation?" "Based on social status, we should choose the daughter of a Duke, who can manage the harem; or based on character, who can be a model for the nation; or based on Your Majesty's preferences."
"He may be the sole favorite for a year; if there is no offspring, another concubine should be chosen." The young prime minister answered fluently, clearly having pondered these words for a long time.

Fusu almost laughed out of anger. He never expected that he would be forced into marriage by Bi Zhi. He tried his best to maintain his increasingly tense expression and struggled to retort, "The late emperor also had no heir."

"The First Emperor had no heir, but he had three thousand beauties in his harem. When Your Majesty was born, the First Emperor was not yet twenty years old..." The young prime minister raised his eyebrows and glanced at him, and Fusu actually saw a hint of mockery in his eyes.

That's right, men usually reach adulthood at twenty, but the First Emperor became a father at eighteen.

Of course, Fusu's situation was different. The First Emperor, having unified the six kingdoms, initially intended to pass the Qin Dynasty down to ten thousand generations, but later changed his mind and wanted to live for ten thousand years himself. Since the First Emperor desired immortality, he was even less likely to allow the throne to be passed to someone else.

Although some people privately called him the Crown Prince, he was actually just the eldest son. This is also why Zhao Gao dared to tamper with the First Emperor's will. His father had never formally appointed a Crown Prince.

Moreover, not only did he not establish a crown prince, but the First Emperor also forbade his sons to have grandsons. This was because the First Emperor feared that once the next generation was born, the position of crown prince would have to be decided, which would naturally lead to many ministers gathering around Fusu, and eventually, as the First Emperor grew old, Fusu would become the First Emperor's greatest threat.

Therefore, the First Emperor even used his young son Huhai to divert the attention of the court and the public, deliberately pretending to favor him, and maintaining an ambiguous attitude on the matter of establishing a crown prince.

Thinking of Hu Hai, Fusu suddenly asked, "By the way, where is Hai'er?"

The young prime minister, with an expression that said "don't change the subject," was about to continue his righteous and stern pressure to marry when a young man's delighted voice came from outside the study.

"My brother really still thinks of me!"

【Three】

A young man dressed in embroidered robes and brocade shoes strode in, and Fusu was stunned the moment he saw him.

This is Hu Hai with black hair and black eyes.

Long-buried memories then flooded back: Hu Hai as a child, always nestled in his father's arms; Hu Hai as a teenager, secretly hiding in the corner of the palace eaves to listen to his father read; Hu Hai as a young man, his eyes filled with a hint of madness and cruelty...

However, even though the Hu Hai who appeared before him now had black hair and black eyes, Fusu could be certain with just one glance that the Hu Hai in this illusion was his opponent in this game of chess.

Yes, he remembered what he had forgotten. The antique he brought into the game was the Golden Bell. Although its whereabouts were now unknown, the Golden Bell was originally used by emperors, and the key to winning this game should lie with the throne.

Therefore, if Huhai wanted to win, he had to seize the throne from him once again. Fusu's gaze only turned cold for a moment before returning to its calm state.

The Prime Minister, sitting opposite him, saw this change in him clearly and was immediately relieved that his emperor was not truly naive and innocent, even harboring suspicion towards this good-for-nothing young master.

"Brother! Look what good things I brought back for you! This is a brocade robe embroidered with dragon, phoenix, and tiger patterns from Chu, and a roll of top-quality cloud-patterned plain silk, so light and thin, it can be used to make a robe in the summer..." Hu Hai waved his hand and followed behind him.
The servants then stepped forward one by one to present several brocade boxes, each containing a priceless treasure.

Indeed, Hu Hai presented himself as a young prince who loved to travel, which was why he accompanied the First Emperor on his tours. He publicly stated that he had no intention of vying for the throne.

