Qin Dynasty: Who offended my frail and sickly minister?

Zhou Wenqing felt a chill in his heart.

When others transmigrate, aren't they all pave the way with a cheat code and have a system by their side, and from then on, they sweep through everything, enjoying the pleasures of life and heading straight for the pinnacle of life?

What about his turn? Forget about any Midas touch, he couldn't even dream of having a healthy body.

He had called out the "system" in his mind a thousand times over, but all he got in response was silence.

Forget about divine artifacts and elixirs, even a bottle of the most ordinary wound medicine would be a lifesaver for him at this moment, but unfortunately, he had nothing.

The excruciating pain from the wound came in waves, even intensifying, causing him to feel dizzy. He remained lying down, frozen in place, not daring to move even slightly.

Moreover, the timing and location of this time travel pushed him into a desperate situation.

China has a history spanning thousands of years, with countless prosperous eras. Where and where can't one find peace and security?

Unfortunately, it happened in the Warring States period, a time of constant warfare and where human life was as cheap as grass.

In this era of great strife, with nations constantly at war, how can a wounded, mysterious soul survive?

Once a thought arises, it grows wildly like weeds.

It would be better to die; maybe then I could travel back in time!

Although this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for rebirth has been wasted, in this cannibalistic world, what difference does it make whether one dies sooner or later?

If I were to end my own life now, I could choose a quick and painless end. If I were to fall into the hands of Qin officials, even the hope of getting a whole corpse would be a pipe dream.

He remembered clearly that the Qin laws were notoriously harsh, known throughout the six states. Once his identity as a spy who was "wearing out Qin" was exposed, his fate was predictable.

Admittedly, historical records show that the King of Qin eventually pardoned Zheng Guo, but that was because the Zheng Guo Canal had become a benefit to Qin for generations to come.

As for Zhou Wenqing, an insignificant Korean retainer with only half-truths in his knowledge, why would the King of Qin give him special treatment?

He dared not gamble, nor could he afford to.

Moreover, the excruciating pain was driving him almost insane.

His chest felt like it was being burned by a red-hot iron, and every breath was accompanied by a tearing pain. He clenched his teeth in pain, and he could almost hear the groans of his own bones.

Living is too painful. Is being pierced through by a sword this painful? Or is it because of something else?

But it seems he can't even die; he's in so much pain he can't move!

Zhou Wenqing was deep in thought, his chaotic thoughts still unresolved, when he was interrupted by the creaking sound of an old door hinge.

"Who?"

He looked around alertly and saw a young man dressed in coarse linen shorts push open the door and enter.

Seeing that he had woken up, a hint of joy flashed across the other person's eyes. They quickly closed the door behind them and rushed forward to help him up.

"Young master, you're awake? Your injuries haven't healed yet, you absolutely mustn't move around lightly, quickly lie down!"

Zhou Wenqing lay down following his force, resolving the previous stalemate and catching her breath.

Being closer made it easier for him to examine the person closely, which was also a good way to distract himself from the unbearable pain in his chest.

First, since there's no memory of them, it seems they're not someone the original owner knew; they must be strangers.

Although this man was dressed as a farmer, he was unusually strong and muscular. The arm that supported him was steady and powerful. When his eyes swept over the other man's hands, the distribution of calluses on his palms was particularly eye-catching—mostly concentrated on the web of his right hand and the base of his index finger. This was completely different from the situation of ordinary farmers who had calluses all over their palms and the base of their fingers from holding a hoe for a long time. These were marks left by years of holding weapons.

Zhou Wenqing's mind raced, but he didn't show it on his face. He gave a weak smile and said, "Thank you, brother."

His tone was gentle, carrying just the right amount of gratitude and doubt, "May I ask who you are, sir? Is it you who came to my rescue?"

If my memory serves me right, the original owner perished along with that servant on a deserted road. Now, upon waking up, she was not only lying on a mat, but her wounds had also been treated, indicating that she had been rescued by someone else.

The person before them, though meticulously disguised, had flaws that were beginning to emerge.

