The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

On the way back to Xianyang, Zhao Cheng was extremely cautious, treading on thin ice. He didn't dare to be careless at all, and he didn't publicize his whereabouts. After all, he knew the importance and danger of this operation. The slightest mistake could lead to his downfall.

Before leaving, Zhao Cheng specifically instructed his men to carefully organize all of Zhang Liang's books and pack them up to take away.

As Zhao Cheng led the group off the Xiapi Road, a figure quietly appeared on the hillside nearby. This person silently watched the group gradually retreat, a determined light flashing in his eyes.

He bowed deeply and murmured to himself: "Don't worry, brother, Zifang will not let you down and will do his best to overthrow the tyrannical Qin!" After that, he jumped on his horse and galloped away resolutely into the distance.

Zhao Cheng traveled at night and finally returned to Xianyang after two days.

Zhao Gao had already arranged a farm for detention outside the city and was waiting for Zhao Cheng there.

Zhao Gao's confidant led Zhao Cheng and others to the farm.

Zhao Cheng bowed and said, "Brother, I have fulfilled my mission and successfully captured Zhang Liang."

Zhao Gao supported Zhao Cheng and said, "Okay, okay. Second brother, you've had a hard journey. Go and rest first."

After Zhao Cheng left, Zhao Gao came to the place where Zhang Liang was imprisoned and asked someone to bring Zhang Liang's wanted portrait. After comparing it carefully, he found some differences.

After Zhao Gao sat down, he picked up his teacup and said in a deep voice, "Tell me, who are you?"

"I am Zhang Liang." The fake Zhang Liang's eyes were firm and fearless.

Zhao Gao stared intently at the man before him, trying to find a flaw in his expression. However, the man before him was unusually calm, as if everything he said was true.

"No matter who you are, since you dare to impersonate Zhang Liang, you must be someone close to him," Zhao Gao said in a cold tone. "But before me, no scheme can escape my eyes. If you tell the truth, perhaps I can grant you a quick death. Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless."

The fake Zhang Liang lowered his head in thought for a moment, then suddenly looked up and laughed, "Haha, Zhao Gao, do you think I'm afraid of you? Everything I do is to overthrow the tyrannical Qin regime. Even if I die at your hands today, I won't hesitate!"

Zhao Gao's face changed. He had never imagined that the man before him would be so resolute. A surge of anger welled up in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face. Instead, a sinister smile played on his lips. "If you refuse to confess today, I will parade you through the streets tomorrow. I don't believe Zhang Liang will have the heart to not come out. By then, I'm afraid your trip today will be in vain."

When the fake Zhang Liang heard this, his expression suddenly turned very ugly, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. However, he still forced himself to remain calm.

Zhao Gao snorted coldly at this and continued, "If you are willing to cooperate, it doesn't matter to me whether he's the real Zhang Liang or the fake Zhang Liang. Do you understand?"

After hearing this, the fake Zhang Liang was delighted, but on the surface he pretended to be hesitant. After thinking for a while, he replied, "Sir, I understand. But..." Having said this, he deliberately paused and glanced at Zhao Gao.

Seeing this, Zhao Gao asked impatiently, "Just what? Just say it!"

The fake Zhang Liang hesitated for a moment, then said cautiously, "But I'm worried that you might regret it later."

Zhao Gao laughed heartily upon hearing this and said, "Don't worry, as long as you cooperate, I will keep my word. Once this is accomplished, no one will know about the real Zhang Liang, and your life will not have been wasted in vain."

After hearing this, the fake Zhang Liang secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, "As long as my brother can get out of this predicament and his life is safe, I don't mind cooperating with him."

So, he quickly nodded and agreed, "Thank you, sir! I will definitely cooperate with you to the best of my ability!"

It turned out that the fake Zhang Liang was actually named Zhang Bin, Zhang Liang's sworn brother. His father had been a retainer of Zhang Liang's father. When the Kingdom of Han was destroyed, he took Zhang Liang with him and fled to Anyi, where they settled down.