In this fictional setting, it was Hu Hai who accompanied the First Emperor on his last tour. Zhao Gao even suggested altering the First Emperor's will, but Hu Hai directly accused him of deceiving the emperor, had Zhao Gao killed by his guards, and then personally went to the border to welcome Fusu back. Therefore, even though the young prime minister always disliked Hu Hai, he had to admit that this young prince truly supported Fusu.

Seeing Hu Hai's expression of anticipation and expectation of praise after presenting the treasure, the young prime minister said he couldn't bear to watch and bowed as he withdrew to attend to official business. However, before leaving, he didn't forget to remind Fusu to consider what he had just said.

Hu Hai watched the Prime Minister back out of the study, and instead of being tactless, he asked Fu Su and the others what they had been discussing. Instead, he casually picked up the cloud-patterned silk gauze and held it up against Fu Su's body, seemingly studying what color belt to match it with.

"Alright, stop pretending."

"Brother, this roll of fabric is enough to make two robes. Can you have the weaving workshop make one for me with the remaining fabric?"

"I already know what you want."

"Don't worry, Hai'er won't make it exactly the same as your brother's. If you change the trim and belt to a different color, it will be completely different."

Do I really have to spell it out for myself?

"Sigh, Your Majesty, you don't think Hai'er is stingy, do you? I gave you a gift and you still want half a roll back. The silk from Chu is just too amazing!"

The two talked at cross purposes for a long time before falling silent. Hu Hai turned around, threw the plain silk roll back into the brocade box, and waved for the servants to leave.

Fusu sighed and decided to confront Huhai.

"Don't say it, Your Majesty, don't say it." Hu Hai seemed to sense something and rushed over, kneeling before Fusu, grabbing his hand, his eyes full of pleading, "Your Majesty, isn't this better? This place is so real, you be the emperor, and I'll be a carefree prince, isn't this better?"

"Although this is an illusion, as long as there's no clear winner, we can live here indefinitely. Brother, your illness wouldn't last long in the real world. But here, actual time stands still..."
You can spend your whole life here.

“Here, you are the emperor, and I correct my mistakes. This is what history should truly have happened!” Hu Hai lowered his voice, as if there were a third person beside him, but in reality, there were only the two of them in the large study.

He gritted his teeth, and although he didn't want to mention that person, he still said unwillingly, "Here, that person became the prime minister, and can assist you in governing the world, making the Qin Dynasty strong and prosperous, and passing it down for ten thousand generations!"

For a fleeting moment, Fusu was actually somewhat swayed by Huhai's words. This place was indeed the past he had always longed for.

It was also the future he had always wanted to strive for since he was young.

“This place is indeed very nice.” Fusu slowly but firmly withdrew his right hand from Huhai’s palm. “But none of this is real.”

Looking into his younger brother's eyes, which seemed ready to burst into tears at any moment, Fusu smiled genuinely, a rare occurrence for him. He knew that what Huhai said wasn't entirely true.

If he continues to be emperor, it means Hu Hai has failed. Before long, the game will determine that Hu Hai has lost, eliminating him and kicking him out of this illusion to continue the next game.

Therefore, any eternal illusion, any beautiful Qin Dynasty that lasts for ten thousand generations, are all just illusory bubbles. They will burst as soon as they are touched.

Zhao Gao, that master manipulator, actually made him choose between Huhai and A'luo. In truth, there was no need for him to struggle with it at all.

His foolish younger brother was no match for Aro. Just as it was two thousand years ago, and just as it is now.

At that moment, a clear and melodious bell rang out from outside the palace, echoing through the sky as it drew nearer. A crimson swan, carrying a golden bell in its beak, circled the palace a few times before finally flying in through the open window.

Minghong and his master were of one mind, and Minghong immediately handed the Golden Bell to Fusu.

Fusu stroked Minghong's soft and warm feathers, but handed the Golden Bell to Huhai with an attitude that brooked no refusal. "Brother, you won this round back then, and you will win it today as well."

"Brother Emperor!"