Zhou Wenqing muttered to himself: Could it be a secret guard sent by the King of Han to follow the original owner?

Seeing the original owner on the verge of death, fearing the mission would completely fail, he intervened to save her and then disguised himself to get closer.

I'm not sure, I'll think about it some more.

"I encountered bandits on my journey and was trapped in a desperate situation. If it weren't for your righteous rescue, I would have been a lonely soul in the wilderness. I will be forever grateful for your kindness."

Zhou Wenqing looked grateful and spoke earnestly, but his eyes were like a fine sieve, not missing any of the other party's slightest reaction.

Upon hearing this, the young man's face instantly filled with fear. He waved his hands repeatedly, his posture almost exaggeratedly humble: "Young master, you flatter me! You've made me feel ashamed!"

He bowed slightly, looking utterly bewildered and simple. "I'm just a rough fellow named Li Yi. That day, I was returning from chopping wood when I happened to find you lying by the roadside, barely breathing. I couldn't bear it, so I took the liberty of carrying you back to my humble abode. I quickly summoned a doctor, who said your injuries were extremely severe and your condition was very dangerous. It's truly a blessing from heaven that you've woken up!"

Zhou Wenqing lowered his eyes, his lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and he was speechless for a moment.

This person's flaws are far too obvious. Even when he's putting on an act, is he doing it so perfunctorily and carelessly?

Look at this so-called "humble abode". It is not only cold, but it is bare and desolate, with cobwebs and some dry grass scattered on the ground. It is clearly an abandoned hut that has been abandoned for a long time and no one lives there. Where can you find any trace of the atmosphere of someone living there for a long time?

Furthermore, Li Yi's attitude was excessively respectful.

Although he dressed like a scholar, he had no official rank or credentials. Ordinary farmers would at most be polite to him, but would never be so apprehensive and cautious.

Moreover, he was her "savior," so she should have been more open and honest about it.

But his demeanor was so respectful and fearful... that leaves only one explanation.

My guess just now was probably right; this Li Yi must be a secret guard planted by the King of Han.

Zhou Wenqing felt bitter. Zheng Guoqu's plan to cross the Qin River had been exposed and his plan to escape was now a pipe dream. He was on the verge of death. Why was he still staying in this dangerous place instead of taking this opportunity to escape and seek survival?

Could it be that this secret guard is also an inflexible blockhead, insisting on escorting him, half-dead, to Xianyang to meet the King of Qin before considering the mission complete? Isn't that courting death?

All my thoughts were eventually overwhelmed by a deep-seated weariness.

Enough. Since I've already taken life and death lightly, why waste my energy and create trouble for myself?

"Things will work themselves out in the end." Others might not know, but he certainly did. Perhaps in a few days, Li Si would exert his influence, and then things would turn around.

Let it be for now.

With this thought, his mind relaxed, and his heavy eyelids could no longer hold him up. Zhou Wenqing's head tilted to the side, and his consciousness sank into boundless darkness, leaving only the faint and even sound of his breathing rising and falling gently in the desolate thatched hut.

Zhou Wenqing fell into a deep sleep again, and naturally had no idea what happened afterward.

Once his breathing became long and steady, the young man who called himself "Li Yi" quickly reached out and placed two fingers precisely on the pulse point on the side of his neck.

Although the pulse under his fingers was weak, it was still relatively stable, confirming that he was just unconscious from exhaustion and that his injuries had not worsened. Li Yi's tense shoulders relaxed almost imperceptibly.

He sat down on the straw mat, the dim light casting half of his face in shadow.

He quietly looked at the "target" lying on the bed, barely breathing, his eyes filled with undisguised struggle and weighing of options, a stark contrast to the honest and fearful farmer he had been before.

Zhou Wenqing was indeed right about part of it.

He was a bodyguard, ordered to lie in wait and monitor his every move.

However, the person he was loyal to was not the King of Han.

His master, far above the palace in Xianyang, was the King of Qin, who struck fear into the hearts of the six states.