Later, Zhang Liang attempted to assassinate Qin Shi Huang but failed. When Zhang Bin heard the news, he searched for Zhang Liang and finally found him in Xia Pi.

Unfortunately, that night, Zhao Cheng and his men surrounded Zhang Liang's residence, putting him in a desperate situation. Zhang Bin disguised himself as Zhang Liang and rushed out, engaging in a fierce battle. However, due to the enemy's superior numbers, he was ultimately outnumbered and captured. The real Zhang Liang, however, managed to escape.

After Zhao Gao reached an agreement with the fake Zhang Liang, he carefully instructed Zhao Cheng a few words, then turned around and set out on the road back to Xianyang City.

It wasn't long before Zhao Gao was standing in front of Feng's house. An attendant stepped forward and gently knocked on the door, making a crisp sound.

Soon, a servant opened the gate and, upon seeing the man outside, respectfully invited him in. Zhao Gao explained his purpose to the servant, who then led him to the door of the study.

When I entered the study, Feng Jie was sitting at the desk, holding a book in his hand and reading it carefully.

Seeing Zhao Gao come in, he immediately put down the documents in his hand and stood up to greet him. After the two of them exchanged greetings, they sat down in the guest seat and the host seat respectively.

Feng Jie smiled at Zhao Gao and asked, "Zhao Shuling, I wonder what advice you have for me since you have come here today?"

Zhao Gao smiled faintly and replied softly, "I heard that Doctor Feng was troubled by the pursuit of Zhang Liang recently, so I came to help."

Feng Jie's eyes flashed with surprise when he heard this, but then a look of joy appeared on his face. He hurriedly asked, "Oh? Could it be that Zhao Shuling already knows Zhang Liang's whereabouts?"

Zhao Gao nodded and said solemnly, "My younger brother is currently serving in the Imperial Court. Two days ago, he received news that Zhang Liang had appeared in Xiapi. So, he immediately led his men to investigate. As expected, they successfully captured Zhang Liang and have already escorted him back to Xianyang."

Feng Jie smiled when he heard this and said, "Congratulations, Zhao Shuling, you've accomplished another great feat this time!"

Zhao Gao smiled slightly, an inscrutable smile playing on the corners of his mouth. He shook his head gently and said calmly, "Doctor Feng, you have misunderstood. I have not come here today to seek credit. On the contrary, I have brought this important person with me to hand over to Doctor Feng for his handling."

When Feng Jie heard this, a puzzled look appeared on his face, and he asked in confusion: "Why...why is this?"

Zhao Gao smiled and explained, "You and I are one. Furthermore, this matter was originally entrusted to Doctor Feng by Your Majesty. How dare I interfere? Therefore, this man should naturally be handed over to you for disposal."

Feng Jie was secretly delighted, but outwardly he remained polite. He quickly waved his hand and said, "How can this be so embarrassing? The people captured by Zhao Shuling should be handed over to His Majesty for disposal."

Zhao Gao waved his hand gently, a faint smile playing on his lips. He said kindly, "We all serve His Majesty, so why bother with these empty formalities? Besides, I have complete confidence in Doctor Feng's abilities! I believe you'll be able to extract more valuable intelligence from Zhang Liang."

When Feng Jie heard this, a look of gratitude suddenly appeared on his face. He nodded repeatedly and thanked him, "In that case, I will not be polite. Thank you, Zhao Shuling, for your trust and support."

Zhao Gao smiled slightly, bowed and said goodbye, "Doctor Feng, I have other matters to deal with, so I'll take my leave first." After that, he turned and left the study, and his figure gradually disappeared at the door.

Feng Jie watched Zhao Gao's departing back, a glint of pride in his eyes. He secretly planned to make good use of this opportunity to obtain more information from Zhang Liang and add luster to his career.