"'Listen to my drunken song before the wine cup, for life is full of helpless partings...'"

Hu Hai held the cold golden bell, watching Fu Su's figure slowly fade as he recited poetry. He felt all his strength drain away and stood there stunned.

This must be his elder brother's punishment for him.

[In this game, Hu Hai (Black) wins.]

【Four】

With his hands behind his back, Tang Yuan strolled slowly past the bookshelves, occasionally picking up a bronze weight and admiring it in the dim light of the hall.

Sun Shuo initially watched the little guy with great interest, but later realized that the other party was simply stalling for time aimlessly, so he indulgently curled his lips, placed the bronze human-shaped lamp in his hand on the table, and lowered his eyes to rest.

I wonder how things are going with the young master.

Although the young master had instructed him to go easy on him, Sun Shuo was still somewhat unwilling.

Others might not know, but he could vaguely guess Zhao Gao's true purpose in playing this game.

To challenge that Taoist priest to a thousand-year-old duel is just too childish. Zhao Gao is probably using the game of chess to plot something. In this game, the loser will likely become a sacrifice, while the winner will continue to advance, and ultimately only one person can be the final victor.

This is clearly a game where only Zhao Gao survives in the end.

Sun Shuo has been dead for over two thousand years, but he still doesn't want to die in such an unclear way. Therefore, the little guy's delaying tactics suit him quite well.

Anyway, nobody said that draws or stalemates are unacceptable.

Sun Shuo smiled contentedly, intending to stand there forever. Suddenly, a naive and adorable voice rang out in the hall. "Hey, I think, isn't this the bronze weight?"

Sun Shuo's brow twitched. He thought he and this little boy had already reached a silent understanding that they would spend time in this hall, perhaps even until the end of the game.

This is clearly a good choice for both of them. Is this kid really stupid, or is he pretending? Sun Shuo suppressed his confusion and looked up, but the next moment he was shocked and his eyes widened.

"Tsk tsk, judging from your expression, I guessed right, didn't I?" Tang Yuan raised his eyebrows smugly and shook the inconspicuous bronze weight in his hand.

"This is impossible!" Sun Shuo discovered that Tang Yuan had walked to the bookshelf where his true form, the bronze weight, was actually kept without his notice, and the bronze weight in Tang Yuan's hand was indeed his true form!
“Why is it impossible? Isn’t your true form right here in this hall? Since it’s here, there’s a chance I can find it!” Tang Yuan tilted his head, feigning innocence, refusing to mention that the probability of being chosen was only one in ten thousand. “Oh? Then why did you choose this bronze weight?” Sun Shuo suppressed his surprise, trying to regain his composure. “These bronze weights all look very similar.”

Logically, this uncle only needed to answer yes or no; he had no right to ask questions. But Tang Yuan, recalling the tolerant attitude this man in ancient costume had shown him earlier, smiled and explained, "Actually, at first glance, the bronze weights in this hall don't seem particularly special. Some are big, some are small, some are covered in dust, some are clean, and some even have greasy fingerprints on them..."

"But most of these bronze weights have inscriptions on them."

"The bronze weight is actually a weight used in weights and scales. It is said that it was first used during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty and has continued to be used to this day. Even now..."
Electronic scales are now widely used. These bronze weights are not only engraved with their weight, but many also have their birth date engraved on them.

"And since you said you wanted to find your original body, then this bronze weight should have been born in the same dynasty as you."

"What you are holding is a bronze human-shaped lamp. Lamp-making only began to take shape during the Warring States period, and the human-shaped bronze lamp was the most popular style during that time, also known as the strongman lamp. Judging from the material and shape, this simple style should be from the late Warring States period. After all, the human-shaped lamps in the Han Dynasty were more diverse, and there were even foreign strongmen with curly hair, high noses, and deep-set eyes."

"The clothing you are wearing is the most popular type of quju (a type of slender, curved-hem robe) in the Qin Dynasty, and it is a short quju. You should know that in later generations, quju were worn by women, but only in the Qin and Han Dynasties were quju worn by both men and women. And the quju you are wearing just past your knees, without any other ornaments or patterns, so it should be worn by a servant."

"Of course... based on my senior brother's identity... the previous deductions are actually auxiliary. Your true form should be the bronze weight of the Qin Dynasty."

"And coincidentally, because the Qin Dynasty was very short-lived, it began in 221 BC and ended in 207 BC, lasting only fifteen years."

"There should only be two types of bronze weights during the Qin Dynasty. One type was issued by Qin Shi Huang after he unified the six states and standardized weights and measures. The other type was issued after Qin Er Shi ascended the throne."

"So, I just happened to see this one, so I'll ask about it first! I have three chances, right?"

After giving a long analysis, Tang Yuan revealed a big smile on his still-childish face.

After listening, Sun Shuo remained silent for a moment, then said calmly, "Oh? Aren't you afraid that the human-shaped lamp I'm holding is just something I grabbed casually, and that the robe I'm wearing is just something I wore randomly?"

"So, I guessed right, didn't I?" Tang Yuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that the man believed him and he had been fooled.

Actually, it was the little white snake who told him about this bronze weight.

The little white snake could see whether each of the bronze weights in the room possessed spiritual energy, and the size of that energy. This particular bronze weight, however, was like a firefly in the dark, easily distinguishable to the little white snake.

Tang Yuan didn't know if following the little white snake's instructions counted as cheating, so he spent most of his time wandering around thinking about how to persuade this uncle.

Thankfully, it looks like it was a success!
"Indeed, the young are formidable. I shouldn't have underestimated you as a child." Sun Shuo sighed deeply.

"So what if he's a kid? My senior brother is my age and he's already a high-ranking official!" Tang Yuan proudly clenched his fist. Of course, this was something his master always said to mock him. In his mind, his senior brother was the "other people's kid."

"Keep going, and I hope you have good luck on your journey." Sun Shuo smiled, as if relieved.

The antique he possessed was a bronze scale, an ordinary bronze scale, and his wish was to be recognized among millions of its kind.

Yes, he's been in this world for so long, it's time to let go.

Sun Shuo calmly lowered his head and blew out the bronze human-shaped lamp placed beside the table. The other lamps and candles on the wall also went out one after another, and the hall returned to darkness.

The wooden door of the main hall creaked open, and Tang Yuan suppressed his unease and took a few steps outside, but finally couldn't help but look back.

By the starlight outside, Tang Yuan could see that the rows of bookshelves in the main hall, which were originally filled with densely packed bronze weights, had all disappeared.

Tang Yuan squeezed the Qin Dynasty bronze weight in his hand, and finally stepped out of the empty hall.

In this game, White's soup is the clear winner.

【Five】

Caiwei opened her eyes and saw the familiar weaving room, almost thinking she was dreaming.

Wasn't she outside the Shadow Tower? Sun Shuo handed her a black jade piece with her name written on it... How did she end up in the Weaving Room as soon as she opened her eyes?
Caiwei reached out and touched the embroidery frame in front of her, then looked at the dark sky outside the weaving room. She lifted the cloth covering the frame, and the soft light of the luminous pearl illuminated the entire weaving room.

The weaving room was filled with silk fabrics. These delicate and precious textiles were extremely susceptible to fire. Even the most tender silks and satins would scorch and curl if the edges were slightly scorched by a lamplight. Therefore, the weavers did not need to work after dark. In the entire weaving room, only her head embroidery frame had a luminous pearl placed beside it, for use in case she needed to work late at night.

The luminous pearl emitted a pale green light. Caiwei looked at the familiar weaving room, overwhelmed with emotion. She had never imagined that she would be able to return to the weaving room.

But now is not the time for sentimentality.

Caiwei was about to get up and investigate when she discovered that she was wearing an exceptionally beautiful dress, and she couldn't help but hold her breath.

This is an absolutely gorgeous dress, so beautiful that it's almost impossible to describe in words.

Caiwei steadied her dizzy mind and looked closely. The dress was made of a multicolored, gradient-hued gauze, with several gold threads adorning the mesh. The skirt was woven from the feathers of a hundred birds, and as she moved, it changed colors under the light of the luminous pearl. The shapes of the birds on the skirt even seemed to come alive because of these changes, lifelike and truly exquisite.

Although this skirt has many layers, it is not heavy. With a turn, the feathers on the skirt will flutter, like a bird that can spread its wings and take off at any time.

Caiwei was a weaver. When others saw this silk skirt, they would be amazed and full of praise. But while admiring it, Caiwei couldn't help but ponder the craftsmanship of the skirt.

First, there was the dazzling, shimmering gold thread covering the entire piece. Caiwei couldn't resist touching it. Although she could no longer feel the threads' resilience, the cool, metallic touch suggested it was made of real gold! If that were true, then it truly deserved to be called gold weaving! Gold weaving was undoubtedly a top-tier textile technique, not only because of the precious materials but also because of the extremely complex process.
After thinking for a while, Wei Si concluded that these gold threads must have been made by hammering gold into gold foil and then twisting it.

These shimmering gold threads were used to secure the feathers of the various birds. The feathers, each a different color, were wrapped around the gold threads and then bound with fine silk, creating a shimmering effect that complemented the gold threads, resulting in an incomparably elegant and luxurious appearance.

Caiwei gazed at the silk dress she wore with fascination. She didn't know the name of the dress, nor when she had put it on. But when she saw her stunning reflection in the bronze mirror, for a fleeting moment she felt like a noble princess.

Luxurious dresses have that kind of magic.

Since ancient times, clothing, food, shelter, and transportation have been considered the most important of all things, with clothing ranking first, even more important than food, which is considered the most essential element for people. Caiwei couldn't help but stare at herself in the bronze mirror for a long time before she could barely regain her senses.

She wanted to take off the expensive silk dress, but couldn't find any other clothes to change into, so she had to keep it as it was for the time being. Caiwei told herself that this was just a temporary measure and she shouldn't get too carried away by the exquisite silk dress.

Although she thought this way, she couldn't help but become cautious in her every move, afraid that she might damage the silk skirt while walking.

Caiwei tried to leave the weaving room, but found that no matter how she pushed or pulled, the door wouldn't budge. It was the same again.

From being trapped in the basement to the Shadow Tower, it seems that after her life ended, she was forever wandering in one prison after another.

Caiwei bit her lower lip in frustration and tried to peek out through the crack in the door. The scene outside was familiar from Xianyang Palace; the palace lanterns in the corridors burned with dim candlelight, but none of the guards standing watch under the lanterns were there anymore.

Although she was unaware of the passage of time in the Shadow Tower, Caiwei naturally did not believe that she had suddenly returned to many years ago. Moreover, she could not believe that the weaving room could remain exactly the same as before after so many years.

As she was pondering, Caiwei vaguely heard footsteps outside the door. She quickly went over and saw a young man through the crack in the door, walking through the corridor in front of the weaving room.

That profile—isn't that the young man she met at the Shadow Tower? Has he already come out?
Caiwei was overjoyed. Although she didn't know how the other party had escaped, it was still a good thing!

As the young man was about to disappear from her sight, Caiwei hurriedly pounded on the door of the weaving room, hoping that he could hear her cries.

Whether the other person didn't hear him at all, or pretended not to hear him even though they did, the young man with the strange thing on his nose walked through the corridor without looking to the side, and his footsteps gradually became inaudible until they disappeared.

Caiwei sighed in disappointment. She stood at the door of the weaving room, hoping someone would pass by again, but no one came for a long time.

A profound sense of defeat washed over her, especially after the near-certain hope of being saved. The contrast made this despair almost unbearable. Caiwei seemed to sense something, touched her cheek, and found it damp. She hadn't realized that tears were streaming down her face.

She collapsed to the ground, utterly exhausted, and wept silently, as if trying to unleash all the pent-up grievances accumulated over thousands of years. Yet, her inner self rationally reminded her of her own limitations.

No, she's not usually like this.

The soft glow of the luminous pearl quietly enveloped a beautiful woman, her face streaked with tears, her woven dress shimmering with golden light. It was an exquisite scene; even the most hard-hearted person would feel pity for her.

The beautiful woman opened her almond-shaped eyes wide, stared blankly for a long while, then firmly wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. She rose and surveyed the weaving room. She selected a long piece of chestnut-colored fabric, returned to her seat at the head of the room, picked up the scissors beside her, and began to cut quickly. Because no design or embroidery was needed, she could make a simple robe in a very short time.

Caiwei carefully changed out of her precious silk dress and into a newly made chestnut-colored robe, using a piece of autumn-colored cloth as a belt. She hung the precious silk dress on the hanger, gathered her loose hair, looked at her reflection in the bronze mirror, and finally let out a sigh of relief.

She didn't notice anything wrong with the dress, but wearing clothes that made her uncomfortable always felt incredibly awkward. When she changed out of the dress, it was as if some shackle had been removed; she felt extremely relaxed and at ease.

It seems that what doesn't belong to her is indeed not suitable for her.

Caiwei returned to her usual self. As the most outstanding chief weaver of the Qin Empire, she had developed an incredibly strong inner strength through years of monotonous needlework.

Having been trapped for so many years, she had actually gotten used to it.

Why did she suddenly lose control? Could it be that wearing such a beautiful dress made her really think she was a princess and needed to be rescued by guards?

It's ridiculous that she still has such unrealistic fantasies.

After reflecting on her actions, Caiwei refused to look at the silk skirt again. No matter how beautiful or dazzling it was, it wasn't worth her even a moment's attention. After that moment, the skirt's radiance seemed to dim slightly, no longer as dazzling as before.

Caiwei didn't care. Although this was the third cage that had imprisoned her, she still hadn't forgotten...

Her motivation to escape stemmed from a desire to know if the demon was still alive.

She searched the weaving room inch by inch for any possible escape route, from the ceiling to the windows, to the door, and then to the floor... Finally, when Caiwei tapped the floor with her hand, she noticed that the sound of her tapping was hollow, especially below her seat.

After studying it for a while, Caiwei finally discovered a mechanism under a floorboard, and beneath the seat where she had been sitting, there was a passage leading deep underground.

Caiwei mustered her courage, took down the luminous pearl from the embroidery frame beside her, lifted the hem of her deep-skirted robe, and slowly walked down. Ah… here…

Looms, slant looms, jacquard looms... and all sorts of familiar materials and fabrics—isn't this the dungeon where she was trapped after her death?
Could it be that she was trapped beneath the weaving room all those years ago?
Whether this is the dungeon from back then or not, proving this is quite easy.

Caiwei walked to the jacquard machine, squatted down, and felt around under the base. Her hand touched a soft cloth bag, and a huge weight was lifted from her heart.

She took out the cloth bag, sat down in front of the embroidery frame, and opened it. Inside was an exquisite jacquard vest.

Years ago, she wove a brocade silk for Zhao Gao, but she concealed this fact several times when he inquired about it. She didn't want her hard work to be worn by that wicked man.

Unfortunately, her lord can no longer wear the clothes she knitted.

But what was her mindset as she meticulously wove this jacquard gauze? It was a deep-seated longing she dared not utter aloud.

Caiwei sighed, looking at the jacquard silk in her hand. She felt there were still some things that could be modified. Since she had nothing else to do, she simply continued to sew and mend.

【land】

On the table in front of the infant was a two-tiered bronze incense burner set, connected by four animal-shaped feet. The upper burner was a shallow, round plate with three rings along its rim, each connected to a bronze chain for easy handling. The lower, equally sized shallow, round plate had three short feet and several square holes in its bottom for ventilation. This bronze incense burner set was made in the Chu region, possessing the unique extravagant style characteristic of Chu, even the bronze chains were exquisitely carved.

This bronze stove and plate from Chu was found by a cook whom Ying had gathered from among the prisoners of Chu. Although this cook was also a nobleman of Chu, his family had fallen into decline. In addition, he had a passion for making delicious food, and later he was promoted to be in charge of the Chu king's meals.

Speaking of the seven Warring States, the cuisine of Chu was undoubtedly top-notch. Located in the warm south, Chu had abundant ingredients and seasonings, and numerous waterways, truly a land of plenty. Compared to the resource-poor Qin, it was worlds apart.

Unfortunately, Qin Shi Huang, who valued life, would never directly hire these foreign chefs. Ying, on the other hand, had no such concerns, since he was just an unnoticed prince.

After coming of age, Ying intentionally or unintentionally reduced his presence, avoiding large festivals and banquets whenever possible. A lover of food, he cultivated a persona focused on eating, drinking, and having fun, collecting delicacies from all over the world. At A Luo's suggestion, he opened a restaurant called "The World's Best Eatery" in Xianyang, using someone else's identity, serving only the dishes he found delicious. Now, with the Qin Dynasty unifying the six kingdoms and the people of Xianyang becoming increasingly wealthy, the World's Best Eatery has become incredibly popular, expanding four times already.

On the bronze stove plate in front of Ying were new dishes presented by the chefs of Chu, dishes that Ying planned to introduce to restaurants throughout the land. To maintain a famous restaurant, it's not enough to have good quality food; you also need to constantly introduce new and delicious dishes.

Several pieces of glowing charcoal sat on the lower copper stove, while a perfectly grilled river fish sat atop the upper copper stove. The fish had been marinated beforehand in soy sauce and wine, removing any fishy smell and leaving only the unique tenderness and flavor of freshwater. Accompanying the fish were various vegetables such as lotus root, bamboo shoots, mustard greens, celery, taro, cabbage, sunflower, broad bean, and scallions, which diners could choose according to their preference. These vegetables, soaked in the fish's sauce and umami flavor, were even more delicious than the fish itself.

Xianyang is located inland and fish is not a popular food there, but once this copper-oven grilled fish is introduced, coupled with the gimmick of being a delicacy from the Chu Kingdom's imperial palace, it will definitely be a huge hit.

The Chu cook stood beside the infant, diligently explaining. He knew his skills were his livelihood, but given his sensitive position, finding a good employer was better than working as a laborer in a communal kitchen.

Ying listened absentmindedly, took a bite of the grilled river fish, then a bite of the lotus root in the side dish, nodded, and put down her chopsticks.

The Chu chef waited anxiously for the result when he overheard Ying casually instructing the steward to order one hundred sets of the bronze stove plate in the same style. He knew that his master intended to launch a new dish in restaurants all over the country, and his face immediately lit up with joy.

Ying patiently encouraged the Chu cook for a few moments, then had the steward give him two bolts of cloth as a reward. High-quality cloth could be exchanged for money, and at a considerable price. The Chu cook thanked the steward and happily followed him back to the kitchen. The charcoal fire blazed on the bronze stove before him, and the sizzling sound of the grilled fish filled the room with a delicious aroma. But Ying, who usually loved good food, had no appetite whatsoever.

On his fifth eastern tour, the First Emperor was expected to return to Xianyang smoothly, as he had on his previous four tours. However, instead, he returned with only a coffin. Immediately afterward, Chancellor Li Si announced the First Emperor's will, appointing his youngest son, Huhai, as his successor. Then came news of a border crisis: the eldest son, Fusu, and General Meng Tian had rebelled against Qin. The Meng clan in Xianyang were imprisoned, and other related individuals were also arrested.

Like everyone else, Ying didn't believe that the will truly mentioned Huhai. Even if the First Emperor was delirious with illness, he shouldn't have chosen this kid! But everyone had different perspectives. A more controllable emperor would bring immense benefits to some, and those who held this view gathered together to maintain the stability of Huhai's throne.

Ying didn't care about the succession of the throne. Unless all twenty-odd sons of the First Emperor died, the throne had nothing to do with him.

But his A'luo is by Fusu's side! Now that Fusu has failed to ascend the throne and has been branded a traitor, A'luo's fate will also be...

Who knew that Fusu's seemingly certain throne would be snatched away by Huhai? He had long known that this guy wouldn't fare well away from Xianyang...

The infant was extremely anxious and finally couldn't help but get up, intending to pace around the room. A crisp, melodious sound rang out from her waist.

The infant was startled and subconsciously reached for his waist. He touched something cool and smooth.

When he lowered his head again, he struck the jade-like step he hadn't done in a long time.

The infant felt a strange sensation as he touched the familiar jade bracelet. Hadn't a piece broken off when he was very young and been hidden away by him?
The broken piece of jade on the jade steps was repaired by someone using silver, and it was made into a cute intertwined branch shape.

Images flashed through the infant's mind, too fast for him to catch.

Just as he was trying to think things through, the door suddenly opened, and someone entered uninvited, casually lifting his robe and sitting down opposite him at the table, picking up chopsticks and starting to eat voraciously.

“…Wang Li?!” Ying stared wide-eyed at the man in front of her who was eating heartily.

The reason Ying hesitated for a moment before recognizing this person was because he was quite different from the Wang Li he remembered. Perhaps the harsh winds and frosts of the frontier had made this person appear much more mature, looking several years older. His skin was tanned to a wheat color by the sun, and he had a stubble of about an inch on his chin. Moreover, there was a scar above his left eye, which, if it went any lower, would have injured his eye, suggesting how perilous the situation must have been.

Wang Li swallowed the grilled fish, looked at the expression on Ying's face, and asked meaningfully, "You don't seem surprised to see me?"

Ying paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Why would I be surprised? You're not a lone wolf like me, and you wouldn't joke about the fate of your grandfather, father, or even the Wang family."

Wang Li served as a subordinate general under Meng Tian. When the eldest son, Fusu, and Meng Tian were labeled as traitors, Wang Li resolutely returned to Xianyang to avoid implicating his family, and no one would say that his choice was wrong.

After exchanging a few polite words, Ying anxiously inquired about Aro's condition.

A complex expression flashed across Wang Li's face before he regained his composure and said calmly, "What danger could he possibly be in while he's by the side of the eldest young master?"

"Very good, very good!" Ying breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "It's strange, I had a very long dream yesterday. I dreamt that I bought a glass bead, but then I ended up in a place called Tianguangxu that I couldn't get out of. Later, I went to some Cloud Elephant Tomb, and I think I even saw A Luo in the middle... Ugh, anyway, it was a messy dream. I was afraid it was a bad omen, that something bad might happen to A Luo. Now I can finally relax."

Wang Li gripped the bamboo chopsticks tightly, then relaxed slightly, picked up a piece of grilled fish, and continued eating. "Speaking of which, I don't want that brat Hu Hai to become Qin Er Shi." Ying touched the jade pendant at her waist, a sense of...

A strange courage welled up within her; she felt trapped for her entire life and no longer wanted to remain stagnant. Ying remained silent for a long while, then raised her head and earnestly asked Wang Li, "You will help me, won't you?"

Wang Li slowly chewed and swallowed the grilled fish in his mouth, a smile playing on his lips, and said slowly, "What nonsense are you talking about?"

(End of this chapter)